bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultramicroextraction as a miniaturization of the already miniaturized. A step toward nanoextraction and beyond
Authors: Azorín Cristian , Benedé Juan L. , Chisvert Alberto
Published: June 2023

Miniaturization of the analytical process has been a widespread trend, and the sample preparation stage is not exempted from this downscaling. Since the introduction of microextraction techniques as miniaturization of classical extraction techniques, they have become one of the strengths in this field. However, some of the original approaches to these techniques did not fully cover all the current principles of Green Analytical Chemistry. For this reason, during the last years, much emphasis has been placed on reducing/eliminating toxic reagents, reducing the amount of the extraction phase, and searching for new greener, and more selective extractant materials. On the other hand, even though high accomplishments have been achieved, the same attention has not always been paid to reducing the amount of sample, which is essential when treating low‐availability samples such as biological samples, or in developing portable devices. In this review, we intend to give the readership an overview of the advances toward further miniaturization of microextraction techniques. Finally, a brief reflection is made on the terminology used, or that should, in our opinion, be used to term these new generation of miniaturized microextraction approaches. To this regard, the term, ‘ultramicroextraction’ is proposed to refer to those approaches beyond microextraction.
Effects of Right Lateral Position on Changes of Fetal Hemodynamics in Late Pregnancy
Authors: Wu Siqi , Liao Guilian , Yang Jinying
Published: June 2023

Objective

We aim to evaluate the effect of right lateral position on fetal hemodynamics (including umbilical artery [UA] and middle cerebral artery (MCA) blood flow‐velocity waveform).

Methods

In total, 150 low‐risk singleton full‐term pregnant women were included in the study from November 2021 to January 2022. Doppler flow velocity waveforms of the fetal UA and MCA tested by ultrasound were collected in gestation of 37–40 weeks. Computational analysis was performed using the one‐way ANOVA test.

Results

Compared with the maternal left lateral position, there was a significant increase in Doppler indices of UA‐RI (P = .033), UA‐S/D (P = .019) and MCA‐PSV (P = .021) and a significant decrease in MCA‐RI (P = .030) in the supine position group. There was no statistical significance in all Doppler indices between the left and right lateral position (P > .05). Among the Doppler indices of three different maternal positions, there was no significance in both UA‐PI and MCA‐PI (P > .05).

Conclusion

There were no significant differences on changes of the fetal hemodynamics between left and right lateral positions. Pregnant women could adopt to lie in the left or right lateral position alternately to relieve the discomfort in late pregnancy.
The Effects of Labor Epidural Analgesia on Maternal and Fetal Hemodynamics: A Prospective Observation Study
Authors: Wu Siqi , Gan Junning , Xing Yunguang , Wang Wei , Yang Jinying
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effect of epidural analgesia (EA) on maternal and fetal hemodynamics.

Methods

A prospective single‐center observational study was conducted from March 2022 to May 2022 on low‐risk singleton pregnancies who received prenatal care at 37–40 weeks and delivered at our hospital. Pre‐ and post‐EA, maternal and fetal hemodynamics, including maternal parameters of mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and saturation of pulse oxygen (SPO2), fetal heart rate (FHR), Doppler flow parameters of umbilical artery (UA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), and uterine artery (UtA) during labor were measured before epidural insertion (T0), and 15 (T1), 30 (T2), and 60 (T3) minutes after. Computational analysis was performed using a one‐way ANOVA test.

Results

In total, 100 singleton pregnant women were enrolled. After EA, maternal MAP, HR, and SPO2 were significantly lower than baseline values at all times except for HR in T3 and remained lower for the study's duration (P < .05). As for FHR, there was no significant difference between pre‐ and post‐epidural. The mean UtA‐PI (pulsatility index), UA‐PI, UA‐RI (resistance index), and UA‐S/D (systolic/diastolic ratio) were not significantly modified after EA. Nevertheless, MCA‐PI and RI significantly decreased in 15 minutes after initiating EA compared with T0 values (P < .05), and MCA‐PSV (resistance index and peak systolic velocities) was significantly increased compared with T0 at all times (P < .05). The above changes were all within the normal range.

Conclusion

Although maternal MAP, HR, and SPO2 significantly decreased after EA, fetal hemodynamics remained relatively stable.
The Fetal Liver Afferent Venous Flow Volumes in Fetuses With Appropriate for Gestational Age Birth Weight
Authors: Kivilevitch Zvi , Gilboa Yinon , Kassif Eran , Achiron Reuven
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The present study aimed: 1) to simultaneously investigate the relationship between blood flow volumes of the two fetal liver afferent venous systems of normally appropriate for gestational age newborns. 2) to establish the normal reference range centiles values that will serve as a basis for future investigations.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, prospective study of singleton low obstetric risk pregnancies. Doppler examination included the measurement of the umbilical and the main portal vein vessels' diameters and time‐averaged maximum velocity. The absolute and per kilogram of estimated fetal weight flow volumes and the ratio between the placental and portal blood volume flow were calculated from these data.

Results

Three hundred and sixty‐three pregnant women were included in the study. The umbilical and portal flow volumes' capacity to provide blood flow per kilogram of fetal weight, in the period of maximum fetal growth, was diverse. The placental flow decreased continuously from a mean of 121.2 mL/min/kg at the 20th week of gestation to 64.1 mL/min/kg at the 38th week of gestation. Meanwhile, the portal flow volume per kilogram of fetal weight increased from 9.6 mL/min/kg at 32 weeks of gestation to 10.3 at the 38th week of gestation. This resulted in a decrease in the umbilical to portal flow volume ratio from 13.3 to 9.6 during this period.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that in the period of maximum fetal growth, the placental/portal ratio diminishes emphasizing the portal flow's predominance with low oxygen and nutrient supply to the liver.
Can Modifications of LR‐M Criteria Improve the Diagnostic Performance of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound LI‐RADS for Small Hepatic Lesions up to 3 cm?
Authors: Huang Weiche , Wen Rong , Wu Yuquan , Lin Peng , Guo Danxia , Peng Yuye , Liu Dun , Mou Meiyan , Chen Fenghuan , Huang Fen , Yang Hong , He Yun
Published: June 2023

Objective

To assess the diagnostic performance of the contrast‐enhanced ultrasound liver imaging reporting and data system (CEUS LI‐RADS) version 2017 for small hepatic lesions of ≤3 cm before and after changing the LR‐M criteria.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the CEUS examination of 179 patients who were at high risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with focal hepatic lesions ≤3 cm (194 lesions in total) and evaluated the diagnostic capability of the American College of Radiology and modified CEUS LI‐RADS algorithms.

Results

Revision of the early washout time to 45 seconds increased the sensitivity of LR‐5 in predicting HCC (P = .004), with no significant decrease in specificity (P = .118). It also made better the specificity of LR‐M in predicting non‐HCC malignancies (P = .001), with no significant decrease in sensitivity (P = .094). However, using within 3 minutes as the criterion for marked washout time improved the LR‐5 sensitivity (P < .001) but decreased its specificity (P = .009) in predicting HCC, whereas the specificity of LR‐M in predicting non‐HCC malignancies increased (P < .001), but the sensitivity decreased (P = .027).

Conclusions

CEUS LI‐RADS (v2017) is a valid method for predicting HCC risk in high‐risk patients. The diagnostic performance of LR‐5 and LR‐M could boost when the early washout time is revised to 45 seconds.
Comparison of the Feasibility and Diagnostic Performance of ACR CEUS LI‐RADS and a Modified CEUS LI‐RADS for HCC in Examinations Using Sonazoid
Authors: Liao Wei , Que Qiao , Wen Rong , Lin Peng , Chen Yuji , Pang Jinshu , Guo Danxia , Wen Dongyue , Yang Hong , He Yun
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The present study aimed to determine the feasibility of the American College of Radiology's (ACR) contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI‐RADS) (version 2017) in examinations using Sonazoid and compare its diagnostic performance with that of modified LI‐RADS in patients at high risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

This retrospective study's sample population consisted of 137 participants with a total of 140 nodules who underwent CEUS with Sonazoid and pathological confirmation via surgery or biopsy from January 2020 to February 2022. The lesions were evaluated and classified based on the reference standards (ie, ACR CEUS LI‐RADS and modified LI‐RADS). The overall diagnostic capabilities of the two systems were evaluated in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The participants had a median age of 51 years and an interquartile range of 43–58 years. Regarding LR‐5 as a predictor of HCC, the accuracy results of the ACR LI‐RADS and modified LI‐RADS algorithms were 72.9 and 71.4%, respectively (P = .50). The sensitivity of both systems was the same (69.7%; 95% CI: 60.7–77.8%). Regarding LR‐M as a predictor of non‐HCC malignancy, the diagnostic performance of the algorithms was the same, with accuracy and sensitivity results of 76.4 and 73.3%, respectively (95% CI: 44.9–92.2%).

Conclusion

The findings indicate that modified LI‐RADS had a moderate level of diagnostic performance for HCC in examinations using Sonazoid, which was comparable to ACR LI‐RADS.
Effect of Soft Preheating of Bovine Serum Albumin on the Complexation with Oligochitosan: Structure and Conformation of BSA in the Complex
Authors: Zhuravleva Irina L. , Bezrodnykh Evgeniya A. , Berezin Boris B. , Tikhonov Vladimir E. , Antonov Yurij A.
Published: June 2023

Phase analysis, spectroscopic, and light scattering methods are applied to investigate the peculiarities of the interaction of oligochitosan (OCHI) with native and preheated bovine serum albumin (BSA) as well as the conformational and structural changes of BSA in BSA/OCHI complex. As shown, untreated BSA binds with OCHI mainly forming soluble electrostatic nanocomplexes, with the binding causing an increase in BSA helicity without a change in the local tertiary structure and thermal stability of BSA. In contrast, soft preheating at 56 °C enhances the complexation of BSA with OCHI and slightly destabilizes the secondary and local tertiary structures of BSA within the complex particles. Preheating at 64 °C (below the irreversible stage of BSA thermodenaturation) leads to further enhancement in the complexation and formation of insoluble complexes stabilized by both Coulomb forces and hydrophobic interactions. The finding can be promising for the preparation of biodegradable BSA/chitosan‐based drug delivery systems.
Colorimetric Transition of Polydiacetylene/Cyclodextrin Supramolecular Assemblies and Implications as Colorimetric Sensors for Food Phenolic Antioxidants
Authors: Sergi Riccardo , Brugnoli Benedetta , Sturabotti Elisa , Piozzi Antonella , Galantini Luciano , Taresco Vincenzo , Francolini Iolanda
Published: June 2023

Molecular self‐assembly has significant potential in the field of sensing. Polydiacetylenes (PDAs) are conjugated polymers possessing peculiar optical properties obtained by photopolymerization of self‐assembled diacetylene monomers. Herein, the blue‐to‐red phase transition upon either thermal stimulus or interaction with cyclodextrins (CDs) of two PDAs, bearing either carboxylic (PCDA) or amino (PCDA‐NH2) polar heads, is investigated to develop a colorimetric sensor for food phenolic antioxidants. The change in the PDA polar head does not affect significantly thermo‐chromatic transition. Upon thermal stimulus, in both PDAs, color transition occurs straightforward between two distinct stable states and does not involve the disordering of the PDA crystal phase, as revealed by UV–vis spectroscopy and SAXS analysis. Contrarily, PDA/α‐CD interaction is influenced by intermolecular forces among PDA polar heads and is more efficient for PCDA. α‐CDs presumably cause changes in both PDA backbone conformation and local environment surrounding the individual PDA chains. The PCDA/α‐CD assemblies are investigated as colorimetric sensors for the detection of Tyrosol (Ty) and caffeic acid (CAF), by using the principle of competitive inclusion complex formation. The system results to be more sensitive to CAF than Ty and may permit the determination of CAF in concentration ranges suitable for different food products.
Applications of Clifford ratios unaffected by the local Schwarz paradox
Authors: Roselli Paolo
Published: June 2023

We show that the gradient of a strongly differentiable function at a point is the limit of a single coordinate‐free Clifford quotient between a multidifference pseudo‐vector and a pseudo‐scalar, or of a sum of Clifford quotients between scalars (as numerators) and vectors (as denominators), both evaluated at the vertices of a same non‐degenerate simplex contracting to that point. Such result allows to fix an issue with a defective definition of pseudo‐scalar field in Sobczyck's simplicial calculus. Then, we provide some consequences and conjectures implied by the foregoing results.
Clinical utility of far field motor potentials in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Vucic Steve
Published: June 2023

See article on pages 257–263 in this issue
Follow up of women after obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI)—What is the role of anorectal testing?
Authors: Badri Hawra , Fowler Gillian , Lane Steven
Published: June 2023

Aims

To evaluate the benefit of performing anorectal studies on all women following primary obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) repair over performing them on symptomatic women only.

Methods

Women who attended perineal clinic between 2007 and 2020 underwent symptom assessment and anorectal studies at 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. Anorectal studies including endo anal ultrasound (EAUS) and anal manometry (AM) were performed. The anorectal studies of symptomatic women who were the case group, were compared with asymptomatic women who were the control group.

Results

A total of 1348 women were seen in the perineal clinic over 13 years. A total of 454 (33.7%) women were symptomatic. A total of 894 (66.3%) women were asymptomatic. A total of 313 (35%) asymptomatic women had two abnormal anorectal studies, 274 (31%) had abnormal AM alone, and 86 (9.6%) had abnormal EAUS alone. A total of 221 (24.7%) asymptomatic women had normal anorectal studies.

Conclusion

Almost 70% of women were asymptomatic 6 months following primary OASI repair. Most had at least one abnormal anorectal study result. Selectively performing anorectal tests on symptomatic women would not identify asymptomatic women at risk of future faecal incontinence following further vaginal birth. Without anorectal study results, women would not receive accurate counseling about the risks of vaginal birth. Anorectal studies should be offered to all women following OASI where resources allow.
Psychosocial experiences of caring by family caregivers of patients living with prostate cancer in a teaching hospital: A descriptive phenomenological study
Authors: Ninnoni Jerry Paul K. , Owoo Benedicta
Published: June 2023

Aim

This study explored the psychosocial experience of caregiving on the family caregiver of patients with prostate cancer in the Cape Coast metropolis of Ghana.

Design

A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted through in‐depth face‐to‐face semi‐structured interviews. Twelve family caregivers of prostate cancer patients were selected through purposive sampling. Interviews were conducted until data saturation. All interviews were taped, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.

Results

The family caregiver's psychosocial experience associated with caregiving uncovered two significant themes with 13 sub‐themes. ‘Psychological impact’ emerged as the first central theme, with anxiety, care as an obligation and feelings of inadequacy, hopelessness, uncertainty, denial and concealment as the sub‐themes. The second central theme was ‘Social impact’ with sexual concerns, role adjustment, loss of livelihood, turmoil and reduced leisure activities emerging as sub‐themes.

Conclusion

The findings demonstrated that caring significantly impacts the psychological and social well‐being of the caregivers of prostate cancer patients. Therefore, there is a need for holistic assessment to include the psychosocial well‐being of family caregivers to improve quality of life. Therefore, psychiatric nurses support family caregivers through education and psychosocial interventions to improve their quality of life and enable them to care for their loved ones more effectively.
Clinic reported facilitators and barriers to pediatric cancer survivor care delivery among survivorship clinics: A fishbone analysis
Authors: Krauss Victoria , Mertens Ann , Marchak Jordan Gilleland , Haardörfer Regine , Meacham Lillian R. , Lewis Rebecca Williamson , Wright Robert , Adisa Oyinda , Kommajosula Apoorva , Escoffery Cam
Published: June 2023

Background

Childhood cancer survivors need regular, long‐term survivor care. The Children's Oncology Group (COG) recommends that pediatric patients receive ongoing, evidence‐based surveillance for late effects, beginning 2 years after the completion of cancer therapy. However, at least a third of survivors are not engaging in long‐term survivorship care. This study assessed facilitators and barriers to follow‐up survivorship care through the perspectives of pediatric cancer survivor clinic representatives.

Methods

As part of a hybrid implementation‐effectiveness trial, a representative from 12 participating pediatric cancer survivor clinics completed a survey about site characteristics and a semi‐structured interview on facilitators and barriers to survivor care delivery at their institution. Interviews were grounded in the socio‐ecological model (SEM) framework and utilized a fishbone diagram to understand what facilitates and impedes survivor care. We ran descriptive statistics and conducted thematic analyses of the interview transcripts to create two meta‐fishbone diagrams.

Results

All participating clinics (N = 12) have existed for at least 5 years (mean = 15, median = 13, range = 3–31), and half (n = 6, 50%) reported seeing more than 300 survivors annually. In the fishbone diagram, the top facilitators were in the SEM domain of organization, specifically with familiar staff (n = 12, 100%), resource utilization (n = 11, 92%), dedicated survivorship staff (n = 10, 83%), and clinic processes (n = 10, 83%). Common barriers were across the domains of organization, community, and policy, which included distance/transportation to the clinic (n = 12, 100%), technology limits (n = 11, 92%), scheduling issues (n = 11, 92%), and insufficient funding/insurance (n = 11, 92%).

Conclusion

Clinic staff and provider perceptions are instrumental in understanding multilevel contextual issues related to survivor care delivery for pediatric cancer survivor clinics. Future research can aid in developing education, processes, and services to promote cancer survivor follow‐up care.
Neurocognitive constructs as longitudinal predictors of reading fluency
Authors: Samuels Jody , Decker Scott L.
Published: June 2023

Reading fluency (RF) involves the automaticity of many distinct reading skills (e.g., pacing, word recognition, phonological awareness) and allows cognitive resources to be allocated to higher‐order reading skills (e.g., comprehension, synthesis). Early identification of students at‐risk for RF deficits is critical, but many screeners require a level of basic proficiency with foundational reading skills. This review examines the longitudinal relationships between neurocognitive precursors of RF with special consideration of cognitive processing demands of measurement tasks. Eighteen articles yielded 80 unique correlations between 6 neurocognitive constructs (phonological processing, rapid automatic naming, working memory, nonverbal reasoning, orthographic processing, and visual‐spatial processing) measured through 35 unique subtests/tasks and 2 primary RF outcomes (word RF and text RF) measured through 11 unique subtests/tasks. Phonological processing was the most frequently assessed neurocognitive predictor (41.3% of total correlations), followed by rapid automatic naming (32.5%). Nearly all correlation coefficients were significant (83.75%); 28.75% of correlations suggested a strong predictive relationship between a neurocognitive predictor and an RF outcome. The strength of correlation largely varied as a function of the task demands as evidenced through the supplemental process analyses, suggesting future consideration should be given to the specificity of task selection to improve ecologically valid conclusions. Evidence from this review supports the need to consider specific neurocognitive functions, specifically rapid automatic naming and orthographic processing, as critical components of dynamic and comprehensive assessments of reading to help identify students at‐risk for future RF challenges.
Omics and systems view of innate immune pathways
Authors: Rathore Deepali , Marino Matthew J. , Nita‐Lazar Aleksandra
Published: June 2023

Multiomics approaches to studying systems biology are very powerful techniques that can elucidate changes in the genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic levels within a cell type in response to an infection. These approaches are valuable for understanding the mechanisms behind disease pathogenesis and how the immune system responds to being challenged. With the emergence of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the importance and utility of these tools have become evident in garnering a better understanding of the systems biology within the innate and adaptive immune response and for developing treatments and preventative measures for new and emerging pathogens that pose a threat to human health. In this review, we focus on state‐of‐the‐art omics technologies within the scope of innate immunity.
Proteomics coupled transcriptomics reveals lipopolysaccharide inhibiting peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors signalling pathway to reduce lipid droplets accumulation in mouse liver
Authors: Ran Haiying , Sun Wei , Wang Liting , Wang Xiaoyang , Yu Haili , Chen Jiajia , Liu Fang , Chao Zhiyin , Pu Qi , Liu Yang , Zeng Youlong , Li Zhangfu , Wan Ying , Yuan Jiangbei
Published: June 2023

Lipid droplets (LDs) are multifunctional organelles consisting of a central compartment of non‐polar lipids shielded from the cytoplasm by a phospholipid monolayer. The excessive accumulation of LDs in cells is closely related to the development and progression of many diseases in humans and animals, such as liver‐related and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, regulating the LDs size and abundance is necessary to maintain metabolic homeostasis. This study found that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation reduced the LDs content in the mouse liver. We tried to explain the possible molecular mechanisms at the broad protein and mRNA levels, finding that inhibition of the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors (PPAR) signalling pathway by LPS may be a critical factor in reducing LDs content.
Short‐term effectiveness of kinesio taping as therapeutic tool in conservative treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tomás‐Escolar Alberto , Merino‐Andrés Javier , Sánchez‐Sierra Alberto , Aceituno‐Gómez Javier , Fernández‐Pérez Juan José
Published: June 2023

Background and Purpose

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common peripheral neuropathy of the upper extremities and kinesio taping is one of the tools used as a complementary tool within the conventional treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. To investigate the short‐term effects of kinesio taping on pain, functionality, strength, and nerve conduction in subjects suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.

Methods

Systematic review with meta‐analysis. Seven electronic databases (MEDLINE‐Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, PEDro, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus) were searched for full‐text articles published from inception to March 1st, 2023. Studies had to meet the following inclusion criteria: randomised clinical trials, including patients of legal age with mild, moderate, or severe symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome without associated pathologies, and treating the studied body area with kinesio taping, whether or not in combination with other therapies. The DerSimonian and Laird method was employed using random effects models to calculate the pooled estimate of the effect size with confidence intervals of 95%. The risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration's tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to judge the certainty of the evidence for all outcomes.

Results

Thirteen studies were included, comprising 665 participants with carpal tunnel syndrome. This meta‐analysis revealed a strong effect of kinesio taping on distal sensory latency and a weak effect on functionality and pain, while no significantly superior effects were found on the symptom severity, strength, or neurophysiological outcomes (distal motor latency and sensory conduction velocity) compared to other physical therapy techniques or untreated control group in the short term, with moderate‐certainty evidence.

Discussion

Kinesio taping is a complementary tool to the conventional treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome that improves functionality, pain, and distal sensory latency in the short term.
A phase I, first‐in‐human study investigating the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of the maturation inhibitor GSK3739937
Authors: Benn Paul D. , Zhang Ying , Kahl Lesley , Greene Thomas J. , Bainbridge Veronica , Fishman Cindy , Wen Bo , Gartland Martin
Published: June 2023

We report the safety and pharmacokinetic properties of the HIV‐1 maturation inhibitor GSK3739937 (GSK'937) in healthy participants. This was a phase I, first‐in‐human, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, single‐ (part 1) and multiple‐ (part 2) dose escalation study with an additional open‐label relative bioavailability and food effect study (part 3). Participants received oral ascending single doses (10–800 mg) in part 1, up to 18 once‐daily 25‐ to 100‐mg or 3 once‐weekly 500‐mg doses in part 2, and single 100‐mg doses as powder‐in‐bottle or tablet (in fed and fasted states) formulations in part 3. Primary and secondary objectives were safety and pharmacokinetic assessments, respectively. Ninety‐one participants were enrolled; 38 reported 81 total adverse events (AEs). All AEs in participants receiving GSK'937 were grade 1 or 2 and resolved during the study. Most drug‐related AEs were gastrointestinal (14/17, 82%). The terminal phase half‐life of GSK'937 was ~3 days for all doses following single and repeat dosing. Geometric mean maximum concentration and total drug exposures exhibited dose‐proportional increases during part 1. Accumulation in exposure following repeat dosing was 6‐ to 7‐fold with daily dosing and ~1.7‐fold after weekly treatment, as expected due to the long half‐life. Bioavailability of GSK'937 after a meal was 1.35‐ to 1.40‐fold greater as a tablet versus powder‐in‐bottle and >2‐fold higher in fed versus fasted states when provided as a tablet. No unexpected or dose‐limiting safety events occurred. Pharmacokinetic parameters of long half‐life and accumulation of exposure following repeat dosing suggest the potential for weekly oral dosing. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04493684.
RNAi‐mediated silencing of SlitPer disrupts sex pheromone communication behavior in Spodoptera litura
Authors: Yang Hui‐Hui , Li Jian‐Qiao , Ma Sai , Yao Wei‐Chen , Chen Yu‐Wen , El Wakil Abeer , Dewer Youssef , Zhu Xiu‐Yun , Sun Liang , Zhang Ya‐Nan
Published: June 2023

Background

The 24‐h circadian rhythm is considered crucial for insect sexual communication. However, its molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways, particularly the roles of the clock gene period (Per), remain largely unclear. The sex pheromone communication behavior of Spodoptera litura displays typical circadian rhythm characteristics. Thus, it represents an excellent model for functional analyses of the clock gene Per.

Results

In this study, we investigated the potential roles of SlitPer in regulating sex pheromone communication in S. litura using RNA interference, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reactions (qPCR), gas chromatography, and behavioral assays. The qPCR results showed that the expression levels of SlitPer and two desaturase genes (SlitDes5 and SlitDes11) in the siPer group differed significantly at most time points from those in the siNC group. Dynamic variation in the three major sex pheromone titers and calling behavior of S. litura females in the siPer group was disordered. In addition, the mating rates of siPer S. litura females decreased significantly by 33.33%. Oviposition by mated siPer females was substantially reduced by 84.84%.

Conclusion

These findings provide a fundamental basis for elucidating the molecular mechanism by which Per regulates sex pheromone communication behavior in lepidopteran species. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Silicone Polymer Thin Films Fabricated by Ion‐Assisted Deposition Methods
Authors: Yano Hirokazu , Usui Hiroaki
Published: June 2023

The ion‐assisted vapor deposition (IAD) method is utilized to prepare silicone polymer thin films with low surface energy. Methacryl‐modified silicone oligomer is deposited under irradiation of argon ions with various ion energies and currents. Fourier transform infrared analysis and solvent durability test reveal that the polymerization reaction is enhanced with increasing ion energy. Smooth and insoluble films are obtained under ion irradiation at the energy of 1 kV. The films have surface free energy of about 26 mJ m−2, and the peeling strength of an adhesive tape on their surface can be controlled by the ion current of IAD. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis shows that the ion irradiation induces dissociation of methyl side groups and cross‐linking by Si–O network formation, leading to an increase in the peeling strength and improvement in film robustness. The silicone films deposited by IAD have potential applicability to the anti‐adhesive surfaces.
Multi‐innovation gradient‐based iterative identification methods for feedback nonlinear systems by using the decomposition technique
Authors: Yang Dan , Ding Feng
Published: June 2023

This paper studies the parameter estimation problems of feedback nonlinear systems. Combining the multi‐innovation identification theory with the negative gradient search, we derive a multi‐innovation gradient‐based iterative algorithm. In order to reduce the computational burden and further improve the parameter estimation accuracy, a decomposition multi‐innovation gradient‐based iterative algorithm is proposed by using the decomposition technique. The key is to transform an original system into two subsystems and to estimate the parameters of each subsystem, respectively. A simulation example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Hybrid‐driven‐based resilient control for networked T‐S fuzzy systems with time‐delay and cyber‐attacks
Authors: Saravanakumar T. , Lee Tae H.
Published: June 2023

This work investigates design problem of the hybrid‐triggered‐based resilient controller for a class of Takagi–Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy systems subject to nondeterministic cyber‐attacks, probabilistic time‐delay, controller gain variations and actuator failures in which nondeterministic cyber‐attacks and hybrid‐triggered mechanism are implemented by probabilistic variables gratifying the Bernoulli distributions. To save the network resources, a new kind of hybrid‐triggered‐based resilient controller design is introduced. By employing Lyapunov technique together with improved Wirtinger's integral inequalities and event‐generator function, new delay‐dependent sufficient conditions are constructed which assures that the resulting closed‐loop system is mean square asymptotically stable and satisfies a prescribed performance. At last, two numerical examples are provided to display the effectiveness and advantage of the constructed method.
Imaging‐sonar observations of salmonid interactions with a vertical axis instream turbine
Authors: Bender Anke , Langhamer Olivia , Francisco Francisco , Forslund Johan , Hammar Linus , Sundberg Jan , Molander Sverker
Published: June 2023

Anthropogenic activities and their influences on aquatic systems is an important topic, especially considering the growing interest in using the earth's resources in a sustainable way. One of those anthropogenic activities is the introduction of renewable technologies into the aquatic environment such as instream turbines. Environmental studies around those technologies are often still ongoing due to their novelty. During the spring of 2018, juvenile individuals of two salmonid species, Atlantic salmon and brown trout were released upstream a vertical axis instream turbine in the river Dal (Dalälven) in eastern Sweden. The aim of this study was to investigate the swimming behavior of the salmonids around a small‐scale prototype vertical axis instream turbine. The swimming pattern and the possible response of avoiding the vertical axis instream turbine were documented with a multi beam sonar. A control area, next to the turbine, was used as reference. No consistent results were shown for trout as they were passing the control area with a statistically high variation, and specimens were rarely observed in proximity of the turbine, neither if the turbine was operating nor at stand still. Salmon clearly avoided the operating turbine, but did not avoid the turbine when it was at stand still, and was often observed swimming straight through the turbine area. These findings indicate that operating this type of instream turbine in a river affects the swimming behavior of Atlantic salmon but is unlikely to affect its migration paths. For brown trout, the statistical results are inconclusive, although data indicate a response of avoiding the turbine. The species are in little risk to suffer physical harm as no fish entered the rotating turbine, despite very turbid water conditions.
A critical race theory analysis of STEM schools in an urban school district
Authors: Wade‐Jaimes Katherine
Published: June 2023

The creation of specialty science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) Schools has been presented as a way to improve both academic and STEM‐related outcomes, particularly in urban school districts where “failing” schools are converted the STEM Schools. This study examines this conversion process through the tenets of critical race theory, particularly the tenets of Whiteness as property, interest convergence, and the power of discourse. Using data collected from 28 textual sources and 29 interviews of teachers, students, and administrators at STEM Schools, a comparative case study approach was used to examine the historical development of two STEM Schools in one urban area. Findings indicated that the creation of STEM Schools was a way to protect STEM as a property of Whiteness by funneling resources toward White, middle‐class students. Additionally, the motivation for the conversions demonstrates how interest convergence functions in educational reform. In particular, the interests of White parents (to have access to high‐quality educational resources) and industry leaders (to develop a STEM workforce) temporarily converged with the interests of local families to improve neighborhood schools. However, ultimately, Black students and families, particularly those from lower socioeconomic status, were not served by the new STEM Schools.
The impact of political competition on green innovation: A new insight into sustainable development
Authors: Yang Hao‐Chang , Feng Gen‐Fu , Gong Qiang , Chang Chun‐Ping
Published: June 2023

This research examines a panel of 121 economies worldwide over the period 1980–2020 for the impact of political competition on green innovation. We find that an increase in the intensity of political competition has a significantly negative impact on green innovation and that this impact remains significant in the long term, especially for non‐OECD countries and middle (low) income countries, whereas the sub‐indicators of political competition indicate that the level of institutionalization of political participation and the degree of government restrictions on political participation have different impacts on green innovation. The findings also reveal that lower political risk and higher levels of globalization positively moderate the negative impact of political competition on green innovation. The adverse effects of party competition are exacerbated when left‐wing parties are in power. This study offers new insight into sustainable development based on examining the relationship between political competition and green innovation.
Impact of Nanomedicine in Women's Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Ashkarran Ali Akbar , Lin Zijin , Rana Jatin , Bumpers Harvey , Sempere Lorenzo , Mahmoudi Morteza
Published: June 2023

Metastatic breast cancer is responsible for 90% of mortalities among women suffering from various types of breast cancers. Traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause significant side effects and may not be effective in many cases. However, recent advances in nanomedicine have shown great promise in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. For example, nanomedicine demonstrated robust capacity in detection of metastatic cancers at early stages (i.e., before the metastatic cells leave the initial tumor site), which gives clinicians a timely option to change their treatment process (for example, instead of endocrine therapy they may use chemotherapy). Here recent advances in nanomedicine technology in the identification and treatment of metastatic breast cancers are reviewed.
Homogenizing Zn Deposition in Hierarchical Nanoporous Cu for a High‐Current, High Areal‐Capacity Zn Flow Battery
Authors: Li Yang , Li Liangyu , Zhao Yunhe , Deng Canbin , Yi Zhibin , Xiao Diwen , Mubarak Nauman , Xu Mengyang , Li Jie , Luo Guangfu , Chen Qing , Kim Jang‐Kyo
Published: June 2023

A Zn anode can offset the low energy density of a flow battery for a balanced approach toward electricity storage. Yet, when targeting inexpensive, long‐duration storage, the battery demands a thick Zn deposit in a porous framework, whose heterogeneity triggers frequent dendrite formation and jeopardizes the stability of the battery. Here, Cu foam is transferred into a hierarchical nanoporous electrode to homogenize the deposition. It begins with alloying the foam with Zn to form Cu5Zn8, whose depth is controlled to retain the large pores for a hydraulic permeability ≈10−11 m2. Dealloying follows to create nanoscale pores and abundant fine pits below 10 nm, where Zn can nucleate preferentially due to the Gibbs–Thomson effect, as supported by a density functional theory simulation. Morphological evolution monitored by in situ microscopy confirms uniform Zn deposition. The electrode delivers 200 h of stable cycles in a Zn–I2 flow battery at 60 mAh cm−2 and 60 mA cm−2, performance that meets practical demands.
High‐Performance, Light‐Stimulation Healable, and Closed‐Loop Recyclable Lignin‐Based Covalent Adaptable Networks
Authors: Ma Xiaozhen , Wang Xiaolin , Zhao Honglong , Xu Xiaobo , Cui Minghui , Stott Nathan E. , Chen Peng , Zhu Jin , Yan Ning , Chen Jing
Published: June 2023

In this work, high‐performance, light‐stimulation healable, and closed‐loop recyclable covalent adaptable networks are successfully synthesized from natural lignin‐based polyurethane (LPU) Zn2+ coordination structures (LPUxZy). Using an optimized LPU (LPU‐20 with a tensile strength of 28.4 ± 3.5 MPa) as the matrix for Zn2+ coordination, LPUs with covalent adaptable coordination networks are obtained that have different amounts of Zn. When the feed amount of ZnCl2 is 9 wt%, the strength of LPU‐20Z9 reaches 37.3 ± 3.1 MPa with a toughness of 175.4 ± 4.6 MJ m−3, which is 1.7 times of that of LPU‐20. In addition, Zn2+ has a crucial catalytic effect on “dissociation mechanism” in the exchange reaction of LPU. Moreover, the Zn2+‐based coordination bonds significantly enhance the photothermal conversion capability of lignin. The maximum surface temperature of LPU‐20Z9 reaches 118 °C under the near‐infrared illumination of 0.8 W m−2. This allows the LPU‐20Z9 to self‐heal within 10 min. Due to the catalytic effect of Zn2+, LPU‐20Z9 can be degraded and recovered in ethanol completely. Through the investigation of the mechanisms for exchange reaction and the design of the closed‐loop recycling method, this work is expected to provide insight into the development of novel LPUs with high‐performance, light‐stimulated heal ability, and closed‐loop recyclability; which can be applied toward the expanded development of intelligent elastomers.
Influence of Austempering Temperature on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of High‐Silicon Carbide‐Free Bainitic Steel
Authors: Franceschi Mattia , Pezzato Luca , Gennari Claudio , Hanoz Denise , Bertolini Rachele , Fabrizi Alberto , Polyakova Marina , Brunelli Katya , Bonollo Franco , Dabalà Manuele
Published: June 2023

The microstructural evolution of a novel high‐silicon carbide‐free bainitic steel at different austempering temperatures is investigated. The microstructure is evaluated by means of optical and electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, microhardness, and nanohardness. Results show a variation in the amount of stabilized retained austenite changing the temperature of the isothermal treatment. In particular, it is observed an increase in the retained austenite volume fraction increasing the temperature up to 350 °C, while further increase leads to a reduction. Moreover, increasing the isothermal holding temperature from 250 °C, through 300, 350, and 370 °C, a progressive bainite coarsening and an increase in the amount of stabilized carbon‐enriched retained austenite are observed. Tensile tests reveal an excellent combination of mechanical properties: mechanical strength in the range 1276–1988 MPa and total elongation 0.18–0.44.
Thoracic to lumbar vertebral column length and length ratios in miniature dachshunds with and without thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion
Authors: Fletcher Charlotte D. A. , Ives Edward J. , Kajin Filip , Seath Ian , Grapes Nicholas J. , Lopes Bruno A. , Knebel Anna , Volk Holger A. , De Decker Steven
Published: June 2023

Background

The chondrodystrophic body type predisposes miniature dachshunds to thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE). However, the relationship between thoracolumbar IVDE and the relative lengths of the thoracic and lumbar vertebral columns has not yet been evaluated.

Methods

This prospective multicentre study included 151 miniature dachshunds with (n = 47) and without (n = 104) thoracolumbar IVDE. All dogs had their thoracic and lumbar vertebral columns measured with a tape measure. Detailed descriptions were provided to facilitate consistent measurement. A thoracic to lumbar vertebral column ratio was calculated. Thoracolumbar IVDE was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography.

Results

The thoracic to lumbar vertebral column length ratio and absolute thoracic vertebral column length were significantly smaller in miniature dachshunds with IVDE than in those without IVDE (p < 0.0001 for both). There were no significant differences in lumbar vertebral column length, age, sex or neuter status between the two groups.

Limitations

The dogs without IVDE did not undergo a neurological examination and the thoracic and lumbar vertebral column measurements were not validated.

Conclusions

The relative lengths of the thoracic and lumbar vertebral column segments could contribute to the development of thoracolumbar IVDE in miniature dachshunds. Further studies are needed to evaluate ideal thoracic to lumbar vertebral column length ratios in miniature dachshunds.
The Set of p-Adic Continuous Functions not Satisfying the Luzin (N) Property
Authors: Fernández-Sánchez J. , Maghsoudi S. , Rodríguez-Vidanes D. L. , Seoane-Sepúlveda J. B.
Published: June 2023

In this short note, we will study the existence of a vector space of continuous functions $$f:{\mathbb {Z}}_p\rightarrow \mathbb Q_p$$

f
:

Z
p

→

Q
p

, where $${\mathbb {Z}}_p$$

Z
p

and $${\mathbb {Q}}_p$$

Q
p

are, respectively, the ring of p-adic integers and the field of p-adic numbers, such that each nonzero function does not satisfy the Luzin (N) property and the dimension of the vector space is the continuum.
Optimization of hybrid friction stir welding of PMMA: 3D-printed parts and conventional sheets welding efficiency in single- and two-axis welding traces
Authors: Petousis Markos , Mountakis Nikolaos , Vidakis Nectarios
Published: June 2023

Herein, the feasibility of joining with the friction stir welding (FSW) process 3D-printed parts made of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) with extruded PMMA sheets is investigated. A full factorial design method is followed, with two control parameters, i.e., tool rotational and travel speed, and three levels each. The hybrid joints produced were subjected to tensile and flexural loading and the corresponding properties were optimized with statistical modeling tools. Regression analysis provided prediction models for the five output metrics. The temperature was monitored throughout the experimental process. Samples were inspected with optical and scanning electron microscopy and their morphological characteristics were correlated with the joining conditions. The optimized FSW parameters were used for joining PMMA 3D-printed parts with sheets with two-axis joining seams. The produced hybrid joints were more than sufficient in their mechanical properties. The highest welding efficiency achieved in the tensile tests was 1.36, by the sample welded with 900 rpm and 6 mm/min. The sample welded with the same conditions achieved also the highest welding efficiency in the flexural tests (0.98). The findings presented proven the efficiency of the hybrid PMMA joints studied and have direct industrial applications for efficient component production.

Graphical Abstract