bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Disulfiram and Copper Plus Chemotherapy vs Chemotherapy Alone on Survival in Patients With Recurrent Glioblastoma
Authors: Werlenius Katja , Kinhult Sara , Solheim Tora Skeidsvoll , Magelssen Henriette , Löfgren David , Mudaisi Munila , Hylin Sofia , Bartek Jiri , Strandéus Michael , Lindskog Magnus , Rashid Havyan Bahroz , Carstam Louise , Gulati Sasha , Solheim Ole , Bartek Jiri , Salvesen Øyvind , Jakola Asgeir Store
Published: March 2023

Importance

Disulfiram has demonstrated broad antitumoral effect in several preclinical studies. One of the proposed indications is for the treatment of glioblastoma.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of disulfiram and copper as add-on to alkylating chemotherapy in patients with recurrent glioblastoma.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a multicenter, open-label, randomized phase II/III clinical trial with parallel group design. Patients were recruited at 7 study sites in Sweden and 2 sites in Norway between January 2017 and November 2020. Eligible patients were 18 years or older, had a first recurrence of glioblastoma, and indication for treatment with alkylating chemotherapy. Patients were followed up until death or a maximum of 24 months. The date of final follow-up was January 15, 2021. Data analysis was performed from February to September 2022.

Interventions

Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive either standard-of-care (SOC) alkylating chemotherapy alone, or SOC with the addition of disulfiram (400 mg daily) and copper (2.5 mg daily).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was survival at 6 months. Secondary end points included overall survival, progression-free survival, adverse events, and patient-reported quality of life.

Results

Among the 88 patients randomized to either SOC (n = 45) or SOC plus disulfiram and copper (n = 43), 63 (72%) were male; the mean (SD) age was 55.4 (11.5) years. There was no significant difference between the study groups (SOC vs SOC plus disulfiram and copper) in 6 months survival (62% [26 of 42] vs 44% [19 of 43]; P = .10). Median overall survival was 8.2 months (95% CI, 5.4-10.2 months) with SOC and 5.5 months (95% CI, 3.9-9.3 months) with SOC plus disulfiram and copper, and median progression-free survival was 2.6 months (95% CI, 2.4-4.6 months) vs 2.3 months (95% CI, 1.7-2.6 months), respectively. More patients in the SOC plus disulfiram and copper group had adverse events grade 3 or higher (34% [14 of 41] vs 11% [5 of 44]; P = .02) and serious adverse events (41% [17 of 41] vs 16% [7 of 44]; P = .02), and 10 patients (24%) discontinued disulfiram treatment because of adverse effects.

Conclusions and Relevance

This randomized clinical trial found that among patients with recurrent glioblastoma, the addition of disulfiram and copper to chemotherapy, compared with chemotherapy alone, resulted in significantly increased toxic effects, but no significant difference in survival. These findings suggest that disulfiram and copper is without benefit in patients with recurrent glioblastoma.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02678975; EUDRACT Identifier: 2016-000167-16
Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 Expression on Immune Cells and Survival in Patients With Nonmetastatic Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Blažek Tomáš , Petráš Marek , Knybel Lukáš , Cvek Jakub , Soumarová Renata
Published: March 2023

Importance

The failure or success of radical treatment in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is associated with many known and unknown factors; hence, there is a search for further prognostic markers to help optimize therapeutic strategy and improve treatment outcomes.

Objective

To assess the association of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression on immune or tumor cells, including its composite expression on both cell types, with overall survival (OS) or specific survival.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, Embase, PQSciTech, and HCAPlus databases were systematically searched for cohort studies focused on the prognostic role of PD-L1 expression in patients with HNSCC in curative stages of the disease. Search results generated publications from January 1, 2010, to January 6, 2023.

Study Selection

Of 3825 publications identified, a total of 17 cohort studies in the English language met inclusion criteria of this systematic review and meta-analysis. Eligible studies reported adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) with 95% CIs for the association of PD-L1 expression levels with OS and arbitrary specific survival.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Data from studies were extracted independently by 2 researchers strictly adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses reporting guidelines and recommendations. The risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Pooled effect estimates were obtained using a random-effect or fixed-effect model based on homogeneity of studies.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was to investigate whether there was an association between PD-L1 expression on immune or tumor cells and OS.

Results

In 17 cohort studies of the association of PD-L1 expression with survival in 3190 patients with HNSCC, high PD-L1 expression on immune cells was associated with a favorable OS (pooled aHR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.25-0.59). There was no association between composite PD-L1 expression on immune and tumor cells and OS (pooled aHR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.55-1.14) or between PD-L1 expressed only on tumor cells and OS (pooled aHR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.87-1.70). A high level of PD-L1 expression on immune cells was associated with favorable specific survival (pooled aHR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.38-0.72). There were no interactions between tumor location or type of primary treatment (ie, surgery vs radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy) and the association between PD-L1 expression and OS.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study’s findings suggest that PD-L1 expression on immune cells may serve as a new prognostic biomarker in patients with HNSCC. However, future studies may be warranted to verify this potential role given the limited number of studies on this topic conducted and published to date.
Data Science
Authors: Shook Eric
Published: March 2023

Data science represents a new interdisciplinary field that is situated at the intersection of computer science and information technology (IT), math and statistics, and domain knowledge, such as geography. This field aims to use powerful computational techniques to extract useful information and insights from large amounts of structured and unstructured data. Spatial data science applies new and established concepts and techniques from geography and spatial sciences to the area of data science to extract useful information and insights from geospatial data.
Potential Insights on Digital Cadastre for Effective Land Management
Authors: Mango Joseph , Claramunt Christophe , Li Xiang , Zhang Di , Ngondo Jamila
Published: March 2023

Over the past few years, the developments of geographical information science (GIS) and computer‐based infrastructures have dramatically changed the way cadastral systems are operated and used. Such developments led to several digitalization efforts that have developed and improved existing cadastres worldwide. While large cadastres have been primarily and successfully developed, they can still be considered ineffective for several reasons. Some cadastres in developing countries, particularly Africa, are not fully automated and do not provide efficient land management capabilities. While in other countries, although fully automated, they suffer from long time delays in processing the parcel‐based information from the initial surveys, incomplete synchronization, poor security, and adequate service provision to the public. Where lack of records and failing synchronizations for the core cadastre information systems are observed and their underlying reasons identified it is possible to remedy the situation using temporal GIS models designed for cadastral data management.
Plasma GFAP associates with secondary Alzheimer's pathology in Lewy body disease
Authors: Cousins Katheryn A. Q. , Irwin David J. , Chen‐Plotkin Alice , Shaw Leslie M. , Arezoumandan Sanaz , Lee Edward B. , Wolk David A. , Weintraub Daniel , Spindler Meredith , Deik Andres , Grossman Murray , Tropea Thomas F.
Published: March 2023

Objective

Within Lewy body spectrum disorders (LBSD) with α‐synuclein pathology (αSyn), concomitant Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology is common and is predictive of clinical outcomes, including cognitive impairment and decline. Plasma phosphorylated tau 181 (p‐tau181) is sensitive to AD neuropathologic change (ADNC) in clinical AD, and plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is associated with the presence of β‐amyloid plaques. While these plasma biomarkers are well tested in clinical and pathological AD, their diagnostic and prognostic performance for concomitant AD in LBSD is unknown.

Methods

In autopsy‐confirmed αSyn‐positive LBSD, we tested how plasma p‐tau181 and GFAP differed across αSyn with concomitant ADNC (αSyn+AD; n = 19) and αSyn without AD (αSyn; n = 30). Severity of burden was scored on a semiquantitative scale for several pathologies (e.g., β‐amyloid and tau), and scores were averaged across sampled brainstem, limbic, and neocortical regions.

Results

Linear models showed that plasma GFAP was significantly higher in αSyn+AD compared to αSyn (β = 0.31, 95% CI = 0.065–0.56, and P = 0.015), after covarying for age at plasma, plasma‐to‐death interval, and sex; plasma p‐tau181 was not (P = 0.37). Next, linear models tested associations of AD pathological features with both plasma analytes, covarying for plasma‐to‐death, age at plasma, and sex. GFAP was significantly associated with brain β‐amyloid (β = 15, 95% CI = 6.1–25, and P = 0.0018) and tau burden (β = 12, 95% CI = 2.5–22, and P = 0.015); plasma p‐tau181 was not associated with either (both P > 0.34).

Interpretation

Findings indicate that plasma GFAP may be sensitive to concomitant AD pathology in LBSD, especially accumulation of β‐amyloid plaques.
Cation–Oxygen Bond Covalency: A Common Thread and a Major Influence toward Air/Water‐Stability and Electrochemical Behavior of “Layered” Na–Transition‐Metal‐Oxide‐Based Cathode Materials
Authors: Kumar Bachu Sravan , Pradeep Anagha , Srihari Velaga , Poswal Himanshu K. , Kumar Rahul , Amardeep Amardeep , Chatterjee Abhijit , Mukhopadhyay Amartya
Published: March 2023

This work evolves a universal strategy, toward simultaneously addressing the air/water‐instability and structural‐cum‐electrochemical instability of “layered” Na–transition‐metal (TM)–oxide‐based cathode materials for Na‐ion batteries, by way of varying the “interslab” spacing via tuning the TMO bond covalency. In this regard, model O3‐structured NaTMoxides, with varied “charge‐to‐size” ratio of the cation‐combination (viz., TM‐ + non‐TM‐ions) in the TM‐layer [i.e., (C:S)TM], are designed and subjected to structural characterizations, density‐functional‐theory‐based studies, air/water‐exposure studies, electrochemical cycling, and operando investigations. Such studies have yielded a clear correlation‐cum‐trend concerning lower (C:S)TM => lower TMO covalency => higher effective negative charge on O‐ion (which gets shared by both TM‐ and Na‐ions) => stronger‐cum‐shorter NaO bond => reduced “interslab” spacing => lower Na‐transport kinetics => suppressed spontaneous Na‐extraction upon air/water‐exposure => concomitant vastly improved air/water‐stability => suppressed/delayed O3 → P3 transformation during electrochemical Na‐extraction (i.e., charging) => concomitant vastly improved electrochemical cyclic stability. Furthermore, a critical d(ONaO)/d(OTMO) of ≈1.38 for the O3 structure, corresponding to the initiation of O3 → P3 transformation during desodiation/charging is revealed. NaTMO2s having higher initial (C:S)TMs reach this critical d(ONaO)/d(OTMO) earlier (i.e., upon minimized Na‐removal) and, thus, suffer from more transformations during continued desodiation/charge, resulting in structural‐cum‐electrochemical instability.
Realization of Index Modulation with Intelligent Spatiotemporal Metasurfaces
Authors: Zhu Xiaoyue , Qian Chao , Jia Yuetian , Chen Jieting , Fang Yuan , Fan Zhixiang , Zhang Jie , Li Dongdong , Abdi-Ghaleh Reza , Chen Hongsheng
Published: March 2023

Advanced wireless communication with high spectrum efficiency and energy efficiency has always fascinated humanity, especially with the explosive increase of global mobile data services. Index modulation (IM) has recently been found to be a promising technique due to the transmission of additional data bits via the indices of the available transmit entities. However, the practical implementation of IM remains a great challenge associated with complicated radio components. Herein, IM with intelligent spatiotemporal metasurfaces is experimentally demonstrated. The spatiotemporal metasurfaces provide a natural and versatile platform to achieve IM in a green and lightweight manner. The whole system is driven by a built‐in inverse‐design agent that automates spatiotemporal metasurfaces to cater to diverse application demands. In doing so, how to mitigate the inherent nonuniqueness issue and how to setup the input target from practical scenes are concretely discussed. In the microwave experiment, the spatiotemporal metasurfaces are fabricated and demonstrate the feasibility by harvesting two harmonic waves as communication channels. An intelligent electromagnetic platform that can manipulate electromagnetic waves in multidimensions is provided, meriting other numerous intelligent meta‐devices that avoid overburdening data analysis networks in smart cities of the future.
Association of changes in grip strength with second digit length adjusted for fourth digit length in young children
Authors: Abe Takashi , Abe Akemi , Loenneke Jeremy P.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The factors involved in changes in grip strength (GS) during growth/development are not well known. Findings from cross‐sectional studies have indicated that digit lengths are associated with physical fitness, including GS. This study aimed to investigate the association of changes in GS over 1 year and the second (2D) and fourth (4D) digit lengths in young children using the 4D as a covariate.

Methods

One hundred and three young children (54 boys and 49 girls) performed maximum voluntary GS and ultrasound‐measured forearm muscle thickness measurements in the right hand. All participants completed the first measurement and underwent a second measurement 1 year after the first one. The 2D and 4D were taken on the palmar surface of the outstretched right hand at the second measurement.

Results

The 2D was inversely associated with the change in GS (B = −2.1, p = 0.023) adjusted for all covariates. Girls had numerically lower adjusted changes in grip strength, although this was not statistically significant [−0.61 (−1.2, 0.02) kg]. When sex was removed from the model, the 2D remained inversely associated with the change in GS (B = −2.39, p = 0.011). Finally, when only adjusting for the 4D, the 2D was inversely associated with the change in GS (B = −3.07, p = 0.004).

Conclusion

This study documented the association between changes in GS over 1 year and digit lengths in young children. The difference in children's digit length needs to be recognized as a factor involved in weak GS in children.
Cardiometabolic risk in young adults with Down syndrome
Authors: Manfredo Jacquelyn , Capone George , Yanek Lisa , McCarter Robert , Zemel Babette , Kelly Andrea , Magge Sheela N.
Published: March 2023

Studies regarding cardiometabolic risk (CMR) for individuals with Down syndrome (DS) conflict. Our previous research in youth with DS, aged 10–20 years, found increased prevalence of dyslipidemia and prediabetes compared to matched peers without DS. Herein, we compare CMR in young adults with DS, aged 18–35 years, to a similar population‐based sample from the 2001–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The group with DS had higher NonHDL‐C (mean DS 131.9 mg/dL; NHANES 126.1 p < 0.001), lower HDL‐C (DS 47.5 mg/dL; NHANES 52.2 p < 0.001), higher LDL‐C (DS 109.3 mg/dL; NHANES 105.4 p < 0.001), higher triglycerides (DS 102.9 mg/dL; NHANES 86.9 p < 0.001), but lower fasting glucose (DS 85.8 mg/dL; NHANES 95.2 p < 0.0001), lower HOMA‐IR (DS 2.17; NHANES 2.24 p = 0.0006), lower systolic (DS 109.7 mmHg; NHANES 114.6 p < 0.0001) and lower diastolic (DS 60.9 mmHg; NHANES 67.8 p < 0.0001) blood pressures. There was relationship of higher HDL‐C, triglycerides, glucose, systolic, and diastolic blood pressure with increasing BMI in the NHANES cohort which was dampened in the group with DS. These results indicate that more information is needed to guide clinicians in screening for CMR in individuals with DS.
Iron in blood cells: Function, relation to disease, and potential for magnetic separation
Authors: Barua Sowrav , Ciannella Stefano , Tijani Lukman , Gomez‐Pastora Jenifer
Published: March 2023

Iron in blood cells has several physiological functions like transporting oxygen to cells and maintaining iron homeostasis. Iron is primarily contained in red blood cells (RBCs), but monocytes also store iron as these cells are responsible for the recycling of senescent RBCs. Iron also serves an important role related to the function of different leukocytes. In inflammation, iron homeostasis is dependent on cytokines derived from T cells and macrophages. Fluctuations of iron content in the body lead to different diseases. Iron deficiency, which is also known as anemia, hampers different physiological processes in the human body. On the other hand, genetic or acquired hemochromatosis ultimately results in iron overload and leads to the failure of different vital organs. Different diagnoses and treatments are developed for these kinds of disorders, but the majority are costly and suffer from side effects. To address this issue, magnetophoresis could be an attractive technology for the diagnosis (and in some cases treatment) of these pathologies due to the paramagnetic character of the cells containing iron. In this review, we discuss the main functions of iron in blood cells and iron‐related diseases in humans and highlight the potential of magnetophoresis for diagnosing and treating some of these disorders.
Preparation of Fe‐doped Transition Metal Phosphides using Ionic Liquid as Precursor for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Wang Yage , Wang Ming , Li Tianhao
Published: March 2023

For electrocatalysts in water splitting, activity and stability is at high are pivotal current density. Thus, transition metal phosphides were prepared using ionic liquid as precursor on nickel foam, where Fe was doped and this catalyst was covered by carbon. This Fe‐CoNiP−C/NF exhibits excellent OER activity, which only needs overpotentials of 355 and 424 mV to reach the current densities of 50 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively. Moreover, it obtains a good stability for more than 30 hours at 100 mA cm−2. Experimental results demonstrate part of this TMPs‐based catalyst is oxidized to metal oxyhydroxide species after phosphidation, which can significantly improve the activity for OER. Also, the low Fe doping and outer carbon enhance the OER activity and stability.
Prospective assessment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma diagnosis from endoscopic ultrasonography images with the assistance of deep learning
Authors: Gu Jionghui , Pan Jinhua , Hu Jiayu , Dai Lulu , Zhang Ke , Wang Baohua , He Mengna , Zhao Qiyu , Jiang Tianan
Published: March 2023

Background

Endosonographers are highly dependent on the diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The objectives of this study were to develop a deep‐learning radiomics (DLR) model based on endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) images for identifying PDAC and to explore its true clinical benefit.

Methods

A retrospective data set of EUS images that included PDAC and benign lesions was used as a training cohort (N = 368 patients) to develop the DLR model, and a prospective data set was used as a test cohort (N = 123 patients) to validate the effectiveness of the DLR model. In addition, seven endosonographers performed two rounds of reader studies on the test cohort with or without DLR assistance to further assess the clinical applicability and true benefits of the DLR model.

Results

In the prospective test cohort, DLR exhibited an area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.936 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.889–0.976) with a sensitivity of 0.831 (95% CI, 0.746–0.913) and 0.904 (95% CI, 0.820–0.980), respectively. With DLR assistance, the overall diagnostic performance of the seven endosonographers improved: one endosonographer achieved a significant expansion of specificity (p = .035,) and another achieved a significant increase in sensitivity (p = .038). In the junior endosonographer group, the diagnostic performance with the help of the DLR was higher than or comparable to that of the senior endosonographer group without DLR assistance.

Conclusions

A prospective test cohort validated that the DLR model based on EUS images effectively identified PDAC. With the assistance of this model, the gap between endosonographers at different levels of experience narrowed, and the accuracy of endosonographers expanded.
Neural correlates of sleep‐induced benefits on traumatic memory processing
Authors: Gvozdanovic Geraldine , Schoch Sarah , Stämpfli Philipp , Seifritz Erich , Rasch Björn
Published: March 2023

Recent findings indicate that sleep after trauma compared to sleep loss inhibits intrusive memory development, possibly by promoting adequate memory consolidation and integration. However, the underlying neural mechanisms are still unknown. Here, we examined the neural correlates underlying the effects of sleep on traumatic memory development in 110 healthy participants using a trauma film paradigm and an implicit memory task with fMRI recordings in a between‐subjects design. To further facilitate memory integration, we used targeted memory reactivation (TMR) to reactivate traumatic memories during sleep. We found that sleep (i.e., nap) compared to wakefulness reduced the number of intrusive traumatic memories for the experimental trauma groups. TMR during sleep only descriptively reduced the intrusions further. On the level of brain activity, increased activity in the anterior and posterior cingulate cortex, retrosplenial cortex and precuneus was found in the experimental trauma group compared to the control group after wakefulness. After sleep, on the other hand, these findings could not be found in the experimental trauma groups compared to the control group. Sleep compared to wakefulness increased activity in the cerebellum, fusiform gyrus, inferior temporal lobe, hippocampus, and amygdala during implicit retrieval of trauma memories in the experimental trauma groups. Activity in the hippocampus and the amygdala predicted subsequent intrusions. Results demonstrate the beneficial behavioral and neural effects of sleep after experimental trauma and provide indications for early neural predictor factors. This study has implications for understanding the important role of sleep for personalized treatment and prevention in posttraumatic stress disorder.
The influence of thermal barrier coating on an LHR engine fueled by soybean biodiesel blended with various additive spectrums: Performance, combustion, and emission analysis
Authors: Samuelraj D. , Harish Venu , Jaichandar S.
Published: March 2023

The novelty of this research work deals with green synthesized nanoadditives (5% of graphene, carbon nanotubes, and carbon black), oxygenated additives (5% of n‐butanol, n‐heptane, and n‐pentanol), and then the test fuels are prepared by blending of 20% of soybean biodiesel and 70%, 80%, and 100% of premium diesel. The experimental outcomes revealed that the Nickel Chromium Aluminum (NiCrAl‐120 micron), partially stabilized zirconia, and titanium dioxide ceramic composites at about 400 microns achieve the thermal barrier coat of low heat rejection (LHR) engine parts by the air‐plasma spray method. Compared with Blend B, green synthesized carbon black (5%), premium diesel (70%), and n‐pentanol (5%) mixed soybean biodiesel (20%) fuel (Blend E) tested on the LHR engine achieved 4.90% higher brake thermal efficiency and 25.31% lower brake‐specific fuel consumption at peak load owing to the presence of an oxygenated agent (n‐pentanol) in the fuel blend, which minimizes carbon deposition. The carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, NOx, and smoke emissions were reduced by 25.58%, 29.41%, 5.06%, and 7.75% when compared to Blend B at peak load. Then, the in‐cylinder pressure and heat release rate were found to be 4.52% and 8.87% higher for Blend E at peak load compared to Blend B. This was because the mix of oxygenated additive and carbon black bio‐based nanofuels made the combustion process go faster. These fuel blends were tested on LHR diesel engines at various load conditions.
Ultra‐widefield and high‐speed spiral laser scanning OR‐PAM: System development and characterization
Authors: Zafar Mohsin , Manwar Rayyan , McGuire Laura S. , Charbel Fady T. , Avanaki Kamran
Published: March 2023

Photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) is a high‐resolution imaging modality that has been mainly implemented with small field of view applications. Here, we developed a fast PAM system that utilizes a unique spiral laser scanning mechanism and a wide acoustic detection unit. The developed system can image an area of 12.5 cm2 in 6.4 s. The system has been characterized using highly detailed phantoms. Finally, the imaging capabilities of the system were further demonstrated by imaging a sheep brain ex vivo and a rat brain in vivo.
Ultrasensitive detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 antigen using surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy‐based lateral flow immunosensor
Authors: Lai Shuxia , Liu Yi , Fang Shubin , Wu Qiong , Fan Min , Lin Duo , Lin Jizhen , Feng Shangyuan
Published: March 2023

The fast spread and transmission of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID‐19) has become one of serious global public health problems. Herein, a surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy‐based lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) was developed for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 antigen. Using uniquely designed core–shell nanoparticle with embedded Raman probe molecules as the indicator to reveal the concentration of target protein, excellent quantitative performance with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.03 ng/mL and detection range of 10–1000 ng/mL can be achieved within 15 min. Besides, the detection of spiked virus protein in human saliva was also performed with a portable Raman spectrometer, proposing the feasibility of the method in practical applications. This easy‐to‐use, rapid and accurate method would provide a point‐of‐care testing way as the ideal alternative for current detection requirement of virus‐related biomarkers.
Chromoionophoric probe‐anchored mesoporous silica nanospheres for rapid and reliable naked‐eye detection of Ni(II) ions in petroleum products and removal from electroplating wastewater
Authors: Al‐bonayan Ameena M. , Alamrani Nasser A. , Ibarhiam Saham F. , Alorabi Ali Q. , Abumelha Hana M. , Habeebullah Turki M. , El‐Metwaly Nashwa M.
Published: March 2023

This paper presents the expansion of an optical, chemical sensor that can rapidly and reliably detect, quantify, and remove Ni(II) ions in oil products and electroplating wastewater sources. The sensor is based on mesoporous silica nanospheres (MSNs) that have an extraordinary surface area, uniform surface morphology, and capacious porosity, making them an excellent substrate for the anchoring of the chromoionophoic probe,3′‐{(1E,1′ E)‐[(4‐chloro‐1,2 phenylene)bis (azaneylylidene)]‐bis(methaneylylidene)}bis(2‐hydroxybenzoic acid) (CPAMHP). The CPAMHP probe is highly selective and sensitive to Ni(II), enabling it to be used in naked‐eye colorimetric recognition of Ni(II) ions. The MSNs provide several accessible exhibited sites for uniform anchoring of CPAMHP probe molecules, making it a viable chemical sensor even with the use of naked‐eye sensing. The surface characters and structural analysis of the MSNs and CPAMHP sensor samples were examined using various techniques. The CPAMHP probe‐anchored MSNs exhibit a clear and vivid color shift from pale yellow to green upon exposure to various concentrations of Ni(II) ions, with a reaction time down to approximately 1 minute. Furthermore, the MSNs can serve as a base to retrieve extremely trace amounts of Ni(II) ions, making the CPAMHP sensor a dual‐functional device. The calculated limit of recognition for Ni(II) ions using the fabricated CPAMHP sensor samples is 0.318 ppb (5.43 × 10−9 M). The results suggest that the proposed sensor is a promising tool for the sensitive and reliable detection of Ni(II) ions in petroleum products and for removing Ni(II) ions in electroplating wastewater; the data indicate an excellent removal of Ni (II) up to 96.8%, highlighting the high accuracy and precision of our CPAMHP sensor.
United Kingdom artificial nutrition database: The changing landscape of adult home parenteral support
Authors: Naghibi Mani , Toskas Alex , Willsmore James , Smith Trevor , Hughes Sarah J. , Gabe Simon ,   and the British Artificial Nutrition Survey Committee
Published: March 2023

Background

The United Kingdom nutrition database monitors the changing landscape of adult home parenteral nutrition support (HPS) to inform clinicians and policy makers of the need for this life‐saving treatment.

Methods

The UK database is administered by the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. Data for home parenteral nutrition (HPN) has been collected since 2005 and home intravenous fluids (HIVFs) since 2011. During this study the reporting of data to the database by healthcare workers has been voluntary. Data were analyzed using linear regression.

Results

A threefold increase of new registrations for patients receiving HPS was noted on this 10‐year period, with a notable increase in the number of patients with advanced malignancy supported with HPS. Crohn's disease and short bowel syndrome were the leading causes for both HPN and HIVF use in the UK. A statistically significant increase in older (P < 0.001) and less independent patients using HPS was noted.

Conclusion

The prevalence of HPS is steadily increasing in size with the broadening of its acceptable performance status. The launch of the Intestinal Failure Registry and mandatory registration will increase accuracy in data reporting.
Utah health system offers holistic care to people in crisis
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2023

Observing the overcrowding in emergency departments and long wait times in many hospitals, the Intermountain Healthcare health system based in Salt Lake City has established Intermountain Behavioral Health Access Centers to meet the urgent needs of adults in need of psychiatric and crisis care.
Pediatric hospitalizations up for children with MH diagnoses
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2023

Children pediatric hospitalization increases over the past decade have been largely the result of mental health diagnoses, the majority including attempted suicide and self‐injury, according to a new study published in JAMA Network.
Chemiewettbewerbe: Wie Urin die Welt ernährt
Authors: Blicker Luca
Published: March 2023

Für den Wettbewerb Chemplant entwickelten Studierendengruppen Konzepte und Verfahren, die Phosphor zurückgewinnen. Bei Chemcar triumphierten nicht die schnellsten Autos, sondern solche, die eine bestimmte Strecke fahren und dann von selbst bremsen. Bonuspunkte gab es für clevere und sichere Ideen.
Didaktik: NMR‐Spektroskopie in der Lehramtsausbildung
Authors: Emmert Marcel , Fuhr Viktoria , Geidel Ekkehard
Published: March 2023

Für Praktikumsversuche ist kein teures 400‐MHz‐NMR‐Spektrometer erforderlich. 60‐MHz‐Tischgeräte sind robust und genau genug, um Studierende biotechnische Prozesse wie die alkoholische Gärung verfolgen oder Getränke analysieren zu lassen.
Bilanz Bayer 2022: Landwirtschaft boomte
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: March 2023

Bayer ist vor allem mit dem Agrargeschäft im Jahr 2022 zufrieden. Der Konzern setzte zudem mit rezeptpflichtigen wie ‐freien Mitteln mehr um. Im Verfahrenskomplex zu Glyphosat hat der Konzern die letzten sechs Prozesse gewonnen.
Bilanz Sanofi 2022: Mehr Zulassungen, weniger Emissionen
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: March 2023

Das französische Pharmaunternehmen Sanofi hat im Jahr 2022 mehr umgesetzt und mehr für Forschung ausgegeben als im Jahr zuvor. Mehrere neue Arzneien wurden zugelassen. Bei der Produktion sollen weniger klimaschädliche Emissionen entstehen.
Farbtrends: Kohlegrau mit Rötlichkeit
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: March 2023

Wer fürchtet, bald nur noch grau zu sehen, dem lässt sich die Angst mit Gravatar nehmen. Der leuchtend gelbe Farbton könnte bald Europas Straßen prägen. In der Wohnung ist dagegen mit hellem Violett zu rechnen, das bisher oft in digitalen Medien zu sehen gewesen sein soll.
Nachruf: Jürgen Fabian (1936 – 2023)
Authors: Mehlhorn Achim , Hartmann Horst
Published: March 2023

Am 29. Januar 2023 starb Jürgen Fabian, emeritierter Professor der TU Dresden. Er war einer der ersten Forscher in Deutschland, der sich mit theoretischer organischer Chemie beschäftigte.
Wissenschaftsjournale: Autorenschaft zu verkaufen
Authors: Blicker Luca
Published: March 2023

Bei hunderten Peer‐Review‐Artikeln konnte man sich für mehrere hundert US‐Dollar als Autor:in eintragen lassen.
Berberine and health outcomes: An umbrella review
Authors: Li Zhongyu , Wang Yang , Xu Qing , Ma Jinxin , Li Xuan , Yan Jiaxing , Tian Yibing , Wen Yandong , Chen Ting
Published: March 2023

Berberine is a plant extract widely used in clinical practice. This review aimed to summarize and to grade the available evidence on the association between berberine consumption and health‐related outcomes. The PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were searched for meta‐analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the efficacy and safety of berberine from inception to June 30, 2022. The AMSTAR‐2 and GRADE system were used to assess the methodological quality and evidence level of the included meta‐analyses. A total of 11 eligible meta‐analyses were identified from 235 publications, which were published in peer‐reviewed journals between 2013 and 2022. The results revealed that berberine significantly affects blood glucose levels, insulin resistance, blood lipids, body parameters and composition, inflammatory markers, colorectal adenomas, and Helicobacter pylori infections as compared to controls. Common side effects of berberine consumption include gastrointestinal symptoms, such as constipation and diarrhea. Berberine is a safe medicinal plant ingredient that improves various clinical outcomes; however, there is a need for improvement of methodological quality in published meta‐analyses. Additionally, the clinical effects of berberine need to be confirmed in high‐quality RCTs.
Fault isolation and fault‐tolerant control for nonlinear stochastic distribution control systems with multiplicative faults
Authors: Kang Yunfeng , Yao Lina , Zhou Jinglin , Wang Hong
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a fault isolation, diagnosis and fault tolerant control algorithm is proposed for nonlinear multiple multiplicative faults stochastic distribution control systems employing Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy system. To obtain the detailed fault information, a fault detection algorithm is introduced to discover the fault occurrence time. Then a fault isolation observer is built to produce the residual, and the error system is separated to subsystems affected only by disturbance and multiplicative faults. Moreover, a fault estimation scheme is presented to obtain the fault magnitude information. When faults occur, the system output probability density function will deviate from the desired distribution. So the model predictive control fault tolerant control scheme is needed to minimize the impact of faults as much as possible to make sure that the post fault output probability density function track the desired probability density function. The validity of the designed algorithm is demonstrated through a simulation example, where the fault tolerant control algorithm ensures that the system output probability density function still track the given output probability density function despite the complex case of multiple multiplicative faults occurring simultaneously.
Transverse flow distributions in ice‐covered channels
Authors: Pan Jiajia , Guo Xinlei , Shen Hung Tao , Wang Tao , Fu Hui , Guo Yongxin , Li Jiazhen , Chen Yuzhuang
Published: March 2023

Traditional discharge measurements in ice‐covered river channels are time‐consuming and costly, thus limiting the elucidation of flow patterns during winter. This study proposes an analytical model for quantifying the transverse distributions of the unit‐width discharge and the depth‐averaged streamwise velocity in ice‐covered channels by extending an existing stream‐tube method to include the effects of cover and bed roughness and cross‐sectional geometry. A new set of equations are obtained for this extended method. An empirical coefficient α is included to lump the effects of the shape and friction factors of the ice cover and the channel bed. The model is compared with flume experiments and field data for fully and partially ice‐covered flows to examine the variation of the coefficient α.
Semiparametric regression analysis of length‐biased and partly interval‐censored data with application to an AIDS cohort study
Authors: Feng Fan , Li Shuwei , Wang Peijie , Sun Jianguo , Ke Chaofu
Published: March 2023

Length‐biased data occur often in many scientific fields, including clinical trials, epidemiology surveys and genome‐wide association studies, and many methods have been proposed for their analysis under various situations. In this article, we consider the situation where one faces length‐biased and partly interval‐censored failure time data under the proportional hazards model, for which it does not seem to exist an established method. For the estimation, we propose an efficient nonparametric maximum likelihood method by incorporating the distribution information of the observed truncation times. For the implementation of the method, a flexible and stable EM algorithm via two‐stage data augmentation is developed. By employing the empirical process theory, we establish the asymptotic properties of the resulting estimators. A simulation study conducted to assess the finite‐sample performance of the proposed method suggests that it works well and is more efficient than the conditional likelihood approach. An application to an AIDS cohort study is also provided.
Assessment of Si–O Equilibria and Nonmetallic Inclusion Characteristics in High Silicon Steels
Authors: Pindar Sanjay , Pande Manish M.
Published: March 2023

Si–O deoxidation equilibria in liquid steel are not reliably known, especially in the high silicon concentration range. Herein, Si–O deoxidation equilibria in liquid steel at 1823–1873 K have been investigated for a wide range of silicon concentrations. Thermodynamic analysis was carried out using Wagner's interaction parameter formalism (WIPF) and FactSage 8.1. The first and second‐order cross‐interaction parameters estimated at 1873 K are as follows: , , . Moreover, nonmetallic inclusion characteristics were also investigated for varying silicon concentrations.
Schisanhenol ameliorates oxLDL‐caused endothelial dysfunction by inhibiting LOX‐1 signaling
Authors: Chiu Tsan‐Hung , Ku Chang‐Wen , Ho Tsung‐Jung , Tsai Kun‐Ling , Yang Yi‐Dung , Ou Hsiu‐Chung , Chen Hsiu‐I
Published: March 2023

Atherosclerotic lesions play a critical role in leading cardiovascular diseases. Oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (OxLDL) is a vital risk factor for atherosclerosis since it acts a crucial role in endothelial dysfunction and foam cell formation. Schisanhenol, a composition extracted from the fruit of Schisandra rubriflora, has been reported to have antioxidative effects on human LDL oxidation. This study investigates whether Schisanhenol protects against oxLDL‐mediated endothelial damage by modulating the lectin‐like oxLDL receptor‐1 (LOX‐1)‐mediated inflammatory processes. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were pre‐treated with 10 or 20 μM Schisanhenol for 2 h and then exposed to 150 μg/mL oxLDL. We revealed that Schisanhenol reduced oxLDL‐enhanced LOX‐1 expression. We also found that oxLDL down‐regulated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) as well as activated inducible NOS (iNOS), thereby enhancing the generation of nitric oxide (NO). Moreover, oxLDL elevated the expression levels of phosphorylated‐p38MAPK, subsequently promoting NF‐κB‐modulated inflammatory responses. Pretreatment with Schisanhenol exerted significant cytoprotective function in all the above‐mentioned detrimental events. Results from this present study reveal that Schisanhenol has a potential therapeutic effect on preventing oxLDL‐induced endothelial injuries.
Frederick Glyn Davies
Authors: Rossiter Paul , Mbugua Humphrey , Wachira Jane , Soi Reuben , Binepal Yatinder , Jessett David
Published: March 2023

A vet who made a substantial contribution to tropical veterinary virology.
Use of Augmentative Interspecies Communication devices in animal language studies: A review
Authors: Smith Gabriella E. , Bastos Amalia P. M. , Evenson Ashley , Trottier Leo , Rossano Federico
Published: March 2023

Countless discussions have been generated by the animal language studies, specifically those utilizing mechanical interfaces, termed here Augmentative Interspecies Communication (AIC) devices (e.g., lexigrams; magnetic chips; keyboards). Overall, three concerns dominate the field: (1) claims that AIC device using animals manifest linguistic skills remain nebulous, and simpler alternative mechanisms have been proposed (e.g., associative learning); (2) such methodology may be unsuitable as some theorize AIC device interfaces are not sufficiently ecologically relevant to foster meaningful use; (3) data may be considered dubious due to potential cueing from experimenters and lack of systematicity in reporting training and performance. Despite such controversy—which eventually led to the field's deterioration around the last quarter of the twentieth century—this research also saw important successes, such as improvements in captive animal welfare, the outcomes of which hold promise for future interspecies communication work.

This article is categorized under:

Linguistics > Evolution of Language
Assessment of laryngologists' ratings on physician review websites
Authors: Akbarpour Meleeka , Tawk Karen , Frank Madelyn , Gomez Alizah S. , Mostaghni Navid , Abouzari Mehdi
Published: March 2023

Objective

To assess and characterize online ratings and comments on laryngologists and determine factors that correlate with higher ratings.

Methods

All the American Laryngological Association (ALA) members were queried across several online platforms. Ratings were normalized for comparison on a five‐point Likert scale. Ratings were categorized based on context and for positive/negative aspects.

Results

Of the 331 ALA members, 256 (77%) were rated on at least one online platform. Across all platforms, the average overall rating was 4.39 ± 0.61 (range: 1.00–5.00). Specific positive ratings including “bedside manners,” “diagnostic accuracy,” “adequate time spent with patient,” “appropriate follow‐up,” and “physician timeliness” had significant positive correlations to overall ratings, by Pearson's correlation (P < 0.001). Long wait times had significant negative correlations to overall ratings (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Online ratings and comments for laryngologists are significantly influenced by patient perceptions of bedside manner, physician competence, and time spent with the patient.
The Pig Community and Their Reference Genome
Authors: García-Sancho Miguel , Lowe James
Published: March 2023

This chapter introduces the story of pig genome mapping and sequencing. It presents the heterogeneous interests and activities of a small and tight-knit community, in which maps, sequencing data, resources and tools were developed for—and immediately linked to—the problems of pig breeding and transplantation biology. A community of pig genomicists converged in mapping projects that took place from the early-1990s onwards. In these initiatives, they characterised the positions of genes and genetic markers on chromosomes with a view to this information being deployed in agriculture and biomedicine. This community was intimately involved in most aspects of the creation of a reference genome, either directly or by guiding the focus of the Sanger Institute, the institution that was contracted to undertake the sequence determination. The Sanger Institute therefore had a different role in pig genomics than in yeast and human genomics. This distinct role was deeply conditioned by the historical trajectory of the pig genetics community.
Aerosol Therapy and Humidification
Authors: Fernández Elena Fernández , MacLoughlin Ronan
Published: March 2023

Humidification of the patient airways during respiratory support interventions is a critical aspect of care and with significant demonstrated benefit. Humidification can be broadly classified as active, through the use of heated humidifiers or passive and heat and moisture exchangers. Meta-analysis would suggest that both are comparable with respect to clinical outcomes. Hygroscopic growth of aerosol droplets is well-described and understood; however, the effect of humidification on the consequent delivered dose to the patient is not. This is important given the prevalence of aerosol therapy in the intensive care setting and the reported practices of turning off the humidifier or removing the heat and moisture exchangers during treatment. In this chapter, we review the current state-of-the-art literature across both in vitro bench assessments and in vivo human studies. The key finding from our review is that the limited number of clinical assessments of the effect of humidification on aerosol therapy found there to be no effect, with measures such as urinary drug levels showing no difference with and without humidification. Interestingly, this is counter to the majority of the in vitro reports, where lower drug delivery was noted under humidified conditions. We conclude that more work is required to understand the effect on aerosol therapy in patients and why the bench studies are not predictive of the clinical findings. Finally, we provide some suggestions as to how this may be done.
Unusual larviform beetles in 100-million-year-old Kachin amber resemble immatures of trilobite beetles and fireflies
Authors: Haug Carolin , Zippel Ana , Müller Patrick , Haug Joachim T.
Published: March 2023

Despite the large number of species in the group Coleoptera (beetles), it is usually relatively easy to identify an adult beetle as such due to certain common characteristics. Among beetle larvae, however, there is a larger variability of body organisation. In some lineages, specialised larval morphologies are carried on into the adult phase by heterochrony, more exactly paedomorphosis. Such evolutionary events resulted in larviform females, as they occur in some extant representatives of Lycidae (net-winged beetles) and Lampyridae (fireflies). However, such larviform individuals, larvae or paedomorphic females, have been very rarely described in the fossil record until now and were restricted to Cenozoic ambers. Here, we report fossil larviform representatives, resembling larvae of the groups Lampyridae and Lycidae in certain aspects, from 100-million-year-old Myanmar amber. We furthermore discuss the morphological similarities and differences of the three new specimens in relation to extant larviform representatives of the groups and possible relationships of the new fossils.