bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multicenter, randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled study of rabacfosadine in dogs with lymphoma
Authors: Weishaar Kristen M. , Wright Zachary M. , Rosenberg Mona P. , Post Gerald S. , McDaniel Jennifer A. , Clifford Craig A. , Phillips Brenda S. , Bergman Philip J. , Randall Elissa K. , Avery Anne C. , Thamm Douglas H. , Christman Hull Abigail A. , Gust Cathy M. , Donoghue Ann R.
Published: December 2021

Background

Rabacfosadine (RAB, Tanovea‐CA1) is a novel chemotherapy agent conditionally approved for the treatment of lymphoma in dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine the efficacy and safety of RAB in dogs with lymphoma.

Animals

One hundred and fifty‐eight client‐owned dogs with naïve or relapsed multicentric lymphoma were prospectively enrolled from January to October 2019.

Methods

Dogs were randomized to receive RAB or placebo at a 3 : 1 ratio. Treatment was given every 21 days for up to 5 treatments. Study endpoints included progression‐free survival (PFS), overall response rate (ORR) at a given visit, best overall response rate (BORR), and percent progression free 1 month after treatment completion. Safety data were also collected.

Results

The median PFS was significantly longer in the RAB group compared to placebo (82 vs 21 days;P < .0001, HR 6.265 [95% CI 3.947‐9.945]). The BORR for RAB‐treated dogs was 73.2% (50.9% complete response [CR], 22.3% partial response [PR]) and 5.6% (0% CR, 5.6% PR) for placebo‐treated dogs (P < .0001). One month after the last treatment, 37 RAB‐treated dogs (33%) were progression free compared with no placebo‐treated dogs (P < .0001). The most common adverse events observed in the RAB group were diarrhea (87.5%), decreased appetite (68.3%), and vomiting (68.3%) and were generally low grade and reversible. Serious adverse events were reported in 24 RAB‐treated (20%) and 5 placebo‐treated dogs (13%).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Rabacfosadine demonstrated statistically significant antitumor efficacy in dogs with lymphoma when administered every 21 days for up to 5 treatments as compared to placebo.
Use of contrast‐enhanced computed tomography to detect kidney infarction in dogs
Authors: Sutthigran Somchin , Saisawart Phasamon , Klaengkaew Auraiwan , Horoongruang Kongthit , Chaivoravitsakul Nardtiwa , Komin Kiatpichet , Thanaboonnipat Chutimon , Choisunirachon Nan
Published: December 2021

Background

Kidney infarction is a renovascular disease diagnosed by contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT) in humans.

Objectives

To describe the frequency of kidney infarction and to determine the detection of kidney infarction with CECT in dogs.

Animals

Eight hundred and twenty‐six abdominal CECT studies of 826 dogs.

Methods

A cross‐sectional retrospective study. Dogs with abdominal CT scans including CECT were retrospectively retrieved. Kidney infarction was classified into 3 grades based on the extent of infarction relative to total kidney area. The location and number of kidney infarctions in each kidney were expressed as number and percentage. The ability of visualization of kidney infarction in each multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) image plane was evaluated by agreement of 2 observers.

Results

The frequency of kidney infarction in dogs was 3.15% (26/826 dogs; 95% CI = 2.05‐4.61). Most kidney infarctions were classified as grade 1, or the lesions were less than 25% of the kidney (47/56, 83.93%) and most were detected at the caudal pole of the kidney (31/56, 55.35%) on the sagittal plane. On MPR image planes, the sagittal plane had the highest proportion (34/56, 60.71%) of excellent visual category to detect kidney infarction.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The CECT, especially the sagittal plane, is a useful diagnostic tool for the detection of kidney infarction in dogs.
The synergistic antibacterial effect and inhibition of biofilm formation of nisin in combination with terpenes against Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Shi D. L , Shi H.
Published: December 2021

This study was to investigate the synergistic antibacterial effect and inhibition of biofilm formation of nisin in combination with terpenes (carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, citral and thymol) against Listeria monocytogenes. The bactericidal ranking of terpenes combined with nisin was carvacrol > cinnamaldehyde, citral > thymol. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of nisin and carvacrol when used together was determined to be 0·1563 mg ml−1 + 0·0195 mg ml−1 (nisin at MIC/2 + carvacrol at MIC/16). The addition of nisin at MIC/2 + carvacrol at MIC/2 caused more decrease in membrane potential than carvacrol or nisin at MIC individually. The decrease rates of hlyA and plcA gene expressions caused by nisin at MIC/2 + carvacrol at MIC/2 were significantly higher than those caused by carvacrol or nisin at MIC individually (P < 0·05). Nisin combined with carvacrol showed the highest inhibition activity to the formation of L. monocytogenes biofilm on stainless steel and lettuce. The inhibition effect of nisin at MIC/2 + carvacrol at MIC/16 was significantly higher than that of nisin at MIC/2 and carvacrol at MIC/16 (P < 0·05).
Antiviral plant-derived natural products to combat RNA viruses: Targets throughout the viral life cycle
Authors: Owen Lucy , Laird Katie , Shivkumar Maitreyi
Published: December 2021

There is a need for new effective antivirals, particularly in response to the development of antiviral drug resistance and emerging RNA viruses such as SARS-CoV-2. Plants are a significant source of structurally diverse bioactive compounds for drug discovery suggesting that plant-derived natural products could be developed as antiviral agents. This article reviews the antiviral activity of plant-derived natural products against RNA viruses, with a focus on compounds targeting specific stages of the viral life cycle. A range of plant extracts and compounds have been identified with antiviral activity, often against multiple virus families suggesting they may be useful as broad-spectrum antiviral agents. The antiviral mechanism of action of many of these phytochemicals is not fully understood and there are limited studies and clinical trials demonstrating their efficacy and toxicity in vivo. Further research is needed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of plant-derived natural products as antiviral agents.
Systematically comparing epidemiological and clinical features of MAFLD and NAFLD by meta‐analysis: Focusing on the non‐overlap groups
Authors: Ayada Ibrahim , van Kleef Laurens A. , Alferink Louise J. M. , Li Pengfei , de Knegt Robert J. , Pan Qiuwei
Published: December 2021

Background & Aims

The applicability of the novel metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) definition has been studied in numerous cohorts and compared to non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). No consensus has been reached on which definition is preferred. Therefore, this meta‐analysis aims to compare the epidemiological and clinical features of NAFLD and MAFLD in the general and non‐general population.

Methods

We searched Medline, Embase and Web of Science for studies comparing MAFLD to NAFLD. Based on MAFLD and NAFLD status, the following subgroups were investigated for liver health: overlap fatty liver disease (FLD), NAFLD‐only and MAFLD‐only. Data were pooled using random‐effects models.

Results

We included 17 studies comprising 9 808 677 individuals. In the general population, MAFLD was present in 33.0% (95% CI 29.7%‐36.5%) and NAFLD in 29.1% (95% CI 27.1%‐31.1%). Among those with FLD, 4.0% (95% CI 2.4%‐6.4%) did not meet the MAFLD criteria but had NAFLD (NAFLD‐only) and 15.1% (95% CI 11.5%‐19.5%) was exclusively captured by the novel MAFLD definition (MAFLD‐only). Notably, this MAFLD‐only group was at significantly increased risk for fibrosis (RR 4.2; 95% CI 1.3‐12.9) and had higher alanine aminotransferase (mean difference: 8.0 U/L, 95% CI 2.6‐13.5) and aspartate aminotransferase (mean difference: 6.4 U/L, 95% CI 3.0‐9.7), compared to NAFLD‐only. Similar results were obtained among the non‐general population.

Conclusions

Metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease and NAFLD are highly prevalent in the general population, with considerable overlap between them. However, compared to NAFLD, significantly more individuals were additionally identified by MAFLD than were missed. Importantly, by using the MAFLD criteria, more individuals with liver damage were identified. Therefore, the novel MAFLD definition is superior to NAFLD on a population level.
Molecular characterisation of Candida auris isolates from immunocompromised patients in a tertiary‐care hospital in Kuwait reveals a novel mutation in FKS1 conferring reduced susceptibility to echinocandins
Authors: Asadzadeh Mohammad , Mokaddas Eiman , Ahmad Suhail , Abdullah Aneesa A. , de Groot Theun , Meis Jacques F. , Shetty Shama A.
Published: December 2021

Background

Candida auris is an emerging, potentially multidrug‐resistant pathogen that exhibits clade‐specific resistance to fluconazole and also develops resistance to echinocandins and amphotericin B easily. This study analysed 49 C auris isolates for alterations in hotspot‐1 and hotspot‐2 of FKS1 for the detection of mutations conferring reduced susceptibility to echinocandins.

Methods

C auris isolates (n = 49) obtained from 18 immunocompromised patients during June 2016‐December 2018 were analysed. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed by Etest and broth microdilution‐based MICRONAUT‐AM assay. Mutations in hotspot‐1 and hotspot‐2 regions of FKS1 were detected by PCR sequencing and fingerprinting of the isolates was done by short tandem repeat typing.

Results

The patients had multiple comorbidities/risk factors for Candida spp. infection including cancer/leukaemia/lymphoma/myeloma (n = 16), arterial/central line (n = 17), urinary catheter (n = 17), mechanical ventilation (n = 14) and major surgery (n = 9) and received antifungal drugs as prophylaxis and/or empiric treatment. Seven patients developed C auris candidemia/breakthrough candidemia, nine patients had candiduria with/without candidemia and four patients developed surgical site/respiratory infection. Resistance to fluconazole and amphotericin B was detected in 44 and four isolates, respectively. Twelve C auris isolates from eight patients showed reduced susceptibility to echinocandins. Seven isolates contained hostspot‐1 mutations and three isolates from a candidemia patient contained R1354H mutation in hotspot‐2 of FKS1. Ten patients died, five were cured, two were lost to follow‐up and treatment details for one patient were not available.

Conclusions

Our findings describe development of a novel mutation in FKS1 conferring reduced susceptibility to echinocandins in one patient during treatment and unfavourable clinical outcome for many C auris‐infected patients.
Therapeutic drug monitoring of posaconazole delayed release tablet while managing COVID‐19–associated mucormycosis in a real‐life setting
Authors: Patel Atul , Patel Ketan , Patel Kamlesh , Shah Kinjal , Chakrabarti Arunaloke
Published: December 2021

Background

Along with COVID‐19 pandemic, India has faced an outbreak of COVID‐19–associated mucormycosis (CAM). Due to restricted availability of amphotericin B during this outbreak, clinicians were forced to use posaconazole or isavuconazole preparations as first‐line or alternate therapy in many patients. We planned an early monitoring of posaconazole trough level while using delayed release (DR) tablet as first‐line or alternate therapy.

Objectives

Primary objective of the study was to determine percentage of patients achieving arbitrarily decided therapeutic posaconazole levels (≥1.2 μg/ml) after using standard dosages of posaconazole. Secondary objective was to identify potential factors associated with sub‐therapeutic posaconazole levels.

Methods

We performed retrospective chart review of the hospitalised patients, who received posaconazole DR tablet as first‐line or alternate therapy to treat CAM during outbreak period (March 1 to May 31, 2021). High‐performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was used to measure trough level of posaconazole.

Results

Posaconazole serum levels of 29 patients were analysed, who received posaconazole DR tablet. Majority (n = 23) were male with the median (range) age 53 (24–86) years. The mean (SD) posaconazole level was 1.66 (0.76) μg/ml. Sub‐therapeutic posaconazole trough level was observed in 7 (24.1%) patients. Relatively younger patients were associated with lower posaconazole level (p = .046). Except two patients, all the patients tolerated posaconazole well.

Conclusions

The study supports the posaconazole trough level measurement on day 4 while using posaconazole DR tablet as first‐line or alternate therapy to treat mucormycosis during limited supply of amphotericin B.
Flowers prepare thyselves: leaf and root herbivores induce specific changes in floral phytochemistry with consequences for plant interactions with florivores
Authors: Rusman Quint , Hooiveld‐Knoppers Sanne , Dijksterhuis Mirjam , Bloem Janneke , Reichelt Michael , Dicke Marcel , Poelman Erik H.
Published: December 2021

The phenotypic plasticity of flowering plants in response to herbivore damage to vegetative tissues can affect plant interactions with flower‐feeding organisms. Such induced systemic responses are probably regulated by defence‐related phytohormones that signal flowers to alter secondary chemistry that affects resistance to florivores. Current knowledge on the effects of damage to vegetative tissues on plant interactions with florivores and the underlying mechanisms is limited.

We compared the preference and performance of two florivores on flowering Brassica nigra plants damaged by one of three herbivores feeding from roots or leaves. To investigate the underlying mechanisms, we quantified expression patterns of marker genes for defence‐related phytohormonal pathways, and concentrations of phytohormones and glucosinolates in buds and flowers.

Florivores displayed contrasting preferences for plants damaged by herbivores feeding on roots and leaves. Chewing florivores performed better on plants damaged by folivores, but worse on plants damaged by the root herbivore. Chewing root and foliar herbivory led to specific induced changes in the phytohormone profile of buds and flowers. This resulted in increased glucosinolate concentrations for leaf‐damaged plants, and decreased glucosinolate concentrations for root‐damaged plants.

The outcome of herbivore–herbivore interactions spanning from vegetative tissues to floral tissues is unique for the inducing root/leaf herbivore and receiving florivore combination.
Role of ubiquitin‐specific protease 5 in the inflammatory response of chronic periodontitis
Authors: Chen Qiuying , Su Jiangling , Chen Xun
Published: December 2021

Background

The systemic inflammatory response caused by chronic periodontitis is a risk factor for multiple diseases. Ubiquitin‐specific protease 5 (USP5) is a kind of deubiquitinase which mainly responsible for dissociating unanchored polyubiquitin. However, the functions of USP5 in chronic periodontitis have not been reported.

Methods

Chronic periodontitis patients were recruited, and their periodontal samples were collected. The levels of USP5, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) in gingival crevicular fluid were evaluated by ELISA. The expression of USP5, TNF‐α, IL‐6, and IL‐1β in human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) was estimated by qRT‐PCR assay. The activation of STAT3 signaling was examined by Western blot.

Results

USP5 was upregulated in the gingival crevicular fluid and gingival tissues of chronic periodontitis patients. USP5 expression was positively correlated with the expression of proinflammatory factors. USP5 knockdown and deubiquitinase inhibitor inhibited LPS‐induced inflammatory responses in PDLSCs. Suppressing USP5 inhibited STAT3 signaling in PDLSCs.

Conclusion

Suppression deubiquitinase USP5 inhibits the inflammatory response of chronic periodontitis by suppressing STAT3 signaling.
A central maxillary tumor with bland cytology, partly sclerotic stroma, and neural involvement. Sclerosing odontogenic carcinoma or epithelial neurotropism in an odontogenic fibroma?
Authors: Tosios Konstantinos I. , Giannoulis Georgios , Kaklamanis Loukas , Choupis Konstantinos
Published: December 2021

Aim

To present a maxillary tumour showing features of sclerosing odontogenic carcinoma (SOC), i.e. bland cytology, partly sclerotic stroma and neural involvement, and contemplate whether its diagnostic feature, neural involvement, could represent epithelial neurotropism in a central odontogenic fibroma (COdF).

Materials and methods

A 58‐year‐old male presented with a depression on the palatal side of the alveolar ridge, extending from the right canine to the right first molar tooth. A CBCT of the maxilla revealed a multilocular radiolucency, with ill‐defined borders, causing destruction of the buccal and palatal cortical bone.

Results

Complete removal of the tumour was performed under general anaesthesia. Healing was uneventful and there was no evidence of recurrence in the 36 months clinical and radiographical follow up. The final diagnosis was an odontogenic tumour with bland cytology, sclerosis and neural involvement, consistent with SOC.

Conclusions

The tumour presented herein showed clinical, radiographical and microscopical features consistent with SOC and COdF, with neural involvement favouring a diagnosis of SOC. Epithelial neurotropism in a COdF could account for the similarities between those lesions and the rather quiescent, for an infiltrative intraosseous carcinoma, clinical behaviour of SOC.
Coronectomy of mandibular third molar in oncology patients
Authors: Al‐Sarraj Mariam , Wali Rana , Ormondroyd Louise , Boztuna Mehmet , Patel Vinod
Published: December 2021

Aim

Coronectomy of mandibular third molars deemed to be at risk of inferior alveolar nerve injury (IANI) has become an increasingly common treatment modality. The primary principle of the procedure is the removal of coronal tissue and retention of vital root(s) with non‐inflamed pulpal tissue to be surrounded by normal bone.

Oncological treatment is currently considered a contraindication for coronectomy due to the theoretical assumption that there is an increased risk of infection from non‐vital coronectomy roots in patients whose oncological disease can result in the development of secondary or acquired immunodeficiency. Additionally, patients with oncological conditions who have undergone head and neck radiotherapy (RT) or received bone modulating agents could be at risk of osteonecrosis either following coronectomy or future root retrieval.

This mini case series aims to investigate the outcomes following coronectomy concentrating on oncology patients.

Methods

Between 2011 and 2017, seven patients prior to commencing head and neck RT or chemotherapy underwent coronectomy of nine mandibular third molars (M3Ms).

Results

Clinical and radiographic follow up for a mean of 15 months (range 3–48) had shown healing with no report of persistent pain or infection. Fifty‐six per cent of roots demonstrated migration radiographically. No cases required root retrieval or experienced post‐operative IANI or osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Conclusion

This mini case series provides some early insight into the use of coronectomy in oncology patients, however, requires a larger patient population and longer follow up.
Trigeminal neuralgia and associated unwarranted dental treatment
Authors: Agarwal Padmanidhi , Bhatt Sumit , Jain Kanav , Agarwal Ayush , Mahajan Tarun
Published: December 2021

Aim

This study aimed to note the prevalence of trigeminal neuralgia (TN) in patients reporting to a tertiary care centre along with the unwarranted dental treatment they had received due to ignorance about the same.

Methodology

All patients reporting to the Dentistry Out Patient Department (OPD) over 1 year were screened for TN and their demographics, side and site of neuralgia along with any dental treatment received in relation to the complaint site were noted and compared.

Results

Out of 14,952 OPD patients, the prevalence of TN was 0.30% (45) with a female to male ratio of 3:2. It was more common on the right side and affected the mandibular division the most. More than 80% of patients underwent at least one unnecessary dental procedure before being diagnosed with TN, this was more common in the rural population as compared to city dwellers.

Conclusion

To decrease the number of unwarranted dental procedures being done on TN patients, thorough knowledge of TN amongst both the public and dentists is essential to reduce patient agony, decrease the delay in diagnosis, facilitate early resolution of symptoms and eventually disease and improve the patient's quality of life. Timely neurology referral is the key to better management and reduces unnecessary dental procedures undergone by patients unknowingly and eventually decreases the emotional and economic burden on them.
Screen time of children with speech delay: a cross‐sectional study in a tertiary center in Kuantan, Malaysia
Authors: Chong Wei Wei , Abd Rahman Fairuz Nazri , Harun Noorul Amilin
Published: December 2021

Background

Studies suggest excessive screen time (use of smartphones, televisions, computers and/or video games) is linked to speech and language delay. This study explored the sociodemographic characteristics of children with speech delay in Kuantan, Malaysia, and the association of screen time with speech and other developmental delays.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted between July and November 2019 at the child psychiatry and speech therapy clinics, at Kuantan Hospital, Pahang, Malaysia. Parents of children with speech delay aged <72 months provided information on their children's and their own screen times. Speech and other developmental skills were assessed using the Schedule of Growing Skills II with scores reported as developmental quotient (DQ) level.

Results

The study included 91 children (67 boys, 24 girls) of whom 54.9% had primary speech delay and 45.1% had neurodevelopmental disorders; their mean age was 39.9 ± 11.52 months. The children's mean screen time was 2.26 ± 1.98 h daily, with 36.3% exceeding 2 h. Higher children's screen time was moderately correlated with higher parental screen time (rs = 0.479, P < 0.01). Household income was positively correlated with screen times of the children and the parents (rs = 0.243, P = 0.02 and rs = 0.390, p < 0.01, respectively). Parents who intended to reduce their children's screen time reported higher screen time in their children (t(89) = 2.322, P = 0.023). Children's age was positively correlated with the number of types of screen media (rs = 0.225, P = 0.032). The mean speech DQ was 54.76 ± 24.06%. Lower speech DQ was associated with lower DQs in other skills (P < 0.01). No significant correlation was shown between children's and parents' screen time with DQs of speech and other skills (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The correlation between parent and child screen time provides an opportunity for possible intervention, where necessary. Larger studies are required to examine this correlation further.
Plerixafor stem cell mobilization in Japanese children: A post‐marketing study
Authors: Goto Hiroaki , Kanamori Rie , Nishina Satoshi , Seto Takashi
Published: December 2021

Background

Plerixafor is approved in Japan for hematopoietic stem cell mobilization prior to autologous transplant, but limited data are available on the use in children. This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of plerixafor in Japanese children aged <15 years.

Methods

A multicenter, post‐marketing surveillance study was conducted in Japan to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of plerixafor in routine clinical practice. This subgroup analysis examined the safety and effectiveness of plerixafor administered as a once‐daily, subcutaneous injection in children aged <15 years. The primary effectiveness outcome was the proportion of patients with 2 × 106 cells CD34+ cells/kg collected via apheresis within 4 days.

Results

Eighteen patients with solid tumors were included in this analysis; (median age 6.0 years, range, 1–13 years). In addition to granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor, all patients had received chemotherapy immediately prior to plerixafor administration. The mean (SD) daily dose of plerixafor was 0.24 (0.01) mg/kg. Seven of the 18 patients (38.9%) developed adverse drug reactions (ADRs), all occurring in patients aged ≥6 years and weighing ≥16 kg. The most common ADRs were pyrexia (n = 4), vomiting (n = 3), nausea (n = 2), and abdominal pain (n = 2). Twelve patients (66.7%) achieved a CD34+ cell count ≥2 × 106 cells/kg within 4 days after the start of plerixafor administration.

Conclusions

The results provide an encouraging sign that plerixafor 0.24 mg/kg may be safe and effective in pediatric patients in routine clinical practice in Japan, but further research in larger studies is needed.
Comparison of two methods measuring serum alkaline phosphatase in neonates
Authors: Hanaoka Shintaro , Motokura Kouji , Tomotaki Seiichi , Akita Mitsuyo , Araki Ryosuke , Tomobe Yutaro , Yamauchi Takeru , Tomotaki Hiroko , Iwanaga Kougoro , Niwa Fusako , Takita Junko , Kawai Masahiko
Published: December 2021

Background

Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a useful bone turnover marker to diagnose metabolic bone disease in preterm infants. In Japan, serum ALP levels were generally measured using the Japan Society of Clinical Chemistry (JSCC) method. It is problematic that ALP levels measured using the JSCC method tend to be higher in people with blood types B and O regardless of the disease. For international standardization, since 2020, the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) method has been used as a reference method for ALP measurement instead of the JSCC method. However, no report has investigated the correlation between these two methods in neonates. We therefore aimed to compare the JSCC and IFCC methods and demonstrate a conversion formula in neonates.

Methods

In this retrospective study, we used a total of 402 samples in 49 preterm and 38 term infants. Serum ALP levels were measured using the JSCC and IFCC methods.

Results

Alkaline phosphatase measured using the JSCC method strongly correlated with that measured using the IFCC method in all blood types in preterm and term infants (P < 0.01 for all).

Conclusions

We found that the serum ALP levels measured using the IFCC method could be calculated as 0.34 times the ALP levels measured using the JSCC method in preterm and term infants with any blood type: ALP levels (IFCC method) = 0.34 × ALP levels (JSCC method).
Heteroatom‐Substituted Xanthene Fluorophores Enter the Shortwave‐Infrared Region†
Authors: Brøndsted Frederik , Stains Cliff I.
Published: December 2021

This article is a highlight of the paper by Ivanic and Schnermann et al. in this issue of Photochemistry and Photobiology (Daly et al. Photochem. Photobiol. 2022). The collaborative team utilized computational approaches to investigate the influence of electron‐withdrawing groups at the 10′ position of tetramethylrhodamine (TMR). Leveraging this information, the team was able to extend the emission of the TMR scaffold into the shortwave‐infrared region (SWIR, 1000–2500 nm) by incorporation of a ketone functional group at the 10′ position (Daly et al. Photochem. Photobiol. 2022). This work provides the first example of a TMR derivative with peak SWIR emission (λabs: 862 nm, λem: 1058 nm). The authors utilize the ketone rhodamine scaffold to generate fluorogenic, pH‐responsive reporters. This work demonstrates the potential of the classic xanthene scaffold for use as a SWIR reporter, an important step in the ultimate expansion of the repertoire of small‐molecule organic fluorophore scaffolds available for deep‐tissue imaging applications.
Recipients’ pregnancy rate was affected by season but not by the temperature‐humidity index (THI) in an equine commercial ET programme in Southern Europe
Authors: Fanelli Diana , Tesi Matteo , Ingallinesi Martina , Camillo Francesco , Panzani Duccio
Published: December 2021

This study retrospectively analysed the effects of different environmental factors such as the photoperiod, temperature/humidity index of 19 years of a commercial embryo transfer programme performed in central Italy. From 340 donors of different breeds and aged between 2 and 25 years, 576 embryos of an excellent or good quality were obtained by uterine flushing on days 7–8 after ovulation. The embryos were transferred to 259 recipients, aged between 2 and 16 years, and belonging to different breeds. Both the donors and the recipients were employed for several cycles/years. At the time of transfer, the recipients were in diestrus, from day 4 to day 8 after ovulation, and were classified as excellent or good based on clinical examination findings. Out of the total number of embryos transferred, 437 pregnancies were obtained at 14 days (75.9%), with 48/437 (10.1%) embryonic losses at 40 days; with no significant differences among years. Significant differences (p < .05) were observed between 14‐day pregnancy rates for transfers performed during the spring transition and breeding seasons (77.1%) compared to those performed during the autumn transitional season (57.9%). No effect of temperature/humidity index was found on pregnancy rates or pregnancy losses after the transfer to the recipients (p > .05). Embryo transfer during autumn was less successful than the transfers performed during the spring transition and the breeding season.
Mapping the development of North Korea's domestic nuclear research networks
Authors: Baxter Philip , Hastings Justin V. , Kim Philseo , Yim Man‐Sung
Published: December 2021

How did North Korea's nuclear research community develop in the context of its science and technology policy, and how did this development reflect progress in North Korea's nuclear program? We conduct network analysis using a dataset of North Korean domestic scientific journal articles to assess the structure of the North Korea's nuclear research communities from the beginning of the country's nuclear program until its capability “completion” in 2018. We find that the networks showed increasing internal density of research collaborations, suggesting North Korea was able to improve knowledge transfer, and consolidate its nuclear research community over time. Furthermore, different areas of nuclear‐related research increased interconnectivity over time, particularly in the run‐up to milestones in North Korea's nuclear development. We close with implications for engaging with North Korea on science and technology issues.
Identification of the novel HLA‐C*07:446 allele in a volunteer bone marrow donor
Authors: Lin Chun‐Ying , Chang Chia‐Ling
Published: December 2021

HLA‐C*07:446 differs from HLA‐C*07:02:01:01 by one nucleotide substitution at position 809 (C → T) in exon 4.
Identification of novel HLA‐DQA1*03:02:03 allele using next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Kim Namsoo , Hong Jun Young , Jung Sunmi , Lee Jina , Park Younhee
Published: December 2021

The HLA‐DQA1*03:02:03 allele differs from HLA‐DQA1*03:02:01:01 allele by a single nucleotide in codon 42.
Titanite as a petrogenetic indicator
Authors: Scibiorski Elisabeth A. , Cawood Peter A.
Published: December 2021

The trace element composition of titanite reflects the temperature, pressure and bulk‐rock composition from which it crystallized. Two geochemical discriminators are identified by applying a support vector matrix (a machine learning classifier) to a global compilation of titanite trace element data. The compilation comprises more than 7,400 analyses of igneous and metamorphic titanite from a wide range of bulk‐rock compositions. First, igneous and metamorphic titanite are differentiated on the basis of Al/Fe and ∑LREE content. Variation in Th/U aids differentiation in composite settings, such as igneous rocks overprinted by metamorphism. Second, titanite from felsic host rocks is distinguished by low Zr/Y and high Fe content. For titanite from igneous rocks, this effectively discriminates titanite from mafic and felsic rocks. Together, these geochemical discriminators may be used to characterize the crystallization setting and host‐rock of an unknown titanite, a valuable tool with applications including petrochronology and detrital provenance analysis.
Constraining the slip rate of Jurassic rift faults through the drowning history of a carbonate platform
Authors: Santantonio Massimo , Cipriani Angelo , Fabbi Simone , Meister Christian
Published: December 2021

“Classic” field mapping in sedimentary successions, where lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy and sedimentology meet, still has potential for producing answers to long‐standing problems in basin analysis. In the Northern Apennines of Italy, constraints on the slip rates of Early Jurassic rift faults, related to the embryonic separation of Eurasia and Gondwana, are provided by sedimentology and ammonite biostratigraphy, coupled with the field mapping of exposed tracts of the submarine escarpments and of the clinoform slopes which bordered carbonate footwall blocks. Slip rates of 600–1,000 m/Myr are here computed for Tethyan rift faults, producing >1 km of palaeostructural relief in ~2 million years (earliest Sinemurian: Bucklandi p.p. – Semicostatum p.p. zones).
Project-based Community of Inquiry for Effective Online Graduate Course on Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Liew Peng Yen , Tan Lian See , Foong Chan Choong , Jamian Nor Ruwaida
Published: December 2021

This article aimed to present the improvements on the instructional design of a postgraduate course, namely Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), for effective content delivery in online teaching and learning due to COVID-19 pandemic. The community of inquiry framework was used as the basis for this improvement. It was aided by project-based learning to enhance the educational experiences and improve content delivery efficiency. Conventional active learning teaching pedagogy was maintained in the early part of the course. Next, an open-ended project became the pillar of the second part of the course for performing a comparative LCA in a team. To ensure all students have high individual accountability, each team member performed a LCA study independently for a sub-scope of the project. Meanwhile, their teammates supported each other as each sub-scope is interdependent on the project. WhatsApp was used to promote interactions between students-students and students-instructors to provide just-in-time feedback, and weekly consultations were offered to students to monitor student progress. Based on the course evaluation, the students felt optimistic about the changes. They agreed that these new delivery methods helped them in mastering the subject matter.
Extended General Relativity: (3+1)-anyons in a preinflationary cosmological model
Authors: Bellini Mauricio , Sánchez Pablo Alejandro
Published: December 2021

We propose an extended General Relativistic formalism with boundary terms included, that describes the dynamics of quantum spinor fields, which can take intermediate values, named $$(3+1)$$

(
3
+
1
)

-anyons. In the approach here worked, we use an extended manifold in which the $$\left( 3+1\right) $$

3
+
1

-anyon fields can be expressed as a linear combination of bosons and fermions. We calculate the flow of these fields with self-interactions included in a preinflationary model that describes the birth of the universe from a null Hubble parameter, and we obtain the value of the cosmological parameter at this moment due to the flux of $$(3+1)$$

(
3
+
1
)

-anyons through the 3d-closed hypersurface. The spectral indices at the end of preinflation are in very good agreement with observations. In particular the tensor to scalar ratio obtained at the end of preinflation is very small: $$r(\phi _*) = 0.00336$$

r
(

ϕ

∗

)
=
0.00336

.
Soliton solutions for Hirota–Maxwell–Bloch system and its nonlocal form
Authors: Guo Jia-Huan , Guo Rui
Published: December 2021

This paper studies the Hirota–Maxwell–Bloch (H–MB) system and its nonlocal form. Based on the Darboux Transformations (DTs), for H–MB system, we present general double breathers, what is more, we take appropriate modulation frequency and position parameters to investigate the generative mechanism of rogue wave sequences and different periodic breather sequences. For nonlocal Hirota–Maxwell–Bloch (NH–MB) system, we discuss symmetry preserving and broken soliton solutions under zero background. Besides, we present nine combinations of dark and antidark soliton solutions under continuous waves background when PT-symmetry is broken.
A new spreading model in the environment of epidemic-related online rumors
Authors: Nian Fuzhong , Guo Xin , Li Jinzhou
Published: December 2021

This paper takes COVID-19-related online rumors as the research object, and explores the law of spreading public opinion in social networks. The paper also conducts empirical research on the relationship between rumor spreading, user characteristics and subject interest differences, and analyzes the common influence of individual factors and social environment. In the process of public opinion dissemination, measures that can effectively regulate the dissemination of public opinion are proposed. Based on the susceptible-exposed-infected-recovered (SEIR) model, this paper analyzes the influence of individual differentiation characteristics, friend factors, and time-dependent decline on user status changes. The study found that the user’s environment can affect the spread and popularity of public opinion information, and prolong the survival time of public Controlling the propagation threshold and exit threshold of the platform helps to control the large-scale dissemination of online public opinion. The extinction of public opinion is affected by the decline of time and heat rather than certain probability.
Sensitivity characterization of polarization operating by embedded reflective grating
Authors: Hong Jiaman , Wang Bo , Zhu Xiaoqing , Xiong Zhichao , Huang Yusen , Liang Guoyu , Li Zhipeng
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a novel embedded reflective grating (ERG) is presented to realize bi-function polarization operating at infrared band by finite element analysis (FEM). For transverse electric (TE) polarization, a two-port output (0th and −2nd orders) with an efficiency of more than 47% and excellent uniformity can be obtained. For transverse magnetic (TM) polarization, a high efficiency output of 94.72% can be achieved at the −2th order. The results of the analysis of the electric field intensity distribution, angular and wavelength bandwidths further demonstrate the advantages of the proposed grating. In addition, the tolerance analysis of period and duty cycle prove the feasibility of the grating in practical production.
Exact solutions of the (3+1)-dimensional generalized Boiti–Leon–Manna–Pempinelli equation
Authors: Zhou Ai-Juan , Guo Ya-Ru
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we study exact solutions of the (3[Formula: see text]+[Formula: see text]1)-dimensional Boiti–Leon–Manna–Pempinelli equation. We employ the Hirota bilinear method to obtain the multi-solitary wave solutions, soliton resonant solutions, periodic solutions and interactional solutions and periodic resonant solutions. The corresponding asymptotic features and images are also clearly given.
Dynamics of optical pulses in fiber optics
Authors: Younas U. , Ren J. , Bilal M.
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we pay attention to the nonlinear dynamical behavior of ultra-short pulses in optical fiber. The new Hamiltonian amplitude equation is used as a governing model to analyze the pulses. We secure the ultra-short pulses in the forms of bright, dark, singular, combo and complex soliton solutions by the utilization of three of sound computational integration techniques that are protracted (or extended) Fan-sub equation method (PFSEM), the generalized exponential rational function method (GERFM), extended Sinh-Gordon equation expansion method (ShGEEM). Moreover, Jacobi’s elliptic, trigonometric, and hyperbolic functions solutions are also discussed as well as the constraint conditions of the achieved solutions are also presented. In addition, we discuss the different wave structures by the assistance of logarithmic transformation. The findings demonstrate that the examined equation theoretically contains a large number of soliton solution structures. By selecting appropriate criteria, the actual portrayal of certain obtained results is sorted out graphically in 3D and 2D profiles. The results suggest that the procedures used are concise, direct, and efficient, and that they can be applied to more complex phenomena. The resulting solutions are novel, intriguing, and potentially useful in understanding energy transit and diffusion processes in mathematical models of several disciplines of interest, including nonlinear optics. Our new results have been compared to these in the literature.
Quantum dissipation and friction attributed to plasmons
Authors: Wang Yang , Jia Yu
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we computed quantum friction of two parallel metal plates separated by a small distance moving with constant relative velocity [Formula: see text]. The plasmons as the internal degrees of freedom living on the two plates are coupled to a vacuum field in the gap between the two plates. We got the in–out quantum action which contained all the dynamical information of the system. Furthermore, we associated the imaginary part of the in–out quantum action with dissipation and frictional force. For the case of dispersionless plasmons, the imaginary part of the in–out quantum action is strongly suppressed as [Formula: see text]. The frictional force exhibits the same feature as [Formula: see text]. The difference is that the frictional force increases as [Formula: see text] and decreases as [Formula: see text]. For the case of dispersive plasmons, there is a threshold for the imaginary part of the in–out quantum action and the frictional force, that is, there is no dissipation when the relative velocity [Formula: see text] is not big enough. We gave a classical argument of the existence of the threshold, and this argument matched the mathematical results.
A FRACTAL-FRACTIONAL 2019-NCOV MODEL OF MAJOR DISASTER FOR HUMAN LIFE
Authors: MOMANI SHAHER , CHAUHAN R. P. , KUMAR SUNIL , HADID SAMIR
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this research is to explore the spread dynamics of a novel coronavirus outbreak, or 2019-nCOV via a fractional approach of type fractal-fractional (FF) derivative. We considered the FF approach in sense of the Atangana–Baleanu derivative for the system 2019-nCOV. In the FF operator, when we choose fractional-order one, we achieve the fractal model and when choosing fractal order one then we obtain a fractional model and while considering both the operators together we obtain the fractal-fractional model. The obtained results show via graphics for the different collections of fractal and fractional orders. The graphical results show the new operator impacts on a practical situation in a more visual way.
A ROBUST COMPUTATIONAL DYNAMICS OF FRACTIONAL-ORDER SMOKING MODEL WITH RELAPSE HABIT
Authors: ZEB ANWAR , KUMAR SUNIL , SAEED TAREQ
Published: December 2021

The social habit of smoking has affected the whole world in a social manner. It is the main cause of diseases like cancers, asthma, bad breath, etc., and a source of spreading of infectious diseases like COVID-19. This work is related to an existing smoking model with relapse habit converted in fractional order. First, formulation of fractional-order smoking model is presented and then the dynamics of proposed problem is analyzed. Fixed-point theory via Banach contraction and Schauder theorems is used to derive the existence and uniqueness of the model. At last, the adaptive predictor–corrector algorithm and Runge–Kutta fourth-order (RK4) strategy are used to perform simulation. To bolster the validity of the theoretical results, a set of numerical simulations are performed. A good agreement between hypothetical and numerical results is demonstrated via numerical simulations using MATLAB software.
Evolution equation for interaction of opposite directed waves with arbitrary polarization in 1D-metamaterial
Authors: Ampilogov Dmitrii , Leble Sergey
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a theoretical study of wave propagation in 1D metamaterial is presented. A system of evolution equations for electromagnetic waves with both polarizations account is derived by means of projection operators method for general nonlinearity and dispersion. It describes interaction of opposite directed waves with a given polarization. The particular case of Kerr nonlinearity and Drude dispersion is considered. In such approximation, it results in the corresponding system of nonlinear equations that generalizes the Schäfer–Wayne one. Traveling wave solution for the system of equation of interaction of orthogonal-polarized waves is also obtained. Dependence of wavelength on amplitude is written and plotted.
Some strong limit theorems for weighted sums of measurable operators
Authors: Huan Nguyen Van , Quang Nguyen Van
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study is to provide some strong limit theorems for weighted sums of measurable operators. The almost uniform convergence and the bilateral almost uniform convergence are considered. As a result, we derive the strong law of large numbers for sequences of successively independent identically distributed measurable operators without using the noncommutative version of Kolmogorov’s inequality.
Multicast Through Device to Device Communication Using Enhanced Diffie–Hellman Algorithm
Authors: Satish Kumar M. , Prasada Rao P. V. R. D.
Published: December 2021

The mobile device demand has been increased and it is estimated that in upcoming 10 years, the wireless cellular demand will increase up to 500 times. And it is not possible only with the cellular networks to satisfy this huge demand. To meet the huge requirement from the mobile end user, 5G networks enabled device to device communication can be applied. Device to Device (D2D) connection is the direct link among the two devices without the intervention of main station. Thus, D2D reduces the latency. And 5G are supported for the high data rates. Furthermore, for efficient transmission, multicast device to device communication is used. Multicast distrubutes the messages to multiple users of the restricted geographical area. Trustworthy communication is necessary for multicast D2D communication. Enhanced Diffie–Hellman algorithm is used for the trustworthiness.