bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solvent Nuclear Magnetic Relaxation in Polyacid Solutions
Authors: Klink J. J. V. D. , Schriever J. , Leyte J.
Published: October 2023

Exchange of solvent protons or deuterons with acid groups in aqueous polyacid solutions may influence the observed proton and deuteron relaxation rates quite differently. It is shown that in the case of poly(acrylic acid) solutions of approx. 0.3 N, the deuteron relaxation rate is dominated by relaxation in polyacid groups and does not give information on the behaviour of hydrated water molecules
Der Mechanismus der Komplexbildung in polaren Lösungsmitteln. Zusammenhang zwischen der Bildungs‐ und Dissoziationsgeschwindigkeit mit der Donizität des Lösungsmittels
Authors: Dickert F. , Hoffmann H. , Janjic T.
Published: October 2023

Mit Hilfe von Relaxationsverfahren wurde die Kinetik der Bildung und Dissoziation von Ni(SCN)2‐Komplexen in den Lösungsmitteln H2O, DMSO, DMF, CH3OH und CH3 · CN untersucht. In allen nichtwäßrigen Lösungsmitteln konnten immer zwei Relaxationszeiten beobachtet werden, die auf den Mono‐ und Bis‐Komplex zurückgeführt werden konnten. Die Bildungs‐ und Dissoziationsgeschwindigkeiten der Komplexe und die zugehörigen Aktivierungsparameter wurden ermittelt. Es zeigte sich, daß sich sowohl die Gleichgewichts‐ als auch die Geschwindigkeitskonstanten mit der Polarität der Lösungsmittel korrelieren lassen, wenn als Polaritätsskala die von V. Gutmann eingeführte Donizität verwendet wurde. Auch die Austauschgeschwindigkeiten lassen sich mit Hilfe der Donizität verständlich machen.
Entwicklungen und Tendenzen in der Photoelektronenspektroskopie
Authors: Hohlneicher G.
Published: October 2023

Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird versucht, einen Überblick über einige neuere Entwicklungen der Photoelektronenspektroskopie zu geben. Dem Motto der diesjährigen Hauptversammlung entsprechend, stehen dabei solche Anwendungen im Vordergrund, bei denen die Photoelektronenspektroskopie zur Untersuchung molekularer Eigenschaften herangezogen wird.
Fortschritte der Schwingungsspektroskopie: Verbesserung der experimentellen Technik und Verfahren zur Strukturaufklärung durch Berechnung der Frequenzen, Infrarot‐ und Raman‐Intensitäten
Authors: Schrader B.
Published: October 2023

Die Infrarot‐ und Ramanspektrometer sind heute derart entwickelt, daß es nicht mehr schwierig ist, die vollständigen Spektren im Bereich 20 … 4000 cm−1aufzunehmen. Dank der Entwicklung der Laserlichtquellen, von Interferometern und der Anwendung der elektronischen Datenverarbeitung wurde der Anwendungsbereich dieser Methoden wesentlich erweitert: Analysen, selbst unter extremen Bedingungen (bei geringer Substanzmenge oder niedriger Konzentration, Fernanalysen und die Untersuchung schneller Reaktionen), sind heute zuverlässiger und schneller möglich, und neue Techniken wurden erschlossen. Besonders reizvoll erscheinen die Fortschritte bei der Berechnung der Frequenzen und Intensitäten der Spektren, so daß man diese Methoden bei Fragen nach der Struktur von Verbindungen, insbesondere nach dem räumlichen Bau, besser anwenden kann.
Herzberg‐Teller‐Kopplung zweiter Ordnung in Schweratomaromaten
Authors: Friedrich J. , Metz F. , Dörr F.
Published: October 2023

Mit Hilfe der Polarisationsgrad‐Spektroskopie werden die verschiedenen Zerfallsprozesse aus den Subzuständen des niedrigsten Tripletts von Monohalogennaphthalinen untersucht. Es zeigt sich, daß die Schweratomsubstitution die Zerfallsraten aus dem z‐Zustand (z senkrecht zur Molekülebene) wesenthch starker beeinflußt als die der beiden anderen Spinzustände. Eine befriedigende Erklärung dieser Beobachtung ist über eine Herzberg‐Teller‐(HT)‐Kopplung zweiter Ordnung möglich. Konsequenzen im Hinblick auf einen d‐Isotopeneffekt in der 00‐Rate der Phosphoreszenz werden diskutiert.
Isobare, gasvolumetrische Bestimmung der Reaktionskinetik von Äthanolaminen mit Äthylenoxid in Wasser
Authors: Gestrich W. , Krauss W.
Published: October 2023

In einer halbautomatischen Apparatur (Abb. 1) wurden im Bereich zwischen etwa 200 und 700 Torr Äthylenoxidpartialdruck bei 20, 40 und 60°C die Löslichkeiten des Äthylenoxids in Wasser, sowie die Umsetzungsgeschwindigkeiten mit Mono‐, Di‐ und Triäthanolamin unter Berücksichtigung der Glykolbildung isobar über die Volumenverkleinerung des Gasraumes bestimmt. Jeder Einzelschritt der Reaktionsfolge erwies sich bis zu Umsätzen von 80–90% als streng partiell erster Ordnung bezüglich Äthylenoxid und der Aminkomponente. Der simultane Äthylenoxidverbrauch durch Folgeschritte und durch die Hydratation wurde durch iterative Variation der jeweils zu bestimmenden Geschwindigkeitskonstante rechnerisch ermittelt. Die Temperaturabhängigkeiten der Geschwindigkeitskonstanten folgen exakt dem Arrheniusansatz.
Process Variables in Electro‐Organic Synthesis, III. Electrosorption and Mass‐Transfer as Dominating Factors in the Anodic Styrene Oxidation
Authors: Plzak V. , Schneider H. , Wendt H.
Published: October 2023

Styrene – like many other asymmetric olefins [2] – undergoes anodic oxidation to monomeric and dimeric products. The formation for both products starts with the generation of a very reactive radical cation which either solvolyzes to form the monomer or adds to the double bond of unoxidized styrene to form the dimer.

Both reactions are so fast, that they proceed at the anode surface. Thus it is the surface concentration of the reactants (solvent and styrene, resp.) which governs the relative rates of the solvolysis and the addition reaction and determine the product composition. It is the styrene surface concentration which is most effectively influenced by the adsorption equilibria on different anode materials (C, Fe3O4 PbO2, Pt) and the mass transport conditions (governed by cstyr, and i/id). It is thus possible to optimize the styrene oxidation towards either monomer or dimer formation at will.
Prophylactic use of cardiac medications for delay of left ventricular dysfunction in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Conway Kristin M. , Thomas Shiny , Ciafaloni Emma , Khan Rabia S. , Mann Joshua R. , Romitti Paul A. , Mathews Katherine D. ,   the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking and Research Network (MD STARnet)
Published: October 2023

Background

Epidemiological support for prophylactic treatment of left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) in Duchenne muscular dystrophy is limited. We used retrospective, population‐based surveillance data from the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking and Research Network to evaluate whether prophylaxis delays LVD onset.

Methods

We analyzed 455 males born during 1982–2009. Age at first abnormal echocardiogram (ejection fraction <55% or shortening fraction <28%) determined LVD onset. Prophylaxis was defined as cardiac medication use at least 1 year prior to LVD. Corticosteroid use was also coded. Kaplan–Meier curve estimation and Cox Proportional Hazard modeling with time‐varying covariates describe associations.

Results

LVD was identified among 40.7%; average onset age was 14.2 years. Prophylaxis was identified for 20.2% and corticosteroids for 57.4%. Prophylaxis showed delayed LVD onset (p < .001) and lower hazard of dysfunction (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.39, 95%CL = 0.22, 0.65) compared to untreated. Compared to no treatment, continuous corticosteroids only (aHR = 1.01, 95%CL = 0.66, 1.53) and prophylaxis only (aHR = 0.67, 95%CL = 0.25, 1.50) were not cardioprotective, but prophylaxis plus continuous corticosteroids were associated with lower hazard of dysfunction (aHR = 0.37, 95%CL = 0.15, 0.80).

Conclusions

Proactive cardiac treatment and monitoring are critical aspects of managing Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Consistent with clinical care guidelines, this study supports clinical benefit from cardiac medications initiated prior to documented LVD and suggests further benefit when combined with corticosteroids.
Online case‐based learning for medical students as a teaching method for biochemistry at King Abdulaziz University amid COVID‐19 pandemic (a study conducted in 2021)
Authors: Kubbara Eman A. , Ahmed Nasreldin Marhoum , Alamri Turki , Bakarman Marwan A. , Malibary Husam , Eid Rasha , Alzahrani Abdulrahman Omer
Published: October 2023

Online case‐based learning (CBL) is a method used by King Abdulaziz University to teach medical students in their preclinical years. The use of CBL in basic sciences is important for enabling medical students to correlate basic sciences with future clinical practice. This study implemented online CBL for biochemistry teaching as part of the medical genetic module for 3rd‐year preclinical students. Teaching during the study was completely online because of restricted precautions caused by the COVID‐19 pandemic, except for practical sessions that were held on campus. The case was presented to the students involved in prenatal screening and diagnosis. Students were guided to learn and discuss the biochemical tests used for prenatal screening and diagnosis and their clinical importance. They were divided into two groups: the control group was given an online lecture and the intervention group was given an online CBL session before the lecture. The online lecture was given to both groups simultaneously by the same instructor, and then 10 MCQs tests were distributed to both groups after the lecture, and their test scores were compared. A 10‐question survey was administered to the intervention group to assess their perception of the online CBL session after the test. A significant difference was found between the intervention and control groups regarding test scores (p < 0.001), and most students found the online CBL session enjoyable and motivating.
CD146 promotes malignant progression of breast phyllodes tumor through suppressing DCBLD2 degradation and activating the AKT pathway
Authors: Chen Jiewen , Xu Qingji , Liu Dan , Li Xun , Guo Mingyan , Chen Xuehui , Liao Jianyou , Lei Rong , Li Wende , Huang Hongyan , Saw Phei Er , Song Erwei , Yan Xiyun , Nie Yan
Published: October 2023

Background

As a rapid‐progressing tumor, breast malignant phyllodes tumors (PTs) are challenged by the lack of effective therapeutic strategies and suitable prognostic markers. This study aimed to clarify the role and mechanism of CD146 on promoting PTs malignant progression, and to identify a novel prognosis marker and treatment target of breast malignant PTs.

Methods

The expression and prognostic significance of CD146 in PTs was detected through single‐cell RNA‐sequencing (scRNA‐seq), immunostaining, real‐time PCR and other methodologies. Functional experiments including proliferation assay, colony formation assay, transwell assay, and collagen contraction assay were conducted to validate the role of CD146 in malignant progression of PTs. The efficacy of anti‐CD146 monoclonal antibody AA98 against malignant PTs was corroborated by a malignant PT organoid model and a PT patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) model. Transcriptome sequencing, proteomic analysis, co‐immunoprecipitation, and pull‐down assay was employed to identify the modulating pathway and additional molecular mechanism.

Results

In this study, the scRNA‐seq analysis of PTs disclosed a CD146‐positive characteristic in the α‐SMA+ fibroblast subset. Furthermore, a progressive elevation in the level of CD146 was observed with the malignant progression of PTs. More importantly, CD146 was found to serve as an independent predictor for recurrence in PT patients. Furthermore, CD146 was found to augment the viability and invasion of PTs. Mechanistically, CD146 acted as a protective “shield” to prevent the degradation of Discoidin, CUB, and LCCL domain‐containing protein 2 (DCBLD2), thereby activating the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway and enhancing malignant behaviors of PT cells. In the malignant PT organoid and PDX model, a significant suppression of malignant PT growth was observed after the application of AA98.

Conclusions

These findings suggested that CD146 served as an efficacious marker for predicting PT malignant progression and showed promise as a prognosis marker and treatment target of breast malignant PTs. The study further unveiled the essential role of the CD146‐DCBLD2/PI3K/AKT axis in the malignant progression of PTs.
A Hydride Migration Mechanism for the Mo‐CatalyzedZ‐2‐Selective Isomerization of Terminal Alkenes
Authors: Jenny Sarah E. , Serviano Juan M. , Nova Ainara , Dobereiner Graham E.
Published: October 2023

The catalytic one‐bond isomerization (transposition) of 1‐alkenes is an emerging approach toZ‐2‐alkenes. Design of more selective catalysts would benefit from a mechanistic understanding of factors controllingZselectivity. We propose here a reaction pathway forcis‐Mo(CO)4(PCy3)(piperidine) (3), a precatalyst that shows highZselectivity for transposition of alpha olefins (e. g., 1‐octene to 2‐octene, 18 : 1Z : Eat 74 % conversion). Computational modeling of reaction pathways and isotopic labeling suggests the isomerization takes place via an allyl (1,3‐hydride shift) pathway, where oxidative addition offac‐(CO)3Mo(PCy3)(η2‐alkene) is followed by hydride migration from one position (cisto allyl C3carbon) to another (cisto allyl C1carbon) via hydride/CO exchanges. Calculated barriers for the hydride migration pathway are lower than explored alternative mechanisms (e. g., change of allyl hapticity, allyl rotation). To our knowledge, this is the first study to propose such a hydride migration in alkene isomerization.
Functionalized Thiophosphate and Oxidic Filler Particles for Hybrid Solid Electrolytes
Authors: Helmers Laura , Frankenberg Finn , Brokmann Julian , Burmeister Christine , Buchheit Annika , Kwade Arno , Michalowski Peter
Published: October 2023

To achieve the commercialization of solid‐state‐batteries (SSBs), solid electrolyte properties need to be further improved. The hybrid solid electrolyte (HSE) approach is expected to combine the favorable properties of different solid electrolyte classes and is therefore systematically investigated. Mixing low amounts of thiophosphate or oxide filler particles (FP) into a polyethylene oxide (PEO) polyethylene glycol (PEG) and lithium salt bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide (LiTFSI) matrix cannot improve the electrochemical properties. Silanization of the thiophosphate FPs significantly increases the ionic conductivity to 0.1 mS cm−1 at room temperature compared to 0.017 mS cm−1 for a pure PEO solid electrolyte. Moreover, a correlation between the intrinsic conductivity of the FPs and the resulting conductivity of the HSE is observed. Also, the functionalization is successfully transferred to oxide FPs. In addition to an equally significant increase in ionic conductivity, a strong influence of the crystallite size of the FPs on the resulting ionic conductivity of the HSE was found. The discovered effect of FP surface structure on overall HSE conductivity indicates a participation of the FP surface in ion transport and emphasizes the need for tailored filler design in HSE applications.
Molecular‐derived risk of malignancy and the related positive call rate of indeterminate thyroid cytology diagnoses as quality metrics for individual cytopathologists
Authors: Ohori N. Paul , Cuda Jacqueline M. , Bastacky Sheldon I. , Yip Linwah , Karslioglu‐French Esra , Morariu Elena M. , Ullal Jagdeesh , Ramonell Kimberly M. , Carty Sally E. , Nikiforov Yuri E. , Schoedel Karen E. , Seethala Raja R.
Published: October 2023

Background

Indeterminate thyroid cytopathology diagnoses represent differing degrees of risk that are corroborated by follow‐up studies. However, traditional cytologic–histologic correlation may overestimate the risk of malignancy (ROM) because only a subset of cases undergo resection. Alternatively, some molecular tests provide probability of malignancy data to calculate the molecular‐derived risk of malignancy (MDROM) and the positive call rate (PCR). The authors investigated MDROMs and PCRs of indeterminate diagnoses for individual cytopathologists as quality metrics.

Methods

This study was approved by the Department of Pathology Quality Improvement Program. Thyroid cytopathology diagnoses and ThyroSeq v3 results were retrieved for each cytopathologist for a 2‐year period with at least 3 years of follow‐up for the atypia of undetermined significance (AUS), follicular neoplasia (FN), and follicular neoplasia, oncocytic‐type (ONC) cytopathologic diagnoses. MDROMs and PCRs were compared with reference ROMs and cytologic–histologic correlation outcomes.

Results

The overall MDROMs (and ranges for cytopathologists) for the AUS, FN, and ONC categories were 13.4% (range, 5.8%–20.8%), 28.1% (range, 22.1%–36.7%), and 27.0% (range, 19.5%–41.5%), respectively, and most individual cytopathologists' MDROMs were within reference ROM ranges. However, PCRs more effectively parsed the differences in cytopathologists' ROM performance. Although the overall PCRs were not significantly different across cytopathologists (p = .06), the AUS PCRs were quite different (p = .002). By cytologic–histologic correlation, six of 55 resected cases (10.9%) were falsely negative, and there were no false‐positive cases.

Conclusions

MDROMs and PCRs evaluate concordance with reference ROMs and with one another and provide individual feedback, which potentially facilitates quality improvement.
High‐Dose vs. Standard‐Dose Influenza Vaccine and Cardiopulmonary Hospitalization or Mortality: Emulating the INVESTED Trial Using Insurance Claims Data
Authors: NajafZadeh Mehdi , Shin HoJin , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Wang Shirley V. , Solomon Scott D. , Vardeny Orly , Patorno Elisabetta
Published: October 2023

The INVESTED trial did not show benefits of high‐dose (HD) vaccine vs. standard‐dose (SD) for a primary composite outcome of cardiopulmonary hospitalization or all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.96–1.15) and its components (all‐cause mortality HR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.84–1.21, cardiopulmonary hospitalization HR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.96–1.16) during three influenza seasons (2016–2019) among participants with recent myocardial infarction or hospitalization for heart failure (HHF). We emulated INVESTED using Medicare claims data to assess whether the real‐world evidence (RWE) study reached similar conclusions. We identified 1:1 propensity score (PS)‐matched trial‐eligible Medicare beneficiaries aged > 65 years and with prior HHF who received an HD or SD vaccine for the 2016–2019 seasons. We also re‐analyzed the INVESTED trial data restricting to participants > 65 years with prior HHF to align eligibility criteria more closely with the RWE study. We compared HRs from the trial and RWE study for the main outcomes. Among 53,393 pairs of PS‐matched Medicare beneficiaries, the HD vaccine group showed lower risk of the primary composite outcome (HR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.95–0.98) and all‐cause mortality (HR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.91–0.95), and similar risk of cardiopulmonary hospitalization (HR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.96–1.00), compared with SD. The RWE and trial results were closely concordant after the trial population was limited to participants > 65 years with prior HHF: trial‐based results for the primary composite outcome (HR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.89–1.17), all‐cause mortality (HR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.72–1.16), and cardiopulmonary hospitalization (HR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.88–1.18). Although similar to the main trial results, the RWE was closer to the results from trial participants with aligned eligibility criteria. This study affirms the importance of considering different distributions of baseline patient characteristics when comparing trial findings to RWE.
Assessment and management of diabetes‐related foot infection according to the new International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot guidelines 2023—Multidisciplinary grand rounds
Authors: Hon Kay , Nobels Frank , Senneville Éric , Uckay Ilker , Maas Mario , Fitridge Robert
Published: October 2023

Diabetes‐related foot disease is a serious and common complication for people with diabetes mellitus. The gold standard care for a person with diabetes‐related foot disease is the involvement of a multidisciplinary foot team engaged in evidence‐based care. To date, there are seven International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) guidelines published to assist healthcare providers in managing diabetes‐related foot disease around the world. This review discusses the acute management of diabetes‐related foot infection with insights from experts of various specialities (internal medicine, infectious disease, vascular surgery, radiology) with a discussion on the implementation of IWGDF guidelines in real life practice and the challenges that healthcare providers may face.
Distribution patterns of Quercus ilex from the last interglacial period to the future by ecological niche modeling
Authors: Suicmez Burak , Avci Meral
Published: October 2023

The plants' geographic distribution is affected by natural or human‐induced climate change. Numerous studies at both the global and regional levels currently focus on the potential changes in plant distribution areas. Ecological niche modeling can help predict the likely distribution of species according to environmental variables under different climate scenarios. In this study, we predicted the potential geographic distributions of Quercus ilex L. (holm oak), a keystone species of the Mediterranean ecosystem, for the Last Interglacial period (LIG: ~130 Ka), the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM: ~22 Ka), mid‐Holocene (MH: ~6 Ka), and future climate scenarios (Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios) for 2050–2070 obtained from CCSM4 and MIROC‐ESM global climate scenarios respectively. The models were produced with algorithms from the R‐package “biomod2” and assessed by AUC of the receiver operating characteristic plot and true skill statistics. Aside from BIOCLIM (SRE), all model algorithms performed similarly and produced projections that are supported by good evaluation scores, although random forest (RF) slightly outperformed all the others. Additionally, distribution maps generated for the past period were validated through a comparison with pollen data acquired from the Neotoma Pollen Database. The results revealed that southern areas of the Mediterranean Basin, particularly coastal regions, served as long‐term refugia for Q. ilex, which was supported by fossil pollen data. Furthermore, the models suggest long‐term refugia role for Anatolia and we argue that Anatolia may have served as a founding population for the species. Future climate scenarios indicated that Q. ilex distribution varied by region, with some areas experiencing range contractions and others range expands. This study provides significant insights into the vulnerability of the Q. ilex to future climate change in the Mediterranean ecosystem and highlights the crucial role of Anatolia in the species' historical distribution.
A landmark‐free analysis of the pelvic girdle in Sulawesi ricefishes (Adrianichthyidae): How 2D and 3D geometric morphometrics can complement each other in the analysis of a complex structure
Authors: Spanke Tobias , Gabelaia Mariam , Flury Jana M. , Hilgers Leon , Wantania Letha Louisiana , Misof Bernhard , Wipfler Benjamin , Wowor Daisy , Mokodongan Daniel F. , Herder Fabian , Schwarzer Julia
Published: October 2023

Geometric morphometrics (GM) enable the quantification of morphological variation on various scales. Recent technical advances allow analyzing complex three‐dimensional shapes also in cases where landmark‐based approaches are not appropriate. Pelvic girdle bones (basipterygia) of Sulawesi ricefishes are 3D structures that challenge traditional morphometrics. We hypothesize that the pelvic girdle of ricefishes experienced sex‐biased selection pressures in species where females provide brood care by carrying fertilized eggs supported by elongated pelvic fins (“pelvic brooding”). We test this by comparing pelvic bone shapes of both sexes in species exhibiting pelvic brooding and the more common reproductive strategy “transfer brooding,” by using landmark‐free 2D and 3D GM, as well as qualitative shape descriptions. Both landmark‐free approaches revealed significant interspecific pelvic bone variation in the lateral process, medial facing side of the pelvic bone, and overall external and internal wing shape. Within pelvic brooders, the three analyzed species are clearly distinct, while pelvic bones of the genus Adrianichthys are more similar to transfer brooding Oryzias. Female pelvic brooding Oryzias exhibit prominent, medially pointing tips extending from the internal wing and basipterygial plate that are reduced or absent in conspecific males, Adrianichthys and transfer brooding Oryzias, supporting our hypothesis that selection pressures affecting pelvic girdle shape are sex‐biased in Sulawesi ricefishes. Furthermore, both sexes of pelvic brooding Oryzias have overall larger pelvic bones than other investigated ricefishes. Based on these differences, we characterized two reproductive strategy‐ and sex‐dependent pelvic girdle types for Sulawesi ricefishes. Morphological differences between the investigated pelvic brooding genera Adrianichthys and Oryzias provide additional evidence for two independent origins of pelvic brooding. Overall, our findings add to a better understanding on traits related to pelvic brooding in ricefishes and provide a basis for upcoming studies on pelvic girdle function and morphology.
Estimating the Ballast bed shape using Camcorder video
Authors: Maeda Riho , Nagamine Nozomi , Tsubokawa Yosuke , Goda Wataru
Published: October 2023

To properly maintain and manage track surfaces, the amount of collapsed settlement of a ballast bed must be determined. However, high maintenance costs make it difficult for railway operators to fully maintain and manage track surfaces. Therefore, we propose a method of estimating the shape of the ballast bed using Dense Inverse Search (DIS) optical flow in images captured using a camcorder, which is inexpensive. This paper describes the outline of the method, an evaluation of its accuracy through simulation and model experiments, and the results of applying the method to actual images captured.
Pomegranate peel polyphenols as an antioxidant additive for the development and characterization of a new active pectin edible film
Authors: Diaz‐Herrera Rene , Alvarez‐Pérez Olga B. , Ventura‐Sobrevilla Janeth , Ascacio‐Valdés Alberto , Aguilar‐Gonzalez Miguel A. , Buenrostro‐Figueroa Juan , Aguilar Cristobal N.
Published: October 2023

Natural origin products are an appealing substitute for nonbiodegradable materials in the production of new materials to improve the packaging properties and to extend the shelf life quality of foods. The objective of this study was to formulate, elaborate, select, partially characterize, and evaluate the biological properties of an edible film based on pectin, candelilla wax, and glycerol, added with pomegranate peel polyphenols (PPP). An exploratory design 2k Box Hunter and Hunter was made, followed by a Box‐Behnken design 3k to evaluate the properties of water vapor permeability (WVP) of the film, resulting in the film with 0.75% w/v of pectin, 0.2% w/v of candelilla wax, 0.05% v/v of glycerol and 0.02% w/v of PPP with one of the lowest values of WVP (1.78E−10 g/m.s.Pa). After characterization, this treatment showed good structural and optical properties and low humidity values compared to a control film. PPP showed the inhibitory capacity for DPPH (61.2%) and ABTS (48.5%) radicals and reducing activity with the reduction of ferric ion (FRAP) reaching a value of 1676.5 mg TE/g PPP.
Enzyme‐Triggered Reactions for the Synthesis of Organic Molecules
Authors: Martin Aoife , Solanki Ishita , Haarr Marianne Bore , O'Reilly Elaine
Published: October 2023

The application of enzymes for the synthesis of valuable bioactive molecules, synthetic building blocks, fine chemicals and natural products is now well‐established. Biocatalysis has been embraced by industry for the preparation of both bulk chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients, where high activity and selectivity can be achieved with low environmental impact. In most cases, biocatalytic transformations involve functional group interconversions, such as redox and amination reactions, but do not lead to significant complexity generation in the molecule. This review explores the less prevalent enzyme‐triggered reactions, where the enzymatic transformation triggers a subsequent spontaneous reaction inter/intramolecularly. The examples highlighted in this review showcase the synthetic power of designing smart substrates for enzyme‐triggered reactions and their application for the preparation of structurally complex three‐dimensional small molecules.
Toxicity of Polystyrene Nanoplastics in the Liver and Intestine of Normal and High-Fat-Diet Juvenile Zebrafish
Authors: Du Juan , Hu Yanqiu , Li Zhi , Zhou Jingyi , Xiang Feiyan , Zheng Hao , Xiao Han
Published: October 2023

Nanoplastics (NPs) are widely found and threaten environmental and biological safety, because they do not degrade completely. We aimed to preliminarily explore the toxicity of NPs in obese children, because childhood obesity is a growing global health concern. We used zebrafish as a vertebrate toxicological model to examine the hepatic lipid metabolism and gut microbiota in juvenile zebrafish exposed to 1000 μg/L polystyrene NPs and a high-fat diet (HFD) using Raman spectroscopy, pathological examination, transcriptome analysis, and 16S sequencing techniques. Our study showed that polystyrene NPs perturb the lipid metabolism and gut microbiota stability in zebrafish. Furthermore, the combined effects of polystyrene NPs and HFD resulted in gastrointestinal injury. Our study is one of the first to investigate the toxicity of polystyrene NPs to normal-diet and HFD juvenile zebrafish using confocal Raman spectroscopy. Our results show the importance of a healthy diet and a reduction in the use of plasticware. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:147–158. © 2023 SETAC
Maternal distress and body mass index in preschoolers living in families experiencing low‐income
Authors: Martoccio Tiffany L. , Brophy‐Herb Holly E. , Choi Hailey H. , Stinson Kayla , Perkins Haiden A. , Mitchell Koi , Lumeng Julie C.
Published: October 2023

Health disparities among children living in poverty underscore the importance of identifying risk and protective factors for childhood obesity. By applying a family stress framework with an equity lens, this study aimed to test the differential associations between maternal distress and child body mass index (BMI) in preschool‐age children living in low‐income families. Pre‐intervention data from an obesity prevention randomized controlled trial were used to assess mother‐reported parental distress and anthropometry collected from children and mothers in a diverse sample of 450 families enrolled in Head Start. Analyses examined associations between maternal distress and child BMI z‐score (BMIz) and moderation by child sex. The sample of children was 49% female, 42% White, 25% Black, 11% Hispanic and 33% had overweight status or obesity. Results indicated higher BMIz for girls compared to boys (β = 0.10, p = 0.03). Child sex modified the association between maternal distress and child BMIz (β = 0.12, p = 0.01). Greater maternal distress was associated with higher BMIz among girls but not boys. Among preschoolers, the maternal distress–BMIz association differed by child sex. Understanding individual differences in how maternal distress relates to childhood obesity may have important implications for obesity prevention efforts.
Intravenous fluid rate of 250 mL/h versus 125 mL/h in nulliparous women: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Kamran Ateeba , Fakih Nour , Afyouni Ahmad , Naguib Mostafa Mahmoud , Saleh Ahmad Omar , Abdullah Lava , Arshad Sheraz , Mouffokes Adel , Abuelazm Mohamed
Published: October 2023

Background

Evidence regarding the type and rate of intravenous (IV) fluid administration during labor is still inconclusive and the studies assessing the impact of IV fluids had mixed results.

Objectives

To evaluate the effects of IV fluids at an infusion rate of 250 mL/h as compared with 125 mL/h on labor outcomes in nulliparous women.

Search Strategy

We searched six databases for relevant studies through a search strategy containing the relevant keywords “IV hydration”, “IV fluids”, and “labor” from the inception of these databases to May 1, 2023, without any applied restrictions.

Selection Criteria

Search results were imported to Covidence for screening of eligible articles for this review. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of IV fluids at 250 mL/h on the outcomes of labor in nulliparous women at term (>37 weeks) as compared with 125 mL/h were included only.

Data Collection and Analysis

Data regarding the characteristics of included studies, participant's baseline characteristics, and concerned outcomes were collected in an Excel spreadsheet and all the concerned outcomes were pooled as risk ratios (RR) or mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) in the meta‐analysis models using RevMan 5.4.

Main results

Pooled data from 11 RCTs with 1815 patients showed that 250 mL/h infusion rate had a significant reduction in cesarean section rate (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.56–0.88, P = 0.002), the first stage of labor duration (MD –46.97, 95% CI –81.79 to −12.14, P = 0.008), the second stage of labor duration (MD –2.69, 95% CI –4.34 to −1.05, P = 0.001), prolonged labor incidence (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.58–0.89, P = 0.003), as compared with 125 mL/h. Also, the vaginal delivery rate (RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02–1.12, P = 0.009) was higher with a 250 mL/h infusion rate.

Conclusion

IV fluids at an infusion rate of 250 mL/h during labor in nulliparous women decreased the cesarean delivery rate, increased the vaginal delivery rate, shortened the first and second‐stage labor duration, decreased the incidence of prolonged labor as compared with 125 mL/h. These findings suggest enhanced labor progression and a lower risk of labor complications with higher infusion rates. However, future research involving a more diverse population and exploring the potential benefits of combining IV infusion rates with other interventions, such as adding dextrose or less restrictive oral intake during labor, is needed.
Integrated information management of supply chain in logistics parks based on the IoT
Authors: Ma Xuejun , Zhang Jinzhen
Published: October 2023

Logistics park is a strategic choice for the growth of logistics industry, and it needs to build a public platform for supply chain management (SCM) suitable for logistics parks. To solve the problems of poor adaptability, high investment risk, and incomplete functionality of the supply chain integrated information management (IM) platform in logistics parks, it is necessary to use Internet of Things (IoT) technology to improve the supply chain integrated IM platform, improve the timely interaction of logistics information and reduce logistics costs. This article analyzed the factors that affect the integrated management of logistics park supply chain, analyzed the architecture of logistics park supply chain, integrated IM under the IoT, and implemented the platform architecture using relevant technologies. In the experiment, the resource allocation, resource scheduling, and resource monitoring effects of the supply chain integrated IM platform were analyzed. The results showed that the supply chain IM platform of logistics parks under the IoT has improved infrastructure by 0.14 compared to traditional platform, resource allocation by 0.16, logistics service level by 0.14, and industrial layout by 0.14. The IoT can effectively enhance the resource allocation and industrial layout rationality of logistics parks and has important significance in improving logistics information security and information exchange.
Applications of nanomaterials in anti‐VEGF treatment for ophthalmic diseases
Authors: Teng Lu , Sun Yabin , Teng Siying , Hui Peng
Published: October 2023

Angiogenesis has been determined to be essential in the occurrence and metastasis of diabetic retinopathy (DR), age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal vein occlusion (RVO), choroidal neovascularization (CNV), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), tumor, etc. However, the clinical use of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) drugs is currently limited due to its high cost, potential side effects, and need for repeated injections. In recent years, nanotechnology has shown promising results in inhibiting neovascularization and reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) or inflammatory factors. Some nanomaterials can also act as vehicles for drug delivery, such as lipid nanoparticles and PLGA. The process of angiogenesis and its molecular mechanism are discussed in this article. At the same time, this study aims to systematically review the research progress of nanotechnology and offer more treatment options for neovascularization‐related diseases in clinical ophthalmology.
Really a “secondary gill under the skin”? Unveiling “dorsal vessels” in freshwater slugs (Mollusca, Panpulmonata, Acochlidimorpha)
Authors: Neusser Timea P. , Brenzinger Bastian , Schrödl Michael , Jörger Katharina M.
Published: October 2023

The freshwater slugs of the genus Acochlidium (Heterobranchia, Gastropoda, and Acochlidimorpha) are peculiar, one to two centimeter sized animals found only in small coastal rivers and streams of Southeast Asian and Western Pacific islands. When first described by Bücking, the author observed a branching “net of dendritic vessels connected to the heart,” which he assumed to have replaced the original gastropod gill. In the present study, we compare the renopericardial systems of four Acochlidium species in microanatomical, histological and ultrastructural detail and identify where exactly the enigmatic, subepidermal “dorsal vessels” connect to the renopericardial system to examine if they can really function as a gill. Acochlidium have elaborate renopericardial systems compared to their ancestrally marine and also freshwater relatives. The primary site of ultrafiltration is the epicardium of the atrium with podocytes as usual for gastropods. The “dorsal vessels” in Acochlidium are extensions of the outer epithelium of the pericardial cavity and represent true vessels, that is, coelomatic channels, having an endothelium with podocytes. Hence, they considerably enlarge the site of ultrafiltration increasing the pericardial surface. “Dorsal vessels” in Acochlidium are therefore not homologous to externally similar morphological structures in Sacoglossa (marine panpulmonate slugs and snails). The multiplication of renopericardioducts in Acochlidium is a unique feature within Mollusca that enhances the negative pressure necessary for ultrafiltration in the thin, tube‐like dorsal vessels and as a consequence the transport of primary urine from the pericardium to the kidney. The circulatory and excretory systems in Acochlidium are adaptations to a lifestyle in their freshwater environment in which snail bodies are hyposmotic and accrue considerable influx of surplus water into the body, which needs to be expelled.
Non‐destructive prediction of TVB‐N using color‐texture features of UV‐induced fluorescence image for freeze–thaw treated frozen‐whole‐round tilapia
Authors: Wang Huihui , Du Zhonglin , Li Yule , Zeng Fanyi , Qiu Xinjing , Li Gaobin , Li Chunpeng
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

The investigation of UV‐induced fluorescence imaging coupled with machine learning was conducted to non‐destructively detect the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) of frozen‐whole‐round tilapia (FWRT) during freezing and thawing. The UV‐induced fluorescence images of FWRT at the wavelength of 365 nm were acquired by self‐developed fluorescence image acquisition system. In total, 169 color and texture features based on RGB, hue‐saturation‐intensity and L*a*b* color spaces and gray level co‐occurrence matrix were extracted, respectively. Successive projections algorithm (SPA) was employed to select the optimal 16 features to achieve feature dimension reduction modeling. With full and extracted features as input, the models of partial least squares regression (PLSR), least‐squares support vector machine (LSSVM) and convolutional neural network (CNN) were established for TVB‐N prediction.

RESULTS

Results indicated that the full features‐based CNN performed better than SPA based prediction models (SPA‐PLSR and SPA‐LSSVM). The CNN model was determined to be the optimal with an RP2 value of 0.9779, RMSEP value of 1.1502 × 10−2 g N kg−1 and RPD value of 6.721 for TVB‐N content predictiin.

CONCLUSION

The CNN method based on UV fluorescence imaging technology has potential for quality and safety detection of FWRT. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
From burden to relief: The economic and quality‐of‐life advantages of pseudo continent perineal colostomy in ultra‐low rectal cancer patients
Authors: Lahnaoui Oumayma , Essangri Hajar , El bahaoui Nezha , Majbar Mohammed Anass , Benkabbou Amine , Mohsine Raouf , Souadka Amine
Published: October 2023

Background and Objective

Pseudo Continent Perineal Colostomy (PCPC) is an alternative technique to left iliac colostomy (LIC) after abdominoperineal resection for ultra low rectal cancer (ULRC). It allows placing the stoma in the perineum to preserve patients' body image. However, concerns about its impact on quality of life and management costs have limited its adoption. We aimed to compare the early outcomes and financial burden of PCPC and LIC in ULRC patients in Morocco, a low‐middle‐income country.

Methods

From January 2018 to December 2019, all patients who underwent abdomino‐perineal resection (APR) with LIC or PCPC were prospectively enrolled. For each patient, baseline characteristics, and in hospital and 90 days morbidity with a focus on perineal complications were reported. Quality of life (QOL) was assessed using the validated EORTC‐C30 and CR29 questionnaires. Financial burden to patients was reported using declarative out‐of‐pocket costs (OOPC) analysis.

Results

Among 49 patients who underwent APR, 33 received PCPC and 16 received definitive LIC. Similar rates of early perineal complications were observed between the two groups (p = 0.49). Readmission rate at POD90 was higher in the LIC‐group due to perineal sepsis (p = 0.09). QOL analysis at 6 months revealed that patients with PCPC had a higher global health status (p = 0.006), a better physical functioning and reported fewer symptoms of flatulence and fecal incontinence (p = 0.001). Patients with a LIC reported more financial difficulties with higher median OOPC of stoma management up to €23 versus €0 per month for PCPC (p = 0.0024). PCPC was the only predictive factor of improved patient reported outcomes.

Conclusions

PCPC is a cost‐effective alternative to the standard definitive colostomy without alteration of the QOL or additional perineal complications during the first 6 months following the surgery. These findings may help convince surgeons to offer this option to patients refusing definitive LIC.
Predicting optimal treatment outcomes in phase‐based treatment and direct trauma‐focused treatment among patients with posttraumatic stress disorder stemming from childhood abuse
Authors: Bremer Susanne , van Vliet Noortje I. , Van Bronswijk Suzanne , Huntjens Rafaele , de Jongh Ad , van Dijk Maarten K.
Published: October 2023

Research over the last few decades has demonstrated the effectiveness of various treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the question of which treatment works best remains, especially for patients with PTSD stemming from childhood abuse. Using the Personalized Advantage Index (PAI), we explored which patients benefit more from phase‐based treatment and which benefit more from direct trauma‐focused treatment. Data were obtained from a multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing a phase‐based treatment condition (i.e., eye‐movement desensitization and reprocessing [EMDR] therapy preceded by Skills Training in Affect and Interpersonal Regulation [STAIR]; n = 57) and a direct trauma‐focused treatment (EMDR only; n = 64) among individuals with PTSD related to childhood abuse. Machine learning techniques were used to examine all pretreatment variables included in the trial as potential predictors and moderators, with selected variables combined to build the PAI model. The utility of the PAI was tested by comparing actual posttreatment outcomes of individuals who received PAI‐indicated treatment with those allocated to a non–PAI‐indicated treatment. Although eight pretreatment variables between PTSD treatment outcome and treatment condition were selected as moderators, there was no significant difference between participants assigned to their PAI‐indicated treatment and those randomized to a non–PAI‐indicated treatment, d = 0.25, p = .213. Hence, the results of this study do not support the need for personalized medicine for patients with PTSD and a history of childhood abuse. Further research with larger sample sizes and external validation is warranted.
Response of grassland birds to management in national battlefield parks
Authors: Massa Megan , Matthews Elizabeth R. , Shriver W. Gregory , Cohen Emily B.
Published: October 2023

Grassland birds are in steep decline, with population declines reported in 74% of North American grassland species in the past 50 years. Declines are particularly severe in the eastern United States where they are influenced by habitat loss and alteration due to urbanization, forest regrowth, and agricultural intensification. The United States National Park Service maintains civil war battlefields in the eastern United States as historical and cultural parks that may also provide habitat refuge for grassland birds within an increasingly urbanized matrix. To assess the conservation importance of battlefield parks and the role of park management in sustaining grassland birds, we surveyed for 2 declining grassland‐breeding species, eastern meadowlark (Sturnella magna) and grasshopper sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), at 242 points across 4 battlefield parks in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia, USA, from 2014–2019 and in 2021. We modeled the effects of park management activities (prescribed fire, agricultural leases, and delayed harvest) and habitat and landscape characteristics on breeding‐season occupancy. There was support for the influence of local habitat features, landscape, and management. Breeding‐season occupancy of both species was consistently higher in hayfields and pasture than in row crops, and both species responded positively to hay and crop harvest delays intended for grassland bird conservation. Prescribed fire within the past 2 years had a positive effect on occupancy of grasshopper sparrows but did not influence eastern meadowlarks. Eastern meadowlarks responded to land cover at multiple spatial scales that are influenced by land use within and outside the parks. Management activities that maintain the parks' cultural goals, including partnerships between national parks and private agricultural operators, are likely to provide valuable habitat for these 2 obligate grassland birds.
Coexistence of Chiral and Antichiral Edge States in Photonic Crystals
Authors: Wang Hongfei , Xie Biye , Ren Wei
Published: October 2023

This study reports a modified Haldane model that supports transitions between valley and Chern topological phases in photonic crystals. Berry curvatures of this system can be flexibly diffused, converged, or flipped by endowing different model parameters, thus exhibiting exotic topological interface/edge behaviors, such as topological bound states with ideally zero dispersion. Importantly, the coexistence of chiral and antichiral edge states preserved simultaneously by valley and Chern topological phases is achieved by splicing together two kinds of topological structures as an entirety. It further employs a honeycomb lattice comprising gyromagnetic and ceramic cylinders at microwave frequencies, where inversion and time‐reversal symmetries can be flexibly manipulated. Topological interface transport is demonstrated, including two opposite signs of group velocities jointly protected by topologically distinct regimes. These results bridge the gap between valley and Chern topological physics and shed light on developing reconfigurable integrated device applications for classical (quantum) information processing and photonic computing.