bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing Lithuanian parliamentary discourse on Ukrainian refugees by applying text analysis tools
Authors: Urbanavičiūtė Aušra
Published: February 2025

The article examines how members of the Lithuanian Seimas refer to Ukrainian refugees by investigating the linguistic patterns used by Lithuanian politicians in Lithuanian Seimas’ parliamentary sessions. The research applies the Natural Language Toolkit (NLTK), a Python library commonly employed in computational linguistics, and LitLatBERT, complemented by manual analysis. The study explores how Lithuanian politicians frame Ukrainian refugees linguistically by focusing on lexical aspects, mainly definitions of and references to refugees and modality. The article’s broader aim is to showcase how NLTK libraries and the transformer-based deep learning model LitLatBERT can be combined with methods of Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) to analyze Lithuanian parliamentary discourse.
Soft Power and Cool Japan: Shaping Japan's National Image
Authors: Matosian Agapi Elmarovna
Published: February 2025

This article examines the «Cool Japan» strategy as one of Japan's soft power tools in the process of building the country's national image. The article focuses on the mechanisms by which the «Cool Japan» strategy is implemented as part of public diplomacy to enhance the country's cultural and political influence. The article also explores how the strategy contributes to the establishment of a distinctive national image that influences the perception of Japan in different regions of the world and promotes its integration into the global cultural and economic field. To achieve the research objectives, the article applies an interdisciplinary approach, including elements of international relations theory and sociocultural theory. The main research methods used are: content analysis, case studies, historical and comparative analysis. The novelty of this paper lies in the comprehensive analysis of «Cool Japan» as a soft power strategy aimed at redefining and reshaping Japan's national image. The article offers a distinctive perspective on soft power in the context of Japanese foreign policy and assesses the effectiveness of «Cool Japan» implementation at the regional and global levels. «Cool Japan» served as the catalyst for Japan's successful rebranding, allowing the country to redefine and update its perception in the eyes of the global community. Anime and manga, as central elements of Japanese pop culture, have become global phenomena actively consumed in various countries around the world. These cultural products not only contribute to increasing interest in Japan, but have also become important components in building a positive image of the country by appealing to different demographic groups. Given historical factors and political differences, East Asian countries such as China and the Republic of Korea are actively consuming Japanese cultural products. This fact shows that Japanese soft power is successfully breaking barriers and gaining acceptance in the region.
Statistical Analysis of Factors Associated with Non-Compliance with Epidemiological Standards in the Bokoro Health Zone (2021 To 2023)
Authors: Fernand MAMANYA TAPASA , Camile LIKOTELO BINENE , MODJOU MATONDO , LONDJIRINGA Emilien LORANU , Guylit Kiala Lutumba , Grace PEMBELE NTUMBA , Valery LUKEKA BYEMBA , Arnold KIALA WA KIALA
Published: February 2025

This study analyses factors associated with non-compliance with epidemiological standards in the Bokoro Health Zone (2021-2023) using univariate and bivariate statistical analyses. Key factors influencing non-compliance include socio-demographic, socio-cultural, and organizational factors. Our findings reveal significant correlations between non-compliance and factors such as health area of origin, membership structure, and occupation, with recommendations for improving compliance and surveillance efficiency.
Effects of Hypothyroidism Associated with Dental Trauma on Induced Tooth Movement of Female Rat Molars
Authors: Rosa Ana Carolina Rodrigues da , Brandão Hellen Cristina Budel , Rosin Marlon , Porto Elaine Manoela , Amorim João Paulo de Arruda
Published: February 2025

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of hypothyroidism associated with dentoalveolar trauma on the induced tooth movement of female rats molars.
Study Design: Experimental research.
Methodology: Forty-eight female Wistar rats were randomly divided into eight experimental groups (n=6 per group): Group 1 – control: animals that were not subjected to any experimental procedure; Group 2: animals that were subjected only to hypothyroidism (HPT); Group 3: animals that were subjected only to dentoalveolar trauma (DT); Group 4: animals that were subjected to HPT+ DT; Group 5: animals that underwent induced tooth movement (ITM); Group 6: animals that underwent DT+ITM; Group 7: animals that underwent HPT+ITM; and Group 8: animals that underwent HPT+DT+ITM. At the end of the experimental period, the animals were weighed and euthanized. The right hemimaxillae were removed, fixed in 10% formalin, decalcified, embedded in Paraplast, cut to 5 µm thickness, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. the histological slides, and histomorphometric analysis of external root resorption were performed.
Results: The animals that consumed propylthiouracil (0.05% diluted in water) showed lower concentrations of T3 and T4 but higher thyroid-stimulating hormone. The tooth movement rate was significantly higher in the animals of the HPT+DT+ITM group than the other groups (p<0.05). The HPT+ITM group showed greater tooth movement than the ITM and DT+ITM groups (p<0.05). Among the animals in the groups without the tooth movement device, the HPT group had the smallest areas of root resorption when compared to the CTL, DT, and HPT+DT groups (p<0.05). In the analysis of the groups with tooth movement devices, the HPT+ITM group had a smaller root resorption area than the other groups with tooth movement devices (p<0.05). Animals in the HPT+DT+ITM group exhibited the highest root resorption area out of all experimental groups (p<0.001). The animals in the DT, HPT+DT, ITM, HPT+ITM, and DT+ITM groups showed occasional periodontal ligament disorganization, and the animals in the HPT+DT+ITM group had moderate disorganization. In the evaluation of hyaline areas, the groups that underwent DT and/or ITM (DT, HPT+DT, ITM, DT+ITM, HPT+ITM, and HPT+DT+ITM) showed a moderate presence of hyaline areas. Regarding vascular changes in the periodontal ligament, the presence of giant cells, hyperemia, and inflammatory infiltrate were observed in the ITM, DT+ITM, HPT+ITM, and HPT+DT+ITM groups.
Conclusion: We conclude that hypothyroidism associated with dental trauma causes increase in the rate of tooth movement and greater occurrence external root resorption during orthodontic movement in female rats molars.
Synergistic Hypoglycemic Effect of Kalanchoe pinnata and Metformin in Oxidative Stress Management in Diabetes
Authors: Akoko Sokiprim , Ogan Dagogo Miebaka , Idinma Kingsley Ohajiwu , Chiemela Divine Ikechukwu , Chimazurum Praise Philip , Odigie Joachim O.
Published: February 2025

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and associated oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of aqueous extract of Kalanchoe pinnata and metformin, individually and in combination, on glucose levels, oxidative stress biomarkers, and pancreatic histology in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats.
Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n=6): normal control, alloxan-induced positive control (metformin only), K. pinnata-treated, untreated diabetic control, and a combination of K. pinnata and metformin. Diabetes was induced using alloxan (150 mg/kg), and treatments were administered orally for 28 days. Blood glucose levels, body weights, serum antioxidant activities (SOD, CAT, GSH), lipid peroxidation (TBARS), and histological changes in the pancreas were assessed. Phytochemical analysis of K. pinnata extract was conducted.
Results: Phytochemical analysis showed reductions in oxalates (0.97% to 0.40%), flavonoids (3.01% to 1.27%), and alkaloids (1.94% to 0.49%) post-extraction. Blood glucose levels in the K. pinnata-treated group decreased from 16.47±1.08 mmol/L on Day 1 to 14.83±1.47 mmol/L on Day 28, and in the combination group from 17.12±0.93 mmol/L to 15.27±1.35 mmol/L, but differences were not significant (p>0.05). Oxidative stress markers showed minor increases in SOD and CAT activity in the K. pinnata-treated group, but the changes were not significant. TBARS levels slightly reduced in both the K. pinnata and combination groups. Histological analysis showed severe β-cell destruction in the untreated diabetic group, mild restoration in the K. pinnata group, and moderate preservation in the metformin group, with slight improvements in the combination group, but no significant additive effects.
Conclusion: While K. pinnata exhibited slight improvements in glucose levels, oxidative stress biomarkers, and partial histological recovery, the observed changes were not statistically significant. Further research using higher doses or longer treatment durations may better elucidate its therapeutic potential.
Household Water Lead and Hematologic Toxic Effects in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Danziger John , Willetts Joanna , Larkin John , Chaudhuri Sheetal , Mukamal Kenneth J. , Usvyat Len A. , Kossmann Robert
Published: May 2024

Importance

The consequences of low levels of environmental lead exposure, as found commonly in US household water, have not been established.

Objective

To examine whether commonly encountered levels of lead in household water are associated with hematologic toxicity among individuals with advanced kidney disease, a group known to have disproportionate susceptibility to environmental toxicants.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Cross-sectional analysis of household water lead concentrations and hematologic outcomes was performed among patients beginning dialysis at a Fresenius Medical Care outpatient facility between January 1, 2017, and December 20, 2021. Data analysis was performed from April 1 to August 15, 2023.

Exposure

Concentrations of lead in household water were examined in categorical proportions of the Environmental Protection Agency’s allowable threshold (15 μg/L) and continuously.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Hematologic toxic effects were defined by monthly erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) dosing during the first 90 days of incident kidney failure care and examined as 3 primary outcomes: a proportion receiving maximum or higher dosing, continuously, and by a resistance index that normalized to body weight and hemoglobin concentrations. Secondarily, hemoglobin concentrations for patients with data prior to kidney failure onset were examined, overall and among those with concurrent iron deficiency, thought to increase gastrointestinal absorption of ingested lead.

Results

Among 6404 patients with incident kidney failure (male, 4182 [65%]; mean [SD] age, 57 [14] years) followed up for the first 90 days of dialysis therapy, 12% (n = 742) had measurable lead in household drinking water. A higher category of household lead contamination was associated with 15% (odds ratio [OR], 1.15 [95% CI, 1.04-1.27]) higher risk of maximum monthly ESA dosing, 4.5 (95% CI, 0.8-8.2) μg higher monthly ESA dose, and a 0.48% (95% CI, 0.002%-0.96%) higher monthly resistance index. Among patients with pre–kidney failure hemoglobin measures (n = 2648), a higher household lead categorization was associated with a 0.12 (95% CI, −0.23 to −0.002) g/dL lower hemoglobin concentration, particularly among those with concurrent iron deficiency (multiplicative interaction, P = .07), among whom hemoglobin concentrations were 0.25 (95% CI, −0.47 to −0.04) g/dL lower.

Conclusion

The findings of this study suggest that levels of lead found commonly in US drinking water may be associated with lead poisoning among susceptible individuals.
Orbital Hybridization Induced Dipole Polarization and Room Temperature Magnetism of Atomic Co‐N4‐C toward Electromagnetic Energy Attenuation
Authors: Wang Baojun , Wei Wei , Huang Fangzhi , Liu Fenghua , Li Shikuo , Zhang Hui
Published: May 2024

Manipulating the electronic structure and geometric coordination environment of single metal atoms has been considered as promising approach for enhancing dipole polarization and enriching electromagnetic attenuation mechanisms. However, achieving precise control of the dielectric polarization response at atomic scale remains a huge challenge. Herein, a metal‐acetate coordination complexes‐assisted strategy is proposed to prepare spatially isolated cobalt (Co) atoms embedded in accordion‐like nitrogen‐doped carbon (NC) matrix. The interactions between metal atoms and NC matrix are carefully tailored through the successive evolution of dispersion states of Co species, ranging from individual atoms to atomic clusters to nanoparticles. Density functional theory reveals that the orbital hybridization between the d electrons of embedded Co atoms and p electrons of coordinated N atoms induces the electron redistribution at N sites, enabling enhanced electric dipole polarization and robust room temperature magnetism (a saturation magnetization of 0.108 emu g−1 at 300 K). Consequently, Co‐SAs@NC exhibits optimal electromagnetic wave absorption properties with a minimum reflection loss of ‐54.4 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth of 8.4 GHz. This work demonstrates an efficient strategy for modulating electromagnetic response at atomic level and provides a novel insight into the d/p electrons orbital hybridization between single metal atoms and NC species.
A Wound Exudate‐Activated Yarn Battery for Antimicrobial Electrical Fabric Dressing
Authors: Wu Huajun , Xiao Gang , He Xiaodong , Ju Jun , Zhang Jieyu , Sathishkumar Gnanasekar , Yu Lulu , Zhang Kai , Rao Xi , Lu Zhisong , Kang En‐Tang , Xu Liqun
Published: May 2024

Excessive inflammation poses a major challenge to wound care, with massive exudation and bacterial infection being the prominent factors contributing to the inflammation. Current biomaterials can achieve passive or interactive wound repair through exudate absorption and anti‐infection. However, they cannot actively modulate the cellular behavior associated with skin wound repair. Inspired by the endogenous electric field (EF), the present study develops an antimicrobial and self‐powered electrical fabric dressing (EFD). An EFD with multifunctional properties of wound exudate collection, anti‐infection, and self‐powered electrical stimulation (ES) is assembled via weaving a series of hydrophilically modified cotton yarn‐based batteries. Upon contact with the wound, EFD absorbs the wound exudate owing to its high hydrophilicity and utilizes it as the natural electrolyte to activate the battery. With the endogenous power supply, the ES‐promoted polarization of macrophage, as well as the migration and proliferation of fibroblasts, enhancing the active wound repair process. Moreover, the dressings exhibit excellent antibacterial properties, attributable to the synergistic effects of the cationic polymer brushes on the cotton yarn and the anodic by‐product (magnesium hydroxide) during discharging. Thus, the wound exudate‐activated EFD can effectively manage wound exudates, prevent bacterial infection, and provide self‐powered electrotherapy to facilitate active wound tissue repair.
Absorption‐Dominant Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Shielding across Multiple mmWave Bands Using Conductive Patterned Magnetic Composite and Double‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Film
Authors: Park Byeongjin , Hwang Sosan , Lee Horim , Jung Yeonsu , Kim Taehoon , Kwon Suk Jin , Jung Dawoon , Lee Sang‐bok
Published: May 2024

The revolution of millimeter‐wave (mmWave) technologies is prompting a need for absorption‐dominant EMI shielding materials. While conventional shielding materials struggle in the mmWave spectrum due to their reflective nature, this study introduces a novel EMI shielding film with ultralow reflection (<0.05 dB or 1.5%), ultrahigh absorption (>70 dB or 98.5%), and superior shielding (>70 dB or 99.99999%) across triple mmWave frequency bands with a thickness of 400 µm. By integrating a magnetic composite layer (MCL), a conductive patterned grid (CPG), and a double‐walled carbon nanotube film (DWCNTF), specific resonant frequencies of electromagnetic waves are transmitted into the film with minimized reflection, and trapped and dissipated between the CPG and the DWCNTF. The design factors for resonant frequencies, such as the CPG geometry and the MCL refractive index, are systematically investigated based on electromagnetic wave propagation theories. This innovative approach presents a promising solution for effective mmWave EMI shielding materials, with implications for mobile communication, radar systems, and wireless gigabit communication.
FOAM authorship: Who's teaching our learners?
Authors: Grock Andrew , Fan Tiffany , Berger Max , Riddell Jeffrey
Published: May 2024

Background

Free open‐access medical education (FOAM) is extremely popular among learners and educators despite lacking the traditional peer review process. Despite the potential for inaccurate, low‐quality, or biased content, little has been published describing FOAM authors.

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of 12 months of content from the top 25 blogs in the 2020 Social Media Index from August 2020–2021. We recorded the number of posts per site and descriptive characteristics of authors, including gender affiliation, conflicts of interest (COI) statements, and type of practice (academic, community, or hybrid).

Results

We identified 2141 posts by 1001 authors. More than half were produced by six websites: EM Docs (266), Life in the Fast Lane (232), EMCrit (188), ALiEM (185), Don't Forget the Bubbles (181), and Rebel EM (174). Most content (1680 posts, 78.5%) lacked a COI statement. Authors were mostly academic (89%), mostly held MD degrees (67.4%), and were mostly men (59.7%). Geographically, most FOAM authors reside in the United States (59.5%), Canada (22.42%), or the United Kingdom (9.4%).

Conclusions

Of all the posts in the top 25 sites in 2020, more than half came from six sites, and authors were largely North American men in academics with MD degrees. Learners, content creators, and educators should consider the ways in which a more diverse authorship pool might bring value to the FOAM educational experience.
A personal reflection on Bowen family systems theory by Dr Michael Kerr
Authors: Kerr Michael , MacKay Linda
Published: May 2024

This interview with Dr Michael Kerr highlights his ongoing interest in science, biology and neuroscience. Guided by Bowen family systems theory, Dr Kerr's observations examine how research is showing links between physical health, the immune response and psychological motivation and wellbeing. Wellbeing is compromised in less adaptive families, which succumb more easily to any anxiety generated outside the family, as well as the chronic anxiety generated within the family. Amid times of societal regression, the capacity to adapt in a way that promotes survival and wellbeing depends on the level of differentiation of self. Differentiation of self is the sum of the capacity to maintain emotional objectivity, emotional neutrality and to take action. Psychiatrist, Dr Michael (Mike) Kerr, who more recently published Bowen Theory's Secrets: Revealing the hidden lives of families (2019), co‐authored the seminal work on Bowen family systems theory, Family Evaluation, in 1988 with Dr Murray Bowen. From 1990 to 2011, after Dr Bowen's death, Mike was the Director of the Bowen Center for the Study of the Family in Washington, DC. He is passionate about the relationship between differentiation of self, illness and the family emotional process and how this relates to the biological and evolutionary processes that operate in non‐human species. Mike developed the unidisease concept and is well known for his work interviewing Dr Murray Bowen on Bowen family systems theory between 1979 and 1986 for the Bowen‐Kerr Interview Series. A special issue on Bowen theory would not be complete without a commentary from Mike. So, in this interview with Bowen family systems therapist, Dr Linda MacKay, Mike discusses his life effort to research and apply Bowen theory.
Moving around the system: a way of working clinically using Bowen family systems theory
Authors: White Katherine L.
Published: May 2024

Dr Murray Bowen, developer of Bowen family systems theory (BFST), had this to say to clients about working in family systems: if you get bogged down in one area, move into another (Bowen & Kerr, 1985). This statement, along with the knowledge of BFST, offered an inspiration for thinking about a method of therapy. This article highlights a method of working with an individual through a systemic lens. Two ideas are integral to this focus. One is that a client can move more easily into observing self within the system when they are not just observing self in one context or relationship but rather looking at how they function in different contexts or relationships. And second, by moving into different contexts of the system, the therapist is better able to manage the tendency towards symptom focus and stay centred on the work of differentiation. A therapist can truly have a stadium view of the system when speaking with the client about how they function in different areas of life. This method defined happens in three phases: in phase 1, the client observes themselves in their system in different contexts and looks for patterns in their functioning; in phase 2, the client takes this new self‐recognition and experiments with different ways of being in one context; and in phase 3, the insights gained from experiments in one context are applied in other contexts. Both client and clinician will benefit from less symptom focus and increased ability to observe patterns in relationships, both of which are core tenets of the work of differentiation in BFST.
Investigating the effect of refining parameters on acetic acid removal and the quality of crude epoxidized soybean oil
Authors: Oyewole Tosin , Sarker Niloy Chandra , Dhaliwal Gurjot , Biggane Emily , Monono Ewumbua
Published: May 2024

Washing crude epoxidized oil is an indispensable step for the removal of residual acetic acid and unreacted hydrogen peroxide after epoxidation. There are many studies on the epoxidation of vegetable oils but there are many discrepancies in the washing process which likely leads to water wastage, excess use of neutralizing agent, and additional processing time. Hence, this study aims to optimize the washing step by analyzing the quality of each washing step and developing a model that can predict the amount of acid removed. Soybean oil (1.5 kg) was epoxidized at 60°C for 5.5 h using Amberlite IR 120H as a heterogeneous catalyst. To determine the optimum water washing level, process parameters such as number of washing cycles (1–5), proportion of epoxidized oil to water volume (1:0.5, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5), and water temperature (20, 40, and 60°C) were examined. The main responses were the residual acid value and pH of the washed epoxidized oil. Results revealed that 64% of the acid was removed after 5 washing cycles irrespective of the washing water temperature and proportion. In contrast, approximately 57% of the acid was removed in the first two washing cycles. Increasing the temperature of the water affected acid removal; with approximately 54% of acid removed at 20°C compared to 60% at 60°C. Doubling or tripling the amount of water needed above a 1:0.5 ratio did not significantly affect the amount of acid removed. The model developed was significant with a predicted R2 of 96% and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 1.1 when the model was validated at different washing scenarios. Therefore, this study shows that it is possible to significantly reduce the amount of water used and processing time while maintaining resin qualities.
Insights on the distribution, catch and release and public sentiment towards recreational angling of mahseers—A study of YouTube videos from India
Authors: Das Prantik , Binoy Vilakkathala Vijayan
Published: May 2024

Masheers are a group of large‐bodied freshwater fishes popularly known as the ‘Tiger of Rivers’. Their size and fighting power make them one of the most popular game fishes and a dream catch of many recreational anglers in the Indiansubcontinent.

The present study explored the recreational angling (RA) videos of five mahseer species (Tor khudree [Deccan mahseer], Tor putitora [golden mahseer], Tor remadevii [humpback mahseer], Tor mosal [mosal mahseer] and Neolissochilus hexagonolepis [chocolate mahseer]) recorded from India and uploaded on the social media platform YouTube from January 2010 to October 2022. We did not come across any RA videos of T. mosal and T. remadevii; hence, further analyses were carried out on the remaining three focal species.

No seasonality was observed in the frequency of RA videos uploaded on YouTube, and T. khudree attracted the highest number of views per video. Catch and release, an ethical RA practice, was noticeably low in the case of N. hexagonolepis. The length of catch was found to be positively associated with the social engagement received by the RA videos of all three mahseer species.

Angler‐ and angling‐related remarks and words associated with positive emotions (trust, joy and anticipation) dominated the comments received by the angling videos. The results are discussed in light of the trending discourses on developing social media data as a complementary tool for monitoring and managing RA and conserving fish.
Crosstalk among miR‐29, α‐SMA, and TGFβ1/β3 in melatonin‐induced exosome (Mel‐prExo) treated human limbal mesenchymal stem cells (hLMSCs): An insight into scarless healing of the cornea
Authors: Altug Burcugul , Soykan Merve Nur , Eyubova Sevinc , Eker Sariboyaci Ayla , Dogan Cezmi , Ozalp Onur , Atalay Eray
Published: May 2024

Inflammatory mediators that infiltrate the corneal stroma after corneal infections, trauma or refractive surgery can trigger the transformation of corneal keratocytes into myofibroblasts, resulting in highly irregular collagen deposition and subsequently corneal scarring. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be used as therapeutic agents to regenerate corneal and conjunctival tissue damage, regulate inflammation, and reduce the development of limbal stem cell failure. The use of MSC‐derived exosomes as a cell‐free therapeutic vector is a novel therapeutic approach. This study aimed to assess the effect of exosomes obtained from melatonin (Mel)‐treated human limbal mesenchymal stem cells (hLMSCs) on naïve hLMSCs and to determine their influence on the antifibrotic and pro‐regenerative pathways involved in corneal scarring. hLMSCs were treated with varying concentrations of Mel, followed by isolation and characterization of the procured exosomes (Mel‐prExos). These exosomes were added to the cell culture media of naïve hLMSCs to examine their antifibrotic and pro‐regenerative effects. The expression of miR‐155, miR‐29, TGFβ1, TGFβ3, PPARγ, and α‐SMA miRNAs and genes were compared between Mel‐treated hLMSCs and Mel‐prExo‐treated hLMSCs by using real‐time PCR. We found that at 1 μM Mel and in the presence of Mel‐prExos, TGFβ1 was expressed 0.001‐fold, while TGFβ3 was expressed 0.6‐fold. miR‐29 expression was increased 38‐fold in the control‐Exo group compared to that in the control group. Changes in TGFβ1/β3 and α‐SMA expression are associated with miR‐29 and miR‐155. This approach could prove beneficial for ocular surface tissue engineering applications.
NMR spectroscopic investigations of transition metal complexes in organometallic and bioinorganic chemistry
Authors: Shin Jeongcheol , Lim Mi Hee , Han Jiyeon
Published: May 2024

The field of coordination chemistry has evolved to intersect with organic chemistry and biochemistry, giving rise to the disciplines of organometallic and bioinorganic chemistry. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy can be applied for characterizing transition metal complexes, spanning both diamagnetic and paramagnetic complexes prevalent in organometallic compounds and metalloproteins. This review offers a comprehensive overview of a wide variety of characterization techniques, ranging from basic 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy to advanced methods such as heteronuclear experiments, polarization transfer techniques, relaxometry, and multidimensional NMR spectroscopy. The diverse array of NMR spectroscopic methods outlined here promises to enhance our comprehension of transition metal complexes, facilitating the development of innovative catalysts and therapeutics.
Identification of Xuanfei Baidu granule constituents by liquid chromatography–quadruple‐time‐of‐flight–mass spectrometry and its anti‐inflammatory active constituents using a lipopolysaccharide‐induced RAW264.7 cell model
Authors: Li Haoran , Zhao Lu , Liang Ziqi , Wang Zhiyan , Hu Chenxiu , Wang Yi , Shen Guofang , Wang Shufang
Published: May 2024

The Xuanfei Baidu (XFBD) prescription, a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, has demonstrated significant anti‐inflammatory activities; however, the number of its reported constituents is limited, and its anti‐inflammatory constituents are unclear. In this study, the constituents of XFBD granule, a granule dosage of XFBD prescription, were thoroughly examined in vitro and in vivo using liquid chromatography–quadruple‐time‐of‐flight–mass spectrometry, and the anti‐inflammatory constituents were screened. A total of 214 constituents were identified from the XFBD granule, 62 of which were confirmed via comparison with reference standards. After intragastric administration of XFBD granule, 63 and 28 constituents were absorbed into the rat sera and lungs in prototype form, respectively. XFBD granule and XFBD‐containing serum were found to significantly reduce nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) secretion in lipopolysaccharide‐induced RAW264.7 cells. Five anti‐inflammatory constituents (verbasoside, scutellarin, luteolin, apigenin, and pogostone) were found to reduce the concentration of NO and IL‐6 in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, the combination of these five constituents could significantly reduce NO secretion even when the concentration of each constituent was two to three orders of magnitude lower than their individual minimum effective concentrations. Overall, this study provides a valuable reference for the discovery of effective constituents from the XFBD granule.
Structure‐Activity Relationship of Benzophenazine Derivatives for Homogeneous and Heterogenized Photooxygenation Catalysis
Authors: Body Nathalie , Lefebvre Corentin , Eeckhout Sarah , Léonard Anne‐Sophie , Troian‐Gautier Ludovic , Hermans Sophie , Riant Olivier
Published: May 2024

Singlet oxygen is a powerful oxidant used in various applications, such as organic synthesis, medicine, and environmental remediation. Organic and inorganic photosensitizers are commonly used to generate this reactive species through energy transfer with the triplet ground state of oxygen. We describe here a series of novel benzophenazine derivatives as a promising class of photosensitizers for singlet oxygen photosensitization. In this study, we investigated the structure‐activity relationship of these benzophenazine derivatives. Akin to a molecular compass, the southern fragment was first functionalized with either aromatic tertiary amines, alkyl tertiary amines, aromatic sulfur groups, alkyl sulfur groups, or cyclic ethers. Enhanced photophysical properties (in terms of triplet excited‐state lifetime, absorption wavelength, triplet state energy, and O2 quenching capabilities) were obtained with cyclic ether and sulfur groups. Conversely, the presence of an amine moiety was detrimental to the photocatalysts. The western and northern fragments were also investigated and slightly undesirable to negligible changes in photophysical properties were observed. The most promising candidate was then immobilized on silica nanoparticles and its photoactivity was evaluated in the citronellol photooxidation reaction. A high NMR yield of 97 % in desired product was obtained, with only a slight decrease over several recycling runs (85 % in the fourth run). These results provide insights into the design of efficient photosensitizers for singlet oxygen generation and the development of heterogeneous systems.
Phase Transition Control in Molecular Solids via Complementarity of Hydrogen‐Bond Strength
Authors: Du Shan‐Nan , Deng Wei , Liu Jia‐Chuan , Chen Yan‐Cong , Yao Chan‐Ying , Zhou Ying‐Qian , Wu Si‐Guo , Liu Jun‐Liang , Tong Ming‐Liang
Published: May 2024

Phase transitions in molecular solids involve synergistic changes in chemical and electronic structures, leading to diversification in physical and chemical properties. Despite the pivotal role of hydrogen bonds (H‐bonds) in many phase‐transition materials, it is rare and challenging to chemically regulate the dynamics and to elucidate the structure‐property relationship. Here, four high‐spin CoII compounds were isolated and systematically investigated by modifying the ligand terminal groups (X=S, Se) and substituents (Y=Cl, Br). S−Cl and Se−Br undergo a reversible structural phase transition near room temperature, triggering the rotation of 15‐crown‐5 guests and the swing between syn‐ and anti‐conformation of NCX− ligands, accompanied by switchable magnetism. Conversely, S−Br and Se−Cl retain stability in ordered and disordered phases, respectively. H‐bonds geometric analysis and ab initio calculations reveal that the electronegativity of X and Y affects the strength of NY‐ap−H⋅⋅⋅X interactions. Entropy‐driven structural phase transitions occur when the H‐bond strength is appropriate; otherwise, the phase stays unchanged if it is too strong or weak. This work highlights a phase transition driven by H‐bond strength complementarity – pairing strong acceptor with weak donor and vice versa, which offers a straightforward and effective approach for designing phase‐transition molecular solids from a chemical perspective.
PROTOCOL: Breakfast consumption, anthropometry, and nutrition‐related outcomes in adolescents from low‐ and middle‐income countries: Protocol for a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fischer Jordie A. J. , Thomas Jonathan , van Zutphen‐Küffer Kesso Gabrielle , Ierodiakonou Despo , Kraemer Klaus , Garcia‐Larsen Vanessa
Published: May 2024

Objectives

This is the protocol for a Campbell systematic review. The objectives are as follows: The aim of this systematic review is to examine the scientific evidence available from low‐ and middle‐income countries on the association of breakfast consumption habits and anthropometry/adiposity‐ and nutrition‐related outcomes in adolescents aged 10–19 years old.
The need for optimal crossover in trials testing the anticipation of treatments: A methodological and ethical issue
Authors: Di Maio Massimo
Published: May 2024

Quality of control arms in randomized clinical trials implies also optimal postprotocol treatment. Meta‐research studies highlighting biases of the published literature contribute to improving design and conduct of future studies.
Addressing financial toxicity in cancer treatment—An opportunity for the 340B drug pricing program
Authors: Faraj Kassem S. , Caram Megan E. V. , Shahinian Vahakn B. , Hollenbeck Brent K.
Published: May 2024

Cancer treatment has become increasingly expensive, partially due to the use of specialty drugs. The costs of these drugs are often passed down to patients, who may face the consequences of paying for more than they can afford, leading to financial toxicity. The 340B drug pricing program is a health care policy that may provide an opportunity to mitigate the financial consequences of cancer care. The 340B program requires manufacturers to sell outpatient drugs at a discount to hospitals caring for a significant number of socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals. The program intended for hospitals to use savings from discounted purchases to expand their safety net to vulnerable patients. Some studies have shown that participating hospitals do this by offering more charity and discounted care, whereas others have demonstrated that hospitals fail to sufficiently expand their safety net. A potential flaw of the program is the lack of guidance from governing bodies on how hospitals should use savings from discounted purchases. There has been growing discussion among stakeholders to reform the 340B program given the mixed findings of its effectiveness. With the rising costs of specialty drugs and associated prevalence of financial toxicity in patients with cancer, there is an opportunity to address these issues through reform that improves the program. Directing hospitals to offer specific safety net opportunities, such as passing along discounted drug prices to vulnerable populations, could help the growing number of patients who are financially burdened by medications at the core of the 340B program.
Race has no impact on prostate cancer–specific mortality, when comparing patients with similar risk of other‐cause mortality: An analysis of a population‐based cohort
Authors: Tinsley Shane A. , Finati Marco , Stephens Alex , Chiarelli Giuseppe , Cirulli Giuseppe Ottone , Williams Eric , Morrison Chase , Richard Caleb , Hares Keinnan , Sood Akshay , Buffi Nicolòs , Lughezzani Giovanni , Bettocchi Carlo , Salonia Andrea , Briganti Alberto , Montorsi Francesco , Carrieri Giuseppe , Rogers Craig , Abdollah Firas
Published: May 2024

Background

Other‐cause mortality (OCM) can serve as a surrogate for access‐to‐care. The authors sought to compare prostate cancer–specific mortality (PCSM) in Black versus White men matched based on their calculated OCM risk.

Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was queried for Black and White men diagnosed with prostate cancer between 2004 to 2009, to collect long‐term follow‐up. A Cox regression was used to calculate the OCM risk using all available covariates. This calculated OCM risk was used to construct a 1:1 propensity score matched (PSM) cohort. Then, a competing‐risks multivariable tested the impact of race on PCSM.

Results

A total of 94,363 patients were identified, with 19,398 Black men and 74,965 White men. The median (IQR) follow‐up was 11.3 years (9.8–12.8). In the unmatched‐cohort at 10‐years, PCSM and OCM were 5.5% versus 3.5% and 13.8% versus 8.4% in non‐Hispanic Black (NHB) versus non‐Hispanic White (NHW) patients (all p < .0001). The standardized mean difference was <0.15 for all covariates, indicating a good match. In the matched cohort at 10‐years, OCM was 13.6% and 10.0% in NHB versus NHW (p < .0001), whereas the PCSM was 5.3% versus 4.7% (p < .01). On competing‐risks multivariable analysis on PCSM, Black men had a hazard ratio of 1.08 (95% confidence interval, 0.98–1.20) compared to White men with a p = .13.

Conclusions

The results of this study showed similar PCSM in Black and White patients, when matched with their calculated OCM risk. This report is the first to indicate at a population‐based level that race has no impact on PCSM.

Plain Language Summary

Prostate cancer is a very common cancer among men and it is associated with health disparities that disproportionately impact Black men compared to White men.

There is an on‐going discussion of whether disparities between these two groups stem from genetic or environmental factors.

This study sought to examine if matching based on overall health status, a proxy for the impact of social determinants of health, mitigated significant differences in outcomes.

When matched using risk of death from any cause other than prostate cancer, Black and White men had no significant differences in prostate cancer death.
The LimoFish Circular Economy Process for the Marine Bioeconomy
Authors: Pizzone Daniela Maria , Angellotti Giuseppe , Carabetta Sonia , Di Sanzo Rosa , Russo Mariateresa , Mauriello Francesco , Ciriminna Rosaria , Pagliaro Mario
Published: May 2024

The outcomes of applying the zero‐waste extraction “LimoFish” process based on defatting fish processing waste with limonene to leftovers of European sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus), compared to conventional extraction with oil‐derived solvents such as n‐hexane and with petroleum ether, show that the process has general applicability. Meeting the principles of green extraction and those of the marine biorefinery requiring high process efficiency, the process establishes an “innovation through integration” circular economy production route enabling the marine bioeconomy.
An ultra‐miniaturized single‐layer multiband frequency selective surface with vent for wireless communication
Authors: Kanagasabai Malathi , Viswanathan Lavanya , Premkumar Santhya Premdharshini , Mohammed Gulam Nabi Alsath
Published: May 2024

A novel single‐layer ultra‐miniaturized multi‐band Frequency Selective Surface (FSS) with a circular vent is designed for shielding LTE and ISM bands. The top layer of the proposed FSS unit cell incorporates a circular patch along with convoluted arms. The designed FSS unit cell exhibits band‐rejection characteristics with a resonance of 800 MHz, 2.45 GHz, and 5 GHz and bandwidths of 523 MHz, 687 MHz, and 725 MHz, respectively. The periodicity of an ultra‐miniaturized FSS unit cell is 0.024λօ x 0.024λօ, encompassing a spatial vent hole of 0.01λօ, where λօ corresponds to the lowest operating frequency. Moreover, the proposed FSS unit cell remains unaltered angular stability up to 75° with less than 1% frequency deviation in TE and TM modes. Good polarization insensitivity for the designed four‐fold symmetrical FSS unit cell is achieved. Further, an Equivalent Circuit Model (ECM) analysis is developed to infer the physical insight of the proposed FSS unit cell. The FSS prototype is measured for the assertion, and the good agreement between the findings from simulation and measurement is validated. For real‐time assertion, the FSS prototype is verified using the Amitech SDR04. Thus, FSS is a promising candidate with good ventilation for shielding the LTE, Bluetooth, and Wi‐Fi application bands.
Human epididymis protein 4 is a useful predictor of post‐operative prognosis in patients with severe aortic stenosis
Authors: Ogata Fumihiko , Hanatani Shinsuke , Nakashima Naoya , Yamamoto Masahiro , Shirahama Yuichiro , Ishii Masanobu , Tabata Noriaki , Kusaka Hiroaki , Yamanaga Kenshi , Kanazawa Hisanori , Hoshiyama Tadashi , Takashio Seiji , Usuku Hiroki , Matsuzawa Yasushi , Yamamoto Eiichiro , Soejima Hirofumi , Kawano Hiroaki , Hayashi Hidetaka , Oda Seitaro , Hirai Toshinori , Tsujita Kenichi
Published: May 2024

Aims

The human epididymis protein 4 (HE4), a novel fibrosis marker, is expressed only in activated fibroblasts and is thought to reflect ongoing left ventricular (LV) fibrosis. LV fibrosis is a feature of severe aortic stenosis (AS) and is related to the post‐operative outcome of patients with AS. We investigated the relationship between serum levels of HE4 and the post‐operative prognosis of patients with severe AS.

Methods and results

We measured the serum HE4 levels of 55 participants (80.8 ± 8.0 years old, male n = 26, 46%) with severe AS prior to surgical aortic valve replacement (n = 31, 56%) or transcatheter aortic valve implantation (n = 24, 44%) at Kumamoto University Hospital in 2018. We followed them for cardiovascular (CV) death or hospitalization for heart failure (HF) for 3 years. Serum HE4 levels were positively correlated with computed tomography–extracellular volume (CT‐ECV) values (r = 0.53, P = 0.004). Kaplan–Meier curves demonstrated a significantly higher probability of hospitalization for HF or CV‐related death in the patients with high HE4 (greater than the median HE4 value) compared with the patients with low HE4 (lower than the median HE4 value) (log‐rank P = 0.003). Multivariate analysis showed HE4 (log(HE4)) to be an independent prognostic factor [hazard ratio (HR): 7.50; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.81–31.1; P = 0.005]. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis suggested that HE4 is a marker of increased risk of CV‐related death or hospitalization for HF at 3 years after surgery, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.62–0.90; P = 0.003).

Conclusions

We found that HE4 is a potentially useful biomarker for predicting future CV events in patients scheduled for AS surgery. Measuring serum HE4 values could help consider AS surgery.
Camelid‐derived Tcell engagers harnessing human γδ T cells as promising antitumor immunotherapeutic agents
Authors: Boutin Lola , Barjon Clément , Chauvet Morgane , Lafrance Laura , Senechal Eric , Bourges Dorothée , Vigne Emmanuelle , Scotet Emmanuel
Published: May 2024

In the last decade, there has been a surge in developing immunotherapies to enhance the immune system's ability to eliminate tumor cells. Bispecific antibodies known as T cell engagers (TCEs) present an attractive strategy in this pursuit. TCEs aim to guide cytotoxic T cells toward tumor cells, thereby inducing a strong activation and subsequent tumor cell lysis. In this study, we investigated the activity of different TCEs on both conventional alpha‐beta (αβ) T cells and unconventional gamma delta (γδ) T cells. TCEs were built using camelid single‐domain antibodies (VHHs) targeting the tumor‐associated antigen CEACAM5 (CEA), together with T cell receptor chains or a CD3 domain. We show that Vγ9Vδ2 T cells display stronger in vitro antitumor activity than αβ T cells when stimulated with a CD3xCEA TCE. Furthermore, restricting the activation of fresh human peripheral T cells to Vγ9Vδ2 T cells limited the production of protumor factors and proinflammatory cytokines, commonly associated with toxicity in patients. Taken together, our findings provide further insights that γδ T cell‐specific TCEs hold promise as specific, effective, and potentially safe molecules to improve antitumor immunotherapies.
Modeling of magnetohydrodynamic free convection in an enclosure having elliptical sinks using lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Raoudha Chaabane
Published: May 2024

This paper adopted the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) to compute a two‐dimensional incompressible convective flow field with two isothermal elliptical sinks attached vertically to the horizontal bottom north side of the enclosure, which is subjected to a horizontal magnetic field. The attained results show that LBM can effectively capture vortex shedding structures and other features inside such complex flow. Also, the Hartmann numbers with a panoply of heated sinks location were studied, and the results showed that fluid flow and heat transfer rate depend on the Hartmann number and are greatly influenced by the heated sinks positions. The effect of the Prandtl number on the average Nusselt number is also highlighted.