bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrocatalytic Nitrite Reduction in Neutral Water with Ni(II) and Co(II) Macrocycle Complexes: Catalytic Evaluation and Mechanistic Elucidation
Authors: Ferguson Jonathan , Brown Joshua , Richeson Darrin
Published: December 2023

Nitrite anions, of anthropogenic origin, in the environment disrupt the nitrogen cycle making the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrite a significant objective. Homogeneous Ni(II) and Co(II) complexes bearing a macrocyclic supporting ligand consisting of a tridentate redox active bis(imino)pyridine moiety coupled with a tertiary amine donor site are effective and selective for the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrite to ammonium ion and hydroxylamine in buffered (pH 7) aqueous solutions. Controlled potential coulometry at potentials from −0.98 to −1.05 V vs Ag/AgCl in 4‐morpholinepropanesulfonic acid (MOPS) buffer yielded ammonium as the major product with Faradaic efficiencies ranging from 76–90 %. A foot‐of‐the‐wave analysis yielded calculated turn‐over frequencies of 61 s−1and 28 s−1 for the Ni and Co complexes, respectively. The Ni complex displayed a higher selectivity for NH4+/NH2OH than the Co analog. A computational examination of the catalytic mechanism of the Ni complex was used to support and elucidate the proposed chemical steps, provide some energetic details of the electron and proton transfers, and present a rationale for the selectivity of this reduction.
Vitamin B12 in Photocatalysis – An Underexplored Frontier in Cooperative Catalysis
Authors: Moser Austin J. , Funk Brian E. , West Julian G.
Published: December 2023

Vitamin B12 (VB12) is a flexible and sustainable catalyst both in nature and the reaction flask, facilitating varied organic transformations of high value to both enzymatic processes and synthetic chemists. Key to this value is the breadth of reactivity it possesses, capable of both ionic, 2 electron chemistry, and radical, 1 electron chemistry. In particular, the ability to generate carbon‐centered radical intermediates via photolysis of organocobalt intermediates formed from alkyl electrophiles opens the door to powerful new radical transformations challenging to achieve using classical photoredox or ligand‐to‐metal charge transfer (LMCT) catalysis. While this unique photocatalytic reactivity of VB12 has been increasingly leveraged in monocatalytic schemes, recent reports have demonstrated VB12 is able to function as the photocatalytic component in cooperative schemes, driving diverse reactivity including remote elimination of alkyl halides, regioselective epoxide arylation, and regioselective epoxide reduction. This concept briefly overviews the enabling photochemical properties of VB12 and recent applications in cooperative catalysis, providing a framework for the continued development of new cooperative catalyst systems using this powerful photoactive complex.
Social resources and professional identity: Predicting counselors‐in‐training's burnout and engagement
Authors: Um Byeolbee , Nam Sojeong
Published: December 2023

This study investigated the relationships between counselors‐in‐training (CITs)’s social resources, burnout, engagement, and professional identity, using structural equation modeling. Results showed that CITs’ professional identity partially mediated the relationships between social resources and burnout/engagement. Implications for counselor educators and counseling programs to prevent CIT burnout and promote engagement are discussed.
Chemo‐ and Regioselective Catalytic Cross‐Coupling Reaction of Ketones for the Synthesis of β, γ‐Disubstituted β, γ‐Unsaturated Ketones
Authors: Adhikari Priyanka , Bhattacharyya Dipanjan , Deori Kritartha , Sarmah Bikash Kumar , Das Animesh
Published: December 2023

C−C bond forming reaction of ketone with aldehyde is well‐studied for the synthesis of α, β‐unsaturated ketones, however, the reaction with two different ketones to unsaturated carbonyl compound has not yet been systematically studied. Probably due to the relatively low reactivity of ketones as electrophiles (aldol acceptors), its propensity for retro‐aldol reaction. The reactions often suffer from unsatisfactory chemoselectivity (self‐ vs. crossed aldol products) and regioselectivity (thermodynamic vs. kinetic enolate). In this quest, we report here for the first time selective cross‐coupling reaction of ketones to β‐branched β, γ‐unsaturated ketones by using ruthenium catalysis. Interestingly, single crossed aldol condensation products are formed even in reactions where a mixture of products is possible. Reaction is highly chemoselective, regioselective and produces H2O as the only byproducts making the protocol environmentally benign. Method is compatible with a wide variety of sensitive functional group and applicable for even problematic aliphatic ketones as substrates. Notably, acetone was found as a three‐carbon feedstock for the syntheses of simple β, γ‐unsaturated ketone compounds. The process can further be extended to the gram‐scale reaction and late‐stage functionalization of natural products. With the help of DFT calculations, several control experiments, and deuterium‐labeling experiments, the mechanistic finding demonstrated that initial aldol‐condensation of ketones to a β, β‐disubstituted α, β‐unsaturated ketone, which further isomerizes to a β, γ‐ unsaturated ketone via η3‐allyl ruthenium complex.
Research Progress in Liquid Phase Growth of GaN Crystals
Authors: Sun Defu , Liu Lei , Wang Guodong , Yu Jiaoxian , Li Qiubo , Tian Ge , Wang Benfa , Xu Xiangang , Zhang Lei , Wang Shouzhi
Published: December 2023

As a wide band gap semiconductor, gallium nitride (GaN) has high breakdown voltage, excellent structural stability and mechanical properties, giving it unique advantages in applications such as high frequency, high power, and high temperature. As a result, it has broad application prospects in optoelectronics and microelectronics. However, the lack of high‐quality, large‐size GaN crystal substrates severely limit the improvement of electronic device performance. To solve this problem, liquid phase growth of GaN has attracted much attention because it can produce higher quality GaN crystals compared to traditional vapor phase growth methods. This review introduces two main methods of liquid phase growth of GaN: the flux method and ammonothermal method, as well as their advantages and challenges. It reviews the research history and recent advances of these two methods, including the effects of different solvents and mineralizers on the growth quality and performance of GaN crystals, as well as various technical improvements. This review aims to outline the principles, characteristics, and development trends of liquid phase growth of GaN, to provide more inspiration for future research on liquid phase growth, and to achieve further breakthroughs in its development and commercial application.
Myosin 1e deficiency affects migration of 4T1 breast cancer cells
Authors: Garone Michael E. , Chase Sharon E. , Zhang Chunling , Krendel Mira
Published: December 2023

Metastasis of breast cancer cells to distant tissue sites is responsible for the majority of deaths associated with breast cancer. Previously we have examined the role of class I myosin motor protein, myosin 1e (myo1e), in cancer metastasis using the Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus‐Polyoma Middle T Antigen (MMTV‐PyMT) mouse model. Mice deficient in myo1e formed tumors with a more differentiated phenotype relative to the wild‐type mice and formed no detectable lung metastases. In the current study, we investigated how the absence of myo1e affects cell migration and invasion in vitro, using the highly invasive and migratory breast cancer cell line, 4T1. 4T1 cells deficient in myo1e exhibited an altered morphology and slower rates of migration in the wound‐healing and transwell migration assays compared to the WT 4T1 cells. While integrin trafficking and Golgi reorientation did not appear to be altered upon myo1e loss, we observed lower rates of focal adhesion disassembly in myo1e‐deficient cells, which could help explain the cell migration defect.
Data‐driven optimization of version 9 American Joint Committee on Cancer staging system for anal cancer
Authors: Janczewski Lauren M. , Browner Amanda , Cotler Joseph , Nelson Heidi , Ballman Karla V. , LeBlanc Michael , Gollub Marc J. , Eng Cathy , Brierley James D. , Palefsky Joel M. , Goldberg Richard M. , Goodman Karyn A. , Washington M. Kay , Asare Elliot A. , Palis Bryan
Published: December 2023

INTRODUCTION

The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system undergoes periodic revisions to maintain contemporary survival outcomes related to stage. Recently, the AJCC has developed a novel, systematic approach incorporating survival data to refine stage groupings. The objective of this study was to demonstrate data‐driven optimization of the version 9 AJCC staging system for anal cancer assessed through a defined validation approach.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was queried for patients diagnosed with anal cancer in 2012 through 2017. Kaplan–Meier methods analyzed 5‐year survival by individual clinical T category, N category, M category, and overall stage. Cox proportional hazards models validated overall survival of the revised TNM stage groupings.

RESULTS

Overall, 24,328 cases of anal cancer were included. Evaluation of the 8th edition AJCC stage groups demonstrated a lack of hierarchical prognostic order. Survival at 5 years for stage I was 84.4%, 77.4% for stage IIA, and 63.7% for stage IIB; however, stage IIIA disease demonstrated a 73.0% survival, followed by 58.4% for stage IIIB, 59.9% for stage IIIC, and 22.5% for stage IV (p <.001). Thus, stage IIB was redefined as T1‐2N1M0, whereas Stage IIIA was redefined as T3N0‐1M0. Reevaluation of 5‐year survival based on data‐informed stage groupings now demonstrates hierarchical prognostic order and validated via Cox proportional hazards models.

CONCLUSION

The 8th edition AJCC survival data demonstrated a lack of hierarchical prognostic order and informed revised stage groupings in the version 9 AJCC staging system for anal cancer. Thus, a validated data‐driven optimization approach can be implemented for staging revisions across all disease sites moving forward.
Applications of Advanced Natural Language Processing for Clinical Pharmacology
Authors: Hsu Joy C. , Wu Michael , Kim Chloe , Vora Bianca , Lien Yi Ting (Kayla) , Jindal Ashutosh , Yoshida Kenta , Kawakatsu Sonoko , Gore Jeremy , Jin Jin Y. , Lu Christina , Chen Bingyuan , Wu Benjamin
Published: December 2023

Natural language processing (NLP) is a branch of artificial intelligence, which combines computational linguistics, machine learning, and deep learning models to process human language. Although there is a surge in NLP usage across various industries in recent years, NLP has not been widely evaluated and utilized to support drug development. To demonstrate how advanced NLP can expedite the extraction and analyses of information to help address clinical pharmacology questions, inform clinical trial designs, and support drug development, three use cases are described in this article: (1) dose optimization strategy in oncology, (2) common covariates on pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters in oncology, and (3) physiologically‐based PK (PBPK) analyses for regulatory review and product label. The NLP workflow includes (1) preparation of source files, (2) NLP model building, and (3) automation of data extraction. The Clinical Pharmacology and Biopharmaceutics Summary Basis of Approval (SBA) documents, US package inserts (USPI), and approval letters from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were used as our source data. As demonstrated in the three example use cases, advanced NLP can expedite the extraction and analyses of large amounts of information from regulatory review documents to help address important clinical pharmacology questions. Although this has not been adopted widely, integrating advanced NLP into the clinical pharmacology workflow can increase efficiency in extracting impactful information to advance drug development.
Grb7 knockout mice develop normally but litters born to knockout females fail to thrive
Authors: Lofgren Kristopher A. , Kenny Paraic A.
Published: December 2023

Background

Growth factor receptor‐bound 7 (Grb7) is an adaptor protein involved in signal transduction downstream of multiple receptor tyrosine kinases, including ERBB, FGFR, and PDGFR pathways. Experimental studies have implicated Grb7 in regulating cell proliferation, survival, migration, and invasion through its large repertoire of protein–protein interactions.

Results

Here, we describe the generation and characterization of a Grb7 knockout mouse. These mice are viable and fertile. A lacZ knock‐in reporter was used to visualize Grb7 promoter activity patterns in adult tissues, indicating widespread Grb7 expression in glandular epithelium, the central nervous system, and other tissues. The sole defect observed in these animals was a failure of Grb7 knockout females to successfully raise pups to weaning age, a phenotype that was independent of both paternal and pup genotypes.

Conclusions

These data suggest a regulatory role for Grb7 in mammary lactational physiology.
Use of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists in eating disorder populations
Authors: Bartel Sara , McElroy Susan L. , Levangie Danielle , Keshen Aaron
Published: December 2023

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1As) are being used as approved or off‐label treatments for weight loss. As such, there has been increasing concern about the potential for GLP‐1As to impact eating disorder (ED) symptomatology. This article seeks to (1) review the current state of knowledge regarding GLP‐1As and ED symptomatology; (2) provide recommendations for future research; and (3) guide ED clinicians in how to discuss GLP‐1As in clinical practice. Although evidence is limited, it is possible that GLP‐1As could exacerbate, or contribute to the development of, ED pathology and negatively impact ED treatment. Preliminary research on the use of GLP‐1As to treat binge eating has been conducted; however, studies have design limitations and additional research is needed. Therefore, at the current time there is not sufficient evidence to support the use of GLP‐1s to treat ED symptoms. In summary, more research is required before negative or positive conclusions can be drawn about the impact of GLP‐1As on EDs psychopathology. Herein, we provide specific recommendations for future research and a guide to help clinicians navigate discussions with their clients about GLP‐1As. A client handout is also provided.

Public Significance

Despite glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1As; e.g., semaglutide) increasingly being the topic of clinical and public discourse, little is known about their potential impact on ED symptoms. It is possible that GLP‐1As could maintain, worsen, or improve ED symptoms. This article reviews the limited literature on GLP‐1As and ED symptoms, recommends future research, and provides clinicians with a guide for discussing GLP‐1As with ED clients.
Exploring the potential of aqueous extracts of Artemisia annua ANAMED (A3) for developing new anti‐malarial agents: In vivo and silico computational approach
Authors: Apeh Victor Onukwube , Okafor Kennedy Chinedu , Chukwuma Ifeoma Felicia , Uzoeto Henrietta Onyinye , Chinebu Titus Ifeanyi , Nworah Florence Nkechi , Edache Emmanuel Israel , Okafor Ijeoma Peace , Anthony Okoronkwo Chukwunenye
Published: December 2023

The emergence of resistance to current antimalarial drugs poses a significant challenge in the fight against malaria. This study aimed to investigate the in vivo antiplasmodial potential of the aqueous extract of fresh and dried leaves of A3 in Plasmodium berghei‐infected (P. berghei) mice. A 4‐day suppressive test was conducted, with infected BALB/c mice receiving artesunate and A3 extracts. The results showed that the tested doses of A3 attenuated the elevation of parasitemia induced by P. berghei, particularly at the dose of 400 mg/kg, and improved hematological indices. Computational techniques, including molecular docking, binding free energy calculations, and ADMET predictions, identified several bioactive compounds in A3 with promising inhibitory potential against lysyl‐tRNA synthetases and Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), the crucial enzymes targeted by antimalarial drugs. In this paper, Friedelin, Bauerenol, Epifriedelanol, Alpha‐Amyrenone, Stigmasterol, and beta‐Amyrin acetate were top‐ranked, having docking scores from −10.6 to −9.9 kcal/mol, compared with the −9.4 and −7.1 kcal/mol demonstrated by artesunate and chloroquine, respectively, as standard ligands. Also, it was shown that docking score from the Lysyl‐tRNA protein target (4YCV) ranged from −9.5 to −7.8 kcal/mol in comparison to artesunate (8.1 kcal/mol) and chloroquine (5.6 kcal/mol). The results suggest that the identified compounds in A3 could serve as potential candidates for the development of new anti‐malarial agents.
1D Layered LiVO3 Nanorods Synthesized by Ultrasonic‐Assisted Chemical Route for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Shinde Tanuja Nagnath , Vedpathak Amol , Nagare Balasaheb J. , Sapkal Digambar M. , Desai Mangesh , Atre Pradeep Prabhakar , Sartale Shrikrishna D.
Published: December 2023

Herein, 1D layered lithium vanadate (LiVO3) nanorods are successfully synthesized using a facile ultrasonic‐assisted chemical route using V2O5 as the starting material. The as‐prepared LiVO3 nanorods are characterized by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy techniques. The reaction and growth mechanism of LiVO3 nanorods formation are provided. The synthesized LiVO3 nanorods are used as electrode material for supercapacitor applications and exhibit a high specific capacitance of 426.2 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1. Additionally, the LiVO3 // AC asymmetric coin cell supercapacitor device fabricated with LiVO3 as the cathode shows an excellent energy density of 25.4 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 228.5 Wkg−1 along with superior cyclic stability of ≈80% after 5000 cycles and wide operating voltage window of 1.6 V. Density functional theory studies show that the decrease in the bandgap of the LiVO3 is one of the intrinsic reasons that the conductivity and capacitive charge storage performance are greatly improved over V2O5. This design of a 1D layered LiVO3 nanorods presented in this work will provide a path to discover high performing electrode materials for supercapacitor applications.
Li‐Ion Battery State of Health Estimation Using Hybrid Decision Tree Model Optimized by Bayesian Optimization
Authors: Qiang Xingzi , Tang Yi , Wu Longxing , Lyu Zhiqiang
Published: December 2023

Accurately battery state of health (SOH) estimation in electric vehicles (EVs) is crucial for optimal performance and safety. This article presents an in‐depth investigation into the utilization of an optimized decision tree (DT) model for precise SOH estimation. Two aging features (AFs) are extracted through incremental capacity analysis from the partial charging process, and their efficacy is thoroughly validated on both battery cells and packs. To capture the relationship between AFs and capacity degradation, a robust DT model is established. Furthermore, Bayesian optimization is employed to optimize the model hyperparameters, enhancing the learning and generalization capabilities of the DT model. To validate the optimized DT model, a battery management system (BMS) is developed using a hybrid programming approach with LabVIEW and MATLAB, enabling online SOH estimation. The BMS undergoes rigorous evaluation using publicly available aging datasets of battery cells, as well as private datasets of battery packs. The results demonstrate that the optimized DT model outperforms traditional DT models, back propagation neural networks, and support vector machine approaches in accurately estimating battery SOH across diverse datasets. This research contributes to the advancement of BMS and holds profound implications for the efficient utilization of batteries in EVs.
Survey of an online system for information to women with epilepsy of childbearing age and management during pregnancy: A 3‐year evaluation
Authors: Smith Malm Christofer , Klecki Judith , Lisovska Kristina , Zelano Johan
Published: December 2023

Objective

We developed an online tool for women with epilepsy consisting of two modules: one with information on pregnancy‐related issues (information module) and one for reminders about blood test and communication about dose changes (pregnancy module). Our aim was to assess perceived value, user‐friendliness and improvement of patient knowledge in users.

Methods

The system was launched in 2019 and patients invited by epilepsy nurses were asked to participate in a survey 1 month after the invitation for the information module, and 1 month postnatally for the pregnancy module.

Results

By November 2022, the system had been used by 96 individuals out of 100 invited in the pregnancy module, in a total of 114 pregnancies. One hundred and eleven women had been invited to the information module, and 70 of these accessed it. The survey received 96 answers (44 information, 52 pregnancy). User‐friendliness was rated as good or very good by a little over half of the users; 55% in the information module and 52% in the pregnancy module. Among pregnant women, 83% found the TDM part useful and most would prefer a similar system in future pregnancies. Sixty‐four percent of users of the information module and 48% of the pregnancy module found that the system had increased their knowledge. Two knowledge questions were answered correctly by a significantly higher proportion of those that had accessed the online information.

Significance

There was great demand for online communication during pregnancy and our experiences of implementation can hopefully assist digitalization of epilepsy care elsewhere. Online information also seems to increase knowledge about pregnancy‐related issues, but our invitation‐only method of inclusion was not effective for widespread dissemination. Patient‐initiated access with optional epilepsy‐team contact if questions arise could be an alternative.

Plain Language Summary

We have performed a survey of users of a new Internet‐based tool for information to women of childbearing age and communication about dose changes during pregnancy. Users were overall satisfied with the tool and answered some knowledge questions more accurately after accessing the information.
Development and optimization of a novel response‐amplified friction damper with different friction pairs
Authors: Gao Jingwei , Song ShouTan , Wang Chun‐Lin , Zeng Bin
Published: December 2023

In order to improve the efficiency of friction dampers, a shear‐type response‐amplified friction damper (RAFD) was proposed, which utilized a lever mechanism to amplify the shear displacement and increase the sliding distance of friction pairs. Cyclic loading tests were conducted on 12 RAFD specimens to evaluate the effects of machining processes, friction materials, loading protocols, and bolt pretension on the mechanical performance of the specimens. The results showed that the RAFD specimens with NAO and brass friction pads exhibited plump hysteresis loops, and the bearing capacity, effective stiffness, energy dissipation, and equivalent viscous damping ratio all met the stability requirements of FEMA 356 for the friction damper. Reducing the clearance between pins and holes and strengthening the hole edges shortened the plateau near zero resistances of the hysteresis loops by 75%–90%. Furthermore, combined with rotational analysis of the lever, a design methodology for the RAFD specimen was developed. Based on the response amplification factor R, key mechanical indices such as bearing capacity and equivalent friction coefficient were derived, and a theoretical hysteresis model for the RAFD was constructed, which matched well with experimental results.
The role of cognitive reserve in mediating HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorders in older adults living with‐treated HIV in Mbeya, Tanzania: A cross‐sectional observational study
Authors: M Sadler , E Kuhoga , N Thumma‐Reddy , E Chuma , K Said , Kaminyoge Mpoki Simioni , B Mussa , R Walker , G Livingston , W. K Gray , S.‐M Paddick , B Mbwele
Published: December 2023

Introduction

HIV‐associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) are a spectrum of cognitive impairments in chronic HIV infection. HAND is common in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), despite combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Older people appear to be at increased risk. It is unknown if cognitive reserve (CR), which is protective in neurodegenerative dementias, protects against HAND.

Objective

To evaluate the association of CR and risk of HAND in an older cART‐treated population in SSA.

Methods

Cross‐sectional observational study completed in hospital outpatient clinics in Southwest Tanzania. We assessed HIV‐positive participants aged ≥50 years established on cART using a neuropsychological test battery, functional assessment, informant history and depression screen. Control participants were HIV‐negative individuals attending chronic disease clinics. We used operationalised Frascati criteria for HAND diagnosis. CR was measured using the Cognitive Reserve Index (CRI) and other proxy measures.

Results

The prevalence of HAND was 64.4% (n = 219/343). Lower CRI score [odds ratio (OR) = 0.971, p = 0.009] and less formal education (OR = 4.364, p = 0.026) were independent risk factors for HAND but HIV‐severity measures were not. Unemployment and low‐skilled manual work were associated with increased risk of HAND in bivariate analysis but not in multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

Higher total CRI score and more formal education appeared to be protective against HAND, in this cohort. Potentially, cognitively and socially stimulating activities and exercise could increase cognitive reserve in later life. Cognitive reserve could possibly be more important than HIV‐disease severity in risk of HAND in older people with treated HIV.
Knockout of NMDARs in CA1 and dentate gyrus fails to impair temporal control of conditioned behavior in mice
Authors: Strickland Jasmin A. , Austen Joseph M. , Sprengel Rolf , Sanderson David J.
Published: December 2023

The hippocampus has been implicated in temporal learning. Plasticity within the hippocampus requires NMDA receptor‐dependent glutamatergic neurotransmission. We tested the prediction that hippocampal NMDA receptors are required for learning about time by testing mice that lack postembryonal NMDARs in the CA1 and dentate gyrus (DG) hippocampal subfields on three different appetitive temporal learning procedures. The conditional knockout mice (Grin1ΔDCA1) showed normal sensitivity to cue duration, responding at a higher level to a short duration cue than compared to a long duration cue. Knockout mice also showed normal precision and accuracy of response timing in the peak procedure in which reinforcement occurred after 10 s delay within a 30 s cue presentation. Mice were tested on the matching of response rates to reinforcement rates on instrumental conditioning with two levers reinforced on a concurrent variable interval schedule. Pressing on one lever was reinforced at a higher rate than the other lever. Grin1ΔDGCA1 mice showed normal sensitivity to the relative reinforcement rates of the levers. In contrast to the lack of effect of hippocampal NMDAR deletion on measures of temporal sensitivity, Grin1ΔDGCA1 mice showed increased baseline measures of magazine activity and lever pressing. Furthermore, reversal learning was enhanced when the reward contingencies were switched in the lever pressing task, but this was true only for mice trained with a large difference between relative reinforcement rates between the levers. The results failed to demonstrate a role for NMDARs in excitatory CA1 and DG neurons in learning about temporal information.
Productivity of olive oil (Coratina variety) in response to irrigation treatments in sandy soil
Authors: Taha Ahmed Mohamed , Khalifa Hamdy E.
Published: December 2023

A 2‐year field experiment was conducted on drip‐irrigated olive oil orchards (Coratina var.) on a private farm in the newly reclaimed sandy soil of the West Nile Delta region, Egypt, during the 2020 and 2021 seasons to evaluate the effect of five irrigation treatments (120%, 100%, 80% and 60% reference crop evapotranspiration [ETo] and farmer practice) on applied irrigation water (AIW), water consumptive use, olive fruit and oil yields and some fruit quality parameters, water use efficiency, water productivity, electric energy consumed, farm income and benefit–cost ratio and to develop local crop coefficients (Kc) and yield response factors (Ky). The results indicated that the 2‐year average AIW values were 9953 (17.9 m3/tree/year), 8484 (15.3 m3/tree/year), 6971 (12.5 m3/tree/year), 5480 (9.9 m3/tree/year) and 17,488 m3/ha (31.5 m3/tree/year) for the tested irrigation treatments. Olive fruit and oil yields and quality parameters were significantly affected by the tested treatments. The highest fruit and oil yields were recorded for the 120% ETo treatment. A seasonal Kc of 0.75 and a seasonal Ky of 0.83 were obtained. It can be concluded that producing oil from olive trees (Coratina var.) in sandy soils can be achieved by applying amounts of water equal to 80% or 60% ETo.
Eosinophilic esophagitis in children: A cross‐sectional study from a tertiary care center
Authors: Samanta Arghya , Poddar Ujjal , Kumari Niraj , Sen Sarma Moinak , Srivastava Anshu , Mishra Prabhakar
Published: December 2023

Background and Aim

The prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is rising in the West. However, data from the Indian subcontinent is limited. In this prospective cross‐sectional study, we estimated the prevalence of EoE among children undergoing elective upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE).

Methods

We enrolled 200 consecutive children (123 boys, median age 10.25 years [interquartile range 8.25–14.5]) between March 2020 and November 2022 at our center. Clinical characteristics, endoscopic findings, and laboratory parameters were noted. A total of 12 mucosal biopsies (3 each from the middle and lower third of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum) were obtained. EoE was diagnosed if the peak eosinophil count was ≥15/high‐power field (HPF) in absence of gastric and duodenal eosinophilia.

Results

The commonest indications for UGIE were gastroesophageal reflux disease‐like symptoms (29%), inflammatory bowel disease (22.5%), celiac disease (15%), and abdominal pain (13%). EoE was detected in seven children, suggesting an overall prevalence of 3.5%. Of the 20 children evaluated for dysphagia, 4 (20%) had EoE. Also, two of three (67%) children presented with food bolus impaction along with dysphagia had EoE. Of the seven children with EoE, three (43%) had bronchial asthma, two (28.5%) had peripheral eosinophilia, and one (14%) had elevated serum IgE. Trachealization and linear furrows were found in 57% and 71% cases, respectively. Four children received high‐dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for 12 weeks, two received PPI+ stricture dilatation, and one received systemic steroids. All achieved clinical, endoscopic, and histopathological remission.

Conclusion

Hospital‐based prevalence of EoE among children undergoing elective UGIE was 3.5%. EoE patients had favorable outcomes with PPI.
Metabolic and transcriptomic effects of Aphanothece sp. biostimulant on tomato plant growth and phosphorus acquisition
Authors: Mutale‐joan Chanda , Rachidi Farid , El Mernissi Najib , Aasfar Abderrahim , El Hadi Hicham , Sbabou Laila , Lyamlouli Karim , El Arroussi Hicham
Published: December 2023

Background

Phosphorus (P) fertilizers, made from rock phosphate, increase crop yields. However, rock phosphate is a finite resource, stressing the need for more P‐efficient crops.

Aims

This study aims to exploit P‐adaptive traits that enhance P‐acquisition and P‐use efficiency in crops, as a potential sustainable P‐use management method in agricultural settings.

Methods

This study investigates the biostimulant effects of Aphanothece sp. extracts (ApE) on P absorption efficiency traits of tomato plants supplied with triple super phosphate fertilizer (0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 mM Pi).

Results

ApE extracts exhibited significant effects on P uptake, Lycopersicum esculentum high‐affinity phosphate transporter (LePT) genes, chlorophyll, and lipid contents, compared with control plants. ApE significantly enhanced leaf LePT4 in ApE‐treated plants supplied with 0.3 mM Pi, and root LePT2 in ApE‐treated plants supplied with 0.6 mM Pi. According to principal component analysis, P concentration in roots (root Pi) was closely associated with root dry weight (DW), root LePT2, and leaf LePT4. The phytohormone, gibberellin gibberellic acid 4, slightly correlated with root Pi, LePT2 (0.18), LePT4 (0.28), and more with root (0.72) and shoot DW (0.60), whereas abscisic acid correlated with chlorophyll content (0.60), LePT2 (0.50), and LePT4 (0.49), and slightly with root Pi (0.22). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis also showed that the application of ApE to plants stimulated the biosynthesis of several metabolites. The metabolic pathway analysis using MetaboAnalyst revealed that ApE treatment induced the unsaturated fatty acid, steroid, cutin, suberin, and wax biosynthesis pathways.

Conclusions

ApE application to tomato plants stimulated P uptake by roots through enhanced expression of high‐affinity P transporters (root LePT2 and leaf LePT4), positively correlated with root DW and root Pi. The study also suggests that algal extracts stimulate plant growth through improved P uptake and modulate the plant's metabolic pathways that favor crop performance in tomato plants under normal Pi conditions.
Screening, isolation, and activity evaluation of potential xanthine oxidase inhibitors in Poria Cum Radix Pini and mechanism of action in the treatment of gout disease
Authors: Zhuang Siyuan , Yun Haocheng , Zhou Xu , Li Yanjie , Li Sainan , Liu Chunming , Zhang Yuchi
Published: December 2023

Poria Cum Radix Pini is a rare medicinal fungus that contains several potential therapeutic ingredients. On this basis, a particle swarm mathematical model was used to optimize the extraction process of total triterpenes from P. Cum Radix Pini, and xanthine oxidase inhibitors were screened using affinity ultrafiltration mass spectrometry. Meanwhile, the accuracy of the ultrafiltration assay was verified by molecular docking experiments and molecular dynamics analysis, and the mechanism of action of the active compounds for the treatment of gout was analyzed by enzymatic reaction kinetics and network pharmacology. A high‐speed countercurrent chromatography method combined with the consecutive injection and the economical two‐phase solvent system preparation using functional activity coefficient of universal quasichemical model (UNIFAC) mathematical model was developed for increasing the yield of target compound. In addition, dehydropachymic acid and pachymic acid were used as competitive inhibitors, and 3‐O‐acetyl‐16alpha‐hydroxydehydrotrametenolic acid and dehydrotrametenolic acid were used as mixed inhibitors. Then, activity‐oriented separation and purification were performed by high‐speed countercurrent chromatography combined with semi‐preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography and the purity of the four compounds isolated was higher than 90%. It will help to provide more opportunities to discover and develop new potential therapeutic remedies from health care food resources.
A quality‐by‐design evaluated liquid chromatography method development and validation for the separation and quantification of nitroxoline and its impurities
Authors: Lankalapalli Santhi Priya , Rachel K. Vijaya , Chintala Vaishnavi , Kowtharapu Leela Prasad , Katari Naresh Kumar
Published: December 2023

A novel, isocratic, sensitive, stability‐indicating high‐performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the separation and quantification of related substances in nitroxoline (NTL). The chromatographic separation has been achieved on Inertsil ODS‐3 V, (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) at 240 nm using ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid buffer and methanol in the ratio of 60:40 v/v as mobile phase. The performance of the method has been checked as per the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines for specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, and robustness. Regression analysis showed a correlation coefficient value greater than 0.99 for NTL and its three impurities. The detection limit of impurities was in the range of 0.01% (0.05 μg/mL)–0.22% (1.1 μg/mL) indicating the sensitivity of the newly developed method. The accuracy of the method was established based on the recovery obtained between 94.7% and 104.1% for all the impurities. The percentage relative standard deviation obtained for the repeatability was less than 4.0% at the specification level for all impurities. Forced degradation was performed to establish the stability‐indicating nature of the method and to know about the degradation products, the quality of a drug substance changes with time under the influence of stress conditions. Thus, the proposed method was validated and found to be specific, sensitive, linear, accurate, precise, reproducible, and beneficial for routine usage.
Tissue‐Tracking Mitral Annular Displacement in Neonates
Authors: Ficial Benjamim , Benfari Giovanni , Bonafiglia Elena , Clemente Maria , Cappelleri Alessia , Flore Alice Iride , Petoello Enrico , Ciarcià Martina , Nogara Silvia , Milocchi Carlotta , Dani Carlo , Ribichini Flavio Luciano , Gottin Leonardo , Corsini Iuri
Published: December 2023

Objectives

To assess the feasibility, accuracy, and reproducibility of tissue‐tracking mitral annular displacement (TMAD) compared with other measures of left ventricular systolic function in healthy preterm and term neonates in the transitional period.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study. Two echocardiograms were performed at 24 and 48 hours of life. TMAD, shortening fraction (SF), ejection fraction (EF), s′, and global longitudinal strain (GLS) were measured offline. Accuracy to detect impaired GLS was tested by ROC curve analysis. DeLong test was used to compare AUCs. Intra and interobserver reproducibility of the off‐line analysis was calculated.

Results

Mean ± SD gestational age and weight were 34.2 ± 3.8 weeks and 2162 ± 833 g, respectively. TMAD was feasible in 168/180 scans (93%). At 24 hours the AUC (95% CI) of SF, EF, s′, and TMAD (%) was 0.51 (0.36–0.67), 0.68 (0.54–0.82), 0.63 (0.49–0.77), and 0.89 (0.79–0.99) respectively. At 48 hours the AUC (95% CI) of SF, EF, s′, and TMAD (%) was 0.64 (0.51–0.77), 0.59 (0.37–0.80), 0.70 (0.54–0.86), and 0.96 (0.91–1.00), respectively. The AUC of TMAD was superior to the AUC of SF, EF, s′, at both timepoints (P < .02). Intraclass correlation coefficients (95% CI) of intra and interobserver reproducibility of TMAD were 0.97 (0.95–0.99) and 0.94 (0.88–0.97), respectively.

Conclusion

TMAD showed improved accuracy and optimal reproducibility in neonates in the first 48 hours of life.
Supply chain contract design considering carbon tax policy under demand information asymmetry
Authors: Cai Jianhu , Jiang Le , Hu Xiaoqing , Ma Xiangyuan
Published: December 2023

Our paper constructs a low‐carbon supply chain (LSC) with a single manufacturer producing low‐carbon products and a single retailer. Assume that the retailer possesses private demand information and consider two cases: The manufacturer or the retailer determines the low‐carbon product's retail price. By constructing principal‐agent models, we obtain the optimal menu of contracts in each case. The impacts of the carbon tax rate and information asymmetry on LSC members' equilibrium solutions and expected profits are discussed. The results show that, given certain conditions, both the LSC members may obtain more expected profits under information asymmetry by introducing appropriate contracts.
Embedding Patient Input in Outcome Measures for Long‐Term Disease‐Modifying Parkinson Disease Trials
Authors: Gonzalez‐Robles Cristina , Bartlett Michèle , Burnell Matthew , Clarke Caroline S. , Haar Shlomi , Hu Michele T. , Huxford Brook , Jha Ashwani , Lawton Michael , Noyce Alastair , Piccini Paola , Pushparatnam Kuhan , Rochester Lynn , Siu Carroll , van Wamelen Daniel , Williams‐Gray Caroline H. , Zeissler Marie‐Louise , Zetterberg Henrik , Carroll Camille B. , Foltynie Thomas , Weil Rimona S. , Schrag Anette ,   the EJS ACT‐PD Consortium
Published: December 2023

Background

Clinical trials of disease‐modifying therapies in PD require valid and responsive primary outcome measures that are relevant to patients.

Objectives

The objective is to select a patient‐centered primary outcome measure for disease‐modification trials over three or more years.

Methods

Experts in Parkinson's disease (PD), statistics, and health economics and patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) representatives reviewed and discussed potential outcome measures. A larger PPIE group provided input on their key considerations for such an endpoint. Feasibility, clinimetric properties, and relevance to patients were assessed and synthesized.

Results

Although initial considerations favored the Movement Disorder Society‐sponsored revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS‐UPDRS) Part III in Off, feasibility, PPIE input, and clinimetric properties supported the MDS‐UPDRS Part II. However, PPIE input also highlighted the importance of nonmotor symptoms, especially in the longer term, leading to the selection of the MDS‐UPDRS Parts I + II sum score.

Conclusions

The MDS‐UPDRS Parts I + II sum score was chosen as the primary outcome for large 3‐year disease‐modification trials. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
An anthropomorphic thyroid phantom for ultrasound‐guided radiofrequency ablation of nodules
Authors: Boers Tim , Brink Wyger , Bianchi Leonardo , Saccomandi Paola , van Hespen Johan , Wennemars Germen , Braak Sicco , Versluis Michel , Manohar Srirang
Published: December 2023

Background

Needle‐based procedures, such as fine needle aspiration and thermal ablation, are often applied for thyroid nodule diagnosis and therapeutic purposes, respectively. With blood vessels and nerves nearby, these procedures can pose risks in damaging surrounding critical structures.

Purpose

The development and validation of innovative strategies to manage these risks require a test object with well‐characterized physical properties. For this work, we focus on the application of ultrasound‐guided thermal radiofrequency ablation.

Methods

We have developed a single‐use anthropomorphic phantom mimicking the thyroid and surrounding anatomical and physiological structures that are relevant to ultrasound‐guided thermal ablation. The phantom was composed of a mixture of polyacrylamide, water, and egg white extract and was cast using molds in multiple steps. The thermal, acoustical, and electrical characteristics were experimentally validated. The ablation zones were analyzed via non‐destructive T2‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans utilizing the relaxometry changes of coagulated egg albumen, and the temperature distribution was monitored using an array of fiber Bragg grating sensors.

Results

The physical properties of the phantom were verified both on ultrasound as well as in terms of the phantom response to thermal ablation. The final temperature achieved (92°C), the median percentage of the nodule ablated (82.1%), the median volume ablated outside the nodule (0.8 mL), and the median number of critical structures affected (0) were quantified.

Conclusion

An anthropomorphic phantom that can provide a realistic model for development and training in ultrasound‐guided needle‐based thermal interventions for thyroid nodules has been presented.
New nurses' turnover intention and clinical belonging, based on latent class analysis (LCA)
Authors: Li Guomin , Wu Yue‐Ting , Asghar Ali , Zhong Yinqin
Published: December 2023

Aim

To identify potential categories of clinical belonging among new nurses and explore the relationship between different categories and turnover intention.

Design

A cross sectional study.

Method

A cross sectional study was conducted among 348 new nurses from tertiary hospitals in Hainan and Guangdong provinces. A general data questionnaire, clinical belonging scale and turnover intention scale were used for examination. Further, the potential categories were used to analyse the categories of clinical belonging, and latent class analysis was utilized to analyse the relationship between different categories of clinical belonging and turnover intention.

Results

The clinical sense of belonging of new nurses were divided into three groups namely C1, C2 and C3. The C1: poor clinical sense of belonging (8.7%), C2: moderate clinical sense of belonging (57.9%) and C3: rich clinical sense of belonging (33.4%). The risk of the turnover intention of new nurses with ‘poor clinical sense of belonging’ was 0.62 times that of new nurses with ‘rich clinical sense of belonging’ (OR = 0.62, p < 0.01), which was 0.24 times that of ‘moderate clinical sense of belonging’ (OR = 0.24, p < 0.01), the risk of the turnover intention of new nurses with ‘moderate clinical sense of belonging’ was 0.13 times that of new nurses with ‘rich clinical sense of belonging’(OR = 0. 13, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The results of our study revealed that in order to enhance the new nurses' sense of belonging, support was most crucial when they were first encountering difficulties. To reduce turnover intention, more structured learning opportunities are also required to maximize learning for newly graduated nurses with various nursing degrees.

Patient or Public Contribution

There are no patient or public contributions in this study.
Endoscopic Versus Microscopic Type I Tympanoplasty: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Tang‐Chuan , Shih Tzu‐Ching , Chen Chin‐Kuo , Hsieh Vivian Chia‐Rong , Lin Dan‐Jae , Tien Hui‐Chi , Chen Kuang‐Chao , Tsai Ming‐Hsui , Lin Chia‐Der , Tsai Chon‐Haw
Published: December 2023

Objective

Our objective was to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis comparing the clinical outcomes after endoscopic and microscopic type I tympanoplasty.

Study Design

Randomized controlled trials, two‐arm prospective studies, and retrospective studies were included.

Setting

Medline, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases were searched until March 1, 2022 using the combinations of search terms: “endoscopic,” “microscopic,” and “tympanoplasty.”

Methods

Two independent reviewers utilized the abovementioned search strategy to identify eligible studies. If any uncertainty existed regarding eligibility, a third reviewer was consulted. Primary outcome measures were graft success rate, air‐bone gap (ABG) improvement, and operative time. Secondary outcomes were the rate of need for canalplasty, the proportion of self‐rated excellent cosmetic results, and pain visual analog scale (VAS).

Results

Forty‐three studies enrolled a total of 3712 patients who were undergoing type I tympanoplasty and were finally included. The pooled result showed endoscopic approach was significantly associated with shorter operative time (difference in means: −20.021, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −31.431 to −8.611), less need for canalplasty (odds ratio [OR]: 0.065, 95% CI: 0.026‐0.164), more self‐rated excellent cosmetic results (OR: 87.323, 95% CI: 26.750‐285.063), and lower pain VAS (difference in means: −2.513, 95% CI: −4.737 to −0.228). No significant differences in graft success rate or ABG were observed between the two procedures.

Conclusion

Endoscopic type I tympanoplasty provides a similar graft success rate, improvement in ABG, and reperforation rate to microscopic tympanoplasty with a shorter operative time, better self‐rated cosmetic results, and less pain. Unless contraindicated, the endoscopic approach should be the procedure of choice in type I tympanoplasty.