bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chromium
Authors: Kerger Brent D. , Loccisano Anne E.
Published: December 2023

This chapter is intended to provide information on hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] human exposures and a weight of evidence analysis on the carcinogenicity of Cr(VI). The available scientific information demonstrates the importance of the chemistry of hexavalent chromium species in determining exposures, absorbed doses, and health risks via all routes of exposure.

Cr(VI) is the second most stable oxidation state of chromium; however, it rarely occurs naturally. Most Cr(VI) compounds are manufactured as either products or produced as by‐products. General population exposures to Cr(VI) occur via inhalation of ambient air, ingestion of food and water, and nondietary ingestion of dust and dirt. Most human exposures to total Cr are from dietary intake of Cr(III) that is naturally present. Occupational exposures to Cr(VI) occur largely via inhalation and dermal contact and exceed general population exposures. The inhalation and oral toxicology of Cr(VI) have been evaluated by several agencies and groups. Most recently, the U.S. EPA released a draft risk assessment of Cr(VI) in October 2022 and stated that Cr(VI) is
likely to be carcinogenic
to the human GI tract. In this draft, the Agency derived an oral slope for Cr(VI), which was an update to the Agency's previous assessment, which contained only an inhalation slope factor.

We present a summary of production and use, human exposures, chemistry, pharmacokinetics, oral and inhalation toxicology, mode of action research, and a comprehensive reference list. Chromium III [Cr(III)] was not discussed in detail in this chapter as it is essentially nontoxic and there are many review papers.
Occupational Health and Toxicological Aspects of Nanomaterials
Authors: Xia Li , Shannahan Jonathan
Published: December 2023

Nanotechnology is a broad and rapidly developing field resulting in the inclusion of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) into a number of products, applications, and processes. Due to the increased usage and production of ENMs, they represent an emerging exposure of toxicological concern among workers during ENM manufacturing and handling. The major routes of ENM exposure in occupational settings include inhalation, dermal contact, and potential ingestion. To date, a limited number of exposure assessments have been performed in industrial settings and few specific regulatory guidelines have been established. An increasing number of toxicology evaluations have suggested the potential for various adverse effects following ENM exposure. For example, in industrial settings, workers with longer exposures to ENMs have higher incidences of lung diseases, gastrointestinal tract alteration, hepatic injuries, reproductive failure, and neurological disorders. This chapter specifically focuses on ENMs that are currently or projected to be highly utilized in industrial settings including carbon nanotubes, graphene, fullerene, zinc oxide, silver, titanium oxide, cerium oxide, gold, and iron oxide. For each of these ENMs current suggested regulatory standards are provided. Further, findings from exposure assessment studies are described to determine exposure risks related to distinct ENMs and specific duties in the workplace. Toxicity data from human and animal studies are included to identify biological responses and adverse health effects potentially related to distinct ENM exposures. Throughout the chapter, critical gaps in our knowledge in regard to workplace ENM exposures and risk are highlighted.
Evolution of the Use of Toxicological Data for Evaluating Chemical Safety and Occupational Exposure Limits
Authors: Tyshenko Michael G. , Willhite Calvin , Levy Len , Deveau Michelle , Andersen Melvin E. , Karyakina Nataliya , Maier Andrew , Momoli Franco , Barton‐Maclaren Tara S. , Krewski Daniel
Published: December 2023

Conventional approaches to setting occupational exposure limits (OELs) by regulatory agencies are reviewed. Example OEL derivations show how guidance values are developed in practice. OEL values from various agencies may differ. We present a framework to help select the most appropriate OELs in practice. Use of the framework is demonstrated by OELs for
n
‐hexane, a data‐rich chemical and methamphetamine, a data‐poor chemical. Looking forward, “New Approach Methodologies” (NAMs) continue to develop generating chemical toxicological data via high‐throughput
in vitro
screening assays, computational toxicology, and other methods. NAMs for chemical risk assessment have received support from organizations such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which has validated a number of alternative test methods. Seven NAMs case studies for chemical screening and priority‐setting are presented. Future applications of NAMs in toxicological risk assessment and occupational environments are reviewed using a four‐level tiered testing framework previously proposed by Andersen and colleagues. The use of NAMs provides increased throughput, improved mechanistic understanding in toxicological testing and reduced costs compared to traditional mammalian toxicity testing. The formal application of NAMs in setting OELs is an area of ongoing development, and more widespread application of NAMs in deriving OELs is expected in the future.
Toxicology of Cosmetics
Authors: Santamaria Annette B. , Hirani Rachel N. , Kozal Jordan S. , Alexander‐White Camilla K.
Published: December 2023

Cosmetics are personal care products that are designed to be applied to the body for the purpose of cleaning, protecting, beautifying, and producing a healthy appearance or altering appearance without changing the body's physiology. The seven categories of cosmetics include oral, skin, sun, hair, and body care products, as well as decorative cosmetics and perfumes. There are millions of cosmetic products in the marketplace, and new products are constantly introduced. Cosmetic products are not subjected to premarket evaluation and approval like food or drug products by the federal government in the United States (US). However, some states are implementing laws and regulations that are specific to cosmetic products. For example, California is the first state to ban specific ingredients from being included in any cosmetic product manufactured or sold in the state. Further, unlike in the US, preregistration of cosmetics is required in the European Union (EU). Specifically, before cosmetic products are placed or made available on the EU market, responsible persons must submit specific product information to the Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP), which then makes this information available to EU authorities and poison control centers. This chapter reviews the history of cosmetics, types of cosmetics and ingredients, contaminants in cosmetics, cosmetic ingredients of concern and prohibited ingredients, exposure assessment approaches, regulation of cosmetics in the US and in the EU, global approaches to nonanimal testing for cosmetic products, and the development and application of new approach methods (NAMs) for next generation risk assessment (NGRA) of cosmetic ingredients.
Bilingual and Immersion Teacher Education
Authors: Tedick Diane J. , Cammarata Laurent
Published: December 2023

This entry provides an overview of issues and research on teacher education for bilingual/immersion contexts. Bilingual education encompasses a wide range of program models involving use of at least two languages for academic instruction, one being the majority language of the geographic area where the program is offered and the other a second, foreign, heritage, or Indigenous language. The entry begins with a definition of bilingual/immersion education, identifying the four overarching program models (foreign/second language immersion, two‐way bilingual immersion, developmental bilingual education, and Indigenous language immersion) and their associated goals. It continues with a discussion of the knowledge base that underlies bilingual/immersion teaching, emphasizing that the crux of effective bilingual/immersion teaching is the integration of content, language, and literacy. This discussion is followed by a description of approaches to both preservice teacher education and in‐service professional development for bilingual/immersion contexts that includes program examples. Next, research on bilingual/immersion teacher education is reviewed. Finally, the entry reflects on the challenges facing the field and concludes with a brief description of future directions.
A Biomimetic Upconversion Nanobait‐Based Near Infrared Light Guided Photodynamic Therapy Alleviates Alzheimer's Disease by Inhibiting β‐Amyloid Aggregation
Authors: Wang Xu , Zhang Wenjing , Hou Lili , Geng Wei , Wang Jingwen , Kong Yu , Liu Chang , Zeng Xianshun , Kong Dexin
Published: December 2023

Aberrant β‐amyloid (Aβ) fibrillation is the key event in Alzheimer's disease (AD), the inhibition and degradation of which are recognized as a promising therapeutic strategy to alleviate the nerve damage of AD. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) holds great potential for modulation of Aβ self‐assembly, which is nevertheless limited by the inefficient utilization of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Herein, an erythrocyte membrane (EM)‐modified core–shell upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP/Cur@EM) is designed and fabricated as a biomimetic nanobait to improve the PDT efficiency in AD. The UCNP with the outlayer of mesoporous silica is synthesized to load a high amount of the photosensitizer (curcumin), the unique optical feature of which can trigger curcumin to generate ROS upon near‐infrared light (NIR) irradiation. Integration of EM enables the biomimetic nanobait to attract Aβ peptides trapped in the phospholipid bilayer, restraining the growth of Aβ monomers to form aggregates and improving the utilization rate of ROS to degrade the preformed Aβ aggregates. In vivo studies demonstrate that UCNP/Cur@EM irradiated by NIR enables to decrease Aβ deposits, ameliorates memory deficits, and rescues cognitive functions in the APP/PS1 transgenic mouse model. A biocompatible and controllable way is provided here to inhibit the amyloid protein‐associated pathological process of AD.
Antimicrobial Personal Protection Clothing: Development of Visible Light Activated Antimicrobial Coatings for Nonwoven Polypropylene Fibers
Authors: Merkes Jean Michél , Mukherjee Tarushyam , Chiera Silvia , Laukkanen Olli‐Ville , Bruenke Joerg , Brust Tim , Tessarolo Francesco , Kiessling Fabian , Rueping Magnus , Banala Srinivas
Published: December 2023

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, the use of polypropylene fleece‐based personal protection equipment (PPE) increased significantly to over ten million tons. Typically, most PPEs are discarded after a single use, to prevent self‐infection of users and spread of infectious agents. However, in order to minimize plastic waste without compromising the protective properties of PPE, it is crucial to explore new reusable or longer‐lived materials. Here, a visible light‐activatable antimicrobial photodynamic dye coating for PPEs is presented. In this context, coating with thiomorpholino‐methylene blue (TMB), derived from methylene blue by introducing two thiomorpholine units, is found to show high antibacterial activity. TMB is integrated into rotary printing suspension, a commercial nitrocellulose‐based printing matrix. The concentration of TMB in adhesive is optimized, and found that 5% TMB is suitable for coating PPE, for reducing the number of Gram‐positive and ‐negative bacteria by 99.99% after 6 h of white light irradiation. Bacterial filtration efficiency and breathability tested according to EN 14683, confirmed that TMB coating does not affect the filter performance. Thus, this antimicrobial photodynamic dye coating technique offers a promising solution for a safer and extended use of PPE, and reduction of plastic waste generated by PPEs.
Does crop insurance ensure food security for Indian farmers? Evidence from a nationally representative survey
Authors: Akber Nusrat , Paltasingh Kirtti Ranjan , Mishra Ashok K.
Published: December 2023

This study examines the impact of farm households' decision to adopt crop insurance and its effect on food security. Using the National Sample Survey Office's 77th round of data (2019–2020) from Indian farming households, the endogenous switching regression results confirm that insuring crops against production risks increases food security (as measured by higher consumption expenditures and net farm income). Specifically, findings show that farming households would decrease consumption expenditures by 15% and net farm income by 26% if they had not adopted crop insurance. Similarly, the noninsured families would have 23% higher consumption expenditures and 31% higher net farm income if they had insured crops. However, we find heterogeneity in welfare impacts because large farmers reap more benefits than smallholders. Policy implications from this study call for increased awareness of insurance programs, educating farmers about crop insurance schemes, and an effective institutional framework to reduce heterogeneity in insurance benefits. [EconLit Citations: Q13, Q18, O53].
Neighborhood effect, virtual social networks, and farmers' social e‐commerce participation behavior
Authors: Wang Chan , Wu Xiao , Chen Tinggui
Published: December 2023

The development of social e‐commerce can integrate the production, circulation, and sales of agricultural products; realize the digitalization of the agricultural production process; and promote farmers' savings and profits. On the basis of the stimulus–organism–response theory and the embedding theories, microsurvey data of 302 farmers regarding the winter jujube production area of the Dali facility in the Shaanxi Province were used to empirically test the impact of neighborhood effect (NE) and virtual social networks on farmers' participation in social e‐commerce, and the interaction effect of the two aspects. Additionally, we analyzed its mechanism under the framework of “social networks‐farmers' cognition‐social e‐commerce participation behavior (SEPB).” The research results are as follows. First, neighborhood participation, social software friends, and information release have a significant positive impact on farmers' SEPB, whereas information reception has a negative impact. Second, the empirical results considering the comprehensive effects of various variables show that NE, network communication, and network participation (NP) can all promote farmers' participation in social e‐commerce, and NP is complementary to NE. Third, mechanism analysis shows that NE and NP produce partial mediating effect and complete mediating effect, respectively, through self‐competence recognition (SR), which in turn positively impacts the SEPB. In the heterogeneity analysis, for farmers with a plantation area of less than or equal to 0.447 ha, SR has a partial mediating effect on the process of NE affecting SEPB, whereas the motivating factor is NP. In terms of labor force structure, only the percentage of nonagricultural workers exceeds 0.253, NE and NP affect SEPB through SR. This study can provide a reference for farmers to rationally use their social networks, and guide the formulation of social e‐commerce support policies at the national level.
Simple procedure for assessing diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage successfully created using filament perforation method in mice
Authors: Mutoh Tatsushi , Tochinai Ryota , Aono Hiroaki , Kuwahara Masayoshi , Taki Yasuyuki , Ishikawa Tatsuya
Published: December 2023

The murine model of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a valuable experimental tool for investigating molecular and cellular mechanisms, and the endovascular filament perforation technique can be used to simulate prominent pathophysiological features observed after human SAH; however, current validation methods for assessing an appropriate SAH model are limited. Here, we introduce a simple procedure for selecting a mouse model of diffuse SAH. SAH was induced in 24 mice using a standard filament perforation method. After confirming survival at 24 h, SAH was scored 0–1 based on T2*‐weighted images on whole‐brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and visual surveillance of the cisterna magna (CM) through the dura mater. The CM‐based SAH grading correlated well with a reference parameter defined by extracted brain (r2 = 0.53, p < 0.0001). The receiver operating characteristic curve revealed a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 91% for detecting diffuse SAH, with a similar area under the curve (0.89 ± 0.06 [standard error of the mean]) as the MRI‐based grading (0.72 ± 0.10, p = 0.12). Our data suggest that confirming an SAH clot in the CM is a valuable way to select a clinically relevant diffuse SAH model that can be used in future experimental studies.
Supercharging green chemistry: Unleashing 1, 4‐NADH regeneration and unprecedented C(sp3)‐F bond activation via NiS‐NiO/S‐g‐C3N4 nanocomposite photocatalyst under solar light
Authors: Kumari Sanjana , Singh Atul P. , Yadav Rajesh K. , Singh Satyam , Shahin Rehana , Kumari Indra , Yadav Aditya Nath , Yadav Abhishek K. , Sharma Kavita , Dwivedi Dilip K. , Darwish Hany W. , Choi Jeong Ryeol
Published: December 2023

Fluorinated and enzymatic chemicals are widely used in society due to their chemical, physical, and biological qualities. Nevertheless, despite their vital importance, present approaches to adding fluorine to molecules and regenerating enzyme cofactors have serious flaws. For instance, numerous approaches are photocatalytic and employ stoichiometric counterparts of heavy metals. Prevailing photocatalytic approaches, on the other hand, show very poor activity, and selectivity has not been attained by heterogeneous photocatalysis, despite the several benefits such a method would provide. Here, we show how heterogeneous photocatalysis may be used to selectively create C(sp3)‐F bonds and 1,4‐NADH regeneration cofactor. Employing NiS‐NiO/S‐g‐C3N4 nanocomposite photocatalyst as a photocatalyst, NAD+ and Selectfluor as an acceptor and mild fluorine donor, effective 1,4‐NADH regeneration, and decarboxylative fluorination of carboxylic acids can be attained in very short reaction times. Furthermore, NiS‐NiO/S‐g‐C3N4 nanocomposite photocatalyst exhibits outstanding levels of robustness and photo‐catching capacity. These aspects, attached to the mild environment of the reaction scheme, exhibit a breakthrough toward the sustainable cofactor of 1,4‐NADH regeneration and synthesis of fluorinated compounds.
Disclosing the fatigue deformation mechanisms of different types of poly (ethylene terephthalate) industrial fibers on the base of the multiscale structural evolutions
Authors: Chen Kang , Song Minggen , Jiang Quan , Ji Hong , Zhang Yumei , Wang Huaping
Published: December 2023

The fatigue behavior of poly (ethylene terephthalate) industrial fibers is a key issue in their long‐term service for engineering applications. To have a comprehensive understanding of the fatigue behavior, the high‐tenacity (HT) and low‐shrinkage (LS) PET fibers were selected to analyze the room temperature dynamic fatigue properties with different stress. Various techniques such as WAXD/SAXS and FTIR were employed to study the multiscale structure changes to disclose the fatigue mechanisms. Although the crystalline structure including orientation and crystallinity did not change, the amorphous structures varied with fatigue stress. The HT fiber exhibited a higher fatigue recovery ratio. The slight increase in amorphous orientation, and amorphous thickness was attributed to the oriented coiled molecular chains during tensile fatigue stress. In contrast, the LS fiber experienced plastic fatigue deformation with a lower recovery ratio. The molecular chains in the large amorphous domain are easily extended and oriented under tensile loading, increasing amorphous orientation and lamellar thickness. The fatigue mechanism for the LS fiber involved the conformation transition from gauche to trans conformers and a higher proportion of irreversible amorphous regions were formed. It is indicated that developing industrial filaments with small amorphous orientation and content is crucial to improving their fatigue resistance.
Freshwater conservation: Lost in limnology?
Authors: Barouillet Cécilia , González‐Trujillo Juan David , Geist Juergen , Gíslason Gísli M. , Grossart Hans‐Peter , Irvine Kenneth , Jähnig Sonja C. , Boon Philip J.
Published: December 2023

Although scientific research has identified the causes of undesirable ecological changes in fresh waters, translating the results of research into practical conservation and management, and raising awareness of the need for action, is often inadequate.

This Viewpoint considers the present coverage of conservation‐related freshwater research, the application of science to conservation, the extent of collaboration between international organizations, and the level of awareness of freshwater ecosystems and the need for their conservation.

Far greater attention has been given to conservation in marine than freshwater areas. This is illustrated by the respective number of publications in the scientific literature, an imbalance in the UN Sustainable Development goals, and, until recently, the lack of an explicit reference to freshwater ecosystems in the UN Global Biodiversity Framework.

Four case studies are presented as examples of how freshwater conservation can be made more effective: involving local communities in applying nature‐based solutions; bringing scientists and stakeholders together to discuss how to improve freshwater management; collaborating at a global scale in freshwater protection and restoration; and demonstrating how scientists and government can work together to reconcile the competing needs of nature and human society.

Producing and implementing effective conservation and management plans needs a recognition of the extensive diversity of freshwater habitats and species, as well as a systematic evaluation of how scientific information can be translated into action at local, regional and global scales.

Data on freshwater ecosystems need to be accessible, comprehensible, unambiguous and available to all those working on practical conservation projects. Many international organizations are already active in this field, but greater collaboration would make their work more effective.

Raising awareness needs education and training, carefully targeted at a wide range of audiences, and communicated using the full range of media now available.
Practice, pedagogy and education as a discipline: Getting beyond close‐to‐practice research
Authors: Deng Zongyi
Published: December 2023

The British Educational Research Association (BERA) has promulgated a concept of close‐to‐practice research that is seen as vital to defending and promoting education as an academic discipline. However, what is overlooked are the questions of what education is for and what educational practice is—questions that need to be addressed for any research aiming to understand and improve educational practice. Informed by Robin Alexander's conception of pedagogy, continental Pädagogik and Didaktik and Anglo‐American sources, this paper advances an alternative, different way of thinking about close‐to‐practice research and education as a discipline. It makes a case for education as a distinctive discipline directed towards the understanding and development of practice for the advancement of education. This discipline necessitates an educational and Didaktik way of thinking and theorising, centred on the questions of what education is for, what educational practice is and how practice is supported and developed. This way of thinking and theorising calls for three interrelated lines of research that are significant and matter to practice, particularly within the current context of the National Curriculum in England.
Pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution, and plasma protein binding ratio of bicuculline following intragastric and intravenous administration in rats using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Chen Weikang , Zheng Yangbin , Zhu Yanyan , Liu Dehong , Zhu Lianghui
Published: December 2023

Bicuculline is a natural isoquinoline alkaloid that works as a gamma‐aminobutyric acid receptor antagonist. It is widely found in Papaveraceae plants used in traditional Chinese medicines. Bicuculline not only has been shown to have favorable analgesic, memory‐improving, and anxiolytic effects but may also cause adverse effects such as convulsions and epilepsy. A simple, rapid, and sensitive method was developed and validated for the determination of bicuculline in the plasma and tissue samples in rats by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The chromatographic separation was performed on a Thermo Scientific C18 column. The MS/MS system was operated in the positive multiple reaction monitoring mode, and the precursor–product ion transitions were optimized as m/z 368.0 → 307.1 for bicuculline and as 354.1 → 188.1 for protopine (internal standard). The linearity, accuracy, precision, recovery, and matrix effect were within acceptable limits. The experimental data showed that bicuculline was rapidly absorbed and eliminated in rats, with a moderate plasma protein binding ratio and low bioavailability. The main tissues of distribution were the kidney, liver, and brain; bicuculline could exert its pharmacological effects across the blood–brain barrier. This study has positive implications for the clinical use of herbal medicines containing bicuculline and for further development.
A bioengineered anti‐VEGF protein with high affinity and high concentration for intravitreal treatment of wet age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Huang Chengnan , Wang Yuelin , Huang Jinliang , Liu Huiqin , Chen Zhidong , Jiang Yang , Chen Youxin , Qian Feng
Published: December 2023

Intravitreal (IVT) injection of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (anti‐VEGF) has greatly improved the treatment of many retinal disorders, including wet age‐related macular degeneration (wAMD), which is the third leading cause of blindness. However, frequent injections can be difficult for patients and may lead to various risks such as elevated intraocular pressure, infection, and retinal detachment. To address this issue, researchers have found that IVT injection of anti‐VEGF proteins at their maximally viable concentration and dose can be an effective strategy. However, the intrinsic protein structure can limit the maximum concentration due to stability and solution viscosity. To overcome this challenge, we developed a novel anti‐VEGF protein called nanoFc by fusing anti‐VEGF nanobodies with a crystallizable fragment (Fc). NanoFc has demonstrated high binding affinity to VEGF165 through multivalency and potent bioactivity in various bioassays. Furthermore, nanoFc maintains satisfactory chemical and physical stability at 4°C over 1 month and is easily injectable at concentrations up to 200 mg/mL due to its unique architecture that yields a smaller shape factor. The design of nanoFc offers a bioengineering strategy to ensure both strong anti‐VEGF binding affinity and high protein concentration, with the goal of reducing the frequency of IV injections.
The impact of digital household budgets on online purchase decision‐making processes
Authors: Skwara Florian , Wienert Luca
Published: December 2023

Recent literature found positive effects of digital household budget feedback when used over longer timespans. This current study, in turn, investigates whether digital budget feedback also influences consumer behavior in single online purchase decisions. The related research question states: Do transparent technology‐mediated household budgets influence consumers' willingness to pay and payment pain in single, individual online purchase decision processes? The underlying study used a quantitative‐, mixed‐design approach and simulated online purchases for one hedonic and one utilitarian product. Three hundred fourteen study subjects were assigned to either a control group or one of three treatment groups manipulated with specific budget statuses to examine differences in consumer reactions. Critical measures of willingness to pay and payment pain have been taken to analyze potential significant effects. Results found significant differences in consumer willingness to pay and payment pain between and within groups concerning both products. The study could, however, not confirm differences to occur between utilitarian and hedonic purchases. The findings extend existing literature by demonstrating that consumers adjust their online spending based on individual household budget feedback. Consumers that wish to align spending with their current budget status might thus rely on app‐mediated budget updates. At the same time, marketers could offer individualized pricing offers to consumers based on situational budget status information.
Association of autoimmune pancreatitis with Raghib syndrome
Authors: Yousefi Azizollah , Salehi Shima , Radgoodarzi Mohammad , Javid Asma
Published: December 2023

Key Clinical Message

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a form of chronic pancreatitis scarcely found in children. Raghib syndrome is a rare congenital heart defect known as persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) draining into the left atrium. Total signs of Raghib syndrome in AIP case accompanied by an IgG4‐related disease were described.

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a form of chronic pancreatitis scarcely found in children. Raghib syndrome is a rare congenital heart defect known as persistent left superior vena cava (LSVC) draining into the left atrium. Here, we describe Raghib syndrome in AIP case accompanied by an IgG4‐related disease (AIP/IgG4RD). A 13‐year‐old boy presented with a 3‐month history of fever and abdominal pain. The laboratory findings showed SGOT and SGPT, ALP was increased, while amylase and γ‐GT were normal. Immunoglobulins were normal, except for IgG. Endosonography, spiral CT of the abdomen, and cholangiopancreatography showed an enlargement of the pancreas. Contrast echocardiography discovered opacification of the coronary sinus and left atrium. Transesophageal echocardiography for LSVC revealed a dilatation in the coronary sinus, indicating persistent LSVC. Following the injection of agitated saline into the left antecubital vein, bubbles entered both left and right atria in LSVC. It is reasonable to exclude some of these rare disorders as Raghib syndrome, in cases that will be started on medications like corticosteroids, which increases the susceptibility to thromboembolic events.
Getting on the same page in multicultural counseling training
Authors: Kriofske Mainella Alexandra M. , Raval Geeta , Koziol Callie , Callender Karisse
Published: December 2023

This study explored the lived experiences of 21 graduate students in counselor education programs in talking about race, racism, oppression, and privilege in the classroom. We identified four themes from the data that will be shared in the study findings with implications for counselor education, counselor training, and research.
Economic evidence for prevention and treatment of eating disorders: An updated systematic review
Authors: Faller Jan , Perez Joahna Kevin , Mihalopoulos Cathrine , Chatterton Mary Lou , Engel Lidia , Lee Yong Yi , Le Phuong Hong , Le Long Khanh‐Dao
Published: December 2023

Objective

This systematic review updates an existing review examining the cost‐effectiveness of interventions to prevent and treat eating disorders (EDs).

Method

Literature search was conducted in Academic Search Complete, MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EconLit, Global Health, ERIC, Health Business Elite, and Health Policy Reference Center electronic databases, capturing studies published between March 2017 to April 2023. Hand‐searching was conducted as supplementary including gray literature search. Included articles were (1) full economic evaluations or return‐on‐investment studies, (2) in English and (3) aimed at prevention and treatment of any ED. Included studies were added and synthesized with previously reviewed studies. Screening and extraction followed PRISMA guidelines. Quality assessment was conducted using the Drummond checklist. PROSPERO registration CRD42021287464.

Results

A total of 28 studies were identified, including 15 published after the previous review. There were nine prevention, seven anorexia nervosa (AN) treatment, five bulimia nervosa (BN) treatment, four binge‐eating disorder (BED), and three non‐specific ED treatment studies. Findings indicate value‐for‐money evidence supporting all interventions. Quality assessment showed studies were fair‐to‐good quality.

Discussion

There has been significant growth in cost‐effectiveness studies over the last 5 years. Findings suggest that interventions to prevent and treat ED offer value for money. Interventions such as Featback (ED prevention and non‐specific ED treatment); focal psychodynamic therapy, enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy, and high‐calorie refeeding (AN treatment); stepped‐care with assisted self‐help and internet‐based cognitive behavioral therapy (BN treatment); and cognitive behavioral therapy guided self‐help intervention (BED treatment) have good quality economic evidence. Further research in implementation of interventions is required.

Public Significance Statement

The increasing prevalence of ED globally has significant impact on healthcare systems, families, and society. This review is showcasing the value for money of interventions of eating disorders prevention and treatment. This review found that existing interventions offers positive economic benefit for the healthcare system.
Geologically calibrated mammalian tree and its correlation with global events, including the emergence of humans
Authors: Osozawa Soichi
Published: December 2023

A robust timetree for Mammalia was constructed using the time calibration function of BEAST v1.10.4 and MEGA 11. The analysis involved the application of times of the most recent common ancestors, including a total of 19 mammalian fossil calibration ages following Benton et al. (Palaeontologia Electronica, 2015, 1–106) for their minimum ages. Additionally, fossil calibration ages for Gorilla, Pan, and a geologic event calibration age for otters were incorporated. Using these calibration ages, I constructed a geologically calibrated tree that estimates the age of the Homo and Pan splitting to be 5.69 Ma. The tree carries several significant implications. First, after the initial rifting at 120 Ma, the Atlantic Ocean expanded by over 500 km around Chron 34 (84 Ma), and vicariant speciation between Afrotheria (Africa) and Xenarthra (South America) appears to have commenced around 70 Ma. Additionally, ordinal level differentiations began immediately following the K–Pg boundary (66.0 Ma), supporting previous hypothesis that mammalian radiation rapidly filled ecological niches left vacant by non‐avian dinosaurs. I constructed a diagram depicting the relationship between base substitution rate and age using an additional function in BEAST v1.10.4. The diagram reveals an exponential increase in the base substitution rate approaching recent times. This increased base substitution rate during the Neogene period may have contributed to the expansion of biodiversity, including the extensive adaptive radiation that led to the evolution of Homo sapiens. One significant driving factor behind this radiation could be attributed to the emergence and proliferation of C4 grasses since 20 Ma. These grasses have played a role in increasing carbon fixation, reducing atmospheric CO2 concentration, inducing global cooling, and initiating Quaternary glacial–interglacial cycles, thereby causing significant climatic changes.
Habitat turnover in Iberian and Italian lizards: Is it climatically, spatially, or phylogenetically determined?
Authors: Escoriza Daniel , Pascual Guillem , Mestre Laia
Published: December 2023

The Mediterranean peninsulas host rich assemblages of lizards, but little is known about the factors that limit their habitat use on large spatial scales. In this study, we investigated the variation in habitat use of 29 species of lacertid lizards on the Iberian and Italian peninsulas and the transitional region of southeastern France. We investigated whether the types of habitat used were phylogenetically determined or, in contrast, were more influenced by spatial or climatic effects. We characterized the vegetal composition of 483 habitats used by lacertids and estimated the contribution of each component to habitat variability using distance‐based redundancy analysis. We showed that overall turnover patterns were determined similarly in both peninsulas, despite differences in the composition of the lacertid assemblages. The aridity‐related component dominated over the phylogenetic one, which has a weak influence in both regions. The species showed different turnover patterns, being low in those present in cold alpine habitats and shrub‐steppe specialists. In some Iberian endemics, habitat turnover occurs within relatively homogeneous climatic bands. However, in the Italian species, habitat turnover has a comparatively stronger climatic component, suggesting lower climatic specialization. This study shows that species distributions across habitats provide information to assess community properties and can be applied to explore differences among faunal assemblages over large geographic areas. Our results provide evidence that beta diversity can play a key role in structuring patterns of habitat turnover.
Concise Synthesis of Thiazolo[4,5‐b]indoles via Ring Switch/Cyclization Sequences
Authors: Yamada Koji , Tsubogo Tetsu , Kanazawa Hikaru , Ishizuka Sayaka , Ohyama Koutaro , Kaida Masaki , Abe Takumi
Published: December 2023

The unexpected reactions of indoline hemiaminals affords 2,5‐diaryl‐4‐hydroxythiazolines through a thioamidation/ring switch sequence. The key to success of this transformation is to use a thioamide as a thiazoline precursor under transient tautomeric control. This transformation features mild reaction conditions and good yields with broad functional group tolerance (17 examples, up to 99 % yield). Further transformations of the thiazolines provide a direct entry to dihydrothiazolo[4,5‐b]indoles and thiazolo[4,5‐b]indoles.
Hydromorphological response of heavily modified rivers to flood releases from reservoirs: A case study of the Spöl River, Switzerland
Authors: Hashemi Saman , Carrivick Jonathan , Klaar Megan
Published: December 2023

Releasing experimental floods as part of environmental flow programs aims to restore river beds by moving and restoring sediments to improve hydromorphological conditions of the river. However, it remains a challenge to understand how flood release characteristics affect channel morphology, sediment transport, and hydrodynamics. In this study, field surveys and a 2D hydro‐morphodynamic and sediment transport numerical model were used to determine how differences in flood magnitude and falling limb alter hydrogeomorphic conditions within a 4 km reach of the lower Spöl River. The model was constrained by drone flight‐derived high‐resolution digital elevation models and two field‐measured flood releases. The highest flood magnitude of 40 m3/s resulted in 2,700 m3 of total sediment transport, 2,000 m3 of net total volumetric change and 16 900 m2 more wetted area after the flood. The same flood, simulated with an increase in falling limb slope, resulted in a decrease in the duration of full sediment mobility and a corresponding reduction of 8% in net total volumetric change and 5.3% in the total wetted area. Contrastingly, the lowest flood magnitude of 25 m3/s produced 130% lower total sediment transport, 105% lower net total volumetric changes and 10% less wetted area after the flood. Overall, we show that hydro‐morphodynamic modelling of river erosion and deposition combined with spatially rich topographic datasets are extremely useful in forming designed environmental flood scenarios to optimise sediment transport and thus hydrogeomorphic changes to set environmental flows. We contend that scenario modelling is necessary to help water managers optimise the amount of water allocated to environmental flows and to simultaneously restore and maintain riverine dynamics in heavily modified rivers.
Sand, hearths, lithics and a bit of bioturbation: Site formation processes at Umhlatuzana rockshelter, South Africa
Authors: Sifogeorgaki Irini , Huisman Hans , Karkanas Panagiotis , Schmid Viola C. , Dusseldorp Gerrit L.
Published: December 2023

Umhlatuzana rockshelter is known for its continuous record of Middle and Later Stone Age lithic assemblages. This study presents multiproxy geoarchaeological data (micromorphology, X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy) to reconstruct the depositional and post‐depositional history of the site. Although the Stone Age deposits macroscopically appear homogeneous, micromorphological analysis reveals the existence of primary, unaltered depositional microlayering throughout the sequence. Sediments related to combustion activities on‐site are observed in both the Holocene and Pleistocene deposits. Post‐depositional geochemical alterations result in the formation of several phosphatic minerals that significantly affect the site's preservation conditions. One of those is vashegyite, a rare magnesium phosphate mineral related to acidic and moist sedimentary environments. Bioturbation features are prominent at the microscale, but sediment mixing does not seem to affect the vertical distribution of the artifacts. The observation of horizontal microlayering in both the Pleistocene and Holocene illuminates the dominant mechanism of sedimentation throughout the site's 70,000‐year occupational history. It moreover shows that the lithics can be analysed as coherent assemblages.
Effect of compression ratio and injection timing on the performance of microalgae‐based biodiesel blend
Authors: Galande Swapnil , Pangavhane D. R. , Campli Srinidhi
Published: December 2023

The manuscript addressed experimental work related to microalgae‐based biodiesel blend B20, that is, 20% algae biodiesel and 80% diesel, as an alternative fuel as a possible source to power diesel engines. The physiochemical characteristics of this B20 blend were almost in line with diesel fuel as per American Society for Testing and Material standards. Coupled experimentation related to variations in compression ratio (CR) 17, 19, and 21 and fuel injection timing (IT) of 21°, 23°, and 25° before top dead center (bTDC) with load variations noted on diesel engines. We observed that, at full load, CR21 and 23° bTDC fuel IT, the brake thermal efficiency parameters rose significantly, whereas brake‐specific fuel consumption, and combusted flue gas temperatures also plummeted. The CO, HC, and smoke opacity emission for the B20 blend at CR21 and FIT23 has decreased by 30.52%, 33.33%, and 32.96%, respectively. At full load conditions, NOx emission for B20 biodiesel at CR21 was increased compared with the standard setting and compared with diesel it was increased by 6.46%.
DNA nanotechnology in tumor liquid biopsy: Enrichment and determination of circulating biomarkers
Authors: Zhu Yitong , Li Wenbin , Lan Fei , Chen Siting , Chen Xiaofei , Zhang Xiaohe , Yan Xiaohui , Zhang Ye
Published: December 2023

Monitoring tumor biomarkers in a non‐invasive manner for tumor diagnosis has attracted increasing attention. Liquid biopsy mainly includes three types of biomarkers: circulating tumor cells, extracellular vesicles, and circulating nucleic acids. These biomarkers released by tumor cells can travel to other parts of the circulation system. The analysis of circulating tumor markers in the circulation enables early tumor diagnosis, progression evolution, and treatment monitoring, which are important for individualized clinical decisions. In this study, we summarize different DNA nanotechnology strategies that can be used to capture, amplify, and measure circulating biomarkers and discuss the current challenges and outlook.
Subjective and objective benefits of a novel opioid‐related disorders simulation learning experience for pharmacy students
Authors: Greer Daniel , Barta Les , Liu Mei T. , Andrews Liza Barbarello
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The subjective and objective benefits of an opioid‐related disorders simulation lab have not been well established in pharmacy student education. Opioid‐related disorders are extremely prevalent, and education of pharmacy students should develop as the role of the pharmacist progresses.

Objective

To enhance knowledge, affective skills, and empathy in the management of opioid‐related disorders for third professional‐year student pharmacists using simulation.

Methods

Third‐year student pharmacists participated in a three‐part opioid‐related disorders activity. Students first completed a patient case in groups, then presented as the patient to a simulated retail pharmacy to obtain a buprenorphine‐naloxone prescription, and lastly, provided counseling to a simulated patient for naloxone nasal spray. Knowledge was assessed with a multiple‐choice survey, and affective skills and empathy were assessed with an opinion‐based survey. The surveys were administered pre‐class, post‐class, and 1 month following the class. The surveys were not validated but were based on curriculum goals. All of the surveys were completed online, and the pre‐class and post‐class surveys were completed on computers during class.

Results

A total of 150 students completed the pre‐class survey, 144 completed the post‐class survey, and 90 completed the survey 1 month later. The experience was reported as valuable by 100% of participants. Knowledge significantly improved from the pre‐class survey (85.6%) to the post‐class survey (94.3%) (p < 0.001) and remained improved 1 month following the activity (92.4%) (p = 0.002). Based on the opinion‐based survey, empathy toward patients with opioid‐related disorders was significantly improved for three survey items following the activity and 1 month after the activity.

Conclusion

This three‐part simulation demonstrated improvement in empathy and knowledge in the ability to provide care for patients with opioid‐related disorders among student pharmacists.