bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive effects of different chemical preservatives on dehydrated diced radish during storage
Authors: Muratkhan Marat , Sugyrbai Adilet , Gulnazym Ospankulova , Mutamed Awais , Zhainagul Kakimova , Mukhtarbek Kakimov
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to the effect of chemical preservatives on dehydrated diced radish, as well as their effect on the taste, nutritional value and shelf life of the final product. Before dehydration turnip diced were treated with different chemical preservatives and their different concentrations viz. The eight samples were added T1 = 0.1% potassium metabisulphite, T2 = 0.1% sodium benzoate, T3 = 0.1% potassium sorbate, T4 = 0.05% potassium metabisulphite + 0.05% sodium benzoate, T5 = 0.05% potassium metabisulphite + 0.05% potassium sorbate, T6 = 0.05% sodium benzoate + 0.05% potassium sorbateT7 = 0.05% potassium metabisulphite + 0.025% sodium Benzoate + 0.025% potassium sorbate, T0 = no chemical preservative. Samples were evaluated for physiochemical (moisture, pH, total solid, titratable acidity, ash and ascorbic acid), sensory (color, texture, taste and overall acceptability) and total bacterial count at 15 days interval of 90 days storage. Moisture value was decreased during storage. Maximum decreased was found in T0 (8.65) 3.52% while minimum decrease was observed in T1 (9.23)1.40%. pH was decreased during storage. The maximum decrease was observed in T0 (5.44) 16.10%. While minimum decreased found in T1 (5.64) 6.36%. Titratable acidity value was increased during storage. Maximum increase was observed in T0 (1.96) 17.78% while minimum increase was observed in T1 (1.81) 8.05%. Total solid was increased during storage. Maximum increase was found in T0 (91.35) 0.34% and lower limit was detected in T1 (90.77) 0.14%. Ash content was increased with storage interval. Maximum increased in T0 (6.57) 2.31% while minimum in T1 (6.08) 0.99%. Ascorbic acid was decreased during storage. Maximum decreased in T0 (6.15)80.48% while minimum in T1 (9.05) 37.79%. Color, Texture, Taste and Overall acceptability were decreased with storage interval. Color maximum score was found in T1 (7.70) while minimum score was found in T0 (3.97). Texture maximum score was found in T1 (8.06) and minimum score in T0 (2.97). Taste maximum score was found in T1 (7.56) while minimum was noticed in T0 (3.33). Maximum score of overall acceptability was found in T1 (7.77) while minimum score obtained by T0 (3.42). Total bacterial count was increased with storage interval. Maximum increased in T0 (24.43x107) 800% while minimum increased in T1 (10.57x107cfu/g) 375%. Both chemical preservatives and storage intervals resulted in highly significant (p < 0.000) differences for all parameters. When comparing the chemical preservatives, the best acceptability among all the treatments was obtained by T1 which was treated with 0.1% potassium metabisulphite.
A novel visualized foraminoplasty technique in patients with lumbar disc herniation with lumbar foraminal stenosis
Authors: Zhang Peng , Lin Chao-wei , Chen Ming-hang , He Yao-zhi , Yan Xin , Lai Jia-xin , Fan Shi-kang , Li Sheng , Teng Hong-lin
Published: May 2022

OBJECTIVE: To introduce a novel visualized foraminoplasty technique in patients with lumbar disc herniation with lumbar foraminal stenosis.METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients who had undergone surgery in our hospital for lumbar disc herniation with foraminal stenosis. We enrolled 35 patients who received the traditional TESSYS technique and 70 who received the new technique. We compared the foraminalplasty time, fluoroscopy times, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative dural and nerve root injuries, length of postoperative hospital stay, clinical outcome according with modified MacNab criteria, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)between the new technique group and the traditional TESSYS technique group.RESULTS: The intraoperative VAS score(1.84±0.96) and fluoroscopic times(13.30±3.79) in the new technique group were significantly lower than those in the traditional TESSYS group (intraoperative VAS score,3.60±1.09,P=0.000;fluoroscopic times,20.00±4.24,P=0.000).The foraminalplasty time in the TESSYS group(17.60±3.46) was significantly shorter than that in the new technique group (22.81±4.86)(P=0.000).There were no significant differences in length of hospital stay after surge, postoperative VAS score and postoperative ODI score between the two groups (P=0.835, P=0.779, P=0.350). In addition, the amount of blood loss during foraminoplasty could not be calculated due to the presence of continuous saline irrigation in the new technique group. In the conventional TESSYS technique group, there was 1 patient with exiting nerve root injury who developed significant leg pain after surgery.CONCLUTIONS: The novel visualized foraminoplasty technique is a safe and effective surgical method. Compared with traditional surgical methods, it has obvious advantages in reducing intraoperative pain and radiation exposure.
Subordinate ravens (Corvus corax) increase alarm calling when temporarily separated from group members
Authors: Blum Christian R. , Fitch W. Tecumseh , Bugnyar Thomas
Published: May 2022

BackgroundAlthough predator avoidance can have immense impacts on fitness, individual variation in anti-predator behaviour remains largely unexplained. Existing studies investigating predator responses and learning have occurred in individual or group settings, but not both. Solely testing individuals allows for evaluations of only individual variations in learning or personality, while testing only in groups makes it impossible to distinguish individual differences from social effects. In this study, we directly compared common raven anti-predator behaviour both alone and in a social group. We trained 15 ravens to recognize and respond to a novel experimental predator, and then tested them in both group and isolation settings across 1.5 years. ResultsWe found that dominant individuals spent more time alarm calling than subordinates, but only subordinates call more when separated whereas dominants do not. Dominants also scolded sooner than subordinates in the group trials.ConclusionsWe speculate that subordinate ravens are suppressed from, or are less capable of, performing intense anti-predator behaviour while in the group, while dominant individuals use their anti-predator responses to signal status in the group. This suggests that, in addition to its recruitment or predator-deterrent effects, alarm calling may serve as a marker of individual quality to conspecifics.
A tool for recommending keywords with more live and more attention.
Authors: Chamorro-Padial Jorge , Rodríguez-Sánchez Rosa
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we propose a method to help authors to choose alternative Keywords that help their papers to gain visibility. These alternative keywords must have a certain level of popularity in the scientific community and, at the same time, be keywords that have fewer competitors. The competitors would be derived from other papers containing the same keywords. Having fewer competitors would allow the author’s paper to have a higher consult frequency. In order to recommend keywords, we must first determine an Attention-Survival score. The attention score is obtained by using the popularity of a keyword. The survival score is derived by the number of manuscripts using the same keyword. With these two scores, we created a new algorithm that finds alternative keywords with a high Attention-Survival score. We used ontologies in order to ensure that alternative keywords proposed by our method are semantically related to the original authors keywords that authors wish to refine. The hierarchical structure in an ontology supports the relationship between the alternative keywords and the input keywords. To test the sensibility of the ontology, we used two sources: WordNet and The Computer Science Ontology. Finally, we launched a survey to have human validation for our algorithm, by using keywords from Web of Science papers and three ontologies: WordNet, CSO and DBpedia. We obtained good results in all our tests.
Antibiotic-resistance Staphylococcus spp. in stethoscopes of nursing students from a public university of Pernambuco, Brazil
Authors: Nascimento Ísis Catharine Rodrigues , Santana Marcielle Santos , Costa-Júnior Sérgio Dias , Alves Alisson Emannuel Franco , Cavalcanti Isabella Macario Ferro
Published: May 2022

Objectives: The present study aim to identify and determine the resistance profile of Staphylococcus coagulase-negative (SCN) and Staphylococcus coagulase-positive (SCP) strains isolated from stethoscopes of nursing students at a public university in Pernambuco. Methods: Samples were collected from 60 students’ stethoscopes and seeded in culture medium supplemented with oxacillin (6 µg/mL) e vancomycin (6 µg/mL) to screen for detection of resistant strains. Subsequently, it was performed the identification of the isolates through breeding in agar Baird Parker and biochemical tests. To determine the resistance profile, disk diffusion tests, “D” test and broth microdilution tests were performed.Results: Among the analyzed strains in the present study, one SCN strain presented resistance to oxacillin and vancomycin and another strain showed intermediate resistance to vancomycin, and resistance to oxacillin with positive “D” test. In addition, other four SCP exhibited total resistance to more than one drug. Conclusions: In brief, the importance of identifying and resolving the resistance profile of microorganisms in fomites present in the hospital environment is highlighted, especially in equipment such as the stethoscope. Emphasizing the use of efficient methods of disinfection, in addition to the use of appropriate therapy for the treatment of these infections.
Magicmol - Fast and variable synthetic accessibility molecule generative model with reinforcement learning
Authors: Chen Lin , Shen Qing , Lou Jungang
Published: May 2022

The flourishment of machine learning and deep learning methods have boosted the development of cheminformatics, especially when it comes to the application of drug discovery and new materials exploration. Lower time and space expenses make it possible for scientists to search the enormous chemical space for novel molecules. During this process, the generative model plays a significant role in quickly generating novel molecules, including predefined properties. Recently, some work combines reinforcement learning strategies with a generative model to optimize the property of generated drug-like molecules, which notably improved a batch of critical factors when it comes to drug discovery. However, a common problem of these RNN (recurrent neural network) based methods is that the novelty and validity of generated molecules depend on the “teacher-forcing strategy.” which is learned from an extensive database. Thus, there is inevitable to meet this situation that several generated molecules have difficulty in synthesizing even if owning higher desired properties such as binding score. In this paper, we proposed a new pipeline called Magicmol to directly change the synthetic accessibility of RNN-based generative models using reinforcement learning without introducing extra parameters. With proper strategies, the model can generate either hard-to-synthesis or easy-to-synthesis molecules with high validity. And our result shows a significant shift in the distribution of molecules with different synthetic accessibility when compared with the original model ,and we concluded some possible applications of Magicmol.
Clinical utility of psoas muscle volume in assessment of sarcopenia in patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Yamada Yuki , Shimada Yoshihisa , Makino Yojiro , Kudo Yujin , Maehara Sachio , Yamada Takafumi , Hagiwara Masaru , Kakihana Masatoshi , Ohira Tatsuo , Ikeda Norihiko
Published: May 2022

Purpose
Sarcopenia influences postoperative outcomes of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Psoas volume index (PVI) has been used to evaluate sarcopenia. However, the relationship between sarcopenia based on PVI and clinical outcomes has not been fully investigated for patients with early-stage NSCLC. This study aimed to clarify the clinical utility of PVI values in assessing sarcopenia.
Methods
This study included 645 patients with stage I-II NSCLC who underwent curative lung resection between 2012 and 2017. Bilateral psoas major muscle volumes were calculated semi-automatically using a three-dimensional workstation. The cutoff value of PVI for defining sarcopenia was < 60.5 cm3/m3 for men and < 43.6 cm3/m3 for women. Propensity score-matched analysis was performed to eliminate imbalances in baseline characteristics of patients according to the presence of sarcopenia.
Results
A total of 159 patients (24.7%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia preoperatively. On multivariate analysis, sarcopenia was an independent unfavorable prognostic factor associated with overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (both p < 0.001). There were 145 patients in both the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups after propensity score matching; the 5-year OS and RFS were significantly worse in patients with sarcopenia than in those without (91.3% vs. 75.4%, p < 0.001 and 84.3% vs. 67.9%, p = 0.002). The 5-year lung cancer-specific survival (LCS) was significantly worse in patients with sarcopenia than in those without (94.8% vs. 81.3%, p = 0.001).
Conclusion
Sarcopenia diagnosed using PVI is an independent prognostic predictor of OS, RFS, and LCS in early stage NSCLC. This novel application of sarcopenia assessment is useful for predicting survival of patients with NSCLC.
Duration of the membership in the World Trade Organization, Structural Economic Vulnerability and Trade Costs
Authors: GNANGNON SENA KIMM
Published: May 2022

This paper assesses the effects of the duration of membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and structural economic vulnerability on trade costs in developing countries. The analysis is performed on an unbalanced panel dataset of 121 countries over the period 1996–2019, and utilizes primarily the two-step system generalized method of moments estimator. It has established several findings. While the duration of WTO membership reduces trade costs, structural economic vulnerability leads to higher trade costs. However, these effects are heterogenous across countries as they depend on countries' level of real per capita income. Additionally, the magnitude of the trade costs reduction effect of the duration of WTO membership is particularly high in highly vulnerable. Landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) experience yet a higher reduction in trade costs as their membership duration increases, but concurrently higher trade costs when they become highly vulnerable. Meanwhile, vulnerable longstanding LLDC WTO members experience a higher decline in trade costs than their less vulnerable counterparts. On another note, longstanding WTO members that receive higher amounts of development aid (including Aid for Trade) enjoy a significant trade costs reduction than their less vulnerable counterparts. Finally, the duration of WTO membership induces a higher reduction in trade costs in countries that improve their market share in the world trade market.JEL Classification: E22; F24; F35.
Missing the target: Are local climate targets aligned with national net zero ambitions?
Authors: Sudmant Andrew , Howarth Candice , Lane Matt
Published: May 2022

Climate emergency declarations made by local governments often include targets to reach net zero emissions, but it is unclear how these targets contribute to national commitments to reduce emissions or whether these targets are achievable. At the national level, the UK has set the ambitious target to reduce emissions by 78% by 2035, however, the UK is currently not on track to reach its 4th and 5th Carbon budgets, let alone the 6th Carbon budget. Using a bottom-up emission reduction pathway based on local authority (LA) emissions reduction targets we find that the UK would achieve its 6th Carbon Budget and its 2030 Nationally Determined Contribution if local emissions targets are achieved. More importantly, the targets set by local authorities could be missed by 39% in 2030 and 18% in 2037 and the UK as a whole would still be able to meet its climate targets. We discuss these results in the context of the current division of responsibilities between the national and local governments, the potential for, and consequences of, a gap emerging between the emissions of different local authorities, the capacity of local governments to meet net zero targets and the absence of regional government in the UK. We conclude that polycentric modes of climate governance, as are emerging from Climate Commissions developed in Leeds, Belfast, Edinburgh and 16 other local authorities across the UK, may play a key role helping to fill capacity gaps at the local and regional levels.
Self-Emergence of Robust Micro Cavity-Solitons
Authors: Pasquazi Alessia , Rowley Maxwell , Hanzard Pierre-Henry , Cutrona Antonio , Bao Hualong , Gongora Juan Sebastian Totero , Peccianti Marco , Chu Sai , Little Brent , Moss David , Oppo Gian-Luca , Morandotti Roberto
Published: May 2022

In many disciplines, states that emerge in open systems far from equilibrium are determined by a few global parameters1,2. These states can often mimic thermodynamic equilibrium, and a classic example of this is the oscillation threshold of a laser3, which resembles a phase transition in condensed matter. However, many relevant classes of states cannot form spontaneously in dissipative systems, and this is the case for cavity-solitons2 that generally need to be induced by external perturbations, as in the case of optical memories4,5. In the last decade, these highly localised states have enabled significant advancements in microresonator-based optical frequency combs6,7. However, the very advantages that make cavity-solitons attractive for memories – their inability to form spontaneously from noise – have created fundamental challenges. To be reliable sources, microcombs require the essential features of starting laser oscillation naturally, spontaneously and reliably, and of operating in a desired specific state that is intrinsically robust. Largely because of the intrinsic nature of cavity-solitons, these goals have remained elusive8–20. Here, we show that slow nonlinearities of a free-running microresonator-filtered fibre laser21 can transform temporal cavity-solitons into the dominant attractor of the system. This phenomenon leads to reliable self-starting oscillation of (single and multiple) micro cavity-solitons that, in addition, are naturally robust to perturbations, recovering spontaneously even after a complete disruption. These emerge repeatably and controllably into a large region of the global system parameter space, where specific states can be achieved, and which we show are highly stable over long timeframes. These features are all critically needed for the practical implementation of microcombs outside the laboratory.
Evaluation of a Steam Application by a Mobile Applicator for Soil Disinfestation in Strawberry Nurseries
Authors: Kim Dong Sub , Kim Steven B. , Stanghellini Mike , Meyer-Jertberg Melody , Fennimore Steven A.
Published: May 2022

Soil disinfestation with steam has been evaluated in strawberry fruiting fields as a nonchemical method of soil disinfestation; however, little is known about the use of steam for field production of strawberry daughter plants. The objective of this study was to compare daughter plant production in soils previously treated with steam compared to those treated with standard methyl bromide (MB) and chloropicrin (Pic) treatments. A prototype field steam applicator and a self-propelled diesel-fueled steam generator and applicator were tested at two high-elevation nurseries near Macdoel, CA, in Sept. 2018 and Aug. 2020, respectively. The steam application heated the soil above 60 °C for ≈60 minutes to a depth of 25 cm at both nurseries. The pest control efficacy of the steam applications against weeds, Verticillium spp., Tylenchulus semipenetrans, and Pythium ultimum were similar to that of MB:Pic. The stolons and daughter plants densities in fields with steam treatment were similar to those in fields with MB:Pic treatment. Therefore, we suggest that soil disinfestation with steam may be a viable method of producing healthy strawberry plants. However, more research is needed to verify plant sanitation and quality.
Dark Matter direct detection of classical WIMPs
Authors: Cooley Jodi
Published: May 2022

One of the highest priorities in particle physics today is the identification of the constituents of dark matter. This manuscript is a supplement to pedagogical lectures given at the 2021 Les Houches Summer School on Dark Matter. The lectures cover topics related to the direct detection of Weakly Interaction Massive Particle (WIMP) dark matter, including the distribution of dark matter, nuclear scattering, backgrounds, planning and designing of experiments, and a sampling of planned and ongoing experiments.
Thermogenic oils as a substitute for ractopamine in the production of heavy pigs
Authors: Miranda Vítor Magalhães de Mendonça Cunha , Silva Letícia Aline Lima da , Carmo Myllena Emelly Paiva , Marinho Andreza Lourenço , Teixeira Elisanie Neiva Magalhães , Souza Janete Gouveia de , Moreira José Aparecido
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to assess the effects of thermogenic oils (safflower and coconut oils) as a replacement for ractopamine in heavy pig diets. A total of 24 mix-breed barrows with an average weight of 98.70 ± 1.63 kg were distributed in a randomized block design with four treatments and six replicates. Treatments were as follows: basal diet, modified basal diet + 10 ppm ractopamine, basal diet + safflower oil, and basal diet + coconut oil. Animal performance, organ weights, meat quality, carcass traits, and economic viability were determined. Data were analyzed using Duncan’s test at the 5% significance level. The safflower oil diet resulted in the highest carcass meat and ham weights, whereas the coconut oil diet provided the highest loin eye area and the lowest fat area, resulting in the highest meat/fat ratio. Analysis of economic viability indicators revealed that vegetable oil treatments differed significantly from other treatments in feed cost, feed cost per kilogram of live weight, economic viability index, and cost index, given that oil inclusion increased the price of diets. Supplementation of heavy pig diets with thermogenic oils is a viable alternative to enhance lean meat production, but its use depends on market availability and product price.
Advances and Challenges in the Investigation of Metastasis in Diffuse
Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Chen Yingying , Yang Mingzhen , Xia Leiming , Jiang Lingling , Liu Lixia , Ruan Min , Zhou Zhicheng
Published: May 2022

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), an aggressive cancer of the B cells, is the most common pathological type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), and the typical heterogeneity of the disease is due to metastasis, which indicates a poor prognosis. Currently, the key mechanism of metastasis remains largely unknown, and research is focusing on the same in DLBCL. Recent studies have focused on the role of mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), the extracellular matrix (ECM), chemokines, cancer stem cells, and non-coding RNAs in DLBCL. Here, we have summarised the advances and challenges in the investigation of metastasis in DLBCL and attempted to reveal the potential targets that can improve patient survival.
Ten Years of Progress in the Synthesis of 2-Pyridone Derivatives via Three
/ Four Component Reaction
Authors: Asmaa Kebaili , Fatima Belhadj , Zahira Kibou , Noureddine Choukchou-Braham
Published: May 2022

2-pyridones represents ubiquitous scaffolds often present in both natural products and
pharmaceutical compounds. Due to their wide applications in medicinal chemistry, it is not surprising
that the synthesis of 2-pyridone derivatives has attracted organic chemists for many years. This mini
review focuses on the recent development in the multi-component synthesis of 2-pyridones for the
period 2011 to 2021, particularly those that involve the three/four component reactions of activated
methylene, aldehyde or ketone withdifferent intermediate materials under different conditions.
Obstetricians' Knowledge and Practices about Prediction, Prevention,
Diagnosis, and Management of Preeclampsia
Authors: Hamadeh Rola , Hamadeh Nizar , Kobeissy Firas , Karouni Ali , Akoum Hikmat
Published: May 2022

Objectives:

Preeclampsia (P.E) and Eclampsia are hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
that complicate 2-8 % of pregnancies globally. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy constitute one
of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal mortality worldwide. The incidence of Preeclampsia
in Lebanon was estimated at 2.84%. This study aimed primarily to evaluate the knowledge and practices
of Lebanese obstetricians and secondary to identify the factors associated with these scales.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted between September and December 2020 in obstetricians’
clinics of different healthcare institutions.Data was collected using a questionnaire based on
the recommendations of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines
and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) preeclampsia 2020 guidelines.
In private clinics, the investigator visited the medical doctor. Each doctor agreed to participate
in the research, signed the consent form, and filled out the distributed questionnaire without any intervention
from the investigators. In the hospitals, the questionnaires were distributed to the Obstetrics
and Gynecology Department.

Results:

In this study, 95 doctors were recruited. The practice score of more than half of the 95 doctors
(54.7%) is low. The mean of their knowledge score (14.5) is higher than the mean of their practice
score (8.5). Almost all doctors have a high knowledge score (96.8%), but more than half of
them have poor practice scores (54.7%). A linear regression showed that the knowledge score decreased
for doctors who live in Bekaa. A second linear regression showed that the practice score decreased
for doctors who live in Bekaa (p=0.001). However, training on preeclampsia (p<0.001) increased
the practice score.
A third linear regression showed that the total score decreased for doctors living in Bekaa (p<0.001).
However, having a board certificate (p=0.03) and training in preeclampsia (p=0.008) increased the
total score.

Conclusion:

Different continuous medical education activities should be available widely and mandatory
for all working doctors to improve their knowledge and practice towards preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia can be fatal and every single maternal life should count.
Effects of β-blocker Administration on Cardiac Function: A Coronary
Computed Tomography Angiography Study
Authors: Kokubo Reiji , Hirano Masaharu , Tajima Yu , Yunaiyama Daisuke , Saito Kazuhiro
Published: May 2022

Background:

β-blockers are widely used for lowering heart rate (HR) during coronary computed
tomography angiography (CCTA); however, they should be used with caution for patients with
heart failure as they may have a negative inotropic effect.

Objective:

To clarify the effects of β-blockers (oral and intravenous injection) on cardiac function using
CCTA.

Methods:

A total of 244 patients (men: women = 166: 78; mean age, 64.4 years old) suspected of having
ischemic cardiac disease and had undergone echocardiography within 3 months before and after
CCTA were included in the study. Systematic errors in ejection fraction (EF) were corrected by calculating
ΔEF from the EF difference between echocardiography and CCTA in patients not using β-
blockers. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed for factors affecting ΔEF. In addition,
HR between, before, and during CCTA were compared by Wilcoxon’s test.

Results:

Temporary oral or intravenous administration of β-blockers at the CCTA had no significant
effects on EF (p = 0.70), whereas HR was significantly decreased (p < 0.001). However, regular administration
of β-blockers increases the EF on CCTA.

Conclusion:

The administration of β-blockers immediately before CCTA affects HR but not EF. Premedication
with β-blockers can be safely used for patients who undergo CCTA, and CCTA is useful
for EF evaluation, independent of the use of β-blockers.
Electrochemical Determination of Vanillin in Cookies at Mediated
AuNPs/GR Nanocomposites Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Si Xiaojing , Han Mei , Li Wei , Bai Chen , Xu Xin , Xu Jieming
Published: May 2022

Background:

Currently, carbon nanomaterials and carbon nanomaterials-based electrodes have illustrated significant electrocatalytic abilities.

Methods:

An electrochemical sensor was developed for vanillin using graphene (GR) decorated
with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with two steps.
AuNPs/GR/GCE, as the electrochemical sensor for determination of vanillin, included dropping
GR onto the electrode and then electrodepositing AuNPs on GR/GCE. The structure and morphology of the synthesized nanocomposites (AuNPs/GR) on the electrode were confirmed by scanning
electron microscopy (SEM).

Results:

Electrochemical studies revealed that modification of the electrode surface with
AuNPs/GR nanocomposites significantly increases the oxidation peak currents of vanillin. The
peak currents in differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) of vanillin increased linearly with their concentration in the range of 5-120 µM. The limit of detection was found to be 1.7 µM for vanillin.
Also, the effect of some interfering compounds, such as NaCl, KCl, glucose, alanine, phenylalanine, glycine, and others, on the determination of vanillin was evaluated, and none of them had a
significant effect on the assay recovery

Conclusions:

A new electrochemical biosensor was fabricated with AuNPs/GR nanocomposites.
The sensor was successfully used to detect vanillin in cookie samples.
Critical Clinical Evaluation of COVID-19 Patients with Tuberculosis in the
Indian Sub-Continent
Authors: Selvaraj Hemalatha , Damadarosamy Kumudha , Kiruthiga Natarajan , Rani K.Reeta Vijaya , Duraisamy Kanagaraj , Dhanasekaran Muralikrishnan , Deruiter Jack , Ren Jun , Thangavel Sivakumar , Parise Rachel
Published: May 2022

Background:

COVID-19 and tuberculosis (TB) are infectious diseases that predominantly
affect the respiratory system with common symptoms, such as cough, fever, and shortness
of breath, making them dual burdens.

Methods:

This review will discuss the characteristics of the coexistence of TB and new infectious
illnesses to provide a framework for addressing the current epidemic. Currently, there are no clear
and significant data on COVID-19 infection in TB patients, they may not respond appropriately to
drug therapy and may have worse treatment outcomes, especially if their TB treatment is interrupted.
Due to emergence, measurements should be taken to minimize TB and COVID-19 transmission
in communal settings and health care institutions were created. For both TB and COVID-19, accurate
diagnostic testing and well-designed, and established therapeutic strategies are required for effective
treatment.

Results:

Several health care organizations and networks have specimen transit methods that can be
utilized to diagnose and monitor the etiology and progression of COVID 19 and perform contact tracing
in developed and underdeveloped nations. Furthermore, patients and health care programs could
benefit from increased use of digital health technology, which could improve communication, counseling,
treatment, and information management, along with other capabilities to improve health care.

Conclusions:

Patients with COVID-19 pulmonary/respiratory problems may seek treatment from
respiratory physicians, pulmonologists, TB experts, and even primary health care workers. To have
prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against COVID-19, TB patients should take the appropriate
health care measures recommended by health care professionals/government officials and maintain
their TB therapy as indicated.
Regression of Breast Cancer Metastases Following Treatment with
Irradiated SV-BR-1-GM, a GM-CSF Overexpressing Breast Cancer Cell
Line: Intellectual Property and Immune Markers of Response
Authors: Wiseman Charles L. , Kharazi Alexander , Sunkari Vivekananda G. , Galeas Jacqueline L. , Dozio Vito , Hashwah Hind , Macúchová Eva , Williams William V. , Lacher Markus D.
Published: May 2022

Background:

SV-BR-1-GM, derived from a patient with grade 2 (moderately differentiated) breast cancer, is a GM-CSF-secreting breast cancer cell line with properties of antigen-presenting cells. SV-BR-1-GM and next-generation versions are covered by several pending and granted patents.

Methods:

We report findings from an open-label phase I, single-arm pilot study with irradiated SV-BR-1-GM cells in 3 breast and 1 ovarian cancer subjects. Inoculations were preceded by low-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide and followed by interferon-alpha2b injections into the SV-BR-1-GM inoculation sites. We assessed both cellular and humoral immune responses, and measured expression levels of SV-BR-1-GM HLA alleles.

Results:

Treatment was generally safe and well tolerated. Immune responses were elicited universally. Overall survival was more than 33 months for three of the four patients. As previously reported, one patient had prompt regression of metastases in lung, breast, and soft tissue. Following cessation of treatment, the patient relapsed widely, including in the brain. Upon retreatment, rapid tumor response was again seen, including complete regression of brain metastases. Consistent with a role of Class II HLA in contributing to SV-BR-1-GM’s mechanism of action, this patient allele-matched SV-BR-1-GM at the HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DRB3 loci. We are in the process of developing next-generation SV-BR-1-GM, expressing patient-specific HLAs. Patent applications were filed in various jurisdictions. Thus far, one is granted, in Japan.

Conclusion:

A whole-cell immunotherapy regimen with SV-BR-1-GM cells induced regression of met-astatic breast cancer. We develop intellectual property based on SV-BR-1-GM’s predicted mechanism of action to develop additional whole-cell immunotherapies for cancer patients.

Clinical Trail Registration:

This clinical trial was registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT00095862.
Fully Automated Methods for [18F]FDG and [18F]-NaF Productions Using
Explora FDG4: Validation and Reliability of Multi-subsequent Preparations
for Clinical Applications
Authors: Al-Momani Ehab , Awad Eman , Ali Hatim , Lamb James
Published: May 2022

Background:

The worldwide usage of [18F]-sodium fluoride in clinical applications increase the interest of the facility of its production. The development of a new automated method for multi-preparations of [18F]-NaF and [18F]FDG on an Explora FDG4 module is described. Explora FDG4 is one of the most widely used synthesizers for FDG production in daily routine use and specifically designed to run up to four different productions with single module. Therefore, slight modifications were carried out in order to increase the potential of the synthesizer to perform more radiopharmaceuticals.

Methods:

A fully automated method for multi-preparations of [18F]-NaF and [18F]FDG using Ex-plora FDG4 was developed. Slight modifications to the Explora’s hardware and software configu-ration were applied. A new elution vial for NaF preparation was installed and connected to the free position to MVP1. Quality control was carried out using the standard analytical methods applied for GMP production.

Results:

This modification successfully provides preparation of [18F]-NaF without affecting the daily FDG production using one set preparation. [18F]-NaF was obtained in a high radiochemical yield (>90%, n=100) in 10 min total preparation time. The quality control results for both obtained products, FDG (RCP >95%) and NaF (RCP >98%), showed that the radiopharmaceuticals were in compliance with USP and Ph.Eur. specifications and compatible with clinical applications.

Conclusion:

A rapid and simple method for multi preparations of [18F]-NaF and [18F]FDG using a single Explora module was designed. Yet, the chemistry module has the potential to generate more radiopharmaceuticals to decrease the cost of preparation of [18F]-NaF compared to the cassette-based synthesizers, reducing radiation exposure resulting from manual preparations and increasing the reproducibility of [18F]-NaF preparation.
Microwave-Accelerated Facile Synthesis of pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine Derivatives
via one-pot Strategy Executed by Agro-Waste Extract as a
Greener Solvent Media
Authors: Kamanna Kantharaju , Badiger Krishnappa B. , Khatavi Santosh Y.
Published: May 2022

background:

A variety of methods have been reported for the synthesis of pyrano[2,3-
d]pyrimidines in the literature with some limitations, and generally used expensive catalysts, harmful
solvent and prolonged reaction time. This paper describes an efficient and rapid multicomponent
synthesis of pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine through condensation of aromatic aldehyde,
malononitrile and barbituric acid catalysed by agro-waste solvent catalyst under microwave irradiation.
The present method provides several added advantages such as being environmentally
friendly, simple work-up, inexpensive, and shorter reaction time affording excellent yields. The
synthesized compounds were confirmed by various spectroscopic analyses such as FT-IR, 1H-
&13C-NMR and mass spectrometry.

Objective:

Develop an eco-friendly method for the synthesis of pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives.

Methods:

We have selected Water Extract of Lemon Fruit Shell ash extract solvent as a greener
homogenous organo catalysts, and reaction is accelerated by microwave irradiation for the inexpensive
synthesis of pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives.

Results:

The pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives are prepared using an agro-waste-based catalyst,
which avoids the use of the external base, additives and solvent in multi-component reactions.
Further, the rate of the reaction is accelerated by custom-made microwave irradiation. The use of
microwave irradiation showed many advantages over conventional methods such as reaction required
less time, more yield and fewer by-products. Further, the custom-made microwave oven has
the advantage of no spillage of any organic reagent or solvent to the microwave oven walls, because
the reaction vessel is connected to a reflux condenser and direct exposure is avoided.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, we have developed a simple, efficient, agro-waste-based catalytic approach
for the synthesis pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives employing WELFSA as an efficient
agro-waste-based catalyst under microwave conditions. The method is found to added advantages
of less hazardous, eco-friendly, metal-free, chemical-free, short reaction time, simple workup and
isolated product in good to excellent yields.
Ethnopharmacology, Botanical Description and Phytochemistry of Premna
barbata: An Unexplored Medicinal Plant Species from Lamiaceae Family
Authors: Joshi Bhuwan C. , Juyal Vijay , Sah Archana N. , Mukhija Minky
Published: May 2022

Objectives:

Premna barbata Wall. ex Schauer; (Lamiaceae) is a deciduous shrub or tree
known as Aganyo in folk language. The plant is widely used in treating various diseases traditionally,
such as arthritic pain, dropsy, diarrhoea, fever, and herpes complex disease. However, comprehensive
data on this medicinally important plant is not available in the literature. Therefore, this review aims to
provide a detailed overview of the botanical description, ethnomedicinal use, phytochemistry, and
pharmacological investigations of Premna barbata to provide a scientific consensus for future research
investigations and to link its traditionally claimed use to scientifically proven results.

Methods:

Information regarding the plant was gathered from electronic databases such as Science
Direct, PubMed, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, ACS, Springer, SciFinder, Taylor and
Francis, Google Scholar, Scopus and Journal websites. The scientific name of the plant was validated
using The Plant List and The International Plant Names Index.

Results:

An exhaustive study of the accessible sources of Premna barbata confirmed its origin, distribution,
and ethnomedicinal use. It has been used in the form of powders, juice, paste, and decoctions
against various ailments. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of different phytoconstituents.
Only antibacterial potential of the plant has been reported yet.

Conclusion:

By performing the literature search, Premna barbata showcased its importance in folkloric
medicine as well as in ayurvedic medicine. Moreover, the collected information from various
trustworthy sources shows that the plant holds many hidden potentials and can, therefore, be studied
extensively for its quality control, pharmacognosy, phytochemistry and pharmacological activity.
Furthermore, in-depth studies are required to discover key features which can help in future research
work. An effort is required to investigate this plant species, which is found distributed in most unexplored
regions as well as it needs to be preserved as it’s on the verge of extinction.
Modeling of Nonlinear Load Electric Energy Measurement and Evaluation
System Based on Artificial Intelligence Algorithm
Authors: Shah Mohd Asif , Yang Xiaokun , Liu Yan , Yuan Ruiming , Zheng Sida , Lu Xin
Published: May 2022

Background:

To improve the modeling efficiency of nonlinear load electric energy metering evaluation system, a method based on artificial intelligence algorithm was proposed.

Methods:

First introduces the artificial glowworm swarm optimization extreme learning machine, a powerful ability of global optimization using artificial firefly algorithm. Then, find the hours of training error, extreme learning machine model, input weighting matrix, and hidden layer offset matrix. Moreover, there is a certain period in a given area in our country, power load simulation through the experiment, verifying the validity and superiority of the model.

Results:

The experimental results show that the traditional BP neural network has the largest prediction relative error, and the stability of BP neural network is poor, and the relative error time is large, which is related to the defect of the neural network itself. The prediction effect of SVM method is better than that of BP neural network, because SVM has a strict theoretical and mathematical basis, so its generalization ability is better than that of BP neural network, and the algorithm has global optimality.

Conclusion:

As can be seen from the chart analysis, GSO-ELM algorithm performs better than both in terms of stability and test error. It is proved that the modeling of nonlinear load electrical energy measurement and evaluation system based on artificial intelligence algorithm is superior and effective. The proposed algorithm outperforms very well over the existing literature.
The Relationship Between Body Image, Demographics, and Medication
Adherence Among Women with Psychiatric Conditions
Authors: Galarneau David , Yoon Isabel A. , Conn Rosemary Busch
Published: May 2022

Background:

Given the side effect of weight gain in many psychiatric medications, a patient’s body image concerns may influence medication compliance, which can be critical in the psychiatric population.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate whether demographic factors including age, race, and BMI have specific associations with body image satisfaction and medication adherence among women with severe psychiatric disorders. Clinical factors such as diagnosis and type of current psychiatric medications were also examined.

Method:

Study participants included 112 women aged 18 to 88 who were admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit in New Orleans, Louisiana. Participants completed a brief questionnaire on body image and medication adherence, specifically developed for this study. Collected data were analyzed using T-tests, analysis of variance, correlations, and multivariable regression analysis to compare differences in body image score and medication adherence score by demographic and clinical factors.

Results:

Age was associated with significant differences in body image score (F(2, 109) = 5.736, p = 0.004). African American race was associated with higher average BMI (t(39.99) = 3.375, p = 0.002) and self-esteem subscore (t(106) = 2.254, p = 0.026) but not associated with differences in body image score or medication adherence. Regression analysis showed that body image score significantly predicted medication adherence ( = 0.208, p = 0.037).

Conclusion:

Assessing how a patient feels about their weight while considering the potential differences in demographic groups may facilitate optimal medication selections and communication of treatment plans with psychiatric patients, which has implications on treatment adherence, disease course, and prognosis.
Integrated Health Record Viewers and Reduction in Duplicate Medical Imaging: Retrospective Observational Analysis
Authors: Yuan Yingzhe , Price Megan , Schmidt David F , Ward Merry , Nebeker Jonathan , Pizer Steven
Published: May 2022

Background

Health information exchange and multiplatform health record viewers support more informed medical decisions, improve quality of care, and reduce the risk of adverse outcomes due to fragmentation and discontinuity in care during transition of care. An example of a multiplatform health record viewer is the VA/DoD Joint Longitudinal Viewer (JLV), which supports the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DoD) health care providers with read-only access to patient medical records integrated from multiple sources. JLV is intended to support more informed medical decisions such as reducing duplicate medical imaging when previous image study results may meet current clinical needs.

Objective

We estimated the impact of provider usage of JLV on duplicate imaging for service members transitioning from the DoD to the VA health care system.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study in fiscal year 2018 to examine the relationship between providers’ use of JLV and the likelihood of ordering duplicate images. Our sample included recently separated service members who had a VA primary care visit in fiscal year 2018 within 90 days of a DoD imaging study. Patients who received at least one imaging study at VA within 90 days of a DoD imaging study of the same imaging mode and on the same body part are considered to have received potentially duplicate imaging studies. We use a logistic regression model with “JLV provider” (providers with 1 or more JLV audits in the prior 6 months) as the independent variable to estimate the relationship between JLV use and ordering of duplicate images. Control variables included provider image ordering rates in the prior 6 months, provider type, patient demographics (age, race, gender), and clinical characteristics (Elixhauser comorbidity score).

Results

Providers known to utilize JLV in the prior 6 months order fewer duplicate images relative to providers not utilizing JLV for similar visits over time (odds ratio 0.44, 95% CI 0.24-0.78; P=.005). This effect is robust across multiple specifications of linear and logistic regression models. The provider’s practice pattern of ordering image studies and the patient’s health status are powerful confounders.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that adoption of a longitudinal viewer of health records from multiple electronic health record systems is associated with a reduced likelihood of ordering duplicate images. Investments in health information exchange systems may be effective ways to improve the quality of care and reduce adverse outcomes for patients experiencing fragmentation and discontinuity of care.