bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyserositis caused by tuberculosis in a young female patient with hypothyroidism: A diagnostic challenge
Authors: Solela Gashaw , Kedir Ferhan , Daba Merga
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Messages

The diagnosis of polyserositis due to tuberculosis (TB) is complex and challenging, which may cause delays in treatment. TB should be ruled out first before attributing polyserositis to any other cause like hypothyroidism, particularly in high TB burden countries.

Polyserositis has numerous causes and frequently occurs in neoplasia, autoimmune disorders, endocrine conditions like hypothyroidism, and infectious diseases like tuberculosis (TB). The diagnosis of TB polyserositis is complex and challenging, which may cause the start of definitive therapy to be delayed. Here, we report the case of a 32‐year‐old female patient who presented with abdominal distension for 3 weeks associated with shortness of breath, cough, excessive fatigue, and loss of appetite. Thyroid function tests were suggestive of primary hypothyroidism, and later on, sputum GeneXpert MTB/RIF test turned out to be positive. She was initially started on oral levothyroxine and then anti‐TB medications. The polyserositis resolved a month after the initiation of anti‐TB drugs. TB should be ruled out first before attributing polyserositis to any other cause like hypothyroidism, particularly in high TB burden countries. Microbiologic tests, such as GeneXpert, remain the most important tools to make a diagnosis of TB and start anti‐TB medications early.
Peripheral giant cell granuloma as a sign of hyperparathyroidism in a patient under hemodialysis: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Yousefian Marzieh , Aghakouchakzadeh Arezoo , Torki Sajad
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

Peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) is a benign reactive exophytic oral lesion that originates from the periosteum or the periodontal ligament. It exclusively develops on the gingiva or alveolar mucosa. Hyperparathyroidism (HPT) is a possible etiology for its development. HPT is an endocrine disorder characterized by increased secretion of the parathyroid hormone (PTH). This case report describes a case of recurring PGCG in a patient diagnosed with secondary HPT after paraclinical assessment.
Flexible g‐C3N4 Enhancing Superior Cycling Stability of ZnFe2O4‐Fe2O3 Nanosheet Composites as High‐Capacity Anode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Huang Jian , Hu Lin , Xu Hui , Yang Zhong , Li Jianping , Wang Ping
Published: August 2023

For lithium‐ion batteries, iron‐based oxides are expected to be the next generation of anode materials because of their high theoretical capacity, environmental friendliness, and affordability. Although, like most transition metal oxides, iron‐based oxides suffer from poor electrical conductivity and cycling performance, volume expansion during charging and discharging, and easily agglomerated. g‐C3N4 has a graphene‐like layered structure consisting of nitrogen‐linked C6N7 repeating units. The abundant nitrogen content can improve the wettability of the electrode and electrolyte, thus improving the lithium charge transfer process, and secondly g‐C3N4 is less expensive and easier to prepare than graphene. Here, we report composites with metal oxide nanosheets (ZnFe2O4−Fe2O3) attached to softly curved g‐C3N4 nanosheets. When used as an anode material for lithium‐ion batteries, after 300 cycles at the current density of 500 mA g−1, ZFO‐Fe2O3/g‐C3N4 offers the discharge specific capacity (1518.5 mAh g−1) and can still deliver 639.2 mAh g−1 at the high current density (10 A g−1). Due to the introduction of g‐C3N4 alleviated the volume change of the electrode, shortened the diffusion distance of Li+ and provided more reactive sites, resulting in excellent electrochemical performance of ZFO‐Fe2O3/g‐C3N4.
Function‐Led Design of Covalent‐Organic‐Framework Membranes for Precise Ion Separation
Authors: Meng Qing‐Wei , Wu Di , Wang Sai , Sun Qi
Published: August 2023

Insufficient access to clean water and resources has emerged as one of the most pressing issues affecting people globally. Membrane‐based ion separation has become a focal point of research for the generation of fresh water and the extraction of energy elements. This Review encapsulates recent advancements in the selective ion transport of covalent organic framework (COF) membranes, accomplished by strategically pairing diverse monomers to create membranes with various pore sizes and environments for specific purposes. We first discuss the merits of using COF materials as a basis for fabricating membranes for ion separation. We then explore the development of COF membranes in areas such as desalination, acid recovery, and energy element extraction, with a particular emphasis on the fundamental principles of membrane design. Lastly, we address both theoretical and practical challenges, as well as potential opportunities in the targeted design of ion‐selective membranes. The goal of this Review is to stimulate future investigative efforts in this field, which is of significant scientific and strategic importance.
Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Exposure–Response Modeling of Nedosiran in Participants With Severe Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Amrite Aniruddha , Fuentes Ernesto , Marbury Thomas C. , Zhang Steven
Published: August 2023

Nedosiran is an investigational RNA‐interference therapeutic in development for primary hyperoxaluria (PH). Because nedosiran undergoes renal clearance, we assessed its pharmacokinetic profile in non‐PH participants with normal kidney function and Stages 4/5 chronic kidney disease (CKD), the latter with/without dialysis. Nedosiran exposure–response modeling in patients with PH Subtype 1 (PH1) with different renal function level was performed to recommend a nedosiran dose for this subpatient population. In this open‐label, single‐dose, Phase 1 study, 24 participants with estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (CKD Stages 4/5; on hemodialysis [Groups 1a, 1b] and not on hemodialysis [Group 2]) and 10 participants with normal kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2; Group 3) received a single dose of subcutaneous nedosiran sodium 170 mg. Group 1a received nedosiran 8 hours before beginning hemodialysis, Group 1b received nedosiran 2 hours after completing hemodialysis; Group 2 was not on hemodialysis. Nedosiran population pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic analyses were conducted using pooled data from this study and 4 others. Nedosiran pharmacokinetic exposure in non‐PH participants with CKD Stages 4/5 was approximately 2‐fold higher versus participants with normal kidney function. Hemodialysis timing relative to nedosiran administration had no clinically significant impact on pharmacokinetics (Group 1a vs 1b). Nedosiran was well tolerated. Modeling indicated that in patients with PH1 with CKD Stages 4/5, lower nedosiran doses provide similar exposure and potential reduction in 24‐hour urinary oxalate to standard nedosiran doses in patients with PH1 with normal kidney function or CKD Stages 2/3. Nedosiran dosage reductions are recommended in patients with PH1 with CKD Stages 4/5; further adjustments are unnecessary if dialysis is started.
Synthesis, Growth, Thermal and Third‐Order Nonlinear Optical Studies of Bisglycine Lithium Perchlorate Single Crystal
Authors: Revathi P. , George Merin , Philip Bessy Mary , Nair Sutheertha S. , Jose Bibin K. , Shereena Elsy , Ittyachan Reena , Balakrishnan T. , Sajan D.
Published: August 2023

The synthesis as well as the results of the investigations on the structure as well as properties ‐ thermal, mechanical, surface and nonlinear optical of semiorganic bisglycine lithium perchlorate (BGLP) single crystals are herein recorded. BGLP single crystal with dimensions 14× 3 × 2 mm3 has been synthesized and its structure and lattice parameters have been identified with the aid of X‐ray diffraction. The vibrational spectrum of BGLP has been investigated making use of FT‐IR and FT‐Raman spectra. Optical transmittance and absorption is examined by UV–vis spectroscopy with thickness 2 mm and it is shown that the crystal is highly transparent with a lower cut‐off of 287 nm. The optical bandgap is evaluated as 5.7 eV. The dielectric constant is found to show variations with frequency as well as temperature, which remains constant at high frequencies. Dielectric loss is found to decrease with the applied electric field. BGLP is manifested to be thermally stable up to 256 °C as revealed from thermogravimetric analyses. The 2D nucleation mechanism in the growth of BGLP crystals is understood from etching studies. By implementing Z‐scan studies with a He─Ne laser as a source, the nonlinear absorption coefficient, susceptibility, and third order nonlinear refractive index are all computed.
Relationship between governance diversity and company growth: Evidence from the FT 1000 Europe's fastest growing companies
Authors: Lippi Andrea , Torelli Riccardo , Caccialanza Andrea
Published: August 2023

The issue of diversity within the boards of directors (BoD) of companies is a key topic; however, it is still highly focused on gender diversity. In this study, several elements of BoD diversity are related to economic variables other than profitability, namely corporate growth, by analysing the fifth annual Financial Times (FT) 1000 ranking based on the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR). These results indicate that gender diversity does not affect corporate growth. Instead, the BoD's age and members' educational levels play a key role.
Stakeholders, social and environmental impact management as key factors of the corporate social management in the mining industry: A Peruvian case study
Authors: Saenz Cesar
Published: August 2023

It is known that companies manage their stakeholders and their social and environmental impacts to achieve a good relationship with the community. Therefore, this research aims to know the strategies used by mining companies when different levels of stakeholder management and social and environmental impact management variables are involved. For this purpose, qualitative research with case study methodology is carried out, collecting information from various sources such as interviews, document analysis, and audio‐visual material. The result shows a framework based on the literature review and where different scenarios are shown according to the degree of the variables studied and the strategies used. Four main corporate strategies were found: sustainable, legalistic, business‐oriented, and compensating.
Evaluating a Dual‐Ion Battery with an Antimony‐Carbon Composite Anode
Authors: Ramireddy Thrinathreddy , Wrogemann Jens Matthies , Haneke Lukas , Sultana Irin , Kremer Felipe , Ian Chen Ying , Winter Martin , Placke Tobias , Glushenkov Alexey M.
Published: August 2023

Dual‐ion batteries (DIBs) are attracting attention due to their high operating voltage and promise in stationary energy storage applications. Among various anode materials, elements that alloy and dealloy with lithium are assumed to be prospective in bringing higher capacities and increasing the energy density of DIBs. In this work, antimony in the form of a composite with carbon (Sb−C) is evaluated as an anode material for DIB full cells for the first time. The behaviour of graphite||Sb−C cells is assessed in highly concentrated electrolytes in the absence and presence of an electrolyte additive (1 % vinylene carbonate) and in two cell voltage windows (2–4.5 V and 2–4.8 V). Sb−C full cells possess maximum estimated specific energies of 290 Wh/kg (based on electrode masses) and 154 Wh/kg (based on the combined mass of electrodes and active salt). The work expands the knowledge on the operation of DIBs with non‐graphitic anodes.
Optimizing Renewable Ammonia Production for a Sustainable Fertilizer Supply Chain Transition
Authors: Palys Matthew J. , Daoutidis Prodromos
Published: August 2023

Local renewable ammonia production using electrolytic hydrogen is an emerging approach to alleviate emissions attributed to synthetic nitrogen fertilizer production while also insulating against fluctuations in fertilizer prices and mitigating transportation costs and emissions. However, replacing ammonia currently produced using fossil fuels will not be immediate. To this end, we develop a supply chain transition model, which first optimizes the design and hourly operation of new renewable ammonia facilities to minimize production costs and then optimizes the annual installation timing, production scale, and location of these new renewable facilities along with ammonia transportation to meet county resolution demands. The objective is to augment and eventually replace conventional ammonia market imports in an economically competitive manner. We performed a case study for Minnesota's ammonia supply chain and found that a full transition to in‐state renewable production by 2032 is optimal. This is incentivized by the U.S. federal government's clean hydrogen production credits. This transition results in 99 % reduction in carbon intensity along with stable supply costs below $475 per metric tonne. New renewable production facilities are an order of magnitude smaller than existing conventional plants. They use both wind and solar resources and operate dynamically to minimize expensive battery and hydrogen storage capacities.
Regulatory roles of Osteopontin in lung epithelial inflammation and epithelial‐telocyte interaction
Authors: Fu Huirong , Liu Xuanqi , Shi Lin , Wang Lingyan , Fang Hao , Wang Xiangdong , Song Dongli
Published: August 2023

Background

Lung epithelial cells play important roles in lung inflammation and injury, although mechanisms remain unclear. Osteopontin (OPN) has essential roles in epithelial damage and repair and in lung cancer biological behaviours. Telocyte (TC) is a type of interstitial cell that interacts with epithelial cells to alleviate acute inflammation and lung injury. The present studies aim at exploring potential mechanisms by which OPN regulates the epithelial origin lung inflammation and the interaction of epithelial cells with TCs in acute and chronic lung injury.

Methods

The lung disease specificity of OPN and epithelial inflammation were defined by bioinformatics. We evaluated the regulatory roles of OPN in OPN‐knockdown or over‐expressed bronchial epithelia (HBEs) challenged with cigarette smoke extracts (CSE) or in animals with genome OPN knockout (gKO) or lung conditional OPN knockout (cKO). Acute lung injury and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were induced by smoking or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Effects of OPN on PI3K subunits and ERK were assessed using the inhibitors. Spatialization and distribution of OPN, OPN‐positive epithelial subtypes, and TCs were defined by spatial transcriptomics. The interaction between HBEs and TCs was assayed by the co‐culture system.

Results

Levels of OPN expression increased in smokers, smokers with COPD, and smokers with COPD and lung cancer, as compared with healthy nonsmokers. LPS and/or CSE induced over‐production of cytokines from HBEs, dependent upon the dysfunction of OPN. The severity of lung inflammation and injury was significantly lower in OPN‐gKO or OPN‐cKO mice. HBEs transferred with OPN enhanced the expression of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)CA/p110α, PIK3CB/p110β, PIK3CD/p110δ, PIK3CG/p110γ, PIK3R1, PIK3R2 or PIK3R3. Spatial locations of OPN and OPN‐positive epithelial subtypes showed the tight contact of airway epithelia and TCs. Epithelial OPN regulated the epithelial communication with TCs, and the down‐regulation of OPN induced more alterations in transcriptomic profiles than the up‐regulation.

Conclusion

Our data evidenced that OPN regulated lung epithelial inflammation, injury, and cell communication between epithelium and TCs in acute and chronic lung injury. The conditional control of lung epithelial OPN may be an alternative for preventing and treating epithelial‐origin lung inflammation and injury.
Nme2Cas9‐mediated therapeutic editing in inhibiting angiogenesis after wet age‐related macular degeneration onset
Authors: Hu Sihui , Chen Yuxi , Xie Dongchun , Xu Kan , Fu Yunzhao , Chi Wei , Liu Haiying , Huang Junjiu
Published: August 2023

Background

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), particularly wet AMD characterised by choroidal neovascularization (CNV), is a leading cause of vision loss in the elderly. The hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) pathway contributes to CNV pathogenesis. Previous gene editing research indicated that disrupting these genes in retinal pigment epithelial cells could have a preventive effect on CNV progression. However, no studies have yet been conducted using gene editing to disrupt VEGF signalling after CNV induction for therapeutic validation, which is critical to the clinical application of wet AMD gene editing therapies.

Method

Here, we employed the single‐adeno‐associated virus‐mediated Nme2Cas9 to disrupt key molecules in VEGF signalling, Hif1α, Vegfa and Vegfr2 after inducing CNV and estimated their therapeutic effects.

Results

We found that Nme2Cas9 made efficient editing in target genes up to 71.8% post 11 days in vivo. And only Nme2Cas9‐Vegfa treatment during the early stage of CNV development reduced the CNV lesion area by 49.5%, compared to the negative control, while Nme2Cas9‐Hif1α or Nme2Cas9‐Vegfr2 treatment did not show therapeutic effect. Besides, no off‐target effects were observed in Nme2Cas9‐mediated gene editing in vivo.

Conclusions

This study provides proof‐of‐concept possibility of employing Nme2Cas9 for potential anti‐angiogenesis therapy in wet AMD.
Validation of a 12‐color flow cytometry assay for acute myeloid leukemia minimal/measurable residual disease detection
Authors: Wang Sa A. , Jorgensen Jeffrey L. , Hu Shimin , Jia Fuli , Li Shaoying , Loghavi Sanam , Ok Chi Young , Thakral Beenu , Xu Jie , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Wang Wei
Published: August 2023

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) minimal/measurable residual disease (MRD) by multicolor flow cytometry is a complex laboratory developed test (LDT), challenging for implementation. We share our experience in the validation of a 12‐color AML MRD flow cytometry assay to meet stringent regulatory requirements.

Methods

We worked under the guidelines of the CLSI HL62 publication, illustrated the details of the validation process that was tailored to uniqueness of AML MRD, and tested its clinical validity in 61 patients. The “trueness” was determined by correlating with concurrent molecular genetic testing and follow‐up bone marrow examinations.

Results

Under assay specificity, we shared the details of panel design, analysis, and criteria for interpretation and reporting. The assay accuracy was assessed by testing known positive and negative samples and correlating with molecular genetic testing and follow‐up bone marrow examination. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) were validated to a level between 0.01% and 0.1%, varied from the leukemia‐associated immunophenotypes (LAIP) and the numbers of events obtained for analysis. Assay linearity, precision and carry over studies all met acceptable criteria. In the clinical validity test, the concordance was 93%, specificity 98% and sensitivity 83%. The most challenging aspects of the assay were the discrimination of pre‐leukemic cells (persistent clonal hematopoiesis) or underlying myelodysplastic clones from AML MRD with immunophenotypic switch or subclone selection.

Conclusion

The validation met all criteria and obtained FDA IDE (investigational device exemption) approval. This study provides ample technical and professional details in setting up the AML MRD flow cytometry assay and illustrates through the example of the “fit for purpose” validation process. We also highlight the need for further characterization of abnormal blasts bearing the potential for AML relapse.
Internet of Things‐based wireless sensor networks for monitoring access constraint security measures in liable data aggregation
Authors: Gunasekaran Amudha
Published: August 2023

A wireless sensor network (WSN) is a network of autonomous, small sensors that can detect, collect, and send data about their surrounding environment. In the Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure, WSNs are the smart devices that provide the platform with resource input. Security breaches and insider attacks are possible due to the WSN's resource‐constrained design. However, the IoT platform's intelligence may be extended to WSN nodes for managing device and data‐level security. This paper proposes Monitored Access Constraint Security (MACS) to ensure the privacy of data collected via the ubiquitous processing enabled by the Internet of Things. The IoT platform performs frequent checks on the quality of the interactions between the various nodes to ensure that they are functioning properly and that the sensor aggregation instances are accountable. Node liability is considered while adjusting the aggregate level and the continuity. The method guarantees secure information from the environment and the data sources. The quality of the data gathered in the suggested technique is evaluated based on node liability and information extraction feature. Accordingly, security measures are implemented at data gathering and filtering levels and then assessed using a recurrent learning process. Since there are fewer security breaches overall, the rate of aggregation increases. Aggregation loss, delay time, false rate, throughput, and verification time are used to evaluate the performance.
A modified damage and fracture phase field model considering heterogeneity for rock‐like materials
Authors: Chen Xuxin , Qin Zhe
Published: August 2023

Damage and fracture are the most extensive failure modes of rock materials, which may easily induce disaster and instability of engineering structures. This study developed a nonlocal damage fracture phase field model for rocks considering the heterogeneity of rocks. The modified phase field model introduced the heterogeneity of fracture parameters and modified the governing equations. Meanwhile, the free energy was constructed by the elastic strain energy sphere‐bias decomposition and the plastic strain energy. As for the numerical implementation, the three layers finite elements method structure was used in the frame of the finite element method. The ability of the modified phase field model has been illustrated by reproducing the experiment results of rock samples with pre‐existing cracks under compression.
Back to the future: Progressing memory research in eating disorders
Authors: Forester Glen , Johnson Jeffrey S. , Reilly Erin E. , Lloyd E. Caitlin , Johnson Emily , Schaefer Lauren M.
Published: August 2023

Objective

Human behaviors, thoughts, and emotions are guided by memories of the past. Thus, there can be little doubt that memory plays a fundamental role in the behaviors (e.g., binging), thoughts (e.g., body‐image concerns), and emotions (e.g., guilt) that characterize eating disorders (EDs). Although a growing body of research has begun to investigate the role of memory in EDs, this literature is limited in numerous ways and has yet to be integrated into an overarching framework.

Methods

In the present article, we provide an operational framework for characterizing different domains of memory, briefly review existing ED memory research within this framework, and highlight crucial gaps in the literature.

Results

We distinguish between three domains of memory—episodic, procedural, and working—which differ based on functional attributes and underlying neural systems. Most recent ED memory research has focused on procedural memory broadly defined (e.g., reinforcement learning), and findings within all three memory domains are highly mixed. Further, few studies have attempted to assess these different domains simultaneously, though most behavior is achieved through coordination and competition between memory systems. We, therefore, offer recommendations for how to move ED research forward within each domain of memory and how to study the interactions between memory systems, using illustrative examples from other areas of basic and clinical research.

Discussion

A stronger and more integrated understanding of the mechanisms that connect memory of past experiences to present ED behavior may yield more comprehensive theoretical models of EDs that guide novel treatment approaches.

Public Significance

Memories of previous eating‐related experiences may contribute to the onset and maintenance of eating disorders (EDs). However, research on the role of memory in EDs is limited, and distinct domains of ED memory research are rarely connected. We, therefore, offer a framework for organizing, progressing, and integrating ED memory research, to provide a better foundation for improving ED treatment and intervention going forward.
The Government eDNA Working Group 6th Annual eDNA Technical Exchange Workshop
Authors: Stepien Carol A. , Lance Richard F. , Klymus Katy E. , Hunter Margaret E.
Published: August 2023

The 6th annual Environmental DNA (eDNA) Technical Exchange Workshop was a virtual workshop hosted and coordinated by the Government eDNA Working Group (GEDWG) on January 24–26, 2023. GEDWG is a no‐cost consortium that focuses on bringing together stakeholders associated with federal, state, provincial, municipal, and other government and non‐government agencies interested in eDNA and related fields, for the purposes of sharing technical expertise and experience during monthly discussion meetings and annual workshops. Over 400 participants registered for the virtual Workshop, which featured four keynote speakers, 23 platform talks, eight short‐form poster presentations, and an extended discussion session. Workshop attendees represented a broad cross‐section of disciplines and backgrounds, including research scientists, natural resource managers, and conservation policy experts, and many different government agencies, private environmental consulting firms, trade organizations, non‐governmental organizations, and others in the environmental management sector. Key takeaways from the workshop included moving the application of eDNA into resource management and discovering ways to improve policy uptake in the development of nationwide biodiversity monitoring, some of which is happening in the development of eDNA networks and national strategies. Future research directions discussed include studies of fate and transport, autonomous sampling/sample processing, and reference library curation. Additionally, co‐design of studies and improved engagement and communication among scientists and managers are needed to ensure clear expectations and outcomes.
Effect of omega fatty acid‐rich oil blend supplementation on the growth, carcass, meat quality, and gene expression of Barbari goats
Authors: Verma Arun K. , Rajkumar V. , Kumar Ravindra , Gururaj K. , Singh Tarun Pal , Singh Manoj K.
Published: August 2023

This study investigated the effect of supplementing omega fatty acids‐rich oil blend, composed of sunflower oil (1.5% and 3.0%), linseed oil (1.5% and 3.0%), and FineXNV1810 (20 g) on the carcass, meat quality, fatty acid profile, and genes (peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α, stearoyl‐CoA desaturase, acetyl‐CoA carboxylase, hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A, and leptin) of Barbari goats. The goat kids (n = 18) were divided into three groups, namely, group A: basal diet; group B: basal diet + oil blend level 1; and group C: basal diet + oil blend level 2, and subjected to the feeding trial for 120 days followed by slaughter and meat quality studies. No treatment effect was recorded in carcass characteristics, pH, water holding capacity, and proximate composition of meat. However, a significant (p < 0.05) treatment effect was observed in cooking loss, lightness, yellowness, and shear force values of meat. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in linoleic acid, α‐linolenic acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), n − 3 and n − 6 PUFA, PUFA/saturated fatty acids and n − 6/n − 3 ratios, and thrombogenic index among groups. An upregulation of the studied genes in the supplemented groups was observed. There were upregulations in the studied genes in the supplemented groups.

Practical applications: Goat meat is in great demand the world over, especially in tropical countries, including India, and does not carry any social or religious prohibition. Although goat meat has relatively less fat, consumers express their concern over the presence of undesirable fatty acids. The present study shows that the fatty acid configuration of goat meat can be improved by a dietary supplementation of an oil blend rich in omega fatty acids. The amount of n − 3 PUFA, n − 6 PUFA, and CLA in goat meat was significantly increased due to the dietary oil blend making it healthy for the consumers. Moreover, the dietary oil blend at the studied levels did not significantly affect the growth and meat quality parameters of the goats. Thus, the studied approach can be successfully followed to produce healthier goat meat.
Multicounty fuel constraint‐based dynamic economic dispatch problem using horse herd optimization
Authors: Jena Chitralekha , Basu Mousumi , Khan Baseem
Published: August 2023

Due to the diminution of fossil fuels, the profitable usage of fuel for the generation of power is reducing. It is an extremely vital concern for power generation companies. The fossil fuel‐based power plant must operate within its fuel limits and contractual restrictions. Therefore, economic optimization is required to optimize the fuel cost for generation under fuel constraints. To address this issue, in this work, a horse herd optimization algorithm (HOA) is developed to solve multicounty fuel‐constrained dynamic economic dispatch with demand‐side management incorporating wind turbine generators, solar photovoltaic plants, and pumped hydro storage plants. The efficiency of the suggested HOA algorithm has been revealed on a selected test system. The HOA technique shows better convergence as compared with the other methods. Moreover, the computation time requirement of the HOA technique is also lower than that of other compared methods. From numerical results, it is observed that the consumption of fuel is sufficiently high if constraints are incorporated into the problem. Simulation results are matched up to those obtained from hierarchical particle swarm optimization with time‐varying acceleration coefficients, fast convergence evolutionary programming, and differential evolution. After comparison, it is observed that the recommended HOA offers a better‐quality solution.
Designing advanced S‐scheme CdS QDs/La‐Bi2WO6 photocatalysts for efficient degradation of RhB
Authors: Ning Jing , Zhang Bohang , Siqin Letu , Liu Gaihui , Wu Qiao , Xue Suqin , Shao Tingting , Zhang Fuchun , Zhang Weibin , Liu Xinghui
Published: August 2023

Finding effective strategies to design efficient photocatalysts and decompose refractory organic compounds in wastewater is a challenging problem. Herein, by coupling element doping and constructing heterostructures, S‐scheme CdS QDs/La‐Bi2WO6 (CS/LBWO) photocatalysts are designed and synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. As a result, the RhB degradation efficiency of the optimized 5% CS/LBWO reached 99% within 70 min of illumination with excellent stability and recyclability. CS/LBWO shows improvement in the adsorption range of visible light and promotes electron–hole pair generation/migration/separation, attributing the superior degradation performance. The degradation RhB mechanism is proposed by a free radical capture experiment, electron paramagnetic resonance, and high‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry results, indicating that h+ and •O2– play a significant role during four degradation processes: de‐ethylation, chromophore cleavage, ring opening, and mineralization. Based on in situ irradiated X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Mulliken electronegativity theory, and the work function results, the S‐scheme heterojunction of CS/LBWO promotes the transfer of photogenerated electron–hole pairs and promotes the generation of reactive radicals. This work not only reports that 5% CS/LBWO is a promising photocatalyst for degradation experiments but also provides an approach to design advanced photocatalysts by coupling element doping and constructing heterostructures.
Making space at the table: Engaging participation of people with dementia in community development
Authors: Phinney Alison , Macnaughton Eric , Wiersma Elaine , Sutherland Nisha , Marchese Carlina , Cochrane Diana , Monteiro Andrea
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The Building Capacity Project is an asset‐based community development initiative that aims to reduce stigma and promote social inclusion for people with dementia. Using a community‐based participatory approach, we conducted research to examine the relational patterns and participatory practices within and across project sites in two different regions of Canada (Vancouver and Thunder Bay).

Methods

Five focus groups and five individual interviews were conducted with team members and community partners (n = 29) and analysed for themes.

Results

The overarching theme of Making Space at the Table explains how the participation of people with dementia has served both as a value and a practice shaping the relational work throughout the project. Three sub‐themes include: Maintaining a common foundation; Creating communication pathways; and Fostering personal connections.

Conclusions

Together, these findings show how community development can support the meaningful participation of people with dementia in their communities through processes of collaboration that focus on individual and collective strengths, that allow time for the work to unfold, and for building relationships that foster trust and respect for diversity.
Yarning about river safety: A qualitative study exploring water safety beliefs and practices for First Nations People
Authors: Williams Jasmine , McMillan Faye , Peden Amy E.
Published: August 2023

Issue Addressed

Water is vital to Australian First Nations Peoples' connection to country and culture. Despite this cultural significance, and epidemiological studies identifying elevated drowning risk among Australian First Nations Peoples, extremely limited qualitative research explores water safety beliefs and practices of First Nations Peoples. This study addressed this knowledge gap via qualitative research with Wiradjuri people living in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales.

Methods

Under Aboriginal Reference Group guidance, a local researcher recruited participants using purposive sampling for yarning circles across four groups: young people aged 18–30 years, parents of children under 5, parents of older children and adolescents and Elders. Yarning circles were audio recorded, transcribed and thematically coded using an inductive approach.

Results

In total, 10 First Nations individuals participated. Yarning led to rich insights and yielded five themes: families as first educators; importance of storytelling, lived experience and respect for knowledge holders; the river as a place of connection; historical influence on preference for river over pool and river is unpredictable and needs to be respected.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates the importance of First Nations culture to water safety practices, particularly around the river. To reduce drowning risk among First Nations populations, knowledge holders need to be embedded in the design and delivery of community water safety education.

So What?

Co‐designing water safety initiatives with First Nations Peoples will have dual benefits; developing culturally appropriate and locally relevant water safety education, while also continuing First Nations culture across generations.
South Australia's tobacco retail landscape and its intersection with socioeconomic factors and smoking prevalence
Authors: Morris Julia N. , Baldock Jennifer , Trigg Joshua , Blunt Jason , Blanden Liam
Published: August 2023

Issues Addressed

Tobacco product availability is higher in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, which can further widen tobacco‐related health and disease burden inequities. This study aimed to describe retail availability of tobacco products in South Australia and examine the association between tobacco vendor location, population's socioeconomic status (SES) and tobacco smoking prevalence.

Methods

Cross‐sectional 2022 tobacco vendor licence data and 2021–2022 state‐wide population health survey data from the South Australian Department of Health were used. Tobacco vendors were enumerated by Statistical Area 2 (SA2) using geocoding software, with SA2s assigned health survey derived smoking prevalence, SES, remoteness category, area size, and population size.

Results

As of 2022, there were 1723 tobacco vendors in South Australia and the overall tobacco smoking prevalence across the state was 11.8%. Regression analyses indicated that tobacco vendor density increased with socioeconomic disadvantage and geographic remoteness, and that smoking prevalence was higher in low SES areas. Vendor density was not related to smoking prevalence.

Conclusions

Findings are consistent with existing research indicating greater tobacco availability in socially disadvantaged areas. This supports that tobacco vendor saturation may be directed to areas in a way that promotes tobacco availability for vulnerable populations. Our finding that smoking prevalence was unrelated to tobacco availability contrasts existing literature and should be carefully interpreted.

So What?

This is the first study to map tobacco retailers across South Australia, contributing needed evidence on the intersection of tobacco vendor density, social disadvantage, and smoking prevalence.
Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of hepatitis C infection among diabetic patients in South‐Kivu, Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Birato Yannick Chibinda , Shindano Tony Akilimali , Cinyabuuma Daudi , Abel Ciza , Chiruza Cikomola Justin , Bulabula Andre N. H.
Published: August 2023

Background and Aims

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and diabetes mellitus (DM) are two frequent diseases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and several studies seem to show a link between the two diseases worldwide. However, no study has evaluated this link in our country. The present study aimed at determining the seroprevalence of HCV in diabetic patients as well as associated risk factors.

Methodology

A multicenter cross‐sectional study allowed us to sample diabetic patients in two diabetic healthcare centers of Bukavu city in the eastern part of the DRC, from December 2020 to December 2022. A questionnaire was submitted to the diabetic patients to collect sociodemographic data, anamnestic data on risk factors for HCV infection, and clinical data on DM. These factors were analyzed based on anti‐HCV serological results.

Results

Among the 180 selected patients, 19 (10.6%) were tested positive for anti‐HCV antibodies. After multivariate analysis, the identified factors influencing these outcomes were male sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.5, p = 0.027), dental extraction (aOR: 7.6, p = 0.001), and living in a privileged environment (aOR: 0.29, p = 0.03). The factors related to DM such as the type, the disease duration, or the usual type of treatment did not influence the serological results.

Conclusion

This study shows that HCV seroprevalence in diabetic patients is very high compared with the general population. This suggests combined screening and management policies in this population.
A new CECR1 mutation associated with severe hematological involvement in ADA2 deficiency
Authors: Nicoară Delia , Niță Cristina , Stanilă Ana , Martiniuc Alexandru , Popa Laura , Petrescu Eliana , Bătăneant Mihaela , Ciofu Ruxandra , Guriță Adriana , Tabăcaru Radu , Ionescu Ruxandra , Groșeanu Laura
Published: August 2023

Background

The deficiency of adenosine deaminase 2 (DADA2) is an autosomal recessively inherited disease resulting from loss‐of‐function mutations in ADA2, formerly named CECR1 (cat eye syndrome chromosome region, candidate 1) gene. Disease manifestations could be separated into three major phenotypes: inflammatory/vascular, immune dysregulatory, and hematologic; however, most patients presented with significant overlap between these three phenotype groups.

Case Presentation

We present a case of DADA2 deficiency with disease onset at 3 years old, not recognized till the age of 18 with severe gastrointestinal vasculitis and recurrent episodes of neutropenia associated with a new CECR1 mutation.
A prospective cohort study identifies two types of HIV+ Kaposi Sarcoma lesions: proliferative and inflammatory
Authors: Moorad Razia , Kasonkanji Edwards , Gumulira Joe , Gondwe Yolanda , Dewey Morgan , Pan Yue , Peng Alice , Pluta Linda J. , Kudowa Evaristar , Nyasosela Richard , Tomoka Tamiwe , Tweya Hannock , Heller Tom , Gugsa Salem , Phiri Sam , Moore Dominic T. , Damania Blossom , Painschab Matthew , Hosseinipour Mina C. , Dittmer Dirk P.
Published: August 2023

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is the most common cancer in people living with HIV (PLWH) in many countries where KS‐associated herpesvirus is endemic. Treatment has changed little in 20 years, but the disease presentation has. This prospective cohort study enrolled 122 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive KS patients between 2017 and 2019 in Malawi. Participants were treated with bleomycin, vincristine and combination antiretroviral therapy, the local standard of care. One‐year overall survival was 61%, and progression‐free survival was 58%. The 48‐week complete response rate was 35%. RNAseq (n = 78) differentiated two types of KS lesions, those with marked endothelial characteristics and those enriched in inflammatory transcripts. This suggests that different KS lesions are in different disease states consistent with the known heterogeneous clinical response to treatment. In contrast to earlier cohorts, the plasma HIV viral load of KS patients in our study was highly variable. A total of 25% of participants had no detectable HIV; all had detectable KSHV viral load. Our study affirms that many KS cases today develop in PLWH with well‐controlled HIV infection and that different KS lesions have differing molecular compositions. Further studies are needed to develop predictive biomarkers for this disease.
Randomized, two‐arm, noncomparative phase 2 study of olaparib plus cediranib or durvalumab in HRR‐mutated, platinum‐resistant ovarian cancer: A substudy of KGOG 3045
Authors: Kim Yoo‐Na , Joung Je‐Gun , Park Eunhyang , Kim Jae‐Weon , Lee Jung Bok , Lim Jinyeong , Kim Sunghoon , Choi Chel Hun , Kim Hee Seung , Chung Jongsuk , Kim Byoung‐Gie , Lee Jung‐Yun
Published: August 2023

Choosing an optimal concomitant drug for combination with poly‐ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitor based on patient‐specific biomarker status may help increase to improve treatment efficacy in patients with ovarian cancer. However, the efficacy and safety of different PARP inhibitor‐based combinations in patients with homologous recombination repair (HRR) mutations have not been evaluated in ovarian cancer. In this sub‐study of Korean Gynecologic Oncology Group (KGOG) 3045, we compared the efficacy and safety of two olaparib‐based combinations and biomarkers of patients with platinum‐resistant ovarian cancer with HRR gene mutations. Patients were randomized to receive either olaparib (200 mg twice a day) + cediranib (30 mg daily) (Arm 1, n = 16) or olaparib (300 mg) + durvalumab (1,500 mg once every 4 weeks) (Arm 2, n = 14). The objective response rates for Arm 1 and Arm 2 were 50.0% and 42.9%, respectively. Most patients (83.3%) had BRCA mutations, which were similarly distributed between arms. Grade 3 or 4 treatment‐related adverse events were observed in 37.5% and 35.7% of the patients, respectively, but all were managed properly. A high vascular endothelial growth factor signature was associated with favorable outcomes in Arm 1, whereas immune markers (PD‐L1 expression [CPS ≥10], CD8, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and platelet‐to‐lymphocyte ratio) were associated with favorable outcomes in Arm 2. The activation of homologous recombination pathway upon disease progression was associated with poor response to subsequent therapy. Based on comprehensive biomarker profiling, including immunohistochemistry, whole‐exome and RNA sequencing and whole blood‐based analyses, we identified biomarkers that could help inform which of the two combination strategies is appropriate given a patient's biomarker status. Our findings have the potential to improve treatment outcome for patients with ovarian cancer in the PARP inhibitor era.
Corporate governance, Shari'ah governance and financial flexibility: Evidence from the MENA region
Authors: Aljughaiman Abdullah , Salama Aly , Verousis Thanos
Published: August 2023

This article investigates the relationship between corporate governance structures and financial flexibility for conventional and Islamic banks in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. We construct a novel financial flexibility index (FFI) for the banking sector and examine the impact of the Shari'ah supervisory board (SSB), board size, and risk governance on financial flexibility. We find that board size and risk governance significantly affect banks' financial flexibility for Islamic and conventional banks. However, Shari'ah governance rules determine how that relationship is manifested in Islamic banks. We show that SSB size and busy SSBs enhance Islamic banks' financial flexibility. Our results show that Western corporate governance structures may lead to suboptimal financial flexibility. Banking policies should re‐evaluate the impact of one‐size‐fits‐all approaches to corporate governance while promoting ‘soft policies’ to banking regulation that are value‐enhancing for the banking sector.
Parental sensitivity, family alliance and infants’ vagal tone: Influences of early family interactions on physiological emotion regulation
Authors: Rattaz Valentine , Tissot Hervé , Puglisi Nilo , Razurel Chantal , Epiney Manuella , Favez Nicolas
Published: August 2023

In this study, we investigated the influence of parental sensitivity and family alliance on infants’ vagal tone, considered as a physiological indicator of emotion regulation. Studies on mother–infant interactions have shown that vagal tone can be influenced by the quality of the interaction, such as interacting with a sensitive mother. To date, no study has investigated the influence of paternal sensitivity or family alliance on infants’ vagal tone. We hypothesized that maternal sensitivity, paternal sensitivity, and family alliance would be associated with infants’ vagal tone during dyadic and triadic interactions. We also explored if family alliance would act as a moderator on the association between parental sensitivity and vagal tone and if the sensitivity of both parents would act as a moderator on the association between family alliance and vagal tone. This study took place in Switzerland and included 82 families with their 3–4‐month‐old infants. Results showed that maternal sensitivity and family alliance were associated with infants’ vagal tone, but paternal sensitivity was not. We found no significant moderation effect. However, result tendencies suggested that the contribution of paternal sensitivity to infants’ emotion regulation could be influenced by family alliance, whereas maternal sensitivity and family alliance have a unique contribution.