bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatocurative Effect of Some Ethnomedicinal Plants on Liver Function Indices in Alloxan- Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Kankara Idris Aliyu , Ibrahim Akos Noel , Ade Haruna
Published: March 2023

Aims: This research investigated the curative effects of Moringa oleifera (MO), Treculia africana (T.A.), and Albizzia chevalieri (A.C.) plant extracts on the liver function indices in Alloxan-induced diabetic rats.

Study Design: Albino rats were grouped into five (5) main groups MO, TA, A.C., Normal Control (N.C.), and Diabetic Control (D.C.) groups.

Place and Duration of Study:  Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal Polytechnic Kaura Namoda, between May 2021 and July 2021.

Methodology: Diabetes mellitus was caused by a single dose intraperitoneal injection of Alloxan 150 mg/kg body weight. Liver function indices were determined using standard methods.

Results: Intraperitoneal injection of 150 mg/kg of Alloxan in the albino rats resulted in a significant (p<0.05) increase of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, Direct and Total bilirubin while total protein concentration was significantly (p<0.05) decreased in the diabetic albino rats when compared with that of the non-diabetic rats (N.C.) group. Oral administration of MO, TA, and A.C. extracts to the diabetic albino rats for 21 days significantly (p<0.05) decreased AST, ALT, and ALP activities, direct and total bilirubin concentration. While total protein concentration was significantly (p<0.05) increased in the diabetes-treated groups. Histopathological studies confirmed the toxic effect of Alloxan in the liver of induced diabetic albino rats and the hepatocurative effect of the studied medicinal plants. MO (800mg/kg) demonstrated the most significant (p<0.05) curative effect compared to T.A. and A.C. Possible mechanism for hepatocurative of the studied medicinal plants may be due to free radical scavenging potential in the plant extracts.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the results of the present study demonstrate that Moringa oleifera, in a dose-dependent manner, has the most potent hepatocurative effect, followed by Albizzia chevalieri, then Trecullia Africana against Alloxan-induced liver damage.
Development and Performance Assessment of Real-time Rotational Speed Measurement System for Agricultural Application
Authors: Mahore Aman , Kumar Mohit , Kushwaha H. L. , Choudhary Mukesh Kumar , Nalawade Rohit , Patel Abhishek
Published: March 2023

Rotational speed is one of the most important parameters in the performance of any system. It becomes more vital when the rotational speed measurement is required on real-time basis. Measurement of rotational speed has a crucial role in automation of agricultural machineries for various purposes. The existing real-time speed measurement systems are susceptible to the varying working environment. Therefore, it was necessary to study the performance of available sensor. In this study four different sensors (inductive proximity, Infrared (IR), Hall effect and optical proximity sensors) were tested in three different working environments (indoor, outdoor and outdoor dusty condition) for two different spacings (2 and 5 mm) between sensors and target. A laboratory setup was developed to test the performance of the sensors in terms of percentage deviation in rotational speeds measurement compared to actual values. The values were recorded in Secure Digital (SD) card and analysed using full factorial design. The means of the different levels were compared using Tukey’s (b) method. There was significant difference in sensor response for different conditions. The percentage of deviation in speed for Hall effect, inductive proximity, IR and optical proximity sensors varied from 0.55 to 1.03, 1.20 to 32.29, 21.37 to 100.00 and 35.18 to 99.98%, respectively. The study concluded that the Hall effect sensor was more suitable for rotational speed measurement than the other sensors without being affected by working environment.
Sustainable Tourism Economic Development - Experience in the World and Practice in Vietnam
Authors: Ha Ngo Phi
Published: March 2023

Tourism, a fast growing industry, has become one of the key economic sectors in many parts of the world. For our country, the Party and the State have affirmed the extreme importance of the tourism sector in the national economy, defined the objectives of developing tourism into a spearhead economic sector of the country and issued a large number of consistent guidelines and policies throughout the years. However, in order to achieve the sustainability in tourism economic development, many issues need to be resolved, namely policy making, legal improvement, infrastructure investment, human resources training and so on. In the current context of international economic integration, more and more extensive opportunities are open for Vietnam’s tourism sector to learn and share experience in the sustainable tourism economic development.
A Polygenic Risk Score for Prostate Cancer Risk Prediction
Authors: Schaffer Kerry R. , Shi Mingjian , Shelley John P. , Tosoian Jeffrey J. , Kachuri Linda , Witte John S. , Mosley Jonathan D.
Published: March 2023

This retrospective cohort study compares 2 risk calculator systems that compute the probabilities of finding high-grade or any cancer on biopsy results in men undergoing a first prostate biopsy.
Association of Education With Dementia Incidence Stratified by Ethnicity and Nativity in a Cohort of Older Asian American Individuals
Authors: Hayes-Larson Eleanor , Ikesu Ryo , Fong Joseph , Mobley Taylor M. , Gee Gilbert C. , Brookmeyer Ron , Whitmer Rachel A. , Gilsanz Paola , Mayeda Elizabeth Rose
Published: March 2023

Importance

High education protects against dementia, but returns on educational attainment may be different across sociodemographic groups owing to various social factors. Asian American individuals are a growing and diverse group, but little research has assessed dementia determinants in this population.

Objective

To examine the association of education with dementia in a large cohort of Asian American individuals, stratifying by ethnicity and nativity.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used electronic health record (EHR) and survey data from the Research Program on Genes, Environment, and Health and the California Men’s Health Study surveys (2002-2020). Data are from Kaiser Permanente Northern California, an integrated health care delivery system. This study used a volunteer sample who completed the surveys. Participants included Chinese, Filipino, and Japanese individuals who were aged 60 to less than 90 years without a dementia diagnosis in the EHR at the time of the survey (baseline) and who had 2 years of health plan coverage before baseline. Data analysis was performed from December 2021 to December 2022.

Exposures

The main exposure was educational attainment (college degree or higher vs less than a college degree), and the main stratification variables were Asian ethnicity and nativity (born in the US or born outside the US).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was incident dementia diagnosis in the EHR. Dementia incidence rates were estimated by ethnicity and nativity, and Cox proportional hazards and Aalen additive hazards models were fitted for the association of college degree or higher vs less than a college degree with time to dementia, adjusting for age (timescale), sex, nativity, and an interaction between nativity and college degree.

Results

Among 14 749 individuals, the mean (SD) age at baseline was 70.6 (7.3) years, 8174 (55.4%) were female, and 6931 (47.0%) had attained a college degree. Overall, among individuals born in the US, those with a college degree had 12% lower dementia incidence (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.75-1.03) compared with those without at least a college degree, although the confidence interval included the null. The HR for individuals born outside the US was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.72-0.92; P = .46 for the college degree by nativity interaction). The findings were similar across ethnicity and nativity groups except for Japanese individuals born outside the US.

Conclusions and Relevance

These findings suggest that college degree attainment was associated with lower dementia incidence, with similar associations across nativity. More work is needed to understand determinants of dementia in Asian American individuals and to elucidate mechanisms linking educational attainment and dementia.
Assessment of a Peer Physician Coaching Partnership Between a Designated Cancer Center Genetics Service and a Community Cancer Network Hospital
Authors: Santos Lauren G. , Buzdnitskaya Tatyana , Rolf Bradley A. , Souza William , Sienko Mark , Ruiz-Bonilla Jose Alberto , Shah Binay , Jewell Patrick , Jensen Lindsay , Horike-Pyne Martha , Elrod Jo Ann , Crews Jennie , Laurino Mercy , Weeks Kevin Austin , Dubard-Gault Marianne E.
Published: March 2023

Background

Patients with cancer seen in rural and underserved areas disproportionately face barriers to access genetic services. Genetic testing is critical to inform treatment decisions, for early detection of another cancer, and to identify at-risk family members who may benefit from screening and prevention.

Objective

To examine medical oncologists’ genetic testing ordering trends for patients with cancer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective quality improvement study was performed in 2 phases over 6 months between August 1, 2020, and January 31, 2021, at a community network hospital. Phase 1 focused on observation of clinic processes. Phase 2 incorporated peer coaching from cancer genetics experts for medical oncologists at the community network hospital. The follow-up period lasted 9 months.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The number of genetic tests ordered was compared between phases.

Results

The study included 634 patients (mean [SD] age, 71.0 [10.8] years [range, 39-90 years]; 409 women [64.5%]; 585 White [92.3%]); 353 (55.7%) had breast cancer, 184 (29.0%) had prostate cancer, and 218 (34.4%) had a family history of cancer. Of the 634 patients with cancer, 29 of 415 (7.0%) received genetic testing in phase 1, and 25 of 219 (11.4%) received genetic testing in phase 2. Of the 29 patients who received testing in phase 1, 20 (69.0%) had germline genetic testing; 23 of 25 patients (92.0%) had germline genetic testing in phase 2. Uptake of germline genetic testing increased by 23.0% between phases, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = .06). Uptake of germline genetic testing was highest among patients with pancreatic cancer (4 of 19 [21.1%]) and ovarian cancer (6 of 35 [17.1%]); the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends offering genetic testing to all patients with pancreatic cancer and ovarian cancer.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study suggests that peer coaching from cancer genetics experts was associated with an increase in ordering of genetic testing by medical oncologists. Efforts made to (1) standardize gathering of personal and family history of cancer, (2) review biomarker data suggestive of a hereditary cancer syndrome, (3) facilitate ordering tumor and/or germline genetic testing every time NCCN criteria are met, (4) encourage data sharing between institutions, and (5) advocate for universal coverage for genetic testing may help realize the benefits associated with precision oncology for patients and their families seeking care at community cancer centers.
International Consensus Statement on the Radiological Screening of Contact Children in the Context of Suspected Child Physical Abuse
Authors: Mankad Kshitij , Sidpra Jai , Mirsky David M. , Oates Adam J. , Colleran Gabrielle C. , Lucato Leandro T. , Kan Elaine , Kilborn Tracy , Agrawal Nina , Teeuw Arianne H. , Kelly Patrick , Zeitlin Deborah , Carter Jamieson , Debelle Geoff D. , Berger Rachel P. , Christian Cindy W. , Lindberg Daniel M. , Raissaki Maria , Argyropoulou Maria , Adamsbaum Catherine , Cain Timothy , van Rijn Rick R. , Silvera V. Michelle , Rossi Andrea , Kemp Alison M. , Choudhary Arabinda K. , Offiah Amaka C.
Published: March 2023

Importance

Physical abuse is a common but preventable cause of long-term childhood morbidity and mortality. Despite the strong association between abuse in an index child and abuse in contact children, there is no guidance outlining how to screen the latter, significantly more vulnerable group, for abusive injuries. Consequently, the radiological assessment of contact children is often omitted, or variably performed, allowing occult injuries to go undetected and increasing the risk of further abuse.

Objective

To report an evidence-based and consensus-derived set of best practices for the radiological screening of contact children in the context of suspected child physical abuse.

Evidence Review

This consensus statement is supported by a systematic review of the literature and the clinical opinion of an internationally recognized group of 26 experts. The modified Delphi consensus process comprised 3 meetings of the International Consensus Group on Contact Screening in Suspected Child Physical Abuse held between February and June 2021.

Findings

Contacts are defined as the asymptomatic siblings, cohabiting children, or children under the same care as an index child with suspected child physical abuse. All contact children should undergo a thorough physical examination and a history elicited prior to imaging. Contact children younger than 12 months should have neuroimaging, the preferred modality for which is magnetic resonance imaging, and skeletal survey. Contact children aged 12 to 24 months should undergo skeletal survey. No routine imaging is indicated in asymptomatic children older than 24 months. Follow-up skeletal survey with limited views should be performed if abnormal or equivocal at presentation. Contacts with positive findings should be investigated as an index child.

Conclusions and Relevance

This Special Communication reports consensus recommendations for the radiological screening of contact children in the context of suspected child physical abuse, establishing a recognized baseline for the stringent evaluation of these at-risk children and providing clinicians with a more resilient platform from which to advocate for them.
Regulation of Ionic Distribution and Desolvation Activation Energy Enabled by In Situ Zinc Phosphate Protective Layer toward Highly Reversible Zinc Metal Anodes
Authors: Zhang Shengzhao , Ye Minghui , Zhang Yufei , Tang Yongchao , Liu Xiaoqing , Li Cheng Chao
Published: March 2023

Despite the merits of high specific capacity, low cost, and high safety, the practical application of aqueous Zn metal batteries (AZMBs) is plagued by the dendritic growth and corrosion reaction of Zn metal anodes. To solve these issues, a Zn3(PO4)2·4H2O protective layer is in‐situ constructed on Zn foil (Zn@ZnPO) by a simple hydrothermal method, avoiding the traditional slurry‐casting process. The insulating and conformable ZnPO layer improves the wettability of Zn@ZnPO and aqueous electrolyte via decreasing the contact angle to 11.7o. Compared with bare Zn, the Zn@ZnPO possesses a lower desolvation activation energy of 35.25 kJ mol‐1, indicating that the ZnPO fasters the desolvation of hydrated Zn2+ ions and thereby ameliorates their transport dynamics. Micro‐morphology and structural characterization show that there are no dendrites forming on the post‐cycling Zn@ZnPO anodes, and the interfacial ZnPO layer remains almost identical before and after cycles. It can be explained that the electrochemically stable ZnPO layer acts as an ionic modulator to enable the homogeneous distribution of Zn2+ ions, inhibiting the growth of Zn dendrites. Benefiting from these advantages, the Zn@ZnPO based symmetric and full cells deliver highly reversible Zn plating/stripping behavior and long cycling lifespans.
Low Hysteresis Hydrogel Induced by Spatial Confinement
Authors: Wang Jie , Tang Fu , Yao Chuang , Li Lidong
Published: March 2023

Stress concentration and hysteresis often occur in polymer hydrogels under large deformation, affecting their mechanical properties, and durability. Here, a new spatial confinement gelation strategy is proposed for fabrication of hysteresis‐free polymer hydrogels, and stress concentration is avoided. Experimental results and theoretical calculations confirm that the hydratability difference between salts and polymer chains leads to spatial confinement of the polymer chains by control over the ratio of bound to free water. Spatial confinement acts in place of physical cross‐linking of polymer chains, which slide to dissipate energy and effectively avoid stress concentration and hysteresis, resulting in ultra‐tough hydrogels with fatigue resistance. This is also a universal strategy for preparing polymer hydrogels with different monomers and salts. Taking the prepared PAM‐CaCl2hydrogel, it displays a hysteresis of only 0.13% during load‐unload cycles, even under 1000% strain. This is the lowest value among hydrogels reported to date. Along with excellent fatigue resistance, water retention, antifreeze, and water‐assisted healing ability, this hydrogel shows good performance in fatigue resistant capacitive strain sensors. Moreover, a fishtail‐shaped PAM‐CaCl2hydrogel operates as a bionic muscle to drive a bionic fish at a forward speed of 16.3 cm s−1, when a voltage of 0.1 V is applied.
Electron‐Induced Chirality‐Selective Routing of Valley Photons via Metallic Nanostructure
Authors: Zheng Liheng , Dang Zhibo , Ding Dongdong , Liu Zhixin , Dai Yuchen , Lu Jianming , Fang Zheyu
Published: March 2023

Valleytronics in 2D transition metal dichalcogenides has raised a great impact in nanophotonic information processing and transport as it provides the pseudospin degree of freedom for carrier control. The imbalance of carrier occupation in inequivalent valleys can be achieved by external stimulations such as helical light and electric field. With metasurfaces, it is feasible to separate the valley exciton in real space and momentum space, which is significant for logical nanophotonic circuits. However, the control of valley‐separated far‐field emission by a single nanostructure is rarely reported, despite the fact that it is crucial for subwavelength research of valley‐dependent directional emission. Here, it is demonstrated that the electron beam permits the chirality‐selective routing of valley photons in a monolayer WS2 with Au nanostructures. The electron beam can locally excite valley excitons and regulate the coupling between excitons and nanostructures, hence controlling the interference effect of multipolar electric modes in nanostructures. Therefore, the separation degree can be modified by steering the electron beam, exhibiting the capability of subwavelength control of valley separation. This work provides a novel method to create and resolve the variation of valley emission distribution in momentum space, paving the way for the design of future nanophotonic integrated devices.
Synergetic Lithium and Hydrogen Bonds Endow Liquid‐Free Photonic Ionic Elastomer with Mechanical Robustness and Electrical/Optical Dual‐Output
Authors: Peng Lei , Hou Lei , Wu Peiyi
Published: March 2023

Photonic ionic elastomers (PIEs) capable of multiple signal outputs are intriguing in flexible interactive electronics. However, fabricating PIEs with simultaneous mechanical robustness, good ionic conductivity, and brilliant structure color still remains challenging. Here, the limitations are broken through introducing the synergistic effect of lithium and hydrogen bonds into an elastomer. In virtue of lithium bonding between lithium ions and carbonyl groups in the polymer matrix as well as hydrogen bonding between silanol on the surface of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) and ether groups along polymer chains, the PIEs demonstrate mechanical strength up to 4.3 MPa and toughness up to 8.6 MJ m−3. Meanwhile, the synchronous electrical and optical output under mechanical strains can be achieved in the PIEs with the presence of dissociated ions contributed by lithium bond and non‐close‐packed SiNPs stabilized by the hydrogen bond. Moreover, due to their liquid‐free nature, the PIEs exhibit extraordinary stability and durability, which can withstand extreme conditions including both high and low temperatures as well as high humidity. This work provides a promising molecular engineering route to construct high‐performance photonic ionic conductors toward advanced ionotronic applications.
Band Position‐Independent Piezo‐Electrocatalysis for Ultrahigh CO2 Conversion
Authors: Ma Jiangping , Xiong Xin , Wu Di , Wang Yang , Ban Chaogang , Feng Yajie , Meng Jiazhi , Gao Xingsen , Dai Ji‐Yan , Han Guang , Gan Li‐Yong , Zhou Xiaoyuan
Published: March 2023

Piezo‐electrocatalysis as an emerging mechano‐to‐chemistry energy conversion technique opens multiple innovative opportunities and draws great interest over the past decade. However, the two potential mechanisms in piezo‐electrocatalysis, i.e., screening charge effect and energy band theory, generally coexist in the most piezoelectrics, making the essential mechanism remain controversial. Here, for the first time, the two mechanisms in piezo‐electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (PECRR) is distinguished through a narrow‐bandgap piezo‐electrocatalyst strategy using MoS2 nanoflakes as demo. With conduction band of −0.12 eV, the MoS2 nanoflakes are unsatisfied for CO2‐to‐CO redox potential of −0.53 eV, yet they achieve an ultrahigh CO yield of ≈543.1 µmol g−1 h−1 in PECRR. Potential band position shifts under vibration are still unsatisfied with CO2‐to‐CO potential verified by theoretical investigation and piezo‐photocatalytic experiment, further indicating that the mechanism of piezo‐electrocatalysis is independent of band position. Besides, MoS2 nanoflakes exhibit unexpected intense “breathing” effect under vibration and enable the naked‐eye‐visible inhalation of CO2 gas, independently achieving the complete carbon cycle chain from CO2 capture to conversion. The CO2 inhalation and conversion processes in PECRR are revealed by a self‐designed in situ reaction cell. This work brings new insights into the essential mechanism and surface reaction evolution of piezo‐electrocatalysis.
Intrinsic Dipole Arrangement to Coordinate Energy Levels for Efficient and Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wu Yutong , Chang Bohong , Wang Lian , Li Hui , Pan Lu , Liu Zhen , Yin Longwei
Published: March 2023

Despite great progress in perovskite photovoltaics, it should be noted that the intrinsic disorder dipolar cations in organic–inorganic hybrid perovskites exert negative effects on the energy band structure as well as the carrier separation and transfer dynamics. However, oriented polarization achieved by applying an external electric field may cause irreversible damage to perovskites. Herein, a unique and efficient strategy is developed to modulate the intrinsic dipole arrangement in perovskite films for high‐performance and stable perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The spontaneous reorientation of dipolar cation methylamine is triggered by a polar molecule, constructing a vertical polarization during crystallization regulation. The oriented dipole determines a gradient energy‐level arrangement in PSCs and more favorable energetics at interfaces, effectively enhancing the built‐in electric field and suppressing the nonradiative recombination. Besides, the dipole reorientation induces a local dielectric environment to remarkably reduce exciton binding energy, leading to an ultralong carrier diffusion length of up to 1708 nm. Accordingly, the n–i–p PSCs achieve a significant increase in power conversion efficiency, reaching 24.63% with negligible hysteresis and exhibiting outstanding stabilities. This strategy also provides a facile route to eliminate the mismatched energetics and enhance carrier dynamics for other novel photovoltaic devices.
Achieving Continuous Self‐Powered Energy Conversion‐Storage‐Supply Integrated System Based on Carbon Felt
Authors: Peiyuan Ji , Qianying Li , Xuemei Zhang , Yawen Hu , Xiangyu Han , Dazhi Zhang , Chenguo Hu , Yi Xi
Published: March 2023

Efficient harvesting and storage of dispersed irregular energy from the environment are crucial to the demand for the distributed devices of the Internet of Things (IoTs). Here, a carbon felt (CF)‐based energy conversion‐storage‐supply integrated system (CECIS) that contains a CF‐based solid‐state supercapacitor (CSSC) and a CF‐based triboelectric nanogenerator (C‐TENG) is presented, which is capable of simultaneously energy storage and conversion. The simple treated CF not only delivers a maximal specific capacitance of 402.4 F g−1 but also prominent supercapacitor characteristics with fast charge and slow discharge, enabling 38 LEDs successfully lightened for more than 900 s after a wireless charging time of only 2 s. With the original CF as the sensing layer, buffer layer, and current collector of C‐TENG, the maximal power of 91.5 mW is attained. The CECIS shows a competitive output performance. The time ratio of the duration of supply energy to the harvesting and storage reaches 9.6:1, meaning that it is competent for the continuous energy application when the effective working time of C‐TENG is longer than one‐tenth of the whole day. This study not only highlights the great potential of CECIS in sustainable energy harvesting and storage but also lays the foundation for the ultimate realization of IoTs.
When is the best time to screen and evaluate for treatable genetic disorders?: A lifespan perspective
Authors: Parisi Melissa A. , Caggana Michele , Cohen Jennifer L. , Gold Nina B. , Morris Jill A. , Orsini Joseph J. , Urv Tiina K. , Wasserstein Melissa P.
Published: March 2023

This paper focuses on the question of, “When is the best time to identify an individual at risk for a treatable genetic condition?” In this review, we describe a framework for considering the optimal timing for pursuing genetic and genomic screening for treatable genetic conditions incorporating a lifespan approach. Utilizing the concept of a carousel that represents the four broad time periods when critical decisions might be made around genetic diagnoses during a person's lifetime, we describe genetic testing during the prenatal period, the newborn period, childhood, and adulthood. For each of these periods, we describe the objectives of genetic testing, the current status of screening or testing, the near‐term vision for the future of genomic testing, the advantages and disadvantages of each approach, and the feasibility and ethical considerations of testing and treating. The notion of a “Genomics Passbook” is one where an early genomic screening evaluation could be performed on each individual through a public health program, with that data ultimately serving as a “living document” that could be queried and/or reanalyzed at prescribed times during the lifetime of that person, or in response to concerns about symptoms of a genetic disorder in that individual.
Using tele‐ultrasound to teach medical students: A randomised control equivalence study
Authors: Zhao Renee T. , Deng Jasmine , Ghanem Ghadi , Steiger Athreya , Tang Lara , Haase David , Sadeghinejad Sima E. , Shibata Jacqueline , Chiem Alan T.
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Undergraduate ultrasound education is becoming increasingly important, but its expansion is limited by time, space and the availability of trained faculty. In order to validate an alternative and more accessible teaching model, our aim was to assess whether combining teleguidance and peer‐assisted learning to teach ultrasound is as effective as traditional in‐person methods.

Methods

Peer instructors taught 47 second‐year medical students ocular ultrasound via either teleguidance or traditional in‐person methods. Proficiency was assessed using a multiple‐choice knowledge test and objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Confidence, overall experience, and experience with a peer instructor were measured using a 5‐point Likert scale. Two one‐sided t‐tests were used to measure equivalency between the two groups. The null hypothesis that the two groups were not different was rejected when P < 0.05.

Results

The teleguidance group performed as well as the traditional in‐person group in terms of knowledge change, confidence change, OSCE time and OSCE score (p = 0.011, p = 0.006, p = 0.005 and  = 0.004, respectively, indicating the two groups are statistically equivalent). The teleguidance group rated the experience highly overall (4.06/5), but less than the traditional group (4.47/5; P = 0.448, indicating statistical difference). Peer instruction was rated 4.35/5 overall.

Conclusion

Peer‐instructed teleguidance was equivalent to in‐person instruction with respect to knowledge change, confidence gain and OSCE performance in basic ocular ultrasound.
Point‐of‐care ultrasound‐assisted diagnosis of gastric vessel rupture in a young man presenting with chest pain: A cautionary tale
Authors: Yasuda Koichi , Snelling Peter J. , Ng Justin , Manley Russell , Watkins Stuart
Published: March 2023

We report a young male patient who presented with chest and shoulder tip pain with spontaneous intraperitoneal haemorrhage (haemoperitoneum) due to gastric vessel rupture. Point‐of‐care ultrasound detected abdominal free fluid, which led to a CT scan of the abdomen and reached the diagnosis. Intra‐abdominal bleeding can present as referred chest or shoulder tip pain, as more commonly seen in females with pelvic pathologies. Point‐of‐care ultrasound may add diagnostic value with the detection of a haemoperitoneum in this context.
Impact of Alzheimer's association support and engagement in the AD/ADRD research community through the COVID‐19 pandemic and beyond
Authors: Meyers Emily A. , Sexton Claire , Snyder Heather M. , Carrillo Maria C.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The WHO estimates that 55 million people worldwide have dementia and this number is expected to increase to 139 million by 2050. Founded in 1980, the Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in AD/ADRD care, support and research.

Methods

Alzheimer’s Association‐led funding opportunities and awards, conferences and other activities beginning with the COVID‐19 pandemic were reviewed.

Results

The Association remains committed to funding, convening, leading and implementing research studies that accelerate the global effort to eliminate Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.

Discussion

This manuscript describes funding, convening and other global initiatives, influenced in part by the COVID‐19 pandemic, to strengthen and drive research forward.
Microstructural and thermal properties of thermally cured calcined cow bone/kaolin filled hybrid polystyrene composites
Authors: Adeniyi Adewale George , Abdulkareem Sulyman A. , Odimayomi Kayode P. , Iwuozor Kingsley O. , Emenike Ebuka C.
Published: March 2023

The advantages that plastic‐based composites provide over epoxy‐based composites have catalyzed interest in the former in recent years. Polystyrene, a common packaging plastic, has been used for the production of composites. However, its hydrophilicity and curing duration are issues that undermine its commercialization. In this study, two fillers, calcined cow bone and kaolin, were introduced into a polystyrene resin matrix in varying concentrations through the hand lay‐up method. The composites were thermally cured at a temperature of 200°C for 3 h, after which they were characterized for their thermal and microstructural properties. DSC analysis revealed that the presence of kaolin improved the thermal property of the composite more than cow bone. The FTIR results revealed that the filler(s) were incorporated into the matrix via chemical reactions, as evidenced by bond breakage and formation. EDX results confirmed the incorporation of the fillers, with carbon being the most dominant element in the composites. It showed that the cow bone introduced elements such as phosphorus and calcium, while the kaolin introduced elements such as silicon and aluminum to the composite. SEM micrographs showed the presence of good interfacial adhesion between the filler(s) and the matrix. This study has shown that thermal curing is a viable solution to the shortcomings of polystyrene‐based composites and their commercialization.
Simulation, design and synthesis of polybenzoxazine with different main‐chain structures and properties: A comparative study
Authors: Li Xin Kang , Shen Jun Wei , Lin Hai Lan , Zhang Zhao Xin , Zhang Xun Tao , Bian Jun , Chen Dai Qiang
Published: March 2023

In order to explore effective strategies to fabricate main‐chain polybenzoxazine (PBZ) thermosetting resin for structural material applications, here, five PBZ with different molecular structures, that is, poly(Co‐ddm), poly(Co‐BPA‐ddm‐Co)main, poly(Ph‐BPA‐ddm‐Co)main, poly(Ph‐BPA‐ddm‐Ph)main and poly(Ph‐ddm) were designed, synthesized and compared by introducing unsaturated fatty chains through the Mannich reaction with cardanol. The structure and properties of five PBZ with different structure were systematically investigated by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), NMR, water absorption and mechanical tests. FTIR and NMR tests indicated that five PBZ with different molecular structures were successfully synthesized. The mechanical tests indicated that the impact strength of the double‐capped cardanol‐based main‐chain PBZ was 243% higher than that of the traditional PBZ. The water absorption of main‐chain PBZ was higher than that of diamine PBZ, and the water absorption of poly(Ph‐BPA‐ddm‐Co)main was the lowest in the main‐chain PBZ. Based on the experimental results, five PBZ amorphous cells with different structures were successfully established. It indicated that the main chain PBZ showed better thermomechanical properties than the traditional diamine PBZ due to high crosslinking conversion and hydrogen bond density. Moreover, the modulus and glass transition temperature of the main chain structure containing unsaturated fatty chains did not decrease significantly.
Ultrasonic welded joint failure mode of glass fiber/polyetherimide composites
Authors: Wang Jing , Xiao Cunyong , Jia Song , Ren Rong , Xiong Xuhai
Published: March 2023

Failure modes of ultrasonic welding joints were investigated by using glass fiber/polyetherimide (PEI) composite material as a base material, and the mechanism of welding pressure with different failure modes and the effects of failure modes on joint strength were explored. The results demonstrate that ultrasonic welding joints have six failure scenarios. Peeling of PEI film and the base material surface on both sides, peeling of PEI film and the base material surface on one side, peeling of surface fiber and surface resin, laminate delamination, fiber breakage, ablation damage respectively. The welding pressure mainly affects the proportion of the first three failure modes. When the welding pressure increases, the proportion of the second failure mode is obvious, meantime the proportion of the first failure mode gradually decreases, the welding pressure mainly affects the proportion of the first three failure modes. The welding joint failure is often a mixed failure generated by the coupling of the abovementioned six failure modes rather than a single failure mode. The evolution of heat distribution with Pw was simulated using COMSOL. The simulation curves represent the evolution of the weld interface temperature at different position.
Could the altmetrics wave bring a flood of confusion for anatomists?
Authors: Byram Jessica N. , Lazarus Michelle D. , Wilson Adam B. , Brown Kirsten M.
Published: March 2023

Altmetrics are non‐traditional metrics that can capture downloads, social media shares, and other modern measures of research impact and reach. Despite most of the altmetrics literature focusing on evaluating the relationship between research outputs and academic impact/influence, the perceived and actual value of altmetrics among academicians remains nebulous and inconsistent. This work proposes that ambiguities surrounding the value and use of altmetrics may be explained by a multiplicity of altmetrics definitions communicated by journal publishers. A root cause analysis was initiated to compare altmetrics definitions between anatomy and medical education journal publishers' websites and to determine the comparability of the measurement and platform sources used for computing altmetrics values. A scoping content analysis of data from across eight publishers' websites revealed wide variability in definitions and heterogeneity among altmetrics measurement sources. The incongruencies among publishers' altmetrics definitions and their value demonstrate that publishers may be one of the root cause of ambiguity perpetuating confusion around the value and use of altmetrics. This review highlights the need to more deeply explore the root causes of altmetrics ambiguities within academia and makes a compelling argument for establishing a ubiquitous altmetrics definition that is concise, clear, and specific.
A peer‐led kinesthetic forearm and wrist anatomy workshop: A multiple cohort study
Authors: Herblum Jordana , Honig Jesse , Kasoff Madison , Koestler Jennifer , Catano Daniel , Petersen Kristina H.
Published: March 2023

An understanding of forearm and wrist anatomy is necessary for the diagnosis and treatment of various injuries. Evidence supports the use of peer‐assisted learning (PAL) as an effective resource for teaching basic science courses. First‐year medical students across three class years participated in an optional PAL kinesthetic workshop wherein participants created anatomically accurate paper models of forearm and wrist muscles. Participants completed pre‐ and post‐workshop surveys. Participant and nonparticipant exam performances were compared. Participation ranged from 17.3% to 33.2% of each class; participants were more likely to identify as women than men (p < 0.001). Participants in cohorts 2 and 3 reported increased comfort with relevant content after the workshop (p < 0.001). Survey responses for cohort 1 were omitted due to low response rates; however, exam performances were assessed for all three cohorts. Cohort 2 participants scored higher than nonparticipants on forearm and wrist questions on the cumulative course exam (p = 0.010), while the opposite was found for cohort 3 (p = 0.051). No other statistically significant differences were observed. This is the first study to examine quantitative and qualitative results for a PAL intervention repeated for three separate cohorts. Although academic performance varied, two cohorts reported increased comfort with relevant course material after the workshop. Results of this study support the need for further exploration of PAL workshops as an instructional method in teaching anatomy and highlight the challenges associated with repeating interventions over multiple years. As more studies attempt replication across multiple years, these challenges may be addressed, thereby informing PAL best practices.
Language, Science and Globalization in the Eighteenth Century**
Authors: Fernández Rodríguez Rebeca
Published: March 2023

Asia, America, and Europe have been intellectually intertwined for centuries. Several studies have been published revealing European scholars’ interest in the “exotic” languages of Asia and America, as well as in ethnographic and anthropological aspects. Some scholars such as Polymath Leibniz (1646–1716), were interested in these languages in an attempt to construct a universal language, while others tried to establish language families, like the Jesuit Hervás y Panduro (1735–1809). However, all acknowledge the importance of language and the circulation of knowledge. This paper analyzes the dissemination of the compilation of eighteenth‐century multilingual lexical compilations for comparative purposes as an early globalized project. These compilations were designed by European scholars and subsequently elaborated in different languages by missionaries, explorers, and scientists in the Philippines and America. Taking the correspondence and relations between botanist Mutis (1732–1808) and bureaucrats, European scientists such as polymath Humboldt (1769–1859) and Botanist Linnaeus (1707–1778) among others, and navy officers of the scientific exploration commanded by Malaspina (1754–1809) and Bustamante y Guerra (1759–1825) into consideration, I will analyze how simultaneous projects followed a unified aim, and illustrate their substantial contribution to the study of language in the late eighteenth century.
Optimizing induction chemotherapy regimens for radiotherapy in patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Li Ying , Bi Jianping , Pi Guoliang , He Hanping , Li Yanping , Zheng Dandan , Wei Zecheng , Han Guang
Published: March 2023

Background and Purpose

The optimal number of cycles of induction chemotherapy (IC) in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANPC) remains unresolved. This study aimed to quantitatively assess the changes in gross tumor volumes (GTVs) and to select the most optimal number of IC cycles.

Methods

We analyzed 54 patients who received a three‐cycle IC before commencing radiotherapy, with the tumor and nodal responses assessed by a CT scan before IC and after each IC cycle. The gross tumor volumes of the nasopharynx primary lesion (GTV_T), involved retropharyngeal lymph node (GTV_RP), and involved cervical lymph node (GTV_N) were contoured on each scan. The volume change following each IC cycle was evaluated with Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. The three‐dimensional vector displacements of target centers were also calculated and compared.

Results

The volume reductions of GTVs following IC varied across different patients and showed different trends for the three GTV types. GTV_T and GTV_RP did not display further volume reduction after two IC cycles, whereas GTV_N showed monotonic volume decreases. For GTV_T and GTV_RP following the three IC cycles, the total volume reduction relative to the initial volume before IC was 12.0%, 22.5%, and 20.1% and 26.0%, 44.1%, and 42.2%, respectively. In contrast, for GTV_N, continuing volume reduction was observed with a total reduction of 25.3%, 43.2%, and 54.7% following the three cycles, and the reductions were all significant. Average displacements of the GTVs were <1.5 mm in all directions; their average three‐dimensional displacements were 2.6, 4.0, and 1.7 mm, respectively. Acceptable toxicity was observed in most patients.

Conclusion

This study supports two cycles of IC before radiotherapy for patients with LANPC if the initial metastatic cervical lymph node volume is not dominating. Otherwise, three cycles of IC is recommended to further reduce the cervical node volume.
Properties of heat moisture treated red rice paddy and its puffed product
Authors: Pathaw P. Mariadon Shanlang , Bhattacharya Suvendu , Mahanta Charu L.
Published: March 2023

Background and Objectives

The present work evaluated how the heat‐moisture treatment (HMT) of pigmented paddy influenced the physicochemical properties on puffing.

Findings

Pigmented rice paddy was subjected to heat‐moisture treatment at 121°C for 15, 30, and 45 min. The milled grains (HMT_NP) were puffed at 250°C for 9 s (HMT_P). HMT increased amylose content (13.54 ± 0.03 in raw rice to 14.66 ± 0.05 in HMT_NP45) and the reverse trend occurred on puffing (12.34 ± 0.38 in untreated puffed rice to 11.76 ± 0.17 in HMT_P45). Pasting profile of HMT_NP rices showed resistance to swelling and ruptures and increases in tolerance to heat and stress. Pasting temperature increased from 74 ± 0.71a in untreated raw to 81.19 ± 0.34b in HMT_NP45 and from 74.03 ± 0.45a untreated puffed rice to 80.3 ± 0.28b in HMT_P45. HMT_NP samples showed a combination of A and V‐type peaks, while an E‐type starch pattern was observed for HMT_P rices. Crystallinity decreased with treatment time from 30.78 (raw) to 23.03% (HMT_NP45) and from 15.65 (puffed) to 12.29% (HMT_P45) in puffed samples). Puffing of HMT rices increased the viscoelastic property of the samples.

Conclusion

HMT thus majorly caused strengthening of molecular structure and rigidity which were reversed on puffing. This is the first report on adding value to HMT paddy through puffing expansion.

Significance and Novelty

HMT_NP and HMT_P rice samples can have specific end uses in food industries. HMT_P can be particularly useful as viscosity enhancer in powder form, and to impart brittle texture in chocolate‐coated wafers and bars as whole grain.
Tubular Polypyrrole with Chloride Ion Dopants as an Ultrafast Organic Anode for High‐Power Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ma Mingbo , Du Xianfeng , Chen Xizi , Liang Sen , Liang Zhongshuai , Li Zhuo , Cao Xun , Huang Shan , Xie Yuehong , Wang Shixin , Ma Jingjing , Xiong Lilong
Published: March 2023

Polypyrrole (PPy), as a representative p‐type conductive polymer, attracts wide attention for energy storage materials. However, the sluggish reaction kinetics and low specific capacity of PPy impede its application in high‐power lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, tubular PPy with chloride and methyl orange (MO) anionic dopants is synthesized and investigated as an anode for LIBs. The Cl− and MO anionic dopants can increase the ordered aggregation and the conjugation length of pyrrolic chains, forming plentiful conductive domains and affecting the conduction channel inside the pyrrolic matrix, thereby achieving fast charge transfer and Li+ ion diffusion, low ion transfer energy barriers, and rapid reaction kinetics. On account of the above synergistic effect, PPy electrodes deliver a high specific capacity of 2067.8 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1 and a remarkable rate capacity of 1026 mAh g−1at 10 A g−1, realizing high energy density (724 Wh kg−1) and power density (7237 W kg−1) simultaneously.
l‐Lysine Stabilized FeNi Nanoparticles for the Catalytic Reduction of Biomass‐Derived Substrates in Water Using Magnetic Induction
Authors: Raya‐Barón Álvaro , Mazarío Jaime , Mencia Gabriel , Fazzini Pier‐Francesco , Chaudret Bruno
Published: March 2023

The reduction of biomass‐derived compounds gives access to valuable chemicals from renewable sources, circumventing the use of fossil feedstocks. Herein, we describe the use of iron‐nickel magnetic nanoparticles for the reduction of biomass model compounds in aqueous media under magnetic induction. Nanoparticles with a hydrophobic ligand (FeNi3‐PA, PA=palmitic acid) have been employed successfully, and their catalytic performance is intended to improve by ligand exchange with lysine (FeNi3‐Lys and FeNi3@Ni‐Lys NPs) to enhance water dispersibility. All three catalysts have been used to hydrogenate 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural into 2,5‐bis(hydroxymethyl)furan with complete selectivity and almost quantitative yields, using 3 bar of H2 and a magnetic field of 65 mT in water. These catalysts have been recycled up to 10 times maintaining high conversions. Under the same conditions, levulinic acid has been hydrogenated to γ‐valerolactone, and 4’‐hydroxyacetophenone hydrodeoxygenated to 4‐ethylphenol, with conversions up to 70 % using FeNi3‐Lys, and selectivities above 85 % in both cases. This promising catalytic system improves biomass reduction sustainability by avoiding noble metals and expensive ligands, increasing energy efficiency via magnetic induction heating, using low H2 pressure, and proving good reusability while working in an aqueous medium.