bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Degradation of Polyethylene Using Bacteria from Waste Dump Sites in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Chizike Ezekwu , Olufunmilayo Williams Janet , Ugboma C. J.
Published: December 2022

All around the world today, different types of plastics are used for packaging materials, especially in form of low density polyethylene (LDPE). The aim of the study was to degrade polyethylene using bacteria from waste dump sites in Alakahia and Ogbogoro of Obio/ Apkor Local Government Area, Rivers State. Soil samples were randomly collected from Alakahia and Ogbogoro dump sites in Obio/Apkor Local Government Area, in Rivers state. Polyethylene degraders were determined using microscopy and weight loss methods. The total heterotrophic bacterial counts recorded were 3.03 x 106 CFU/g and 1.12 x 106 CFU/g for Ogbogoro and Alakahia samples. The total count of Pseudomonas recorded were 5.0 x 104 CFU/g and 4.9 x 104 CFU/g for Ogbogoro and Alakahia sample. There was no significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) within the counts of the samples. The bacteria isolated from the soil collected from the dumpsites were Bacillus sp, Klebsiella sp, Pseudomonas sp, Staphylococcus sp, Serratia sp, Escherichia coli, Shigella sp, Salmonella sp. The identified bacteria were Pseudomonas proteolytica NR025588.1, Pseudomonas aeruginosa CP0296051 and Bacillus circulans CP026031.1. From the result of the degradative ability by the individual microorganism using weight loss measurement, Pseudomonas aeruginosa CP0296051 showed a greater percentage of degradation of polyethylene of 5% to 27.03% (after 150 days) followed by Pseudomonas proteolytica NR025588.1 which recorded percentage degradation of 6.0% to 23.28% (after 150 days) while Bacillus circulans CP02603.1 recorded the least percentage of 5% to 19.9% (after 150 days). The result of degradative potential of the microbes in consortium set ups showed that the consortium of Pseudomonas aeruginosa CP0296051 and Bacillus circulans CP02603.1 (B8+B6) showed the highest degradation potential producing degradation percentage range of 8.7 to 46.80% after 150 days of the study and the least degradation potential of polyethylene was observed in Pseudomonas aeruginosa CP0296051 and Pseudomonas proteolytica NRO255SS.1 (B6+B3) with the percentage range of 5% to 27.03% after 150 days. From the study, Pseudomonas sp, Bacillus sp and their consortium showed higher potential to degrade low density polyethylene (LDPE) hence the prospect in remediation of polyethylene.
Perceptions of Parental Leave Among Ophthalmologists
Authors: Kalra Kisha , Delaney Thomas V. , Dagi Glass Lora R.
Published: December 2022

Importance

Benchmarking attitudes surrounding parental leave among posttraining North American ophthalmologists may reveal possible areas for intervention.

Objective

To evaluate perceptions of current parental leave policy and culture among posttraining North American ophthalmologists.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This nonvalidated survey used a 19-item online questionnaire. A convenience sample of 186 self-identified North American–based ophthalmologists who had completed training was obtained using listservs, residency program coordinators, and social media. Data collection occurred from May to July 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Descriptive analysis demonstrated response frequencies. Pearson χ2 comparison of means was performed for categorical variables. Two-tailed t tests were performed for continuous variables.

Results

Among the 186 surveys completed, 105 respondents (56.5%) identified as female, 76 (40.9%) worked in academia, 133 (71.5%) were 1 to 20 years out of training, and 156 (83.9%) had children. Attitudes toward stop-the-clock policies, or delays in tenure/promotion/partnership review when taking leave, were mixed. Of 171 respondents, 78 (45.6%) thought that stop-the-clock policies should be optional, 39 (22.8%) thought that they should be required, and 31 (18.1%) thought that they should be removed. Of 76 academicians responding, 56 (73.7%) and 49 (64.5%) were unaware if their institution had a stop-the-clock policy for tenure review or promotion review, respectively. Male and female respondents differed in feeling comfortable with taking leave (36 of 66 [54.5%] vs 67 of 90 [74.4%], respectively; P = .04), as well as in their ratings of stress about peer perception on a scale of 0 to 10 (3.70 vs 4.81, respectively; P = .05). Private practitioners and academicians differed in confirmation of leave options for both parents (52 of 101 [51.5%] vs 49 of 69 [71.0%], respectively; P = .02) and ratings of financial stress (7.10 vs 5.43, respectively; P = .004) and research considerations (1.60 vs 3.85, respectively; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

Results of this survey study support the hypothesis that demographic factors affect attitudes toward parental leave among posttraining ophthalmologists; policies could be better publicized. Feelings regarding policies and leave were mixed. These findings should be viewed as hypothesis generating because the survey was not validated and the associations provided could be due to confounding factors.
The ubiquitin‐like protein Hub1/UBL‐5 functions in pre‐mRNA splicing in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Kolathur Kiran Kumar , Sharma Pallavi , Kadam Nagesh Y. , Shahi Navneet , Nishitha Ane , Babu Kavita , Mishra Shravan Kumar
Published: December 2022

The ubiquitin‐like protein Hub1/UBL‐5 associates with proteins non‐covalently. Hub1 promotes alternative splicing and splicing of precursor mRNAs with weak introns in yeast and mammalian cells; however, its splicing function has remained elusive in multicellular organisms. Here, we demonstrate the splicing function of Hub1/UBL‐5 in the free‐living nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Hub1/UBL‐5 binds to the HIND‐containing splicing factors Snu66/SART‐1 and PRP‐38 and associates with other spliceosomal proteins. C. elegans hub1/ubl‐5 mutants die at the Larval 3 stage and show splicing defects for selected targets, similar to the mutants in yeast and mammalian cells. UBL‐5 complemented growth and splicing defects in Schizosaccharomyces pombe hub1 mutants, confirming its functional conservation. Thus, UBL‐5 is important for C. elegans development and plays a conserved pre‐mRNA splicing function.
Hierarchical planning and reasoning about partially ordered plans—From theory to practice
Authors: Bercher Pascal
Published: December 2022

This invited paper (part of the New Faculty Highlights Invited Speaker Program of AAAI'21*) surveys my work done until today. The reviewed work focuses on hierarchical task network (HTN) planning as well as on partial order causal link (POCL) planning. Lines of research include theoretical investigations (mostly computational complexity analyses), heuristic search, as well as the practical application of the technology for planning‐based assistants, which support a human user in carrying out various tasks.
The impact of Omicron pandemic and COVID‐19 vaccination on the pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients
Authors: Fu Ningzhen , Jiang Yu , Xu Zhiwei , Yang Meng , Peng Chenghong , Deng Xiaxing , Zhao Shulin , Shen Baiyong
Published: December 2022

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic resulted in enormous medical and economic burden worldwide during the past 3 years. The vaccination was deemed the effective option to prevent the severe symptoms, and especially recommended among cancer patients. Shanghai experienced the first lockdown during the recent Omicron pandemic since 2019. How patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC) suffered from the pandemic and how vaccination influenced their oncological outcomes were unexplored yet.

Method

The retrospective study was carried out in a high‐volume referral center including 1157 consecutively enrolled patients with PAC experiencing the COVID‐19 pandemic. The primary outcome was the overall survival (OS).

Results

Limited postoperative patients (9.21%) received the vaccination. The lockdown in Shanghai (April to May, 2022) was not observed impacting the survival prognoses of patients with PAC. Though vaccination was not significantly associated with OS itself (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 2.032 [0.940–4.391], p = 0.071), it was discovered to synergistically improve the chemotherapy effect in the multivariate analyses (interaction p = 0.023).

Conclusion

The vaccination itself did not influence the survival prognoses of patients with PAC. A potential positive interaction was observed between chemotherapy and vaccination despite the limited follow‐up time. The postoperative patients should consider the vaccination more. The patients with PAC did not suffer worse prognostic outcomes from the strict sanitary policy during the wave of COVID‐19 pandemic in Shanghai.
Using chronic recordings from a closed‐loop neurostimulation system to capture seizures across multiple thalamic nuclei
Authors: Kundu Bornali , Arain Amir , Davis Tyler , Charlebois Chantel M. , Rolston John D.
Published: December 2022

We report the case of a patient with unilateral diffuse frontotemporal epilepsy in whom we implanted a responsive neurostimulation system with leads spanning the anterior and centromedian nucleus of the thalamus. During chronic recording, ictal activity in the centromedian nucleus consistently preceded the anterior nucleus, implying a temporally organized seizure network involving the thalamus. With stimulation, the patient had resolution of focal impaired awareness seizures and secondarily generalized seizures. This report describes chronic recordings of seizure activity from multiple thalamic nuclei within a hemisphere and demonstrates the potential efficacy of closed‐loop neurostimulation of multiple thalamic nuclei to control seizures.
Altered brain white matter structural motor network in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3
Authors: Chen Xin‐Yuan , Huang Zi‐Qiang , Lin Wei , Li Meng‐Cheng , Ye Zhi‐Xian , Qiu Yu‐Sen , Xia Xiao‐Yue , Chen Na‐Ping , Hu Jian‐Ping , Gan Shi‐Rui , Chen Qun‐Lin
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 is a disorder within the brain network. However, the relationship between the brain network and disease severity is still unclear. This study aims to investigate changes in the white matter (WM) structural motor network, both in preclinical and ataxic stages, and its relationship with disease severity.

Methods

For this study, 20 ataxic, 20 preclinical SCA3 patients, and 20 healthy controls were recruited and received MRI scans. Disease severity was quantified using the SARA and ICARS scores. The WM motor structural network was created using probabilistic fiber tracking and was analyzed using graph theory and network‐based statistics at global, nodal, and edge levels. In addition, the correlations between network topological measures and disease duration or clinical scores were analyzed.

Results

Preclinical patients showed increasing assortativity of the motor network, altered subnetwork including 12 edges of 11 nodes, and 5 brain regions presenting reduced nodal strength. In ataxic patients assortativity of the motor network also increased, but global efficiency, global strength, and transitivity decreased. Ataxic patients showed a wider altered subnetwork and a higher number of reduced nodal strengths. A negative correlation between the transitivity of the motor network and SARA and ICARS scores was observed in ataxic patients.

Interpretation

Changes to the WM motor network in SCA3 start before ataxia onset, and WM motor network involvement increases with disease progression. Global network topological measures of the WM motor network appear to be a promising image biomarker for disease severity. This study provides new insights into the pathophysiology of disease in SCA3/MJD.
An Approach to Synthesize Thick α‐ and γ‐Al2O3 Coatings by High‐Speed Physical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Bobzin Kirsten , Kalscheuer Christian , Hassanzadegan Aghdam Parisa
Published: December 2022

Crystalline α‐ and γ‐Al2O3 exhibit in many applications high wear resistance, chemical resistance, and hot hardness, making them interesting materials for production engineering. To synthesize α‐Al2O3 with high coating thickness of s ≥ 10 μm, chemical vapor deposition at temperatures T > 1000 °C is well established. However, there are almost no studies dealing with the synthesis of thick α‐Al2O3 by physical vapor deposition (PVD) at high temperatures T > 700 °C. High‐temperature deposition of thick coatings can be realized by means of the dense hollow cathode plasma, combined with the transport function of the plasma gas in high‐speed (HS) PVD. Herein, crystalline α‐ and γ‐Al2O3 films are deposited on cemented carbides at substrate temperatures T
s ≈ 570 °C and T
s ≈ 780 °C by HS‐PVD. These coatings exhibit a thickness up to s = 20 μm. Moreover, phase analysis presents α‐phases in coatings synthesized at substrate temperature of T
s ≈ 780 °C with significant higher hardness than films by T
s ≈ 570 °C. These release the potential of HS‐PVD to synthesize α‐Al2O3 coatings with high thickness. Thereby, a higher thickness of these coatings is beneficial for the wear protection of turning and die casting tools.
Fast Ion Transport in Li‐Rich Alloy Anode for High‐Energy‐Density All Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Gao Xuejie , Yang Xiaofei , Jiang Ming , Zheng Matthew , Zhao Yang , Li Ruying , Ren Wenfeng , Huang Huan , Sun Runcang , Wang Jiantao , Singh Chandra Veer , Sun Xueliang
Published: December 2022

All‐solid‐state Li batteries (ASSLBs) with solid‐polymer electrolytes are considered promising battery systems to achieve improved safety and high energy density. However, Li dendrite formation at the Li anode under high charging current density/capacity has limited their development. To tackle the issue, Li‐metal alloying has been proposed as an alternative strategy to suppress Li dendrite growth in ASSLBs. One drawback of alloying is the relatively lower operating cell voltages, which will inevitably lower energy density compared to cells with pure Li anode. Herein, a Li‐rich Li13In3 alloy electrode (LiRLIA) is proposed, where the Li13In3 alloy scaffold guides Li nucleation and hinders Li dendrite formation. Meanwhile, the free Li can recover Li's potential and facilitate fast charge transfer kinetics to realize high‐energy‐density ASSLBs. Benefitting from the stronger adsorption energy and lower diffusion energy barrier of Li on a Li13In3 substrate, Li prefers to deposit in the 3D Li13In3 scaffold selectively. Therefore, the Li–Li symmetric cell constructed with LiRLIA can operate at a high current density/capacity of 5 mA cm−2/5 mAh cm−2 for almost 1000 h.
Programmed Catalytic Therapy and Antigen Capture‐Mediated Dendritic Cells Harnessing Cancer Immunotherapies by In Situ‐Forming Adhesive Nanoreservoirs
Authors: Yalamandala Bhanu Nirosha , Huynh Thi My Hue , Chiang Min‐Ren , Weng Wei‐Han , Chang Chien‐Wen , Chiang Wen‐Hsuan , Hu Shang‐Hsiu
Published: December 2022

T lymphocyte recruitment and infiltration promises to suppress the most devastating metastatic tumors for immunotherapy. However, the immune privilege and low vaccine immunogenicity usually reduces the presence of lymphocytes in tumors, especially for invading metastatic clusters. Here, an adhesive catalytic nanoreservoir (CN) containing manganese dioxide (MnO2) and catechol‐functionalized magnetic metal organic framework for the antigens capture and delivery is reported. The intravenously injected CN accumulates at tumor via the marginated target and in situ forming gel for antigen capture. At tumor site, CN releases Mn2+ for redox reactions by depleting glutathione (GSH) and Fenton‐like activity, i.e., chemodynamic therapy (CDT). Accompanying with hyperthermia, CDT promote the tumor to release the tumor‐associated antigens including neoantigens and damage‐associated molecular patterns. Then, the gels with catechol groups act as antigen reservoirs and deliver the autologous tumor‐associated antigens to dendritic cells, achieving sustained immune stimulation. The in situ‐forming catalytic nanoreservoir at lung metastasis as a magnetothermal‐induced antigen reservoir effectively inhibited the tumor in 60 days and increased the survival rate.
Self‐Aided Batch Growth of 12‐Inch Transfer‐Free Graphene Under Free Molecular Flow
Authors: Liu Bingzhi , Sun Zhongti , Cui Kejian , Xue Zaikun , Li Zhi , Wang Wen , Gu Wei , Zheng Kaiqiang , Liu Ruojuan , Zhao Yu , Rümmeli Mark H. , Gao Xuan , Sun Jingyu , Liu Zhongfan
Published: December 2022

Direct synthesis of large‐area graphene on functional substrates via chemical vapor deposition has become a frontier research stream targeting practical applications. However, the batch production of transfer‐free graphene film with favorable quality and homogeneity remains a grand challenge. Herein, the direct growth of 12‐inch‐sized graphene is demonstrated over fused quartz in a batch manner. The key design of the synthetic route is the construction of a nano‐scale compartment to allow the formation of free molecular flow during growth, as well as to trap the hydroxyl species in situ released from the quartz substrates. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the hydroxyl species help decrease the energy barrier for feedstock decomposition and facilitate the carbon attachment to boost graphene growth. Thus‐prepared graphene possesses excellent optical transmittance (96% ± 1%) and electrical properties (1.22 ± 0.08 kΩ sq‒1). These findings unlock new opportunities for achieving batch production of graphene‐skinned functional materials with practical scalability and quality toward emerging uses.
Well‐Defined Conjugated Reticular Oligomer “Blood Cells” and Conducting Polymer “Neurons” Constructing “Muscle”‐Biomimetic Electrocatalysts for Water Electrolysis
Authors: Zhang Boying , Liu Haining , Zhai Pengda , Zhang Ruijuan , Wang Wenbo , Khangale Phathutshedzo , Hildebrandt Diane , Liu Xinying , Qiao Shanlin
Published: December 2022

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) provide a tunable platform for water electrolysis. However, it is difficult to perform explicitly structural characterization for COFs due to the uncontrollable polymerization via the solvothermal method, which hinders the clear‐cut exploration of the COFs’ structure‐performance relationship in further applications. Here, the well‐defined conjugated reticular oligomers (CROs) are designed for the first time using an aqueous micellar strategy. The CROs have definite chemical structure and can be regarded as conjugated oligomers or defect‐free COFs segment. Using CROs and conducting polymer, three “muscle”‐biomimetic electrocatalysts are engineered for splitting water to H2 and O2. The self‐assembled “muscle”‐like structures guarantee fully exposed active sites, fast electron conduction and mass transfer (H2O/H2/O2). The “muscle”‐biomimetic poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)/CROs‐Ru exhibit superior electrochemical performance than the COFs‐Ru. In particular, the mass activity and turnover frequency (TOF) value of PEDOT/CROOH‐8‐Ru are ≈95 and 38 times that of the counterpart bulk Py‐COFOH. The theoretical calculation and the experimental results demonstrate that the CROs endow the electrocatalyst with an electron‐rich surface and enhance carrier mobility. The enhanced water electrolysis activity of CROs‐Ru can be attributed to the Schottky heterojunction suppressing the electron backflow, which facilitates the adsorption of hydrogen protons and hydroxides.
Synergistic Surface Modification of Tin–Lead Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Hu Shuaifeng , Zhao Pei , Nakano Kyohei , Oliver Robert D. J. , Pascual Jorge , Smith Joel A. , Yamada Takumi , Truong Minh Anh , Murdey Richard , Shioya Nobutaka , Hasegawa Takeshi , Ehara Masahiro , Johnston Michael B. , Tajima Keisuke , Kanemitsu Yoshihiko , Snaith Henry J. , Wakamiya Atsushi
Published: December 2022

Interfaces in thin‐film photovoltaics play a pivotal role in determining device efficiency and longevity. In this work, the top surface treatment of mixed tin–lead (≈1.26 eV) halide perovskite films for p–i–n solar cells is studied. Charge extraction is promoted by treating the perovskite surface with piperazine. This compound reacts with the organic cations at the perovskite surface, modifying the surface structure and tuning the interfacial energy level alignment. In addition, the combined treatment with C60pyrrolidine tris‐acid (CPTA) reduces hysteresis and leads to efficiencies up to 22.7%, with open‐circuit voltage values reaching 0.90 V, ≈92% of the radiative limit for the bandgap of this material. The modified cells also show superior stability, with unencapsulated cells retaining 96% of their initial efficiency after >2000 h of storage in N2and encapsulated cells retaining 90% efficiency after >450 h of storage in air. Intriguingly, CPTA preferentially binds to Sn2+sites at film surface over Pb2+due to the energetically favored exposure of the former, according to first‐principles calculations. This work provides new insights into the surface chemistry of perovskite films in terms of their structural, electronic, and defect characteristics and this knowledge is used to fabricate state‐of‐the‐art solar cells.
Novel Multiple Resonance Type TADF Emitter as Blue Component for Highly Efficient Blue‐Hazard‐Free White Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Hu Ya‐Nan , Fan Xiao‐Chun , Huang Feng , Shi Yi‐Zhong , Wang Hui , Cheng Ying‐Chun , Chen Meng‐Yuan , Wang Kai , Yu Jia , Zhang Xiao‐Hong
Published: December 2022

Realizing blue‐hazard‐free emission is an important goal for white organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) toward healthy lighting applications. However, conventional blue organic emitters with broad emission spectra would generally cover the high‐energy emission region and thus cannot meet the demand. Here a blue multiple resonance type thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitter DPMX‐CzDABNA is newly designed. The DPMX‐CzDABNA‐based OLEDs can realize blue narrowband emission peaked at 484 nm with a full width at half maximum of 29 nm, and external quantum efficiencies (EQEs) around 26%, which allows DPMX‐CzDABNA to precisely avoid the high‐energy photon contribution and thus be a promising blue component to construct high‐performance white OLEDs with human‐eye‐friendly emission spectra. Using DPMX‐CzDABNA and a reported TADF emitter BPPZ‐DPXZ, respectively, as blue and orange components in white OLEDs, the single‐emitting‐layer devices approach white emission with outstanding EQE up to 35.8%; the double‐emitting‐layer OLEDs achieve blue‐hazard‐free white emissions with a maximum EQE of 26.5% and very stable Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage coordinates of ≈(0.38,0.43) over a wide luminance range from 100 to 10 000 cd m−2. It is expected that this strategy can pave a new way for developing highly efficient all‐TADF white OLEDs without blue‐hazard emission.
Emergency medical services Milestones 2.0: What has changed?
Authors: Nesbit Chadd E. , Mastenbrook Joshua D. , Ball Matthew T. , Rinnert Kathy J. , Edgar Laura
Published: December 2022

Background

Since 2015, development of competencies by emergency medical services (EMS) fellows have been evaluated using the EMS Milestones 1.0 developed by a working group consisting of relevant stakeholders convened by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). Feedback from users and data collected from the milestones assessments in the interim indicated a need for revision of the original milestones. In May 2021, the Milestones 2.0 working group was convened for the purpose of revising this specialty‐specific assessment tool.

Methods

A working group consisting of representatives from American Board of Emergency Medicine, the Review Committee for Emergency Medicine, and volunteers selected by the ACGME Milestones Committee, chaired by the ACGME vice president for milestones development, was convened using a virtual platform to revise the milestones and develop a supplemental guide for use along with the Milestones 2.0. There were no in‐person meetings of this working group due to the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Results

Data from milestones reporting, discussion within the working group, stakeholder input, and public commentary were used to revise the original milestones. A new supplemental guide to enhance milestone usability and provide recommended resource materials was also developed for use alongside the milestones.

Discussion

The EMS Milestones 2.0 and accompanying supplemental guide provide an updated framework for fellowship programs to use as a guide for developing the competencies necessary for independent practice as EMS physicians and in the formal, competency‐based evaluation of trainees as required by the ACGME.
Learning pediatric emergency medicine over time: A realist evaluation of a longitudinal pediatric emergency medicine clinical experience
Authors: Ngo Quang N. , Chorley Alex , Li Shelly‐Anne , Chan Teresa M.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Emergency medicine (EM) practitioners must be proficient at caring for patients of all ages, including pediatric patients. Traditionally, EM trainees learn pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) through block rotations. This is problematic due to the seasonal nature of pediatric diseases and infrequent critical events. Spaced repetition learning theory suggests PEM would be better learned through longitudinal rotations. The transition to competency‐based medical education (CBME) in Canada is accelerating the need to find novel ways to attain competencies in postgraduate training. At McMaster University, senior EM trainees can choose either traditional PEM blocks or longitudinal rotations. Our objective was to understand how learners experience these different rotations given the transition to CBME in Canada.

Methods

Using a realist framework of program evaluation, we conducted semistructured interviews with key stakeholders (trainees, program directors, attending physicians) in EM. The realist framework was used to understand how context interacts with theoretical mechanisms to produce outcomes of interest. Data were analyzed using inductive, conventional content analysis. All investigators coded a subset of transcripts independently and in duplicate to achieve intercoder agreement.

Results

A total of 13 interviews were completed with trainees (n = 11) and staff physicians (n = 2). The learning experience exists within an educational and clinical context, which are logistically distinct but inseparable. The longitudinal learning experience appears to improve learning through spaced repetition, which prevents atrophy of skills and knowledge while also benefitting from the offsetting of seasonal variability associated with many pediatric diseases. Improved feedback and entrustment are facilitated through the building of coaching relationships over time. Barriers to the learning experience are related mainly to logistical difficulties associated with resolving longitudinal and blocked learning experiences. Improved relationships with the interprofessional team may provide distinct learning opportunities and improved team functioning. Block rotations were identified as more valuable to junior trainees learning fundamental concepts.

Conclusions

Longitudinal learning provides numerous advantages to learning PEM, including increased case variety, spaced repetition of core concepts, and a perception of greater entrustment of the learner through formation of coaching relationships over time. Future projects looking to quantify the differences between longitudinal and block learning to objectively show a difference in skills and knowledge are needed.
Numerical determination of fluid‐to‐particle mass and heat transfer coefficients in packed bed reactors
Authors: Weng Junqi , Zhang Qunfeng , Yu Jiahao , Yu Qihuan , Ye Guanghua , Zhou Xinggui , Yuan Weikang
Published: December 2022

A method based on particle‐resolved CFD is built and validated, to calculate the fluid‐to‐particle mass and heat transfer coefficients in packed beds of spheres with different tube‐to‐particle diameter ratios (N) and of various particle shapes with N = 5.23. This method is characterized by considering axial dispersion. The mass and heat transfer coefficients increase by 5%–57% and 9%–63% after considering axial dispersion, indicating axial dispersion should be included in the method. The mass and heat transfer coefficients are reduced as N decreases. The catalyst particles without inner holes show higher mass and heat transfer coefficients than the ones with inner holes, because of unfavorable fluid flow in inner holes. The bed of trilobes has the highest mass and heat transfer coefficients, being 85% and 95% higher than the one of spheres. This work provides a versatile method and some useful guidance for the design of packed bed reactors.
Testing hypotheses of hybrid taxon formation in the shrubby beardtongues (PenstemonsubgenusDasanthera)
Authors: Stone Benjamin W. , Rodríguez‐Peña Rosa A. , Wolfe Andrea D.
Published: December 2022

Premise

Hybridization is increasingly being identified in the genomes of species across the tree of life, leading to a general recognition that hybridization plays an important role in the generation of species diversity. While hybridization may increase species diversity directly via the formation of new taxa through hybrid speciation, it may also act indirectly via the exchange of phenotypic and genetic variance between species, which may in turn stimulate future speciation events.

Methods

Using high‐throughput sequence data, we resolved phylogenetic relationships and investigated the role of hybridization as a diversification mechanism in the shrubby beardtongues (PenstemonsubgenusDasanthera), a group of North American wildflowers that has undergone a recent and rapid adaptive radiation. Specifically, we tested four hypotheses of hybrid taxon formation resulting from hybridization betweenP. davidsoniiandP. fruticosus.

Results

Species tree inference supports the monophyly of subgenusDasantheraand elucidates relationships between taxa distributed in the Cascades and Sierra Nevada Mountains. Results also provide evidence of gene flow betweenP. davidsoniiandP. fruticosusand support at least one hybrid origin hypothesis (P. davidsoniivar.menziesii) in a region of contemporary distributional overlap. Hybridization may have also been facilitated by historical overlap in geographic distribution caused by species' responses to climatic changes during the Pleistocene.

Conclusions

Our results support a history of hybridization between focal taxa in a rapidly radiating clade of plants and more broadly contribute to our growing understanding of the role of hybridization as a diversification mechanism in plants.
Cloud cavitation and flow field characteristics in sudden change channel
Authors: Wang Jiangyun , Yuan Shengwei , Wang Zhuang , Xie Kai , Wang Juan
Published: December 2022

In this paper, the Delayed Detached‐Eddy Simulation (DDES) model is used to simulate the cloud cavitation process and the flow field distribution characteristics in the three‐dimensional cavitating chamber with a sudden change channel. The effect of cavitation evolution on the flow field is investigated by the change of vacuole volume fraction and the distribution of physical quantities in the flow field. And the Q criterion is introduced to identify the vortex structure and its variation. The results show that the evolution of cavitation presents periodic characteristics, but in a period, the flow field distribution, vortex structure, and vortex intensity under different cavitation states are different. In the stage of bubble growth, falling off, bubble cluster breaking, and separation, the vortex size is large and the vortex intensity is high, making the flow field show drastic fluctuations. However, in the stage of bubble mass integration, the flow field fluctuation is relatively weak, and the pressure fluctuation law is consistent with the bubble shedding frequency. In addition, the Q criterion indicates that the high‐strength vortices are mainly concentrated in the throat, as the degree of cavitation increases, vortex breakage is intensified and vortices are not obvious in the flow field.
Construction and characterization of hyperbranched polymer stabilized Se nanoparticles and its application on the antibacterial finishing of viscose nonwoven fabric
Authors: Xiao Yao , Zhenzeng Gan , Dong Erying , Yan Jiawei , Liu Wanwan , Zhang Guangyu
Published: December 2022

This research provides a new method for preparing nanoparticle‐coated viscose nonwoven fabrics, which has broad application prospects in the functional fiber industry. In this work amino‐terminated hyperbranched polymer (HBP)‐capped Selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) were synthesized for coating viscose nonwoven fabric (VNF) via impregnation method to produce a controllable and uniform Se NPs coating on the viscose fiber surface. The prepared Se NPs and the treated VNF were characterized by the transmission electron microscope (TEM), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microcopy (FE‐SEM), and antibacterial measurement. The results indicate that the Se NPs were spherical shaped with an average size of 50 nm. FESEM, XRD, and XPS characterizations demonstrated that Se NPs can adsorbed and distributed uniformly on the fiber surface. Se NPs‐coated VNF showed above 99.9% bacterial reduction of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli while the Se element content on VNF was about 2.92 mg/g.
Novel method for the quantification of rosette area from images of Arabidopsis seedlings grown on agar plates
Authors: Knapp Anna , Stefani Jordan , Katz Ella , Bloom Arnold J.
Published: December 2022

Premise

The agar‐based culture of Arabidopsis seedlings is widely used for quantifying root traits. Shoot traits are generally overlooked in these studies, probably because the rosettes are often askew. A technique to assess the shoot surface area of seedlings grown inside agar culture dishes would facilitate simultaneous root and shoot phenotyping.

Methods

We developed an image processing workflow in Python that estimates rosette area of Arabidopsis seedlings on agar culture dishes. We validated this method by comparing its output with other metrics of seedling growth. As part of a larger study on genetic variation in plant responses to nitrogen form and concentration, we measured the rosette areas from more than 2000 plate images.

Results

The rosette area measured from plate images was strongly correlated with the rosette area measured from directly overhead and moderately correlated with seedling mass. Rosette area in the large image set was significantly influenced by genotype and nitrogen treatment. The broad‐sense heritability of leaf area measured using this method was 0.28.

Discussion

These results indicated that this approach for estimating rosette area produces accurate shoot phenotype data. It can be used with image sets for which other methods of leaf area quantification prove unsuitable.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of benzoxepinoindol‐1‐one analogs as Brd4 bromodomain inhibitors
Authors: Jung Goni , Lee Joo‐Youn , Park Chi Hoon , Yoon Eunyoung , Heo Jung‐Nyoung
Published: December 2022

A novel series of benzo[6,7]oxepino[4,3,2‐cd]indol‐1(2H)‐one derivatives were synthesized via a one‐pot aldol condensation and SNAr reaction by coupling indolin‐2‐ones with 2‐fluorobenzaldehydes. In addition, molecular docking studies of the designed compound 2 revealed strong hydrogen bonds in the hot binding pocket of Brd4. All compounds were evaluated for their enzymatic activity in Brd4 bromodomain inhibition.
Factors associated with the high susceptibility to depression of women during the perimenopause
Authors: Han Hongying , Xia Xiaowei , Zheng Huirong , Zhong Zhiyong , Zhao Chongbang , Wang Xianglan , Zhi Ximei
Published: December 2022

Objective

This study investigated the factors associated with the high susceptibility of perimenopausal women to depression.

Methods

A total of 66 perimenopausal women participated in this study. The Zung self‐rating depression scale (SDS) was used to evaluate the intensity of depressive symptoms. The modified Kupperman index (KI) was used to assess common perimenopausal symptoms. Psychosocial factors were assessed via the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, attitudes toward menopause checklist, and metacognition questionnaire (MCQ). Levels of serum estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone were determined.

Results

There were statistically significant associations between SDS standard score and the KI scale score (β = .361, p = .001), years of education (β = −.309, p = .005), and F3 cognitive self‐consciousness score of MCQ (β = −.234, p = .032; adjusted R2 = .264, F = 8.759, p < .001).

Conclusions

High susceptibility to depression of perimenopausal women may be related to lower educational level, more severe perimenopausal symptoms, and altered metacognition.
General population preferences for cancer care in health systems of China: A discrete choice experiment
Authors: Zhang Nan , Chang Xuan , Liu Ruyue , Zheng Caiyun , Wang Xin , Birch Stephen
Published: December 2022

Background

The increasing incidence of cancer in China has posed considerable challenges for cancer care delivery systems. This study aimed to determine the general population's preferences for cancer care, to provide evidence for building a people‐centered integrated cancer care system.

Methods

We conducted a discrete choice experiment that involved 1,200 participants in Shandong Province. Individuals were asked to choose between cancer care scenarios based on the type and level of hospitals, with various out‐of‐pocket costs, waiting time, and contact working in the hospitals. Individual preferences, willingness to pay, and uptake rate were estimated using a mixed‐logit model.

Results

This study included 848 respondents (70.67%). Respondents preferred county hospitals with shorter hospitalization waiting times and contact working in hospitals. Compared to the reference levels, the three highest willingness to pay values were related to waiting time for hospitalization (¥97,857.69–¥145411.70–¥212,992.10/$14512.70–$21565.16–$31587.61), followed by the county‐level hospital (¥32,545.13/$4826.58). The preferences of the different groups of respondents were diverse. Based on a county‐level general hospital with contact in the hospital, 50% out‐of‐pocket costs and a waiting time of 15 days, the probability of seeking baseline care was 0.37. Reducing the waiting time from 15 to 7, 3, and 0 days, increases the probability of choosing a county‐level hospital from 0.37 to 0.58, 0.64, and 0.70, respectively.

Conclusions

This study suggests that there is a substantial interest in attending county‐level hospitals and that reducing hospitalization waiting time is the most effective measure to increase the probability of seeking cancer care in county‐level hospitals.
Clinical significance of preoperative neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio and platelet‐lymphocyte ratio in the prognosis of resected early‐stage patients with non‐small cell lung cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Cao Weibo , Yu Haochuan , Zhu Shuai , Lei Xi , Li Tong , Ren Fan , Zhou Ning , Tang Quanying , Zu Lingling , Xu Song
Published: December 2022

Background

Poor prognosis is linked to peripheral blood levels of preoperative platelet‐lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in many advanced cancers. Nevertheless, whether the correlation exists in resected early‐stage cases with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) stays controversial. Consequently, we performed a meta‐analysis to explore the preoperative NLR and PLR's prognostic significance in early‐stage patients with NSCLC undergoing curative surgery.

Methods

Relevant studies that validated the link between preoperative NLR or PLR and survival results were found via the proceeding databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The merged 95% confidence interval (CI) and hazard ratio (HR) was employed to validate the link between the NLR or PLR's index and overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) in resected NSCLC cases. We used sensitivity and subgroup analyses to assess the studies' heterogeneity.

Results

An overall of 21 studies were attributed to the meta‐analysis. The findings indicated that great preoperative NLR was considerably correlated with poor DFS (HR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.37–1.82, p < 0.001) and poor OS (HR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.33–1.72, p < 0.001), respectively. Subgroup analyses were in line with the pooled findings. In aspect of PLR, raised PLR was indicative of inferior DFS (HR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.04–1.58, p = 0.021) and OS (HR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.18–1.60, p < 0.001). In the subgroup analyses between PLR and DFS, only subgroups with a sample size <300 (HR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.15–2.43, p = 0.008) and TNM staging of mixed (I‐II) (HR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.04–2.07, p = 0.028) showed that the link between high PLR and poor DFS was significant.

Conclusions

Preoperative elevated NLR and PLR may act as prognostic biomarkers in resected early‐stage NSCLC cases and are therefore valuable for guiding postoperative adjuvant treatment.
Risk factors for skip metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma
Authors: Wu Xin , Li Binglu , Zheng Chaoji , He Xiaodong
Published: December 2022

Background

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is prevalent in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) and is essential when determining tumor stage and prognosis. Positive lateral LNM with negative central LNM is defined as skip metastasis. Thyroid carcinoma's risk factors for skip metastasis remain controversial, especially in PTMC. This study aimed to determine the clinical features as well as the risk factors of skip metastasis among patients with PTMC.

Methods

We conducted retrospective research among patients with PTMC who were subjected to treatment at our Hospital between January 2018 and December 2019 by reviewing their medical records. A database containing demographic characteristics, ultrasonography features, blood test outcomes, operation information, pathology details, and follow‐up information was constructed. The link between skip metastasis and clinicopathological features of PTMC was evaluated using univariate as well as multivariate analyses.

Results

Overall, 293 patients diagnosed with PTMC and lateral LNM were included. There were 91 men (31.1%) and 202 women (68.9%). The median age was 38 (31–47) years. Fifty patients were diagnosed with skip metastases. Levels III and II + III were the most prevalent in single‐level and two‐level metastasis, correspondingly. Univariate and multivariate analyses detected two independent factors linked to skip metastasis in PTMC: female sex (odds ratio = 2.609, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.135–6.000; p = 0.024) and location of the tumor (upper portion) (odds ratio = 2.959, 95% CI: 1.552–5.639; p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Skip metastasis is prevalent in thyroid carcinoma. Female sex and tumor location (upper portion) are independently linked to skip metastasis in PTMC. Patients who have these two risk factors should undergo a meticulous preoperative and intraoperative evaluation of lymph node status.
Drug‐coated balloon for the treatment of small vessel disease: 9 months of angiographic results and 12 months of clinical outcomes of the PEPCAD China SVD study
Authors: Qian Juying , Wu Yizhe , Li Chenguang , Yin Jiasheng , Fu Guosheng , Wang Jian'an , He Yong , Ma Genshan , Chen Yundai , Xia Yong , Li Lang , Ji Fusui , Zeng Hesong , Wei Meng , Nie Shaoping , Jin Huigen , He Ben , Chen Yuguo , Liu Fan , Wang Hui , Sun Yingxian , Xu Bo , Ge Junbo ,   the PEPCAD China SVD study
Published: December 2022

Background

Whether the drug‐coated balloons (DCBs)‐alone strategy was superior to plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA) in treating SVD remains unknown.

Aims

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DCBs for the treatment of coronary de novo small vessel disease (SVD) and provide further evidence for extending the clinical indications of DCBs. (ChiCTR1800014966).

Methods

Eligible patients were randomized at a 2:1 ratio to receive DCB treatment or POBA in this prospective, multicenter clinical trial. The reference vessel diameter of lesions was visually assessed to be 2.0 to 2.75 mm. The primary endpoint of the study was angiographic in‐segment late luminal loss (LLL) at the 9‐month follow‐up to demonstrate the superiority of DCB treatment to POBA in SVD. The composite clinical endpoints included clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD‐TLR), target lesion failure (TLF), major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), and thrombosis at the 12‐month follow‐up.

Results

A total of 270 patients were enrolled (181 for DCB, 89 for POBA) at 18 centers in China. The primary endpoint of 9‐month in‐segment LLL in the intention‐to‐treat population was 0.10 ± 0.33 mm with DCB and 0.25 ± 0.38 mm with POBA (p = 0.0027). This difference indicated significant superiority of DCB treatment (95% CI: −0.22, −0.04, psuperiority = 0.0068). The rates of the clinical endpoints—CD‐TLR, TLF, and MACEs—were comparable between groups. No thrombosis events were reported.

Conclusions

DCB treatment of de novo SVD was superior to POBA with lower 9‐month in‐segment LLL. The rates of clinical events were comparable between the two devices.
Congenital hyperinsulinism—A case of mild hypoglycemia in an adult, detected by family testing
Authors: Baleanu Felicia , Taujan Georgiana , Rosu Mihaela , Kosmopoulou Olga , Papadopoulou Blerta Ioanna , Boros Emese , Iconaru Laura
Published: December 2022

Symptoms of mild hypoglycemia are easily overlooked especially when there are no complaints from the patients, but it could be a warning sign of an underlying genetic disease. Genetic testing for the entire family is a key step in neonatal hypoglycemia workup.
Key signs indicating mesenteric panniculitis
Authors: Yamamoto Koichiro , Honda Hiroyuki , Ogawa Hiroko , Otsuka Fumio
Published: December 2022

Since patients with mesenteric panniculitis (MP) present non‐specific symptoms, diagnosing MP is challenging. We describe a 45‐year‐old man who developed MP with radiologic findings of a “fat ring sign” and a “tumoral pseudocapsule sign.” These signs shown in the present case are crucial for a precise diagnosis of MP.
Why only me? A case report of a breast cancer patient with unresolved trauma from a past disaster experience developing a mental disorder
Authors: Kaneda Yudai , Hori Arinobu , Kotera Yasuhiro , Wada Masahiro , Sawano Toyoaki , Kanemoto Yoshiaki , Kurokawa Tomohiro , Tsubokura Masaharu , Tanimoto Tetsuya , Ejiri Tomozo , Kanzaki Norio , Ozaki Akihiko
Published: December 2022

Little is known about how the psychological stress of having experienced a natural disaster affects cancer patients. We experienced a patient who was treated with breast cancer after having been stricken by a typhoon, which resulted in significant psychological damage. Treatment strategies should incorporate patients' mental health appropriately after disasters.
Surgical site infection following orthopedic surgery in a patient with acne: A challenging case
Authors: Dadkhahfar Sahar , Ohadi Laya , Biglari Farsad , Jafari Kafiabadi Meisam
Published: December 2022

Propionibacterium acnes is a typical component of the human body's flora and has been implicated as the causative infectious agent following a variety of operations, including device installation. We present a case of a 21‐year‐old male patient with severe global acneiform eruption with a non‐healing limb lesion near the orthopedic surgery incisions.
Lichenoid lesions around the anus: An unusual site of Hailey–Hailey disease
Authors: Hammami Fatma , Sellami Khadija , Chaabouni Rim , Boudaya Sonia , Amouri Meriem , Bahloul Emna , Turki Hamida
Published: December 2022

The anal region is an unusual site of Hailey–Hailey disease. It manifests with lichenoid lesions with crusted erosions around the anus. It should be differentiated from condylomata acuminata, extramammary Paget disease, and bowenoid papulosis.