bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ReGSP: a visualized application for homology-based gene searching and plotting using multiple reference sequences
Authors: Ejigu Girum Fitihamlak , Yi Gangman , Kim Jong Im , Jung Jaehee
Published: December 2021

The massively parallel nature of next-generation sequencing technologies has contributed to the generation of massive sequence data in the last two decades. Deciphering the meaning of each generated sequence requires multiple analysis tools, at all stages of analysis, from the reads stage all the way up to the whole-genome level. Homology-based approaches based on related reference sequences are usually the preferred option for gene and transcript prediction in newly sequenced genomes, resulting in the popularity of a variety of BLAST and BLAST-based tools. For organelle genomes, a single-reference–based gene finding tool that uses grouping parameters for BLAST results has been implemented in the Genome Search Plotter (GSP). However, this tool does not accept multiple and user-customized reference sequences required for a broad homology search. Here, we present multiple Reference–based Gene Search and Plot (ReGSP), a simple and convenient web tool that accepts multiple reference sequences for homology-based gene search. The tool incorporates cPlot, a novel dot plot tool, for illustrating nucleotide sequence similarity between the query and the reference sequences. ReGSP has an easy-to-use web interface and is freely accessible at https://ds.mju.ac.kr/regsp.
El desarrollo local endógeno en tiempos de globalización: aproximaciones teóricas y desafíos prácticos
Authors: González Meyer Raúl , Micheletti Stefano
Published: December 2021

El artículo propone una reflexión sobre la re-conceptualización de lo local en un contexto de globalización, y analiza en términos teóricos cuáles son las posibilidades efectivas de que se mantengan, refuercen o desencadenan dinámicas de desarrollo local endógeno, entendido como proceso con alto protagonismo de las sociedades locales y, también, como enfoque alternativo. El trabajo se basa en la revisión de la literatura sobre desarrollo local y globalización, y pretende ser un aporte a la discusión sobre estos tópicos. El texto constata la existencia de enfoques que conceptualizan lo local destacando fenómenos como el descentramiento, las redes supralocales, el reforzamiento de las capacidades competitivas de los territorios, el sentido comunitario y las identidades. Planteamos que éste debe entenderse como un “complejo de locales” que pueden tener relaciones entre sí, que el territorio se produce socialmente, y que para adquirir algún carácter de alternatividad en un contexto globalizado, los procesos de desarrollo local endógeno tienen que contar con agentes locales fortalecidos y que actúan desde diversas escalas de la realidad. Destacamos además el rol de los agentes externos: las acciones en y desde escalas mayores pueden ser elementos clave si están en concordancia con orientaciones provenientes de lo local.
Usefulness of TrueNat: A Chip-based Real-time PCR Test for COVID-19
Authors: Swarn Swarnim , Prasad Indu , Anand Amit Kumar , Singh Binod Shankar
Published: December 2021

Introduction: For the containment of growing Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, rapid diagnostic facilities are need of today. Indigenously developed TrueNat assay is a point-of-care assay developed for early diagnosis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is a portable, fully automated, chip-based, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction system with a turnaround time of 1.5-2 hours. Aim: To assess the practical utility and diagnostic accuracy of TrueNat testing for COVID-19 in a pandemic situation. Materials and Methods: A cohort selection cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2020 at Department of Biochemistry, Vardhaman Institute of Medical Sciences, Pawapuri, Bihar, India, after obtaining Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) approval. A total of 296 cases with symptoms of COVID-19 were selected for the study. Assuming real-time Reverse Transcription- Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) to be the gold standard, we collected oropharyngeal swabs from symptomatic COVID-19 suspected cases and tested by both TrueNat and standard RT-PCR. Agreement between both the assays were assessed by overall, Positive Percent Agreement (PPA) and Negative Percent Agreement (NPA) and Cohen’s kappa coefficient using Epitools (Ausvet 2020). Results: Out of 296 oropharyngeal swabs taken from suspected COVID-19 patients, 19 were read as “invalid” and discarded; hence only 277 samples were tested by TrueNat and RT-PCR both. Assuming RT-PCR as standard, TrueNat assay demonstrated an overall percent agreement of 99.64%, PPA of 95.65%, NPA 99.81%. The kappa coefficient was 0.9546. Conclusion: TrueNat assay offers a rapid, accurate and affordable technique for COVID-19. It may be deployed for mass screening and confirmation of COVID-19 cases in hospitals and remote areas.
Comparison of Serum Vitamin B12 Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with and without Diabetic Retinopathy: A Case-control Study
Authors: Supriya . , Sirsikar Mangala Narayan
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is characterised by hyperglycaemia. Chronic elevation of hyperglycaemia lead to generation of free radicals and Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs) which results in damage of many organs such as heart, kidney, eyes, nerves and blood vessels. Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is the leading cause of blindness among diabetic patients. Vitamin B12 is a vital micronutrient that is essential for the proper functioning of the central nervous, cardiovascular and haemopoetic systems. It is also found that its deficiency is more prevalent in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and evident clinically. Aim: To compare the serum vitamin B12 levels and Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in patients with and without diabetic retinopathy. Materials and Methods: This was hospital based observational case-control study conducted in Biochemistry Department in collaboration with Ophthalmology Department at the Oxford Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Yadavanahalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, from January 2018 to June 2018 with total of 90 subjects. Among 90 patients, 30 patients were with diabetes mellitus with Retinopathy (DR), 30 were with diabetes mellitus without retinopathy (NDR) and 30 were also recruited as control (healthy individuals). The mean and standard deviation were used to describe continuous data. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to statistically compare the mean difference between more than two sets of quantitative data. Results: The mean plasma blood glucose levels were higher in T2D patients with DR, Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) (270.4±94.2 mg/dL) and Postprandial Blood Glucose (PPBG) (425.6±131.8 mg/dL) compared to control subjects FBG (95.4±10.7 mg/dL). Among the T2D patients the plasma HbA1c concentration of DR group was found to be higher (11.0±2.3%) compared to the NDR group (p-value <0.001). While, the blood levels of vitamin B12 were comparable between the groups, serum vitamin B12 levels were significantly lower (p-value <0.001) in T2DM group with DR (200.7±201.9 pg/mL) compared to the control group (1004.8±304 pg/mL). Conclusion: The patients with diabetic retinopathy showed that low serum vitamin B12 is associated with elevated Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, as a result of poor glycaemic control, endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress leading to development and progression of DR.
Organoleptic Evaluation for Accessing Sensory Attributes of Lycopene Containing Tomato Purees and its Overall Acceptability
Authors: Sanyal Smriti , Mishra Sunita
Published: December 2021

A study on organoleptic evaluation for accessing sensory attributes of lycopene containing tomato purees & its overall acceptance was conducted at Food Science Analysis Laboratory, School of Home Science, B.B.A.U, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, during July 2020 to May 2021. Different treatments under the investigation were prepared using dried tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum), tomato pulp and water to find out most appropriate treatment having significantly higher sensory attributes and overall acceptability. Five different types of treatments/purees viz. Dried tomato powder without food additives (T1), Mixture of tomato powder and water (ratio 1:10) without heating (T2), Mixture of tomato powder and water (ratio 1:10) heating at 60-70 ᴼC for 5 minutes (T3), Fresh tomato pulp (T4) &  Tomato pulp cooked at 60-70 ᴼC for 35 minutes (T5) were used in the investigation. The effect of these treatments was distinguished as reflected on sensory characters like appearance, aroma, texture & overall acceptance. The highest overall acceptance of 8.20±0.7 on hedonic scale was obtained from tomato pulp cooked at 60-70 ᴼC for 35 minutes (T5) followed by dried tomato powder without food additives (T1) ie. 7.90±1.0. These results appeared highly promising depending on the appearance, aroma & texture.
Exploring the Determinants of Students' Satisfaction and Continuance Intention Using Online Learning in Jordan
Authors: Jebril Hadeel Mahmoud
Published: December 2021

This research investigates factors affecting online learning satisfaction and continuance intention by Jordan school students. To this end, an integrated model of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) and Information System Success (ISS) model has been used. A questionnaire was handed out to students from five Jordanian schools to collect data from 346 students, and the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique was utilized to evaluate the proposed model. The findings indicated that the students' satisfaction is directly influenced by performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, system quality. Besides, the empirical results showed that the continuance intention is directly influenced by students' satisfaction, performance expectancy, habit, effort expectancy, hedonic motivation, and facilitating conditions. The findings of this study will serve as a valuable resource for educational institutions, decision-makers, developers, and academics looking to enhance online learning systems by identifying the most important factors influencing students' satisfaction and continuance intention.
Study to Evaluate Association of Torch Infection with Bad Obstetric History in Pregnant Women at Sms Medical College and Attached Group of Hospitals, Jaipur
Authors: Panwar Bhanu Priya , Bithu Rameshwari , Yadav Manju , Maheshwari Rakesh Kumar , Malhotra Bharti
Published: December 2021

Background: Congenital infections are transmissible in utero and it can lead to serious foetal outcomes. These infections can be early detected in pregnant women with bad obstetric history for better foetal outcomes.

Aim of the Study was to evaluate the association of TORCH infection with bad obstetric history among pregnant women.

Study Design: Observational and comparative study

Place and Duration of Study: Central laboratory, Department of Microbiology, SMS Medical College, Jaipur between April 2020 and September 2021.

Methodology: 260 blood samples of pregnant women (130 with bad obstetric history and 130 pregnant women without bad obstetric history) were collected. and tested for the presence of IgM and IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus by Chemiluminescence and Herpes simplex virus using ELISA kits.

Results: Overall TORCH IgM seropositivity in high-risk pregnant women was 17.19%. In pregnant women with bad obstetric history, IgM Seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii was 3.84% (P value .02), rubella 2.34% (P value .30), Cytomegalovirus 5.47% (P value .08), and 6.25% (P value .56) for Herpes-1 and 2 infections and IgG seropositivity for toxoplasma, rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpes virus was 16.41% (P value .001), 93.75% (P value .11), 98.44% (P value .55), 48.44% (P value .53) respectively. In pregnant women without bad obstetric history, IgM and IgG seropositivity for toxoplasma, rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpes virus was 0/0.77%, 0.76/97.69%, 1.53/99.23% and 4.61/44.62% respectively. The average age of the study population was 27.13 years.

Conclusion: As TORCH infections are transmissible in-utero in all the stages of pregnancy and contributes in neonatal and infant deaths, so early diagnosis and appropriate interventions necessary which help in proper management of the pregnant women.
Impact of Magneto-optical Properties Depending on the Orientation in the Plane of Cobalt Ferrite Locked in a Silica Matrix
Authors: Lamaï Nandiguim , Allassem Désiré , Nanimina Alexis Mouangué , Bongo Djimako , Jonas Togdjim
Published: December 2021

In this work, we discuss the magneto-optical properties according to the orientation of 15nm-sized cobalt ferrite blocked in a silica matrix in comparison to the study done on 20nm-sized cobalt ferrite. This measurement shows that it is possible to increase the remanence of the Faraday effect by creating a magnetic orientation in the solid matrix, which is interesting for the production of self-polarized components. In addition, this remanence is greater for 15 nm than for 20 nm.A gelation field applied perpendicular to the plane of the layer therefore produces a preferential orientation of the magnetic moments in the direction of the field applied during the measurement.
Placebo effect unboxed: A Review
Authors: Ahmad Sharique , Baqar Tanish , Singh Shivani , Wasim Saeeda , Shukla Shivangi , Parveen Huma
Published: December 2021

As in our body, brain is the most powerful part and our mind could be excellent healing tool when any chance is provided. The idea that our brain can be one of the convincing parts in our body for the fake treatment is the real point this is called as placebo effect [1]. This effect refers to the impact of placebo on any one. However, treatments which are not active also were also demonstrated measurable and positive health response [2]. The ability of placebo effect is reviewed as psychological process [1]. In some cases, placebos can exert an influence powerful enough to mimic the effects of real medical treatments. This effect is more than positive thinking [3]. When this response occurs, many people have no idea they are responding to what is essentially a "sugar pill." Placebos are often utilized in medical research to help doctors and scientists discover and better perceive the physiological and mental effects new medications [2] For exactly understanding the placebo effect importance it is crucial to know more about how and why it works. This article explains how this effect is recognized in modern medicine and elements of placebo effect and suggests few conditions under which making utilization of therapeutic potential of this effect could be ethically acceptable, if not warranted.
Adsorption Study of Soluos Dumpsite Leachate Treatment Using Musa sapientum Peels as Biosorbent
Authors: Salami L. , Olumuyiwa D. O. , Alfred E. A. , Olakanmi O. S.
Published: December 2021

Dumpsite leachate has the potential to pollute ground and surface water as well as vegetation within the vicinity of the dumpsite.  Its treatment therefore needs adequate attention. The aim of this work is to study the adsorption of Soluos dumpsite leachate treatment using Musa sapientum peel as biosorbent with a view of establishing the adsorption isotherm model. Musa sapientum peels sourced from Ayetoro market in Epe area of Lagos State, Nigeria were used to prepare the adsorbent. Batch adsorption was carried out with various dosage of the prepared absorbent in leachate collected from Soluos dumpsite in Lagos. The adsorption data obtained were fitted into Linear, Freundlich, Langmuir, Temkin and Hasley isotherm models. The results showed that the concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS) in the dumpsite leachate decreased as the adsorbent dosage increased. At adsorbent dosage of 10 g/L, the concentration of TDS in the leachate was 485.7 mg/L which was less than the 500 mg/L stipulated by National Environmental Standard and Regulatory Agency (NAESRA) for the discharge of wastewater. The coefficient of determination (R2) values for Linear, Freundlich and Hasley, Langmuir and Temkin isotherm models were 0.9944, 0.9936, 0.8562 and 0.9723 respectively. Linear isotherm model was jettisoned because the plot did not pass through the origin and Freundlich isotherm model was ignored as a result of N value which was less than unity hence Hasley isotherm model was adopted in this work. A good correlation existed between the experimental and predicted values, having a R2 value of 0.9965 which further validated the Hasley isotherm model as the best adsorption model for the treatment of Soluos dumpsite leachate using Musa sapientum peel as biosorbent. It was concluded that Musa sapientum peel as biosorbent can be used for treatment of Soluos dumpsite leachate.
Assesment of Correlation and Path Analyses for Yield and its Componant Traits in Soybean [(Glycine max (L.) Merrill]
Authors: Bijarania Subhash , Pandey Anil , Kumar Ashutosh , Shahani Monika , Singh Digvijay , Rojaria Vinay
Published: December 2021

A study was conducted with an aim to understand character association and cause-effect relationship in Randomized Complete Block Design accommodating 30 genotypes randomly in three replicates. These genotypes evaluated for twenty-seven traits: five phenological, nine agro-morphological, eight physiological traits (from field trial) and five physiological traits (from laboratory experiment) recorded and subjected to statistical and biometrical analyses. Positive association of flowering traits (days to tubercles formation→ days to flower budding→ days to first flowering→ days to cessation) and uncorrelated with days to physiological maturity can be precisely utilized in selection. Late physiological maturity increases seedling dry weight, plant height, clusters and seeds per pod while reduces leaf area index, seed weight and dry matter efficiency. With an increase in primary branches corresponding more secondary branches, cluster/plant, seed weight and effective rainfall use efficiency noticed. Effective rainfall use efficiency positively correlated with primary branches, secondary branches, clusters/plant, germination relative index, seedling length, harvest index. Towards polygenic complex trait seed yield per plant had high positive correlation and highest positive direct effect of effective rainfall use efficiency and vigor index I considered as selection criteria.
Mystery of Mesenteric Lymph Adenitis
Authors: Prathap R. , Reddy D. Ramachandra
Published: December 2021

The etiological factors are confusing for provisional diagnosis and the differential diagnosis of mesenteric lymph adenitis; it may be virus like Dengue, Herpes and Epstein - Barr virus. Bacterial infections like Tuberculosis of the intestine through contaminated unpasteurized cattle milk or Mycobacterium tuberculosis through infected swallowed sputum. T. Gondii, Yesinia enterocolitica, pseudo tuberculosis infection. Lupus vulgaris in the face at the mucocutaneous junctions is a reactivation of already existing tuberculosis facilitates clinical diagnosis. Fungal infections like mucor mycosis, aspergillus, Fusarium producing neutropenia, Histoplasma capsulatum, Cryptococcus aerosol infection from droppings of pigeons on the AC machines. Kikuchi-Fujimoto’s disease (KFD) .  Autoimmune causative factors. A study to reveal the mystery on patients with above symptoms and signs to rule out infections or a complication of follicular lymphoma.
High-performance Liquid Chromatography Analysis and Antimicrobial Activities of Libyan Cistus salviifolius Extract
Authors: Alamami Abdullah , Elshibani Fatma , Alshalmani Salmin , Sharkasi Mohamed Ali , Elremali Naema , Daboub Areej
Published: December 2021

Aims: This research is focused on the in vitro evaluation of Cistus salviifolius L. antimicrobial properties and the determination of the contents of phenols and flavonoids.

Study Design: This research is analytical study aimed to illustrate the antimicrobial properties and to analyze the methanolic extract contents of aerial parts of Cistus salviifolius L. by high-performance liquid chromatography techniques.

Duration: The study was performed within six months in the Faculty of Pharmacy, Benghazy University.

Methodology: Antimicrobial properties was tested against twelve organisms using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion sensitivity test and the determination of the contents of phenols and flavonoids was evaluated by running high-performance liquid chromatography techniques.

Results: The findings indicated that catechin is the most abundant flavonoid in C. salviifolius, while gallic acid was the major phenol in the methanolic extract of the plant. The results also revealed that the methanol extracts had a significant antimicrobial potential particularly against Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli with MIC (0.98 and 0.49) µg/ml respectively, furthermore the extract was effective against Aspergillus fumigatus with MIC 0.98 µg/ml.      

Conclusion: C. salviifolius was highly rich with flavonoids and phenols and has a significant antimicrobial effect.
A Stability Indicating RP-HPLC Method Validation for Simultaneous estimation of Metformin HCl and Canagliflozin in Pharmaceutical Dosage Form
Authors: Patel Darshak , Shah Ujashkumar , Patel Jayvadan , Joshi Hirak , Patel Darshana , Patel Pavan
Published: December 2021

Aims: Canagliflozin and Metformin HCl is a new drug combination for the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus which is one of the oldest and lethal diseases of the mankind. Aim of the research work was to develop and validate novel, rapid, sensitive, specific, robust stability indicating analytical method for the simultaneous estimation of Canagliflozin and Metformin HCl in the pharmaceutical dosage form as fixed dose formulation.

Study Design: Method development and validation was performed as recommended in ICH guideline “Validation of analytical procedures: Test and Methodology Q2(R1)”.

Methodology: Method develop with chromatographic parameters as C18 column (250mm×4.6 mm, 5mm particle size), HPLC system with PDA detector and mobile phase contained a mixture of Phosphate Buffer pH 5.0 and Acetonitrile (60:40 v/v). The flow rate was set to 1ml/min with responses measured at 290 nm, injection volume was 20 µl, and run time of 15 mins.

Results: The retention time of Metformin Hydrochloride and Canagliflozin was 5.4 min and 7.6 min respectively with resolution of 7.0. Linearity was established in the range of 10-30 µg/ml for Metformin Hydrochloride and 0.5-1.5 µg/ml for Canagliflozin with correlation coefficients more than 0.999. The percentage recoveries were between (98.62-101.22%) and (98.68-101.27%) for Metformin Hydrochloride and Canagliflozin respectively. Validation parameters were evaluated according to the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) Q2 R1 guidelines. The forced degradation studies were performed by using HCl, NaOH, H2O2, thermal and UV radiation. The developed method was successfully applied for the quantification and hyphenated instrumental analysis.

Conclusion: Significance of developed method is that it can be utilize for routine or unknown sample analysis of assay of Metformin HCl and Canagliflozin in pharmaceutical dosage form developed by various Pharmaceutical Industry.
An Updated Review on Wrightia tinctoria (Roxb). R Br
Authors: S Sangeetha , Hari Akhil , Pattam Sijo , Nihal P. , Athira A.
Published: December 2021

Since ancient times human utilized the nature to cure various ailments. The knowledge of medicinal plants resulted in the development of various indigenous systems of medicine worldwide. Serendipitous discovery as well as scientific approach on the reason for medicinal properties of plants gave the knowledge of chemical constituents such as secondary metabolites in plants. Wrightia tinctoria which is commonly known as ‘Danthapala’ is a known potential medicinal plant, the leaves of which is traditionally used in the treatment of psoriasis and non-specific dermatitis in Siddha and Ayurvedic systems of medicine and distributed in tropical region belongs to the family Apocynaceae. This plant is beneficial for the treatment of dandruff, various scalp and skin disorders. Phytochemical and pharmacological investigation on the various parts of the plant showed anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anthelmintic, anti-cancer, anti-dandruff, wound healing and anti-anxiety activity. The current review focus on providing an update on the recent pharmacological and phytochemical investigations on the plant by researchers around the globe with special emphasis on Antisporiatic, Antifungal, Antibacterial, Antiviral, Cytotoxic, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-diabetic, Analgesic, Hepatoprotective, Anthelmintic, and Wound healing activities.
Hydroxychloroquine Use and Cardiovascular Events Among Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Jorge April , Lu Na , Choi Hyon , Esdaile John M. , Lacaille Diane , Avina‐Zubieta J. Antonio
Published: December 2021

Objective

We evaluated the potential temporal association between hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) use and cardiovascular (CV) events among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We conducted a nested case–control study within inception cohorts of SLE and RA patients using administrative health databases including the entire population of British Columbia, Canada. We identified cases with incident CV events, including myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, or venous thromboembolism (VTE). We matched each case with up to 3 controls on age, sex, and rheumatic disease. HCQ exposure was categorized by the time between the last HCQ prescription date covered and the index date as current use, recent use, remote use, or never used. We used conditional logistic regression to assess the association between HCQ exposure and CV events, using remote use as the reference group.

Results

We identified 10,268 cases and 29,969 controls. Adjusted conditional odd ratios (cORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for current HCQ use relative to remote use were 0.86 (0.77–0.97) for combined CV events, 0.88 (0.74–1.05) for MI, 0.87 (0.74–1.03) for stroke, and 0.74 (0.59–0.94) for VTE. Recent HCQ users and nonusers had similar odds of combined CV events as remote users (cORs 0.93, 95% CI 0.77–1.13 and 0.96, 95% CI 0.88–1.04, respectively).

Conclusion

In this nested case–control study of patients with SLE and RA, we found a reduced risk of overall CV events associated with current HCQ use, including reductions in VTE and trends toward reductions in MI and stroke. These findings suggest a possible cardiovascular preventative benefit of HCQ use.
Health Literacy and Appropriateness of Self‐Care and Pain Management in Osteoarthritis: An Understanding of the Patient's Perspective
Authors: Hunter David J. , McLachlan Andrew J. , Carroll Peter R. , Wakefield Tom A. N. , Stosic Rodney
Published: December 2021

Objective

Management guidelines encourage self‐care in patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA). We undertook this study to investigate the relationship between health literacy (HL) and appropriateness of selection of self‐care strategies in people with self‐reported symptoms of OA.

Methods

We conducted an online national observational, demographically representative, cross‐sectional survey of adults (ages 45–74 years). The eligibility criterion of “self‐reported OA symptoms” was screened for using guideline‐endorsed clinical criteria. Participants completed a custom‐built questionnaire that included validated scales for HL, pain intensity, sleep quality, and OA function/disability. Management strategies were grouped into self‐care activities, analgesics, and complementary medicines, and analyses of appropriateness were based on predefined, evidence‐based quality indicators.

Results

Of 6,800 participants, 628 met the inclusion criteria and completed the survey. HL was categorized as follows: low (100 of 628, 15.9%), moderate (317 of 628, 50.5%), and excellent (211 of 628, 33.6%). In the past 7 days, mean pain intensity (0–10 scale) was 3.11 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 3.06–3.16), and 71.7% of participants (450 of 628) had not achieved adequate pain relief. In the past month, 54.1% (340 of 628) reported disrupted sleep. Participants managed their pain with multiple self‐care activities (mean 1.44; 95% CI 1.32–1.57), analgesics (mean 1.74; 95% CI 1.60–1.88), and complementary medicines (mean 1.01; 95% CI 0.90–1.12). There was a statistically significant (P < 0.001) interaction between HL and appropriateness of current management strategies (HL low, guideline‐recommended management strategies less likely). Higher HL did not always translate into making appropriate pain management choices.

Conclusion

Appropriate selection and use of evidence‐based management options is critical for patients with OA to obtain the full benefits from their treatment. Knowledge about suitable choices for OA self‐care is suboptimal, and future education should be tailored to different levels of HL.
Multimodal Enzyme‐Carrying Suprastructures for Rapid and Sensitive Biocatalytic Cascade Reactions
Authors: Jo Seong‐Min , Kim Jihye , Lee Ji Eun , Wurm Frederik R. , Landfester Katharina , Wooh Sanghyuk
Published: December 2021

Colloidal assemblies of mesoporous suprastructures provide effective catalysis in an advantageous volume‐confined environment. However, typical fabrication methods of colloidal suprastructures are carried out under toxic or harmful conditions for unstable biomolecules, such as, biocatalytic enzymes. For this reason, biocatalytic enzymes have rarely been used with suprastructures, even though biocatalytic cascade reactions in confined environments are more efficient than in open conditions. Here, multimodal enzyme‐ and photocatalyst‐carrying superstructures with efficient cascade reactions for colorimetric glucose detection are demonstrated. The suprastructures consisting of various functional nanoparticles, including enzyme‐carrying nanoparticles, are fabricated by surface‐templated evaporation driven suprastructure synthesis on polydimethylsiloxane‐grafted surfaces at ambient conditions. For the fabrication of suprastructures, no additional chemicals and reactions are required, which allows maintaining the enzyme activities. The multimodal enzymes (glucose oxidase and peroxidase)‐carrying suprastructures exhibit rapid and highly sensitive glucose detection via two enzyme cascade reactions in confined geometry. Moreover, the combination of enzymatic and photocatalytic cascade reactions of glucose oxidase to titanium dioxide nanoparticles is successfully realized for the same assay. These results show promising abilities of multiple colloidal mixtures carrying suprastructures for effective enzymatic reactions and open a new door for advanced biological reactions and enzyme‐related works.
Deciphering the Role of Defects in the Ambipolar Electrical Transport in Nanocrystalline Sb2Se3 Thin Films
Authors: González Juan Carlos , Limborço Henrique , Ribeiro‐Andrade Rodrigo , Silva Bruno Cordeiro , Krambrock Klaus
Published: December 2021

The role of two defects in the ambipolar character of nanocrystalline selenium poor Sb2Se3 is studied. At low temperature, the electrical transport in Sb2Se3 thin films with nm‐sized crystallites and grains is dominated by the ionization of a shallow acceptor, while at high temperature a deep donor is the leading one. The ionization energy of the deep donor agrees with theoretical reports for selenium vacancies. However, the value of the ionization energy of the shallow acceptor is in contradiction with theoretical reports pointing out to an unreported shallow defect. These findings have been confirmed by two independent experimental techniques, Electron Paramagnetic Resonance, and electrical transport as a function of temperature. The mobility of the free carriers has been found not to be limited by grain potential barriers (GPB), in contrast with polycrystalline thin films. Both findings, new shallow acceptor and zero height GPB, constitute advantages for the design of nanostructured Sb2Se3‐based solar cells and other optoelectronic devices. These results not only provide useful information for the growth of nanocrystalline Sb2Se3 thin films with ambipolar transport properties, but also about the complexity of defect physics in low‐symmetry and Q1D semiconductors.
The impact of hiatal hernia on survival outcomes in patients with gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma
Authors: Tanaka Yuya , Kinoshita Takahiro , Akimoto Eigo , Sato Reo , Yura Masahiro , Harada Junichiro , Yoshida Mitsumasa , Tomi Yoshiaki
Published: December 2021

Aim

A hiatal hernia (HH) complicates the diagnosis and surgical treatment of gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer. This study aimed to investigate the effect of HH on the survival outcomes of GEJ cancer patients.

Methods

This single‐center study reviewed clinical data of 78 patients with GEJ adenocarcinoma who underwent R0 resection from 2008 to 2017. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they presented with or without HH: the HH (+) group (n = 46) and the HH (−) group (n = 32).

Results

Patients in the HH (+) group were older than those in the HH (−) group (69.0 vs 67.5 years, P = .018). Regarding surgical outcomes, intra‐abdominal infectious complications was more common in the HH (+) group than in the HH (−) group (23.9% vs 9.4%, respectively; P = .089), particularly abscess formation (17.4% vs 3.1%, respectively; P = .036). Neither overall survival (OS) nor relapse‐free survival (RFS) differed between the two groups. However, survival rates were significantly worse in a subset of patients with T3‐4 disease (OS: log‐rank, P = .036) (RFS: log‐rank, P = .040) in the HH (+) group. In a multivariate analysis for OS in this cohort, HH was an independent prognostic factor (hazard ratio 3.60; 95% confidence interval 1.06‐11.9, P = .032).

Conclusion

Hiatal hernia may adversely affect surgical and survival outcomes in patients with GEJ cancer. Thus, surgical strategy must be carefully considered in these patients.
Dinuclear PtII Complexes with Strong Blue Phosphorescence for Operationally Stable Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes with EQE up to 23 % at 1000 cd m−2
Authors: Lo Kar‐Wai , Tong Glenna So Ming , Cheng Gang , Low Kam‐Hung , Che Chi‐Ming
Published: December 2021

Here we describe the synthesis and characterization of a new class of dinuclear PtII complexes with blue phosphorescence. Bulky N‐heterocyclic carbene and tethered bridging ligands were employed to suppress photo‐induced structural changes and to improve thermal stability of the complexes. These complexes show mixed 3IL/3MLCT blue emission (≈460 nm) with emission quantum yields of up to 0.95, emission lifetimes of as low as 1.3 μs and radiative decay rate constants of up to 7.3×105 s−1 in 4 wt % doped PMMA films; the latter is attributed to a 1MLCT excited state having high metal character (resulting in a large SOC) and a large transition dipole moment, based on DFT calculations. Phosphor‐sensitized blue hyper‐OLEDs with Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.13, 0.12) showed a maximum EQE of 23.4 % with a full‐width‐at‐half‐maximum of 18 nm and a LT50 >250 h at an L0 of 1000 cd m−2.
Organometallic (η6‐p‐cymene)ruthenium(II) complexes with thiazolyl‐based organic twigs: En route towards targeted delivery via human serum albumin of the potential anticancer agents
Authors: Khan Rais Ahmad , BinSharfan Ibtisam I. , Alterary Seham S. , Alsaeedi Huda , Qais Faizan Abul , AlFawaz Amal , Hadi Arman D. , Alsalme Ali
Published: December 2021

In this article, we have designed the new ruthenium(II) p‐cymene complexes [Ru(η6‐p‐cymene) HLThz,Me Cl] 1 and [Ru(η6‐p‐cymene) HLThz Cl] 2 with two auxiliary ligand (E)‐1‐(((5‐methylthiazol‐2‐yl)imino)methyl)naphthalen‐2‐ol (HLThz,Me) and (E)‐1‐((thiazol‐2‐ylimino)methyl)naphthalen‐2‐ol (HLThz), keeping in mind the vehicle HSA. The spectroscopic techniques, namely, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), 13C NMR, and elemental analysis were employed for the characterization. The single X‐ray crystallography ascertains the molecular structure of the representative complex [Ru(η6‐p‐cymene) HLThz,Me Cl] 1. Furthermore, the density functional theory (DFT) calculation was performed for geometry optimization and frontier molecular orbitals analysis. Moreover, in silico studies were carried out to understand the binding site and the mode of interaction of the complexes with human serum albumin (HSA). The in vitro interaction of the HSA measured extrinsic fluorescence at various temperatures, namely, 298, 303, and 308 K, whereas the intrinsic fluorescence extent was evaluated in the presence of 8‐anilinonaphthalene‐1‐sulfonic acid (ANS). The cytotoxicity of these compounds was evaluated against HeLa, MCF7, HepG2, A549, and A2780 cancer cells and compared with HEK293 non‐tumorigenic cells (cisplatin and RAPTA‐C as control). The complex 1 showed significantly good cytotoxicity in the range of IC50 value <10 μM against A2780 (ovarian cancer) and HepG2 (liver) cells and lower toxicity up to >100 μM. These findings give illustrative insight into the binding propensity of complexes 1 and 2 with HSA (model protein). Further, they can be explored for en route drug delivery to a specific site as anticancer metallodrugs.
ESIPT Active Assemblies for ‘On‐On’ Detection, Cell Imaging and Hampering Cellular Activity of 2,6‐Dichloro‐4‐nitroaniline
Authors: Devi Minakshi , Sharma Pooja , Kumar Ajay , Kaur Satwinderjeet , Kumar Manoj , Bhalla Vandana
Published: December 2021

ESIPT active PBI‐keto/enol assemblies have been developed which show ‘on‐on’ optical response towards 2,6‐dichloro‐4‐nitroaniline (DCN) due to a combined ESIPT‐AIEE phenomenon with a detection limit of 1.65 nM. The potential of PBI‐keto/enol assemblies to detect DCN has also been explored in grape juice/grape residue and soil for six consecutive days. Further, the biological applications of PBI‐keto/enol assemblies to detect DCN in blood serum, in MG‐63 cell lines and their ability to restrict the DCN‐induced cell death have been demonstrated.
Planet interactions at a young age
Authors: Micela Giuseppina , Cecchi‐Pestellini Cesare , Colombo Salvatore , Locci Daniele , Petralia Antonino
Published: December 2021

The study of young planetary systems is of great importance for understanding their formation and evolution. Therefore, today, a great effort is placed on the observation and modeling of such systems. Of course, planets do not evolve in isolation, but their behavior depends on the host star and the environment in which they are embedded. In particular, we know that at young ages, solar‐type stars are much more active than sun‐age stars with all the phenomena that this involves, including strong emission at high energies, from ultraviolet (UV) to X‐rays, stellar winds, frequent flares, and coronal mass ejection emission. Such an energetic environment has an important influence on planetary atmospheres. It is now widely accepted that high‐energy radiation can drive planetary evaporation, especially of hot low‐density planets, and may also have a strong impact on the thermal structure and chemical compositions of the atmospheres. X‐rays and extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photons have different roles, since the former produce cascades of energetic secondary electrons, and penetrate deep in the atmospheres, reaching in some cases the planetary surface. Their effects are strongly dependent on metallicity since they are absorbed mainly from high z elements. On the contrary, the effects of EUV are concentrated on the upper layers of the atmospheres and are fairly independent of the presence of metals since they are efficiently absorbed by hydrogen and helium. In this paper, we will review some of the recent outcomes of star‐planet interactions studies during the young stellar ages.
Neubau der Patton Brücke über die Sauer
Authors: Gesella Heiko
Published: December 2021

Im Zuge der Umsetzung des Infrastrukturprojekts „Umsteigebahnhof Ettelbruck“ – etwa 30 km nördlich der Landeshauptstadt Luxemburg gelegen – wurde die neue Patton Brücke elegant über die Sauer und die Eisenbahnlinie Luxemburg‐Troisvierges geschlagen. Die Stahlverbundbrücke mit einer Länge von 170 m führt die Nationalstraße N 7 mit drei Fahrstreifen und breitem Fahrradweg als Zubringer zum Umsteigebahnhof. Das Bauwerk fügt sich harmonisch in seine Umgebung ein, die von der Lage zwischen einem Naturschutzgebiet Natura 2000 im Norden und der Industriezone „um Dreieck“ im Süden sehr konträr geprägt wird. Das wartungsarme und dauerhafte semiintegrale Bauwerk aus wetterfestem Baustahl weist infolge der doppelt im Raum gekrümmten Straßenachse eine komplexe Geometrie auf, die von einer starken Grundrisskrümmung bestimmt wird. Der Entwurf ordnet sich vollständig dem integralen Tragwerksgedanken unter. Damit kommt der Ausbildung der konstruktiven Details als Schnittstellen zwischen den Tragwerksteilen besondere Bedeutung zu. In diesem Zusammenhang werden insbesondere die monolithischen Anschlüsse der Y‐förmigen Pfeiler zum Überbau und deren Fortsetzung im Baugrund als Pfahlbock beleuchtet, die im Zusammenspiel mit der gesamthaften Steifigkeitsabstimmung das gewünschte Verhalten des Tragwerks gewährleisten. Im Folgenden wird von der diesbezüglichen Planung und von der darauf abgestellten Bauausführung berichtet.
A clinical trial to compare a 3D‐printed bolus with a conventional bolus with the aim of reducing cardiopulmonary exposure in postmastectomy patients with volumetric modulated arc therapy
Authors: Zhang Yun , Huang Yuling , Ding Shenggou , Liang Jinghui , Kuang Jie , Mao Qingfeng , Ying Weiliang , Shu Yuxian , Li Jingao , Jiang Chunling
Published: December 2021

Background

We compared the dosimetry, application, and acute toxicity of a 3D‐printed and a conventional bolus for postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT).

Materials and Methods Eligible patients (n = 75) with PMRT breast cancer were randomly selected to receive VMAT with a conventional bolus or a 3D‐printed bolus. The primary endpoint was a 10% decrease in the mean heart dose to left‐sided breast cancer patients. The secondary endpoint was a 5% decrease in the mean ipsilateral lung dose to all patients. A comparative analysis was carried out of the dosimetry, normal tissue complication probability (NTCP), acute skin toxicity, and radiation pneumonitis.

Results

Compared to a conventional bolus, the mean heart dose in left‐sided breast cancer was reduced by an average of 0.8 Gy (5.5 ± 1.3 Gy vs. 4.7 ± 0.8 Gy, p = 0.035) and the mean dose to the ipsilateral lung was also reduced by an average of 0.8 Gy (12.4 ± 1.0 Gy vs. 11.6 ± 0.8 Gy, p < 0.001). The values for V50Gy of the PTV of the chest wall for the 3D‐printed and conventional boluses were 95.4 ± 0.6% and 94.8 ± 0.8% (p = 0.026) and the values for the CI of the entire PTV were 0.83 ± 0.02 and 0.80 ± 0.03 (p < 0.001), respectively. The NTCP for the 3D‐printed bolus was also reduced to an average of 0.14% (0.32 ± 0.19% vs. 0.18 ± 0.11%, p = 0.017) for the heart and 0.45% (3.70 ± 0.67% vs. 3.25 ± 0.18%, p < 0.001) for the ipsilateral lung. Grade 2 and Grade 1 radiation pneumonitis were 0.0% versus 7.5% and 14.3% versus 20.0%, respectively (p = 0.184).

Conclusions

The 3D‐printed bolus may reduce cardiopulmonary exposure in postmastectomy patients with volumetric modulated arc therapy.
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, prostate cancer risk, treatment, and survival. The PROCA‐life study
Authors: Stikbakke Einar , Schirmer Henrik , Knutsen Tore , Støyten Martin , Wilsgaard Tom , Giovannucci Edward L. , McTiernan Anne , Eggen Anne E. , Haugnes Hege S. , Richardsen Elin , Thune Inger
Published: December 2021

Background

Inflammation has been linked to prostate cancer and hypertension, but it remains equivocal whether elevated blood pressure (BP) influence prostate cancer risk and survival.

Method

Using Cox regression models, we examined the association between prediagnostic BP and prostate cancer risk among 12,271 men participating in the Prostate Cancer throughout life (PROCA‐life) study. Systolic and diastolic BP were measured. A total of 811 men developed prostate cancer, and followed for additional 7.1 years, and we studied the association between prediagnostic BP and overall mortality among patients with prostate cancer.

Results

Men (>45 years) with a systolic BP >150 mmHg had a 35% increased risk of prostate cancer compared with men with a normal systolic BP (<130 mmHg) (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.08–1.69). Among patients with prostate cancer, men with systolic BP >150 mmHg had a 49% increased overall mortality compared with men with a normal systolic BP (HR 1.49, 1.06–2.01). Among patients with prostate cancer treated with curative intent, those with a high diastolic BP (>90 mmHg) had a threefold increase in overall mortality risk (HR 3.01, 95% CI 1.40–6.46) compared with patients with a normal diastolic BP (<80 mmHg).

Conclusion

Our results support that systolic and diastolic BP are important factors when balancing disease management in patients with prostate cancer.
Reliability and validity of an auditing tool for person‐centred psychotherapy and counselling for young people: The PCEPS‐YP
Authors: Ryan Gemma , Bhatti Kiran , Duncan Charlie , McGinnis Susan , Elliott Robert , Cooper Mick
Published: December 2021

The present study aimed to test the reliability and validity of the Person Centred and Experiential Psychotherapy Scale–Young Person version (PCEPS‐YP). This is a newly developed and adapted 9‐item scale which aims to measure counsellor competences in, and adherence to, person‐centred practice, when working with adolescents. Counselling practice was assessed for 19 counsellors by randomly selecting 20‐min audio segments from 142 recorded counselling sessions. Audio material was independently rated by eight raters using the PCEPS‐YP to produce an average adherence rating per counsellor. Scale reliability was assessed via interrater reliability and internal consistency testing. Convergent validity was tested using ratings from the observer‐rated Barrett‐Leonard Relationship Inventory (BLRI Obs 40), and the scale was subjected to exploratory factor analysis. Results showed a high degree of internal consistency within raters (α = 0.95), marginally acceptable reliability across grouped raters (α = 0.58) and weaker reliability between pairs of raters (α = 0.50). Exploratory factor analysis revealed one strong factor for the scale with no subscales. Small‐to‐moderate correlations existed between the PCEPS‐YP and the BLRI subscales and mean total score (rs = .12 to .40). Our findings suggest that the PCEPS‐YP has potential as an effective, reliable and valid tool for assessing competence and adherence in person‐centred practice with young people, both for research and for clinical purposes. However, training procedures need to be established that can enhance interrater reliability, and more evidence of convergent validity is needed.