bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual mode grating sensor using microring conjugate mirror and plasmonic island
Authors: Pornsuwancharoen Nithiroth , Jalil Muhammad Arif , Amiri Iraj S. , Ali Jalil , Yupapin Preecha
Published: September 2023

In this study, we propose a model for the dual mode gold grating sensor using a microring conjugate mirror (MCM) and the plasmonic island. The sensor measurement of derived quantity is the change in the Bragg wavelength and electron mobility that can be related to the optical phase‐shift or gold grating mobility changes. The plasmonic island consists of the stacked layers of silicon‐graphene‐gold materials. At the resonant condition, the gold electron mobility is driven by the whispering gallery mode generated by the nonlinear microring resonator. Additionally, the 3D reflection power profile of the grating sensor and target source interaction can be formed by the MCM. By selecting the suitable parameters, it can be arranged to have the four‐wave mixing output, which is the criterion of the 3D output of the MRC. The calculation results have shown that there is a relationship between the change in the electron mobility and Bragg wavelength of
~1.5 × 10−21 cm2 V−1 s−1 (mW)−1 at the
λ
Bragg of 1.55 μm, where the separation of 1 nm is obtained. The related mathematical formulas are re‐arranged for suitable applications.
Phase 1 study of cabozantinib in combination with topotecan–cyclophosphamide for patients with relapsed Ewing sarcoma or osteosarcoma
Authors: Campbell Kevin , Posner Andrew , Chen Nan , Cavanaugh Kerri , Bhushan Ketki , Janeway Katherine A. , Shulman David S. , George Suzanne , Klega Kelly , Crompton Brian , London Wendy B. , DuBois Steven G.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Phase 1 study assessing the safety and toxicity of cabozantinib in combination with topotecan and cyclophosphamide for relapsed osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma.

Methods

Oral cabozantinib (25 mg/m2) was administered daily for 21 (dose level 1) or 14 (dose level −1B) days. Topotecan (0.75 mg/m2) and cyclophosphamide (250 mg/m2) were administered intravenously (IV) on days 1–5. A modified 3+3 design based upon first cycle dose‐limiting toxicities (DLT) was used for dose escalation.

Results

Twelve patients with a median age of 15 (12.9–33.2) years were enrolled (seven with Ewing sarcoma; five with osteosarcoma); all were evaluable for toxicity. At dose level 1, three of six patients developed first cycle DLT: grade 3 epistaxis, grade 3 transaminitis, and prolonged grade 2 thrombocytopenia. Six patients were enrolled on dose level −1B (interrupted cabozantinib, given days 8–21), with one first cycle DLT (grade 3 pneumothorax) observed. Of the 10 response evaluable patients, one had partial response (Ewing sarcoma), seven had stable disease, and two had progressive disease.

Conclusions

The recommended phase 2 doses and schedules for this combination are topotecan 0.75 mg/m2 IV days 1–5, cyclophosphamide 250 mg/m2 IV days 1–5, and cabozantinib 25 mg/m2 days 8–21. Non‐concomitant administration of cabozantinib with cytotoxic therapy in this population has acceptable toxicity, while allowing for potential disease control.
Investigation of in vitro generated metabolites of LGD‐4033, a selective androgen receptor modulator, in homogenized camel liver for anti‐doping applications
Authors: Ondern Komathu Praseen , Padusha Mohamed Khan Syed Ali , Laya Saraswathy , Nalakath Jahfar , Palathinkal Ansar Babu , Nelliyott Ibrahimwaseem
Published: September 2023

Rationale

The use of selective androgen receptor modulators (SARM) in sports is prohibited by the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) due to their potential as performance‐enhancing drugs, offering an unfair advantage. LGD‐4033 is a SARM known for its similarities to anabolic steroids and can be easily purchased online, leading to increased availability and misuse. Adverse analytical findings have revealed the presence of SARMs in dietary supplements. Although LGD‐4033 misuse has been reported in human sports over the years, concerns also arise regarding its illicit use in animal sports, including camel racing. Although various studies have investigated the metabolism of LGD‐4033 in humans, horse, and other species, there is limited research specifically dedicated to racing camels.

Methods

This study focuses on the in vitro metabolism of LGD‐4033 in homogenized camel liver using liquid chromatography–high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC‐HRMS) to identify and characterize the metabolites.

Results

The findings indicated the presence of 12 phase I metabolites and 1 phase II metabolite. Hydroxylation was responsible for the formation of the main phase I metabolites that were identified. A glucuronic acid conjugate of the parent drug was observed in this study, but no sulfonic acid conjugate was found. The possible chemical structures of these metabolites, along with their fragmentation patterns, were identified using MS.

Conclusions

These findings provide valuable insights into the metabolism of LGD‐4033 in camels and aid in the development of effective doping control methods for the detection of SARMs in camel racing.
Identification of raffinose family oligosaccharides in processed Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry image combined with machine learning
Authors: Li Huizhi , Zhang Shishan , Zhao Yanfang , He Jixiang , Chen Xiangfeng
Published: September 2023

Rationale

Currently, research on oligosaccharides primarily focuses on the physiological activity and function, with a few studies elaborating on the spatial distribution characterization and variation in the processing of Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch. Thus, imaging the spatial distributions and dynamic changes in oligosaccharides during the steaming process is significant for characterizing the metabolic networks of R. glutinosa. It will be beneficial to characterize the impact of steaming on the active ingredients and distribution patterns in different parts of the plant.

Methods

A highly sensitive matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry image (MALDI‐MSI) method was used to visualize the spatial distribution of oligosaccharides in processed R. glutinosa. Furthermore, machine learning was used to distinguish the processed R. glutinosa samples obtained under different steaming conditions.

Results

Imaging results showed that the oligosaccharides in the fresh R. glutinosa were mainly distributed in the cortex and xylem. As steaming progressed, the tetra‐ and pentasaccharides were hydrolyzed and diffused gradually into the tissue section. MALDI‐MS profiling combined with machine learning was used to identify the processed R. glutinosa samples accurately at different steaming intervals. Eight algorithms were used to build classification machine learning models, which were evaluated for accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score. The linear discriminant analysis and random forest models performed the best, with prediction accuracies of 0.98 and 0.97, respectively, and thus can be considered for identifying the steaming durations of R. glutinosa.

Conclusions

MALDI‐MSI combined with machine learning can be used to visualize the distribution of oligosaccharides and identify the processed samples after steaming for different durations. This can enhance our understanding of the metabolic changes that occur during the steaming process of R. glutinosa; meanwhile, it is expected to provide a theoretical reference for the standardization and modernization of processing in the field of medicinal plants.
Undergraduate Dermatology Education: The Importance of Curriculum Review
Authors: Khalil Nada , Bala Laksha , George Christina
Published: September 2023

In this letter, we highlight the considerable diversity in undergraduate dermatology training in the United Kingdom and acknowledge the barriers faced in implementing the revised national undergraduate curriculum provided by the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD). We provide a pragmatic approach of ensuring that our dermatology placement aligns with the BAD national undergraduate curriculum and Medical Licensing Assessment (MLA) content map, in the face of limited clinician time and placement length. We urge other medical schools to adopt our approach of curriculum mapping, particularly in light of the upcoming MLA, and sustainable educational resource development.
Realization of High Magnetization in Artificially Designed Ni/NiO Layers through Exchange Coupling
Authors: Ding Xiang , Cui Xiangyuan , Tseng Li‐Ting , Wang Yiren , Qu Jiangtao , Yue Zengji , Sang Lina , Lee Wai Tung , Guan Xinwei , Bao Nina , Sathish CI , Yu Xiaojiang , Xi Shibo , Breese Mark B.H. , Zheng Rongkun , Wang Xiaolin , Wang Lan , Wu Tom , Ding Jun , Vinu Ajayan , Ringer Simon P. , Yi Jiabao
Published: September 2023

High‐magnetization materials play crucial roles in various applications. However, the past few decades have witnessed a stagnation in the discovery of new materials with high magnetization. In this work, Ni/NiO nanocomposites are fabricated by depositing Ni and NiO thin layers alternately, followed by annealing at specific temperatures. Both the as‐deposited samples and those annealed at 373 K exhibit low magnetization. However, the samples annealed at 473 K exhibit a significantly enhanced saturation magnetization exceeding 607 emu cm−3 at room temperature, surpassing that of pure Ni (480 emu cm−3). Material characterizations indicate that the composite comprises NiO nanoclusters of size 1–2 nm embedded in the Ni matrix. This nanoclustered NiO is primarily responsible for the high magnetization, as confirmed by density functional theory calculations. The calculations also indicate that the NiO clusters are ferromagnetically coupled with Ni, resulting in enhanced magnetization. This work demonstrates a new route toward developing artificial high‐magnetization materials using the high magnetic moments of nanoclustered antiferromagnetic materials.
Hierarchical NiCo@NiOOH@CoMoO4 Core–Shell Heterostructure on Carbon Cloth for High‐Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Akbar Abdul Rehman , Peng Gangqiang , Li Yongyi , Iqbal Rashid , Saleem Adil , Wang Guohong , Khan Abdul Sammed , Ali Mumtaz , Tahir Muhammad , Assiri Mohammed A. , Ali Ghaffar , Liu Fude
Published: September 2023

The fabrication of low‐cost, effective, and highly integrated nanostructured materials through simple and reproducible methods for high‐energy‐density supercapacitors is highly desirable. Herein, an activated carbon cloth (ACC) is designed as the functional scaffold for supercapacitors and treated hydrothermally to deposit NiCo nanoneedles working as internal core, followed by a dip‐dry coating of NiOOH nanoflakes core–shell and uniform hydrothermal deposition of CoMoO4 nanosheets serving as an external shell. The structured core–shell heterostructure ACC@NiCo@NiOOH@CoMoO4 electrode resulted in exceptional specific areal capacitance of 2920 mF cm−2 and exceptional cycling stability for 10 000 cycles. Moreover, the fabricated electrode is developed into an asymmetric supercapacitor which demonstrates excellent areal capacitance, energy density, and power density within the broad potential window of 1.7 V with a cycling life of 92.4% after 10 000 charge–discharge cycles, which reflects excellent cycle life. The distinctive core–shell structure, highly conductive substrate, and synergetic effect of coated material results in more electrochemical active sites and flanges for effective electrons and ion transportation. This unique technique provides a new perspective for cost‐efficient supercapacitor applications.
Transforming Spirulina maxima Biomass into Ultrathin Bioactive Coatings Using an Atmospheric Plasma Jet: A New Approach to Healing of Infected Wounds
Authors: Pham Tuyet , Nguyen Tien Thanh , Nguyen Ngoc Huu , Hayles Andrew , Li Wenshao , Pham Duy Quang , Nguyen Chung Kim , Nguyen Trung , Vongsvivut Jitraporn , Ninan Neethu , Sabri Ylias , Zhang Wei , Vasilev Krasimir , Truong Vi Khanh
Published: September 2023

The challenge of wound healing, particularly in patients with comorbidities such as diabetes, is intensified by wound infection and the accelerating problem of bacterial resistance to current remedies such as antibiotics and silver. One promising approach harnesses the bioactive and antibacterial compound C‐phycocyanin from the microalga Spirulina maxima. However, the current processes of extracting this compound and developing coatings are unsustainable and difficult to achieve. To circumvent these obstacles, a novel, sustainable argon atmospheric plasma jet (Ar‐APJ) technology that transforms S. maxima biomass into bioactive coatings is presented. This Ar‐APJ can selectively disrupt the cell walls of S. maxima, converting them into bioactive ultrathin coatings, which are found to be durable under aqueous conditions. The findings demonstrate that Ar‐APJ‐transformed bioactive coatings show better antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Moreover, these coatings exhibit compatibility with macrophages, induce an anti‐inflammatory response by reducing interleukin 6 production, and promote cell migration in keratinocytes. This study offers an innovative, single‐step, sustainable technology for transforming microalgae into bioactive coatings. The approach reported here has immense potential for the generation of bioactive coatings for combating wound infections and may offer a significant advance in wound care research and application.
High‐performance extended actors
Authors: Buhr Peter A. , Parsons Colby A. , Delisle Thierry , Li He Nan
Published: September 2023

Actors are a popular mechanism for indirectly expressing concurrency. This article examines an implementation in the concurrent dialect of C++, C++, which runs actors on shared‐memory multi‐processor computers. The C++ actor system targets 32–256+ multi‐core shared‐memory computers that form the backbone of high‐performance computing, rather than distributed actor communication or robust execution via parentage fallback used by other actor systems. Five new mechanisms are presented to achieve expressibility, robustness, high performance, and scalability of actor applications across multiple cores: explicit life time (storage management) of actors and messages, combining actors and coroutines, a forward message‐trace and backward message‐return for debugging and failures, a new promise call‐back for ask sends, and an actor implementation that inverts the actor execution‐model by decoupling actor mailboxes with high levels of sharding. Microbenchmarks compare the new actor features with CAF, Protoactor, and classic and typed Akka.
Wettability between Titanium‐Containing Steels and TiC Ceramic Substrate
Authors: Yan Xiaobo , Zhang Yabing , Wang Qiangqiang , Zhang Xubin , He Shengping
Published: September 2023

TiC particles, known for their extremely high hardness, are commonly used in metal‐matrix composite to enhance wear resistant. Precipitating TiC particles during the solidification stage of steel proves to be an effective method for improving product properties. Herein, TiC particles are determined to precipitate during the solidification process of titanium‐containing steels (Ti>0.3 wt%) through in situ observation experiment and energy spectrum analysis. To investigate the crucial factor of wettability, which significantly affects mechanical properties, the wetting experiments between TiC substrates (15 × 15 × 2 mm) and the steel specimens (Φ3 × 3 mm) with different titanium contents (0.01, 0.31, and 0.68 wt%) are simultaneously conducted employing a modified sessile drop method, combining with an electron probe microanalyzer. The results reveal that the molten steel infiltrates into the TiC substrate along its interconnected internal pores, driven by capillary force, with elements diffusion occurring and no reaction products are found in this process. Thermodynamic calculations confirm that TiC has a higher solubility in liquid steel compared to TiN, thus validating the superior wettability of TiC–steel system over the TiN–steel system. These findings provide valuable insights for studying wettability between TiC particles and high‐titanium steel, as well as for designing high‐titanium wear‐resistant steel compositions.
Ultrasmall MnOx Nanodots Catalyze Glucose for Reactive Oxygen Species‐Dependent Sequential Anti‐Infection and Regeneration Therapy
Authors: Wang Feng , Wu Qinghe , Zhang Chunfu , Kong Lingchi , Zuo Rongtai , Feng Kai , Jia Guoping , Hou Mengfei , Zou Jianhua , Chai Yimin , Xu Jia , Chen Xiaoyuan , Kang Qinglin
Published: September 2023

The management of diabetic wounds poses significant challenges due to persistent bacterial infections and chronic inflammation caused by hyperglycemia. Herein, a sequential two‐phase treatment strategy involving a reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst in the first phase for anti‐infection is proposed, followed by a benign level of ROS in the second phase for wound regeneration. To this end, ultra‐small manganese oxide nanodots (BM‐NDs) are incorporated into a gelatin methacrylamide (GelMA) hydrogel via a ROS‐responsive linker to form GelMA@BM dressing. The BM‐NDs catalyze a self‐cascade reaction that decomposes glucose into hydrogen peroxide, generates hydroxyl radicals (·OH), and simultaneously depletes glutathione. Upon application on diabetic wounds, BM‐NDs are rapidly released from the hydrogel due to endogenous ROS exposure, leading to high levels of ·OH that effectively eliminate bacteria and promote macrophage polarization to M1 phenotype, thereby facilitating phagocytosis of bacteria. With the consumption of glucose and degradation of BM‐NDs, ROS in the wound area declines to a benign level, which stimulates polarization of M2 macrophages and promotes wound healing. This two‐phase treatment strategy based on GelMA@BM dressing demonstrates potent antibacterial and pro‐healing efficacy, showcasing its potential for clinical translation.
Demographic and genetic consequences of a steelhead supplementation program
Authors: Smith Christian T. , Headley Racheal , Smith Matt , Kennedy Benjamen M. , Holmes John , Nehmens Melissa , Adams Brice , Piteo Matthew , Von Bargen Jennifer
Published: September 2023

Objective

Supplementation of naturally spawning populations by the addition of hatchery-spawned individuals is commonly conducted for recovery of threatened and endangered populations and to support harvest opportunities. Our objective was to evaluate whether the use of a juvenile captive broodstock and an integrated paradigm could increase returns of steelhead, the anadromous form of Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, while avoiding negative genetic impacts commonly associated with hatchery propagation.

Methods

We analyzed 291 genetic markers in adult steelhead returning to an integrated population in southwest Washington over the course of 15 years. Reproductive success (RS) of fish spawning in the natural environment was evaluated by origin (hatchery versus natural) and return year. Data were then pooled over years to maximize sample sizes for comparing RS estimates among groups (i.e., estimation of relative reproductive success [RRS]).

Result

We observed a weak relationship between RS and origin (male p = 0.347; female p = 0.066), but a significant relationship between RS and return year (male p < 0.001, η2 = 0.896; female p ⟨ 0.001, η2 = 0.867) (i.e., hatchery- and natural-origin fish did well or poorly together each year). Estimates of RRS for fish spawned in the hatchery ranged from 2.4 to 6.4, indicating that fish spawned in the hatchery produced more returning adult progeny than did fish allowed to spawn in the natural environment. Estimates of RRS were ⟨1.0 for hatchery-origin fish spawning in the natural environment, but the difference was nonsignificant for males and marginally significant for females. Hatchery-origin fish exhibited reduced genetic diversity as well as evidence of increased temporal population structure.

Conclusion

We conclude that the program was successful in achieving an increase in adult returns but not in avoiding negative genetic effects on the population and that any lasting impacts of supplementation remain to be determined.
Genome‐wide association study of soluble solids content, flesh color, and fruit shape in citron watermelon
Authors: Katuuramu Dennis N. , Levi Amnon , Wechter William P.
Published: September 2023

Fruit quality traits are crucial determinants of consumers’ willingness to purchase watermelon produce, making them major goals for breeding programs. There is limited information on the genetic underpinnings of fruit quality traits in watermelon. A total of 125 citron watermelon (Citrullus amarus) accessions were genotyped using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) molecular markers generated via whole‐genome resequencing. A total of 2,126,759 genome‐wide SNP markers were used to uncover marker‐trait associations using single and multi‐locus GWAS models. High broad‐sense heritability for fruit quality traits was detected. Correlation analysis among traits revealed positive relationships, with the exception of fruit diameter and fruit shape index (ratio of fruit length to fruit diameter), which was negative. A total of 37 significant SNP markers associated with soluble solids content, flesh color, fruit length, fruit diameter, and fruit shape index traits were uncovered. These peak SNPs accounted for 2.1%–23.4% of the phenotypic variation explained showing the quantitative inheritance nature of the evaluated traits. Candidate genes relevant to fruit quality traits were uncovered on chromosomes Ca01, Ca03, Ca06, and Ca07. These significant molecular markers and candidate genes will be useful in marker‐assisted breeding of fruit quality traits in watermelon.
Plant-derived cell-penetrating microprotein α-astratide aM1 targets Akt signaling and alleviates insulin resistance
Authors: Dutta Bamaprasad , Loo Shining , Kam Antony , Tam James P.
Published: September 2023

Insulin-resistant diabetes is a common metabolic disease with serious complications. Treatments directly addressing the underlying molecular mechanisms involving insulin resistance would be desirable. Our laboratory recently identified a proteolytic-resistant cystine-dense microprotein from huáng qí (Astragalus membranaceus) called α-astratide aM1, which shares high sequence homology to leginsulins. Here we show that aM1 is a cell-penetrating insulin mimetic, enters cells by endocytosis, and activates the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway independent of the insulin receptor leading to translocation of glucose transporter GLUT4 to the cell surface to promote glucose uptake. We also showed that aM1 alters gene expression, suppresses lipid synthesis and uptake, and inhibits intracellular lipid accumulation in myotubes and adipocytes. By reducing intracellular lipid accumulation and preventing lipid-induced, PKCθ-mediated degradation of IRS1/2, aM1 restores glucose uptake to overcome insulin resistance. These findings highlight the potential of aM1 as a lead for developing orally bioavailable insulin mimetics to expand options for treating diabetes.
Synthetic coumarin derivatives with anticoagulation and antiplatelet aggregation inhibitory effects
Authors: Ramsis Triveena M. , Ebrahim Maha A. , Fayed Eman A.
Published: September 2023

Thrombosis is the leading cause of illness and mortality worldwide, posing a serious risk to human health and life. Because antithrombotic drugs can prevent the beginning and progression of thrombotic disorders, they are essential in the management of thrombotic diseases. The substantial side effects and unsatisfactory efficacy of present antithrombotic drugs stimulate the search for novel, effective, and safer antithrombotic therapies. Natural and synthetic coumarins have been shown to have antithrombotic action, specifically anticoagulation, and antiplatelet aggregation. In particular, coumarin-based medications like warfarin, phenprocoumon, and cloricromen have long been used to treat thrombosis in clinical settings. The favored structure for creating novel antithrombotic medications with diverse modes of action is coumarin, which has low toxicity. The goal of the current review is to consolidate recent findings on the development of coumarins as antithrombotic agents, with a focus on the connection between these compounds’ chemical compositions and therapeutic potency. It aims to offer promising suggestions for the identification of new coumarin compounds with potent antithrombotic properties.
Genus-specific response of kelp photosynthetic pigments to decomposition
Authors: Wright Luka Seamus , Kregting Louise
Published: September 2023

Detritus is widely considered to be dead organic matter. However, recent studies have shown that kelp detritus can be functionally equivalent to the attached plant. This is significant, because detritus makes up ~ 42% of all plant biomass. In the Northeast Atlantic, studies on detrital photobiology have been restricted to the genus Laminaria. Here, we present data from a 46 d in situ experiment investigating the effect of decomposition on detrital photosynthetic pigment concentrations and stoichiometry in four Northeast Atlantic kelp species from three genera. We corroborate the lack of a decomposition effect on pigments of cold temperate Laminaria species as identified by previous studies but show that the photophysiology of other kelp genera responds differently. While Saccharina latissima displays an idiosyncratic parabolic response, the annual and thermally plastic kelp Saccorhiza polyschides seems to become less pigmented with increasing detrital age. If S. polyschides becomes increasingly dominant in future parts of a warmer Northeast Atlantic, this may translate to lower detrital photosynthetic potential at the forest scale. However, given our somewhat ambiguous data on this species, this conjecture requires further investigation into detrital photosynthesis.
Imaging-detected sports injuries and imaging-guided interventions in athletes during the 2022 FIFA football (soccer) World Cup
Authors: Bordalo Marcelo , Serner Andreas , Yamashiro Eduardo , Al-Musa Emad , Djadoun Mohamed Abdelatif , Al-Khelaifi Khalid , Schumacher Yorck Olaf , Al-Kuwari Abdulaziz Jaham , Massey Andrew , D’Hooghe Pieter , Cardinale Marco
Published: September 2023

Objective

To describe imaging-detected musculoskeletal injuries and image-guided interventional procedures during the 2022 FIFA football (soccer) World Cup.

Materials and methods

Retrospective analysis of all radiologic examinations performed in a central medical facility for athletes was performed by two board certified musculoskeletal radiologists. Data on muscle, tendon, ligament, cartilage, and bone injuries were collected according to imaging modality and body part.

Results

A total of 143 radiology examinations in 94 athletes were evaluated at the central medical facility. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was the most utilized modality (67%), followed by radiography (12%), ultrasonography (9%), and computed tomography (4%). Image-guided interventions corresponded to 8% of all radiological examinations. There were 112 injuries described, affecting muscles and tendons (42%), ligaments (25%), cartilage (21%), and bone (12%). Most injured body parts were thigh (27%), foot and ankle (23%), knee (23%), and hip/groin (8%). Most injured players were within the age range of 24–35 years old (71%).

Conclusion

Imaging was utilized in 11% of players who participated in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. MRI was the most utilized modality, and acute muscle tears were the most diagnosed type of injury.

Diagnostic imaging played an important role in diagnosing sports-related injuries during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Effect of Preoperative Carbohydrate Drink and Postoperative Chewing Gum on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Patients Undergoing Day Care Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Balabolu Mounika , Abuji Kishore , Soni Shiv Lal , Satish S. N. , Sharma Akhilesh , Singh Ajay , Behera Arunanshu , Tandup Cherring , Kaman Lileswar , Dahiya Divya
Published: September 2023

Background

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) causes an unexpected prolonged hospital stay after ambulatory surgery. Novel measures such as preoperative loading of oral carbohydrates and postoperative chewing gum have recently gained momentum for postoperative recovery. This study evaluated the effects of preoperative carbohydrate loading and postoperative chewing gum (CG) on PONV after daycare laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

Methods

A total of 100 patients were randomized to group A (preoperative carbohydrate loading with 200 ml of water with 25 g of carbohydrate and postoperative chewing gum (CG) when the patient responded to his/her name) and group B (standard care). The incidence of PONV and pain was assessed by using visual analogue scale. Quality of recovery (QoR‐15) was assessed by using QoR15 questionnaire at 6 h, 24 h and 48 h after surgery.

Results

The incidence of PONV and pain was lower in group A; however, it was not significant (p > 0.05). The severity of PONV, pain and the need for rescue antiemetic was significantly lower in group A (p < 0.05). The episodes of PONV and required dose of antiemetic were less in group A. Group A also had a significantly higher QoR‐15 score at all time points (p < 0.001). Preoperative dyspepsia was also noticed as a significant confounding predictor for postoperative vomiting.

Conclusion

Preoperative carbohydrate drinks and early postoperative CG reduces the severity of PONV and requirement of antiemetics in patients undergoing LC. Hence, these simple measures can be used as a standard of care to optimize perioperative care in patients undergoing daycare surgery.
The Free State Collection for Anthropological Research (FS-CAR): a new contemporary identified skeletal collection in South Africa
Authors: Maass Petra
Published: September 2023

Documented skeletal collections are valuable resources for anthropological studies aimed at reconstruction of the biological profile and examination of osteological trauma and pathology. The Free State Collection for Anthropological Research is a new, contemporary skeletal collection, based in central South Africa that has become available for such studies. This paper aims to provide an overview of the collection to encourage its future use in national and international research. The collection currently contains 64 female and 122 male skeletons of individuals that have died in the Free State province since the year 2000. Black individuals constitute 94.6% of the collection. Age-at-death ranges between 19 and 86 years, with an overall mean of 40 years. Year-of-birth ranges from 1927 to 1991. Tuberculosis (22.6%) and influenza/pneumonia (20.4%) are the most common cause of death for these individuals. Although the current demographic profile of the collection is skewed, new individuals are continuously being added. The collection offers several opportunities for anthropological research. The relatively young age-at-death and contemporary nature of the collection make it a useful tool for validation of existing methods for estimations of components of the biological profile. It can also be used in conjunction with other collections for the development of new methods for age and sex estimation and studies of trauma and disease manifestation of the skeleton.
Sleep problems at ages 8–9 and ADHD symptoms at ages 10–11: evidence in three cohorts from INMA study
Authors: González-Safont Llúcia , Rebagliato Marisa , Arregi Ane , Carrasco Paula , Guxens Mònica , Vegas Oscar , Julvez Jordi , Estarlich Marisa
Published: September 2023

Sleep problems and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are interrelated during childhood and preadolescence. The objective of this work is assessing if sleep problems at ages 8–9 represent an alarm sign for presenting ADHD problems at ages 10–11 in three cohorts from INMA Study. Participants were 1244 children from Gipuzkoa, Sabadell, and Valencia cohorts. Sleep problems were assessed (ages 8–9) with the sleep items of the Child’s Behaviour Checklist (CBCL), and ADHD problems were collected through the Conner’s Parent Rating Scales-Revised: Short Form (CPRS-R:S) (age 10–11). Minimally and fully adjusted negative binomial models were fitted for each CPRS-R:S scale. Linearity of the relationship was assessed with generalized additive models (cubic smoothing splines with 2, 3, and 4 knots). For sensitivity analyses, children with previous symptoms, those born preterm and small for gestational age, and cases with extreme values, were excluded. Sleep problems presented IRR (95% CI) of 1.14 (1.10–1.19), 1.20 (1.14–1.26), 1.18 (1.11–1.25), and 1.18 (1.13–1.23) for opposition, inattention, hyperactivity, and ADHD scales, respectively. Fully adjusted models slightly decreased the IRR, but the association remained similar and significant. Sensitivity analyses showed similar results to fully adjusted models with only hyperactivity shown a slight decrease on significance (p = 0.051) when ADHD cases at age 9 were excluded. 

  Conclusion: Sleep problems are an alarm sign for later neurodevelopment problems such as ADHD. Healthcare systems could take advantage implementing policies to pay special attention on the sleep habits and sleep hygiene. This could contribute to add evidence to public health programmes such as the Healthy Child Programme.

What is Known:• Sleep problems and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are common problems during childhood and preadolescence, with prevalences of 20-40% and 3.0-7.5%, respectively.• Sleep problems are even more common in children with ADHD condition.

What is New:• Sleep problems at ages 8-9 increased the risk of ADHD symptoms at ages 10-11.• This association remained strong even when considering child’s previous (5 years) and concurrent (8-9 years) ADHD symptoms, and other clinical conditions, such as being born preterm or small for gestational age.
Plasma anti-myosin autoantibodies in the diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Chen Yuqiong , Lan Chaoting , Zhong Weiyong , Song Kai , Ma Zuyi , Huang Lihua , Zhu Yun , Xia Huimin
Published: September 2023

We aimed to assess whether autoantibodies can be used as biomarkers for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and applied for its early diagnosis. A prospective observational study was conducted in neonates with suspected NEC abdominal distension (the developmental study), which consisted of 50 neonates finally divided into NEC (n = 24) and non-NEC (n = 26) cohorts based on follow-up results. Serum samples were collected within 48 h of illness onset and used for screening NEC-associated plasma autoantibodies by autoantigen microarray. Additionally, we validated anti-myosin autoantibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in an independent validation study, for which we selected plasma samples within 48 h of onset of NEC (n = 38) and samples of gestational age- and weight-matched controls (n = 13). Autoantigen microarray revealed that both IgG and IgM anti-myosin autoantibodies in plasma from neonates with NEC were significantly higher than those in neonates with other diagnoses. ELISA showed that plasma anti-myosin autoantibodies increased in the NEC cohort, with 1.5-fold higher levels than in the non-NEC cohort. Anti-myosin autoantibodies were able to distinguish NEC from non-NEC, achieving an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.8856 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.7918–0.9795), with sensitivity of 81.58% and specificity of 76.93%. Plasma anti-myosin autoantibodies were significantly higher in all three subtypes of NEC (P < 0.0001 for NEC I; P = 0.0018 for NEC II; P = 0.0011 for NEC III), especially in NEC stage I than that in the non-NEC controls.

Conclusion: Anti-myosin autoantibodies may be applied as a promising diagnostic marker for NEC, especially for NEC stage I.

What is Known:• Intestinal damage and self-antigen exposure may lead to increased autoantibodies, and they are widely used as biomarkers for diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease.• Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating disease with overwhelming inflammation and immune dysregulation.

What is New:• Increased autoantibodies were present in patients with NEC, even before typical X-ray manifestations.• Anti-myosin autoantibodies may be applied as a promising diagnostic marker for NEC.
Effective Results on the Size and Structure of Sumsets
Authors: Granville Andrew , Shakan George , Walker Aled
Published: September 2023

Let $$A \subset {\mathbb {Z}}^d$$

A
⊂

Z

d

be a finite set. It is known that NA has a particular size ($$\vert NA\vert = P_A(N)$$

|
N
A
|

=

P
A

(
N
)

for some $$P_A(X) \in {\mathbb {Q}}[X]$$

P
A

(
X
)

∈
Q

[
X
]

) and structure (all of the lattice points in a cone other than certain exceptional sets), once N is larger than some threshold. In this article we give the first effective upper bounds for this threshold for arbitrary A. Such explicit results were only previously known in the special cases when $$d=1$$

d
=
1

, when the convex hull of A is a simplex or when $$\vert A\vert = d+2$$

|
A
|
=
d
+
2

Curran and Goldmakher (Discrete Anal. Paper No. 27, 2021), results which we improve.
Effective climate sensitivity distributions from a 1D model of global ocean and land temperature trends, 1970–2021
Authors: Spencer Roy W. , Christy John R.
Published: September 2023

Current theoretically based Earth system models (ESMs) produce Effective Climate Sensitivities (EffCS) that range over a factor of three, with 80% of those models producing stronger global warming trends for 1970–2021 than do observations. To make a more observationally based estimate of EffCS, a 1D time-dependent forcing-feedback model of temperature departures from energy equilibrium is used to match measured ranges of global-average surface and sub-surface land and ocean temperature trends during 1970–2021. In response to two different radiative forcing scenarios, a full range of three model free parameters are evaluated to produce fits to a range of observed surface temperature trends (± 2σ) from four different land datasets and three ocean datasets, as well as deep-ocean temperature trends and borehole-based trend retrievals over land. Land-derived EffCS are larger than over the ocean, and EffCS is lower using the newer Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP245, 1.86 °C global EffCS, ± 34% range 1.48–2.15 °C) than the older Representative Concentration Pathway forcing (RCP6, 2.49 °C global average EffCS, ± 34% range 2.04–2.87 °C). The strongest dependence of the EffCS results is on the assumed radiative forcing dataset, underscoring the role of radiative forcing uncertainty in determining the sensitivity of the climate system to increasing greenhouse gas concentrations from observations alone. The results are consistent with previous observation-based studies that concluded EffCS during the observational period is on the low end of the range produced by current ESMs.
The co-occurrence of the two main oral diseases: periodontitis and dental caries
Authors: Baima Giacomo , Shin Hye-Sun , Arrica Mariantonietta , Laforí Andreina , Cordaro Massimo , Romandini Mario
Published: September 2023

Objectives

Limited studies are available testing through multiple regression models the association between the two main oral diseases: dental caries and periodontitis. The aim of this cross-sectional population-based study was to verify whether dental caries and periodontitis co-occur in a representative sample of the South Korea population.

Materials and methods

A total of 23,405 subjects representative of 36.2 million of adults (KNHANES) were examined. Univariate and multiple regression analyses using 7 different models were applied, controlling for age, gender, smoking status, frequency of toothbrushing, use of interproximal toothbrushes and flossing, educational level, income, gum diseases treatment and tooth filling in the previous year, BMI, Vitamin D serum levels, alcoholism, diabetes status, stress and carbohydrates dietary intake.

Results

In the fully adjusted model, participants with periodontitis had, respectively, a mean of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.41–1.23) and of 0.36 (95% CI: 0.22–0.50) more untreated decayed surfaces and teeth than participants without periodontitis, with an OR to have at least one untreated decayed surface of 1.96 (95% CI: 1.66–2.32). However, cumulative caries experience (DF scores) and periodontitis were not associated.

Conclusions

In this large nationally representative population, periodontitis and untreated dental caries co-occur. However, when considering cumulative caries experience (DF scores), the two diseases do not appear related.

Clinical relevance

In light of their possible co-occurrence, clinicians should implement integrative diagnostic, preventive and treatment strategies for both diseases.
Ultrasound abnormalities of the major salivary glands in Egyptian patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Hafez Ahmed E. , Taha AlShaimaa M. , Moshrif Abdelhfeez , Aly Hany M. , Abdel Noor Rasha , Mortada Mohamed , Elkhouli Radwa
Published: September 2023

Introduction/objectives

systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disorder with multiple organs destruction. This study aimed to identify the ultrasonographic changes of major salivary glands in Egyptian scleroderma patients and to detect their association to different disease manifestations.

Methods

Forty-seven SSc patients and 43 apparent healthy volunteers were enrolled. Demographics, inflammatory markers, and autoimmune status were recorded. Ultrasound evaluation of salivary glands was performed. Salivary gland changes’ associations were statistically examined with SSc susceptibility and disease manifestations.

Results

Thirty-one SSc patients exhibited glandular pathology (p < 0.0001), compared to controls. Of these abnormalities, SSc patients showed a total parotid gray scale of 2, total submandibular gray scale of 2, total glandular gray scale of 4, and total glandular Doppler signal of 1 at p < 0.0001, compared to the control group. Patients with SSc and glandular pathology had a higher prevalence of arthritis (p = 0.029) and ESR (p = 0.002) than those with normal glandular ultrasound. Significant associations were reported between gray scale ultrasound (GSUS) of total parotid (odds ratio “OR” = 0.4), total submandibular (OR = 0.36), and total glandular (OR = 0.53) with susceptibility to SSc at p < 0.0001. Total glandular GSUS (p = 0.039) and total submandibular power Doppler (p = 0.044) correlated with the SSc duration. Total parotid GSUS (p = 0.008) and total glandular GSUS (p < 0.0001) correlated with Schirmer’s test.

Conclusions

Major salivary glands are affected in SSc. Hence, scanning these glands with ultrasound is an additive tool besides the current practice.

Key Points• Major salivary gland changes, observed by ultrasonography, are new findings in Egyptian SSc patients.• Ultrasound changes of major salivary glands are associated with inflammatory markers and clinical manifestations of SSc.• Scleroderma ultrasonography scans of the main salivary glands could be added to the routine work.
Discrimination between hypervirulent and non-hypervirulent ribotypes of Clostridioides difficile by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and machine learning
Authors: Abdrabou Ahmed Mohamed Mostafa , Sy Issa , Bischoff Markus , Arroyo Manuel J. , Becker Sören L. , Mellmann Alexander , von Müller Lutz , Gärtner Barbara , Berger Fabian K.
Published: September 2023

Hypervirulent ribotypes (HVRTs) of Clostridioides difficile such as ribotype (RT) 027 are epidemiologically important. This study evaluated whether MALDI-TOF can distinguish between strains of HVRTs and non-HVRTs commonly found in Europe. Obtained spectra of clinical C. difficile isolates (training set, 157 isolates) covering epidemiologically relevant HVRTs and non-HVRTs found in Europe were used as an input for different machine learning (ML) models. Another 83 isolates were used as a validation set. Direct comparison of MALDI-TOF spectra obtained from HVRTs and non-HVRTs did not allow to discriminate between these two groups, while using these spectra with certain ML models could differentiate HVRTs from non-HVRTs with an accuracy >95% and allowed for a sub-clustering of three HVRT subgroups (RT027/RT176, RT023, RT045/078/126/127). MALDI-TOF combined with ML represents a reliable tool for rapid identification of major European HVRTs.
In situ conservation of Helosciadium nodiflorum: a crop wild relative of celery in Germany
Authors: Mewis Inga , Bernhardt Nadine , Bönisch Maria , Brassac Jonathan , Naumann Annette , Zander Matthias , Schirmak Uta , Nachtigall Marion , Ulrichs Christian
Published: September 2023

Crop wild relatives (CWR) represent valuable sources of traits that can enhance the abiotic and biotic stress tolerance of crops. Due to climate change and expansion of land use, they may suffer from population decline, which increases the risk of losing these resources. The in situ conservation of CWR is receiving growing attention to preserve their intraspecific diversity. In contrast to the safeguarding of seeds ex situ, the preservation of taxa in their natural habitat facilitates the development of new adaptations to changing environmental conditions. However, studies aiming at the establishment of their in situ conservation are rare. Therefore, we identified and genotyped Helosciadium nodiflorum occurrences in Germany. Helosciadium nodiflorum is an endangered CWR of cultivated celery (Apium graveolens). For 20 occurrences the number of individuals, the number of sexually reproducing individuals, and potential threats were recorded. Genetic differences were examined using 17 newly developed simple sequence repeats (SSR). Population genetic analyses, like the inference of the compositional genetic differentiation, of population structure, and a Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components were conducted. The analyses revealed that most occurrences were genetically distinct. Geographically closely located populations are often also genetically more similar. Several populations revealed a composite genome indicative of hybridizations between distinct populations. Populations that experienced fixation were also identified. Based on the genetic diversity, the location in different ecogeographic units, and the support of local stakeholders, we recommend the establishment of 15 genetic reserves for H. nodiflorum in Germany.
The controlled microfluidic formation of stable mixed phase HCP/FCC-UiO-67(Zr)-benzoic acid through modification of water concentration
Authors: Bailey Tom , Yang Lina , Humphreys Eleanor , Esat Faye , Douglas Ben , Hondow Nicole
Published: September 2023

This work reports the synthesis of a mixed crystal phase mesoporous metal–organic framework (MOF) through a new synthesis route. The Hexagonal Centred Planar/Face Centred Cubic mixed phase UiO-67(Zr) product was microfluidically synthesised using benzoic acid as the acid modulator. This phase ratio can be altered through changing the concentration of water present in the reaction solution. This product shows increased mesoporosity and uptake of N2 at 77 K and 1 bar of 1083 cm3/g, as compared to 615 cm3/g for the product made via the traditional batch approach. This leads to an increase working capacity due to the change in isotherm type, from type I to type IV, with the uptake occurring more gradually overall as pressure increases. An increased working capacity allows for a greater range of control for the volume of N2 stored in/released from the material. This product has only been successful in microfluidic conditions, highlighting the potential importance of this method for future synthesis of this MOF.