bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A photoelectrochemical sensor based on CdTe NPs decorated copper‐tetramine phthalocyanine covalently grafted graphene oxide for p‐aminophenol determination
Authors: Huang Qing , Ling Chen‐dong , Zhuge Wen‐feng , Zhang Zeng‐hu , Xiang Gang , Peng Jin‐yun , Liang Xue
Published: July 2023

Objective

Para‐aminophenol (PAP) is a critical intermediate widely used in medicine, pharmaceutical, rubber, antioxidant, petroleum, and other fields, but it is harmful to the environment. A novel photo electrochemical (PEC) sensor was synthesized and applied to detect PAP based on the composite material of cadmium telluride nanoparticle (CdTe NPs)–decorated copper–tetramine phthalocyanine covalently grafted graphene oxide (CuTAPc‐Gr).

Materials & Methods

Copper–tetramine phthalocyanine (CuTAPc) has an excellent PEC conversion effect and narrow band. Graphene (Gr) has high mechanical stability and suitable bandgap. CuTAPc‐Gr was synthesized by chemical covalent bonding. And CdTe NPs@CuTAPc‐Gr composite was prepared by ultrasonic mixing method using CuTAPc‐Gr and CdTe NPs. The morphology and structure of the PEC materials were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and fourier transform infrared spectrometer. PAP contents were evaluated by the Time‐Current method. And the electron transfer rate of the PEC sensor was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods.

Results & Discussion

CdTe NPs@CuTAPc‐Gr has excellent PEC properties. In the PAP analysis, distinct regular changes in the photocurrent within a linear range of 33.3–1330.0 nM were noted. The limit of detection was 15.5 nM. Acetaminophen, phloroglucin, and other substances did not affect PAP content determination. The water samples were analyzed using the proposed PEC sensor. The results show that the recoveries were in the range of 97.85%–99.58%, and relative standard deviations (RSDs) were less than 2%.

Conclusions

The PEC sensor exhibited excellent sensitivity, selectivity, and stability. The proposed method provides an effective strategy for constructing PEC sensors to detect PAP in water samples and a promising PEC platform for analyzing other small molecules.
Impact of standardized, language‐concordant hospital discharge instructions on postdischarge medication questions
Authors: Khoong Elaine C. , Sherwin Elizabeth B. , Harrison James D. , Wheeler Margaret , Shah Sachin J. , Mourad Michelle , Khanna Raman
Published: July 2023

Written instructions improve patient comprehension of discharge instructions but are often provided only in English even for patients with a non‐English language preference (NELP). We implemented standardized written discharge instructions in English, Spanish, and Chinese for hospital medicine patients at an urban academic medical center. Using an interrupted time series analysis, we assessed the impact on medication‐related postdischarge questions for patients with English, Spanish, or Chinese language preferences. Of 4013 patients, ∼15% had NELP. Preintervention, Chinese‐preferring patients had a 5.6 percentage point higher probability of questions (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08, 2.21) compared to English‐preferring patients; Spanish‐preferring and English‐preferring patients had similar rates of questions. Postintervention, English‐preferring and Spanish‐preferring patients had no significant change; Chinese‐preferring patients had a significant 10.9 percentage point decrease in the probability of questions (aOR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.21, 0.69) thereby closing the disparity. Language‐concordant written discharge instructions may reduce disparities in medication‐related postdischarge questions for patients with NELP.
Regulation of autophagy by SARS‐CoV‐2: The multifunctional contributions of ORF3a
Authors: Shariq Mohd , Malik Asrar A. , Sheikh Javaid A. , Hasnain Seyed E. , Ehtesham Nasreen Z.
Published: July 2023

Severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) regulates autophagic flux by blocking the fusion of autophagosomes with lysosomes, causing the accumulation of membranous vesicles for replication. Multiple SARS‐CoV‐2 proteins regulate autophagy with significant roles attributed to ORF3a. Mechanistically, open reading frame 3a (ORF3a) forms a complex with UV radiation resistance associated, regulating the functions of the PIK3C3‐1 and PIK3C3‐2 lipid kinase complexes, thereby modulating autophagosome biogenesis. ORF3a sequesters VPS39 onto the late endosome/lysosome, inhibiting assembly of the soluble NSF attachement protein REceptor (SNARE) complex and preventing autolysosome formation. ORF3a promotes the interaction between BECN1 and HMGB1, inducing the assembly of PIK3CA kinases into the ER (endoplasmic reticulum) and activating reticulophagy, proinflammatory responses, and ER stress. ORF3a recruits BORCS6 and ARL8B to lysosomes, initiating the anterograde transport of the virus to the plasma membrane. ORF3a also activates the SNARE complex (STX4‐SNAP23‐VAMP7), inducing fusion of lysosomes with the plasma membrane for viral egress. These mechanistic details can provide multiple targets for inhibiting SARS‐CoV‐2 by developing host‐ or host–pathogen interface‐based therapeutics.
Adverse events in cryoballoon ablation for pulmonary vein isolation: Insight from the Food and Drug Administration Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience
Authors: Tan Min Choon , Tan Jian Liang , Lee Wei Jun , Srivathsan Komandoor , Sorajja Dan , El Masry Hicham , Scott Luis R. , Lee Justin Z.
Published: July 2023

Background

Real‐world clinical data on the adverse events related to the use of cryoballoon catheter for pulmonary vein isolation remains limited.

Objective

To report and describe the adverse events related to the use of Artic Front cryoballoon catheters (Arctic Front, Arctic Front Advance, and Arctic Front Advance Pro) reported in the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Manufacturers and User Defined Experience (MAUDE) database.

Methods

We reviewed all the adverse events reported to the FDA MAUDE database over a 10.7‐year study period from January 01, 2011 to September 31, 2021. All events were independently reviewed by two physicians.

Results

During the study period, a total of 320 procedural‐related adverse events reported in the MAUDE database were identified. The most common adverse event was transient or persistent phrenic nerve palsy (PNP), accounting for 48% of all events. This was followed by cardiac perforation (15%), pulmonary vein stenosis (8%), transient ischemic attack or stroke (6%), vascular injury (4%), transient or persistent ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (3%), hemoptysis (2%), pericarditis (2%), and esophageal ulcer or fistula (1%). There were six reported intra‐procedural death events as a result of cardiac perforation.

Conclusion

The two most common procedural adverse events associated with cryoballoon ablation were PNP and cardiac perforation. All cases of procedural mortality were due to cardiac perforation.
Cocoa‐associated filamentous fungi for the biocontrol of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Oduro‐Mensah Daniel , Lowor Sammy T. , Bukari Yahaya , Donkor Jacob Kwaku , Minnah Bismark , Nuhu Abdul Hamid , Dontoh Derry , Amadu Ayesha Algade , Ocloo Augustine
Published: July 2023

Aflatoxin and other mycotoxin contamination are major threats to global food security and present an urgent need to secure the global food crop against spoilage by mycotoxigenic fungi. Cocoa material is noted for naturally low aflatoxin contamination. This study was designed to assess the potential for harnessing cocoa‐associated filamentous fungi for the biocontrol of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus. The candidate fungi were isolated from fermented cocoa beans collected from four cocoa‐growing areas in Ghana. Molecular characterization included Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS)‐sequencing for identification and polymer chain reaction (PCR) to determine mating type. Effects of the candidate isolates on growth and aflatoxin‐production by an aflatoxigenic A. flavus isolate (BANGA1) were assessed. Aflatoxin production was monitored by UV fluorescence and quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Thirty‐six filamentous fungi were cultured and identified as Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Lichtheimia, or Trichoderma spp. isolates. The isolates generally interacted negatively with BANGA1 growth and aflatoxin production. The Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus aculeatus biocontrol candidates showed the strongest colony antagonism (54%–94%) and reduction in aflatoxin production (12%–50%) on agar. In broth, the A. niger isolates reduced aflatoxin production by up to 97%. Metabolites from the A. niger isolates showed the strongest inhibition of growth by BANGA1 and inhibited aflatoxin production. Four of the candidate isolates belonged to the MAT1‐1 mating type and 12 identified as MAT1‐2. This may be indicative of the potential for genetic recombination events between fungi in the field, a finding which is particularly relevant to the risk posed by A. flavus biocontrol measures that rely on atoxigenic A. flavus strains.
Forgotten but not gone: calcium‐alkali syndrome
Authors: Seth Shrey , Kairatis Lukas , Castelino Ronald L.
Published: July 2023

Background

Calcium‐alkali syndrome (CAS) is characterised by hypercalcaemia, metabolic alkalosis, and renal injury. CAS has been a long‐standing concern but has fallen off the radar in recent times. However, supplementation of calcium and vitamin D for osteoporosis, and use of calcium based antacids for reflux has led to its resurgence as one of the leading causes for hypercalcaemia‐induced hospitalisations.

Aim

We present a case of CAS owing to excessive consumption of calcium carbonate in the presence of vitamin D.

Clinical details

An 84‐year‐old woman presented to the hospital emergency room for the second time in 4 months after CAS was missed during the first admission. A history of significant (6–8 tablets daily) Quick‐Eze use (calcium carbonate), Gaviscon dual action antacid (calcium carbonate 32.5 mg/mL, sodium bicarbonate 21.3 mg/mL, sodium alginate 50 mg/mL) for reflux, and 2000 IU of vitamin D capsules for osteoporosis was the likely reason for CAS. COVID‐19 lockdown and the inability to fill esomeprazole scripts had increased the patient's reliance on over‐the‐counter treatments for reflux.

Outcomes

The severe hypercalcaemia was treated using intravenous fluids and pamidronate, following which her serum calcium levels normalised, with resolution of symptoms.

Conclusion

The effect of Quick‐Eze tablets on the development of hypercalcaemia should not be underestimated, especially in the presence of interacting medicines or supplements. This report highlights the importance of accurate history taking as the hypercalcaemia was missed during the patient's initial visit. Appropriate warning labels are warranted on Quick‐Eze tablets, as the current information is ambiguous, with no specific information on duration.
Valuation of environmental influence of recently invented high‐performance liquid chromatographic method for hypoglycemic mixtures of gliflozins and metformin in the presence of melamine impurities: Application of molecular modeling simulation approach
Authors: Fawzy Michael Gamal , Said Mohamed A.
Published: July 2023

Molecular modeling is the science of representing molecular structures numerically and simulating their behavior with the equations of quantum and classical physics. Coupling molecular modeling and simulation with chromatographic resolution for pharmaceutical products constitutes a new technique in pharmaceutical analysis. An innovative high‐performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) methodology was developed for the quantification of metformin hydrochloride (MET), empagliflozin (EMP), and canagliflozin (CAN) in bulk, laboratory‐developed combinations, pharmaceutical tablets, and in the presence of melamine. Chromatographic separation was accomplished using a Symmetry column with 0.03 M potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer and 0.02 M heptane sulphonic acid: acetonitrile as the mobile phase. Molecular modeling using molecular operating environment software was applied to properly select the stationary phase suitable for the developed HPLC method. Additionally, molecular modeling estimates and validates binding between the studied analytes and the stationary phase to clarify and explain the chromatographic separation and elution order. In accordance with the International Conference of Harmonization recommendations, the method was validated in terms of linearity, accuracy, precision, and selectivity. The linearity ranges (μg/ml) were 200–1500 (MET), 2–15 (EMP), and 20–150 (CAN) and the limit of detection values were in the ranges of 0.17–54.58 μg/ml. Analysis of pharmaceutical tablets using the suggested approach yielded satisfactory outcomes. As a result, it might be used in quality control laboratories to analyze the aforementioned medications.
Application of instantaneous nebulization dispersive liquid‐phase microextraction combined with HPLC for the determination of chalcone and isoflavone in traditional Chinese medicines
Authors: Wang Ling‐Li , Liu Na , Hu Shuang , Xing Rong‐Rong , Wang Run‐Qin , Yang Li , Chen Xuan
Published: July 2023

A simple and rapid instantaneous nebulization dispersive liquid‐phase microextraction method was developed, and combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography for determination of the contents of seven analytes in traditional Chinese medicines. In this study, using the sprinkler device to achieve instantaneous synchronous dispersion and extraction, only one spray can rapidly achieve the concentration and enrichment of seven kinds of chalcone and isoflavones. The key factors affecting the extraction efficiency were optimized including the type and volume of extractant, the pH and salt concentration of the sample phase, and the number of dispersion. Under the optimal conditions, the enrichment factor of the target analytes ranged from 103.1 to 180.9, with good linearity and correlation coefficients above 0.9970. The limits of detection ranged from 0.02 to 0.15 ng/mL, with good accuracy (recoveries 91.1 to 108.9%) and precision (relative standard deviations 1.5–7.1%). This method has short extraction time (2 s), low organic solvent consumption and high enrichment effect, so it has a wide application prospects.
Nuclear magnetic resonance‐based solvent system selection for counter‐current chromatography separation of compounds present in the same high‐performance liquid chromatography peak: Flavonoids in barley seedlings as an example
Authors: Chen Tao , Jia Jing , Zou Denglang , Shen Cheng , Wang Shuo , Gao Xiuzhen , Yun Zhongxiang , Ma Jialin , Zhao Jing , Wang Huan , Li Yulin
Published: July 2023

Partition coefficient is a key parameter for counter‐current chromatography separation. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is the most commonly used tool for the screening of partition coefficients. However, HPLC technology is not applicable to the compounds present in the same chromatographic peak. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology could easily distinguish compounds according to their characteristic absorption even if they exist in the same HPLC peak. In this study, two flavonoids present in the same HPLC peak were successfully purified by counter‐current chromatography with a solvent system screened by NMR to show the great potential of NMR technology in the screening of the partition coefficient of co‐efflux compounds. Through NMR screening, an optimized ethyl acetate/n‐buthanol/water (7:3:10, v/v/v) system was applied in this study. As a result, two flavonoids, including 4.8 mg of 3′‐methoxyl‐6′’’‐O‐feruloylsaponarin and 9.8 mg of 6′’’‐O‐feruloylsaponarin were separated from 15 mg of the mixture. There is only one methoxy group difference between the two flavonoids. This study provides a new strategy for the screening of counter‐current chromatography solvent systems and broadens the application scope of counter‐current chromatography.
The effects of Si‐ion implantation and preoxidation on the corrosion behavior of a new steel SIMP in 550∘C ${\bf{55}}{{\bf{0}}}^{\circ }{\bf{C}}$ lead‐bismuth eutectic
Authors: Xu Nannan , Wang Zhiguang , Shen Tielong , Li Bingsheng , Li Gongping , Li Tong , Wei Wenjing
Published: July 2023

To improve the corrosion resistance of SIMP steel, we have investigated Si‐ion implantation and preoxidation effects on the corrosion behavior of SIMP steel samples, which have been in stagnant lead‐bismuth eutectic (LBE) with saturated oxygen at C for 1000 h. It was found that increasing Si content on the surface did not improve corrosion resistance performance. By contrast, the preoxidized sample demonstrated high resistance to LBE corrosion due to the presence of a thin Cr‐enriched oxide layer.
On Hausdorff operators in ZF$\mathsf {ZF}$
Authors: Keremedis Kyriakos , Tachtsis Eleftherios
Published: July 2023

A Hausdorff space is called effectively Hausdorff if there exists a function F—called a Hausdorff operator—such that, for every with , , where U and V are disjoint open neighborhoods of x and y, respectively. Among other results, we establish the following in , i.e., in Zermelo–Fraenkel set theory without the Axiom of Choice ():

is equivalent to “For every set X, the Cantor cube is effectively Hausdorff”. This enhances the result of Howard, Keremedis, Rubin and Rubin [13] that is equivalent to “Hausdorff spaces are effectively Hausdorff” in .

The Boolean Prime Ideal Theorem and the statement “For every infinite set X, the Stone space of the Boolean algebra is effectively Hausdorff” are mutually independent. In particular, the latter statement is not provable in .

The Axiom of Choice for non‐empty subsets of () is equivalent to each of “Separable Hausdorff spaces are effectively Hausdorff” and “The Cantor cube is effectively Hausdorff”.

The Principle of Dependent Choices in conjunction with the Axiom of Choice for continuum sized families of non‐empty subsets of does not imply the axiom of choice for partitions of . The latter independence result fills the gap in information in Howard and Rubin's book “Consequences of the Axiom of Choice”.

The axiom of countable choice for non‐empty subsets of is equivalent to each of “Denumerable Hausdorff spaces are effectively Hausdorff”, “Denumerable T3 spaces are completely normal” and “Denumerable Tychonoff spaces are Urysohn”.
Prenatal whole exome sequencing identified two rare compound heterozygous variants in EVC2 causing Ellis‐van Creveld syndrome
Authors: Zhuang Jianlong , Liu Shufen , Wang Junyu , Chen Yu'e , Zhang Hegan , Jiang Yuying , Wang Gaoxiong , Chen Chunnuan
Published: July 2023

Background

Pathogenic mutations in EVC or EVC2 gene can lead to Ellis‐van Creveld (EvC) syndrome, which is a rare autosomal recessive skeletal dysplasia disorder. This study aimed to determine pathogenic gene variations associated with EvC syndrome in fetuses showing ultrasound anomalies.

Methods

A 32‐year‐old pregnant woman from Quanzhou, China was investigated. In her pregnancy examination, the fetus exhibited multiple fetal malformations, including a narrow thorax, short limbs, postaxial polydactyly, cardiac malformations, and separation of double renal pelvis. Karyotype, chromosomal microarray analysis and whole exome sequencing were performed for prenatal genetic etiology analysis.

Results

Chromosome abnormalities and copy number variants were not observed in the fetus using karyotype and chromosomal microarray analysis. Using whole exome sequencing, two compound heterozygous variants NM_147127.5:c.[2484G>A(p.Trp828Ter)];[871‐2_894del] in EVC2 gene were identified in the fetus as pathogenic variants inherited from parents.

Conclusions

The study is the first to identify two rare compound variants in EVC2 gene in a Chinese family using whole exome sequencing. The application of whole‐exome sequencing would be helpful in fetal etiological diagnosis with ultrasound anomalies.
Haplotypes of [‐794(CATT)5–8/‐173G>C] MIF gene polymorphisms and its soluble levels in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in western Mexican population
Authors: Guevara‐Gutiérrez Elizabeth , Ramos‐Súarez Marina , Villalobos‐Ayala Romina Angélica , Tlacuilo‐Parra Alberto , Muñoz‐Valle José Francisco , Tarango‐Martínez Victor , Valle Yeminia , Padilla‐Gutiérrez Jorge Ramón , Rojas‐Díaz José Manuel , Valdés‐Alvarado Emmanuel
Published: July 2023

Background

Some cytokines are strongly implicated in the development of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) such as the Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). The haplotype ‐794 (CATT)5–8/‐173G>C in MIF gene polymorphisms has been associated with some types of cancer. The aim of this study is to establish the possible association between the presence of this haplotype in the MIF gene and its subsequent soluble levels with the susceptibility of SCC in western Mexican population.

Methods

This study included 175 SCC patients and 175 age–sex‐matched individuals as a reference group (RG) from western Mexico. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes. Polymorphisms were genotyped by endpoint PCR and PCR‐RFLP, and the determination of MIF serum levels was measured by ELISA. Clinical characteristics were evaluated by a group of dermatologists.

Results

Analysis of [‐794(CATT)5–8/‐173G>C] MIF gene polymorphisms showed that the 5C (OR = 2.7, p = 0.02) and the 7G (OR = 3.39, p < 0.01) haplotypes are associated with susceptibility in SCC. MIF soluble levels in SCC patients showed a median of 13.93 ng/mL, whereas the reference group showed 6.000 ng/mL.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that 5C and 7G [‐794(CATT)5–8/‐173G>C] MIF gene haplotypes are associated with susceptibility to SCC and that SCC patients present increased soluble levels of MIF.
Co‐occurrence of Mycotoxin‐Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice Inhibited by Lycopene: Mitochondrial Impairment and Early Hepatic Fibrosis
Authors: Lin Jia , Liang Tianzeng , Huang Yang , Zuo Cuige , Wang Dan , Liu Yulan
Published: July 2023

Scope

Mycotoxins co‐contamination of agricultural products poses a serious threat to human and animal health, especially hepatic dysfunction. Zearalenone (ZEN), deoxynivalenol (DON), and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) are three commonly co‐occurring mycotoxins. This study is to determine whether lycopene (LYC) can alleviate hepatic toxicity induced by the co‐occurrence of ZEN, DON, and AFB1 in mice.

Methods and results

Eighty 6‐week‐old male ICR mice are divided into four groups: CON group (solvent control), LYC group (10 mg kg−1 LYC), Co‐M group (10 mg kg−1 ZEN + 1 mg kg−1 DON + 0.5 mg kg−1 AFB1), and LYC+Co‐M group (10 mg kg−1 LYC + 10 mg kg−1 ZEN + 1 mg kg−1 DON + 0.5 mg kg−1 AFB1). The results show that LYC can suppress the co‐occurrence of mycotoxin‐induced mitochondrial swelling and vacuolization accompanied by dysregulation of indices of mitochondrial dynamics (Mitofusin 1 (Mfn1), Mfn2, Optic atrophy 1 (Opa1), Dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1), Fission 1 (Fis1) at the mRNA level; DRP1 and FIS1 at the protein level). LYC effectively inhibits co‐occurrence of mycotoxin‐induced activation of Cytochrome P450 2E1, and early fibrosis, as determined by staining with Masson's trichrome and α‐SMA protein.

Conclusion

LYC successfully attenuates early hepatic fibrosis mainly through antioxidant activities and prevented mitochondrial injury.
Weakly supervised learning‐based 3D bladder reconstruction from 2D ultrasound images for bladder volume measurement
Authors: Peng Zhao , Shan Hongming , Yang Xiaoyu , Li Shuzhou , Tang Du , Cao Ying , Shao Qigang , Huo Wanli , Yang Zhen
Published: July 2023

Background

Accurate measurement of bladder volume is necessary to maintain the consistency of the patient's anatomy in radiation therapy for pelvic tumors. As the diversity of the bladder shape, traditional methods for bladder volume measurement from 2D ultrasound have been found to produce inaccurate results.

Purpose

To improve the accuracy of bladder volume measurement from 2D ultrasound images for patients with pelvic tumors.

Methods

The bladder ultrasound images from 130 patients with pelvic cancer were collected retrospectively. All data were split into a training set (80 patients), a validation set (20 patients), and a test set (30 patients). A total of 12 transabdominal ultrasound images for one patient were captured by automatically rotating the ultrasonic probe with an angle step of 15°. An incomplete 3D ultrasound volume was synthesized by arranging these 2D ultrasound images in 3D space according to the acquisition angles. With this as input, a weakly supervised learning‐based 3D bladder reconstruction neural network model was built to predict the complete 3D bladder. The key point is that we designed a novel loss function, including the supervised loss of bladder segmentation in the ultrasound images at known angles and the compactness loss of the 3D bladder. Bladder volume was calculated by counting the number of voxels belonging to the 3D bladder. The dice similarity coefficient (DSC) was used to evaluate the accuracy of bladder segmentation, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was used to evaluate the calculation accuracy of bladder volume with that of computed tomography (CT) images as the gold standard.

Results

The results showed that the mean DSC was up to 0.94 and the mean absolute RSD can be reduced to 6.3% when using 12 ultrasound images of one patient. Further, the mean DSC also was up to 0.90 and the mean absolute RSD can be reduced to 9.0% even if only two ultrasound images were used (i.e., the angle step is 90°). Compared with the commercial algorithm in bladder scanners, which has a mean absolute RSD of 13.6%, our proposed method showed a considerably huge improvement.

Conclusions

The proposed weakly supervised learning‐based 3D bladder reconstruction method can greatly improve the accuracy of bladder volume measurement. It has great potential to be used in bladder volume measurement devices in the future.
Prognostic ability of the neoadjuvant rectal (NAR) score in long‐course concurrent chemoradiotherapy for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lu Siyi , Peng Ran , Li Xianan , Chen Zhaoyu , Zhou Yi , Qu Ruize , Zhou Xin , Zhang Qiuxiang , Wang Yuxia , Li Xuemin , Sun Tao , Wang Hao , Fu Wei
Published: July 2023

Background

The aims of this study were to evaluate the prognostic ability of the neoadjuvant rectal (NAR) score and to develop and validate a nomogram based on the NAR for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT).

Methods

In total, 307 patients, including 230 patients from the primary cohort and 77 from the external cohort, were enrolled across the two centers. The associations of the NAR score with the tumor response, tumor control, and clinicopathological parameters were analyzed. Survival analysis was performed in the primary and external cohorts using Kaplan‒Meier curves. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the prognostic factors. The NAR‐based nomogram was developed in the primary cohort and validated in the external cohort using the concordance index (C‐index), calibration plots, and decision curve analyses (DCAs).

Results

Kaplan‒Meier survival analysis revealed that the disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of the NAR > 16 group were significantly lower than those of the NAR ≤ 16 group (p < 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified the NAR score as an independent prognostic factor for both DFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.484, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.159−5.323, p = 0.019) and OS (HR = 4.633, 95% CI: 1.076−19.941, p = 0.04). Calibration plots and DCAs showed that NAR‐based nomograms for DFS and OS were consistent and useful in clinical practice. Moreover, the C‐indexes of the NAR‐based nomograms were better than those of the other variables in both the primary and external cohorts.

Conclusion

Our study validates the prognostic role of the NAR score for DFS and OS. The NAR‐based nomogram for OS could accurately predict the outcome of LARC patients by stratifying the risk score accordingly.
A new deflation criterion for the QZ algorithm
Authors: Steel Thijs , Vandebril Raf , Langou Julien
Published: July 2023

The QZ algorithm computes the generalized Schur form of a matrix pencil. It is an iterative algorithm and, at some point, it must decide when to deflate, that is when a generalized eigenvalue has converged and to move on to another one. Choosing a deflation criterion that makes this decision is nontrivial. If it is too strict, the algorithm might waste iterations on already converged eigenvalues. If it is not strict enough, the computed eigenvalues might not have full accuracy. Additionally, the criterion should not be computationally expensive to evaluate. There are two commonly used criteria: the elementwise criterion and the normwise criterion. This paper introduces a new deflation criterion based on the size of and the gap between the eigenvalues. We call this new deflation criterion the strict criterion. This new criterion for QZ is analogous to the criterion derived by Ahues and Tisseur for the QR algorithm. Theoretical arguments and numerical experiments suggest that the strict criterion outperforms the normwise and elementwise criteria in terms of accuracy. We also provide an example where the accuracy of the generalized eigenvalues using the elementwise or the normwise criteria is less than two digits whereas the strict criterion leads to generalized eigenvalues which are almost accurate to the working precision. Additionally, this paper evaluates some commonly used criteria for infinite eigenvalues.
Critically ill patients' experiences of nursing care and the effect on their personhood: A retrospective study
Authors: Kuyler Ariné , Johnson Ensa
Published: July 2023

Aim

This study aims to report patients' experiences of nursing care in the critical care unit and the resulting effect of such care on the personhood of patients.

Design and Method

The study adopted a qualitative design and aimed to include both descriptive and exploratory information. It involved a single participant group comprising ten previously critically ill patients with whom retrospective, semi‐structured interviews were conducted in a natural setting during 2018. Private hospitals in Gauteng, South Africa, were targeted for data collection.

Results

The findings of this study were categorised and described according to Kitwood's conceptualisation of person‐centred care. Five categories were identified by patients as impacting their personhood and perceived person‐centred care.

Conclusion

Nurses ability to support perceived personhood of patients during person‐centred care is integral to the betterment of the patient. Patient's experiences of nursing care can often be affected if they perceive their personhood as not being valued by nurses. This study creates increased awareness of these components to ensure that patient‐nurse relationships are established adequately to meet both the patients' and the nurses' needs.
Older adults' acceptance of the COVID‐19 vaccine: Application of the health belief model
Authors: Ibrahim Fatma M. , Fadila Doaa E , Elmawla Doaa Abd Elhameed Abd
Published: July 2023

Aims

To determine the prevalence of COVID‐19 vaccination acceptance among older adults and the factors that independently predict vaccine acceptance using the Health Belief Model (HBM).

Design

This was a cross‐sectional, descriptive study.

Methods

Consenting older adults aged 60 years and older (n = 384) from Primary Health Care Centers in rural and urban areas of Mansoura District, Egypt, who could interact adequately with researchers participated in the study. The data were collected through an electronic questionnaire that included socio‐demographic data, health‐related characteristics, and health beliefs based on the HBM framework.

Results

Overall, 46.9% were willing to receive the COVID‐19 vaccine, 19.5% declined, and 33.6% were undecided. Higher perceptions of COVID‐19 severity, vaccine benefits, and action cues were associated with vaccine acceptance (p = 0.05).

Public Contribution

Vaccination campaigns that highlight the benefits of immunization should be prioritized by policymakers. In addition, vaccinated peoples should use social media to spread awareness about the advantages and challenges of vaccination. Nurse leaders should apply the HBM to forecast health‐related behaviors, especially vaccination attitudes.
Prehistoric human diet composition in Northwest Patagonia: Complementing isotopic analysis with zooarchaeological information
Authors: Moscardi Bruno F. , Bernal Valeria , Rindel Diego , Gordón Florencia , Perez S. Ivan
Published: July 2023

In this work, we study diet composition of prehistoric human populations of Northwest Patagonia by exploring the combination of two different approaches frequently used in bioarchaeology, Bayesian isotope mixing models, and zooarchaeological analysis. For this purpose, we compiled a large dataset of previously published δ13C and δ15N human and resource values, as well as zooarchaeological data, corresponding to the Middle–Late Holocene and distributed throughout Northwest Patagonia. We first propose a replicable approach to divide the region into different areas comprising human individuals that shared the same available resources and perform isotope mixing models at individual level using default (i.e., uninformative) prior distributions in the Bayesian mixing models. Then, we explore a potential complementation of isotopic and zooarchaeological evidence by introducing the frequency of zooarchaeological assemblages with the different resources, as well as NISP, as priors in the Bayesian mixing models to guide diet estimations. Additionally, we use these frequencies to analyze the possible absence of some important resources in previous analyses. Based on the species distribution and geographical location of bioarchaeological sites, we divided the region into five areas (Northwest and Northeast Neuquén, South Neuquén/Rio Negro, and Southwest and Central‐east Mendoza) that differ in the resources available for potential human consumption. The results obtained show high diet variability among these areas, with individuals from Northwest and Northeast Neuquén consuming mainly large animals (i.e., guanaco and rhea, respectively) and South Neuquén/Rio Negro and Center‐east and Southwest Mendoza consuming a larger diversity of resources. Our results show that considering zooarchaeological priors in the analyses results in diet composition estimations more in line with the ecological diversity present in the region than previous estimations. We propose that approaches like this, which are common in ecological studies, should be considered in bioarchaeology to make more robust estimates of diet composition.
Green synthesis of gum arabic platinum nanoparticle: Electrochemical sensor application for glyphosate detection
Authors: Elamin Manahil Babiker , Ali Shazalia Mahmoud Ahmed , Chrouda Amani , Alhaidari Laila M. , Alrouqi Rahaf Mutlaq , Al‐Shammari Athary Tami , Alsuqiani Amjad Awad , Jaffrezic‐Renault Nicole
Published: July 2023

Metallic green nanoparticles based on gum arabic (GA) biopolymer have attracted a great deal of attention in numerous applications, especially in electrochemical sensor design for environmental monitoring. One of the most harmful contaminants that threaten environmental safety is the glyphosate molecule. For this purpose, we report, herein, the synthesis of novel platinum nanoparticles decorated by GA to develop a new, rapid, and efficient electrochemical sensor for the trace of glyphosate detection. To control the morphology, dispersion, size, and structure of the Platinum nanoparticles, different techniques are investigated. To achieve the optimal configuration of sensor design, several electrochemical techniques, namely, cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse technique are used. The obtained results confirm the success of nanoparticles design with spherical morphology and good dispersion with a size in the order of 6–10 nm. More important, the electrochemical analysis suggested efficient sensing activity with a limit of detection in order of 0.5 ng/mL. As a proof of concept, we have demonstrated the ability of the designed sensor to recognize glyphosate in real media with recovery ranging from 96% to 104%, making the technology of the sensor based on metallic green nanoparticles a promising alternative for glyphosate detection.
Effect of banana peduncle fiber on the mechanical, water, and degradation properties of hybrid composites made from modified soy resin
Authors: Bishoyi Kesaba Charan , Pattnaik Shruti Swaroop , Behera Diptiranjan , Behera Ajaya Kumar
Published: July 2023

The use of banana pseudo stems is currently acknowledged as a sustainable raw material that piqued researchers' interest because of their high cellulose content, and good to moderate tensile strength. In order to develop various batches of biodegradable composite, peduncle fibers from waste banana peduncles were isolated and then reinforced after mild alkali treatment with biodegradable soy resin, phenol‐formaldehyde (resole), and soy‐resole resins via thermoforming (compressing) method. Peduncle fiber reinforced soy‐resole composite exhibited maximum tensile strength of 43.5 MPa and flexural strength of 36.2 MPa as a result of strong interaction/bonding between functional groups of the two biomaterials used here. All composites were put through a water sorption test, which showed that they are fairly hydrophobic by nature since after 24 h, they absorbed 10.2%–28.2% of water. These composites proved to be both eco‐friendly and biodegradable, since they broke down easily in the soil after 60 days and all of the composites lost about 70% of their original weight. These composites are anticipated to be used as an alternative to environment threatening plastic in indoor furniture, packaging, and computer cabinets.

Highlights

Banana peduncle fiber was extracted from waste peduncle and used as reinforcer.

The tensile strength of the composite was achieved as 43.5 MPa.

The water absorption of composite was found 10.2% only after 24 h.

After 60 days under soil burial, composite lost 70.8% of its original weight.

Developed composites can be good alternant for non‐biodegradable thermoplastic.
Prediction of tensile strength of basalt continuous fiber from chemical composition using machine learning models
Authors: Zhang Ling , Yang Lu , Lai Chuan , Fu Dong , Lin Jun , Hou Haochun , Zhao Yan , Zhang Zeliang , Bu Caiyun , Zheng Xinran
Published: July 2023

Tensile strength is the major mechanical property of basalt continuous fiber and is closely related to their chemical composition. This study constructed a machine learning model framework to predict the tensile strength of basalt continuous fiber. The database included the characteristic variables of oxides and their derived parameters, as well as the target variables of tensile strength. The mean squared error (MSE) were calculated to evaluate the performance of six machine learning models of decision tree, kernel ridge regression, multivariable linear regression, support vector regression, random forest, and k‐nearest neighbors. The k‐nearest neighbors model had a minimum MSE and was tuned using the grid search method with cross‐validation. The optimal hyper‐parameters of the k‐nearest neighbors model were K = 6, p = 10, and the determination coefficient of the model reached the maximum of 0.7110 on the test data. The limitations and implications of the present study were also demonstrated. We finally expected that the constructed framework could achieve higher prediction accuracy for tensile strength at a low cost in the future.

Highlights

A machine learning framework was built to predict the tensile strength of BCF.

Oxides and their derived parameters were used for modeling.

K‐nearest neighbors performed best in predicting the tensile strength.

The framework was robust, cost‐saving, and efficient.
Study on the property of mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with nisin for poly (lactic acid)‐based packaging film
Authors: Jiang Kai , Lu Wangwei , Zhu Bifen , Chen Haiyan , Li Lin , Qin Yuyue
Published: July 2023

Nisin was loaded in mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) (0, 1, 2 and 3 wt%) and incorporated into poly (lactic acid) (PLA) matrix by casting method. The mechanical property, water vapor permeability, thermal property, and antimicrobial property of PLA nanocomposite films were measured. And the internal structure of the composite film was observed through the Scanning electron microscope. Meanwhile, the kinetic of nisin releasing from food simulated solution was investigated and the migration model was established. The result showed that mesoporous silica had an effect on the mechanical and thermal property of the composite films. Both water vapor transmission rate (WVP) and oxygen permeation rate (OTR) decreased, especially for 3MSN/NI/PLA, where WVP decreased by about 9.64% and OTR decreased by 35.19%, which was beneficial to improve the preservation effect. With the addition of MSN, the amount of loaded nisin increased, and at 3MSN/NI, the nisin loading reached 88.75%, and the mesoporous silica could effectively control the release of nisin, thus prolonging the preservation effect. The release kinetic of nisin was described by Fick's law and Weibull's model. In short, the PLA nanocomposite film has the potential to be used as an antimicrobial active film by adding nisin as an antimicrobial agent.

Highlights

A biodegradable antimicrobial food grade film was prepared.

Nisin was added to the films as an antimicrobial agent.

The ordered mesoporous structure of MSN was used as a carrier of antimicrobial agent.

The film effectively inhibits E. coli and S. aureus by controlling the release of nisin.

Fick's law and Weibull's model were used to describe the release kinetics of Nisin.
Prescribing of valproate and oral antiepileptics for women of childbearing age and during pregnancy in Germany between 2010 and 2020
Authors: Scholz Katrin , Köster Ingrid , Meyer Ingo , Selke Gisbert W. , Schubert Ingrid
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To examine prescriptions of valproate and oral antiepileptic drugs (OAED) in Germany irrespective of the indication in women in general and particularly in women of childbearing age (13–49 years) and during pregnancy between 2010 and 2020, that is, before, during and after the implementation of the EU risk minimization measures (RMMs).

Methods

Analysis of claims data. Study population: all women continuously insured with the AOK health insurance fund in the respective observation year (2010–2020) and the previous year. OAED were identified by ATC code N03. Period of pregnancy was calculated based on birth information in claims data. Main outcomes measures: (i) prevalent use of valproate/OAED: number of women with at least one prescription of valproate/OAED per year divided by all women of the study population (rate per 1000 women); (ii) percentage of OAED recipients with at least one valproate prescription during pregnancy (13–49 years) in the respective observation year.

Results

Prevalence rate/1000 women for valproate use decreased by −31.33% across all age groups (2010–2014: −7.48%; 2014–2018: −16.47%; 2018–2020: −11,17%) with a strong reduction in women 13–49 years between 2014 and 2018 (−28.74%). The rate for OAED across all age groups rose from 33.43/1000 women in 2010 to 41.03/1000 (+22,73%). Valproate use during pregnancy of women with OAED declined from 1.29% in 2010 to 0.59% in 2020 (−54,26%) (2010–2014: −5.14%; 2014–2018: −42.31%; 2018–2020: −16.69%).

Conclusion

Even if, due to the descriptive nature of the study, no causal relationship can be postulated between the RMMs and the strong decrease in valproate prescriptions, our results are compatible with the hypothesis that the measures have improved drug therapy safety.
Measurement invariance of the Arabic version of the Flourishing Scale in a sample of special education teachers
Authors: AL‐Dossary Saeed A. , Almohayya Bander M.
Published: July 2023

The present study aims to validate the Flourishing Scale (FS) in a convenience sample of 233 special education teachers. The FS's psychometric properties were investigated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). EFA had a one‐factor solution that explained 49.9% of the variance, a Cronbach's alpha internal consistency of .83, and a McDonald omega coefficient of .83. For the scale validity, the FS had a 0.36 to 0.56 correlation with the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SLWS), Happiness Measures (HM), and Life Satisfaction (LS), indicating convergent validity. The FS was also correlated with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, implying its discriminant validity. The FS's one‐factor model produced good fit indices when running the CFA. Multi‐group confirmatory factor analysis (MGCFA) was used to evaluate measurement invariance. With one non‐invariant item, the result revealed partial scalar invariance across gender and marital status groups. There were no differences across gender and marital status when the latent mean differences were also evaluated. The results revealed no statistically significant differences in FS between males and females, or between single and married participants. The limitations and implications of the study are discussed.
The relationship between early adolescent cyberbullying victimization and later emotional wellbeing and academic achievement
Authors: Halliday Sarah , Taylor Amanda , Turnbull Deborah , Gregory Tess
Published: July 2023

This study addresses a knowledge gap in the literature about early adolescent cyberbullying victimization and the related positive and negative emotional wellbeing and academic achievement outcomes experienced over time. The study examines 9139 South Australian students (aged 10–13 years) who reported on cyberbullying status in Grade 6, and explores the relationship with emotional wellbeing and academic achievement outcomes measured in Grade 7 and Grade 9, while accounting for range of child, peer, school, and community covariates. Using mixed effects modeling, the results show that cyberbullying victimization is associated with significantly lower levels of happiness, life satisfaction, and higher levels of sadness, and worries over the shorter term (Grade 7), and significantly lower levels of reading and numeracy sustained across the longer term (Grades 7 and 9), compared to non‐victimization. The results indicate that early adolescent cyberbullying may be associated with poor emotional wellbeing and academic achievement as one progresses through formal school and highlights the importance of considering the outcomes of bullying victimization beyond the immediate instance.
Fabrication of patterned and anti‐patterned azopolymer nanoarrays via the light‐induced nanowetting method
Authors: Yan Ai‐Ling , Chang Chia‐Wei , Tsai Tsung‐Hung , Huang Meng‐Ru , Lin Kuan‐Ting , Karapala Vamsi Krishna , Ho Jhih‐Hao , Dai Wei‐You , Chen Jiun‐Tai
Published: July 2023

The template wetting method is a common method used for preparing one‐dimensional polymer nanostructures, which can be widely applied in many fields. Although the template wetting method has generality in controlling the morphology of nanomaterials, it still poses challenges in generating patterned polymer nanoarrays. Here, we present the fabrication of patterned and anti‐patterned azopolymer (PAzo) nanoarrays via the light‐induced nanowetting method. By shining UV lights, the trans‐PAzo converts to cis‐PAzo, causing a reduction of the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the PAzo below room temperature. Consequently, the PAzo polymers can undergo reversible solid–liquid transitions by shining UV and visible lights. When PAzo films are covered with photomasks and anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates, followed by shining UV lights, patterned PAzo nanoarrays can be generated. We further apply the concept that cis‐PAzo films can be selectively removed by solvents to generate anti‐patterned PAzo nanoarrays. By covering PAzo films with photomasks and illuminating UV lights, the unmasked areas can be converted to cis‐form, which can then be selectively removed by selected solvents. The patterned PAzo films are then covered with AAO templates, followed by shining UV lights, forming hierarchical anti‐patterned PAzo nanoarrays.