bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovative applications and therapeutic potential of oilseeds and their by‐products: An eco‐friendly and sustainable approach
Authors: Usman Ifrah , Saif Hina , Imran Ali , Afzaal Muhammad , Saeed Farhan , Azam Iqra , Afzal Atka , Ateeq Huda , Islam Fakhar , Shah Yasir Abbas , Shah Mohd Asif
Published: March 2023

The risk of inadequate management of agro‐waste is an emerging challenge. However, the economic relevance of agro‐waste valorization is one of the key strategies to ensure sustainable development. Among the agro‐waste, oilseed waste and its by‐products are usually seen as mass waste after the extraction of oils. Oilseed by‐products especially oilseed cakes are a potential source of protein, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. Oilseed cakes contain high value‐added bioactive compounds which have great significance among researchers to develop novel foods having therapeutic applications. Moreover, these oilseed cakes might be employed in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Thus, as a result of having desirable characteristics, oilseed by‐products can be more valuable in wide application in the food business along with the preparation of supplements. The current review highlights that plentiful wastes or by‐products from oilseeds are wasted if these underutilized materials are not properly valorized or effectively utilized. Hence, promising utilization of oilseeds and their wastes not only assists to overcome environmental concerns and protein insecurity but also helps to achieve the goals of zero waste and sustainability. Furthermore, the article also covers the production and industrial applications of oilseeds and by‐products along with the potential role of oilseed cakes and phytochemicals in the treatment of chronic diseases.
Modelling the green logistics and financial innovation on carbon neutrality goal, a fresh insight for BRICS‐T
Authors: Du J. , Cheng Jinyuan , Ali Kishwar
Published: March 2023

This article explores the concepts and objectives of green logistics and financial innovation in the context of the BRICS‐T economies (Brazil, the Russian Federation, India, China, South Africa and Turkey) with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality or net‐zero emissions. It outlines a new scientific direction that incorporates the use of knowledge and other areas to apply green innovation, green energy and economic growth to reducing transport‐based CO2 emissions. To examine the identified research gap, the study adopted a novel econometric approach for 2000–2018 and confirmed the ‘carbon neutrality’ hypothesis. The findings revealed that green logistics, green innovation and renewable resources—which become a strong driving force for executing neutrality—result in net zero emissions and improve environmental sustainability in the BRICS‐T countries. In contrast, financial innovation and economic growth boost transportation emissions and increase environmental degradation. According to the findings of the study, policymakers should prioritize sustainable development strategies in order to achieve ‘Carbon Neutrality’. This includes implementing green logistics and promoting green financial innovation. Furthermore, it is suggested that greater support be given to the renewable energy sector, green technologies and sustainable growth to drive sustainable development in the BRICS‐T economies.
Economic uncertainty and cardiovascular disease mortality
Authors: Kawachi Ichiro , Kyriopoulos Ilias , Vandoros Sotiris
Published: March 2023

Previous studies have found a link between economic conditions, such as recessions and unemployment, and cardiovascular disease as well as other health outcomes. More recent research argues that economic uncertainty—independently of unemployment—can affect health outcomes. Using data from England and Wales, we study the association between fluctuations in economic uncertainty and cardiovascular disease mortality in the short term for the period 2001–2019. Controlling for several economic indicators (including unemployment), we find that economic uncertainty alone is strongly associated with deaths attributed to diseases of the circulatory system, ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. Our findings highlight the short‐term link between economic conditions and cardiovascular health and reveal yet another health outcome that is associated with uncertainty.
Laminar unsteady magnetohydrodynamic flow of Newtonian nongray optically thin fluid through porous medium between two concentric vertical cylinders
Authors: Nagaraju L. , Naikoti Kishan
Published: March 2023

This paper addresses the effects of porous medium in magnetohydrodynamic unsteady flows of the viscous nongray optical thinner liquid between two infinitely concentric perpendicular cylinders under the influence of time reliant periodical pressure gradients with respect to the an azimuthal direction applied magnetic domain. The effects of the thermally radiating as well as periodical walls temperatures are also taken into consideration. The governing nondimensional equations were altered into ordinary differential equations and these were then resolved in the expressions of the modified Bessels functions. The impacts of the different parameters on the velocity, temperature, skin frictions, and the rates of temperature transfers near the surfaces of the cylinders were evaluated computationally as well as these are discussed graphically. This was found that, the velocity of the fluid augments by an amplifying in penetrability of the absorbent medium. The buoyancy forces reasons the liquid flow to accelerated, and thereby causing the mass efflux to enhance proportionally. The reductions into fluid temperature are straight proportionate to the diminution into the thermal diffusivity. The current computations were reliable with those of the existing study in the limiting cases.
Following the evidence and using the appropriate regulatory tools: A European-wide risk assessment of copper in freshwaters
Authors: Wilson Iain , Peters Adam , Merrington Graham , Baken Stijn
Published: March 2023

The ecological risks of copper (Cu) in freshwaters have been the focus of regulatory assessments for several decades. Recently, it has been suggested by the European Commission that Cu represents a continent-wide risk to freshwaters. We assessed to what extent this suggestion is supported by the available evidence if Cu bioavailability is considered in the assessment of risk. We used several evidence-driven metrics to assess the continental-wide risks of Cu to European freshwaters. Such an approach is recommended and readily applicable where comprehensive data sets are available. We confirmed the validity of a bioavailability-based Environmental Quality Standard of 1 µg L−1 for Cu and used this to characterize the risks of Cu in 286 185 regulatory monitoring samples from 17 307 sites across 19 European countries between 2006 and 2021. These data show that risks, based on site averages and accounting for bioavailability, were identified in only two countries (Spain and Portugal). Investigation of these risks showed them to be highly localized to a single region in Spain and not reflective of the country-wide risks for either country. The 95th percentile of all the risk quotients for the continent-wide data set is 0.35. The relatively low levels of risk associated with Cu are supported by long-term trend data from sites on two large European rivers (Rhine and Meuse), where highly significant (p < 0.001) decreases in Cu concentrations over the last 40 years can be observed. We conclude that it is critical to consider metal bioavailability in both effects and exposures in assessments of potential risk to ensure ecological relevance. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:1570–1580. © 2023 WCA Environment Ltd. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
Advances in flexible sensors for intelligent perception system enhanced by artificial intelligence
Authors: Niu Hongsen , Yin Feifei , Kim Eun‐Seong , Wang Wenxiao , Yoon Do‐Young , Wang Cong , Liang Junge , Li Yang , Kim Nam‐Young
Published: March 2023

Intelligent perception means that with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI)‐motivated brain, flexible sensors achieve the ability of memory, learning, judgment, and reasoning about external information like the human brain. Due to the superiority of machine learning (ML) algorithms in data processing and intelligent recognition, intelligent perception systems possess the ability to match or even surpass human perception systems. However, the built‐in flexible sensors in these systems need to work on dynamic and irregular surfaces, inevitably affecting the precision and fidelity of the acquired data. In recent years, the strategy of introducing the developed functional materials and innovative structures into flexible sensors has made some progress toward the above challenges, and with the blessing of ML algorithms, accurate perception and reasoning in various scenarios have been achieved. Here, the most representative functional materials and innovative structures for constructing flexible sensors are comprehensively reviewed, the research progress of intelligent perception systems based on flexible sensors and ML algorithms is further summarized, and the intersection of the two is expected to unlock new opportunities for next‐stage AI development.

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Role of Orai‐family channels in the activation and regulation of transcriptional activity
Authors: Nieto‐Felipe Joel , Macias‐Diaz Alvaro , Sanchez‐Collado Jose , Berna‐Erro Alejandro , Jardin Isaac , Salido Gines M. , Lopez Jose J. , Rosado Juan A.
Published: March 2023

Store operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) is a cornerstone for the maintenance of intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis and the regulation of a variety of cellular functions. SOCE is mediated by STIM and Orai proteins following the activation of inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors. Then, a reduction of the endoplasmic reticulum intraluminal Ca2+ concentration is sensed by STIM proteins, which undergo a conformational change and activate plasma membrane Ca2+ channels comprised by Orai proteins. STIM1/Orai‐mediated Ca2+ signals are finely regulated and modulate the activity of different transcription factors, including certain isoforms of the nuclear factor of activated T‐cells, the cAMP‐response element binding protein, the nuclear factor κ‐light chain‐enhancer of activated B cells, c‐fos, and c‐myc. These transcription factors associate SOCE with a plethora of signaling events and cellular functions. Here we provide an overview of the current knowledge about the role of Orai channels in the regulation of transcription factors through Ca2+‐dependent signaling pathways.
Organization of cortical microtubules in differentiated cells
Authors: Zhou Ping , Yang Guiwen , Xie Wei
Published: March 2023

The microtubule cytoskeleton plays a critical role in a variety of cellular activities, and its structures and functions have been extensively studied. However, little is known about cell differentiation‐related microtubule remodeling, its regulatory mechanisms, and its physiological functions. Recent studies have shown that microtubule‐binding proteins as well as cell junctions, such as desmosomes and adherens junctions, are involved in the remodeling of microtubules in response to cell differentiation. In addition, the microtubule‐organizing activity and structural integrity of centrosomes undergo dramatic changes during cell differentiation to promote microtubule remodeling. Here we summarize recent advances revealing the dynamic changes in microtubule organization and functions during cell differentiation. We also highlight the molecular mechanisms underlying microtubule modeling in differentiated cells, focusing on the key roles played by microtubule‐binding proteins, cell junctions, and centrosomes.
Exploring the use of futures, values, systems, and strategic thinking among engineering education research collaborators
Authors: Dalal Medha , Carberry Adam , Archambault Leanna
Published: March 2023

Background

Multiple reports call for new ways of thinking to address challenges facing engineering education in the coming decades. Adopting these approaches first requires identifying and understanding existing ways of thinking among those engaging in engineering education research.

Purpose/Hypothesis

This study is motivated by the recently published Framework for Applying Ways of Thinking in Engineering Education Research (FAWTEER). The purpose is to determine if and how the four ways of thinking proposed under FAWTEER—futures, values, systems, and strategic—are practiced by engineering education research collaborators.

Design/Method

Seven engineer‐social scientist collaborator pairs across heterogeneous research projects were interviewed in dyads. Data were analyzed using an inductive coding approach that was informed by the framework and literature.

Results

Emergent findings provided evidence of collaborators' use of futures, values, systems, and strategic thinking, but the interpretations and relevance of a particular way of thinking varied depending on the project context. Proposal calls, organizational structures and policies, intentionality, and culture were identified as determinants that could foster or hinder the implementation of different ways of thinking.

Conclusions

Ways of thinking may be taken for granted or partly ignored in research practices despite their potential influence on innovation. This study highlights how futures, values, systems, and strategic thinking are enacted in engineering education research and suggests the need to further explore connections between ways of thinking and cultures that exist at the departmental, institutional, and disciplinary levels.
Acute toxicity of titanium dioxide microparticles in Artemia sp. nauplii instar I and II
Authors: de Paiva Pinheiro Sergimar Kennedy , Lima Ana Kamila Medeiros , Miguel Thaiz Batista Azevedo Rangel , Pireda Saulo , Fechine Pierre Basílio Almeida , Souza Filho Antonio Gomes , de Castro Miguel Emilio
Published: March 2023

In this study, the toxicity effects of titanium dioxide (MTiO2) microparticles on Artemia sp. nauplii instar I and II between 24 and 48 h was evaluated. The MTiO2 were characterized using different microscopy techniques. MTiO2 rutile was used in toxicity tests at concentration of 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 ppm. No toxicity was observed in Artemia sp. nauplii instar I at the time of 24 and 48 h. However, Artemia sp. nauplii instar II toxicity was observed within 48 h of exposure. MTiO2 at concentrations of 25, 50 and 100 ppm was lethal for Artemia sp. with a significant difference (p ≤ .05) in relation to the control artificial sea water with LC50 value at 50 ppm. Analysis of optical and scanning electron microscopy revealed tissue damage and morphological changes in Artemia sp. nauplii instar II. By using confocal laser scanning microscopy, cell damage was observed due to the toxicity of MTiO2 at a concentration of 20, 50, and 100 ppm. The high mortality rate is related to the filtration of MTiO2 by Artemia sp. nauplii instar II due to the complete development of the digestive tract.
Multidelay MR Arterial Spin Labeling Perfusion Map for the Prediction of Cerebral Hyperperfusion After Carotid Endarterectomy
Authors: Fan Xiaoyuan , Lai Zhichao , Lin Tianye , Li Kang , Hou Bo , You Hui , Wei Juan , Qu Jianxun , Liu Bao , Zuo Zhentao , Feng Feng
Published: March 2023

Background

Multidelay arterial spin labeling (ASL) generates time‐resolved perfusion maps, which may provide sufficient and accurate hemodynamic information in carotid stenosis.

Purpose

To use imaging markers derived from multidelay ASL magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to determine the optimal strategy for predicting cerebral hyperperfusion after carotid endarterectomy (CEA).

Study Type

Prospective observational cohort.

Subjects

A total of 79 patients who underwent CEA for carotid stenosis.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3.0 T/pseudo‐continuous ASL with three postlabeling delays of 1.0, 1.57, and 2.46 seconds using fast‐spin echo readout.

Assessment

Cerebral perfusion pressure, antegrade, and collateral flow were scored on a four‐grade ordinal scale based on preoperative multidelay ASL perfusion maps. Simultaneously, quantitative hemodynamic parameters including cerebral blood flow (CBF), arterial transit time (ATT), relative CBF (rCBF) and relative ATT (rATT; ipsilateral/contralateral values) were calculated. On the CBF ratio map obtained through dividing postoperative by preoperative CBF map, regions of interest were placed covering ipsilateral middle cerebral artery territory. Three neuroradiologists conducted this procedure. Cerebral hyperperfusion was defined as a CBF ratio >2.

Statistical Tests

Weighted κ values, independent sample t test, chi‐square test, Mann–Whitney U‐test, multivariable logistic regression analysis, receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis, and Delong test. Significance level was P < 0.05.

Results

Cerebral hyperperfusion was observed in 15 (19%) patients. Higher blood pressure (odd ratio [OR] = 1.08) and carotid near‐occlusion (NO; OR = 7.31) were clinical risk factors for postoperative hyperperfusion. Poor ASL perfusion score (OR = 37.33), decreased CBF (OR = 0.74), prolonged ATT (OR = 1.02), lower rCBF (OR = 0.91), and higher rATT (OR = 1.12) were independent imaging predictors of hyperperfusion. ASL perfusion score exhibited the highest specificity (95.3%), while CBF exhibited the highest sensitivity (93.3%) for the prediction of hyperperfusion. When combined with ASL perfusion score, CBF and ATT, the predictive ability was significantly higher than using blood pressure and NO alone (AUC: 0.98 vs. 0.78).

Data Conclusions

Multidelay ASL can accurately predict cerebral hyperperfusion after CEA with high sensitivity and specificity.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 5
Feasibility of Quantitative MRI Using 3D‐QALAS for Discriminating Immunohistochemical Status in Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of the Breast
Authors: Amano Maki , Fujita Shohei , Takei Naoyuki , Sano Katsuhiro , Wada Akihiko , Sato Kanako , Kikuta Junko , Kuwatsuru Yoshiki , Tachibana Rina , Sekine Towa , Horimoto Yoshiya , Aoki Shigeki
Published: March 2023

Background

Two‐dimensional synthetic MRI of the breast has limited spatial coverage. Three‐dimensional (3D) synthetic MRI could provide volumetric quantitative parameters that may reflect the immunohistochemical (IHC) status in invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) of the breast.

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of 3D synthetic MRI using an interleaved Look–Locker acquisition sequence with a T2 preparation pulse (QALAS) for discriminating the IHC status, including hormone receptor (HR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER 2), and Ki‐67 expression in IDC.

Study Type

Prospective observational study.

Population

A total of 33 females with IDC of the breast (mean, 52.3 years).

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3‐T, 3D‐QALAS gradient‐echo and fat‐suppressed T1‐weighted 3D fast spoiled gradient‐echo sequences.

Assessment

Two radiologists semiautomatically delineated 3D regions of interest (ROIs) of the whole tumors on the dynamic MRI that was registered to the synthetic T1‐weighted images acquired from 3D‐QALAS. The mean T1 and T2 were measured for each IDC.

Statistical Tests

Intraclass correlation coefficient for assessing interobserver agreement. Mann–Whitney U test to determine the relationship between the mean T1 or T2 and the IHC status. Multivariate logistic regression analysis followed by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis for discriminating IHC status. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The interobserver agreement was good to excellent. There was a significant difference in the mean T1 between HR‐positive and HR‐negative lesions, while the mean T2 value differed between HR‐positive and HR‐negative lesions, between the triple‐negative and HR‐positive or HER2‐positive lesions, and between the Ki‐67 level > 14% and ≤ 14%. Multivariate analysis showed that the mean T2 was higher in HR‐negative IDC than in HR‐positive IDC. ROC analysis revealed that the mean T2 was predictive for discriminating HR status, triple‐negative status, and Ki‐67 level.

Data Conclusion

3D synthetic MRI using QALAS may be useful for discriminating IHC status in IDC of the breast.

Evidence Level

1.

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2.
Longitudinal antigenic and seroepidemiological analyses of parechovirus A1 in Yamagata, Japan
Authors: Mizuta Katsumi , Itagaki Tsutomu , Katsushima Fumio , Katsushima Yuriko , Sasaki Mika , Komabayashi Kenichi , Ikeda Yoko , Aoki Yoko , Matsuzaki Yoko
Published: March 2023

To investigate the antigenic changes in parechovirus 1 (PeVA1), seroepidemiological analyses were performed against the Harris strain (Harris), isolated in 1956, and PeVA1/Yamagata.JPN/2021‐4785, isolated in 2021, using immune sera and 207 and 237 human serum specimens collected in 2021 and 1976, respectively. Although rabbit immune sera showed the highest neutralization antibody (NT‐Ab) titers against the immunized viruses at 1:12 800–1:102 400, they were cross‐reactive at 1:400–1:800. All 62 Yamagata isolates obtained between 2001 and 2021 (Yamagata strains), belonging to phylogenetic lineage 1B, reacted more strongly (mostly 4–64 times) to antiserum against PeVA1/Yamagata.JPN/2021‐4785 than to antiserum against Harris, belonging to phylogenetic lineage 1 A. Human serum specimens obtained in 2021 showed higher NT‐Ab titers against PeVA1/Yamagata.JPN/2021‐4785, whereas those obtained in 1976 had similar NT‐Ab titers against both strains. These findings suggested that Yamagata strains and Harris were antigenically cross‐reactive, although there were differences. There are still high NT‐Abs titers present against Harris in 2021 in particular, indicating that PeVA1 has been in circulation with high immunity in the population. In conclusion, this study suggested that PeVA1 has been endemically perpetuated with only minor antigenic changes as well as with high immunity over several decades in the community.
NIR dye‐encoded nanotags for biosensing: Role of functional groups on sensitivity and performance in SERRS‐based LFA
Authors: Choi Namhyun , Adanalic Mujo , Dankov Asen , Grzeschik Roland , Hechler Michelle , Schlücker Sebastian
Published: March 2023

Surface‐enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) is based on nanostructures supporting localized surface plasmon resonances as well as electronic resonances of the molecular adsorbate. Bright NIR‐SERRS nanotags require dyes with high Raman scattering cross‐sections upon NIR laser excitation in combination with functional groups for chemisorption. Here, we report on the role of isothiocyanate (ITC) and sulfonate (SO) groups in five cyanine dyes on sensitivity and performance of nanotags in SERRS‐based LFA. Dye concentration‐dependent SERRS and zeta potential measurements on bare gold nanostars (AuNS) revealed strong differences in their sensitivity and stability as a function of the number of ITC and SO groups. A positive correlation with the number of ITC groups due to stronger chemisorption and a negative correlation with the number of SO groups due to stronger desorption because of higher water solubility was observed. The application in SERRS‐based biosensing requires additional functionalization steps, for example, co‐adsorption of PEG with the NIR dye. The comparison of the Raman intensities before and after bioconjugation showed that the presence of at least one ITC group is necessary for minimizing Raman signal losses, irrespective of the additional presence of SO groups. In a SERRS‐based lateral flow assay (LFA) for sensing the pregnancy marker beta‐hCG, the two dyes NIR 4f and NIR 5e (both ITC = 2, SO = 0) showed the best performance. In contrast, we do not recommend to use IR‐783 (ITC = 0, SO = 2) for SERRS‐based biosensing. Overall, this study highlights the importance of surface‐seeking moieties such as the common ITC group for optimal performance in SERRS‐based biosensing platforms.
A nonmetal substrate of surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy for trace fentanyl detection
Authors: Lian Zheng , Lu Chunqing , Sun Qian , Cheng Jiaolong , Miao Cuiying , Chen Zhenqian
Published: March 2023

Rapid detection and identification of opioids are of great significance and an urgent need in drug regulation and forensic science. Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic drug of abuse that unfortunately cannot be accurately detected. Therefore, techniques combining fast, highly sensitive and portable for fentanyl detection need to be developed. Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has emerged as a promising detection technique owing to its high sensitivity and selectivity. Here, we reported a nonmetal SERS substrate used for trace fentanyl detection. The lowest detectable concentration was 10−7 M, and the MoO2 substrate exhibited excellent thermal and chemical stability, which could even ensure high‐temperature heating, laser irradiation, and corrosion of strong acid or alkali.
Impact of different on‐farm management practices on bread wheat quality: a case study in the Yaqui Valley
Authors: Tabbita Facundo , Ortiz‐Monasterio Iván , Piñera‐Chavez Francisco J. , Ibba María Itria , Guzmán Carlos
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Continuous development of new wheat varieties is necessary to satisfy the demands of farmers, industry, and consumers. The evaluation of candidate genotypes for commercial release under different on‐farm conditions is a strategy that has been strongly recommended to assess the performance and stability of new cultivars in heterogeneous environments and under different farming systems. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate the grain yield and quality performance of ten different genotypes across six contrasting farmers' field conditions with different irrigation and nitrogen fertilization levels, and to develop suggestions to aid breeding programs and farmers to use resources more efficiently. Genotype and genotype by environment (GGE) interaction biplot analyses were used to identify the genotypes with the strongest performance and greatest stability in the Yaqui Valley.

RESULTS

Analyses showed that some traits were mainly explained by the genotype effect, others by the field management conditions, and the rest by combined effects. The most representative and diverse field conditions in the Yaqui Valley were also identified, a useful strategy when breeders have limited resources. The independent effects of irrigation and nitrogen levels and their interaction were analyzed for each trait. The results showed that full irrigation was not always necessary to maximize grain yield in the Yaqui Valley. Other suggestions for more efficient use of resources are proposed.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of on‐farm trials with GGE interaction analyses is an effective strategy to include in breeding programs to improve processes and resources. Identifying the most outstanding and stable genotypes under real on‐farm systems is key to the development of novel cultivars adapted to different management and environmental conditions. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer: Quality over quantity
Authors: Thalji Sam Z. , Aldakkak Mohammed , Christians Kathleen K. , Clarke Callisia N. , George Ben , Kamgar Mandana , Erickson Beth A. , Hall William A. , Chisholm Phillip , Kulkarni Naveen , Doucette Saryn , Evans Douglas B. , Tsai Susan
Published: March 2023

Background and Objectives

The ideal duration of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in patients with localized pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) treated with curative intent is unclear. We sought to determine the prognostic significance of both duration of NACT and Carbohydrate Antigen 19‐9 (CA19‐9) normalization to NACT.

Methods

We examined patients with resectable and borderline resectable PDAC treated with NACT and chemoradiation. Patients were compared by NACT duration (2 vs. 4 months) and by CA19‐9 normalization after NACT.

Results

Among 171 patients, 83 (49%) received 2 months of NACT, and 88 (51%) received 4 months. After NACT completion, 115 (67%) patients had persistently elevated CA19‐9, and 56 (33%) had normalized. Of the 125 patients who had successful surgery, 73 (58%) had normalized CA19‐9 postoperatively. Duration of NACT was not associated with overall survival (OS) while CA19‐9 normalization after NACT (regardless of duration) was associated with improved OS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.35–0.89, p = 0.02). Adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with improved OS among patients without CA19‐9 normalization after NACT (HR 0.42, CI 0.20–0.86, p = 0.02) but not among those that normalized, independent of duration.

Conclusions

CA19‐9 normalization after NACT is a clinically significant endpoint of treatment; patients without CA19‐9 normalization may benefit from additional therapy.
In Situ Sprayed Difunctional Gel Avoiding Microenvironments Limitations to Treat Pressure Ulcers
Authors: Shan Jingyang , Li Xiuping , Huang Zhengzheng , Kong Bin , Wang Huan , Ren Lijie
Published: March 2023

How to avoid the microenvironment limitations in the therapeutic process of pressure ulcers is still challenging. The development of a functional gel can kill bacteria and scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is urgently required in the therapeutic process of pressure ulcers. Herein, an in situ sprayed gel is developed with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and polydopamine (PDA) NPs (APG) to obviate microenvironment restrictions in treating pressure ulcers. The gel is constructed by spraying sodium alginate solution and CaCl2 solution. AgNPs serve as an antibacterial agent in the formed gel, which can effectively cause bacterial inactivation and show more than 5 log (>99.999%) bacterial killing efficiency against methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Escherichia coli (E. coli) in vitro. Meanwhile, PDA NPs serve as the antioxidative agent in the formed gel, which can facilitate the elimination of ROS to address the high ROS problem in wound microenvironment. Based on these features, it is demonstrated through cell and animal experiments that the AgNPs and PDA NPs incorporated gel can realize the effective treatment of MRSA‐infected and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐sensitized pressure ulcers. It is believed that the designed system by a simple spray‐coating approach can provide a new therapeutic strategy in biomedical areas.
Mitigation of top‐ and bottom‐of‐the‐line CO2 corrosion in the presence of acetic acid (II): Inhibition using azole derivatives
Authors: Ajayi Fredric O. , Lyon Stuart
Published: March 2023

Carbon steel flowlines transporting hydrocarbon fluids are susceptible to internal corrosion in the aqueous phase at the base (6 o'clock position) and in aqueous condensed droplets at the top (12 o'clock position). Respectively, these issues are known as “bottom‐of‐the‐line” corrosion and “top‐of‐the‐line” corrosion and inhibitors that are used to control internal pipeline corrosion need to be effective at both locations. Here, we explore whether 2‐mercaptobenzimidazole (2‐MBI), 2‐phenyl‐2‐imidazoline (2‐PI), 2‐amino‐5‐ethyl‐1,3,4‐thiodiazole (2‐AETD), are able to control CO2 corrosion simultaneously at both the top‐ and the bottom‐of‐the‐line in the presence and absence of acetic acid, a common minor constituent of produced hydrocarbon fluids. The performance of the species varied between highly effective (2‐MBI), moderately effective (2‐AETD) to ineffective (2‐PI). Inhibition was effective at both bottom‐ and top‐of‐the‐line, and with acetic acid present. Given that the vapor pressure of these species is negligible, it is suggested that they are carried from the bulk phase to the top‐of‐the‐line dissolved in aerosol droplets rather than in the vapor phase.
Microstructure, mechanical and corrosion behaviours in friction stir welding of dissimilar magnesium alloys
Authors: Singh Umesh K. , Dubey Avanish K.
Published: March 2023

Using magnesium alloys reduce the weight of a vehicle considerably, but the available fusion welding methods impose restrictions on the fabrication of magnesium alloy components. Friction stir welding is an efficient method to weld magnesium alloys, but due to extreme plasticization and stirring of materials, the microstructures are transformed. Similar to other alloys, friction stir welded magnesium alloys are also susceptible to corrosion. In the present work, dissimilar AZ31 and AZ91 Mg alloys were friction stir welded at varying welding conditions. The variable presence of small cracks with a high amount of oxide, and microstructural and textural differences result in varying joint strength, that is, joint efficiency, which has a maximum value of approximately 90% of a stronger base material. The maximum corrosion potential obtained in welded zones is approximately equal to a base material that conveys similar electrochemical behaviour. The minimum corrosion rate of 0.22 mm/year is observed in the sample welded at 700 rpm tool rotational speed, 30 mm/min welding speed and 18 mm shoulder diameter.
Machine Learning in Tremor Analysis: Critique and Directions
Authors: De Anwesan , Bhatia Kailash P. , Volkmann Jens , Peach Robert , Schreglmann Sebastian R.
Published: March 2023

Tremor is the most frequent human movement disorder, and its diagnosis is based on clinical assessment. Yet finding the accurate clinical diagnosis is not always straightforward. Fine‐tuning of clinical diagnostic criteria over the past few decades, as well as device‐based qualitative analysis, has resulted in incremental improvements to diagnostic accuracy. Accelerometric assessments are commonplace, enabling clinicians to capture high‐resolution oscillatory properties of tremor, which recently have been the focus of various machine‐learning (ML) studies. In this context, the application of ML models to accelerometric recordings provides the potential for less‐biased classification and quantification of tremor disorders. However, if implemented incorrectly, ML can result in spurious or nongeneralizable results and misguided conclusions. This work summarizes and highlights recent developments in ML tools for tremor research, with a focus on supervised ML. We aim to highlight the opportunities and limitations of such approaches and provide future directions while simultaneously guiding the reader through the process of applying ML to analyze tremor data. We identify the need for the movement disorder community to take a more proactive role in the application of these novel analytical technologies, which so far have been predominantly pursued by the engineering and data analysis field. Ultimately, big‐data approaches offer the possibility to identify generalizable patterns but warrant meaningful translation into clinical practice. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Use of baricitinib in treatment of COVID‐19: a systematic review
Authors: Sampath Ananyan , Banerjee Aditya , Atal Shubham , Jhaj Ratinder
Published: March 2023

Objective

To assess the role of baricitinib alone or in combination with other therapies as a treatment for patients with COVID‐19.

Methods

Systematic literature search was conducted in the WHO COVID‐19 coronavirus disease database to find clinical studies on use of baricitinib for treatment of COVID‐19 between December 1, 2019 and September 30, 2021. Two independent set of reviewers identified the eligible studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria, relevant data was extracted and a qualitative synthesis of evidence performed. The risk of bias was evaluated with validated tools.

Results

A total of 267 articles were found to be eligible after primary screening of titles and abstracts. Following assessment of full texts, 19 studies were finally included for this systematic review, out of which 16 are observational, and 3 are interventional studies. Collating the results from these observational and interventional studies, baricitinib used as add‐on to standard therapy, either alone or in combination with other drugs, was found to have favorable outcomes in hospitalized patients with moderate to severe COVID‐19. Furthermore, ongoing trials indicate that the drug is being extensively studied across the world for its safety and efficacy in COVID‐19.

Conclusion

Baricitinib significantly improves clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19 pneumonia, and further evidence will establish the drug as a standard treatment among such patients.
The role of global reanalyses in climate services for health: Insights from the Lancet Countdown
Authors: Di Napoli Claudia , Romanello Marina , Minor Kelton , Chambers Jonathan , Dasgupta Shouro , Escobar Luis E. , Hang Yun , Hänninen Risto , Liu Yang , Lotto Batista Martin , Lowe Rachel , Murray Kris A. , Owfi Fereidoon , Rabbaniha Mahnaz , Shi Liuhua , Sofiev Mikhail , Tabatabaei Meisam , Robinson Elizabeth J. Z.
Published: March 2023

As the linkages between extreme weather events, changes in climatic conditions and health impacts in exposed populations become clearer, so does the need for climate‐smart decisions aimed at making the public health sector more responsive and resilient. By integrating climate and health information, climate services for health provide robust decision‐support tools. The Lancet Countdown monitoring system uses global climate reanalyses products to track annual changes in a set of health‐related outcomes. In the monitoring system, multiple variables from reanalysis datasets such as ERA5 and ERA5‐Land are retrieved and processed to capture heatwaves, precipitation extremes, wildfires, droughts, warming and ecosystem changes across the globe and over multiple decades. This reanalysis‐derived information is then input into a hazard–exposure–vulnerability framework that delivers, as outcomes, indicators tracking the year‐by‐year impacts of climate‐related hazards on human mortality, labour capacity, physical activity, sentiment, infectious disease transmission, and food security and undernutrition. Building on the reanalysis gridded format, the indicators create worldwide ‘maps without gaps’ of climate–health linkages. Our experience shows that reanalysis datasets allow standardization across the climate information used in the framework, making the system potentially adaptable to multiple geographical scales. An ongoing challenge is to quantify how the inherent bias of global reanalyses influences indicator outcomes. We foresee the health sector as a key user of reanalysis products. Therefore, public health professionals and health impact modellers should be involved in the co‐development of future iterations of reanalysis datasets, to reach finer spatial resolutions and provide a wider set of health‐relevant climate variables.
Fermented Pineapple Juice Consumption Limits Metabolic Disorders Associated to Sugary Drinks on High‐Fat Diet‐Fed Mice
Authors: Guérin Marie , Remize Fabienne , Bringart Matthieu , Planesse Cynthia , Rondeau Philippe , Robert‐Da Silva Christine , Garcia Cyrielle
Published: March 2023

Scope

Lactic acid fermentation (LAF) modulates the composition of food, leading to changes in safety, sensory, and nutritional properties. The effects of lactic fermented pineapple juice (FJ) supplementation on energetic metabolism of high‐fat diet (HFD) fed mice are compared with either water (control), sweetened water (SW), bacteria in SW, and pineapple juice (J) supplementation.

Methods and results

Drink consumption and body weight are measured during the 6 weeks of experiment, whereas glycemia and lipid content are determined at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. Total energy intake is similar between all groups though the volume of juice consumed is lower than that of SWs. Weight gain is higher for mice provided with sugary drinks (5.65 ± 1.32 to 7.74 ± 2.98 g) compared to water (4.68 ± 0.93 g). The FJ is less detrimental to blood carbohydrate regulation than other sugary drinks. Triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol content are not modified following fermented juice or water consumption, contrarily to other sugary drinks. Whatever the drink, intestinal permeability is preserved. Lactic acid bacterium (LAB) population in feces is not affected by the beverage but species composition is modified.

Conclusion

From a health perspective, FJ is preferable to other sugary drinks to limit metabolic disorders related to HFD.
Temperature‐Optimized Synthesis of SiO2‐Reinforced N‐(Alkyl)Acrylamide‐Based Semi‐IPN Hybrid Gels Functionalized with Methacrylic Acid Units
Authors: Kalkan Birgül , Mocan Merve , Orakdogen Nermin
Published: March 2023

In order to obtain a pH and temperature sensitive hybrids with a controlled structure, synthesis of N‐(alkyl)acrylamide‐based semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (semi‐IPN) reinforced with silica (SiO2) nanoparticles and functionalized with methacrylic acid units is carried out by optimizing the polymerization temperature. The study aims to understand the effect of polymerization temperature on the physical properties of semi‐IPN hybrids. Changing preparation temperature between −30 and 23 °C leads to significant differences in physico‐mechanical results, swelling tendency and adsorption ability, while silica nanoparticles strengthen hybrid walls, preventing their collapse during deswelling and providing rapid response. The hybrids prepared at higher temperatures are found to swell more and faster in water, while the lowest swelling is observed those prepared at 5 °C. The incorporation of SiO2 particles into copolymer structure via physical crosslinking with network chains enhances the elasticity. The effect of polymerization temperature on adsorption is investigated using methylene blue as a model dye. Increasing polymerization temperature increases the adsorption rate and shortens time to reach the equilibrium point, and adsorption efficiency increases when polymerization temperature is lowered. The results show that semi‐IPN hybrids loaded with silica nanoparticles can be used as alternative and potential adsorbents in the treatment of industrial wastes.
Transcanal Excision of Exostoses: Large Series Comparing Bone Removal Methods
Authors: Shohet Jack , Justeson Drew , Wilkins Allison
Published: March 2023

Objective

External auditory exostosis (EAE) is a condition of progressive temporal bone growth into the external auditory canal most commonly from repeat cold water and wind exposure. Several tools have been utilized for EAE excision with varying implications for intra‐ and postoperative complications. However, comparisons of osteotome and microdrill are made difficult due to the few published cases and intervariability between surgeons. Furthermore, evidence is needed to analyze the safety of novel supplemental tools such as the piezoelectric bone‐cutting device.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Setting

Medical clinic and surgery center.

Methods

A total of 413 subjects representing 472 ears met the inclusion criteria. Of which 159 ears were operated on using osteotome alone (OA), 271 using osteotome with a drill (OD), and 42 with osteotome with piezoelectric (OP). Charts were analyzed for the most reported intraoperative complications and postoperative symptoms and complications.

Results

There were no significant differences in the rate of tympanic membrane perforations nor in total intraoperative complications between OA, OD, or OP. The OD group contained the only nonperforation intraoperative event. OA had the lowest or near lowest incidence of all symptoms analyzed. OA showed a significantly lower incidence of tinnitus when compared to OD and OP.

Conclusion

We found that OA performed the best, though not statistically significant in most measures, with regard to mitigating rates of complications postsurgery. Our findings suggest OA provides lower risk intraoperatively and postoperatively for patients undergoing transcanal exostosis excision.
Analysis of ductile damage evolution and failure mechanisms due to reverse loading conditions for the aluminum alloy EN‐AW 6082‐T6
Authors: Wei Zhichao , Zistl Moritz , Gerke Steffen , Brünig Michael
Published: March 2023

This paper deals with experiments and numerical simulations for reverse uniaxial tension‐compression and shear tests to investigate the ductile damage and fracture behavior of the aluminum alloy EN‐AW 6082‐T6. For this purpose, experiments with different loading sequences and number of loading cycles with uniaxial tensile and new shear specimens have been performed. Furthermore, the digital image correlation (DIC) technique captures the deformations and strain fields during the experimental processes. A modified anisotropic stress‐state‐dependent elastic‐plastic‐damage continuum model is proposed and is validated by experimental strain fields measured by DIC. Moreover, numerically predicted distributions of the principal damage strains are compared with fracture images taken by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Adaptive approximation of nonlinear eigenproblems by minimal rational interpolation
Authors: Pradovera Davide
Published: March 2023

We describe a strategy for solving nonlinear eigenproblems numerically. Our approach is based on the approximation of a vector‐valued function, defined as solution of a non‐homogeneous version of the eigenproblem. This approximation step is carried out via the minimal rational interpolation method. Notably, an adaptive sampling approach is employed: the expensive data needed for the approximation is gathered at locations that are optimally chosen by following a greedy error indicator. This allows the algorithm to employ computational resources only where where “most of the information” on not‐yet‐approximated eigenvalues can be found. Then, through a post‐processing of the surrogate, the sought‐after eigenvalues and eigenvectors are recovered. Numerical examples are used to showcase the effectiveness of the method.
Multi‐marginal Approximation of the Linear Gromov–Wasserstein Distance
Authors: Beier Florian , Beinert Robert
Published: March 2023

Recently, two concepts from optimal transport theory have successfully been brought to the Gromov–Wasserstein (GW) setting. This introduces a linear version of the GW distance and multi‐marginal GW transport. The former can reduce the computational complexity when computing all GW distances of a large set of inputs. The latter allows for a simultaneous matching of more than two marginals, which can for example be used to compute GW barycenters. The aim of this paper is to show an approximation result which characterizes the linear version as a limit of a multi‐marginal GW formulation.
Product integration method for the simulation of radial effects in fiber melt spinning of semi‐crystalline polymers
Authors: Ettmüller Manuel , Arne Walter , Marheineke Nicole , Wegener Raimund
Published: March 2023

In this work we consider the simulation of a mixed‐dimensional model for viscous fiber melt spinning of semi‐crystalline polymers including radial effects on the temperature and crystallinity. We present a suitable algorithm based on the product integration method and an analytical solution of the temperature advection‐diffusion equation. A numerical convergence and performance analysis confirms that our approach results in an accurate and efficient algorithm.