bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermoregulation in Sheep and Goats: A Review
Authors: AL-Ramamneh Diya
Published: February 2023

Thermoregulation is the capability of an animal to maintain its core internal temperature by homeostasis. Small ruminants like sheep and goats acclimate to different environmental changes and often perform better during heat stress than other ruminants. Adapting small ruminants to exceptional weather events occurs through behavioral, genetic, physiological, and morphological mechanisms. Small ruminants can mitigate the consequences of thermal stress using behavioral strategies such as consuming more water, looking for shade, consuming less feed, standing instead of lying down behavior, and other morphological mechanisms such as size, shape, coat color, coat depth, pigmentation, and fat storage. Small ruminants also respond to thermal changes through physiological mechanisms such as variations in respiration, heart rate, core temperature, sweating rate, metabolic rate, and endocrine functions. From the genetic point of view, animals could inherit traits that favor their survival in specific climatic conditions. The adaptation of small ruminants to different thermal environments is determined by an elaborate network of genes with specific genome-wide DNA markers improving toleration to excessive heat. Therefore, genetic identification and analysis of thermotolerance genes should be applied as markers in breeding programs.
New Federal Plan to Reduce Homelessness by 25% by 2025 Includes Health Care as Part of the Solution
Authors: Rubin Rita
Published: February 2023

This Medical News feature discusses a new federal strategic plan to reduce homelessness in the US.
Double Standards and Inconsistencies in Access to Care—What Constitutes a Cosmetic Treatment?
Authors: Barbieri John S. , LaChance Avery , Albrecht Joerg
Published: February 2023

This Viewpoint examines the inconsistencies in classification of cosmetic vs medical care and offers potential solutions to the issue of payers not providing coverage for skin conditions that have psychosocial effects.
Comparison of Chest Radiograph Captions Based on Natural Language Processing vs Completed by Radiologists
Authors: Zhang Yaping , Liu Mingqian , Zhang Lu , Wang Lingyun , Zhao Keke , Hu Shundong , Chen Xu , Xie Xueqian
Published: February 2023

Importance

Artificial intelligence (AI) can interpret abnormal signs in chest radiography (CXR) and generate captions, but a prospective study is needed to examine its practical value.

Objective

To prospectively compare natural language processing (NLP)-generated CXR captions and the diagnostic findings of radiologists.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A multicenter diagnostic study was conducted. The training data set included CXR images and reports retrospectively collected from February 1, 2014, to February 28, 2018. The retrospective test data set included consecutive images and reports from April 1 to July 31, 2019. The prospective test data set included consecutive images and reports from May 1 to September 30, 2021.

Exposures

A bidirectional encoder representation from a transformers model was used to extract language entities and relationships from unstructured CXR reports to establish 23 labels of abnormal signs to train convolutional neural networks. The participants in the prospective test group were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 different caption generation models: a normal template, NLP-generated captions, and rule-based captions based on convolutional neural networks. For each case, a resident drafted the report based on the randomly assigned captions and an experienced radiologist finalized the report blinded to the original captions. A total of 21 residents and 19 radiologists were involved.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Time to write reports based on different caption generation models.

Results

The training data set consisted of 74 082 cases (39 254 [53.0%] women; mean [SD] age, 50.0 [17.1] years). In the retrospective (n = 8126; 4345 [53.5%] women; mean [SD] age, 47.9 [15.9] years) and prospective (n = 5091; 2416 [47.5%] women; mean [SD] age, 45.1 [15.6] years) test data sets, the mean (SD) area under the curve of abnormal signs was 0.87 (0.11) in the retrospective data set and 0.84 (0.09) in the prospective data set. The residents’ mean (SD) reporting time using the NLP-generated model was 283 (37) seconds—significantly shorter than the normal template (347 [58] seconds; P < .001) and the rule-based model (296 [46] seconds; P < .001). The NLP-generated captions showed the highest similarity to the final reports with a mean (SD) bilingual evaluation understudy score of 0.69 (0.24)—significantly higher than the normal template (0.37 [0.09]; P < .001) and the rule-based model (0.57 [0.19]; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this diagnostic study of NLP-generated CXR captions, prior information provided by NLP was associated with greater efficiency in the reporting process, while maintaining good consistency with the findings of radiologists.
Risk of Discharge to Lower-Quality Nursing Homes Among Hospitalized Older Adults With Alzheimer Disease and Related Dementias
Authors: Kosar Cyrus M. , Mor Vincent , Werner Rachel M. , Rahman Momotazur
Published: February 2023

Importance

Individuals with Alzheimer disease and related dementias (ADRD) frequently require skilled nursing facility (SNF) care following hospitalization. Despite lower SNF incentives to care for the ADRD population, knowledge on how the quality of SNF care differs for those with vs without ADRD is limited.

Objective

To examine whether persons with ADRD are systematically admitted to lower-quality SNFs.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Cross-sectional analysis of Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2019, was conducted. Data analysis was performed from January 15 to May 30, 2022. Participants were discharged to a Medicare-certified SNF from a general acute hospital. Patients younger than 65 years, enrolled in Medicare Advantage, and with prior SNF or long-term nursing home use within 1 year of hospitalization were excluded.

Exposures

The quality level of all SNFs available at the patient’s discharge, measured using publicly reported 5-star staffing ratings. The 5-star ratings were grouped into 3 levels (1-2 stars [reference category, low-quality], 3 stars [average-quality], and 4-5 stars [high-quality]).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The outcome was the SNF a patient entered among the possible SNF destinations available at discharge. Differences in the association between SNF quality and SNF entry for patients with and without ADRD were assessed using a conditional logit model, which simultaneously controls for differences in discharging hospital, residential neighborhood, and the other characteristics (eg, postacute care specialization) of all SNFs available at discharge.

Results

The sample included 2 619 464 patients (mean [SD] age, 81.3 [8.6] years; 61% women; 87% were White; 8% were Black; 22% with ADRD). The probability of discharge to higher quality SNFs was lower for patients with ADRD. If the star rating of an SNF was high instead of low, the log-odds of being discharged to it increased by 0.31 for patients with ADRD and by 0.47 for those without ADRD (difference, −0.16; P < .001). The weaker association between quality and entry for patients with ADRD indicates that they are less likely to be discharged to high-quality SNFs.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this study suggest that patients with ADRD are more likely to be discharged to lower-quality SNFs. Targeted reforms, such as ADRD-specific compensation adjustments, may be needed to improve access to better SNFs for patients with ADRD.
Financial Toxicity Among Patients With Breast Cancer Worldwide
Authors: Ehsan Anam N. , Wu Catherine A. , Minasian Alexandra , Singh Tavneet , Bass Michelle , Pace Lydia , Ibbotson Geoffrey C. , Bempong-Ahun Nefti , Pusic Andrea , Scott John W. , Mekary Rania A. , Ranganathan Kavitha
Published: February 2023

Importance

Financial toxicity (FT) is the negative impact of cost of care on financial well-being. Patients with breast cancer are at risk for incurring high out-of-pocket costs given the long-term need for multidisciplinary care and expensive treatments.

Objective

To quantify the FT rate of patients with breast cancer and identify particularly vulnerable patient populations nationally and internationally.

Data Sources

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. Four databases—Embase, PubMed, Global Index Medicus, and Global Health (EBSCO)—were queried from inception to February 2021. Data analysis was performed from March to December 2022.

Study Selection

A comprehensive database search was performed for full-text, English-language articles reporting FT among patients with breast cancer. Two independent reviewers conducted study screening and selection; 462 articles underwent full-text review.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

A standardized data extraction tool was developed and validated by 2 independent authors; study quality was also assessed. Variables assessed included race, income, insurance status, education status, employment, urban or rural status, and cancer stage and treatment. Pooled estimates of FT rates and their 95% CIs were obtained using the random-effects model.

Main Outcomes and Measures

FT was the primary outcome and was evaluated using quantitative FT measures, including rate of patients experiencing FT, and qualitative FT measures, including patient-reported outcome measures or patient-reported severity and interviews. The rates of patients in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries who incurred FT according to out-of-pocket cost, income, or patient-reported impact of expenditures during breast cancer diagnosis and treatment were reported as a meta-analysis.

Results

Of the 11 086 articles retrieved, 34 were included in the study. Most studies were from high-income countries (24 studies), and the rest were from low- and middle-income countries (10 studies). The sample size of included studies ranged from 5 to 2445 people. There was significant heterogeneity in the definition of FT. FT rate was pooled from 18 articles. The pooled FT rate was 35.3% (95% CI, 27.3%-44.4%) in high-income countries and 78.8% (95% CI, 60.4%-90.0%) in low- and middle-income countries.

Conclusions and Relevance

Substantial FT is associated with breast cancer treatment worldwide. Although the FT rate was higher in low- and middle-income countries, more than 30% of patients in high-income countries also incurred FT. Policies designed to offset the burden of direct medical and nonmedical costs are required to improve the financial health of vulnerable patients with breast cancer.
Using iconic hand gestures in teaching a year 8 science lesson
Authors: Bentley Brendan , Walters Kylie , Yates Gregory C. R.
Published: February 2023

Advances in embodied learning and the use of gesture has gained greater interest amongst educators and researchers in recent years. The emerging evidence supporting the use of physical enactment rather than just auditory modes of instruction remains unresolved. This paper investigates the pedagogical methods used by a science teacher instructing a year 8 science class. One class was taught via the practitioner's usual and standard methods. The second class were taught similarly but were exposed to a set of scripted iconic hand gestures. The study utilised the theoretical underpinnings of Evolutionary Educational Psychology and recent insights of Cognitive Load Theory to measure student cognitive load on learning and achievement. The research findings suggest students who were exposed to teaching using iconic hand gestures scored more highly on achievement and rated the test items as relatively less difficult compared to those taught using traditional methods.
Uptake and Spending on Biosimilar Infliximab and Etanercept After New Start and Switching Policies in Canada: An Interrupted Time Series Analysis
Authors: McClean Alison R. , Cheng Lucy , Bansback Nick , Clement Fiona , Tadrous Mina , Harrison Mark , Law Michael R.
Published: February 2023

Objective

Uptake of biosimilars has been suboptimal in North America. This study was undertaken to quantify the impact of various policy interventions (namely, new start and switching policies) on uptake and spending on biosimilar infliximab and etanercept in British Columbia (BC), Canada.

Methods

We used administrative claims data to identify BC residents ≥18 years of age with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and/or plaque psoriasis who qualified for public drug coverage from January 2013 to November 2020. Using interrupted time series analysis, we studied the change in proportion spent on and prescriptions dispensed of biosimilar infliximab and etanercept out of the total amount per agent after new start and biosimilar switching policies were implemented.

Results

Our study included 208,984 individuals living with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, plaque psoriasis, and/or psoriatic arthritis, corresponding to 5,884 patients taking infliximab and etanercept. After the new start policy, we detected a small gradual increase in the proportion of dispensed biosimilar etanercept prescriptions of 0.65% per month (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.44, 0.85). The trend related to the proportion of total spending on biosimilar etanercept also increased (0.51% [95% CI 0.28, 0.73]). After the switching policy, there was a sustained increase in the proportion of dispensed biosimilar etanercept and infliximab prescriptions of 76.98% (95% CI 75.56, 78.41) and 58.43% (95% CI 52.11, 64.75), respectively. Similarly, there was a persistent increase in monthly spending on biosimilar etanercept and infliximab of 78.22% (95% CI 76.65, 79.79) and 71.23% (95% CI 66.82, 75.65), respectively.

Conclusion

We found that mandatory switching policies were much more effective than new starting policies for increasing the use of biosimilar medications.
Single‐Component 0D Metal–Organic Halides with Color‐Variable Long‐Afterglow toward Multi‐Level Information Security and White‐Light LED
Authors: Chen Tianhong , Ma Yu‐Juan , Yan Dongpeng
Published: February 2023

The optical anti‐counterfeiting science and technology are currently restricted by the limited information loading capacity, and thus development of multi‐level and high‐security systems is urgently needed but still challenging. Herein, anti‐counterfeiting design strategies (including ASCII/5D codes and dynamic information storage) are reported by incorporation of abundant multi‐central luminescence and time‐resolved, excitation‐dependent ultralong phosphorescence. Self‐assembly of new single‐component 0D organic–inorganic metal halides (OIMHs) are facilely achieved, which exhibit divisible ultralong all‐phosphorescence, thermally activated delayed fluorescence, and single‐molecule white‐light emission, as proved by experiments and theoretical calculations. Interestingly, combing advantages of both inorganic cluster and π‐conjugation in OIMHs, the time‐dependent afterglow affords color‐variable emission in a wide wavelength range larger than 100 nm, providing extra color‐time dimensions for information encryption compared to traditional single‐color fluorescent anti‐counterfeiting. Moreover, white light‐emitting diode device is further developed to show high lighting ability for the single‐component OIMH. Therefore, this study paves an effective way to fabricate cluster‐based single‐component hybrids by equipping different emitters to confer diverse photoluminescence manners and satisfy down‐to‐earth application requirements.
Carboxylate‐Directed Palladium‐Catalyzed Regioselective Mizoroki‐Heck Alkenylation of γ,δ‐Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Tsai Si‐Yu , Huang Yu‐Wen , Chou Chih‐Ming
Published: February 2023

A carboxylate‐directed palladium‐catalyzed Mizoroki–Heck alkenylation of γ,δ‐unsaturated carboxylic acids with alkenyl bromides is reported. This carboxylate group is effective for chelation to a Pd center, enabling the distal alkenylation of electronically unbiased internal alkenes in the formation of conjugated 1,3‐dienes with high stereoselectivity. In addition, the conjugated 1,3‐diene products can be used for synthetic applications through reduction, epoxidation, methylation, amidation, and cycloaddition.

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Yield protection afforded by imidacloprid during Hessian fly infestation in six genotypes
Authors: Winn Zachary J. , Reisig Dominic , Murphy Joseph P.
Published: February 2023

The Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor Say) is a gall midge that infests and feeds upon wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Recently, a new form of tolerance (QHft.nc‐7D) was identified in the breeding line LA03136E71 (PI 700336). Partial resistance allows immature Hessian fly to thrive in small numbers and does not function like antibiosis. Little is known about the potential yield drag of using partial resistance. In this study, we evaluated six genotypes: one containing QHft.nc‐7D (LA03136E71), one containing H13, and four potentially susceptible genotypes. All genotypes were evaluated with two different seed treatment regiments of imidacloprid: no treatment and a two times rate of imidacloprid. All tested genotypes were planted in six‐to‐eight replications of a full factorial design in four environments. Subsamples of yield trial plots were taken to measure percent infested tillers and a number of larvae/pupae per tiller. Plots were harvested and grain yield was recorded. There was a significant (p[>F] < 0.05) reduction of percent infested tillers and a number of larvae/pupae per tiller related to the imidacloprid treatment. Imidacloprid treatment significantly (p[>T] < 0.05) reduced the number of larvae/pupae per tiller for LA03136E71. There was no significant (p[>T] > 0.05) grain yield increase associated with treatment for LA03136E71. This indicates that a two times application of imidacloprid on LA03136E71 (QHft.nc‐7D) did not improve yield yet reduced infestation. Therefore, QHft.nc‐7D, while allowing Hessian fly to thrive on the plant, does not significantly compromise yield.
Postoperative complications and prognosis based on type of surgery in ulcerative colitis patients with colorectal cancer: A multicenter observational study of data from the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum
Authors: Hoshino Nobuaki , Hida Koya , Yoshida Shinya , Ueno Kohei , Noguchi Tatsuki , Ishihara Soichiro , Sugihara Kenichi , Ajioka Yoichi , Obama Kazutaka
Published: February 2023

Background

Patients with ulcerative colitis are reported to be at increased risk of colorectal cancer and are also at high risk of postoperative complications. However, the incidence of postoperative complications in these patients and how the type of surgery performed affects prognosis are not well understood.

Methods

Data collected by the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum on ulcerative colitis patients with colorectal cancer between January 1983 and December 2020 were analyzed according to whether total colorectal resection was performed with ileoanal anastomosis (IAA), ileoanal canal anastomosis (IACA), or permanent stoma creation. The incidence of postoperative complications and the prognosis for each surgical technique were investigated.

Results

The incidence of overall complications was not significantly different among the IAA, IACA, and stoma groups (32.7%, 32.3%, and 37.7%, respectively; p = 0.510). The incidence of infectious complications was significantly higher in the stoma group (21.2%) than in the IAA (12.9%) and IACA (14.6%) groups (p = 0.048); however, the noninfectious complication rate was lower in the stoma group (13.7%) than in the IAA (21.1%) and IACA (16.2%) groups (p = 0.088). Five‐year relapse‐free survival was higher in patients without complications than in those with complications in the IACA group (92.8% vs. 75.2%; p = 0.041) and the stoma group (78.1% vs. 71.2%, p = 0.333) but not in the IAA group (90.3% vs. 90.0%, p = 0.888).

Conclusion

The risks of infectious and noninfectious complications differed according to the type of surgical technique used. Postoperative complications worsened prognosis.
Modification of Al2O3‐based catalyst by rare earth elements for steam reforming of methane
Authors: Zhang Jianan , Zhao Min , Yin Zhi‐wen , Hu Zhi‐yi , Liu Yanan , He Yufei , Li Dianqing
Published: February 2023

Modification of rare earth elements (Ln) often contributes to the improved performance in many applications compared with the monometallic catalysts, but the current research is only limited in the individual light rare earth elements. In this work, a series of Ln elements involving Gd, Sm, Nd, Pr, and La was added into monometallic Ni/Al2O3 system to focus how the microstructure of active Ni centers depended on the presence and contents of Ln, and thus improved the catalytic behavior in the steam reforming of methane. Enhanced catalytic behavior could be observed over Ln‐modified Ni catalysts, among which Ni‐Gd/Al2O3 was predicted to be more high‐efficient no matter supported on power or spherical Al2O3 catalysts. A combined investigation of XPS with STEM and TPR was carried out over the candidates to reveal the structure‐performance relationship. Furthermore, this was further applied to noble metal systems, realizing the benign universality of the modification strategy.
Clinical findings in 39 individuals with Bohring–Opitz syndrome from a global patient‐driven registry with implications for tumor surveillance and recurrence risk
Authors: Russell Bianca E. , Kianmahd Rebecca R. , Munster Chelsea , Yu Anna , Ahad Leena , Tan Wen‐Hann
Published: February 2023

Bohring–Opitz syndrome (BOS) is a rare genetic condition caused by pathogenic variants in ASXL1, which is a gene involved in chromatin regulation. BOS is characterized by severe intellectual disabilities, distinctive facial features, hypertrichosis, facial nevus simplex, severe myopia, a typical posture in infancy, variable anomalies, and feeding issues. Wilms tumor has also been reported in two individuals. We report survey data from the largest known cohort of individuals with BOS with 34 participants from the ASXL Patient‐Driven Registry and data on five additional individuals with notable findings. Important or novel findings include hepatoblastoma (n = 1), an additional individual with Wilms tumor, two families with a parent who is mosaic including a pair of siblings, birth weights within the normal range for the majority of participants, as well as presence of craniosynostosis and hernias. Data also include characterization of communication, motor skills, and care level including hospitalization frequency and surgical interventions. No phenotype–genotype correlation could be identified. The ASXL Registry is also presented as a crucial tool for furthering ASXL research and to support the ASXL community.
Time course of serum neuron‐specific enolase levels from infancy to early adulthood in a female patient with beta‐propeller protein‐associated neurodegeneration
Authors: Hirano Shodo , Suzuki Yasuhiro , Ikeda Tae , Okamoto Nobuhiko
Published: February 2023

Beta‐propeller protein‐associated neurodegeneration (BPAN), a subgroup of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation, is typically characterized by non‐progressive global developmental delay and seizures in childhood, followed by progressive neurological decline with parkinsonism and dementia in adolescence or early adulthood. It is difficult to clinically identify a patient with BPAN in childhood. Recent studies reported that serum levels of neuron‐specific enolase (NSE) were elevated in children with BPAN. We reviewed the time course of serum NSE levels in a 21‐year‐old female patient genetically diagnosed (a de novo WDR45 variant c.268A > T) with BPAN, which was suspected based on prolonged elevation of serum NSE. There was an overall tendency for serum NSE levels to decrease in a stepwise fashion. The peak serum NSE level was observed during the first 2 years of age and then decreased rapidly in 1 year. High serum NSE levels persisted between 3 and 11 years of age. Subsequently, serum NSE levels decreased and plateaued after 13 years of age. There were tendencies for both blood AST and LDH levels to decrease over time in parallel with serum NSE levels. Serum NSE levels may be a diagnostic biomarker of BPAN in children but becomes of less value in identifying a patient with BPAN after childhood.
Improvement of NO adsorptive selectivity by the embedding of Rh in MOF‐177 as carrier
Authors: Hu Jie , Zhai Ying , Li Shengchen , Li Lei , Tang Fushun , Ruan Le , Zhang Zhe
Published: February 2023

In this paper, MOF‐177 was embedded with Rh for the improvement of NO adsorptive selectivity at room temperature. The results showed that the experimental NO saturated adsorption capacity of MOF‐177 was very limited value of 1.35 mL·g−1 with a negligible selectivity, but the embedded 3 wt % Rh/MOF‐177 improved it to 16 mL·g−1 with higher maximal selectivity of NO to CO2 (352) and to O2 (600) under low partial pressure. In the simulated mixture gas, the adsorption capacity of NO atmosphere was about 9–18 times higher than that of O2 and CO2, and the adsorptive selectivity was up to near 18. The reductive Rh particles in MOF‐177 were basically nanometer‐sized higher dispersion state by great carrier function of MOF‐177. The pulse adsorption experiments verified that one reduced Rh0 adsorbed three NO molecules, indicating that the NO adsorption form in Rh/MOF‐177 should be a trinitro‐group (Rh (NO)3) adsorbed species in low pressure. This work firstly illustrated that the MOFs materials embedded with metal particle such as Rh can obviously improve NO adsorption selectivity and also provided a reference way for functionalized modification of MOFs materials to enhance the adsorptive separation performance of pollutant NO in flue gas.
Pure oxygen condition forced oxidation ignition process of underground coal gasification
Authors: Li Yulong , Liang Jie , Zhao Ze , Zhao Ge , Zang Zhifei
Published: February 2023

Underground coal gasification without shaft is a technology that uses directional drilling technology to gasify deeply buried coal. The technology first needs to ignite the coal seam during drilling, but as the depth of the coal seam (drilling) increases, it is very difficult to ignite the underground coal seam. In order to ignite the underground coal seam more safely and effectively, the forced oxidation ignition technology has been developed; that is, the coal seam is heated by hot oxygen, and the coal seam is rapidly oxidized and released to ignite the coal seam. Due to the complex confidential environment, it is challenging to ignite underground coal seams. To ignite the underground coal seams more safely and effectively, this paper used a self‐made reactor to simulate the forced convection heating of the bituminous coal under different oxygen flow rates with hot oxygen and used a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer flue gas analyzer to detect the outlet gas, used ATR‐FTIR spectrometer to analyze the solid residues in different areas, and recorded the time and maximum temperature of coal ignition under other processes. The results showed that low‐flow high‐temperature oxygen could quickly burn coal seams. When the oxygen flow rate was 2.5 m3/h, and the coal seam was ignited when heated to 130°C for 170 min. Through GC‐MS analysis of nine flammable components in the tar components under different processes, the content of short‐chain aliphatic hydrocarbons in the tar decreases, and the content of benzene series tends to increase. Through ATR‐FTIR analysis, the solid sample near the gas injection port contained fewer oxygen functional groups; the middle of the furnace body included the most oxygen functional groups; near the gas outlet contained more oxygen functional groups than the raw coal. CO2 would rise to 3% when coal was about to ignite.
Design, synthesis and performance of novel fluorescent polymer microspheres tracers based on aggregation induced emission
Authors: Zhou Wu , Liang Qingxiang , Wu Aibin , Shu Wenming , Yu Weichu
Published: February 2023

In this study, blue fluorescent polymer microspheres tracers are prepared by dispersion polymerization using aggregation induced emission monomers, styrene and sodium vinyl benzene sulfonate as raw materials. The properties of the microspheres are investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and fluorescence spectrum. The results show that N‐(4‐(4‐(1,2,2‐triphenylvinyl)phenoxy)butyl)acrylamide exhibits typical AIE properties in a mixture of water and tetrahydrofuran. The fluorescent polymer microspheres are smooth and monodisperse. Concentration‐dependent experiments indicate that the fluorescence intensity of the fluorescent polymer microspheres increases with the increasing of concentration. In addition, we explore the effects of temperature, pH, and some metal ions on the fluorescent polymer microspheres, and find that the fluorescence intensity is still good under these influencing conditions. We also investigate the stability of the polymer, the fluorescence intensity of the polymer hardly changed during the 30‐day monitoring period, indicating its good stability. Therefore, the above research results indicate that the fluorescent polymer microspheres can be used as potential oilfield tracers.
Ladies in armor: A micro‐computed tomographic study of skin calcification in European toads (genus Bufo)
Authors: Cvijanović Milena , Ajduković Maja , Arntzen Jan W. , Ivanović Ana , Vučić Tijana
Published: February 2023

Micro‐computed tomography is a powerful tool toward the detailed reconstruction of internal and external morphology, in particular for ossified and other dense tissues. Here, we document and compare the level of calcification in the skin of the head and the parotoids (the external skin glands) in males and females of common and spined toads, Bufo bufo and B. spinosus. In some anurans, including Bufo species, a specific acellular calcified tissue layer within the dermis has been documented (the Eberth‐Katschenko, or EK‐layer). By a combination of micro‐computed tomography and classical histology, we detected additional calcium deposits located in the dermal layer stratum spongiosum, positioned above the EK‐layer. We showed that the level of calcification and the presence of additional calcium deposits are size and sex related, increasing in the order B. bufo males, B. spinosus males, B. bufo females to B. spinosus females. The last of these groups is the least variable. Bufo spinosus females have dense calcium deposits in the parotoids and the dorsal and ventral skin. Three‐dimensional volume renderings and cross‐sectional slices obtained by micro‐CT scanning indicate that this approach is a promising technique for further studies on bufonid skin anatomy and geographic variation in skin calcification.
Possible optical counterparts of ULXs in NGC 1672
Authors: Allak Sinan , Akyuz Aysun , Sonbas Eda , Dhuga Kalvir S.
Published: February 2023

In this study, we use archival data from Hubble Space Telescope (HST), Chandra, XMM‐Newton, and Swift‐XRT, to probe the nature of 9 (X1‐X9) candidate ultraluminous X‐ray sources (ULXs) in NGC 1672. Our study focuses on using the precise source positions obtained via improved astrometry based on Chandra and HST observations to search for and identify optical counterparts for these ULXs. Unique optical counterparts are identified for X2 and X6; two potential counterparts were determined for X1, X5, and X7 within the respective error radii while no optical counterparts were found for the remaining four sources. Based on spectral energy distributions, X‐ray, and optical temporal analyses, some evidences about the nature of X1 and X2 were obtained.
Die TR‐Instandhaltung und die Maßstabsfrage bei „Schäden/Mängeln“ in Altfällen
Authors: Motzke Gerd
Published: February 2023

Wiens/Raupach sowie Helm haben sich mit der TR‐Instandhaltung des Deutschen Instituts für Bautechnik, 2020, mit den neuen Inhalten und den bautechnischen Randbedingungen einschließlich deren Anwendung befasst [1]. Schießl‐Pecka/Strehlein haben das Instandsetzungsverfahren nach der TR‐Instandhaltung und diesbezüglich besonders das Instandsetzungsprinzip W in Verbindung mit dem Einsatz von Hydrophobierungen aus der Planersicht beschrieben [2]. Den genannten Darstellungen liegt grundsätzlich der Anwendungsfall zugrunde, dass ein in die Jahre gekommenes Stahlbetonbauwerk instandsetzungsbedürftig ist. Neben diesem Grundfall gibt es auch den Sachverhalt, dass ein bereits instand gesetztes Stahlbetonbauwerk erneuten Instandsetzungsbedarf aufweist und deshalb Maßnahmen zu ergreifen sind. Diese Altfälle – markiert durch die Bezeichnung „Schäden“ in Altfällen (Instandsetzungsschäden) – sind um einen Sonderfall zu erweitern, den charakterisiert, dass an einem instand gesetzten Stahlbetonbauwerk Instandsetzungsmängel in offener Gewährleistungsfrist auftreten und der Auftraggeber Sachmängelrechte geltend macht (Instandsetzung von Instandsetzungsmängeln in offener Gewährleistungsfrist, Instandsetzungsmängel). Neben einschlägige Technikregeln treten damit Rechtsregeln. Der Beitrag befasst sich mit den dabei auftretenden Technik‐ und Rechtsfragen, die auch den Anwendungsbereich der TR‐Instandhaltung berühren und insbesondere auf den Stellenwert der Leistungsbeschreibung in Leistungsverzeichnissen abheben.
Chasing long‐range evolutionary couplings in the AlphaFold era
Authors: Karamanos Theodoros K.
Published: February 2023

Coevolution between protein residues is normally interpreted as direct contact. However, the evolutionary record of a protein sequence contains rich information that may include long‐range functional couplings, couplings that report on homo‐oligomeric states or even conformational changes. Due to the complexity of the sequence space and the lack of structural information on various members of a protein family, it has been difficult to effectively mine the additional information encoded in a multiple sequence alignment (MSA). Here, taking advantage of the recent release of the AlphaFold (AF) database we attempt to identify coevolutionary couplings that cannot be explained simply by spatial proximity. We propose a simple computational method that performs direct coupling analysis on a MSA and searches for couplings that are not satisfied in any of the AF models of members of the identified protein family. Application of this method on 2012 protein families suggests that ~12% of the total identified coevolving residue pairs are spatially distant and more likely to be disordered than their contacting counterparts. We expect that this analysis will help improve the quality of coevolutionary distance restraints used for structure determination and will be useful in identifying potentially functional/allosteric cross‐talk between distant residues.
A simple and sensitive LC–MS/MS method for the determination of polyphyllin VII in rat plasma and its application to pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Wang Hao , Han Han , Xu Ying , Yang Yishun
Published: February 2023

Polyphyllin VII is an isoprene saponin extracted from Rhizoma paridis, and it can effectively suppress tumor initiation, growth, and metastasis. In this study, we aim to develop and validate an LC–MS/MS method for the quantification of polyphyllin VII in rat plasma using digoxin as the internal standard (IS). The plasma samples were precipitated with methanol, and the samples were separated on an ACQUITY BEH C18 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.7 μm). The mobile phase consisted of 0.1% formic acid solution and acetonitrile. The detection was performed in the multiple reactions monitoring mode, with the precursor‐to‐product transitions of m/z 1075.4 > 883.3 for polyphyllin VII and m/z 779.4 > 649.6 for the IS. The method showed excellent linearity over the concentration range of 0.5–1000 ng/ml, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9996 (r = 0.9996). The lower limit of quantification was 0.5 ng/ml. The inter‐ and intra‐day accuracy (relative error) ranged from −4.8 to 5.9%, and precision (relative standard deviation) was < 9.0%. The assay showed high extraction recovery, ranging from 90.6 to 95.6%. Polyphyllin VII was demonstrated to be stable under the storage conditions. The validated LC–MS/MS method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of polyphyllin VII in rats after oral, intraperitoneal, and intravenous administrations. The pharmacokinetic results indicated that polyphyllin VII showed low oral (5.86%) bioavailability and moderate (38.81%) intraperitoneal bioavailability.
A marginal process of the zygomatic bone predicts a lateral exit of the zygomaticotemporal nerve: An anatomical study with application to surgery around the midface
Authors: Siddiqui Humza Faisal , Konschake Marko , Ottone Nicolás E. , Olewnik Łukasz , Iwanaga Joe , Aysenne Aimee , Xu Lu , Tubbs R. Shane
Published: February 2023

Previous studies have not verified the contents of accessory foramina of the zygomatic bone on dry skulls and thus could not conclude whether they carried accessory zygomaticofacial nerve branches or branches or the entire trunk of the zygomaticotemporal nerve (ZTN). Therefore, the aim of the current study is to present findings from cadaveric dissections to clarify this relationship. Fifty, fresh frozen, adult cadaveric sides underwent dissection of the ZTN. When identified, these nerves were quantified and their relationship to the zygomatic bone further documented by dissecting through the bone following the course of the nerve from a superficial to deep perspective. Additionally, 100 dry, adult, human skulls were analyzed looking for lateral foramina on the zygomatic bone. On three cadaveric sides (6%), the ZTN was found to pierce the zygomatic bone deeply and exit its superficial lateral surface. For dry skull specimens, a lateral zygomaticotemporal foramen (ZTF) was identified on nine sides (4.5%). For both groups, the presence of a strong marginal process of the zygomatic bone was strongly correlated to a ZTF exiting the lateral surface of the zygomatic bone. Although relatively uncommon, the ZTN can pierce the lateral aspect of the zygomatic bone and thus can be located superficial to the cheek. Such findings should be borne in mind during surgical or other invasive procedures in this area in order to minimize iatrogenic injury to the ZTN.
Prognostic role of immune environment in luminal B early breast cancer
Authors: Chan Arlene , Gill Jespal , Chih HuiJun , Nelson Delia J.
Published: February 2023

The importance of the immune microenvironment in triple negative and HER2‐amplified breast cancer (BC) is well‐established; less is known about the immune environment in luminal breast cancers. We aimed to assess for the impact of immune biomarkers on BC outcome in a group of luminal B patients with archived tissue and annotated clinical information. Patients with early breast cancer (EBC) treated in a single institution over a 14‐year period, with prospectively collected data were included. Luminal B EBC patients were identified and defined into three cohorts: A: grade 2 or 3, ER & PR positive, HER2‐negative; B: Any grade, ER positive, PR and HER2‐negative (Ki67 ≥ 14% in cohorts A & B); and C: Any grade, ER or PR positive, HER2‐positive. Within each cohort, patients with a relapsed BC event (R) were compared on a 1:1 basis with a control patient (C) who remained disease‐free, balanced for key characteristics in an effort to balance the contribution of each clinical group to outcome. Archival breast, involved and uninvolved axillary nodes were assessed by immunohistochemistry for biomarkers identifying effector and suppressor immune cells, and compared between R and C. In total, 120 patients were included (80, 22, and 18 patients in cohorts A, B, and C, respectively). R were 1.5 years older (p = 0.016), with all other characteristics being balanced. Overall, there were no statistically significant differences in immune biomarkers in breast or nodal tissue of R and C. However, there was a trend toward higher levels of TILs in breast tumors of C, while GAL‐9 was consistently expressed on lymphocytes and tumor cells in all breast and nodes of C and was absent from all tissues of R. These trends in checkpoint molecule expression deserve further research.
Procalcitonin as a biomarker for predicting bacterial infection in chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell therapy recipients
Authors: Powell Marissa Z. , Mara Kristin C. , Bansal Radhika , Hathcock Matthew A. , Khurana Arushi , Bennani N. Nora , Wang Yucai , Paludo Jonas , Bisneto Jose Villasboas , Ansell Stephen M. , Johnston Patrick B. , Lin Yi , Barreto Jason N.
Published: February 2023

Background

It is unknown whether serum procalcitonin (PCT) concentration monitoring can differentiate between bacterial infection or cytokine release syndrome (CRS) when chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell (CAR‐T) recipients present with a constellation of signs and symptoms that may represent both complications.

Objective

The objective of the study was to assess the utility of serum PCT concentrations as a biomarker of bacterial infection in CAR‐T recipients.

Study design

This single‐center, retrospective, medical record review evaluated patients prescribed CAR‐T therapy until death or 30 days after infusion. Logistic regression modeling determined the association between elevated serum PCT concentrations within 48 h of fever onset and microbiologically confirmed infection. Secondary outcomes included clinically suspected infection, CAR‐T toxicity rates, and broad‐spectrum antibiotic usage. Predictive performance of PCT was assessed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

The 98 included patients were a median age of 63 (IQR: 55–69) years old, 47 (48%) were male, and 87 (89%) were Caucasian. Baseline demographics and clinical characteristics were similar between patients with and without a bacterial infection. Serum PCT >0.4 ng/mL within 48 h of fever was significantly associated with a microbiologically confirmed bacterial infection (OR: 2.75 [95% CI: 1.02–7.39], p = 0.045). Median PCT values in patients with and without confirmed infections were 0.40 ng/mL (IQR: 0.26, 0.74) and 0.26 ng/mL (IQR: 0.13, 0.47), respectively. The AUC for PCT to predict bacterial infection was 0.62 (95% CI 0.48–0.76). All patients experienced CRS of some grade, with no difference in CRS severity based on elevated PCT. Broad‐spectrum antibiotics were used for a median of 45% and 23% of days in those with and without confirmed infection, respectively (p = 0.075).

Conclusion

Elevated serum PCT concentrations above 0.4 ng/mL at time of first fever after CAR‐T infusion was significantly associated with confirmed bacterial infection. Furthermore, rigorous, prospective studies should validate our findings and evaluate serial PCT measurements to optimize antimicrobial use after CAR‐T therapy.
Beware potential liability lurking on edges of every playing field
Authors: O'Brien Timothy
Published: February 2023

After Aaron Patrick, a linebacker for the Denver Broncos, recently incurred injuries while making a tackle that took him out of bounds, he filed a lawsuit. That case highlights the responsibility that home teams bear for providing a safe environment both on and immediately off the playing surface. In recent years, the sidelines in particular have become increasingly busy and potentially fertile ground for injuries. Fixed seating; team members; coaching and support staff; athletics administrators; cheer squads; officiating crews; VIP guests; media representatives; camera personnel; sideline heating and/or cooling devices; TV cameras, equipment, and operators; audio technicians; and security personnel collectively create crowded and often hectic areas on the sidelines of not only football games but also other athletics competitions.
Utilization of Response Surface Methodology in Optimization of Proline Extraction from Castanea sativa Honey
Authors: Ecem Bayram Nesrin , Kutlu Naciye , Can Gercek Yusuf
Published: February 2023

Proline constitutes approximately 85 % of the amino acid composition of honey. Therefore, the quantitative determination of this amino acid in honey samples is used by many national/international authorities to evaluate the quality of honey types. In this study, it was aimed to achieve maximum proline amino acid extraction from honey samples whose botanical origins were confirmed by melissopalynological analysis. For this reason, based on three different spectrophotometric methods used in the literature for proline analysis, proline extraction was optimized with the Response Surface Method (RSM) and Box‐Behnken experimental design. Three independent variables were determined as treatment time (2, 6, and 10 min), treatment temperature (22, 46, and 70 °C), and cooling time (5, 25, and 45 min). As a result of the optimization, it was seen that only significantly effective independent variable on the proline content of honey was the processing temperature. The optimum conditions obtained as a result of the RSM were found to be 2 min for the treatment time, 70 °C for the treatment temperature and 45 min for the cooling time. The composite desirability of the optimum conditions (R2) was found to be 1.00. It was determined that the method proposed by International Honey Commission (IHC) is efficient for proline analysis, but it provides more proline extraction by reducing of time from 10 min to 2 min in hold time in boiling water bath only during the extraction step. As a result, the conditions to be used in order to achieve maximum proline extraction with different spectrophotometric methods were determined and optimum values were determined. In addition, since the botanical origin of honey samples significantly affects the proline content of honey, it can be suggested that this study be optimized for different monofloral honey samples as well.
Single Amino Acid Residues Control Potential‐Dependent Inactivation of an Inner Membrane bc‐Cytochrome
Authors: Joshi Komal , H. Chan Chi , Levar Caleb E. , Bond Daniel R.
Published: February 2023

Invited for this issue's Front Cover is the group of Prof. Daniel R. Bond from the University of Minnesota. The cover picture illustrates potential‐dependent switching by CbcL, a bc cytochrome in the cytoplasmic membrane of Geobacter sulfurreducens. When redox potential drops, CbcL is activated and electrons flow from the quinone pool to the periplasm for reduction of extracellular metals or electrodes. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/celc.202200907.
Highly Stable Perovskite Solar Cells by Reducing Residual Water‐Induced Decomposition of Perovskite
Authors: Yang Xudong , Ji Wenxi , Chen Qiaoyun , Su Rui , Zhang Longgui , Wang Ailian , Zhang Taoyi , Zhou Yi , Song Bo
Published: February 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Residual water‐induced decomposition is one of the dominant reasons for the decay of power conversion efficiency (PCE) in perovskite solar cells (Pero‐SCs). To solve this problem, we introduce traces amount of sodium hyaluronate (SH) into the perovskite active layer to reduce the remaining water during the preparation of perovskite films. Unlike the traditionally adopted passive protection of perovskite from exterior water by low surface energy coatings, this study provides active control of the interior water by the addition of a water adsorbent into the perovskite films. The encapsulated Pero‐SCs with SH retain approximately 70% of their initial PCE in 4000 h, while those without SH retain 32% of their initial PCE in 1000 h under the dark and ambient atmosphere. The unencapsulated Pero‐SCs with SH stored in N2 atmosphere maintain over 94% of the initial PCE in 3000 h at room temperature away from light and remain over 88% of the initial PCE in 2000 h even the devices are heated to 70 °C. It has been proven that the improved stability is mainly due to the well‐controlled residual water in perovskite films. Concomitantly, the PCE of p‐i‐n solar cells based on (FAPbI3)0.85(MAPbBr3)0.15 is improved from 19.34% to 21.54%.