bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate and Agriculture in Côte D'ivoire: Perception and Quantification of the Impact of Climate Change on Cocoa Production by 2050
Authors: Métangbo Diomandé , Lucette Akpa , Lhaur-Yaigaiba Ouattara Annette , Oulaï Kpan Gauthier , Antoine Koffi , Blaise Yao Koffi , Fabrice Yapi Assa , Dogniméton Soro , Lako Agbri , Jean Biémi
Published: April 2023

Cocoa contributes 7.5% of Côte d'Ivoire's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is an important cash crop for the rural population in the country's forest areas. Cocoa, like the crops of West Africa, is deeply affected by the consequences of climate change. The objective of this research is to predict the impact of climate change on cocoa production in the main producing regions of Côte d'Ivoire and to analyze farmers' perceptions of climate change. The soil data were those of the World Harmonized Database version 1.2 of the FAO and allowed the spatio-temporal analysis of the useful reserve of water in the soil. The socio-economic data used integrated in the production forecasting model were taken from the report of the Census of Farmers and Farms 2015/2016. The temperature and precipitation series over the period 1981-2016 served as a climatic reference. The RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios were used for climate projections by 2050. The results showed a temperature increase of around +1°C to +1.5°C by 2050 ; and a decrease in rainfall over the entire Ivorian territory. According to the developed model, national cocoa production is expected to fall by around 17% and 23% respectively under the RCP 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios. Moreover, some current cocoa production areas will become unsuitable (Lagunes and Sud-Comoe in Côte d'Ivoire) due to the new pedoclimatic conditions. The results obtained also highlighted a relatively low level of knowledge of cocoa producers regarding the effects of climate on well-being.
Devlopment and Evaluation of Modified Solar Photovoltaic Powered Paddy Winnower
Authors: Phadtare Prajakta D. , Mohod A. G. , Ankita Shinde , Khandetod Y. P. , Dhande K. G. , Aware S. V.
Published: April 2023

A solar photovoltaic (SPV) powered paddy winnower was developed and evaluated at CAET, BSKKV, Dapoli. In order to eliminate the operational problems and difficulties, it was proposed to modify the existing SPV power operated paddy winnower, for better and improved performance. The existing SPV operated paddy winnower was tested to find the operational difficulties, and the physical properties of different paddy verities i.e., Ratnagiri-1, Ratnagiri-6, karjat-3. Including the terminal velocity, angle of repose, bulk density. It was found that improving several parameters can eliminate the operational difficulties from the existing SPV operated paddy winnower. The necessary modifications were incorporated in a modified SPV operated paddy winnower. The modified SPV operated paddy winnower was tested for Ratnagari-1 Variety of paddy and its improved performances were reported.
Research of Natural Killer Cell (CD56+, CD16+, CD3-) and It's Activating Ligand (CD 112) in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Salama Marwa Abd Elstar , Hodeib Hossam , Taha Atef Mohamed , Zahrah Mohamed Kamal
Published: April 2023

Background: Myeloid, erythroid, megakaryocytic, and monocytic cell lineage progenitors are all involved in the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), making AML a highly diverse collection of leukemias. This research was aimed to evaluate the impact of natural killer cell (CD56+, CD16+, CD3-) and its activating receptor ligand (CD 112) on AML and their clinicopathological significance.

Methods: This prospective randomized research was carried out on 40 newly diagnosed AML, and 20 apparently healthy subjects age and sex matched to cases group. (Determination of natural killer cell and activating receptor ligand).

Results: There was an evident decrease in percentage of NK cells in newly diagnosed AML cases. There was an evident increase in expression of CD112 in newly diagnosed AML cases. An evidently higher OS in cases with low NK cells expression with cutoff ≤15.5.

Conclusions: There was an evident decrease in the level of NK cells and an evident increase in expression of CD112 in newly diagnosed AML cases. A lower percentage of NK cells and higher levels of expression of CD112 may predict better outcome of newly diagnosed AML cases.
Jack Fruit: An Estimation of Hunteria Umbellata Fruit Extract against Formalin Induced Nociception
Authors: Charles Ifedi I. , Blessing Ifedi O. , Charles Nwafor C. , Paul Igwedibia C. , Fidelis Okoye O.
Published: April 2023

The purpose of the study is to ascertain the impact of ethanolic fruit extract from Hunteria umbellata on formalin-induced nociception in Wistar rats. Six sets of thirty Wistar rats, weighing 110.7 to 169.4 g each, were employed for the investigation. Group 1 functioned as the control group and was given nothing except unlimited amounts of rat food and water. Formalin was administered just to Group 2, which served as the FOG. Group 3 rats were given the standard drug group (SDG). Group 4 rats received 50 mg of Hunteria umbellata fruit extract per kilogramme of body weight. Group 5 rats received 100 mg of Hunteria umbellata fruit extract per kilogramme of body weight. Group 6 rats received 150 mg of Hunteria umbellata fruit extract per kilogramme of body weight. The experimental rats were given 50L of a 2% formaldehyde solution subcutaneously into their left hind paws an hour after extract and medication administration in order to cause pain. The duration of paw licking was immediately used to identify the spontaneous nociceptive behaviour. Following a 14-day period of treatment, samples were taken and tested for signs of pain. The significance level was set at p 0.05 after post hoc LSD and SPSS analysis of the data. The outcome showed that, in contrast to the formalin only group, the extract (LDEG, MDEG, HDEG) significantly enhanced (p0.05) the reaction time of nociceptive behaviours (FOG). In contrast to the control group, serum nociceptive molecules considerably (p 0.05) increased in the formalin only group (FOG). In conclusion, the extract proved useful for treating nociception by traditional medical professionals (herbalists).
Added Therapeutic Benefit of Top-Selling Brand-name Drugs in Medicare
Authors: Egilman Alexander C. , Rome Benjamin N. , Kesselheim Aaron S.
Published: April 2023

Importance

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 authorizes Medicare to negotiate prices of top-selling drugs based on several factors, including therapeutic benefit compared with existing treatment options.

Objective

To determine the added therapeutic benefit of the 50 top-selling brand-name drugs in Medicare in 2020, as assessed by health technology assessment (HTA) organizations in Canada, France, and Germany.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this cross-sectional study, publicly available therapeutic benefit ratings, US Food and Drug Administration documents, and the Medicare Part B and Part D prescription drug spending dashboards were used to determine the 50 top-selling single-source drugs used in Medicare in 2020 and to assess their added therapeutic benefit ratings through 2021.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Ratings from HTA bodies in Canada, France, and Germany were categorized as high (moderate or greater) or low (minor or no) added benefit. Each drug was rated based on its most favorable rating across countries, indications, subpopulations, and dosage forms. We compared the use and prerebate and postrebate (ie, net) Medicare spending between drugs with high vs low added benefit.

Results

Forty-nine drugs (98%) received an HTA rating by at least 1 country; 22 of 36 drugs (61%) received a low added benefit rating in Canada, 34 of 47 in France (72%), and 17 of 29 in Germany (59%). Across countries, 27 drugs (55%) had a low added therapeutic rating, accounting for $19.3 billion in annual estimated net spending, or 35% of Medicare net spending on the 50 top-selling single-source drugs and 11% of total Medicare net prescription drug spending in 2020. Compared with those with high added benefit, drugs with a low added therapeutic rating were used by more Medicare beneficiaries (median 387 149 vs 44 869) and had lower net spending per beneficiary (median $992 vs $32 287).

Conclusions and Relevance

Many top-selling Medicare drugs received low added benefit ratings by the national HTA organizations of Canada, France, and Germany. When negotiating prices for these drugs, Medicare should ensure they are not priced higher than reasonable therapeutic alternatives.
Evaluation of Atlas‐based auto‐segmentation of liver in MR images for Yttrium‐90 selective internal radiation therapy
Authors: Li Jun , Anne Rani
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The aim was to explore the feasibility of applying an atlas‐based auto‐segmentation tool, MIM Atlas Segment, for liver delineation in MR images in Y‐90 selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT).

Materials and methods

MR images of 41 liver patients treated with resin Y‐90 SIRT were included: 20 patients’ images were used to create an atlas, and the other 21 patients’ images were used for testing. Auto‐segmentation of liver in the MR images was performed with MIM Atlas Segment, and various settings for the auto‐segmentation (i.e., with and without normalized deformable registration, single atlas‐match and multi‐atlas match, and multi‐atlas match using different finalization methods) were tested. Auto‐segmented liver contours were compared with physician manually‐delineated contours, using Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and mean distance to agreement (MDA). Ratio of volume (RV) and ratio of activity (RA) were calculated to further evaluate the auto‐segmentation results.

Results

Auto‐segmentations with normalized deformable registration generated better contours than those without normalized deformable registration. With normalized deformable registration, 3‐atlas match using Majority Vote (MV) method generated better results than single‐atlas match and 3‐atlas match using STAPLE method, and generated similar results as 5‐atlas match using MV method or STAPLE method. The average DSC, MDA, and RV of the contours generated with normalized deformable registration are 0.80‐0.83, 0.60‐0.67, and 0.91‐1.00 cm, respectively. The average RA are 1.00‐1.01, which indicate that the activities calculated using the auto‐segmented liver contours are close to the accurate activities.

Conclusion

The atlas‐based auto‐segmentation can be applied to generate initial liver contours in MR images for resin Y‐90 SIRT, which can be used for activity calculations after physicians review.
Factors Associated With Adherence to a Supervised Exercise Intervention for Osteoarthritis: Data From the Swedish Osteoarthritis Registry
Authors: Battista Simone , Kiadaliri Ali , Jönsson Thérése , Gustafsson Kristin , Englund Martin , Testa Marco , Dell'Isola Andrea
Published: April 2023

Objective

To explore how lifestyle and demographic, socioeconomic, and disease‐related factors are associated with supervised exercise adherence in an osteoarthritis (OA) management program and the ability of these factors to explain exercise adherence.

Methods

A cohort register‐based study on participants from the Swedish Osteoarthritis Registry who attended the exercise part of a nationwide Swedish OA management program. We ran a multinomial logistic regression to determine the association of exercise adherence with the abovementioned factors. We calculated their ability to explain exercise adherence with the McFadden R2.

Results

Our sample comprises 19,750 participants (73% female, mean ± SD age 67 ± 8.9 years). Among them, 5,862 (30%) reached a low level of adherence, 3,947 (20%) a medium level, and 9,941 (50%) a high level. After a listwise deletion, the analysis was run on 16,685 participants (85%), with low levels of adherence as the reference category. Some factors were positively associated with high levels of adherence, such as older age (relative risk ratio [RRR] 1.01 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.01–1.02] per year), and the arthritis‐specific self‐efficacy (RRR 1.04 [95% CI 1.02–1.07] per 10‐point increase). Others were negatively associated with high levels of adherence, such as female sex (RRR 0.82 [95% CI 0.75–0.89]), having a medium (RRR 0.89 [95% CI 0.81–0.98] or a high level of education (RRR 0.84 [95% CI 0.76–0.94]). Nevertheless, the investigating factors could explain 1% of the variability in exercise adherence (R2= 0.012).

Conclusion

Despite the associations reported above, the poorly explained variability suggests that strategies based on lifestyle and demographic, socioeconomic, and disease‐related factors are unlikely to improve exercise adherence significantly.
Hydride Anion Substitution Boosts Thermoelectric Performance of Polycrystalline SrTiO3 via Simultaneous Realization of Reduced Thermal Conductivity and High Electronic Conductivity
Authors: He Xinyi , Nomoto Seiya , Komatsu Takehito , Katase Takayoshi , Tadano Terumasa , Kitani Suguru , Yoshida Hideto , Yamamoto Takafumi , Mizoguchi Hiroshi , Ide Keisuke , Hiramatsu Hidenori , Kawaji Hitoshi , Hosono Hideo , Kamiya Toshio
Published: April 2023

The development of environmentally benign thermoelectric materials with high energy conversion efficiency (ZT) continues to be a long‐standing challenge. So far, high ZT has been achieved using heavy elements to reduce lattice thermal conductivity (κlat). However, it is not preferred to use such elements because of their environmental load and high material cost. Here a new approach utilizing hydride anion (H−) substitution to oxide ion is proposed for ZT enhancement in thermoelectric oxide SrTiO3 bulk polycrystals. Light element H− substitution largely reduces κlat from 8.2 W/(mK) of SrTiO3 to 3.5 W/(mK) for SrTiO3−xHx with x = 0.216. The mass difference effect on phonon scattering is small in the SrTiO3−xHx, while local structure distortion arising from the distributed Ti−(O,H) bond lengths strongly enhances phonon scattering. The polycrystalline SrTiO3−xHx shows high electronic conductivity comparable to La‐doped SrTiO3 single crystal because the H− substitution does not form a grain boundary potential barrier and thus suppresses electron scattering. As a consequence, SrTiO3−xHx bulk exhibits maximum ZT = 0.11 at room temperature and the ZT value increases continuously up to 0.22 at T = 657 K. The H− substitution idea offers a new approach for ZT enhancement in thermoelectric materials without utilizing heavy elements.
Synthesis of Highly Stable LTO/rGO/SnO2 Nanocomposite via In Situ Electrostatic Self‐Assembly for High‐performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Ming , Fang Peng Fei , Chen Ying , Leng Xin Yang , Yan Yong , Yang Shao Bin , Xu Ping , Yan Cheng
Published: April 2023

The practical application of spinel‐type lithium titanate Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) lithium‐ion batteries is hindered by its poor conductivity and relatively low capacity. To address these issues, an LTO/reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/SnO2 is synthesized via an in situ electrostatic self‐assembly and hydrothermal reduction process. Density function theory (DFT) simulations are conducted to understand the geometrical structures of these composites and the energy storage mechanisms. The DFT results confirm that the introduction of rGO and SnO2 to LTO increases the overall conductivity, improves the structure stability, and increases Li‐ion diffusion speed.
Chiral Polymer Micelles Alleviate Adriamycin Cardiotoxicity via Iron Chelation and Ferroptosis Inhibition
Authors: Chen Tiantian , Qin Yan , Li Yao , Li Yaru , Luo Jiajia , Fan Lanlan , Feng Meiyu , Wang Zheng , Zhao Yanjun
Published: April 2023

The dose‐dependent cardiomyopathy of adriamycin (doxorubicin) limits its long‐term clinical use, which is revealed as a consequence of cardiomyocyte ferroptosis. As a ferrous iron (Fe2+)‐dependent regulated cell death pathway, ferroptosis is induced by the tailored lipid peroxides in the cell membranes. Herein, iron‐chelating polymer micelles are reported for concurrent doxorubicin delivery and cardiotoxicity reduction. The amphiphilic polymer consists of methoxy poly (ethylene glycol)‐co‐poly (glutamic acid) copolymer as the backbone and deferiprone analog as the side chain. The chiral polymer adopted the α‐helix conformation to enable prolonged retention in the cell membranes, resulting in efficient iron chelation, ferroptosis inhibition, and cardiotoxicity reduction. The co‐encapsulation of doxorubicin and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in micelles further alleviates the cardiotoxicity because the reduced CoQ10 can act as a radical trapping agent to constrain lipid peroxidation and cardiomyocyte ferroptosis. The reduction of cardiotoxicity is accompanied by enhanced anticancer efficacy in an in vivo murine breast cancer model. The chiral iron‐chelating polymer micelles can be a promising platform for enhanced doxorubicin delivery and reduced cardiac adverse effects.
Low‐Dimensional 2‐thiopheneethylammonium Lead Halide Capping Layer Enables Efficient Single‐Junction Methylamine‐Free Wide‐Bandgap and Tandem Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Guan Hongling , Zhang Wenjun , Liang Jiwei , Wang Chen , Hu Xuzhi , Pu Dexing , Huang Lishuai , Ge Yansong , Cui Hongsheng , Zou Yuanrong , Fang Guojia , Ke Weijun
Published: April 2023

Wide‐bandgap (WBG) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have garnered significant attention for their potential applications in tandem solar cells. However, their large open‐circuit voltage (VOC) deficit and serious photo‐induced halide segregation remain the main challenges that impede their applications. Herein, a post‐treatment strategy without thermal annealing is presented to form a 2D top layer of 2‐thiopheneethylammonium lead halide (n = 1) on WBG perovskites. This thermal annealing‐free post‐treatment method can more effectively passivate the defects of WBG methylamine (MA)‐free formamidinium/cesium lead iodide/bromide perovskite films and suppress photo‐induced perovskite phase segregation, as compared with the thermal annealing method that yields multi‐2D phases. The resulting opaque and semi‐transparent 1.66 eV‐bandgap perovskite solar cells deliver maximum power conversion efficiencies of 21.47% (a small VOC deficit of 0.43 V) and 19.11%, respectively, both of which are among the highest reports for inverted MA‐free WBG PSCs. Consequently, four‐terminal all‐perovskite tandem cells realize a remarkable efficiency of 26.64%, showing great promise for their applications in efficient multi‐junction tandem solar cells.
Application of Newly Designed Y‐Series Nonfullerene Acceptors for High‐Efficient Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Haseena Sheik , Ravva Mahesh Kumar
Published: April 2023

The electron acceptor materials in organic solar cells (OSCs) play an essential role in enhancing power conversion efficiency (PCE). Although Y6‐based nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) have shown fascinating experimental progress, molecular engineering is an effective strategy for further improvement of PCE. Herein, a series of Y6‐based symmetric and asymmetric NFAs are designed using the Y6‐based core with various end‐group units. The impact of end group units on geometric, electronic, and excited state properties of NFAs is studied using state‐of‐the‐art density functional theory methods. Various selection criteria are used to screen potential NFAs among 18 newly designed NFAs. The interfacial electronic properties between conjugated polymer and NFAs are thoroughly studied in the excited state to analyze the potentiality of screened NFAs. More importantly, the screened asymmetric NFAs have shown improved charge mobilities with a lower charge recombination rate than prototype FRY6. It is noticed that screened NFAs have multiple charge transfer pathways through direct excitation, hot excitons, and intermolecular electric field mechanisms. Overall, the results obtained from this computational study give useful guidance for developing NFAs for high‐performance OSCs.
Bending Effect on the Electronic Properties and Nonlinear Optical Responses of Linear Porphyrin Oligomer
Authors: Hu Yangyang , Han Lu , Li Danting , Yu Hong , Zhang Guiling , Li Weiqi , Tian Wei Quan
Published: April 2023

Physical bending provides a more stable and controllable method to modify the electronic properties and device applications compared to chemical doping/surface modification in traditional optoelectronic materials. The bending effect on the electronic properties and nonlinear optical (NLO) responses of linear porphyrin oligomer is explored using quantum chemistry methods by designing a series of curved structures with different bending degrees. The highest occupied molecular orbital−lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy gap (Egap) of the linear porphyrin oligomer decreases after being bended to form the curved structures, and the Egap values and orbital distributions show independent behavior on bending degree. In the electronic absorption spectra, the maximum absorptions mainly come from the S0 → S1/S0 → S2 transitions with the characteristic of local excitation. The NLO response presents a tendency to increase and then decrease with decreasing the bending degree, which is in good accordance with the widely used two‐level model. The curved frameworks as well as the results offer guidelines for novel organic NLO device design and fabrication.
Optoelectronic Trajectory Reconfiguration and Directed Self‐Assembly of Self‐Propelling Electrically Powered Active Particles
Authors: Das Sankha Shuvra , Yossifon Gilad
Published: April 2023

Self‐propelling active particles are an exciting and interdisciplinary emerging area of research with projected biomedical and environmental applications. Due to their autonomous motion, control over these active particles that are free to travel along individual trajectories, is challenging. This work uses optically patterned electrodes on a photoconductive substrate using a digital micromirror device (DMD) to dynamically control the region of movement of self‐propelling particles (i.e., metallo‐dielectric Janus particles (JPs)). This extends previous studies where only a passive micromotor is optoelectronically manipulated with a translocating optical pattern that illuminates the particle. In contrast, the current system uses the optically patterned electrode merely to define the region within which the JPs moved autonomously. Interestingly, the JPs avoid crossing the optical region's edge, which enables constraint of the area of motion and to dynamically shape the JP trajectory. Using the DMD system to simultaneously manipulate several JPs enables to self‐assemble the JPs into stable active structures (JPs ring) with precise control over the number of participating JPs and passive particles. Since the optoelectronic system is amenable to closed‐loop operation using real‐time image analysis, it enables exploitation of these active particles as active microrobots that can be operated in a programmable and parallelized manner.
Influence of plant domestication on plant‐pollinator interactions: Floral attributes and floral visitor communities in wild and cultivated squash plants
Authors: Glasser Sonja K. , de Santiago‐Hernández Martín Hesajim , Delgado‐Carrillo Oliverio , Espino Luis Alberto Villanueva , Pérez Adonaji Cortés , González‐Rodríguez Antonio , Lira‐Saade Rafael , Quesada Mauricio
Published: April 2023

Premise

Domestication of plant species results in phenotypic modifications and changes in biotic interactions. Most studies have compared antagonistic plant‐herbivore interactions of domesticated plants and their wild relatives, but little attention has been given to how domestication influences plant‐pollinator interactions. Floral attributes and interactions of floral visitors were compared between sister taxa of the genus Cucurbita (Cucurbitaceae), the domesticated C. moschata, C. argyrosperma ssp. argyrosperma and its wild progenitor C. argyrosperma ssp. sororia in the place of origin.

Methods

We conducted univariate and multivariate analyses to compare floral morphological traits and analyzed floral reward (nectar and pollen) quantity and quality between flowers of wild and domesticated Cucurbita taxa. Staminate and pistillate flowers of all three taxa were video recorded, and visitation and behavior of floral visitors were registered and analyzed.

Results

Most floral morphological characteristics of flowers of domesticated taxa were larger in both staminate and pistillate flowers. Staminate and pistillate flowers presented distinct correlations between floral traits and integration indices between domesticated and wild species. Additionally, pollen quantity and protein to lipid ratio were greater in domesticated species. Cucurbit pollen specialists, Eucera spp., had the highest probability of visit for all Cucurbita taxa.

Conclusions

We provide evidence that floral traits of domesticated and wild Cucurbita species experienced different selection pressures. Domesticated Cucurbita species may have more resources invested towards floral traits, thereby increasing attractiveness to pollinators and potentially plant reproductive success. Wild ancestor plant populations should be conserved in their centers of origin to preserve plant‐pollinator interactions.
Looted artifacts and museums' perpetuation of imperialism and racism: Implications for the importance of preserving cultural heritage
Authors: Palmer Geraldine L.
Published: April 2023

In the midst of recent protests and antiracism movements following the death of George Floyd in May of 2020 and other Black, Indigenous, and people of Color (BIPOC) murdered in the United States by police violence, protestors and advocates around the world recognized the need for Western governments and other institutions to reckon with their own imperial history—to acknowledge the linkage between the slave trade, colonialism, and racism in their countries. This recognition led to the tearing down of statues depicting racist colonial leaders and calling for museums who have perpetuated imperialism and racism through their acceptance and display of looted artifacts to return them. This article sought to answer the question posed in the call for papers, can the many manifestations of racism be effectively dealt with in our society if the status quo is unwilling to engage with the issues, address them, and relinquish power. Further the author argues that cultural looting has its roots in colonialism and racism and discusses implications of the linkage between one's stolen cultural heritage and individual and community well‐being. Answers to the question include both yes, manifestations of racism can be addressed, and no, they cannot be addressed when institutions and governments refuse to engage, address the issue and do not relinquish power. The article also includes the author's thoughts on using a living heritage approach to preserve cultural heritage and offers suggestions that community psychologists, advocates and activists can help to decolonize museums as part of the broader social and racial justice movement.
Advanced practice clinician care and end‐of‐life outcomes for community‐ and nursing home‐dwelling Medicare beneficiaries with dementia
Authors: Oh Hyesung , White Elizabeth M. , Muench Ulrike , Santostefano Christopher , Thapa Bishnu , Kosar Cyrus , Gadbois Emily A. , Osakwe Zainab Toteh , Gozalo Pedro , Rahman Momotazur
Published: April 2023

INTRODUCTION

Older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) often face burdensome end‐of‐life care transfers. Advanced practice clinicians (APCs)—which include nurse practitioners and physician assistants—increasingly provide primary care to this population. To fill current gaps in the literature, we measured the association between APC involvement in end‐of‐life care versus hospice utilization and hospitalization for older adults with ADRD.

METHODS

Using Medicare data, we identified nursing home‐ (N=517,490) and community‐dwelling (N=322,461) beneficiaries with ADRD who died between 2016 and 2018. We employed propensity score‐weighted regression methods to examine the association between different levels of APC care during their final 9 months of life versus hospice utilization and hospitalization during their final month.

RESULTS

For both nursing home‐ and community‐dwelling beneficiaries, higher APC care involvement associated with lower hospitalization rates and higher hospice rates.

DISCUSSION

APCs are an important group of providers delivering end‐of‐life primary care to individuals with ADRD.

HIGHLIGHTS

For both nursing home‐ and community‐dwelling Medicare beneficiaries with ADRD, adjusted hospitalization rates were lower and hospice rates were higher for individuals with higher proportions of APC care involvement during their final 9 months of life.

Associations between APC care involvement and both adjusted hospitalization rates and adjusted hospice rates persisted when accounting for primary care visit volume.
Trauma‐associated left renal vein thrombosis with nutcracker syndrome
Authors: Aichi Shogo , Kimura Shinichi , Fujisawa Tokuo , Hayashi Teppei , Kobayashi Yusuke , Muroya Naoki , Kurihara Tomohiro
Published: April 2023

Background

Nutcracker syndrome is a compression of the left renal vein between the superior mesenteric artery and aorta, resulting in thrombogenesis. While renal vein thrombosis caused by renal disease is more common, solitary left renal vein thrombosis with nutcracker syndrome is rare.

Case Presentation

We present the case of a patient with trauma‐associated left renal vein thrombosis with nutcracker syndrome. A 24‐year‐old woman with low body mass index taking oral contraceptives was admitted for trauma. She had multiple injuries, including thoracolumbar fractures, for which elective spinal fusion surgery was scheduled. As the D‐dimer level elevated to 82.5 μg/dL preoperatively, enhanced computed tomography was performed, which revealed a solitary left renal vein thrombus.

Conclusion

This is the report of solitary left renal vein thrombosis in a patient with nutcracker syndrome after trauma. Patients with low body mass index and coagulopathy might have solitary left renal vein thrombosis associated with nutcracker syndrome.
Experimental characterization and numerical modeling of a viscoelastic expandable epoxy foam: Time–temperature transformation and time–temperature equivalence diagrams
Authors: D'Elia Raffaele , Sanches Leonardo , Des Jean Marie , Michon Guilhem
Published: April 2023

An expandable and Fire, Smoke, and Toxicity (FST) compliant epoxy foam is proposed as an interesting alternative to Nomex® honeycomb cores for the development of Multi‐Functional Structures (MFS). The paper first analyzes the processing conditions using several experimental techniques as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rheology, and expansion in a closed volume in order to evaluate the reaction kinetics, the chemorheological behavior, and the expansion kinetics of the material. The experimental data are used to identify several empirical models describing the material processing behavior and finally plotting the isothermal time–temperature transformation (TTT) diagram. A typical curing cycle for the foam is used to describe the evolution of the material parameters during the curing process. The fully cured foam is then characterized using optical and laser microscopy in order to identify its cell size distribution and density. Quasi‐static and dynamic machines are used to evaluate its mechanical and dynamical properties. The time–temperature equivalence is finally used to plot the master's curves of the material, representing the evolution of the material viscoelastic properties as a function of the frequency.
Adaptive NN state error PCH trajectory tracking control for unmanned surface vessel with uncertainties and input saturation
Authors: Lv Chengxing , Chen Jian , Yu Haisheng , Chi Jieru , Yang Zhibo
Published: April 2023

A novel robust state error port controlled Hamiltonian (PCH) trajectory tracking controller of an unmanned surface vessel (USV) subject to time‐varying disturbances, dynamic uncertainties and control input saturation is presented. The proposed control scheme combines the advantages of the high robustness and energy minimization of the state error PCH approach and the approximation capability of adaptive radial basis function neural networks (RBFNNs). Adaptive RBFNNs are used to the time‐varying disturbances of the environment and unknown dynamics uncertainties of the USV model. The state error PCH control approach is designed such that the system can optimize energy consumption, and the state error PCH technique makes the designed trajectory tracking controller be easy to implement in practice. To handle the effect of the control input saturation, a Gaussian error function model is employed. It has been demonstrated that the proposed approach can maintain the USV's trajectory at the desired trajectory, while the closed‐loop control system can guarantee the uniformly ultimate boundedness. The energy consumption model of the USV is constructed to reveal to the energy consumption. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
Teachers’ gender bias in STEM: Results from a vignette study
Authors: Andersen Ida Gran
Published: April 2023

Gender stereotypes in the natural sciences may discourage girls from pursuing STEM fields, thus contributing to the differential STEM pathways of males and females. This paper exploits quasi‐experimental data from a vignette study to investigate teachers’ gender bias in STEM at the transition to upper secondary school in Denmark—a key stage in students’ educational trajectories. I investigate if teachers have a higher probability of recommending a STEM track to a (vignette) male student compared with a (vignette) female student and if teachers’ STEM recommendations interact with their demographic characteristics. Results show that, while there is a gender gap of 10 percentage points in the likelihood of being recommended a STEM track, the difference is not statistically significant. Furthermore, teachers’ gender bias is influenced by the teacher's own gender and cultural capital. Consequently, the paper shows that teachers’ gender bias varies with teachers’ demographic characteristics and teachers with high levels of cultural capital can push back against gender stereotypes in STEM.
The decline in breaktimes and lunchtimes in primary and secondary schools in England: Results from three national surveys spanning 25 years
Authors: Baines Ed , Blatchford Peter
Published: April 2023

Breaktimes are ubiquitous in English schools. Research suggests they have social value for children, but school staff often have a range of concerns about breaktimes and tend to undervalue them. However, there is little understanding about these times, not least because data are not collected about their organisation and characteristics. This paper brings together data from three national surveys undertaken in 1995, 2006 and 2017 of head teachers of primary and secondary schools to provide an understanding of the nature, organisation and staff attitudes towards breaktimes and how they have changed over 25 years. At each survey point, completed questionnaires were received from representative random samples of over 1000 primary and secondary schools. Results showed marked reductions in the average total amount of time for breaks, the virtual abolition of afternoon breaks and a decline in time available for lunchtime breaks. The reductions were largely for behavioural reasons and to increase time for learning. Results also show variations in the length of breaktimes across school types and in relation to socioeconomic disadvantage, and changes to the amount of supervision provided by schools. Attitudes towards breaks varied across primary and secondary phases, and the withholding of breaks was used by schools to address poor pupil behaviour and disengagement. Schools continued to have concerns about the management of behaviour during breaktimes, even when breaks had already been shortened. It is suggested that staff undervalue the potential contribution that breaktimes afford the development and wellbeing of children and young people in school.
Further evaluation of prompt density, rate of reinforcement, and the persistence of manding
Authors: Ringdahl Joel E. , Crook Kayla , Berg Wendy K. , Wacker David P. , Molony Maggie , Romani Patrick , Ryan Stephen , Ryan Anna , Zabala Karla
Published: April 2023

Previous research has evaluated the effects of prompt rates on the rate of communicative behavior. More recent research has suggested that dense prompting can result in communicative behavior that is more resistant to change. However, existing research has not considered the impact that higher response rates had on reinforcement rate, a variable known to impact response persistence. The current study systematically replicated previous research by evaluating communicative responding in contexts associated with dense‐ and lean‐prompt schedules and extended existing research by (a) holding reinforcement rates similar across the two prompting schedules (lean and dense), and (b) evaluating the persistence of communicative responding in the contexts associated with each prompting schedule. The results for Experiment 1 clearly replicated and extended previous research. The results for Experiment 2 were equivocal and suggested that previous reinforcement history and response class size impacted outcomes.
Astrocytic aerobic glycolysis provides lactate to support neuronal oxidative metabolism in the hippocampus
Authors: Dias Cândida , Fernandes Eliana , Barbosa Rui M. , Laranjinha João , Ledo Ana
Published: April 2023

Under physiological conditions, the energetic demand of the brain is met by glucose oxidation. However, ample evidence suggests that lactate produced by astrocytes through aerobic glycolysis may also be an oxidative fuel, highlighting the metabolic compartmentalization between neural cells. Herein, we investigate the roles of glucose and lactate in oxidative metabolism in hippocampal slices, a model that preserves neuron–glia interactions. To this purpose, we used high‐resolution respirometry to measure oxygen consumption (O2 flux) at the whole tissue level and amperometric lactate microbiosensors to evaluate the concentration dynamics of extracellular lactate. We found that lactate is produced from glucose and transported to the extracellular space by neural cells in hippocampal tissue. Under resting conditions, endogenous lactate was used by neurons to support oxidative metabolism, which was boosted by exogenously added lactate even in the presence of excess glucose. Depolarization of hippocampal tissue with high K+ significantly increased the rate of oxidative phosphorylation, which was accompanied by a transient decrease in extracellular lactate concentration. Both effects were reverted by inhibition of the neuronal lactate transporter, monocarboxylate transporters 2 (MCT2), supporting the concept of an inward flux of lactate to neurons to fuel oxidative metabolism. We conclude that astrocytes are the main source of extracellular lactate which is used by neurons to fuel oxidative metabolism, both under resting and stimulated conditions.
Validated liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method for determination of paxalisib in mouse plasma: An application to pharmacokinetic study in mice
Authors: A. B. Vinod , Das Arunava
Published: April 2023

A sensitive and rapid LC–MS/MS method has been developed and validated for the quantification of paxalisib in mouse plasma. A liquid–liquid extraction method was used for the extraction of paxalisib and filgotinib (internal standard, IS) from mouse plasma. A clean chromatographic separation of paxalisib and the IS was achieved on an Atlantis dC18 column using an isocratic mobile phase (10 mM ammonium formate and acetonitrile, 30:70%, v/v) delivered at a flow rate of 0.7 mL/min. The total run time was 2.5 min. Paxalisib and filgotinib were eluted at 1.21 and 0.94 min, respectively. The MS/MS transitions monitored were m/z 383.25 → 309.20 and 426.30 → 291.20 for paxalisib and filgotinib, respectively. Method validation was performed as per US Food and Drug Administration guidelines and the results met the acceptance criteria. The method was proved to be accurate and precise at a linearity range of 1.39–2287 ng/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions for paxalisib in mouse plasma were in the ranges 1.42–9.61 and 4.70–9.63%, respectively. Paxalisib was stable under a series of stability conditions. Post‐oral administration to mice, paxalisib maximum plasma concentrations were attained at 2.0 h. Paxalisib’s half‐life ranged between 3.2 and 4.2 h. Paxalisib exhibited low clearance and moderate volume of distribution. Oral bioavailability was 71%.
Development and validation of a simple HPLC‐MS/MS method for the quantification of methylmalonic acid in human serum without a derivatization step
Authors: Hofmann Sabrina , Gebauer Julian , Krnáč Dušan , Prantz Anja , Reiffová Katarína , Rolinski Boris , Serbin Rastislav
Published: April 2023

A simple and rapid HPLC‐MS/MS analytical method was developed and validated for the determination of methylmalonic acid (MMA) in human serum without a derivatization step. Serum samples (200 μl) were pretreated using a simple method based on ultrafiltration using a VIVASPIN 500 ultrafiltration column. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Luna Omega C18 column with a PS C18 precolumn guard by gradient elution using 0.1% (v/v) formic acid in water (mobile phase A) and 0.5% (v/v) formic acid in acetonitrile (mobile phase B) at a flow rate of 0.2 ml min−1. The total run time of the analysis was 4.5 min. Negative electrospray ionization and multiple reaction monitoring mode were used. The lower limit of detection and lower limit of quantification for MMA were determined to be 13.6 and 42.3 nmol L−1, respectively. The developed method enabled the quantification of MMA in a wide linear range of 42.3–4230 nmol L−1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.9991.
The digital expression profile of BMP7, CDKN2C, HIST1H3G, and PKMYT1 genes improves high‐grade cervical lesion detection in liquid‐based cytology
Authors: Causin Rhafaela Lima , Sussuchi da Silva Luciane , Leal Leticia Ferro , Possati‐Resende Júlio César , Evangelista Adriane Feijó , Matsushita Graziela Macedo , Scapulatempo‐Neto Cristovam , Tavares Guerreiro Fregnani José Humberto , Antônio de Oliveira Marco , Musselwhite Laura W. , Chiquitelli Marques Márcia Maria , Reis Rui Manuel
Published: April 2023

Background

Some studies reported that differential gene expression could be used as a biomarker for high‐grade cervical lesion identification. The aim was to evaluate the gene expression profile of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) to identify a gene expression signature of CIN2+ in liquid‐based cytology (LBC) samples.

Methods

LBC samples (n = 85) obtained from women who underwent colposcopy were included with benign (n = 13), CIN1 (n = 26), CIN2 (n = 16), and CIN3 (n = 30) diagnoses. After RNA isolation, gene expression profiling was performed using the nCounter PanCancer Pathways, which consists of 730 cancer‐related genes. The genes identified were in silico expression evaluated using the UALCAN database. An accurate prediction model to discriminate CIN2+ from <CIN2 lesions was determined. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess the expression of p16 and Ki67 proteins.

Results

This study identified a gene expression profile that significantly differentiates CIN2+ cases from <CIN2. The gene signature comprised 18 genes, two genes downregulated and 16 upregulated. In silico analysis corroborated the differential expression of 11 of those genes. Further observed was that high expression of BMP7 (odds ratio [OR], 4.202), CDKN2C (OR, 5.326), HIST1H3G (OR, 3.522), PKMYT1 (OR, 4.247), and menarche age (OR, 1.608) were age‐adjusted and associated with CIN2+. This model demonstrates a probability of 43% leading to an area under the curve (of .979; sensitivity of 94.9%, and specificity of 91.2% for CIN2+ prediction. It was observed that p16 expression was significantly associated with CDKN2A mRNA overexpression (p = .0015).

Conclusion

A gene expression profile that may be helpful in the identification of patients with CIN2+ was identified. This approach could be used together with currently used LBC in a clinical setting, allowing the identification of patients with high risk of CIN2+.
Comprehensive epithelial biomarker analysis of malignant mesothelioma: EpCAM positivity is a potential diagnostic pitfall
Authors: Zhu Yili , Moore Simone , Wang Aihui , George Elizabeth , Allard Grace M. , Libert Diane M. , Lowe Alarice C.
Published: April 2023

Background

Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is frequently used to distinguish carcinoma from background mesothelial cells during cytologic examination of body cavity fluids. Previously, the authors identified one malignant mesothelioma case with strong and diffuse membranous EpCAM staining, making it indistinguishable from carcinoma.

Methods

In this study, the authors evaluated all available effusion specimens from patients with malignant mesothelioma, including the above‐mentioned index case, obtained at Stanford Health Care, from 2011 to 2021 (N = 17) as well as control cases (N = 5). Analyses included an immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay for EpCAM and claudin‐4, a multiplexed immunofluorescent (IF) assay for EpCAM, and an RNA in situ hybridization assay targeting EpCAM.

Results

The authors detected EpCAM positivity of variable intensity and percentage in four malignant mesothelioma cases (23.5%; although only two showed positivity for the epithelial‐specific IHC marker MOC31 in ≥40% of cells) and claudin‐4 negativity in all cases, with two cases displaying focal and weak claudin‐4 staining in <1% of cells. Multiplexed IF staining on the cases with EpCAM IHC positivity showed strong, membranous EpCAM staining in one of four cases. RNA in situ hybridization also was used to assess the correlation between EpCAM positivity by IHC/IF and RNA expression levels. Strong EpCAM RNA expression was detected in the three malignant mesothelioma cases.

Conclusions

The current findings revealed that a subset of epithelioid malignant mesothelioma cases mimic or exhibit the immunophenotypic features of carcinoma when evaluating for EpCAM only. Additional biomarker testing, such as claudin‐4, may help avoid this potential pitfall to yield accurate diagnoses.
Two mechanisms of retinal photoreceptor plasticity underlie rapid adaptation to novel light environments
Authors: Bolstad Kennedy , Novales Flamarique Iñigo
Published: April 2023

Fishes experience different light environments over short time periods that may require quick modulation of photoreceptor properties to optimize visual function. Previous research has shown that the relative expression of different visual pigment protein (opsin) transcripts can change within several days following exposure to new light environments, but whether such changes are mirrored by analogous modulation in opsin protein expression is unknown. Here, Atlantic halibut larvae and juveniles raised under white light were exposed to blue light for 1 week and their retina compared to that of controls, which remained under white light. Blue light‐treated larvae showed increased expression of all cone opsin transcripts, except rh2, over controls. They also had longer outer segments, and higher density of long wavelength sensitive (L) cones in the dorsal retina. In contrast, only the lws transcript was upregulated in juveniles exposed to blue light compared to controls but their L cone density was greater throughout the retina. These results demonstrate two mechanisms of rapid photoreceptor plasticity as a function of developmental stage associated with improved perception of achromatic or chromatic contrasts in line with the animal's ecological needs.