bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two QTLs govern the resistance to Sclerotinia minor in an interspecific peanut RIL population
Authors: Rosso Melina H. , de Blas Francisco J. , Massa Alicia N. , Oddino Claudio , Giordano Damian F. , Seijo Jose G. , Arias Renee S. , Soave Juan H. , Soave Sara J. , Buteler Mario I. , Bressano Marina
Published: November 2022

Sclerotinia blight is a soilborne disease caused by Sclerotinia minor Jagger and can produce severe decrease in yield. Cultural management strategies and chemical treatment are not completely effective; therefore, growing peanut‐resistant varieties is likely to be the most effective control method for this disease. Sclerotinia blight resistance has been identified in wild Arachis species and further transferred to peanut elite cultivars. To identify the genome regions conferring Sclerotinia blight resistance within a tetraploid genetic background, this study evaluated a population of recombinant inbred lines (RIL) with introgressed genes from three wild diploid species: A. cardenasii, A. correntina, and A. batizocoi. Two consistent quantitative trait loci (QTLs), qSbIA04 and qSbIB04 located on chromosomes A04 and B04, respectively, were identified. The QTL qSbIA04 was mapped at 56.39 cM explaining 29% of the phenotypic variance and qSbIB04 was mapped at 13.38 cM explaining 22% of the overall phenotypic variance.
A novel method for making cell blocks with higher cellular yield
Authors: Liu Hongying , Huang Zhendong , Li Weiping , Cao Zhuo , Luo Biyi , Peng Yan , Liu Ying , Zheng Guangjuan , He Qinglian
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Cytopathology is an important part of pathology that is used to diagnose disease on the cellular level. The application of the cell block (CB) technique plays a vital role in cytological diagnosis, as blocks and slides can be further used for special stains, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and molecular pathological analysis. Several methods for making CBs have been reported, but their procedures and cellular yield are still deemed unsatisfactory. In this article, we used gellan gum (GG) as an adjuvant for CBs, which resulted in higher cellular yield with simpler procedures.

Methods

CBs were prepared by using GG, copper sulfate, plasma/thrombin, or pregelatinized starch methods. The procedures of each of these four methods were then compared. CB sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and the background and morphological features seen by H&E staining were compared. A preliminary IHC and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) study was performed using cytology specimens from eleven and five cases, respectively. The expression of immunocomplex by IHC and the molecular signals detected by FISH were compared in CB sections made by the four methods and a section derived from the biopsy specimen block from the same patient. Feulgen staining, Alcian blue staining, and Masson trichrome staining were performed on the CB sections from 3 cases of pleural fluid. The cellular yield of CB sections from 83 cases according to the four methods was compared using NDP analysis software.

Results

The results demonstrated that sections derived from CBs made with GG had a clear background and good morphological features by H&E staining. The expression of immunocomplex by IHC and the molecular signals of FISH detection in the sections from CBs made by GG were accurately located just as those in biopsy sections from the same patient. The DNA, acidic mucus, and fibrin could be clearly identified through special stains in the CB sections. The procedures involved in the GG method were easily controllable and the coagulated gel increased the ease by which the CB was embedded and sectioned. Specifically, sections from CBs made by the GG method contained higher cellular yield because cells could be concentrated on the bottom of the gel after centrifugation.

Conclusion

This novel method for making CBs is a practical, simple method that can result in higher cellular yield. This method is therefore worth promoting in clinical applications.
Connectivity between default mode and frontoparietal networks mediates the association between global amyloid‐β and episodic memory
Authors: Zhukovsky Peter , Coughlan Gillian , Buckley Rachel , Grady Cheryl , Voineskos Aristotle N.
Published: November 2022

Βeta‐amyloid (Aβ) is a neurotoxic protein that deposits early in the pathogenesis of preclinical Alzheimer's disease. We aimed to identify network connectivity that may alter the negative effect of Aβ on cognition. Following assessment of memory performance, resting‐state fMRI, and mean cortical PET‐Aβ, a total of 364 older adults (286 with clinical dementia rating [CDR‐0], 59 with CDR‐0.5 and 19 with CDR‐1, mean age: 74.0 ± 6.4 years) from the OASIS‐3 sample were included in the analysis. Across all participants, a partial least squares regression showed that lower connectivity between posterior medial default mode and frontoparietal networks, higher within‐default mode, and higher visual–motor connectivity predict better episodic memory. These connectivities partially mediate the effect of Aβ on episodic memory. These results suggest that connectivity strength between the precuneus cortex and the superior frontal gyri may alter the negative effect of Aβ on episodic memory. In contrast, education was associated with different functional connectivity patterns. In conclusion, functional characteristics of specific brain networks may help identify amyloid‐positive individuals with a higher likelihood of memory decline, with implications for AD clinical trials.
Effects of solriamfetol on on‐the‐road driving in participants with narcolepsy: A randomised crossover trial
Authors: Vinckenbosch Frederick , Lammers Gert Jan , Overeem Sebastiaan , Chen Dan , Wang Grace , Carter Lawrence P. , Zhou Kefei , Ramaekers Johannes G. , Vermeeren Annemiek
Published: November 2022

Objective

To evaluate the impact of solriamfetol, a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, on on‐the‐road driving performance in participants with narcolepsy.

Methods

In this randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover study, driving performance during a 1 h on‐road driving test was assessed at 2 and 6 h post‐dose following 7 days of treatment with solriamfetol (150 mg/day for 3 days, followed by 300 mg/day for 4 days) or placebo. The primary endpoint was standard deviation of lateral position (SDLP) at 2 h post‐dose.

Results

The study included 24 participants (54% male; mean age, 40 years); 22 had evaluable SDLP data. At 2 h post‐dose, median SDLP was significantly lower (improved) with solriamfetol compared with placebo (19.08 vs. 20.46 cm [median difference, −1.9 cm], p = 0.002). Four participants on solriamfetol and 7 on placebo had incomplete driving tests. At 6 h post‐dose, median SDLP was not statistically significantly different with solriamfetol compared with placebo (19.59 vs. 19.78 cm [median difference, −1.1 cm], p = 0.125). Three participants on solriamfetol and 10 on placebo had incomplete driving tests. Common adverse events (≥5%) included headache, decreased appetite, and somnolence.

Conclusions

Solriamfetol 300 mg/day improved on‐the‐road driving performance, at 2 h post‐administration in participants with narcolepsy.
Efficacy and cost of double filtration plasmapheresis in severe hypertriglyceridemia‐induced pancreatitis: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Xu Xin , Gao Chenyang , Han Pan
Published: November 2022

Background

The value of double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) in severe hypertriglyceridemia‐induced pancreatitis (sHTGP) is controversial. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of DFPP on clinical outcomes in patients with sHTGP and the costs associated with the procedure.

Methods

Patients who underwent DFPP after admission between January 2016 and December 2021 were recruited. Data on lipid profile, clinical parameters, and costs were retrospectively collected and analyzed.

Results

Fifty sHTGP patients who received DFPP were enrolled. All of the lipid profile were significantly reduced and maintained a downward trend. The APACHE II score on admission was higher and the reduction after DFPP was more obvious (P < 0.05) in patients with higher triglyceride (TG) levels (≥33.9 mmol/L) than in patients with lower TG levels. More material fees were expended in the higher TG group due to more DFPP sessions (P < 0.05), but no significant differences existed in total hospital costs between the two groups.

Conclusion

DFPP could rapidly and effectively reduce TGs to a safe level. APACHE II score reduction was obvious in patients with TGs ≥33.9 mmol/L and was associated with lipid profile changes. DFPP may benefit sHTGP patients with a TG level higher than the current initiation threshold.
Therapists' self‐assessment of time spent on learning activities and its relationship to treatment outcomes: A replication study
Authors: Janse Pauline D. , Bakker‐Brehm Diana T. , Geurtzen Naline , Scholing Agnes , Hutschemaekers Giel J.
Published: November 2022

Objectives

This study investigated whether therapists' self‐assessed time spent on learning activities was associated with treatment outcomes. The study was a replication of Chow et al.'s (2015) study, which showed that the most effective therapists spent more total time on solitary learning activities than less effective therapists. The present study sought to replicate this finding, and it explored the association between 25 specific activities of therapists and clients' treatment outcomes. Also, this study explored which learning activities therapists found most relevant for improving their performance.

Methods

In this naturalistic longitudinal study, data from 2424 outpatients who were being treated by 40 different therapists were analyzed using multilevel analyses. Posttreatment scores on the OQ‐45 (controlled for pretreatment client variables) were used to measure treatment outcome. The RAPID Practice‐D was used to measure therapists' learning and other activities spent with the aim of improving their therapeutic skills.

Results

The results showed that the total amount of time that therapists indicated they spent on learning activities did not predict clients' treatment outcomes. Also, no specific learning activities were related to clients' outcomes. Nevertheless, therapists indicated that they perceived several specific activities to be highly relevant for improving their skills.

Conclusion

The results showed that therapists' perceptions of how much time they spent on learning activities was not related to their performance. This might suggest that therapists' perceptions of their activities is inaccurate or that they attach value to the wrong activities. It also indicates the importance of not relying solely on the self‐assessments of therapists to evaluate a therapist's training and its relationship with outcome.
DATAMAN: A global database of methane, nitrous oxide, and ammonia emission factors for livestock housing and outdoor storage of manure
Authors: Hassouna Mélynda , van der Weerden Tony J. , Beltran Ignacio , Amon Barbara , Alfaro Marta A. , Anestis Vasileios , Cinar Gültac , Dragoni Federico , Hutchings Nicholas J. , Leytem April , Maeda Koki , Maragou Aristea , Misselbrook Tom , Noble Alasdair , Rychła Anna , Salazar Francisco , Simon Priscila
Published: November 2022

Livestock manure management systems can be significant sources of nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4), and ammonia (NH3) emissions. Many studies have been conducted to improve our understanding of the emission processes and to identify influential variables in order to develop mitigation techniques adapted to each manure management step (animal housing, outdoor storage, and manure spreading to land). The international project DATAMAN (http://www.dataman.co.nz) aims to develop a global database on greenhouse gases (N2O, CH4) and NH3 emissions from the manure management chain to refine emission factors (EFs) for national greenhouse gas and NH3 inventories. This paper describes the housing and outdoor storage components of this database. Relevant information for different animal categories, manure types, livestock buildings, outdoor storage, and climatic conditions was collated from published peer reviewed research, conference papers, and existing databases published between 1995 and 2021. In the housing database, 2024 EFs were collated (63% for NH3, 19.5% for CH4, and 17.5% for N2O). The storage database contains 654 NH3 EFs from 16 countries, 243 CH4 EFs from 13 countries, and 421 N2O EFs from 17 countries. Across all gases, dairy cattle and swine production in temperate climate zones are the most represented animal and climate categories. As for the housing database, the number of EFs for the tropical climate zone is under‐represented. The DATAMAN database can be used for the refinement of national inventories and better assessment of the cost‐effectiveness of a range of mitigation strategies.
Comparative and integrated analysis of plasma extracellular vesicle isolation methods in healthy volunteers and patients following myocardial infarction
Authors: Paget Daan , Checa Antonio , Zöhrer Benedikt , Heilig Raphael , Shanmuganathan Mayooran , Dhaliwal Raman , Johnson Errin , Jørgensen Maléne Møller , Bæk Rikke ,   Oxford Acute Myocardial Infarction Study (OxAMI), Wheelock Craig E. , Channon Keith M. , Fischer Roman , Anthony Daniel C. , Choudhury Robin P. , Akbar Naveed
Published: November 2022

Plasma extracellular vesicle (EV) number and composition are altered following myocardial infarction (MI), but to properly understand the significance of these changes it is essential to appreciate how the different isolation methods affect EV characteristics, proteome and sphingolipidome. Here, we compared plasma EV isolated from platelet‐poor plasma from four healthy donors and six MI patients at presentation and 1‐month post‐MI using ultracentrifugation (UC), polyethylene glycol precipitation, acoustic trapping, size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) and immunoaffinity capture. The isolated EV were evaluated by Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA), Western blot, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), an EV‐protein array, untargeted proteomics (LC‐MS/MS) and targeted sphingolipidomics (LC‐MS/MS). The application of the five different plasma EV isolation methods in patients presenting with MI showed that the choice of plasma EV isolation method influenced the ability to distinguish elevations in plasma EV concentration following MI, enrichment of EV‐cargo (EV‐proteins and sphingolipidomics) and associations with the size of the infarct determined by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging 6 months post‐MI. Despite the selection bias imposed by each method, a core of EV‐associated proteins and lipids was detectable using all approaches. However, this study highlights how each isolation method comes with its own idiosyncrasies and makes the comparison of data acquired by different techniques in clinical studies problematic.
Impacts of atmospheric CO2 increase and Amazon deforestation on the regional climate: A water budget modelling study
Authors: Ruv Lemes Murilo , Sampaio Gilvan , Fisch Gilberto , Alves Lincoln Muniz , Maksic Jelena , Guatura Marcelo , Shimizu Marília
Published: November 2022

Global air temperature increase has caused changes in the global climate such as droughts, floods and severe events. Land cover shifts and the increase in greenhouse gas emissions can intensify these impacts. Therefore, the application of Specific Warming Level 2 (SWL2) technique has been considered to evaluate the global warming issue in various climate scales, which may induce different responses in the climate system. The objective of this study is to evaluate the impacts of a doubling of current atmospheric CO2 concentrations as well as the influence of deforestation of the Amazon Forest on the climate of South America. In this study, the CPTEC‐BAM1.2 global model was used to simulate these processes. The first scenario of simulations considered doubled atmospheric CO2 concentration (2XCO2 = 776 ppm) and the second scenario is the total conversion of the Amazon Forest to pasture (DEF). In the third scenario both CO2 and deforestation are considered simultaneously (2XCO2 + DEF). A control simulation considers the natural Amazon Forest shape and a steady CO2 concentration of 388 ppm. Results suggest that the temperature increased in all scenarios, the highest increment in the 2XCO2 + DEF experiment (5.4°C in 2XCO2 + DEF, 5.1°C in DEF and 3.2°C in 2XCO2). The model simulated drastic negative rainfall anomalies in each of three scenarios (2XCO2 + DEF: −2.1 mm day−1, 2XCO2: −1.3 mm day−1 and DEF: −0.9 mm day−1). Besides less precipitation and evapotranspiration, shifts in moisture transport were identified in each of the three scenarios. The effect of doubled atmospheric CO2 produces results similar to deforestation for hydrological water budget changes, and total pasture conversion may intensify such changes.
LLNet: Lightweight network with a channel and spatial attention mechanism for local climate zone classification from Sentinel‐2 image
Authors: Wang RenFeng , Wang MengMeng , Zhang Zhengjia , Xing Jiawen , Liu Xiuguo
Published: November 2022

The local climate zone (LCZ) system is a landscape framework defining a universal understanding of urban microclimate and urban environment and is important for the research of urban thermal environment, regional planning and carbon cycle. Currently, most existing approaches are difficult to deal with the features of built‐up area classes which are mainly related to three‐dimensional structures, resulting in poor accuracy of these classes. The convolutional block attention module (CBAM) can get meaningful context to better represent features by re‐weighting the features spatially and channel‐wise. This study proposed a Lightweight‐LCZ‐Network (LLNet) based on CBAM and depthwise separable convolution for LCZ classification from Sentinel‐2 image. The current largest LCZ classification data set So2Sat LCZ42 was employed to train and test the proposed model. Results indicated that the accuracy of the LLNet model achieved overall accuracy (OA) of 71.6% and Kappa coefficient of 0.688, realized an accuracy improvement by about 2%. In LLNet model, 65% of ordinary convolutions were displaced with depthwise separable convolutions, which decreased the amount of model parameters by 2/3 and maintained alike classification accuracy. In addition, the proposed model was applied for LCZ classification of Wuhan and Hefei cities to assess its generalization ability. The OA (Kappa coefficient) of the proposed model is 74.6% (0.72) for Wuhan and 77.5% (0.75) for Hefei, respectively. We concluded that the proposed LLNet model with strong robustness for LCZ classification from Sentinel‐2 data has an effective trade‐off between size and accuracy.
Impacts of the boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation on precipitation extremes in Indonesia
Authors: Muhammad Fadhlil R. , Lubis Sandro W.
Published: November 2022

The relationship between boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation (BSISO) and precipitation extremes over Indonesia is investigated using observational datasets from 30 years (1987–2016) of rain gauge measurements and the gridded Asian Precipitation‐Highly Resolved Observational Data Integration Towards Evaluation of Water Resources from 1998 to 2015. The results indicate that the frequency of daily extreme precipitation events in Indonesia (defined as total precipitation above the 95th percentile) during extended boreal summer (May–August) is significantly modulated by BSISO, especially over the western and northern regions. Under the influences of BSISO1, the probability of the precipitation extremes over Sumatra and Borneo increases by 20–120% (relative to the seasonal probability) during phases 1–3 and approximately 50–80% over the eastern part of Borneo and Sulawesi during phase 4. Under BSISO2, the probability of the extremes increases up to 40% over Sumatra during phases 1 and 2 and up to 140% over Borneo and Sulawesi during phases 2 and 3. The increase in the probability of extreme summer precipitation is associated with enhanced large‐scale moisture flux convergence and upward moisture transport induced by the active phases of BSISO. These results provide potential information for medium‐ to extended‐range predictions of summer precipitation extremes in Indonesia.
Trends of reference evapotranspiration and its physical drivers in southern South America
Authors: Merino Rodrigo Andres , Gassmann María Isabel
Published: November 2022

Reference evapotranspiration (ETo) is a variable used to characterize the evaporative demand of the atmosphere and its impact on the water balance. During the last decades, significant ETo variabilities have been observed, especially at mid‐latitudes. These variabilities respond mainly to local variations in their physical drivers, such as solar radiation, vapour pressure deficit or wind speed. In this study, the annual and seasonal ETo estimates are generated using the Penman–Monteith method (FAO). Surface weather stations for the Argentine territory and reanalysis data for southern South America of the last four decades (1981–2020) are used. Contributions of both aerodynamic (ETaero) and radiative (ETrad) effects are evaluated to analyse their driving role. Significant positive ETo trends are observed from reanalysis data throughout Argentina, especially on the central east side of the Andes Mountain range with values up to 10 mm·year−1. Most of these ETo changes respond to positive trends in air temperature in the study area, while those in the central Andes also respond to negative trends in dew point temperatures. On the other hand, the increase in energy availability through positive trends in net surface radiation produced a slightly higher ETo in the northern regions of the country. Regional ETo values have shown to be more sensitive to variations in air temperature in the northeastern areas, although changes in humidity and solar radiation could also play a role. In a context of climate change, given that temperature and rainfall are expected to increase in the central and northeastern region of the country and decrease along the eastern side of the Andes Mountains in the coming decades, the characteristics observed over the 1981–2020 period are expected to intensify in the near future.
Hajek and Hirsch: Otolaryngology Pioneers of Endonasal Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery
Authors: Ben‐Shlomo Nir , Mudry Albert , Naples James , Walsh Jarrett , Smith Timothy R. , Laws Edward R. , Corrales C. Eduardo
Published: November 2022

Objective

To evaluate the historical descriptive origins of the extracranial transnasal transsphenoidal route to the sphenoid sinus and sella turcica focusing on the works of two otolaryngologists: Markus Hajek (1861–1941) and Oskar Hirsch (1877–1965).

Data Sources

A collection of primary references of author publications, and contemporary references and textbooks.

Review Methods

Primary references were reviewed with specific focus on surgical routes to the sphenoid sinus and sella turcica. Chronology was cross‐referenced with contemporary publications by contemporaries. Translations from German were conducted by author AM when necessary.

Results

Markus Hajek elegantly described the surgical approach to the posterior ethmoids and sphenoid sinus in 1904 using a transnasal route. Building on this foundation, Oskar Hirsch described the fully extracranial endonasal transethmoid transsphenoidal approach in 1909. He was first to describe surgical entrance to the sella using this exclusively unilateral endonasal route, which he demonstrated on a cadaver. He reports performing this procedure on a live patient in April, 1910, under local anesthesia in stages over 5 weeks. For better exposure, Hirsch consolidated his method with Killian's submucosal window resection of the posterior nasal septum allowing for bilateral access to the sphenoid sinus and sella, and completed a single stage procedure on a patient in June 1910.

Conclusion

Oskar Hirsch was the first to describe and perform a stepwise surgical approach to the sella using an exclusively extracranial, endonasal, transethmoid, and transsphenoidal approach. He built upon his mentor Markus Hajek's approaches to the posterior ethmoid cells and sphenoid sinus.

Level of Evidence

NA: Background information, synthesis from multiple sources emphasizing factual information Laryngoscope, 133:807–813, 2023
A Thermally Promoted Homogenous‐Floating‐Concentrating Strategy Synthesizing Highly Crystalline Triazine/hydroxyl‐Rich COFs for 4‐Nitrophenol Adsorption
Authors: Lin Xiaogeng , Li Chen , He Yasan , Li Lei
Published: November 2022

In this work, a “thermally promoted homogenous‐floating‐concentrating” strategy is reported for the rapid synthesis of highly crystalline triazine/hydroxyl‐rich COFs under mild conditions, using for the effectively adsorbing 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) in aqueous solutions. This strategy originates from an optimized “homogenous‐floating‐concentrating” method as reported in the previous work. Both gradually improving concentration and heat treatment promote the condensation reaction between amino and aldehyde groups, resulting in high crystallinity and shorter reaction time. The obtained COFs demonstrate better crystallinity and higher surface area in comparison with the counterparts prepared by solvothermal strategy. A maximum surface area of 2391 m2 g‐1 is achieved. The COFs exhibit excellent 4‐NP adsorption capacity (Qmax = 1402.0 mg g−1), which is attributed to abundant triazine/hydroxyl‐groups on the COF skeleton and their strong H‐bonding interaction with 4‐NP.
A‐waves are associated with neuropathic pain in leprosy
Authors: Garbino José Antônio , Kirchner Daniel R. , França Marcondes C.
Published: November 2022

Introduction/Aims

The A‐wave is a late response related either to demyelination or early axonal regeneration. It may be helpful in the evaluation of some peripheral neuropathies. In leprosy, previous studies suggested that A‐waves could be a neurophysiological marker of pain in patients during reactions. Herein we have attempted to further assess the profile and clinical correlates of A‐waves by exploring a large leprosy cohort.

Methods

Between 2015 and 2018, 63 patients with leprosy (47 men and 16 women) had A‐waves in nerve conduction studies and were included in this study. We included patients regardless of whether they were experiencing leprosy reactions or not. We then compared clinical features in nerves with and without A‐waves.

Results

The mean age of study participants was 46.5 ± 12.3 years and most had borderline leprosy. From this cohort, we assessed separately 83 motor nerves that demonstrated A‐waves (group A+) and 29 motor nerves that did not demonstrate A‐waves (group A−). Neuropathic pain (NP) was found in 66 of 83 nerves in group A+, but only 5 of 29 in group A− (79.5 vs 17.2%, P < .001). In contrast, no significant between‐group difference emerged regarding presence of reactions, sensory function (based on Semmes‐Weinstein evaluations), or muscle strength. A‐waves were found in nerves with neuropathic pain experiencing (39 of 66 = 59%) or not experiencing (27 of 66 = 41%) leprosy reactions.

Discussion

These results show that A‐waves are associated with neuropathic pain in leprosy patients, regardless of the nerves affected and the immune status (in reaction or not).
Thinking outside the box: Alternative techniques for gender affirming phalloplasty
Authors: Cripps Courtney
Published: November 2022

Aims

The benefits of gender affirmation surgery have long been established, and with improved access to care, these operations are being performed with increased frequency. As these surgeries continue to be performed, the surgical techniques continue to evolve. Phalloplasty, or the creation of a phallus, remains one of the most complex surgical endeavors in which a variety of factors influence surgical decision making. This article aims to present the lesser known and less frequently performed means of phalloplasty in gender affirming genitourinary reconstruction.

Methods

A literature review of relevant articles, whether case series or more comprehensive, was performed to describe some of the more obscure and less frequently utilized flaps for phalloplasty.

Results

The most performed or widely accepted technique is that of the radial forearm free flap, but numerous other options decorate the surgical landscape. With limited and unreliable outcomes data, a standard of care is difficult to establish.

Conclusions

Ultimately, phalloplasty reconstruction should aim to achieve standing micturition and penetrative intercourse, resolute tactile and erogenous sensation, desirable aesthetics of the phallus, and acceptable donor site morbidity. Although some procedures are more commonly performed, the standard for phalloplasty has not been established. Ultimately, approaching this reconstructive puzzle with persistent creativity will unearth more reliable options in the future.
Investigating the effectiveness of Case‐Based Technology‐Enhanced workshops (e‐Flipped vs. Online) among health worker nurses during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Zarifsanaiey Nahid , Sajjadian Roghaye , Karimian Zahra , Khojasteh Laleh , Shahraki Hadi Raeisi
Published: November 2022

Aim

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of e‐flipped and online case‐based workshops on the nurses' knowledge, attitude and behaviour regarding thalassemia during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Design

A pre‐test–posttest interventional study was conducted with two intervention groups and a control group.

Methods

One hundred and fifty nurses were recruited from comprehensive urban health centres in June–December 2020. The nurses were randomly allocated to one of the three groups: case‐based e‐flipped workshop (n = 50), case‐based online workshop (n = 50) and control (n = 50). A researcher‐made questionnaire was completed by eligible subjects at baseline, after the end of the training sessions and 4 weeks after interventions to assess their knowledge, attitude and behaviour. Data were analysed in IBM SPSS v16.0. ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests were used to compare the three groups.

Results

The mean knowledge, attitude and behaviour scores in the intervention groups increased significantly more than that in the control group (p < .001). One week and 4 weeks following the intervention, the mean score of knowledge, attitude and behaviour in the e‐flipped group was greater than that in the online group (p < .001). According to the results, e‐flipped and online case‐based workshops can improve nurses' knowledge, attitude and behaviour regarding thalassemia.
Resource‐efficient generation of large‐area micro and nanostructures
Authors: Bläsi Benedikt , Müller Martina , Rossmeier Harald
Published: November 2022

Lasers are widely used in various manufacturing processes. In order to achieve sustainable production, it is important to reduce the environmental impact caused by the laser operation. One major improvement is the step from gas lasers to diode lasers.
Fertility rates and social media usage in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Wildeman Jet , Schrijner Sandor , Smits Jeroen
Published: November 2022

This study examines the connection between social media usage and fertility behaviour in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Whereas the link between traditional media and fertility behaviour has been firmly established, the link between social media and fertility is yet unclear, although social media has expanded enormously in recent years and provides opportunities both to acquire information and allow social interaction. We combine digital trace data from Facebook with fertility rates for 311 subnational regions in 29 sub‐Saharan African countries. Our analysis starts with describing spatial patterns of crude birth rates, Facebook usage and gender gaps in Facebook usage, and continues with regression analysis to test whether the associations remain significant after controlling for confounders. We find higher social media usage and gender equality in social media usage to be associated with lower birth rates. This study is one of the first to demonstrate connections between social media usage and fertility outcomes in the SSA region.
Tabersonine alleviates obesity‐induced cardiomyopathy by binding to Transforming growth factor activated kinase 1 (TAK1) and inhibiting TAK1‐mediated inflammation
Authors: Chen Yanghao , Lin Wante , Chen Pan , Ye Bozhi , Luo Wu , Wang Xu , Huang Weijian , Wu Gaojun , Liang Guang
Published: November 2022

Obesity‐induced cardiomyopathy (OIC) is an increasingly serious global disease caused by obesity. Chronic inflammation greatly contributes to the pathogenesis of OIC. This study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of tabersonine (Tab), a natural alkaloid with antiinflammatory activity, in the treatment of OIC. High fat diet (HFD)‐induced obese mice were administered with Tab. The results showed that Tab significantly inhibit inflammation, myocardial fibrosis, and hypertrophy to prevent heart dysfunction, without the alteration of body weight and hyperlipidemia, in HFD‐induced obese mice. H9c2 cells and primary cardiomyocytes stimulated by palmitic acid (PA) were used to explore the molecular mechanism and target of Tab. We examined the effect of Tab on key proteins involved in HFD/PA‐induced inflammatory signaling pathway and found that Tab significantly inhibits TAK1 phosphorylation in cardiomyocytes. We further detected the direct interaction between Tab and TAK1 at the cellular, animal, and molecular levels. We found that Tab directly binds to TAK1 to inhibit TAK1 phosphorylation, which then blocks TAK1‐TAB2 interaction and then NF‐κB pro‐inflammatory pathway in cultured cardiomyocytes. Our results indicate that Tab is a potential agent for the treatment of OIC, and TAK1 is an effective therapeutic target for this disease.
A bottom‐up proteomics workflow for a system containing multiple organisms
Authors: Bai Hongxia , Collins Leonard B. , André Marcos Rogério , Breitschwerdt Edward B. , Williams Taufika Islam
Published: November 2022

Rationale

Discovery proteomics has been popularized to be essential in the investigator's biological toolbox. Many biological problems involve the interplay of multiple organisms. Herein, a bottom‐up proteomics workflow was developed to study a system containing multiple organisms to promote a thorough understanding of how each interacts with the others.

Methods

A label‐free quantification proteomics workflow was developed with nanoscale liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC‐MS/MS). This protocol describes a bottom‐up proteomics workflow used to study differential protein expression in the context of fleas (Ctenocephalides felis felis) experimentally infected by the bacterium Bartonella henselae, the etiological agent of Cat Scratch Disease (CSD).

Results

Step‐by‐step instructions are provided for protein extraction, protein cleanup, total protein measurement, nanoLC‐MS/MS data acquisition, and data analysis using Proteome Discoverer software. Comprehensive and exhaustive details are included to promote the adoption of this proteomics workflow in other laboratories.

Conclusion

A proteomics protocol is detailed for a system containing multiple proteomes from different taxonomic lineages using CSD (cats bitten by fleas infected with Bartonella henselae) as a model. The operating protocol can be readily applied to other label‐free proteomics work involving multiple proteomes from taxonomically distinct organisms.
Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence in robotic hepatobiliary surgery: A systematic review
Authors: Potharazu Archit V. , Gangemi Antonio
Published: November 2022

Background

Indocyanine green fluorescence (ICG‐F) stains hepatic tumours and delineates vascular and biliary structures in real‐time. We detail the efficacy of ICG‐F in robotic hepatobiliary surgery.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central were searched for original articles and meta‐analyses detailing the outcomes of ICG‐F in robotic hepatobiliary surgery.

Results

214 abstracts were reviewed; 16 studies are presented. One single‐institution study reported ICG‐F in robotic right hepatectomy reduced postoperative bile leakage (0% vs. 12%, p = 0.023), R1 resection (0% vs. 16%, p = 0.019), and readmission (p = 0.023) without prolonging operative time (288 vs. 272 min, p = 0.778). Improved visualisation aided in attainment of R0 resection in partial hepatectomies and radical gallbladder adenocarcinoma resections. Fewer ICG‐F‐aided robotic cholecystectomies were converted to open procedure compared to laparoscopic cholecystectomies (2.1% vs. 8.9%, p = 0.03; 0.15% vs. 2.6%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

ICG‐F improves clinical outcomes in robotic hepatobiliary surgery without prolonging operative time. There is an opportunity to standardise ICG administration protocols, especially for hepatectomies.
Genetics, structure, transmission, epidemiology, immune response, and vaccine efficacies of the SARS‐CoV‐2 Delta variant: A comprehensive review
Authors: Li Han , Arcalas Chelsea‐Jane , Song Junmin , Rahmati Masoud , Park Seoyeon , Koyanagi Ai , Lee Seung Won , Yon Dong Keon , Shin Jae Il , Smith Lee
Published: November 2022

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) Delta variant (B.1.617.2) was the predominant variant behind the surges of COVID‐19 in the United States, Europe, and India in the second half of 2021. The information available regarding the defining mutations and their effects on the structure, transmission, and vaccine efficacy of SARS‐CoV‐2 is constantly evolving. With waning vaccine immunity and relaxation of social distancing policies across the globe driving the increased spread of the Delta variant, there is a great need for a resource aggregating the most recent information for clinicians and researchers concerning the Delta variant. Accordingly, this narrative review comprehensively reviews the genetics, structure, epidemiology, clinical course, and vaccine efficacy of the Delta variant. Comparison with the omicron variant is also discussed. The Delta variant is defined by 15 mutations in the Spike protein, most of which increase affinity for the ACE‐2 receptor or enhance immune escape. The Delta variant causes similar symptoms to prototypical COVID‐19, but it is more likely to be severe, with a greater inflammatory phenotype and viral load. The reproduction number is estimated to be approximately twice the prototypical strains present during the early pandemic, and numerous breakthrough infections have been reported. Despite studies demonstrating breakthrough infection and reduced antibody neutralisation, full vaccination effectively reduces the likelihood of severe illness and hospitalisation.
Make campus more welcoming to students with disabilities
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: November 2022

Michelle Heinig Resnick, M.A., Ed.M., observed that in higher education, most of the focus about disability is on compliance. There isn't much discussion of culture. Professionals tend to view disability through the medical model, rather than seeing it as a point of identity.
Students look to student affairs leaders, especially in challenging situations
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: November 2022

Difficult situations unfortunately come with the territory in student affairs. The biggest challenges for Edee Schulze, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Life at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, have involved student death, students grappling with serious physical and mental health issues, and natural disasters such as fires and mudslides.
Preparation and photocatalytic performances of ZnO nanostructures: Effects of anodization voltage and time
Authors: Oksuz Ahmet Emrecan , Yurddaskal Metin , Doluel Eyyup Can , Kartal Ugur , Dikici Tuncay
Published: November 2022

In this study, ZnO nanostructures with different morphologies were produced by varying anodizing parameters (time and voltage), and the photocatalytic activities of these structures were examined. ZnO nanostructures were fabricated through different voltage and duration consisting of nine samples with KHCO3 solution as an electrolyte. The produced ZnO nanostructures were investigated by using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and UV–vis spectrophotometer. It was found that the morphology of ZnO was formed as nanosponge, nanoflower, nanowire, heterogeneous structures. ZnO nanostructures were identified by matching XRD peaks due to the ICDD database. Experiments on photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue demonstrated the photocatalytic activity of ZnO samples. The best photocatalytic performance of the samples was observed by S1 sample, which was anodized for 30 min in 0.05 M of KHCO3 electrolyte at 20 V, after 420 min exposure of the UV–vis light source with the degradation rate of 87.3%. Such ZnO nanostructures exhibit unique properties and have high potential for wastewater treatment.
Manganese(III) Acetate‐Based Radical Cyclization Reactions for Pyranocoumarin and Pyranoquinoline Compounds: Synthesis, DFT and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Yakut Mehtap , Yılmaz Mehmet , Pekel Tarık , Erkan Sultan , Katırcı Ramazan , Biçer Emre
Published: November 2022

Pyranofuroquinoline and pyranofurocoumarin derivatives are significant class of compounds due to being useful in many diverse applications. The synthesis of the compounds are succeeded in one step by radical cyclization reaction in the presence of manganese(III) acetate. Furoquinoline and furocoumarin reactants were used together with 1,1‐disubstituted‐, 1,2‐disubstituted and cyclic alkenes giving pyranofuroquinoline and pyranofurocoumarin compounds in moderate to high yields. Also, we were able to isolate alkenyl and acetoxy‐ side‐products in minor low yields. The electronic and optical features of furoquinoline and furocoumarin reactants and pyranofuroquinoline products were inquired using theoretical approaches (DFT and TD‐DFT). Their excitation and emission spectrums were computed. The results revealed that the pyranofuroquinoline molecules did not show the energy transfer feature. It was observed that the behavior of nonlinear optic of furoquinoline is higher than the pyranofuroquinoline and furocoumarin molecules. But the average polarization and the anisotropy of the polarizability of pyranofuroquinoline increased and was found to be 262.7 and 141.9 respectively. Also, according to the calculated docking parameters, the investigated pyranofuroquinoline and pyranofurocoumarin compounds were found to have higher activity than the substances with anticancer and antibacterial standards.
Synthesis of Bicyclo[3.2.1]octanones by Regioselective Cyclopropyl Ring Cleavage of Tricyclo[3.3.0.02,8]octanones in an Ionic Liquid
Authors: Banerjee Srirupa
Published: November 2022

The synthesis of bicyclo[3.2.1]octanones by the regioselective cyclopropyl ring cleavage of bicyclo[3.3.0.02,8]octanes using hydrochloric acid in an ionic liquid BMImCl is reported herein. The reaction provides the products regioselectively in very good yields in much faster times compared to such reactions in traditional solvents. Direct head to head comparison of the ring cleavage reaction in BMImCl with other conventional organic solvents clearly demonstrate the advantages of the former as the medium for the ring cleavage reactions.
Morphological Tuning of Bi2Se3 Thin Films for Photoelectrochemical Performance
Authors: Desai Neha D. , Patil Vithoba L. , Patil Satish S. , Patil Pramod S. , Bhosale Popatrao N.
Published: November 2022

In the present report, we have reported the bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) thin films for solar cell application. The synthesis of bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) thin film by using modified chemical bath deposition i. e. arrested precipitation technique (APT). The Physico‐chemical properties of synthesized Bi2Se3 thin films are studied as a function of surfactants. The XRD patterns confirm the nanocrystalline nature. The SEM images reveal morphological transitions from fibrous reticulate structure to spongy balls‐like structure. The compositional analysis confirms bismuth and selenium in good stiochiometry. Optical studies show presence of a absorption in the visible range with a band gap in the range of 1.5 eV to 1.9 eV. All these results reveal that surfactant‐assisted Bi2Se3 thin film is a better candidate for PEC performance.
Ni Particles Fabricated by a Bio‐Polymer‐Assistant Strategy toward the Efficient Reduction of Nitroarenes at Ambient Temperature
Authors: He Lei , Li Tuanhui , Zhang Xiaoxuan , Luo Shizhong , Shi Zhisheng , Yun Ruirui
Published: November 2022

Considering of the fact that many of the catalysts reported previously show low selectivity in the hydrogenation reaction. Herein, a series of nickel particles embedded in porous carbon have been synthesized by bio‐template strategy. Among of them, Ni@PC‐900 (PC: porous carbon; 900: the pyrolysis temperature) shows higher activity and selectivity (conversion>99 % within 30 minutes under room temperature) than that of other catalysts. All of the characterizations of the as‐synthesized indicate that the high catalytic activity has a positive correlation with the particle size and distribution of the particles. Moreover, Ni@PC‐900 also exhibits excellent durability maybe due to the well core‐shell structure protecting the active site from leaching during the catalytic process.
Synthesis, Characterization and Electrochemical Studies of bis(Monothiolato) {FeFe} Complexes [Fe2(μ‐SC6H4‐OMe‐m)2(CO)5L] (L = CO, PCy3, PPh3)
Authors: Kumar Naveen , Kaur‐Ghumaan Sandeep
Published: November 2022

Reaction of Fe3(CO)12 with 3‐methoxybenzenethiol in toluene afforded a new bis(monothiolato) hexacarbonyl diiron complex [Fe2(μ‐SC6H4‐OMe‐m)2(CO)6] 1. Substitution of CO in complex 1 with monodentate phosphine ligands (PCy3 and PPh3) further afforded two new complexes [Fe2(μ‐SC6H4‐OMe‐m)2(CO)5(PCy3)] 2 and [Fe2(μ‐SC6H4‐OMe‐m)2(CO)5(PPh3)] 3. All the three complexes were characterized by FTIR, NMR, UV‐Vis, mass and elemental analysis. Further, complexes 1–3 were found to be electrocatalytically active for proton reduction in acetonitrile in the presence of both weak and strong acids as proton sources.
Synthesis, Characterization and Thermal Behavior of N‐Substituted Pyrrole Esters
Authors: Fan Wenpeng , Chu Wenjuan , Li Yaoguang , Han Lu , Li Pengyu , Tian Haiying , Lai Miao , Ji Xiaoming
Published: November 2022

Using glucosamine hydrochloride as the starting material, 4‐(methoxycarbonyl)‐5‐methyl‐1‐propyl‐1H‐pyrrole‐2‐carboxylic acid (3) was initially created as an intermediate compound by cyclization and oxidation in order to create novel high temperature stable pyrrole compounds. Furthermore, Steglich esterification was used to produce N‐substituted pyrrole esters (4 a–4 t). All the new compounds were verified using nuclear magnetic resonance (1H and 13CNMR), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and high resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and pyrolysis‐gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py‐GC/MS) techniques were used to examine the thermal behaviors of the compounds 4 f, 4 g, 4 i, and 4 q. Ester bonds from the pyrolysis products 4 g, 4 i, and 4 q might be severed which were consisted of the raw materials as well as the substrates, such as menthol, phenethyl and pyrrole derivatives which are commonly utilized in the sector of spices in foods and cigarette.