bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of a visual perception‐based occupational therapy program on reading and motor skills in children with developmental dyslexia: Single blind randomized cross‐over study design
Authors: Köse Barkın , Temizkan Ege , Şahin Sedef , Kara Koray , Uyanık Mine
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to examine the effects of a visual praxis‐based occupational therapy (VPOT) program on reading and motor skills for children with developmental dyslexia (DD). Forty‐two children were included in the study. Additionally, before VPOT, the Reading‐Aloud and Reading‐Comprehension Test 2 (ORSRC‐2) and the Bruininks‐Oseretsky Motor‐Proficiency‐Test‐2‐Brief Form (BOT2‐BF) were applied to the participants. According to the study design, VPOT was applied to two sessions per week for 8 weeks to group A. During this period, group B was accepted as the control group. At the end of these 8 weeks, evaluation tests were applied to both groups. Then, group A was defined as the control group and Group B as the intervention group, and VPOT was applied to Group B. At the end of another 8 weeks, evaluation tests were applied to both groups for the third time. When the final ORSRC‐2 results were examined, VPOT was found to be an effective program for improving reading skills. Additionally, when the final BOT2‐BF results were examined, VPOT was determined to be effective in improving motor skills (p < 0.05). We believe that it is important to carry out comprehensive studies such as the VPOT program to solve problems in the physical and learning activities of children with DD.
Directed Arylation of 7‐Oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane to Prepare 3D Fragments
Authors: Caplin Max J. , Alderson Imogen M. , Foley Daniel J.
Published: May 2024

Directed Pd‐catalysed β‐(hetero)arylation of the 7‐oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane framework is described. Arylated products were formed in up to 99 % yield, and heteroarylated products in up to 88 % yield with complete diastereoselectivity. Different minor diarylated side products were formed, depending on whether electron deficient aryl or pyridyl iodides were used as the coupling partners. Cleavage of the 8‐aminoquinoline directing group provided small bridged compounds that may be of value in fragment based drug discovery.
Diastereoselective Synthesis of Pyridone ribo‐C‐Nucleosides via Heck Reaction and Oxidation
Authors: Gniech Tim , Richert Clemens
Published: May 2024

Nucleosides find applications in medicinal chemistry, chemical biology and diagnostics. Among the nucleosides, C‐nucleosides have attracted particular attention because their carbon‐carbon bond between nucleobase and ribose provides stability against degradation. While several well‐established methods exist for the synthesis of 2′‐deoxy‐C‐nucleosides, the preparation of their ribofuranosyl counterparts is more challenging. Established methods for their synthesis give mixtures of anomers and require harsh reagents or conditions. Here we report a diastereoselective glycosylation method involving a Heck reaction between a glycal and an aryl iodide, followed by oxidation of the silyl enol ether with methyl(trifluoromethyl)dioxirane (TFDO). The resulting ketone is then diastereoselectively reduced to the ribonucleoside. The new route has been applied to pyridones and is expected to also yield other ribo‐C‐nucleosides in diastereoselective fashion.
Visible‐Light‐Driven Synthesis of 6‐Aroyl Benzimidazo[1,2‐c]quinazolines from N‐Cyanobenzimidazoles and α‐Keto Acids by Radical Relay Cyclization
Authors: Hu Yang , Liu Cheng‐Liang , He Wen‐Tao , Liu Li‐Hong , Li Jiang‐Sheng , Li Zhi‐Wei , Liu Han‐Wen , Li Wen‐Sheng
Published: May 2024

A diverse array of 6‐aroyl benzimidazo[1,2‐c]quinazolines was successfully synthesized using easily obtainable N‐cyanobenzimidazoles and α‐keto acids, facilitated by photoredox catalysis. A mechanistic investigation revealed that this methodology might involve both photoredox and energy transfer catalytic cycles, generating acyl radicals that subsequently promote radical relay cyclization.
How do Management Goals for Wild Chinook Salmon Align with Feasibility?
Authors: Copeland Timothy , Ebel Jonathan D. , Kinzer Ryan N. , Corsi Matthew P.
Published: May 2024

Evaluation of goals is crucial for effective management to conserve viable and diverse fish populations and to support harvest. Management of wild Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in the Snake River basin exemplifies the struggle to meet fisheries goals. Considering contemporary production of juvenile emigrants, it is imperative to determine the survival from emigration to adult (Se-a) required to meet abundance goals. Increased anthropogenic impact on spawning and rearing habitats leads to higher Se-a required to attain goals. Wilderness populations exhibit viability and could sustain fisheries with Se-a lower than required elsewhere. Conversely, populations targeted for habitat restoration demand higher Se-a to fulfill goals, indicating a need to enhance egg-to-smolt survival. However, Se-a has fallen below the threshold needed for replacement in all populations, even at current low abundances. Despite these challenges, most populations still possess the potential to achieve abundance goals, emphasizing the importance of strategic interventions to bolster their resilience.
Metabolic pathway‐based subtyping reveals distinct microenvironmental states associated with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma outcomes
Authors: Wang Xiaohui , Liu Hengqi , Fei Yue , Song Zheng , Meng Xiangrui , Yu Jingwei , Liu Xia , Li Lanfang , Qiu Lihua , Qian Zhengzi , Zhou Shiyong , Wang Xianhuo , Zhang Huilai
Published: May 2024

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a biologically and clinically heterogeneous disease that requires personalized clinical treatment. Assigning patients to different risk categories and cytogenetic abnormality and genetic mutation groups has been widely applied for prognostic stratification of DLBCL. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that dysregulated metabolic processes contribute to the initiation and progression of DLBCL. Metabolic competition within the tumor microenvironment is also known to influence immune cell metabolism. However, metabolism‐ and immune‐related stratification has not been established. Here, 1660 genes involved in 84 metabolic pathways were selected and tested to establish metabolic clusters (MECs) of DLBCL. MECs established based on independent lymphoma datasets distinguished different survival outcomes. The CIBERSORT algorithm and EcoTyper were applied to quantify the relative abundance of immune cell types and identify variation in cell states for 13 lineages comprising the tumor micro environment among different MECs, respectively. Functional characterization showed that MECs were an indicator of the immune microenvironment and correlated with distinctive mutational characteristics and oncogenic signaling pathways. The novel immune‐related MECs exhibited promising clinical prognostic value and potential for informing DLBCL treatment decisions.
Elotuzumab plus pomalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma: Extended follow‐up of a multicenter, retrospective real‐world experience with 321 cases outside of controlled clinical trials
Authors: Martino Enrica Antonia , Palmieri Salvatore , Galli Monica , Derudas Daniele , Mina Roberto , Della Pepa Roberta , Zambello Renato , Vigna Ernesto , Bruzzese Antonella , Mangiacavalli Silvia , Zamagni Elena , Califano Catello , Musso Maurizio , Conticello Concetta , Cerchione Claudio , Mele Giuseppe , Di Renzo Nicola , Offidani Massimo , Tarantini Giuseppe , Casaluci Gloria Margiotta , Rago Angela , Ria Roberto , Uccello Giuseppina , Barilà Gregorio , Palumbo Gaetano , Pettine Loredana , Vincelli Iolanda Donatella , Brunori Marino , Accardi Fabrizio , Amico Valeria , Amendola Angela , Fontana Raffaele , Bongarzoni Velia , Rossini Bernardo , Cotzia Emilia , Gozzetti Alessandro , Rizzi Rita , Sgherza Nicola , Reddiconto Giovanni , Maroccia Antonio , Franceschini Luca , Bertuglia Giuseppe , Nappi Davide , Barbieri Emiliano , Gamberi Barbara , Petrucci Maria Teresa , Di Raimondo Francesco , Neri Antonino , Morabito Fortunato , Musto Pellegrino , Gentile Massimo
Published: May 2024

The ELOQUENT‐3 trial demonstrated the superiority of the combination of elotuzumab, pomalidomide, and dexamethasone (EloPd) in terms of efficacy and safety, compared to Pd in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), who had received at least two prior therapies, including lenalidomide and a proteasome inhibitor. The present study is an 18‐month follow‐up update of a previously published Italian real‐life RRMM cohort of patients treated with EloPd. This revised analysis entered 319 RRMM patients accrued in 41 Italian centers. After a median follow‐up of 17.7 months, 213 patients (66.4%) experienced disease progression or died. Median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 7.5 and 19.2 months, respectively. The updated multivariate analysis showed a significant reduction of PFS benefit magnitude both in advanced International Staging System (ISS) (II and III) stages and previous exposure to daratumumab cases. Instead, advanced ISS (II and III) stages and more than 2 previous lines of therapy maintained an independent prognostic impact on OS. Major adverse events included grade three‐fourths neutropenia (24.9%), anemia (13.4%), lymphocytopenia (15.5%), and thrombocytopenia (10.7%), while infection rates and pneumonia were 19.3% and 8.7%, respectively. A slight increase in the incidence of neutropenia and lymphocytopenia was registered with longer follow‐up. In conclusion, our real‐world study still confirms that EloPd is a safe and possible therapeutic choice for RRMM. Nevertheless, novel strategies are desirable for those patients exposed to daratumumab.
Umbrella review protocol: Global burden and risk factors of erectile dysfunction in diabetic population
Authors: Kitaw Tegene Atamenta , Abate Biruk Beletew , Tilahun Befkad Derese , Yilak Gizachew , Haile Ribka Nigatu
Published: May 2024

Background

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is no longer a whisper in the shadows; it's a rising tide threatening the sexual health of millions of men in different regions. This worrying trend shows no signs of slowing down, with projections claiming a staggering 322 million men globally could be affected in the near future. In the cases of diabetes, the condition worsens and has a potent cocktail of physical and psychological distress, chipping away at men's confidence, self‐esteem, and mental health. This urgent issue demands immediate attention and action. Thus, this umbrella review intended to estimate the current burden of ED and associated risk factors among diabetic patients in the global context.

Methods

Following PRISMA guidelines will be searched for relevant Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis studies in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Google Scholar. The quality of the included studies will be assessed using the new regress tool, the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 tool. To estimate the pooled prevalence of ED, we will employ a weighted inverse variance random‐effects model. We will further conduct subgroup analyses, assess heterogeneity and publication bias, and perform sensitivity analyses to strengthen the robustness of our findings. Prediction intervals will also calculated to estimate the range within which future observations will likely fall. In all statistical analyses, the statistical significance will be declared atpvalue < 0.05.

Discussion

This umbrella review of systemic review and meta‐analysis will be the first to systematically explore and integrate evidence regarding the burden of ED and associated risk factors in the diabetic population in a global context. By estimating the worldwide burden and identifying risk factors of ED in this population, the study will contribute to uncovering the hidden burden. Thereby, the issue will get international attention to reduce its consequences on the sexual health of the diabetic population. Besides, it will also provide input and direction for future research outlook.
MResCaps: Enhancing capsule networks with parallel lanes and residual blocks for high‐performance medical image classification
Authors: Şengül Sümeyra Büşra , Özkan İlker Ali
Published: May 2024

The classification of medical images enables physicians to perform expeditious and accurate data analysis, increasing the chances of timely disease diagnosis and early intervention to the patient. However, classification is a time‐consuming and labour intensive process when done manually. The Capsule Network (CapsNet) architecture has advantages in accurately and quickly classifying medical images due to its ability to evaluate images within part‐whole relationships, robustness to data rotations and affine transformations, and good performance on small datasets. However, CapsNet may demonstrate low performance on complex datasets. In this study, a new CapsNet model named MResCaps is proposed to overcome this disadvantage and enhance its performance on complex images. MResCaps utilizes an increasing number of residual blocks in each layer in parallel lane to obtain rich feature maps at different levels, aiming to achieve high success in the classification of various medical images. To evaluate the model's performance, the CIFAR10 dataset and the DermaMNIST, PneumoniaMNIST, and OrganMNIST‐S datasets from the MedMNIST dataset collection are used. MResCaps outperformed CapsNet by 20% in terms of accuracy on the CIFAR10 dataset. In addition, AUC values of 96.25%, 96.30%, and 97.12% were achieved in DermaMNIST, PneumoniaMNIST, and OrganMNIST‐S datasets, respectively. The results show that the proposed new model MResCaps improves the performance of CapsNet in the classification of complex and medical images. Furthermore, the model has demonstrated a better performance in comparison with extant studies in the literature. This study aims to contribute significantly to the literature by introducing a novel perspective on CapsNet‐based architectures for the classification of medical images through a parallel‐laned architecture and a rich feature capsule‐focused approach.
Robust nuclei segmentation with encoder‐decoder network from the histopathological images
Authors: Gour Mahesh , Jain Sweta , Kumar T. Sunil
Published: May 2024

Nuclei segmentation is a prerequisite and an essential step in cancer detection and prognosis. Automatic nuclei segmentation from the histopathological images is challenging due to nuclear overlap, disease types, chromatic stain variability, and cytoplasmic morphology differences. Furthermore, it is demanding to develop a single accurate method for segmenting nuclei of different organs because of the diversity in nuclei size, shape, and appearance across the various organs. To address these challenges, we developed a robust Encoder‐Decoder network for nuclei segmentation from the multi‐organ histopathological images. In this approach, we utilize a pre‐trained EfficientNet‐B4 as an Encoder subnetwork and design a new Decoder subnetwork architecture. Additionally, we have applied morphological operation‐based post‐processing to improve the segmentation results. The performance of our approach has been evaluated on three public datasets, namely, Kumar, TNBC, and CPM‐17 datasets, which contain histopathological images of seven organs, one organ, and four organs, respectively. The proposed method achieved an aggregated Jacquard index of 0.636, 0.611, and 0.706 on Kumar, TNBC, and CPM‐17 datasets, respectively. Our proposed approach also shows superiority over the existing methods.
Um, so, like, do speech disfluencies matter? A parametric evaluation of filler sounds and words
Authors: Laske Matthew M. , DiGennaro Reed Florence D.
Published: May 2024

This study evaluated how speech disfluencies affect perceived speaker effectiveness. Speeches with filler sounds and filler words at different rates of disfluencies (i.e., 0, 2, 5, and 12 per minute) were created and evaluated by a crowdsourcing service for survey‐based research for the speaker's public speaking performance. Increased disfluencies, particularly filler sounds, significantly affected perceptions across most categories, notably at higher rates of filler sounds (i.e., 12 per minute). A low, but nonzero, rate of disfluencies (5 per minute) did not adversely affect perceived effectiveness. These findings suggest that although reducing filler sounds is crucial for optimizing perceived speaking effectiveness, a rate of five or fewer disfluencies per minute may be acceptable.
Development and characterization of antacid microcapsules to buffer the acidic intervertebral disc microenvironment
Authors: Gansau Jennifer , McDonnell Emily E. , Buckley Conor T.
Published: May 2024

During intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, microenvironmental challenges such as decreasing levels of glucose, oxygen, and pH play crucial roles in cell survival and matrix turnover. Antacids, such as Mg(OH)2 and CaCO3, entrapped in microcapsules are capable of neutralizing acidic microenvironments in a controlled fashion and therefore may offer the potential to improve the acidic niche of the degenerated IVD and enhance cell‐based regeneration strategies. The objectives of this work were, first, to develop and characterize antacid microcapsules and assess their neutralization capacity in an acidic microenvironment and, second, to combine antacid microcapsules with cellular microcapsules in a hybrid gel system to investigate their neutralization effect as a potential therapeutic in a disc explant model. To achieve this, we screened five different pH‐ neutralizing agents (Al(OH)3, Mg(OH)2, CaCO3, and HEPES) in terms of their pH neutralization capacities, with Mg(OH)2 or CaCO3 being carried forward for further investigation. Antacid‐alginate microcapsules were formed at different concentrations using the electrohydrodynamic spraying process and assessed in terms of size, buffering kinetics, cell compatibility, and cytotoxicity. Finally, the combination of cellular microcapsules and antacid capsules was examined in a bovine disc explant model under physiological degenerative conditions. Overall, CaCO3 was found to be superior in terms of neutralization capacities, release kinetics, and cellular response. Specifically, CaCO3 elevated the acidic pH to neutral levels and is estimated to be maintained for several weeks based on Ca2+ release. Using a disc explant model, it was demonstrated that CaCO3 microcapsules were capable of increasing the local pH within the core of a hybrid cellular gel system. This work highlights the potential of antacid microcapsules to positively alter the challenging acidic microenvironment conditions typically observed in degenerative disc disease, which may be used in conjunction with cell therapies to augment regeneration.
Organic amendments temporarily change arsenic speciation and bioaccessibility in a lead and arsenic co‐contaminated urban soil
Authors: Attanayake Chammi P. , Hettiarachchi Ganga M. , Dissanayake Aishika I. , Ma Qing
Published: May 2024

Organic amendments often reduce the bioaccessibility of soil lead (Pb) but not that of soil arsenic (As). The effect of Pb on As bioaccessibility is rarely studied in co‐contaminated soils. In a field study, we assessed the effect of mushroom compost, leaf compost, noncomposted biosolids, and composted biosolids amendments on As speciation in a co‐contaminated (As and Pb) soil at 7, 349, and 642 days after amending soils and the change of As speciation during an in vitro bioaccessibility extraction (gastric solution, pH 2.5) using bulk X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure spectroscopy. Soil was contaminated by coal combustion and other diffuse sources and had low As bioaccessibility (7%–12%). Unamended soil had As(III) sorbed onto pyrite (As(III)‐pyrite; ∼60%) and As(V) adsorbed onto Fe oxy(hydr)oxides (As(V)‐Fh; ∼40%). In amended soils, except in composted biosolids‐amended soils, at 7 days, As(V)‐Fh decreased to 15%–26% and redistributed into As(III)‐Fh and/or As(III)‐pyrite. This transformation was most pronounced in mushroom compost amended soil resulting in a significant (46%) increase of As bioaccessibility compared to the unamended soil. Composted biosolids‐amended soils had relatively stable As(V)‐Fh. Lead arsenate formed during the in vitro extraction in amended soils, except in composted biosolids‐amended soils. Arsenic speciation and bioaccessibility were similar in 349‐ and 642‐day in all the amended and unamended soils. Reduction of As(V)‐Fh to As(III) forms in the short term in three of the amended soils showed the potential to increase As bioaccessibility. The formation of stable lead arsenate during the in vitro extraction would counteract the short‐term increase of As bioaccessibility in those amended soils.
Chemo‐small extracellular vesicles released in cisplatin‐resistance ovarian cancer cells are regulated by the lysosomal function
Authors: Cerda‐Troncoso Cristóbal , Grünenwald Felipe , Arias‐Muñoz Eloísa , Cavieres Viviana A. , Caceres‐Verschae Albano , Hernández Sergio , Gaete‐Ramírez Belén , Álvarez‐Astudillo Francisca , Acuña Rodrigo A. , Ostrowski Matias , Burgos Patricia V. , Varas‐Godoy Manuel
Published: May 2024

Chemoresistance is a common problem in ovarian cancer (OvCa) treatment, where resistant cells, in response to chemotherapy, secrete small extracellular vesicles (sEVs), known as chemo‐sEVs, that transfer resistance to recipient cells. sEVs are formed as intraluminal vesicles (ILVs) within multivesicular endosomes (MVEs), whose trafficking is regulated by Ras‐associated binding (RAB) GTPases that mediate sEVs secretion or lysosomal degradation. A decrease in lysosomal function can promote sEVs secretion, but the relationship between MVEs trafficking pathways and sEVs secretion in OvCa chemoresistance is unclear. Here, we show that A2780cis cisplatin (CCDP) resistant OvCa cells had an increased number of MVEs and ILVs structures, higher levels of Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRTs) machinery components, and RAB27A compared to A2780 CDDP‐sensitive OvCa cells. CDDP promoted the secretion of chemo‐sEVs in A2780cis cells, enriched in DNA damage response proteins. A2780cis cells exhibited poor lysosomal function with reduced levels of RAB7, essential in MVEs‐Lysosomal trafficking. The silencing of RAB27A in A2780cis cells prevents the Chemo‐EVs secretion, reduces its chemoresistance and restores lysosomal function and levels of RAB7, switching them into an A2780‐like cellular phenotype. Enhancing lysosomal function with rapamycin reduced chemo‐sEVs secretion. Our results suggest that adjusting the balance between secretory MVEs and lysosomal MVEs trafficking could be a promising strategy for overcoming CDDP chemoresistance in OvCa.
Microwave‐enhanced heterocyclization: A convenient procedure for 1,5‐benzothiazepine using 2‐ethoxy ethanol solvent and its antibacterial potential
Authors: Kottapalle Gajanan , Jadhav Dayanand , Poul Pravin , Shinde Avinash
Published: May 2024

The present research study involves synthesis of 1,5‐benzothiazepines has been prepared, derived from chalcones and 2‐aminothiophenol in a catalytic amount of piperidine using different solvent conditions under microwave irradiation procedure with the aim to test their antibacterial activity and effect of different solvents in the synthesis. It resulted in good yield of 1,5‐benzothiazepines (3a‐j) and proved to be an efficient and environmentally benign procedure. The synthesized compounds were characterized by conventional spectral data and screened for their in vitro antibacterial activity against four pathogenic bacteria using agar diffusion method. The traditional classical heating method takes more reaction time. So, in this study, we have tested microwave irradiation process and found that 2‐ethoxy ethanol as an alternative solvent in reducing the reaction time (up to 4–6 min.) with high yield as compared with classical method. The synthesized compounds 3a, 3c, 3d, 3e, 3 h, 3i, 3j exhibit good to moderate antibacterial activity.
Deep learning framework for peak detection at the intact level of therapeutic proteins
Authors: Nikita Saxena , Bhattacharya Sanghati , Manocha Kriti , Rathore Anurag S.
Published: May 2024

While automated peak detection functionalities are available in commercially accessible software, achieving optimal true positive rates frequently necessitates visual inspection and manual adjustments. In the initial phase of this study, hetero‐variants (glycoforms) of a monoclonal antibody were distinguished using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry, revealing discernible peaks at the intact level. To comprehensively identify each peak (hetero‐variant) in the intact‐level analysis, a deep learning approach utilizing convolutional neural networks (CNNs) was employed in the subsequent phase of the study. In the current case study, utilizing conventional software for peak identification, five peaks were detected using a 0.5 threshold, whereas seven peaks were identified using the CNN model. The model exhibited strong performance with a probability area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9949, surpassing that of partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) (probability AUC of 0.8041), and locally weighted regression (LWR) (probability AUC of 0.6885) on the data acquired during experimentation in real‐time. The AUC of the receiver operating characteristic curve also illustrated the superior performance of the CNN over PLS‐DA and LWR.
Preparation of carboxyl‐functionalized silica core‐shell microspheres and their applications in weak cation exchange chromatography, heavy metal removal, and lysozyme enrichment
Authors: Ahmed Shadi Ali Hassen , Saif Bassam , LingHui Qian
Published: May 2024

Chromatography is a technique of separation based on adsorption and/or interaction of target molecules with stationary phases. Herein, we report the design and fabrication of BTDA@SiO2 core‐shell microspheres as a new class of stationary phase and demonstrate its impressive performance for chromatographic separations. The silica microspheres of BTDA@SiO2 were synthesized by in situ method with 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxaldehyde and 3,5‐diaminobenzoic to separate peptides and proteins on high‐performance liquid chromatography. The BTDA@SiO2 core‐shell structure has a high specific surface area and retention factor of 4.27 and 8.31 for anionic and cationic peptides, respectively. The separation factor and resolution were high as well. A typical chromatogram illustrated nearly baseline resolution of the two peptides in less than 3 min. The BTDA@SiO2 was also highly stable in the pH range of 1 to 14. Furthermore, the prepared BTDA@SiO2 core‐shell material not only be used for chromatographic separation but also as heavy metal removal from water. Using a BTDA@SiO2, we also achieved a lysozyme enrichment with a maximum saturated adsorption capacity reaching 714 mg/g. In summary, BTDA@SiO2 has great application prospects and significance in separation and purification systems.
Design of Polymeric Nanoparticles for Theranostic Delivery of Capsaicin as Anti‐Cancer Drug and Fluorescent Nitrogen‐Doped Graphene Quantum Dots
Authors: Küçüktürkmen Berrin , Öz Umut Can , Er Engin , Gómez I. Jénnifer , Tekneci Seda İpek , Eşim Özgür , Özköse Umut Uğur , Gülyüz Sevgi , Üstündağ Aylin , Yılmaz Özgür , Zajíčková Lenka , Bozkır Asuman
Published: May 2024

In recent years, multifunctional nanocarriers that provide simultaneous drug delivery and imaging have attracted enormous attention, especially in cancer treatment. In this research, a biocompatible fluorescent multifunctional nanocarrier is designed for the co‐delivery of capsaicin (CPS) and nitrogen‐doped graphene quantum dots (N‐GQDs) using the pH sensitive amphiphilic block copolymer (poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline)‐b‐poly(ε‐caprolactone), PEtOx‐b‐PCL). The effects of the critical formulation parameters (the amount of copolymer, the concentration of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as a stabilizing agent in the inner aqueous phase, and volume of the inner phase) are evaluated to achieve optimal nanoparticle (NP) properties using Central Composite Design. The optimized NPs demonstrated a desirable size distribution (167.8 ± 1.4 nm) with a negative surface charge (−19.9 ± 0.4) and a suitable loading capacity for CPS (70.80 ± 0.05%). The CPS & N‐GQD NPs are found to have remarkable toxicity on human breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MCF‐7). The solid fluorescent signal is acquired from cells containing multifunctional NPs, according to the confocal microscope imaging results, confirming the significant cellular uptake. This research illustrates the enormous potential for cellular imaging and enhanced cancer therapy offered by multifunctional nanocarriers that combine drug substances with the novel fluorescent agents.
Oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes: functions and roles in cancers
Authors: Dakal Tikam Chand , Dhabhai Bhanupriya , Pant Anuja , Moar Kareena , Chaudhary Kanika , Yadav Vikas , Ranga Vipin , Sharma Narendra Kumar , Kumar Abhishek , Maurya Pawan Kumar , Maciaczyk Jarek , Schmidt‐Wolf Ingo G. H. , Sharma Amit
Published: May 2024

Cancer, being the most formidable ailment, has had a profound impact on the human health. The disease is primarily associated with genetic mutations that impact oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes (TSGs). Recently, growing evidence have shown that X‐linked TSGs have specific role in cancer progression and metastasis as well. Interestingly, our genome harbors around substantial portion of genes that function as tumor suppressors, and the X chromosome alone harbors a considerable number of TSGs. The scenario becomes even more compelling as X‐linked TSGs are adaptive to key epigenetic processes such as X chromosome inactivation. Therefore, delineating the new paradigm related to X‐linked TSGs, for instance, their crosstalk with autosome and involvement in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis becomes utmost importance. Considering this, herein, we present a comprehensive discussion of X‐linked TSG dysregulation in various cancers as a consequence of genetic variations and epigenetic alterations. In addition, the dynamic role of X‐linked TSGs in sex chromosome–autosome crosstalk in cancer genome remodeling is being explored thoroughly. Besides, the functional roles of ncRNAs, role of X‐linked TSG in immunomodulation and in gender‐based cancer disparities has also been highlighted. Overall, the focal idea of the present article is to recapitulate the findings on X‐linked TSG regulation in the cancer landscape and to redefine their role toward improving cancer treatment strategies.
How do young identify plants? Using the drawing method to explore early ethnobotanical knowledge in Madagascar
Authors: Porcher Vincent , Gallois Sandrine , Reyes‐García Victoria , Raketabakoly Sitrakinaina Clara , Alvarez‐Fernández Santiago , Carrière Stéphanie M.
Published: May 2024

In small‐scale societies, people learn to identify plant species during childhood. Plant recognition is an important baseline knowledge, immediately useful to avoid intoxication risk due to wrong identification. Plant recognition is the basis of other ethnobotanical knowledge essential for safeguarding biocultural diversity. However, despite many studies on folk classification, we still have a narrow understanding of the criteria locally used for species identification; the gap being even larger regarding children's plant identification criteria.

Here, we study the criteria used by Betsileo children and adolescents to identify wild edible plant (WEP) species using a child‐adapted method including drawings and follow‐up interviews. We worked with 80 teenagers (from 12 to 17 years old; 51 girls, and 29 boys).

Our results suggest that teenagers use a large spectrum of visual criteria to identify plants and that these criteria match with botanical and ecological knowledge documented in the literature and herbarium vouchers. We found that 35% of the identification criteria used were non‐morphological (e.g. phenology, biotic interactions), suggesting deep ecological knowledge.

On average, teenagers use more than nine distinct criteria per plant, which allows them to identify most plant species with a very high level of precision. The precision level of plant representation increases with age for boys, but remains constant for girls, suggesting different dynamics in plant identification knowledge acquisition.

We also found that boys and girls use different identification criteria: girls focus on morphological criteria while boys also incorporate ecological criteria, such as landscape features and biotic interactions, in their spectrum of identification keys.

Our results highlight the complexity of teenagers' plant knowledge and the importance of the ecological context and gender in plant identification's knowledge acquisition.

This knowledge acquired very early in childhood, constitutes the foundation of future interactions with nature and should be at the heart of environmental humanities studies and knowledge co‐production projects to tackle socio‐ecological concerns. Hence, we urge further research to explore innovative methods that complement traditional ethnoecological tools and capture complex sensory aspects of folk children's taxonomy to better understand human‐plant interactions and knowledge.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Effects of boron nitride nanoplates on the dielectric and mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes/silicone rubber composites
Authors: Zeng Yu , Tang Lu
Published: May 2024

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have aroused great attentions in silicone rubber (SR) composites due to the excellent electrical and mechanical properties. However, the distribution of CNTs is not ideal because of the agglomeration effect of nanomaterials. Incorporating different dimensional nanofillers may be a solution. In this work, two‐dimensional boron nitride (BN) was added to fabricate CNTs/BN/SR composites. The results showed that BN could benefit the dispersion of CNTs and improve the dielectric and mechanical behaviors of the composites. Large dielectric constant (5.35, 92% more than pure SR) with extremely low loss tangent (0.00108) was obtained in the SR composites incorporated with 2 wt% CNTs and 5 wt% BN. High tensile stress (836 kPa) and elongation at break (332%) were also achieved, with a low elastic modulus of 557 kPa. Besides, the CNTs/BN/SR composites had thermal stability up to 400°C. Thus, enhanced dielectric and mechanical properties were achieved in CNTs/BN/SR composites by incorporating different dimensional nanofillers, which have great potential applications in dielectric elastomer composites.
A review of recent advances in MXenes/polymer‐based electromagnetic interference shielding materials
Authors: Lang Li , Zou Yixuan , Wang Yaru , Men Jingyi , Cheng Jiawei , Yan Xinwei , Zhu Jianyu , Liu Yaqing , Zhang Shengrui , Li Zhizhou , Ji Xiaohui , Wang Lei
Published: May 2024

The booming development of mobile devices has remarkably improved the lives of people, but it also leads to severe electromagnetic radiation problems. Therefore, it has become significantly important to develop electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials for electromagnetic protection. In recent years, MXenes have attracted much attention in the field of EMI shielding, owing to outstanding electrical conductivity, high specific surface area and hydrophilicity. Firstly, this review introduces EMI shielding mechanism and categorization of EMI shielding materials. Subsequently, the research progress of MXenes/polymer‐based EMI shielding materials is reviewed in detail, especially for preparation methods of MXenes/polymer‐based EMI shielding blocks. Finally, the key scientific problems in MXenes/polymer‐based EMI shielding materials are proposed, and their development trend are prospected.

Highlights

The EMI shielding mechanism and categorization of EMI shielding materials is presented.

The latest research progress of MXenes/polymer‐based EMI shielding materials is reviewed.

Scientific problems for MXenes/polymer‐based EMI shielding materials are proposed.

Development trend of MXenes/polymer‐based EMI shielding materials is prospected.
Study on non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics of Poly (butylene terephthalate)/Poly (ethylene terephthalateco‐1,4‐cylclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate) blends
Authors: Zhang Wenshuai , Chen Yanming , Wang Liyan
Published: May 2024

Poly (butylene terephthalate) (PBT)/poly (ethylene glycol‐co‐cyclohexane‐1, 4‐dimethanolterephthalate) (PETG) blends were prepared by melt blending using a twin screw extruder. The non‐isothermal crystallization behaviors of PBT/PETG blends were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results showed that the crystallization peaks of the PBT/PETG blends moved gradually toward lower temperature and the crystallinity decreased with the increase of PETG content. The PBT/PETG blends all show double melting peaks, which the low‐melting peak temperature Tm1 becomes lower as the cooling rate increases, but the high‐melting peak temperature Tm2 is not related to the cooling rate. The Jeziorny's method showed that the faster the cooling rate is, the shorter the crystallization time is required for the PBT/PETG blends. The Mo's method showed that the crystallization rate of the blends initially decreased and then increased with the addition of more PETG. The activation energy of non‐isothermal crystallization calculated by the Kissinger method is similar to that of the Takhor method.

Highlights

The efficient blending of PBT and PETG was realized by twin screw extruder, which opened up a new way for the preparation of polymer materials.

The crystallization behavior of PBT/PETG blends was successfully regulated, and the effect of PETG content on the crystallization peak temperature and crystallinity was revealed.

The crystallization characteristics and kinetic behavior of the blends were comprehensively evaluated by DSC, Jeziorny method, Mo Zhishen method, and Kissinger method.
Increasing the bioavailability of oral esketamine by a single dose of cobicistat: A case study
Authors: Vos Cornelis F. , Hemminga Wietske L. , Aarnoutse Rob E. , Ruhé Henricus G.
Published: May 2024

Background

Intranasal esketamine is an approved drug for treatment‐resistant depression (TRD); however, it is costly and may result in specific adverse effects. In this single case study, we explored if oral esketamine can be a suitable alternative.

Methods

In collaboration with a 39‐year‐old female with TRD, we compared plasma concentration curves of intranasal (84 mg) and oral (1, 2 and 4 mg/kg) esketamine. Because oral esketamine has a relatively low bioavailability, it results in a different ratio between esketamine and its primary metabolite noresketamine. To increase the bioavailability of oral esketamine, we co‐administered a single dose of the cytochrome P‐450 (CYP) 3A4 inhibitor cobicistat (150 mg).

Results

For all doses administered, oral esketamine resulted in lower esketamine but higher noresketamine peak plasma concentrations compared with intranasal treatment. Using oral esketamine it was not possible to generate a similar esketamine plasma concentration curve as with the intranasal treatment, except when combined with cobicistat (esketamine 2 mg/kg plus cobicistat 150 mg).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that cobicistat effectively increases the bioavailability of oral esketamine. Further research is required in a larger population, especially to investigate the clinical benefit of cobicistat as a booster drug for oral esketamine.
“Time has come again” for career pathways: Workforce development for youth in the US
Authors: Collins Mary E. , Spindle‐Jackson Adrianna
Published: May 2024

Youth who are not in school and not working may be labeled “disconnected” or “opportunity youth,” and are recognized as a population that requires intervention to establish a trajectory that avoids poverty and leads to economic stability. In this study, we aim to contribute to this discussion by reporting data from two recent studies of workforce development systems’ attention to opportunity youth. We address the question: How do workforce development systems implement the concepts of career pathways and sector strategies in their work with youth? The method involved studying 29 workforce development boards’ approach to youth populations. We conducted semi‐structured, in‐depth qualitative interviews with 62 subjects. Thematic analysis was used to identify key findings related to sector strategies, utility of the career pathways concept, challenges in applying the pathways concept to youth populations, and impacts of coronavirus disease 2019. We identify next steps in policy and research to further support youth in attaining sustainable employment.
Reliability and maintainability estimation of a multi‐failure‐cause system under imperfect maintenance
Authors: Safaei Fatemeh , Taghipour Sharareh
Published: May 2024

Estimating the reliability and maintainability (R & M) parameters is crucial in various industrial applications. It serves purposes such as evaluating system performance and safety, minimising the risk and cost of potential failures, and designing efficient maintenance strategies. This task becomes challenging for complex repairable systems, where failures can occur due to different causes and performance may be affected by various covariates (such as material, environment, and labour). Another challenge in R & M studies arises from the presence of censorship in failure times. Existing methodologies often fail to account for all the aforementioned aspects of system‐related data in R & M analysis. By incorporating valuable information from covariates and utilising data from censored failure times alongside complete failure data, the accuracy of R & M parameter estimation can be significantly improved. This paper develops reliability models for repairable systems with multiple failure causes in the presence of covariates. The system can also be subject to imperfect maintenance. The R & M parameters are then estimated by applying the Kijima Type I and II model's virtual age concept. The proposed technique is illustrated using two case studies on gas pipelines and aero‐engine systems. Through these case studies, we show that the proposed method not only provides more efficient estimates of the R & M parameters compared to the alternative approach, but it is also easier to apply and yields more straightforward interpretations.
Fault tolerant observer design for a class of nonlinear systems with corrupted outputs
Authors: Guerra Thierry‐Marie , de Oliveira Vinicius Caseiro , Berdjag Denis , Lv Chen , Nguyen Anh‐Tu
Published: May 2024

This paper presents new sufficient conditions for state and fault estimation of nonlinear systems. A new approach is proposed to deal with unmeasured premise variables and corrupted outputs. The adopted observer strategy consists of a scheduled gain that depends only on the estimated outputs provided by the observer. The design of such scheduled gain follows from a technical rewriting of the state error and uses the Lyapunov framework to derive sufficient conditions written as linear matrix inequalities. Such conditions are less conservative than existing approaches that deal with unmeasured premise variables. The effectiveness of the developed approach is assessed through a numerical single‐link robotic arm and on a real car‐based experimental setup available at the laboratory.
Statistical methods for predicting e‐cigarette use events based on beat‐to‐beat interval (BBI) data collected from wearable devices
Authors: Yang James J. , Piper Megan E. , Indic Premananda , Buu Anne
Published: May 2024

The prevalence of e‐cigarette use among young adults in the USA is high (14%). Although the majority of users plan to quit vaping, the motivation to make a quit attempt is low and available support during a quit attempt is limited. Using wearable sensors to collect physiological data (eg, heart rate) holds promise for capturing the right timing to deliver intervention messages. This study aims to fill the current knowledge gap by proposing statistical methods to (1) de‐noise beat‐to‐beat interval (BBI) data from smartwatches worn by 12 young adult regular e‐cigarette users for 7 days; and (2) summarize the de‐noised data by event and control segments. We also conducted a comprehensive review of conventional methods for summarizing heart rate variability (HRV) and compared their performance with the proposed method. The results show that the proposed singular spectrum analysis (SSA) can effectively de‐noise the highly variable BBI data, as well as quantify the proportion of total variation extracted. Compared to existing HRV methods, the proposed second order polynomial model yields the highest area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.76 and offers better interpretability. The findings also indicate that the average heart rate before vaping is higher and there is an increasing trend in the heart rate before the vaping event. Importantly, the development of increasing heart rate observed in this study implies that there may be time to intervene as this physiological signal emerges. This finding, if replicated in a larger scale study, may inform optimal timings for delivering messages in future intervention.
Message from the President
Authors: Judson Anna
Published: May 2024

Anna Judson introduces ‘Great Workplaces by BVA’.
Meet your BVA team
Authors: Shipway Andrew
Published: May 2024

Andrew Shipway, head of technology and data
Veterinary nursing set me up for the lifesaving work of a canine phlebotomist
Authors: Rice Lisa
Published: May 2024

Lisa Rice is south area supervisor for Pet Blood Bank, having first gained experience in small animal practice then training to take blood donations and organise donation sessions when she joined the organisation.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of sheep owners regarding abortion in Northern Tunisia
Authors: Jeljli Afef , Ben Abid Obaid Allah , Jlassi Atef , Hammami Ines , Gharbi Mohamed
Published: May 2024

Background

Abortion in ewes causes high economic losses and represents a threat for human health due to abortive zoonotic pathogens.

Objective

The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among sheep owners in the northern Tunisia regarding ewes’ abortions.

Methods

Between February 2021 and May 2022, a structured questionnaire containing both close and open‐ended questions was applied to 120 sheep owners in northern Tunisia. The data collected were analysed by chi‐square test using Epi info 6 software.

Results

The majority (75%) of participants reported a history of abortion in their sheep flocks. Sheep owners thought that the most frequent cause of abortion was physical factors, such as trauma, climate and stress (60% ± 5.5%; 48/80), followed by toxicity (15% ± 4%; 12/80), metabolic and nutritional conditions (12.5% ± 3.7%; 10/80), vaccination (5% ± 2.4%; 4/80) and infectious causes (7.5% ± 2.9%; 6/80) (p < 0.001). The majority of animal owners reported that abortions occurred mainly during autumn (39.6% ± 5%; 38/96), followed by summer (27% ± 4.5%; 26/96), winter (23% ± 4.3%; 22/96) and spring (10.4% ± 3.1%; 10/96) (p < 0.001). Approximately, half (45.8% ± 5%; 55/120) of interviewed farmers would not take any action if an abortion occurred. Half of the interviewed farmers (50.5% ± 5.1%; 48/95) did not apply any preventive measures when manipulating aborted ewes, and most of the sheep owners (77.3% ± 3.8%; 92/119) did not know that aborted ewes could transmit zoonotic pathogens.

Conclusions

Our survey concluded that sheep owners in Northern Tunisia had poor knowledge and attitudes as well as applied limited actions concerning several health aspects related to abortion. Education programmes should be established in order to improve Tunisian sheep owners’ KAP regarding abortion.