bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High circulating fibroblast growth factor-21 levels as a screening marker in fatty pancreas patients
Authors: Han Fei , Yin Ling , Yu Xiaoping , Xu Renyan , Tian Mingxiang , Liu Xinnong , Zhou Lu , Hu Lianghao , Gong Weijuan , Xiao Weiming , Lu Guotao , Yao Guanghuai , Ding Yanbing
Published: April 2023

Background

The study aimed to detect the serum levels of fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21) in fatty pancreas (FP) patients and to investigate their potential clinical value.

Methods

We screened patients with FP using transabdominal ultrasound. The anthropometric, biochemical and serum levels of FGF-21 were compared between the FP group and the normal control (NC) group. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of serum FGF-21 for FP patients.

Results

Compared with the NC group, body mass index, fasting blood glucose levels, uric acid levels and cholesterol levels of the FP group were significantly higher, while the high-density lipoprotein level was lower. In addition, levels of serum FGF-21, resistin, leptin and tumor necrosis factor-α were significantly higher than those in the NC group, while the serum adiponectin level was lower. Pearson analysis showed serum FGF-21 levels in FP patients were negatively correlated with leptin. The ROC curve showed the best critical value of the serum FGF-21 level in FP patients was 171 pg/mL (AUC 0.744, P = 0.002, 95% confidence intervals 0.636–0.852).

Conclusion

Serum FGF-21 was closely related to fatty pancreas. Detecting serum FGF-21 levels may help identify the population susceptible to FP.
Bicol College Property Management System for Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management Students: Mock Hotel Operation
Authors: Pavia Joan , Bonilla Kervey Mar Jush , Cordovilla Wilken John , Pama John Reysel , Baula Ceejee , Bermejo Eugene
Published: April 2023

Bicol College Hospitality Management Department uses third-party software to assess students through the practical exam. Using third-party software makes it difficult for the Hospitality Management Department in terms of flexibility, availability, and scheduling. This study is for Bicol College Property Management System for Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management Students: Mock Hotel Operation aimed to answer this problem. It has the ability to perform different automated processes of how a hotel is being managed, similar to the third-party software they are using. However, a lot more features have been added, like the technology of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). The four phases of Rapid Application Development (RAD) helped the researchers to gather enough information to conduct this study successfully. The collection of data focused on three categories: Overall Design, Functionality, and User Friendliness. To test the developed system, the researchers conducted a demonstration, beta testing, and distributed questionnaires with the participants based on a quantitative method. The researchers received positive feedback from the participants. In conclusion, the researchers met and filled the gaps in this study. They had also proven that they successfully met their general and specific objectives.
The Appreciation of Cryptocurrency: A Study on Digital Asset Knowledge among Rural Bank Personnel in the Second District of Albay Province
Authors: Ng Jefferson , Nasser Theresa
Published: April 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic is a modern problem brought about by ease in travel, advanced trade and industry, and the like. This global health concern requires solutions to limit face-to-face interactions, such as cryptocurrency. The researcher makes an effort to use less fiat, which results in paperless transactions. With this system already in place, this study examined how rural bank personnel appreciate cryptocurrency. This study used the descriptive research design and an online survey as its data gathering tool. The respondents were regular employees of rural banks in the second district of Albay who consented to participate in the study. The statistical methods used in the study were the Kendall Coefficient of Concordance W and Chi-square. The findings are the following: the rural banks' managers were less appreciative of cryptocurrency, and supervisors and office staff felt indecisive about their appreciation. Also, there is a significance of agreement among the respondents in terms of knowledge, regardless of rank. In general, the respondents were not ready to understand and accept cryptocurrency. This study recommends further research to involve other professionals in Albay. The rural bank personnel may also attend webinars regarding digital assets and cryptocurrency. It also recommends the collaboration of banks to improve cryptocurrency appreciation and related concerns.
Support Vector Machine Based Classification of Leaf Diseases
Authors: Zaw Ko Ko , Myo Dr. Zin Ma Ma , Thoung Daw Thae Hsu
Published: April 2023

Myanmar is well known for agricultural country; wherein about 65% of the labor force depends on agriculture. Since the leaf diseases are microscopic organism, cannot be detected normal human eyes. Leaves are special indicator to distinguish the diseases because the image information of the leaf are changed when the leaf surf the diseases. So, the image processing techniques can be used in agricultural sector. The research work presents a support vector machine classifier algorithm by using MATLAB R2017a for the classification of leaf diseases such as Alternaria Alternata, Cercospora leaf spot, Bacterial Blight and so on. In this research work, RGB color space is converted into HSI (Hue Saturation Intensity) color space. In segmentation step, k-means clustering is used to select the defected area, and it is extracted the features by using GLCM (Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix). Prior to the features extraction, the median filter is used for getting noise free feature results. Finally, the leaf disease is classified by using support vector machine (SVM) and computes the accuracy. From the obtained results, the maximum accuracy of the system is 83%.
Bioethanol Production from Office Waste Paper
Authors: Htway Wai Mar , Thein Thu Zar , Hlaing Ye Myat Phone
Published: April 2023

In this study, office waste paper was utilized as the raw material for production of bioethanol. Experimental studies have been carried out cellulose to sugar by acid hydrolysis. Acid hydrolysis of waste paper to sugar was carried out 121?C with 5%(v/v) sulfuric acid with the volume of 100ml, 200ml and 5,10,15 g of office waste paper to obtain the best yield of hydrolysate. After adjustment of pH with 5M of sodium hydroxide solution, fermentation was investigated using Saccharomyces Cerevisiae to convert sugar to bioethanol and produced 0.033 g/ml of maximum sugar with 150 rpm for overnight at room temperature. The viability of cell was not the only factor influencing fermentation. The operation time for hydrolysis, adjustment of pH, amount of yeast and rate of aeration during fermentation a was a key interactive factor resulting in ethanol accumulation.
Effect of Carica papaya Leaves and Seeds on Electrolyte and Hematological Parameters in Albino Wistar Rats Exposed to Lead Nitrate
Authors: Okon Aniekanabasi Jonathan , Aluko Olufemi Oludare , Okon Idorenyin Jonathan , Inah Simon Alain , Dania Afe Victor , Achi Favour Inyang-ogim
Published: April 2023

Background: Exposure to lead produces a variety of adverse health effects. This study evaluated the effect of aqueous extracts of Carica papaya leaves and seeds on electrolyte and hematological parameters in albino Wistar rats exposed to lead nitrate.

Methods: Thirty male albino Wistar rats weighing between 174- 196g were assigned to six groups of five animals. Group 1 served as control, group 2 received 50mg/kg body weight lead nitrate (PbNO3), groups 3 and 4 received 500 mg/kg body weight aqueous extract of Carica papaya leaves (CPL) and Carica papaya seed (CPS) respectively, groups 5 and 6 received 50mg/kg body weight PbNO3 + 500mg/kg body weight CPL and CPS respectively for 31 days by oral gavaging. Animals were sacrificed and blood collected for various assay using standard methods. ANOVA on SPSS version 25 was used to determine variations within and between groups.

Results: Increases in sodium and potassium, and decreases in chloride, calcium and bicarbonate levels were observed in the lead intoxicated group. Treatment with CPL and CPS reversed the alterations in electrolytes. Levels of RBC, PCV, Hb, MCH, MCHC and lymphocytes were lower in the lead intoxicated group relative to the lead intoxicated groups complemented with CPL and CPS, while WBC, MCV and platelet counts were higher in the lead intoxicated group when compared to the group complemented with CPL and CPS.

Conclusion: This finding suggests that CPL and CPS could be protective against lead induced alterations in electrolytes and hematological parameters and could be harnessed for these potentials.
Genetic Spectrum of Variation and Diversity for Yield and Yield Attributing Traits in Mutagenized Population of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)
Authors: Raghavendra V. C. , Girish G. , Ashok M. B. , Tembhurne B. V. , Yogeesh L. N. , Govindappa M. R.
Published: April 2023

The present study was carried out in Agricultural Research Station, Hagari during rabi 2020, it was undertaken to assess nature of genetic variability and diversity among 200 mutant lines of M4 generation. The study revealed wide variation for yield and yield attributing traits, moderate GCV and PCV coupled with high heritability and genetic advance was observed for stem girth, panicle length and panicle width. The traits viz., stem girth, panicle length, panicle weight, panicle width, 100-seed weight, grain yield per plant and fodder yield showed high heritability and genetic advance as per cent of mean. A wider genetic diversity was observed for the different traits studied among the mutant lines as evidenced by the formation of thirteen clusters for the 200 mutant lines. Out of thirteen characters studied, fodder yield contributed majorly towards divergence with value of 37.35 per cent followed by 100-seed weight contributes (20%), grain yield contributes (15%) and other traits contribute minorly for divergence.
Advances in the Co-Host Immune Response to Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome and Kawasaki Disease in Children with AI-Guided Features
Authors: Zhong Hongping , Sun Xiaoya , Lv Xin , Jiao Wenyan
Published: April 2023

Purpose: To explore the role of artificial intelligence in the immune response mechanism of children with multi-system inflammatory syndrome and Kawasaki disease. Methods: To search the domestic and foreign literatures about the immune response mechanism of these two diseases, and analyze the literatures according to the characteristics of artificial intelligence. Results: AI analysis showed that the two kinds of children's syndrome were concentrated in the cytokine storm centered on il-15/IL15RA, which confirmed that the two diseases had the same initial immune pathway, but the differences in immune phenotype, cytokine, cell count and other aspects suggested that KD and MIS-C were two different diseases. Conclusion: It shows the applicability of AI in this research direction, and points out the limitations of the current research scope and samples. The difference between the results of KD and MIS-C research guides the direction of future research. Accurate and comprehensive laboratory indicators and parameters can be applied to artificial intelligence and provide basis for diagnosis and treatment of diseases. As the number of infected people increases, the problem of sample limitation in the current work can also be improved.
Percentage of use of instruments in surgical procedures / Percentual de utilização de instrumentais em procedimentos cirúrgicos
Authors: Montagner Baptistella Carolina , Ezidio da Silva dos Santos Silvia Elena , Mendes Silva Thomazini Jaqueline , Alves Figueiredo Clesyane , Maino Pergola-Marconato Aline , Silva Marconato Rafael
Published: April 2023

Objetivo: analisar o percentual de instrumentais cirúrgicos que compõem a caixa de laparotomia exploradora e não são utilizados durante as cirurgias. Método: estudo descritivo, transversal com abordagem quantitativa, que contabilizou instrumentais constituintes da caixa de laparotomia exploradora utilizados e não utilizados durante 13 cirurgias realizadas em um período de 17 dias, em um hospital do interior paulista. Resultados: nas 13 cirurgias analisadas, obteve-se um total de 1300 (100%) pinças presentes nas caixas, onde 832 (64%) não foram utilizadas e 468 (36%) foram utilizadas. Nos tempos cirúrgicos, o maior número de uso foi de 166 (35,5%) artigos, para preensão e afastadores. Conclusão: houve 64% de instrumentais não utilizados nas cirurgias analisadas. Há necessidade de implementar estratégias gerenciais que reduzam os números encontrados e, consequentemente, reduzam gastos, para gerar menor desperdício e reduzir falhas no gerenciamento de recursos materiais.
Role of Positive Age Beliefs in Recovery From Mild Cognitive Impairment Among Older Persons
Authors: Levy Becca R. , Slade Martin D.
Published: April 2023

This cohort study examines the contribution of positive age beliefs to recovery from mild cognitive impairment among older persons.
Involuntary Hospitalization and Coercive Treatment of People With Mental Illness Experiencing Homelessness—Going Backward With Foreseeable Harms
Authors: Kerman Nick , Kidd Sean A. , Stergiopoulos Vicky
Published: April 2023

This Viewpoint discusses how New York City’s new policy approach to homeless persons with mental illness is a violation of human rights.
Partial Activation of PPAR‐γ by Synthesized Quercetin Derivatives Modulates TGF‐β1‐Induced EMT in Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Ballav Sangeeta , Ranjan Amit , Basu Soumya
Published: April 2023

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has a very low survival rate due to poor response to chemotherapy and late detection. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is regarded as a major contributor to drive metastasis during NSCLC progression. Towards this, transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGF‐β1) is the key driver that endows cancer cells with increased aggressiveness. Recently, this group synthesized a series of Schiff base quercetin derivatives (QDs) and ascertained their effectiveness on EMT markers of A549 cell line. This study evidenced that the EMT process is counteracted via the partial activation of a nuclear hormone receptor, Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐γ through QDs. Here, that work is extended to investigate the interplay between PPAR‐γ partial activation and TGF‐β1‐induced EMT in human lung cancer A549 cells. The results reveal that TGF‐β1 plays a critical role in suppressing PPAR‐γ, which is markedly reversed and increased by partial agonists: QUE2FH and QUESH at both protein and transcriptional levels. The partial agonists not only stimulate PPAR‐γ in a balanced manner but also prevent the loss of E‐cadherin and acquisition of TGF‐β1‐induced mesenchymal markers (Snail, Slug, Vimentin, and Zeb‐1). Subsequently, the effects are accompanied by attenuation of TGF‐β1‐induced migratory ability of A549 cells.
Low‐Grade Waste Heat Enables Over 80 L m−2 h−1 Interfacial Steam Generation Based on 3D Superhydrophilic Foam
Authors: Zhu Kaixuan , Liao Qihua , Hao Xuanzhang , Yao Houze , Bai Jiaxin , Guang Tianlei , Lin Tengyu , Cheng Huhu , Qu Liangti
Published: April 2023

Clean water scarcity and energy shortage have become urgent global problems due to population growth and human industrial development. Low‐grade waste heat (LGWH) is a widely available and ubiquitous byproduct of human activities worldwide, which can provide effective power to address the fresh water crisis without additional energy consumption and carbon emissions. In this regard, 3D superhydrophilic polyurethane/sodium alginate (PU/SA) foam and LGWH‐driven interfacial water evaporation systems are developed, which can precipitate over 80 L m−2 h−1 steam generation from seawater and has favorable durability for purification of high salinity wastewater. The excellent water absorption ability, unobstructed water transport, and uniform thin water layer formed on 3D skeletons of PU/SA foam ensure the strong heat exchange between LGWH and fluidic water. As a result, the heat‐localized PU/SA foam enables the efficient energy utilization and ultrafast water evaporation once LGWH is introduced into PU/SA foam as heat flow. In addition, the precipitated salt on PU/SA foam can be easily removed by mechanical compression, and almost no decrease in water evaporation rate after salt precipitation and removal for many times. Meanwhile, the collected clean water has high rejection of ions of 99.6%, which meets the World Health Organization (WHO) standard of drinking water. Above all, this LGWH‐driven interfacial water evaporation system presents a promising and easily accessible solution for clean water production and water–salt separation without additional energy burden for the society.
HFIP‐Catalyzed Mannich Reaction: Divergent Synthesis of Difluoro‐Substituted 3,4‐Dihydroquinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones and Monofluoroquinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones
Authors: Xiong Daokai , Zhang Zhengjie , Zhang Jing , Wang Yurong , Yang Jianguo , Wang Zhiming , Zhang Pengfei
Published: April 2023

Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) has been extensively applied in organic synthesis as a versatile reaction media. However, the application of HFIP as an catalyst in organic synthesis has been rarely studied. Presented here, is the example of HFIP‐catalyzed Mannich‐type reaction between quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones and difluoroenoxysilanes. The developed protocol tolerates various substituents under mild reaction conditions, providing a divergent approach to the construction of difluoro‐substituted 3,4‐dihydroquinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones and monofluoroquinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones in 51–92% yields.

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CH‐Functionalization of Heterocycles with the Formation of C−O, C−N, C−S/Se, and C−P Bonds by Intermolecular Addition of Heteroatom‐Centered Radicals
Authors: Budnikov Alexander S. , Krylov Igor B. , Mulina Olga M. , Lapshin Dmitry A. , Terent'ev Alexander O.
Published: April 2023

In the last decade, free radicals have found a wide application in functionalization of unsaturated compounds, such as alkenes, alkynes, and arenes, via the free‐radical addition to carbon‐carbon π‐bonds. In these processes, intermolecular free‐radical attack on the aromatic substrates represents a challenge due to relatively high resistance of aromatic π‐system to addition reactions in comparison to alkene C=C bonds. The free‐radical functionalization of heterocycles is especially interesting due to the diversity of their structures and chemical properties as well as their importance for medicinal chemistry, agrochemistry, and materials science. Addition of C‐centered radicals to heterocycles is widely known as the Minisci‐type reactions and well‐reviewed. In this paper, we have summarized the main achievements in less explored group of processes: functionalization of heterocycles by intermolecular addition of heteroatom‐centered radicals (O‐, N‐, S‐/Se‐, and P‐radicals) with the emphasis on the papers published after 2010. Literature analysis revealed the strong trend towards the usage of electrochemistry and photoredox‐catalysis for the generation of free radicals in recent years. The remaining fundamental problem in this field is the lack of strong experimental support for the proposed mechanisms and frequent existence of several plausible reaction pathways. The progress in mechanistic studies can significantly improve the prediction of optimal reaction conditions depending on the substrates structure.
Geminal/Vicinal Amino‐ and Oxy‐Trifluoromethylation of ortho‐Ethynyl Anilines and Phenols by Cu(III)−CF3 Compounds
Authors: Chen Dou‐Dou , Zhang Song‐Lin
Published: April 2023

This study reports geminal amino‐ and oxy‐trifluoromethylation of ortho‐ethynyl anilines/phenols by phenCu(III)(CF3)3 (phen denotes 1,10‐phenanthroline), which constructs indole and benzofuran skeleton with concurrent incorporation of a CF3 group to the C2 position. Sequential trifluoromethylation of the terminal alkyne followed by 5‐endo‐trig cyclization of amino/hydroxyl with alkyne is involved. This method addresses the troublesome regioselectivity issue in C−H trifluoromethylation of arenes/heteroarenes wherein complicated mixtures of regioisomers were often obtained. A competing vicinal fluoro‐trifluoromethylation of terminal alkynes is suppressed under the optimal conditions wherein the Cu(III)−CF3 compound acts as a bifunctional reagent to provide both CF3 and F. Interestingly, when an acylamino group is present at the ortho‐position of phenylacetylene, vicinal syn‐amidate‐trifluoromethylation of the alkyne group occurs preferentially through 6‐exo‐trig cyclization to produce benzoxazines with a trifluoroethylidene at the C4‐position. The controllable and concise synthesis of valuable trifluoromethylated N‐ and O‐heterocyclic compounds shows the synthetic value of Cu(III)−CF3 compounds in medicinal chemistry.

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Food supply chains and resilience to shocks: Evidence from India's COVID‐19 lockdown
Authors: Gupta Nikita , Vemireddy Vidya , Shaw Abhishek
Published: April 2023

We study the disruption of food supply to households and reduced farm‐to‐market arrivals in India's food supply chain during the COVID‐19 lockdown. We focus on the relationship between logistics quality (and performance) and the intensity of disruptions across India's states. We find four policy‐relevant findings: (1) Food consumption expenditure was higher in states with better logistics quality; (2) These states recovered more quickly from farm‐to‐market disruptions with higher agricultural market arrivals in the later phases of the lockdown; (3) Rural food supply chains turned out to be as vulnerable as urban ones; and (4) Expenditure on cereals and pulses faced large reductions.
Examining trust between supervisors and trainees in the pediatric emergency department
Authors: Andler Caroline , Schmidt Anita R. , Chang Todd P. , Cho Christine S.
Published: April 2023

Objective

Lack of trust between supervisors and trainees can have harmful consequences. Trust has been examined between physicians, patients, and staff in multiple settings but has not been examined in a bidirectional manner in the pediatric emergency department (PED). Debra Meyerson in 1996 discussed the theory of swift trust, a type of trust that develops quickly between temporary groups through reliance on categories. Meyerson describes categories as groups unified by social identities such as gender or profession. We explored the applicability of swift trust in the relationship between supervisors and trainees in the PED.

Methods

This multimethods study used qualitative interviews and the validated interpersonal mistrust trust measure (IMTM) to assess baseline trusting style. PED attendings from a single institution and residents from various training levels, specialties, and institutions rotating through the same PED were sampled until thematic saturation was reached. Interviews were analyzed using directed content analysis. IMTM scores were triangulated with interviewee's reported trusting styles.

Results

Seventeen PED attendings and 16 residents participated. Residents and attendings emphasized different factors that influence trust. Common factors across groups included affect, the need for vulnerability, and appropriate communication. Most described reliance on certain categories (level of training, specialty, etc.) when making trusting decisions. Categories such as gender and race were noted to be unimportant when making trusting decisions about others, although some participants believed these attributes played into decisions made by others. Quantitative data from the IMTM supported qualitative conclusions regarding trusting style.

Conclusions

The trusting relationship between supervisors and trainees in the PED dovetails with the swift trust theory. Common factors that influence trust reveal entry points for attendings and residents to improve trust and ultimately prevent negative patient outcomes. Future studies may examine how reliance on categories influences an individual's trust in their colleagues.
What to know about 2.0: Revisions to the pediatric emergency medicine milestones
Authors: Sagalowsky Selin T. , Rudinsky Sherri L. , Gray James M. , Edgar Laura
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) adopted educational milestones for trainee assessment in 2013, as a key component of the Next Accreditation System. Two years later, the ACGME, American Board of Pediatrics (ABP), and American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) collaborated to create specialty‐specific subcompetencies in pediatric emergency medicine (PEM). Since that time, emerging data have demonstrated the need to revise specialty milestones. Consequently, the ACGME summoned a working group to revise the original PEM milestones.

Methods

The PEM Milestones 2.0 Working Group convened in April 2021, comprising diverse representation from ACGME staff, PEM and EM attendings, PEM fellowship program directors, PEM fellows, and community members, overseen by the ACGME's vice president for milestones development. The group met virtually six times over 3 months, with concurrent independent and subgroup work, to draft the PEM Milestones 2.0 and supplemental guide.

Results

The working group's revisions generated concise descriptions of behavioral anchors to define skill acquisition more accurately; attention to the transition from residency to fellowship training; incorporation of harmonized milestones for non–patient care and non–medical knowledge domains; and increased emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. A supplemental guide was also designed to aid programs in designing programmatic assessment related to specialty‐specific milestones.

Conclusions

The PEM Milestones 2.0 provide an updated, specialty‐specific framework to guide the development and assessment of PEM fellows and training programs. Future work may focus on faculty and learner development, advancing validity evidence, strengthening content expertise, and integrating milestones with specialty‐specific entrustable professional activities.
Dynamics of liquid dispersion in a rotating packed bed with single‐layer wire mesh
Authors: Chen Wen‐Cong , Liu Zhi‐Hao , Chu Guang‐Wen , Zhang Liang‐Liang , Chen Jian‐Feng
Published: April 2023

The improvement of liquid dispersion by rotating wire mesh is one of the major causes for the mass transfer and micromixing intensification in rotating packed beds (RPBs). In particular, the initial dispersion region has been proved to have the greatest mass transfer and micromixing efficiency. However, the dispersion mechanism has not been revealed. This study investigated the dynamics of liquid dispersion in an RPB with single‐layer wire mesh. The liquid dispersion behaviors were obtained by high‐speed photography and numerical simulation. The liquid was found to stretch into ligaments and break into the main droplet and several satellite droplets. A new theoretical model was established to reveal the dispersion mechanism of these two stages. The stretching stage depends on the liquid initial momentum and acquired impulse, while the breakup stage was determined by the competition of ligaments recoil and pinch‐off behaviors. The model was validated in good agreement with the experimental and simulation results of the dispersion characteristics.
The influence of patient position on ultrasound examination of the sciatic nerve in the popliteal fossa: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Samet Ron E. , Dorsey Nicolas , Sappenfield Joshua W. , Gold Andrew K. , Hsiao Emily J. , Bentzen Soren M. , Bigeleisen Paul E.
Published: April 2023

Introduction/Purpose

Ultrasound‐guided popliteal fossa sciatic nerve (PFSN) blocks are performed with patients in the supine, lateral or prone position. No known studies compare the quality of images obtained from each approach. This study examines the quality of supine and prone PFSN ultrasound images.

Methods

Thirty‐eight adult volunteers were sorted into two groups. Five regional anaesthesiologists performed ultrasound examinations of the PFSN on volunteers in supine and prone positions. Popliteal fossa sciatic nerve image quality was analysed with grayscale techniques and peer evaluation. Popliteal fossa sciatic nerve depth, distance from the popliteal crease and time until optimal imaging were recorded.

Results

The grayscale ratio of the PFSN vs. the background was 1.83 (supine) and 1.75 (prone) (P = 0.034). Similarly, the grayscale ratio of the PFSN vs. the immediately adjacent area was 1.65 (supine) and 1.55 (prone) (P = 0.004). Mean depth of the PFSN was 1.6 cm (supine) and 1.7 cm (prone) (P = 0.009). Average distance from the popliteal crease to the PFSN was 5.9 cm (supine) and 6.6 cm (prone) (P = 0.02). Mean time to acquire optimal imaging was 36 s (supine) and 47 s (prone) (P = 0.002). Observers preferred supine positioning 53.8%, prone positioning 22.5% and no preference 23.7% of the time. Observers with strong preferences preferred supine imaging in 70.9% of cases.

Conclusions

Supine ultrasound examination offered quicker identification of the PFSN, in a more superficial location, closer to the popliteal crease and with enhanced contrast to surrounding tissue, correlating with observer preferences for supine positioning. These results may influence ultrasound‐guided PFSN block success rates, especially in difficult‐to‐image patients.
Air‐Stable Organoradical Boron Reagents
Authors: Li Zenghui , Wang Jing , Liu Xiaoyang , Gao Pin , Li Guoping , He Gang , Rao Bin
Published: April 2023

Both organic radicals and organoboron reagents have been broadly investigated, but the combination of them via direct C−H borylation as organic radical building blocks has never been achieved. Herein, a series of organoradical boron reagents, such as TTM‐Bpin and TTM‐BOH, were synthesized through the key step of C−H borylation of substrate TTM‐H ((2,6‐dichlorophenyl) bis(2,4,6‐trichlorophenyl)methyl) radical for the first time. They are air stable enough to be stored in the solid state for several months under dark conditions, and fully investigated through single crystal analysis, EPR and DFT calculations. Furthermore, they can smoothly work in the standard Suzuki–Miyaura coupling (SMC) reaction with retention of the carbon radical center. Meanwhile, these radical species bearing different boron units display fluorescent character and are potentially applied for the collective synthesis of luminescent organic radicals, as well as other functionalized open‐shell materials.
Covalent Scrambling in Porous Polyarylthioethers through a Stepwise SNAr for Tunable Bandgap and Porosity
Authors: Kim Doyun , Nguyen Thien S. , Lee Hyejeong , Bayarkhuu Bolormaa , Rozyyev Vepa , Byun Jeehye , Li Sheng , Yavuz Cafer T.
Published: April 2023

Porous poly(aryl thioether)s offer stability and electronic tunability by robust sulfur‐aryl conjugated architecture, but synthetic access is hindered due to limited control over the nucleophilic nature of sulfides and the air sensitivity of aromatic thiols. Here, we report a simple, one‐pot, inexpensive, regioselective synthesis of highly porous poly(aryl thioether)s through polycondensation of perfluoroaromatic compounds with sodium sulfide. The unprecedented temperature‐dependent para‐directing formation of thioether linkages leads to a stepwise transition of the polymer extension into a network, thereby allowing fine control of the porosity and optical band gaps. The obtained porous organic polymers with ultra‐microporosity (<1 nm) and sulfur as the surface functional groups show size‐dependent separation of organic micropollutants and selective removal of mercury ions from water. Our findings offer easy access to poly(aryl thioether)s with accessible sulfur functionalities and higher complexity, which will help in realizing advanced synthetic designs in applications such as adsorption, (photo)catalysis, and (opto)electronics.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed Efficient Convergent Asymmetric Hydrogenation of E/Z‐Enamides
Authors: Chen Tiantian , Zou Yashi , Hu Yanhua , Zhang Zhenfeng , Wei Hao , Wei Liangming , Zhang Wanbin
Published: April 2023

Using the diphosphine‐cobalt‐zinc catalytic system, an efficient asymmetric hydrogenation of internal simple enamides has been realized. In particular, the Ph‐BPE ligand can achieve convergent asymmetric hydrogenation of E/Z‐substrates. High yields and excellent enantioselectivities were obtained for both acyclic and cyclic enamides bearing α‐alkyl‐β‐aryl, α‐aryl‐β‐aryl, and α‐aryl‐β‐alkyl substituents. Hydrogenated products can be applied for the synthesis of useful chiral drugs such as Arfromoterol, Rotigotine, and Norsertraline. In addition, reasonable catalytic mechanism and stereocontrol mode are proposed based on DFT calculations.
Synthesis of Cleavable Polymers via Oxidation of Thioether Moieties and Thiol Click Reactions: A Click‐Declick Strategy
Authors: Wang Lun , Liu Li , Zhao Hanying
Published: April 2023

In the past decades click chemistries including thiol chemistries have found wide applications in the synthesis of well‐defined polymers. In this research, a click‐declick strategy based on the oxidation of heteroaromatic thioethers and the substitution reactions between the oxidized groups and thiols, is proposed for the synthesis of the cleavable polymers. In proof‐of‐concept experiments, block copolymers (BCPs) and star‐like polymers are synthesized by thiol‐phenylsulfone substitution reactions, and heteroaromatic thioethers are produced at the junction points of the BCP chains or on the crosslinking sites of the star‐like polymer. The thioethers can be oxidized to heteroaromatic sulfoxides or sulfones, depending on the oxidization condition. It is demonstrated that both sulfoxides or sulfones can have base catalyzed nucleophilic substitution reactions with thiols, leading to the cleavage of the polymers.
Tube‐based batch model predictive control for polystyrene polymerization reaction process
Authors: Zhou Chengyu , Jia Li , Zhou Yang
Published: April 2023

This paper focuses on product quality control issue of polystyrene polymerization reaction process. A novel tube‐based batch model predictive control (BMPC) strategy based on a data‐driven model is presented, which is inspired by the tube‐based robust model predictive control (MPC) strategy. First, the dynamic behavior of the polystyrene polymerization reaction process is captured with high accuracy by establishing a just‐in‐time learning (JITL) model. Then, the built JITL model is regarded as the nominal system, and a BMPC is designed on the basis of JITL model to obtain the nominal trajectory, which is an integrated control system framework composed of iterative learning control (ILC) and MPC. Meanwhile, another auxiliary MPC (AMPC) is designed to minimize the deviation between the actual trajectory and the nominal trajectory, and the actual tracking errors are limited to the tube invariant set centered on the nominal errors to restrain the performance deterioration of the control system caused by the modeling errors. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed tube‐based BMPC method is verified by simulating an industrial batch polystyrene polymerization reaction process. The results indicate that the presented control algorithm not only enhances the tracking performance of the system but also provides a more robust system stability than existing methods. This paper provides a new solution to improve the product quality of polystyrene polymerization reaction process.
Theoretical and Experimental Studies on Material Gain for Wide Polar InGaN Quantum Well‐Mechanism Leading to Electric Field Screening and Lasing
Authors: Gładysiewicz Marta , Kudrawiec Robert , Muzioł Grzegorz , Turski Henryk , Skierbiszewski Czesław
Published: April 2023

The width of polar InGaN quantum wells (QWs) is usually limited to a few nanometers to ensure a sufficient overlap between the wave functions of the ground electron and hole state. This paper presents the results of material gain measurements for thin (2.6 nm), wide (10.4 nm), and extremely wide (25 nm) InGaN QWs. The comparison of experimental data with theoretical predictions allows for correlation of the current density with the carrier concentration, which contributes to the positive material gain, and determination of the coefficients in the standard ABC model. It is shown that the mechanism in wide and narrow polar QWs that leads to electric field screening and lasing is different. For wide QWs, the optical transitions between excited states become dominant in the gain spectrum. The reason for such a gain mechanism is the built‐in electric field, which must first be screened. The ground electron and hole states play a very important role in the screening; however, their contribution to the material gain and lasing in wide QWs is very weak.
In situ Synthesis of Gel Polymer Electrolytes for Lithium Batteries
Authors: Cheng Xiangran , Jiang Yi , Lu Chenhao , Li Jiaxin , Qu Jiahe , Wang Bingjie , Peng Huisheng
Published: April 2023

Gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) are considered as a promising solution to replace organic liquid electrolytes for safer lithium (Li) batteries due to their high ionic conductivity comparable to liquid electrolytes, no risk of leakage, and high flexibility. However, poor interfacial contact between electrodes and GPEs leads to high interfacial impedance and unsatisfactory electrochemical performance. The emerging in situ synthesized GPEs can fully infiltrate into porous electrodes and form intimate interfaces, improving interfacial contact and electrochemical performance. This perspective covers recent advances of in situ GPEs in design, synthesis, and applications in lithium (Li) batteries. Polyester and polyether‐based GPEs are mainly discussed followed by a brief introduction of GPEs with other polymer matrices, such as poly(ionic liquid)s, cyanoethyl polyvinyl alcohol, poly(vinyl acetal) and single‐ion conductors. Then, the recent progress in Li batteries using in situ GPEs are summarized, including Li‐ion battery, Li‐metal battery, Li‐sulfur battery, and Li‐air battery. Finally, the remaining challenges and future perspectives of in situ GPEs are discussed. We hope this perspective can offer guidance for in situ synthesis of GPEs and facilitate their applications in high‐performance Li batteries.
PI‐RADS 3 score: A retrospective experience of clinically significant prostate cancer detection
Authors: Camacho Andrés , Salah Fatima , Bay Camden P. , Waring Jonathan , Umeton Renato , Hirsch Michelle S. , Cole Alexander P. , Kibel Adam S. , Loda Massimo , Tempany Clare M. , Fennessy Fiona M.
Published: April 2023

Rationale and objectives

The study aims to propose an optimal workflow in patients with a PI‐RADS 3 (PR‐3) assessment category (AC) through determining the timing and type of pathology interrogation used for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) in these men based upon a 5‐year retrospective review in a large academic medical center.

Materials and methods

This United States Health Insurance Probability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)‐compliant, institutional review board‐approved retrospective study included men without prior csPCa diagnosis who received PR‐3 AC on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (MRI). Subsequent incidence and time to csPCa diagnosis and number/type of prostate interventions was recorded. Categorical data were compared using Fisher's exact test and continuous data using ANOVA omnibus F‐test.

Results

Our cohort of 3238 men identified 332 who received PR‐3 as their highest AC on MRI, 240 (72.3%) of whom had pathology follow‐up within 5 years. csPCa was detected in 76/240 (32%) and non‐csPCa in 109/240 (45%) within 9.0 ± 10.6 months. Using a non‐targeted trans‐rectal ultrasound biopsy as the initial approach (n = 55), another diagnostic procedure was required to diagnose csPCa in 42/55 (76.4%) of men, compared with 3/21(14.3%) men with an initial MR targeted‐biopsy approach (n = 21); (p < 0.0001). Those with csPCa had higher median serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and PSA density, and lower median prostate volume (p < 0.003) compared with non‐csPCa/no PCa.

Conclusion

Most patients with PR‐3 AC underwent prostate pathology exams within 5 years, 32% of whom were found to have csPCa within 1 year of MRI, most often with a higher PSA density and a prior non‐csPCa diagnosis. Addition of a targeted biopsy approach initially reduced the need for a second biopsy to reach a for csPCa diagnosis. Thus, a combination of systematic and targeted biopsy is advised in men with PR‐3 and a co‐existing abnormal PSA and PSA density.
Quorum sensing‐based metabolic engineering of the precursor supply in Streptomyces coelicolor to improve heterologous production of neoaureothin
Authors: Kim Do‐Kyung , Gu Boncheol , Kim Duck Gyun , Oh Min‐Kyu
Published: April 2023

Streptomyces are important industrial bacteria that produce pharmaceutically valuable polyketides. However, mass production on an industrial scale is limited by low productivity, which can be overcome through metabolic engineering and the synthetic biology of the host strain. Recently, the introduction of an auto‐inducible expression system depending on microbial physiological state has been suggested as an important tool for the industrial‐scale production of polyketides. In this study, titer improvement by enhancing the pool of CoA‐derived precursors required for polyketide production was driven in a quorum sensing (QS)‐dependent manner. A self‐sustaining and inducer‐independent regulatory system, named the QS‐based metabolic engineering of precursor pool (QMP) system, was constructed, wherein the expression of genes involved in precursor biosynthesis was regulated by the QS‐responsive promoter, scbAp. The QMP system was applied for neoaureothin production in a heterologous host, Streptomyces coelicolor M1152, and productivity increased by up to 4‐fold. In particular, the engineered hyperproducers produced high levels of neoaureothin without adversely affecting cell growth. Overall, this study showed that self‐regulated metabolic engineering mediated by QS has the potential to engineer strains for polyketide titer improvement.
CircPTPRA promotes the progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma via the miR‐140‐5p/LMNB1 axis
Authors: Fu Wen , Wang Xianxing , Xiang Jifeng , Chen Shengkai , Xia Renpei , Xie Fuming , Chi Bojing , Qin Fanbo , Li Zhuo , Mou Li , Xie Chuanming , Wang Huaizhi
Published: April 2023

Background

Growing evidences suggest that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are important factors in cancer progression. Nevertheless, the role of circRNAs in the progression of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains unclear.

Methods

CircPTPRA was identified based on our previous circRNA array data analysis. Wound healing, transwell, and EdU assays were performed to investigate the effect of circPTPRA on the migration, invasion, and proliferation of PDAC cells in vitro. RNA pull‐down, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and dual‐luciferase reporter assays were conducted to verify the binding of circPTPRA with miR‐140‐5p. Subcutaneous xenograft model was constructed for in vivo experiment.

Results

CircPTPRA was significantly upregulated in PDAC tissues and cells compared to normal controls. Moreover, circPTPRA overexpression was positively correlated with lymph node invasion and worse prognosis in PDAC patients. In addition, overexpression of circPTPRA promoted PDAC migration, invasion, proliferation, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circPTPRA upregulates LaminB1 (LMNB1) expression by sponging miR‐140‐5p and ultimately promotes the progression of PDAC.

Conclusions

This study revealed that circPTPRA plays an important role in the progression of PDAC by sponging miR‐140‐5p. It can be explored as a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for PDAC.
ALK+ ALCL in the setting of adalimumab‐related hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Craig Alexander , Wen Kwun Wah
Published: April 2023

This ALK‐positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) case highlights the importance of considering ALCL in the setting of iatrogenic immunosuppression in hidradenitis suppurativa patients. Diagnosis of ALCL can be challenging in situations with very low viability/cellularity, negative CD3 and/or other T‐cell markers, and immunosuppression.
Highly Efficient Catalysts for CO2 Fixation using Guanidinium‐Functionalized Zr‐MOFs
Authors: Masoom Nataj Seyedeh Molood , Kaliaguine Serge , Fontaine Frédéric‐Georges
Published: April 2023

An effective approach for tuning CO2 adsorption, activation and transformations of various epoxides in CO2 fixation reactions is introducing functional groups into the pores of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) through ligand modification. Herein, a novel ionic ligand, 1,5,7‐triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec‐5‐ene‐biphenyl‐4,4′‐dicarboxylic acid (H2BPDC−[TBD]+Br−), was synthesized to construct derivatives of the cationic guanidinium‐containing Zr‐MOF (UiO67‐[TBD]+Br−) with free bromide ions, as multifunctional heterogeneous catalysts. The materials were characterized comprehensively by multiple techniques such as PXRD, FTIR, TGA, SEM, EDS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectrometry (MS), elemental analysis, as well as N2 and CO2 adsorption measurements. The synthesized UiO67‐[TBD]+Br− exhibits an efficient heterogeneous catalytic performance in the CO2 fixation reaction with epoxides, with high yield and selectivity, under mild conditions (0.1 MPa CO2, 80 °C, without co‐catalyst and solvent). In addition, these catalysts display good thermal stability, recyclability and could be reused at least five times without a significant decrease in their catalytic performance.
Versatile Diazomethane Sulfonamide for Expedited Exploration of Azole‐Based Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors via [3+2] Cycloaddition
Authors: Krivovicheva Vasilisa , Bubyrev Andrey , Kalinin Stanislav , Dar'in Dmitry , Gureev Maxim , Burianova Valeria , Vullo Daniella , Krasavin Mikhail , Supuran Claudiu T.
Published: April 2023

A newly introduced diazo reagent, 1‐diazo‐N,N‐bis(4‐methoxybenzyl)methanesulfonamide, enables access to a range of azole‐based primary sulfonamides via [3+2] cycloaddition followed by protecting group removal. Such compounds are representative of the sulfonamide chemical space highly relevant but hitherto not investigated in the context of inhibition of therapeutically relevant isoforms of carbonic anhydrase enzyme. Using this reagent, three sets of primary sulfonamides based on pyrazole, 1,2,3‐triazole and tetrazole cores were synthesized and profiled for inhibition of tumor‐associated hCA IX and XII isoforms as well as abundant cytosolic hCA I and II isoforms. Using virtual library design and docking prioritization tool of the Schrödinger suite, one of the promising leads was evolved into a dual hCA IX/XII inhibitor with excellent selectivity over off‐target hCA I and II. The new synthetic strategy to access azole‐based primary sulfonamides will support the discovery of novel, isoform‐selective inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase within the poorly explored azole chemical space.