bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of spherical phenol‐formaldehyde beads from phenol‐liquefied wood and the characteristics of carbonized materials
Authors: Lee Wen‐Jau , Hsiao Nien‐Chih , Chen Yi‐Chun
Published: June 2023

In this study, wood of Cryptomeria japonica D. Don (Japanese fir) was liquefied with phenol as a solvent. Phenol‐liquefied wood was mixed with formalin and spherical phenol‐formaldehyde resin (PF) beads were prepared by a two‐stage suspension polymerization reaction. The influence of the kind and dosage of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) on the particle size distribution, mechanical strength and thermal properties of spherical PF beads were investigated. The results show that PF beads prepared with partially saponified PVA as a granulating agent are smaller than 75 μm, while the PF beads prepared with fully saponified PVA have larger diameters. However, the average diameter of spherical PF beads decreased with the increase of PVA addition. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicates that the initial thermal degradation temperature of the PF beads is around 150°C, and the main weight loss occurs between 400 and 600°C. Among them, the PF beads with BF‐04 as the granulating agent have the best heat resistance, and have the highest char yield at 800°C. The Brunauer, Emmett and Teller surface adsorption shows that the internal structure of the carbonized spherical PF beads is microporous pores. Carbonized beads prepared with high PVA adding have large absorption volume.
Effect of oxygen content on the preoxidation structure of polyacrylonitrile fibers
Authors: Zhou Hang , Lan Zecheng , Xiao Jing , Wang Yu , Xu Lianghua
Published: June 2023

During the preoxidation process of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers, the diffusion behavior of oxygen from skin to core can lead to the formation of radially uneven structure of fibers, which affects the mechanical properties of subsequent PAN carbon fibers. Here we examine the effect of oxygen content on the subsequent structure evolution of fibers with different preoxidation structure, by using13C Solid‐state NMR analysis (13C‐NMR), optical density characterization, differential scanning calorimetry analysis, and thermalgravimetric analysis. The results show that increasing the oxygen content during the subsequent heat treatment can effectively reduce the radial structure difference of fiber, its efficiency is related to the preoxidation degree of fibers. For fibers with lower preoxidation degree, namely less heat treatment work (W), the radial structure difference disappears when the oxygen content reaches 29%. Further study shows that the improvement of radial structure of preoxidized fibers improved fiber thermal stability, its efficiency is also related to theWof fibers; when theWof fibers is 5, the carbonization yield at 800°C increased from 56.79% to 62.61%, which is 10.25% higher; when theWof fibers is 20, under the same oxygen content range, the carbonization yield increased from 68.97% to 69.60%, which is only 0.913% higher.
Step by step progress to achieve an icephobic silicone‐epoxy hybrid coating: Tailoring matrix composition and additives
Authors: Adja Akré Anne Simone , Sobhani Sarah , Momen Gelareh , Fofana Issouf , Carrière Julie
Published: June 2023

This study details the fabrication of an icephobic coating for steel produced using a silicone–epoxy hybrid resin; the coating has good mechanical properties and weathering resistance for outdoor applications. Silicone–epoxy hybrid resins and amino‐functional silane‐curing agents were selected for investigation and applied to steel samples. Wettability, ice adhesion strength, and the mechanical and weathering resistance properties of the developed coatings were assessed using a drop‐shape analyzer, Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, as well as push‐off, tensile, and QUV tests. The possible correlation between ice adhesion strength and Young modulus was also investigated. The best‐performing matrix in terms of mechanical properties and weathering resistance had its surface energy characteristics altered—via two fluorinated silicone additives at various concentrations—to lower ice adhesion strength. For the steel substrates, the optimized additive‐altered surface showed a lower ice adhesion strength (decreasing from 362 to 94 kPa) with an adhesion reduction factor of 10.6. The fabricated coatings can serve as a protective layer for marine harbor infrastructures.
The effects ofCOVID‐19 on information management in remote and hybrid work environments
Authors: Nakash Maayan , Bouhnik Dan
Published: June 2023

This empirical research examines the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on information management (IM) in remote or hybrid work. We present an in‐depth statistical analysis of 716 responses to questionnaires received from employees and managers of four Israeli government ministries. The participants were asked to report characteristics such as accessibility, retrieval speed, ease of locating, and relevance of information, in order to assess the quality of organizational IM before and during COVID‐19. The findings reveal that IM quality was maintained even when organizations were forced to quickly adapt to working remotely during the pandemic. Regardless of work location, differences in perception of IM were found among organizations of different sizes: large, medium, and small. The majority of respondents who reported not using IM systems (IMS) before COVID‐19 also stated that even after the pandemic's onset, they still did not use them. A lower frequency of IMS use has been associated with a decline in IM quality. Given the far‐reaching changes in IM induced by the pandemic, many of which have the potential to be long‐lasting, these findings serve as an opening for valuable future research.
LABS: Laboratory Automation and Batch Scheduling – A Modular Open Source Python Program for the Control of Automated Electrochemical Synthesis with a Web Interface
Authors: Hielscher Maximilian M. , Dörr Maurice , Schneider Johannes , Waldvogel Siegfried R.
Published: June 2023

With LABS, an open source Python‐based lab software is established that enables users to orchestrate automated synthesis setups. The software consists of a user‐friendly interface for data input and system monitoring. A flexible backend architecture enables the integration of multiple lab devices. The software allows users to easily modify experimental parameters or routines and switch between different lab devices. Compared to previously published projects, we aim to provide a more widely applicable and easily customizable automation software for any experimental setup. The usefulness of this tool was demonstrated in the oxidative coupling of 2,4‐dimethyl‐phenol to the corresponding 2,2’‐biphenol. In this context, the suitable electrolysis parameters for flow electrolysis were optimized by way of design of experiments.
Considerations for practitioners using applied behavior analysis therapy with autistic deaf/hard of hearing clients
Authors: Edmier Kathleen , Kazee Amanda , Yosick Rachel
Published: June 2023

There is scarce research on adapting evidence‐based practices, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)‐based therapy, for Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The current case involved delivering intensive ABA‐based intervention for improving communication skills to a 5‐year‐old child, Lilly, with dual diagnoses of DHH and ASD. Teaching procedures were modified to include consideration of deaf cultural norms, incorporation of American Sign Language (ASL)‐specific instructional procedures, and consultation with an ASL interpreter within all intervention sessions. Outcome data measured by the Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB‐MAPP) reflected rapid skill acquisition across multiple verbal operants within a 7‐month admission. Recommendations on how to deliver intensive ABA‐based intervention services to children with dual diagnoses of DHH and ASD are provided for further research and discussion. Utilizing modified behavior analytic procedures can provide increased access to needed services for this population.
Towards sustainability: An environmental strategy choice, environmental performance, and the moderating role of stakeholder pressure
Authors: Seroka‐Stolka Oksana
Published: June 2023

Nowadays, many companies face to adopt environmental strategies (ESs) that improve performance and fulfill the requirements of stakeholders. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the choice of ES and environmental performance (EP) and also to examine the moderating effect of stakeholder pressure (SP) on this relationship. Additionally, it tests the direct impact of SP on EP. The linear regression model is used to analyze these tested interactions. Although the effect of the environmental strategic choice on EP has been investigated by scholars, the moderating impact of SP on this relation has scarcely been explored. Furthermore, the previous research studies on the linkage between SP and EP has provided mix results. The results of the study show that there is a significant and positive influence of the choice of ES on EP. The empirical examination indicates that enterprises, which adopt proactive ESs, obtain increased EP than companies with reactive ESs. The research also confirms the direct and positive influence of SP on EP. However, the results from Hayes' PROCESS technique do not confirm a statistically significant effect of SP moderation on the relationship between the choice of ES and EP.
Randomized trial of exercise on cancer‐related blood biomarkers and survival in women with ovarian cancer
Authors: Cartmel Brenda , Li Fang‐yong , Zhou Yang , Gottlieb Linda , Lu Lingeng , Mszar Reed , Harrigan Maura , Ligibel Jennifer A. , Gogoi Radhika , Schwartz Peter E. , Risch Harvey A. , Irwin Melinda L.
Published: June 2023

Background

In randomized trials in women with breast cancer, exercise has been shown to have beneficial effects on cancer‐related circulating biomarkers that may impact survival. Such studies are lacking for ovarian cancer.

Methods

This secondary analysis of a published randomized controlled trial examined the impact of a 6‐month exercise intervention versus attention‐control on change in prespecified circulating biomarkers (cancer antigen 125 (CA‐125), C‐reactive protein (CRP), insulin‐like growth factor‐1(IGF‐1), insulin and leptin) in a subset of participants who provided a fasting blood draw (N = 104/144) at enrollment and at 6 months. Change in biomarkers between study arms was compared using a linear mixed effects model analysis. An exploratory analysis of the exercise intervention versus attention‐control on all‐cause mortality included all (N = 144) participants. All statistical tests were two‐sided.

Results

Participants included in the biomarker analysis were 57.0 ± 8.8 (mean ± SD) years old and 1.6 ± 0.9 years post‐diagnosis. Adherence to the exercise intervention was 176.4 ± 63.5 min/week. Post intervention IGF‐1 (group difference in change: −14.2 (−26.1 to −2.3) ng/mL (least squared means (95% CI))) and leptin (−8.9 (−16.5 to −1.4) ng/mL) were significantly reduced in the exercise group (N = 53) compared to those in attention‐control (N = 51). No group difference in change was seen for CA‐125 (p = 0.54), CRP (p = 0.95), or insulin (p = 0.37). With median follow‐up of 70 months [range 6.6–105.4 months], 50/144 (34.7%) (exercise group; 24/74 (32.4%) versus attention‐control group; 26/70 (37.1%)) participants died with no between group difference in overall survival (p = 0.99).

Conclusions

Further studies are needed to determine the clinical significance of exercise‐induced changes in cancer‐related circulating biomarkers in women with ovarian cancer.
Reproductive and hormonal factors and risk of renal cell carcinoma among women in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition
Authors: Clasen Joanna L. , Mabunda Rita , Heath Alicia K. , Kaaks Rudolf , Katzke Verena , Schulze Matthias B. , Birukov Anna , Tagliabue Giovanna , Chiodini Paolo , Tumino Rosario , Milani Lorenzo , Braaten Tonje , Gram Inger , Lukic Marko , Luján‐Barroso Leila , Rodriguez‐Barranco Miguel , Chirlaque María‐Dolores , Ardanaz Eva , Amiano Pilar , Manjer Jonas , Huss Linnea , Ljungberg Börje , Travis Ruth , Smith‐Byrne Karl , Gunter Marc , Johansson Matthias , Rinaldi Sabina , Weiderpass Elisabete , Riboli Elio , Cross Amanda J. , Muller David C.
Published: June 2023

Background

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is twice as common among men compared with women, and hormonal factors have been suggested to partially explain this difference. There is currently little evidence on the roles of reproductive and hormonal risk factors in RCC aetiology.

Materials & Methods

We investigated associations of age at menarche and age at menopause, pregnancy‐related factors, hysterectomy and ovariectomy and exogenous hormone use with RCC risk among 298,042 women in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study.

Results

During 15 years of follow‐up, 438 RCC cases were identified. Parous women had higher rates of RCC compared with nulliparous women (HR = 1.71, 95% CI 1.18, 2.46), and women who were older at age of first pregnancy had lower rates of RCC (30 years + vs. <20 years HR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.34, 0.82). Additionally, we identified a positive association for hysterectomy (HR = 1.43 95% CI 1.09, 1.86) and bilateral ovariectomy (HR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.13, 2.47), but not unilateral ovariectomy (HR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.61, 1.62) with RCC risk. No clear associations were found for age at menarche, age at menopause or exogenous hormone use.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that parity and reproductive organ surgeries may play a role in RCC aetiology.
Three Undescribed Flavonoids and Amide from Abrus mollis Hance with Hepatoprotective Effects
Authors: Du Kaicheng , Li Xingyao , Zheng Changwei , Ju Yan , Meng Dali
Published: June 2023

Through a phytochemical investigation of Abrus mollis Hance, a folk medicinal plant in China, we isolated and identified three undescribed compounds, including two flavonoids and one amides alkaloid, along with nine known from this plant. Their structures were elucidated by analyses of 1D, 2D NMR, HR‐ESI‐MS, ECD, and DP4+ analysis. Furthermore, we evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of all twelve compounds on D‐GalN‐induced Brl‐3 A cells. According to the results, at a concentration of 25 μM, the cell survival rates were observed to be 71.92±0.34 %, 70.03±1.29 %, and 69.11±1.90 % for compound 2, 4, and 11, respectively. Further experimental studies showed that compound 2 (EC50 5.76±0.37 μM) showed more significant protective activity than the bicyclol.
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia complicated a case of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and multiple sclerosis after treatment with rituximab
Authors: Sadeghi Haddad Zavareh Mahmoud , Mehdinezhad Hamed , Mehraeen Rahele , Golparvar Azizi Mohammad , Tavakoli Pirzaman Ali
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Although immunodeficient patients are less prone to develop Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)‐mediated cytokine storm, secondary infections can cause serious complications in this vulnerable population. They are more likely to develop opportunistic infections that can mimic the symptoms of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. Herein, we presented a 27‐year‐old male patient of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, who was complicated with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP), following treatment with rituximab. First, he was hospitalized for 5 days with fever, cough, and dyspnea due to COVID‐19 infection, and treated with remdesivir and glucocorticoid. Then, he has been referred to our center with cough, dyspnea, body pain, and fever. Due to persistent fever, the progression of pulmonary lesions, and reduced oxygen saturation, we began treatment with piperacillin + tazobactam, vancomycin, and levofloxacin. Nevertheless, the patient's fever did not stop after the aforementioned empiric treatment and his condition got worse and he was admitted to the intensive care unit. The result of BAL fluid, tested for P. jirovecii by RT‐PCR, turned out to be positive. Therefore, we started trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole and dexamethasone, which improved his condition. We hope this article helps clinicians consider causes other than COVID‐19, especially opportunistic infections such as PJP, in patients with respiratory symptoms and fever.
Tolerance of little bluestem to ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides in Pennsylvania
Authors: Landschoot Peter
Published: June 2023

Core Ideas

ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides cause foliar injury and stunting of little bluestem culms/inflorescences.

Sethoxydim, fluazifop, and quizalofop cause moderate to severe foliar injury on little bluestem.

Sethoxydim, fluazifop, and quizalofop cause severe stunting of little bluestem culms/inflorescences.

Fenoxaprop produces only minor foliar injury and moderate stunting of little bluestem culms/inflorescences.

Fenoxaprop produced less foliar injury and stunting than sethoxydim, fluazifop, and quizalofop.
Iodine loaded nanoparticles with commercial applicability increase survival in mice cancer models with low degree of side effects
Authors: Falkenberg Torkel , Larsson Olivia , Hedin Bengt , Shiraki Shigeru , Karita Takahisa
Published: June 2023

Background

The recorded use of iodine in medicine, dates to 5000 BC. Molecular iodine (I2) has been claimed to exert an antineoplastic effect that triggers apoptotic and re‐differentiation mechanisms in different types of cancer cells in animal studies. Hitherto, all experiments published have been carried out with I2 diluted in water preparations resulting in the administration of ionized iodide, either alone or in combination with low levels of I2. To maximize the levels of I2 by avoiding water solutions we have managed to develop a colloidal nano particle (NP) loaded with I2 with a Z‐average of 7‐23 nm with remarkable stability, preferable osmolality and commercial applicability.

Aims

Here we report the results from formulation and pre‐clinical studies with the rationale: a) to find a tolerable dose of the I2 NP system delivered intravenously or per‐orally, and b) to determine if the tolerable doses are efficacious in murine models of cancer.

Methods and Results

A novel drug delivery system with I2 NP was formulated and murine cancer models with CT26, MDA‐MB‐231 and LL/2 cells were used to analyse the efficacy. Despite the formulation challenges we were successful in constructing stable NPs loaded with I2 which have convincing commercial applicability. We conclude that administration of the NP I2 drug delivery system: 1. Blunted tumour growth in a xenograft breast cancer model; 2. Had a significant effect on survival in the orthotopic, syngeneic lung metastasis model; 3. Showed reduced tumour burden in post‐mortem evaluation and; 4. Was associated with low degree of side effects.

Conclusions

Taken all together, our findings indicate that the NP I2 drug delivery system may serve as a novel effective cancer treatment with low degree of side effects. This is something which needs further exploration including confirmation in future clinical trials.
Global Minimum Search and Bonding Analysis of Tl2Hx and Tl3Hy (x=0–6; y=0–5) Series
Authors: Pozdeev Anton S. , Rublev Pavel , Boldyrev Alexander I. , Rao Yi
Published: June 2023

A remarkable distinction between boron and carbon hydrides lies in their extremely different bonding patterns and chemical reactivity, resulting in diverse areas of application. Particularly, carbon, characterized by classical two‐center – two‐electron bonds, gives rise to organic chemistry. In contrast, boron forms numerous exotic and non‐intuitive compounds collectively called non‐classical structures. It is reasonable to anticipate that other elements of Group 13 exhibit their own unusual bonding patterns; however, our knowledge of the hydride chemistry for other elements in Group 13 is much more limited, especially for the heaviest stable element, thallium. In this work, we performed a conformational analysis of Tl2Hx and Tl3Hy (x=0–6, y=0–5) series via Coalescence Kick global minimum search algorithm, DFT, and ab initio quantum chemistry methods; we investigated the bonding pattern using the AdNDP algorithm, thermodynamic stability, and stability toward electron detachment. All found global minimum structures are classified as non‐classical structures featuring at least one multi‐center bond.
Unoccupied aerial systems imagery for phenotyping in cotton, maize, soybean, and wheat breeding
Authors: Herr Andrew W. , Adak Alper , Carroll Matthew E. , Elango Dinakaran , Kar Soumyashree , Li Changying , Jones Sarah E. , Carter Arron H. , Murray Seth C. , Paterson Andrew , Sankaran Sindhuja , Singh Arti , Singh Asheesh K.
Published: June 2023

High‐throughput phenotyping (HTP) with unoccupied aerial systems (UAS), consisting of unoccupied aerial vehicles (UAV; or drones) and sensor(s), is an increasingly promising tool for plant breeders and researchers. Enthusiasm and opportunities from this technology for plant breeding are similar to the emergence of genomic tools ∼30 years ago, and genomic selection more recently. Unlike genomic tools, HTP provides a variety of strategies in implementation and utilization that generate big data on the dynamic nature of plant growth formed by temporal interactions between growth and environment. This review lays out strategies deployed across four major staple crop species: cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.), maize (Zea maysL.), soybean (Glycine maxL.), and wheat (Triticum aestivumL.). Each crop highlighted in this review demonstrates how UAS‐collected data are employed to automate and improve estimation or prediction of objective phenotypic traits. Each crop section includes four major topics: (a) phenotyping of routine traits, (b) phenotyping of previously infeasible traits, (c) sample cases of UAS application in breeding, and (d) implementation of phenotypic and phenomic prediction and selection. While phenotyping of routine agronomic and productivity traits brings advantages in time and resource optimization, the most potentially beneficial application of UAS data is in collecting traits that were previously difficult or impossible to quantify, improving selection efficiency of important phenotypes. In brief, UAS sensor technology can be used for measuring abiotic stress, biotic stress, crop growth and development, as well as productivity. These applications and the potential implementation of machine learning strategies allow for improved prediction, selection, and efficiency within breeding programs, making UAS HTP a potentially indispensable asset.
Assessment of seed system interventions for biofortified orange‐fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) in Malawi
Authors: Nyirenda Zephania , Nyondo Christone , Jogo Wellingtone , Hareau Guy , Okello Julius , Gatto Marcel
Published: June 2023

The International Potato Center (CIP) has collaboratively implemented various demand‐pull and supply‐push interventions since 2006 to develop the seed system for biofortified orange‐fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) (Ipomoea batatas) varieties in Malawi. Consequently, the adoption of OFSP varieties has increased to 30%. Nevertheless, the actual adoption rates, the contribution of these interventions to the seed system development, and the extent to which the current policy and regulatory environment facilitated or impeded the availability and access to quality planting materials by smallholder farmers are not well understood. This study explored these critical issues using desk reviews and qualitative information with OFSP subsector stakeholders. The results reveal that most of the critical nodes of the OFSP seed system are underdeveloped. However, CIP backstopping interventions to the national research systems contributed significantly to building Malawi's capacity for producing clean early‐generation seed materials. In addition, CIP has played a critical role in developing the community‐level capacity to produce and disseminate clean vines through the introduction of decentralized vine multipliers and commercial vine multipliers. The study recommends integrating formal and informal seed systems for vegetatively propagated crops to improve access to quality planting materials by farmers. Second, government and development partners (CGIAR centers, Nongovernmental Organization) should progressively promote/create demand for OFSPs among consumers because of the strong association between the biofortified OFSP varieties and nutrition. Lastly, there is need for government and development partners to establish and increase OFSP interventions in the Northern and Central regions of Malawi.
The effects of sleep disruption on metabolism, hunger, and satiety, and the influence of psychosocial stress and exercise: A narrative review
Authors: Rogers Emily M. , Banks Nile F. , Jenkins Nathaniel D. M.
Published: June 2023

Sleep deficiency is a ubiquitous phenomenon among Americans. In fact, in the United States, ∼78% of teens and 35% of adults currently get less sleep than recommended for their age‐group, and the quality of sleep appears to be getting worse for many. The consequences of sleep disruption manifest in a myriad of ways, including insulin resistance and disrupted nutrient metabolism, dysregulation of hunger and satiety, and potentially increased body weight and adiposity. Consequently, inadequate sleep is related to an increased risk of various cardiometabolic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Exercise has the potential to be an effective therapeutic to counteract the deleterious effects of sleep disruption listed above, whereas chronic psychosocial stress may causally promote sleep disruption and cardiometabolic risk. Here, we provide a narrative review of the current evidence on the consequences of short sleep duration and poor sleep quality on substrate metabolism, circulating appetite hormones, hunger and satiety, and weight gain. Secondly, we provide a brief overview of chronic psychosocial stress and its impact on sleep and metabolic health. Finally, we summarise the current evidence regarding the ability of exercise to counteract the adverse metabolic health effects of sleep disruption. Throughout the review, we highlight areas where additional interrogation and future exploration are necessary.
The World Health Organization has endorsed COVID‐19 is no longer a global public health emergency: How they took this step and what we should do right now?
Authors: Roknuzzaman A. S. M. , Sarker Rapty , Islam Md. Rabiul
Published: June 2023

Highlights

The ending or beginning of a pandemic depends on several factors, such as the nature of the virus, the effectiveness of public health measures, and the accessibility of treatments and vaccines.

The World Health Organization has declared COVID‐19 is no longer a public health emergency of international concern due to decreasing rates of infections, hospitalizations, deaths, ICU intake, and mass immunisation against the virus.

The pandemic phase of COVID‐19 does not necessarily mean that the world has eradicated the coronavirus, and maybe there will have some sporadic outbreaks due to new variants and a lack of safety measures, treatments, and vaccines.

Therefore, the healthcare authorities should emphasise strengthening health systems, engaging in active risk communication and community engagement, promoting preventative measures, integrating surveillance systems, and endorsing vaccination as a routine programme.
The highest Duffy (FYX) allele frequency ever reported for Scottish population: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Armstrong‐Fisher Sylvia , Urbaniak Stan , Karimi Rouzbahani Arian , Hemmati Chegeni Mona , Mahmoudvand Golnaz , Varzi Ali Mohammad
Published: June 2023

Background and Aim

The Duffy (FY) blood group system has six known antigens among which the Fya and Fyb are known as major antigens. Fyx phenotype forms as a result of two point mutations in the FYB allele leading to instability of Duffy protein and so reduction of Duffy antigen expression in the cells. This study aimed to investigate the FYX allele frequency in the Scottish population.

Methods

The Duffy blood group system was serologically and molecularly investigated in 222 samples collected from donors of Aberdeen Regional Blood Transfusion Center (BTC). The haemagglutination and BeadChip microarray chemistry methods were used for phenotyping and genotyping. Confirmatory tests were also used to check the discrepant results.

Results

In this study, the frequency of Duffy blood group phenotypes including Fya+, Fya+b+, and Fyb+ were 17.57%, 42.79%, and 39.64%, respectively. Furthermore, the frequency of FYA/FYA, FYA/FYB, and FYB/FYB genotypes was estimated to be 14.41%, 45.95%, and 39.64%, respectively, using the Bioarray method. In the present study, based on Duffy DNA sequencing results, 12 samples (5.41%) had just one FYX allele.

Conclusion

The frequency of the FYX allele in this study was estimated to be 0.0270% which is more than the results reported so far.
Effect of the postpartum hemorrhage intervention package implementation in a fourth‐level hospital in Latin America
Authors: Riascos Natalia , Loaiza‐Osorio Sara , Monroy Angelica , Barona Juan Sebastián , Carvajal Javier , Echavarria María Paula , Nasner Daniela , Escobar María Fernanda
Published: June 2023

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of intervention packages for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) management in pregnant women hospitalized in a High Obstetric Complexity Unit in a Latin American country.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study including pregnant women with PPH attended between January 2011 to December 2019. Three periods of time were defined according to management strategies We performed univariate and multivariate robust Poisson regression logistic models for each of the outcomes derived from each period.

Results

We included 602 patients. There was a reduction in period 3 of the incidence of massive PPH (16% versus 12% P < 0.001, relative risk [RR] 0.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.44–0.85; P = 0.003), major surgery (24%, 13%, 11%, P = 0.002, RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.33–0.883; P = 0.014), and admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) (14%, 7%, 6.1%, P = 0.0, RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.17–0.96 P = 0.00).

Conclusion

The implementation of PPH intervention packages in a hospital in a middle‐income country from Latin America, led to a significant decrease in the incidence of massive bleeding, the rate of major surgery, and the ICU stay of pregnant women affected by this condition.
Transvaginal repair of isthmocele after cesarean scar pregnancy
Authors: Barba Marta , Cola Alice , Passoni Paolo , La Milia Laura , De Vicari Desirèe , Frigerio Matteo
Published: June 2023

Synopsis

The transvaginal approach represents a suitable choice for the management of isthmocele in women seeking to become pregnant.
Timing of intra‐abdominal aortic balloon occlusion for prevention of hemorrhage in patients with placenta previa and placenta accreta spectrum
Authors: Huang Fusen , Wang Jingjie , Liu Xiaonan , Xiong Qiuju , Wang Wenjian , Xu Yi , Pan Yaping , Yang Xiaojuan
Published: June 2023

Objective

Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) has been linked to severe negative maternal–fetal pregnancy outcomes, including a high risk of maternal death. The goal of this study was to determine whether an abdominal aortic balloon block performed before fetal birth lowered intraoperative bleeding and the risk of severe bleeding, as opposed to a block performed after fetal birth.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent pre‐delivery or post‐delivery inflation were compared for intraoperative hemorrhage, transfusion rate, hysterectomy rate, intensive care unit (ICU) hospitalization, and newborn indices. To ensure the robustness of our findings, we applied multivariate logistic regression, propensity score analysis, and an inverse probability‐weighting model.

Results

This study included 168 patients who underwent balloon occlusion (62 pre‐delivery, 106 post‐delivery). The overall probability of major bleeding was 56.5% (95/168), and the pre‐delivery and post‐delivery probabilities for major bleeding were 64.5% (40/62) and 51.9% (55/106) (P = 0.112), respectively. In the multivariable‐adjusted model, post‐delivery inflation was associated with a 33% numerically higher probability of massive bleeding (odds ratio 1.33, 95% confidence interval 0.54–3.25, P = 0.535). However, the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

According to our findings, pre‐delivery inflation did not significantly reduce the risk or amount of severe bleeding.
Toxicological safety assessment of AP‐Bio®, a standardized extract of Andrographis paniculata in Sprague Dawley rats
Authors: Murugan Sasi Kumar , Bethapudi Bharathi , Rao Amara Nageswara , Allan Joseph Joshua , Mundkinajeddu Deepak , D'Souza Prashanth
Published: June 2023

Andrographis paniculata, commonly known as green chiretta, is a traditionally used plant in India, China, and Southeast Asian countries for its varied health benefits including immune health. The objective of the present study was to assess the safety of AP‐Bio®, a standardized A. paniculata extract in Sprague Dawley rats by following the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) test guidelines of acute and 90‐day repeated dose sub‐chronic toxicity studies. AP‐Bio® did not show any treatment‐related clinical signs of toxicity or mortality during the 14‐day observation period in animals tested in the single‐dose acute oral toxicity study up to a dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight. In the 90‐day repeated dose sub‐chronic oral toxicity study, no treatment‐related adverse clinical signs were observed in any of the treated groups (300, 600, and 900 mg/kg). All treated animals showed usual weight gain and comparable feed intake. The ophthalmoscope examination did not reveal any abnormalities. Also, no toxicologically significant changes were observed in urinalysis, hematology, and blood chemistry parameters. Absolute organ weights and relative organ weights of vital organs did not differ significantly compared to control. Gross and histopathological findings did not show any remarkable and treatment‐related changes. Results of the safety evaluation showed the median lethal dose (LD50) of AP‐Bio® was found to be more than 5000 mg/kg rat body weight and the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of AP‐Bio® was found to be 900 mg/kg rat body weight.
Environment‐friendly g‐C3N4/SnO2/BiPO4 for enhanced Rhodamine B photocatalysis under visible‐light
Authors: Zhao Hong‐jian , Zhou Yan , Wu Ren‐Jang , Yu Zhe , Wu Zhi‐qiang , Li Xu , Han Zheng‐bing
Published: June 2023

Objective

A highly active and stable composite photocatalyst which can be used in practical environmental remediation was developed.

Methods

g‐C3N4/SnO2/BiPO4 ternary composites (CN/SO/BPO) were synthesised via simple impregnation, and their texture structure, morphology, and surface composition were deeply characterized.

Results

In just 25 min under visible‐light radiation, CN/SO/BPO almost eliminated rhodamine B, and the observed rate constant for the reaction was almost 36 and 3 times higher in comparison to that of CN/BPO and SO/BPO, respectively.

Conclusions

On the basis of experimental outcomes and DFT calculation, the direct Z‐type structure of CN/SO/BPO lead to the improved photogenerated charge separation efficiency, as confirmed by surface photovoltage spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and transient photocurrent responses.
Vascular calcification in CKD: New insights into its mechanisms
Authors: Ding Nannan , Lv Yaodong , Su Hong , Wang Ziyang , Kong Xianglei , Zhen Junhui , Lv Zhimei , Wang Rong
Published: June 2023

Vascular calcification (VC) is a common complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and contributes to an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, effective therapies are still unavailable at present. It has been well established that VC associated with CKD is not a passive process of calcium phosphate deposition, but an actively regulated and cell‐mediated process that shares many similarities with bone formation. Additionally, numerous studies have suggested that CKD patients have specific risk factors and contributors to the development of VC, such as hyperphosphatemia, uremic toxins, oxidative stress and inflammation. Although research efforts in the past decade have greatly improved our knowledge of the multiple factors and mechanisms involved in CKD‐related VC, many questions remain unanswered. Moreover, studies from the past decade have demonstrated that epigenetic modifications abnormalities, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and noncoding RNAs, play an important role in the regulation of VC. This review seeks to provide an overview of the pathophysiological and molecular mechanisms of VC associated with CKD, mainly focusing on the involvement of epigenetic modifications in the initiation and progression of uremic VC, with the aim to develop promising therapies for CKD‐related cardiovascular events in the future.
Shielding and nurturing: Fibronectin as a modulator of cancer drug resistance
Authors: Farooq Faizah , Amin Asif , Wani Umer Majeed , Lone Asif , Qadri Raies A.
Published: June 2023

Resistance to chemotherapy and targeted therapies constitute a common hallmark of most cancers and represent a dominant factor fostering tumor relapse and metastasis. Fibronectin, an abundant extracellular matrix glycoprotein, has long been proposed to play an important role in the pathobiology of cancer. Recent research has unraveled the role of Fibronectin in the onset of chemoresistance against a variety of antineoplastic drugs including DNA‐damaging agents, hormone receptor antagonists, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, microtubule destabilizing agents, etc. The current review summarizes the role played by Fibronectin in mediating drug resistance against diverse anticancer drugs. We have also discussed how the aberrant expression of Fibronectin drives the oncogenic signaling pathways ultimately leading to drug resistance through the inhibition of apoptosis, promotion of cancer cell growth and proliferation.
Self‐reported neuropsychiatric adverse reactions in people receiving bictegravir combined with emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide
Authors: Trakilovic Aleksandra , Graudins Linda Velta , Aung Ar Kar , Hoy Jennifer , Fairley Christopher K. , Aguirre Ivette
Published: June 2023

The integrase‐inhibitor bictegravir combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) Biktarvy became available in Australia in October 2018. Neuropsychiatric adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are associated with bictegravir and may affect persistence and adherence to treatment. The aim of this study was to describe the type and frequency of reported neuropsychiatric reactions in people dispensed Biktarvy. Ethics approval was obtained from Alfred Hospital Ethics Committee (Project No. 541/20). Data were collected from records of people dispensed Biktarvy between October 2018 and May 2020 and who subsequently had a new neuropsychiatric reaction reported to the organisation's ADR Review Committee. Data were sourced from ADR reports, medical and dispensing records, and included demographics, medical history, and concurrent medicines with known psychiatric adverse reactions. Data were analysed descriptively. Biktarvy was dispensed to 1265 patients. Twenty‐two (1.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0–2.5%) people reported 50 neuropsychiatric ADRs, including abnormal dreams (n = 13), sleep disorders (n = 5), and headaches (n = 5). The median time from initiation to reaction was 13 (interquartile range [IQR] 4–94) days. Eighteen patients discontinued Biktarvy (1.4%, 95% CI 0.85–2.24). There was no statistically significant difference in discontinuation of Biktarvy between people who did or did not have a pre‐existing psychiatric diagnosis (p = 0.58). Concurrent medicines with known psychiatric adverse reactions were used by 10 people. A low rate of reported neuropsychiatric ADRs lead to discontinuation of Biktarvy, similar to rates in Biktarvy trials. This study adds to the post‐marketing surveillance data of Biktarvy tolerance amongst people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Iridoid‐glycoside isolation and purification from Premna fulva leaves
Authors: He Feifan , Yan Xiaojie , Zhao Ningtao , Jiang Xiaohua , Wei Yulu , Lu Fenglai , Li Heping , Li Dianpeng , Chen Yueyuan
Published: June 2023

Premna fulva Craib, rich in iridoid glycosides, is widely used to treat periarthritis, osteoproliferation, pain, and other diseases. However, no studies have reported effective purification methods for obtaining iridoid glycosides as active materials. This paper describes an efficient strategy for separating iridoid glycosides from Premna fulva leaves using high‐speed counter‐current chromatography and preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography. A two‐phase solvent system, ethyl acetate/n‐butanol/water (7.5:2.5:10, v/v), was selected for high‐speed counter‐current chromatography separation. The proposed method effectively separated and purified four iridoid glycosides and four lignans, including three new iridoid glycosides (4–6) and five known compounds (1–3, 7, 8), from Premna fulva leaves, indicating that high‐speed counter‐current chromatography combined with prep‐HPLC can efficiently isolate catalpol derivatives from the genus Premna. Additionally, the in vitro anti‐inflammatory activities of all isolated compounds were analyzed using lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, and the results indicated that six compounds (1 and 3–7) exhibited potential anti‐inflammatory activities.
Fluorinated covalent‐organic polymers as stationary phase for analysis of organic fluorides by open‐tubular capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Li Qiaoyan , Sun Wenqi , Li Zhentao , Chen Zilin
Published: June 2023

Fluorinated porous materials, which can provide specific fluorine‐fluorine interaction, hold great promise for fluoride analysis. Here, a novel fluorinated covalent‐organic polymer was prepared by using 2,4,6‐tris(4‐aminophenyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine and 2,3,5,6‐tetrafluorotelephtal aldehyde as the precursors and introduced as stationary phase for open‐tubular capillary electrochromatography. The as‐synthesized fluorinated covalent‐organic polymer and the modified capillary column were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry. Based on strong hydrophobic interaction and fluorine–fluorine interaction provided by fluorinated covalent‐organic polymer coating layer, the modified column showed powerful separation selectivity toward hydrophobic compounds, organic fluorides, and fluorinated pesticides. Additionally, the fluorinated covalent‐organic polymer with good porosity and regular shape was uniformly and tightly coated on the capillary inner wall. The obtained highest column efficiency could reach up to 1.2 × 105 plates⋅m−1 for fluorophenol. The loading capacity of the modified column can reach 141 pmol for trifluorotoluene. Besides, the relative standard deviations of retention times for intraday run (n = 5), interday run (n = 3), and between columns (n = 3) were all less than 2.55%. Significantly, this novel fluorinated material‐based stationary phase shows great application potential in fluorides analysis.
Separation and quantification of the urinary enantiomers of 2‐hydroxyglutaric acid by capillary electrophoresis with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection: Application to the diagnosis of D‐ and L‐2‐hydroxyglutaric aciduria
Authors: Cansever M. Şerif , Öztekin Nevin , Kıykım Ertuğrul , Zübarioğlu Tanyel , Aktuğlu Zeybek Ayşe Çiğdem
Published: June 2023

2‐hydroxyglutaric aciduria is an inherited neurometabolic disorder with two major types: D‐2‐hydroxyglutaric aciduria and L‐2‐hydroxyglutaric aciduria. An easy and fast capillary electrophoresis system combined with a capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection method was developed for the enantioseparation and determination of D‐ and L‐2‐hydroxyglutaric acid in urine. D‐ and L‐2‐hydroxyglutaric acids were separated using vancomycin as the chiral selector. The optimal separation conditions for enantiomers were achieved by the use of a buffer containing 50 mM 4‐(N‐morpholino) butane sulfonic acid solution (pH 6.5), an electroosmotic flow modifier (0.001% [w/v] polybrene), and 30 mM vancomycin as chiral selector. The analysis time was 6 min under optimal conditions. The optimized and validated method was successfully implemented for quantifying D‐ and L‐2‐hydroxyglutaric aciduria in patients’ urine, without any pretreatment step. The linearity of the method was determined to be in the range of 2–100 mg/L for D‐ and L‐2‐hydroxyglutaric acid in urine. The precision (relative standard deviation%) was obtained at about 7%. For D‐ and L‐2‐hydroxyglutaric acids, the limits of detection were 0.567 and 0.497 mg/L, respectively.
Recent stationary phase‐based fractionation strategies in proteomic analysis
Authors: Ribeiro Luiz Fernando , Urban Jiří
Published: June 2023

In this article, we review stationary phase‐assisted sample prefractionation in proteomic analysis in 2019–2022 period. Applications are grouped according to the mode of retention used in the prefractionation step prior to the final analysis by low‐pH reversed‐phase liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Online or offline instrumental configurations are also commented on, with a highlight on novel online platforms. From the articles reviewed in this period, the order of popularity of chromatographic modes for sample fractionation is affinity chromatography > size exclusion chromatography > hydrophilic interaction chromatography > high‐pH reversed‐phase liquid chromatography > ion exchange chromatography.
Dried blood spot analysis with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry: Trends in clinical chemistry
Authors: Skogvold Hanne Bendiksen , Rootwelt Helge , Reubsaet Léon , Elgstøen Katja Benedikte Prestø , Wilson Steven Ray
Published: June 2023

Dried blood spot samples are simple to prepare and transport, enabling safe and accessible diagnostics, both locally and globally. We review dried blood spot samples for clinical analysis, focusing on liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry as a versatile measurement tool for these samples. Dried blood spot samples can provide information for, for example, metabolomics, xenobiotic analysis, and proteomics. Targeted analyses of small molecules are the main application of dried blood spot samples and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry, but emerging applications include untargeted metabolomics and proteomics. Applications are highly varied, including analyses related to newborn screening, diagnostics and monitoring of disease progression and treatment effects of virtually any disease, as well as studies into the physiology and effects of diet, exercise, xenobiotics, and doping. A range of dried blood spot products and methods are available, and applied liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry instrumentation is varied with regard to liquid chromatography column formats and selectivity. In addition, novel approaches such as on‐paper sample preparation (e.g., selective trapping of analytes with paper‐immobilized antibodies) are described. We focus on research papers published in the last 5 years.