bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
N30 Understanding Inflammatory Bowel Disease Emergency Department Admissions in a Tertiary Referral Inflammatory Bowel Disease Centre in England: A quality Improvement project
Authors: Avery P , Younge L , Arebi N
Published: January 2023

Background

In February and March 2022, the emergency department (ED) affiliated to a tertiary referral inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) centre in England undertook an audit of ED attendances as part of an IBD-related admission quality improvement project (QUIP). Quality standards recommend review within 5 days of a flare. Patients presenting to ED may reflect failure of urgent GP access or to the IBD advice line a marker of poor-quality care.

Methods

Patients with suspected IBD presenting to ED during the audit period were identified the initial results generated further questions for the IBD team. A excel data base was created and the electronic patient record for each patient was retrospectively reviewed. Data relating to previous contact with the IBD team, how patients were referred to ED and confirmation of an IBD diagnosis was collected. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to present the data.

Results

There were N=48 ED attendances with a suspected diagnosis of IBD between February and March 2022. From the N=48 attendances from n=41 patients, n=29 (60.42%) admissions occurred for these patients. n=19 (39.58%) episodes resulted in discharge with five of these being self-discharges. of the n=41 patients n=4(9.76%) did not have a diagnosis of IBD n=1 (2.44%) with a diagnosis of IBD was not known to the IBD interdisciplinary team. Additionally, n=2 (4.88%) were new patients neither were known to the IBD team and n=2 (4.88%) were suspect diagnosis. multiple attendances occurred and n=1 (2.44%) patient attended four times and n=4 (9.76%) patients attended twice each meaning n=5 (12.2%) of the patients were responsible for n=12 (25%) of attendances. Of the original N=48 attendances, n=32 (66.67%) attendances occurred with no contact to the IBD advice line and n=19 (46.34%) of the n=41 patients responsible for these attendances. The outcomes are summarised in Table 1.

Conclusion

The original QUIP data was incomplete, and the actual IBD ED attendance rate was 66.66% of the original quoted figure, raising the importance of data cleaning and quality in QUIP. Focusing in on the 32 attendances where patients did not call the advice line, improvements to the messaging that IBD advice line service is available has become a priority as has utilising advanced nurse practitioner and specialist registrar skills to support patients therefore avoiding some of this ED attendance in the future. So far, adding advice line details to clinic letters, advertising in clinic, and setting up rapid access flare clinic led by Advanced Nurse Practitioners from the IBD Nursing team have been implemented. There are plans to review the attendance at IBD patients in ED in the same period in 2023.
N31 Nothing about us, without us: Developing a reliable IBD information source on sexual well-being by patients and for patients
Authors: Fourie S , Johnstone L , Czuber-Dochan W
Published: January 2023

Background

Patients with IBD have knowledge and expertise regarding their disease and can contribute to research and information for other patients. Research suggests that despite IBD having a significant impact on the sexual well-being (SWB) of patients, there is a lack of reliable sources of information on this topic, and it is rarely discussed in clinical consultations. 1. This patient engagement project aimed to cover some of the information deemed important to patients.

Methods

This project was a co-production with patients to provide a reliable source of information for the previously neglected topic of SWB and IBD. Four volunteers living with IBD from a diverse population, collaborated with researchers over four months. They had 6 online group discussion sessions lasting approximately one hour each. They highlighted themes (fig 1) within the broader topic of sex and relationships that they thought should be addressed in an information resource, based on their own past experiences, or what was missing from reliable websites. Volunteers produced a document that was vetted by researchers, and this became the website content.

Results

The outcome of the project was a free to access website which contains SWB information. Patient experience quotes were considered by volunteers as important. A selection of anonymous patient quotations which provided experiences of IBD impact on SWB were also chosen by the volunteers to be included in the information resource. A psycho-sexual therapist reviewed the content and provided an additional information resource in a PDF form, useful for both patients and healthcare professionals, which can be downloaded. A feedback function is included, where users can ask anonymous questions or make suggestions to be incorporated on the website. Website traffic metrics were collected and showed that within the first two weeks of the website being launched, 511 people engaged with the content and 41 downloaded the information leaflet. This data was used as an initial testing for the platform. Website will be updated yearly based on the feedback received.

Conclusion

This project highlighted the importance of resources on the often-neglected topic of SWB in IBD, to improve quality of life for people with IBD. Co-production with patients to create an information resource corroborates their valuable contribution to the topics important to patients. It also demonstrates how this partnership is necessary to create relatable and needed information for patients. The feedback function of the website provides the opportunity for further input from patients, ensuring that research can continue to be informed by them.
Cyclic di-AMP, a multifaceted regulator of central metabolism and osmolyte homeostasis inListeria monocytogenes
Authors: Schwedt Inge , Wang Mengyi , Gibhardt Johannes , Commichau Fabian M
Published: January 2023

Cyclic di-AMP is an emerging second messenger that is synthesized by many archaea and bacteria, including the Gram-positive pathogenic bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes played a crucial role in elucidating the essential function of c-di-AMP, thereby becoming a model system for studying c-di-AMP metabolism and the influence of the nucleotide on cell physiology. c-di-AMP is synthesized by a diadenylate cyclase and degraded by two phosphodiesterases. To date, eight c-di-AMP receptor proteins have been identified in L. monocytogenes, including one that indirectly controls the uptake of osmotically active peptides and thus the cellular turgor. The functions of two c-di-AMP-receptor proteins still need to be elucidated. Here, we provide an overview of c-di-AMP signalling in L. monocytogenes and highlight the main differences compared to the other established model systems in which c-di-AMP metabolism is investigated. Moreover, we discuss the most important questions that need to be answered to fully understand the role of c-di-AMP in osmoregulation and in the control of central metabolism.
Europe's constitutional unsettlement: testing the political limits of legal integration
Authors: Scicluna Nicole , Auer Stefan
Published: January 2023

Law is central to what the European Union is and how it works, but the mismatch between the legal and political dimensions of European integration is undermining the EU from within and limiting its ability to project its power beyond its borders. This article aims to explicate the clash between Europe as a community of law, on the one hand, and Europe as a political project, on the other, by focusing on two crises. The first is the crisis that has arisen in relation to Poland's backsliding when it comes to democracy and the rule of law. The second crisis is the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The two crises are interlinked. An effective response to Russian aggression requires of the EU the kind of solidarity, confidence and unity of purpose that has been undercut by Poland's rule-of-law crisis and by the inadequacy of European responses to it. Thus, both crises unsettle the EU's constitutional settlement, revealing the political limits of legal integration. We find that, if Europe's leaders are to better align the EU's legal order with its political goals and capacity to act, then they will need to acknowledge, and work within, the constraints the EU faces as a union of nation states.
Comparative Evaluation of Reversed Stationary Phase Geometries and Greener Systems on HPLC and UHPLC Using Five Recent Hepatitis-C Antivirals
Authors: Ibrahim Adel Ehab , Abd Elmonem Hadeel Mohamed , Al-Harrasi Ahmed , El Deeb Sami
Published: January 2023

Background

Being the most widely used LC mode, reversed-phase (RP)-HPLC accounts for the highest percentage of HPLC separations. The main aim of the green analytical chromatographer is to enhance the efficiency of separations in short analysis times, using the ecologically safest materials and lowest energy consumption.

Objective

Being the heart of any chromatography where the actual separations take place, LC columns have diverse varieties which include different stationary phase geometries as well as different particles sizes. The rationale for column choice is quite complicated. Totally porous, core-shell particles, and monolithic rods are stationary phase types manufactured in RP-mode. The main objective of this research study is to aid in the selection of HPLC or ultra-high performance lquid chromatography (UHPLC) instrumentation.

Methods

In this research article, three different column packing phases were evaluated and compared by both HPLC and UHPLC techniques. The purpose was to explore the best rational choice of column packing as well as LC instrumentation, when using greener chromatographic conditions.

Results

The study showed core-shell particles were superior in both HPLC and UHPLC techniques.

Conclusion

Core-shell particles enabled the utilization of greener mobile phase compositions. Monolithic columns showed better tolerance of greener mobile phase flow rates, without considerable loss of performance.

Highlights

The use of greener organic solvents was assessed on different stationary phase geometries. The separation efficiency for five recent antiviral drugs was evaluated, in order to give better understanding of the way for column choice according to the underlying experimental conditions. UHPLC and HPLC were compared comprehensively for applicability and cost-effectiveness.
A Sensitive LC-MS/MS Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Skimmin, a Potential Agent for Treating Postpartum Stroke, and Its Metabolite Umbelliferone in Rat Plasma
Authors: Sun Yaqiong , Jiang Yanyan , Zhang Ruihong , Wang Jin
Published: January 2023

Background

Skimmin, a potential agent for treating postpartum stroke, is one of the most important coumarins extracted from the leaves of skimmia.

Objective

In this study, a specific, sensitive, and simple high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method for the simultaneous determination of skimmin and its metabolite umbelliferone in rat plasma was established and validated.

Method

Chromatographic separation was performed by an Inertsil ODS-3 column (50 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) with a mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid in distilled water–acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min with gradient elution mode. All analytes were detected and quantified in negative multiple reaction monitoring (MRM).

Results

All calibration curves showed good linearity (r > 0.995) over the concentration range of 10–10 000 and 2.0–2000 ng/mL for skimmin and umbelliferone, respectively. The selectivity, sensitivity, extraction recovery, matrix effect, and stability met all requirements.

Conclusions

The analysis method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of skimmin and umbelliferone in rats following oral administration of skimmin at the doses of 10, 30, and 90 mg/kg. With the exception of AUC(0-∞) and Cmax, MRT and Cl/F of skimmin had significant statistical difference with the increasing doses. Skimmin might exhibit nonlinear pharmacokinetic characteristics in rats.

Highlights

This was the first study to investigate the pharmacokinetic characteristics of skimmin as a candidate agent for treating postpartum stroke.
LC–MS-Compatible Chromatographic Method for Quantification of Potential Organic Impurities of Elagolix Sodium in Tablet Dosage Form with Identification of Major Degradation Products
Authors: Desai Pritesh , Prajapati Rohit , Chokshi Avani
Published: January 2023

Background

Elagolix is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) modulator and used for pain relief from endometriosis.

Objective

The present research was performed to develop and validate a simple, novel, fast, sensitive, and cost-effective LC–MS-compatible chromatographic method for quantification of all prominent organic impurities of elagolix sodium in tablet formulation with identification of major degradation products.

Methods

The optimum separation of the organic impurities of elagolix sodium was achieved on an ACE C18-PFP (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) column by employing pH 5.6 acetate buffer–acetonitrile (95 + 5, by volume) as mobile phase A, and acetonitrile–methanol (90 + 10, by volume) as mobile phase B. UV detection of the drug and impurities was carried out at 210 nm. A forced degradation study was carried out by employing acid, alkali, oxidative, thermal, and photolytic stress conditions on elagolix sodium drug substance and its drug product. The major degradation products observed during the stress study were identified by using mass spectrometry.

Results

Elagolix sodium and its prominent organic impurities were resolved in the developed method through a gradient elution program of 46 min at a flow rate of 1.3 mL/min. Significant degradation was observed during alkali hydrolysis and oxidative stress conditions with a mass balance of more than 97.0%. The method was validated in line with present International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) Q2(R1) guidelines.

Conclusion

The forced degradation study suggested that the developed method is specific and stability-indicating and can be used for related substance analysis of elagolix drug substance and its dosage forms.

Highlights

This is the first research paper which describes a simple and sensitive (LOD 0.08 µg/mL) HPLC method for quantification of all probable impurities of elagolix in tablet dosage forms. The noticeable feature of the developed method is resolution of impurities of similar structures in a short time using routine solvents which are easily available in the QC laboratory.
Qualitative Confirmation of 94 New Psychoactive Substances and Metabolites in Urine Using Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Goh Evelyn Mei Ling , Ng Xue Qin , Yong Ching Yee , Hamzah Asimah , Moy Hooi Yan
Published: January 2023

Numerous methods and techniques have been published for the identification of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and their metabolites in urine. However, there lacks a holistic approach to analyze different groups of NPS and their metabolites with decision points for reporting their use. In this study, data-dependent acquisition workflow using liquid chromatography--quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was developed and validated for the identification of a total of 94 NPS and metabolites in urine using the established decision points. The limit of identification for all analytes was determined at 25% below their respective decision points. The method was demonstrated to be accurate and precise at their respective decision points with extraction recoveries and ion suppression/enhancement ranging from 51.0% to 103.5% and −81.6% to 159.1%, respectively. There was no observed carryover up to 200 ng/mL for all analytes and no interferences from urine matrixes, internal standards and other common drugs of abuse. The extracted drug analytes were stable at 4 and 15°C for up to 3 days. The validated method was successfully evaluated and applied in the testing of urine samples from NPS users. In conclusion, this validated method can analyze a wide range of NPS and their metabolites with the use of decision points for consistency in reporting.
Leadership rotations and the convergence of subnational economic policies in China: evidence from provincial government work reports
Authors: Lu Jiaxuan
Published: January 2023

This article examines how China’s subnational leadership rotations have affected local governments’ policy choices. Utilizing the annual government work reports that outline provincial policy priorities, I find that shuffled leaders choose similar economic policies across different provinces, and this translates into similarities in several policy outcomes. I then show that such policy isomorphism has been driven mainly by convergence in which topics these reports cover, rather than by convergence in how the provincial leaders discuss a given policy issue. However, according to the event study estimates, this economic policy similarity may disappear soon after the shuffled leader leaves office, thus implying that the policy convergence might be transitory. One plausible explanation for these findings is that leadership rotations often indicate that the central government favors the policies implemented by these shuffled leaders, so they tend to replicate some of these policies after moving to the destination province. (JEL H11, H70)
Effect of different dry matter content on fermentation characteristics and nutritional quality of Napier grass silage with novel lactic acid bacteria strains
Authors: Li Haiping , Ran Qifan , Jia Zhifeng , Shuai Yang , Zhou Qingping , Guan Hao
Published: January 2023

To investigate the characteristics of different LAB strains isolated from subtropics and their effects on Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) silage with two dry matter (DM) levels, sugar fermentation pattern, and growth profiles of three screened lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains [Pediococcus pentosaceus (PP04), Weissella cibaria (WC10), and Lactobacillus plantarum (LP694)] were characterized, and then used either individually or in combination at 1.0 × 106 cfu g−1 fresh weight to inoculate grass having 15% or 25% DM. Treatments were applied: (1) no inoculant (control); (2) PP04; (3) WC10; (4) LP694; (5) M-1 (PP04: WC10 = 2:1); (6) M-2 (PP04: LP694 = 1:2); (7) M-3 (WC10: LP694 = 2:1); (8) M-4 (PP04: WC10: LP694 = 2:1:1). The results showed that all inoculations increased LAB, DM recovery, and lactic acid (LA) concentration, while decreasing pH, the ammonia nitrogen/total nitrogen (NH3-N/TN), and butyric acid (BA) concentration compared to control group in both DM. However, the effect of inoculations was very limited at 15% DM. Silages with inoculants achieved higher silage quality at 25% DM than 15% DM. The different LAB inoculants result in significant differences in silage quality, while W. cibaria decreased the pH and inhibited the growth of undesirable bacteria and those characteristics were not affected by the DM content.
Two cases of systemic lupus erythematosus after administration of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccine
Authors: Sakai Mayu , Takao Ken , Mizuno Masami , Ando Hironori , Kawashima Yui , Kato Takehiro , Kubota Saki , Hirose Tokuyuki , Hirota Takuo , Horikawa Yukio , Yabe Daisuke
Published: January 2023

Although there is a great demand for increased coronavirus disease 2019vaccination worldwide, rare side effects of the vaccines in susceptible individuals are attracting attention. We recently treated two patients who developed systemic lupus erythematosus after administration of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna. While causal relationships between vaccination and adverse events are difficult to discern due to both confounding and masking factors, our findings suggest that attention to possible adjuvant-related autoimmune diseases in certain individuals receiving severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccines is appropriate.
Effects of lemon–tomato juice consumption on crystal formation in the urine of patients with calcium oxalate stones: A randomized crossover clinical trial
Authors: Gopala Sathish K. , Joe Jim , Chandran Jithesh
Published: January 2023

Background

Dietary supplementation with citrate-containing juices may serve as an effective alternative to potassium citrate therapy for preventing calcium oxalate stone recurrence. This study was performed to evaluate whether consumption of lemon–tomato juice can decrease the tendency for stone formation in the urine of calcium oxalate stone formers.

Materials and methods

The study was conducted as a prospective interventional randomized crossover clinical trial with a repeated-measures design. Twenty-two patients with calcium oxalate stones and no metabolic abnormalities in the urine treated with lithotripsy at a tertiary care center from August 2017 to July 2018 were recruited. After a 14-hour overnight fasting, urine samples were collected after the patients consumed either milk only or milk and lemon–tomato juice. Their urine was tested for multiple parameters, including urine pH, specific gravity, calcium–creatinine ratio, and supersaturation with sodium oxalate, followed by optical density measurement via spectrophotometry.

Results

There were no significant differences in the background characteristics between the 2 groups. The optical density of the urine samples obtained after consumption of milk only was significantly higher than that after consumption of milk and lemon–tomato juice (mean = 0.131 for milk only vs. 0.053 for milk and lemon–tomato juice, p < 0.001). The urine calcium–creatinine ratio was similar between the groups (mean = 0.141 for milk only vs. 0.076 for milk and lemon–tomato juice, p = 0.019).

Conclusions

The addition of lemon–tomato juice as a source of citrate in the diet significantly decreases the established risk factors for calcium oxalate stone formation in patients. This study was prospectively registered at CTRI under number CTRI/2017/04/008312 on April 7, 2017.
Psychological Distress and COVID-19
Authors: Delassalle Nancy , Cavaciuti Mary
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a serious impact on the psychological well-being of frontline health care workers. A variety of interventions have been offered to health care workers in their workplace that has them questioning which intervention would be most beneficial. The purpose of this review is to determine what evidence-based interventions would have an impact on alleviating COVID-19-related psychological distress.

Methods

A search was conducted from multiple databases, including Pubmed, CINAHL, Joanna Briggs, and Cochrane, using the PRISMA framework. The search included COVID-19 as well as previous pandemics. Critical appraisal and synthesis of the 16 relevant sources of evidence were completed.

Results

Based on the current evidence, one cannot conclude that any specific intervention is effective for pandemic-relate distress.

Conclusion

The development, implementation, and scientific evaluation of evidence-based interventions to address the immediate, as well as the long-term, psychological effects of COVID-19 on the mental well-being of health care workers, are needed.
Association of Symptoms and Mode of Transportation to Emergency Department in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Davis Leslie L. , McCoy Thomas P. , Riegel Barbara , McKinley Sharon , Doering Lynn V. , Moser Debra K.
Published: January 2023

Background

Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with symptoms matching their expectations of a heart attack are more likely to use emergency medical services (EMS) than not.

Objective

To determine whether presenting symptom clusters are associated with EMS use in ACS patients and if EMS use or symptom clusters are associated with prehospital delay.

Methods

This secondary analysis used data from the PROMOTION trial, a randomized clinical trial that enrolled 3522 subjects with a history of or at risk for ACS from 5 sites in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Subjects were randomized to usual care or an educational intervention to reduce prehospital delay. During the 2-year follow-up, subjects admitted for ACS were asked about symptoms, time of symptom onset, and mode of transportation to the hospital. Symptoms were grouped into classic ACS, pain symptoms, and stress symptoms clusters.

Results

Of 3522 subjects enrolled, 331 sought care for ACS during follow-up; 278 had transportation mode documented; 121 (44%) arrived via EMS. Classic ACS plus pain symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.66; P = .011), classic ACS plus stress symptoms (AOR, 2.61; P = .007), and classic ACS plus both pain and stress symptoms (AOR, 3.90; P = .012) were associated with higher odds of EMS use versus classic ACS symptoms alone. Emergency medical services use resulted in a 68.5-minute shorter median delay (P = .002) versus non-EMS use. Symptom clusters were not predictive of delay time in the adjusted model (P = .952).

Discussion

Although chest symptoms were the most prevalent symptoms for most (85%), the combination of classic ACS symptoms with other symptom clusters was associated with higher EMS use. Further research is needed to determine whether a combination of symptom clusters helps patients correctly interpret ACS symptoms to better understand how symptom clusters influence EMS use.
Thulium fiber laser in endourology: current clinical evidence
Authors: Enikeev Dmitry , Herrmann Thomas R.W. , Taratkin Mark , Azilgareeva Camilla , Borodina Anastasia , Traxer Olivier
Published: January 2023

Purpose of review

To review and summarize preclinical and clinical data on thulium fiber laser's (TFL) effectiveness (ablation rate, stone-free rate etc.) and safety in terms of laser injuries and thermal damage. This enables us to assess how the in-vitro evidence translates into the clinical real-life scenario.

Recent findings

In this analysis, a total of 21 preclinical trials have been included. Most of the trials use conventional Holmium:YAG laser as a comparator, with only a few assessing lasers with pulse modulation. Most of the trials focus on the superior ablation rate and superior dusting features of TFL, as well as comparison of retropulsion (both in conventional Ho:YAG and in a pulse modulation), with a few studies assessing safety aspects. A total of 13 trials assessed TFL, clinically, in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). The clinical data obtained suggest that lithotripsy by TFL is safe, facilitates effective stone fragmentation, and results in a reduction of retropulsion. Unfortunately, most of the clinical trials lack a direct comparator, and so no clear-cut comparisons are possible.

During in-vitro studies, TFL demonstrated to be a new energy source with a great potential for improved ablation, lower retropulsion and improved dusting. These claims are supported in contemporary clinical studies, reporting superior ablation and negligible retropulsion in both PCNL and RIRS. However, it should be noted that the data regarding clinical results compared with conventional Ho:YAG is still limited.
Characterization of Febrile Neutropenia in Pediatric Patients With Cancer Before and After Implementation of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Precautions
Authors: Kibby Danielle , Trinkman Heidi , Ray Anish , Hamby Tyler , Orr Kaci
Published: January 2023

Historically, febrile neutropenia (FN) has constituted a common but life-threatening emergency in pediatric oncology patients. As such, hygiene precautions have consistently been recommended for immunosuppressed patients. These precautions, however, were more strictly and widely adopted during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Universal mask mandates, emphasis on hand hygiene, and encouragement of social distancing were some of the many initiatives introduced in an effort to reduce transmission of the virus. There is little data available regarding whether the universal adoption of these precautions was associated with any changes in the incidence of hospitalizations for FN in pediatric oncology patients. A retrospective chart review was utilized to evaluate newly diagnosed patients admitted for FN in the first 14 months of the pandemic compared with the same time period during the previous year. During the pandemic, the admission rate for FN was 28.9%, compared with 29.1% prepandemic (P = 0.97). There was no significant difference in causative organisms when comparing time periods. In addition, the presence of a state government-enforced mask mandate was associated with an increased admission rate for FN during the pandemic period.
The Use of Ketamine Sedation for the Treatment of Nail Bed Repairs in the Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Stewart Charles , Bradley Alice , Faulkner Jordan , Jatan Anita
Published: January 2023

Aim

This study aimed to determine if sedation with ketamine is safe and effective for the treatment of nail bed injuries in the pediatric emergency department (PED).

Method

A retrospective cohort study was carried out during a 9-month period in children aged between 18 months and 15 years, presenting to PED requiring nail bed repair. We documented complications of sedation, clinical outcome of the repair both immediate and at follow-up, and parental satisfaction at 4 months. A cost analysis was also undertaken.

Results

Ten repairs were performed. There were no serious adverse events. The average satisfaction score was 9.4/10. All patients were discharged from follow-up by 3 months. There was a cost saving of approximately £1500 per case.

Conclusions

We have demonstrated nail bed injury repair facilitated by sedation with ketamine to be safe, effective, and cost efficient in the PED. This management strategy, brought to the fore during the COVID-19 pandemic, should be adopted widely in PEDs.
Peritoneal Metastases From Prostate Carcinoma Treated With 177Lu-PSMA-I&T
Authors: van Golen Larissa W. , Seijkens Tom T.P. , de Feijter Jeantine M. , Vogel Wouter
Published: January 2023

A 71-year-old man was referred for 177Lu-PSMA therapy. He had metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, progressive on several treatment lines, with current PSA 260 μg/L and deteriorating condition. CT showed ascites with omental and peritoneal metastases, all positive on PSMA PET/CT. He was treated with 4 cycles of 7.4 GBq (0.2 Ci) 177Lu-PSMA-I&T. Posttherapy scans showed good targeting of all metastases. After 4 cycles, PSA had dropped to 44 μ/L. Four months after the fourth cycle, the patients’ general condition had significantly improved, and PSA had decreased to 7.0 μg/L.
FDG PET/CT in a Case of Primary Angiosarcoma of the Kidney
Authors: Yang Jian , Dong Aisheng , Nian Shensheng , Peng Yonghan , Zuo Changjing
Published: January 2023

Primary angiosarcoma of the kidney is a rare aggressive malignancy. We describe MRI and FDG PET/CT findings in a case of primary renal angiosarcoma with hepatic, pulmonary, and bony metastases. The large primary tumor showed extensive necrosis and increased FDG uptake in the nonnecrotic components. Multiple metastatic lesions in the liver, lung, and bones were detected by FDG PET/CT. Most of the hepatic metastases seen on MRI were missed on FDG PET/CT due to low FDG avidity.
Biological activity of Polyozellus multiplex
extracts and physicochemical and sensory quality characteristics of
yanggaeng with its extract powder
Authors: Jeon Dong-Ha , Lee Eun-Ho , Park Hye-Jin , Cho Gi-Un , Kim Myung-Uk , Lee Seung-Yeol , Kim Byong-Oh , Cho Young-Je
Published: January 2023

Total phenol content (TPC) of Polyozellus multiplex was the
highest at 97.22±0.91 mg/g when extracted with 70% ethanol. ABTS
radical cation decolorization of both water and 70% ethanol extract
samples was greater than 95.00%. The TBARS inhibition activity of
P. multiplex extracted with 70% ethanol was higher
than that of water extract samples and anti-oxidation activity was identified as
80% or more at 50-200 μg/mL TPC concentration.
The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of P.
multiplex showed above 85.0% in both water and 70%
ethanol extracts at 150 μg/mL phenolics. Hyaluronidase
inhibitory activity was 46.28% and 27.52% in the water and
70% ethanol extracts at 200 μg/mL TPC
concentration, respectively. The white and red yanggaeng color
values of L, a, and b were all changed with the added extracted powder.
Rheological analysis of hardness, springiness, and chewiness, demonstrated
decreases as the extracted powder content increased. However, as the added
extracted powder increased, cohesiveness was not affected. As a result of the
sensory test, it was determined that for white and red
yanggaeng, the addition of 0.5% (white) and
1.0% or less (red) of the extracted powder is appropriate, respectively.
Considering the intrinsic color of P. multiplex powder
extracts, it is thought that it may be desirable to manufacture it based on red
yanggaeng. Therefore, it was thought that can be expected
biological activities of yanggaeng prepared with P.
multiplex extracted powder.
No compliment for complement: Kidney biopsies of patients with malignant nephrosclerosis show no complement activation
Authors: Alba Schmidt Elisa M. , Tomas Nicola , Huber Tobias , Wiech Thorsten , Schmidt Tilman , Wenzel Ulrich Otto
Published: January 2023

The complement system represents an ancient part of innate immunity and is comprised of multiple serum proteins. In several pathological conditions, including atypical hemolytic syndrome (aHUS), complement activation is contributing to disease progression. Therefore, pharmacological targeting of complement is a viable therapeutic strategy in this population.

Recent data suggest complement activation in patients suffering from malignant hypertension and stenosing arteriosclerosis also called malignant nephrosclerosis (MNS). Since MNS and aHUS also share histopathological similarities therapeutic complement inhibition became a discussion in MNS.

To eliminate the pitfall of confusing complement trapping with activation in the kidney we used the proximity ligation assay to detect, visualize and quantify assembled complement convertases of the different pathways in renal tissue diagnosed with MNS or aHUS. We compared them to a control group of patients presenting with thin basement membrane syndrome (TBMD). Activation of the alternative and the classical pathways were examined by glomerular and vascular quantification of C3b/Bb and C4b/C2b, respectively.

We found an overactivation of the alternative pathway only in patients suffering from aHUS, while complement activation was not altered in MNS when compared with TBMD. Thus our results cannot contribute to the hypothesis that complement inhibition may be an efficient therapeutic strategy for patients presenting end-organ damage due to stenosing arteriosclerosis. The use of complement inhibition in these patients cannot be recommended.
Development of a new bioinspired peptide with fibroblast relaxation proprieties for cosmetics applications
Authors: Mortari Márcia Renata , Silva Ramalho João Daivison , Camargo Nichollas Serafim , Ferreira Guilherme Alves , Andrade Sheila Siqueira , Figueiró Longo João Paulo
Published: January 2023

The cosmetic field is driven by the development of new inputs and raw materials that are used to the development innovative products for consumers. Among the different sub-areas in cosmetology, skin care is the biggest area, with almost fifty percent of the market, and probably the most innovative of them. Thus, there is a complex value chain organized to develop and produce innovative inputs to supply the demands of the market. Within this context, different basic scientific areas, such as biochemistry and biotechnology, have been a source of inspiration for new active ingredients. In the present article, we will present the pre-clinical and clinical trials involved in the development of a new innovative biomimetic peptide derived from natural wasp venoms content. This new peptide sequence, here named WASP-PEP was designed based on natural peptide templates with some strategic amino acid modifications to increase the molecule’s effectiveness. As the main results, we observed that the WASP-PEP is a biocompatible and dermatology tolerate compound, and the peptide can promote some relaxation effects in dermal fibroblasts. This relaxation effect is compatible with a kind of regulated and cumulative botox-like effect. Notablyr, this relaxation effect was also observed in the clinical trial, when volunteer subjects reported that their facial skin was flatter after the use of the WASP-PEP product for one month.

Graphical Abstract
Multi-omics Comparison among Populations of Three Plant Sources of Amomi Fructus
Authors: Chen Xinlian , Sun Shichao , Han Xiaoxu , Li Cheng , Nie Bao , Hou Zhuangwei , Ji Jiaojiao , Han Xiaoyu , Zhang Lixia , Yue Jianjun , Yang Depo , Wang Li
Published: January 2023

Amomi Fructus (Sharen, AF) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) from three source species (or subspecies) includingWurfbainia villosavar.villosa(WVV),W. villosavar.xanthioides(WVX) orW. longiligularis(WL). Among them, WVV has been transplanted from its top-geoherb region Guangdong to its current main production area Yunnan for more than 50 years in China. However, the genetic and transcriptomic differentiation among multiple AF source (sub)species and between the origin and transplanted populations of WVV is unknown. In our study, the observed overall higher expression of terpenoid biosynthesis genes in WVV than that of WVX supplied possible evidence for the better pharmacological effect of WVV. We also screened ten candidateborneol dehydrogenase(BDH) genes that potentially catalyzed borneol into camphor in WVV. TheBDHgenes may experience independent evolution after acquiring the ancestral copies and the followed tandem duplications might account for the abundant camphor content in WVV. Furthermore, four populations of WVV, WVX and WL are genetically differentiated and the gene flow from WVX to WVV in Yunnan contributed to the increased genetic diversity in the introduced population (WVV-JH) compared to its top-geoherb region (WVV-YC), which showed the lowest genetic diversity and might undergo genetic degradation. In addition,TPSandBDHgenes were selected among populations of multiple AF source (sub)species and between the top-geoherb and non-top-geoherb regions, which might explain the metabolite difference of these populations. Our findings provide important guidance for the conservation, genetic improvement, industrial development of the three source (sub)species, and identifying top-geoherbalism with molecular markers and proper clinical application of AF.
Co-evolution integrated deep learning framework for variants generation and fitness prediction
Authors: Tan Xiaoqin
Published: January 2023

Pandemic caused by viral protein is characterized by waves of transmission triggered by new variants replacing old ones, resulting in immune escape and threatening public health. Therefore, there is an obvious need to accurately identify the vital mutation sites and understand the complex patterns of mutation effect of viral protein. However, existing work do not explicitly modelling vital positions functioning for virus fitness, leading to large search space with money- and time-consuming search cost. Here, we propose EVPMM (evolutionary integrated viral protein mutation machine), a co-evolution profiles integrated deep learning framework for dominant variants forecasting, vital mutation sites prediction and fitness landscape depicting. It consists of a position detector to directly detect the functional positions as well as a mutant predictor to depict fitness landscape. Moreover, pairwise dependencies between residues obtained by a Markov Random Field are also incorporated to promote reasonable variant generation. We show that EVPMM significantly outperforms existing machine learning algorithms on mutation position detection, residue prediction and fitness prediction accuracies. Remarkably, there is a highly agreement between positions identified by our method with current variants of concern and provides some new mutation pattern hypothesis. The method can prioritize mutations as they emerge for public health concern.
Learning in metaverse: the immersive atelier model of the architecture studio
Authors: Sopher Hadas , Lescop Laurent
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the immersive atelier model (IAM), a pedagogical model for remote inter-university studios that promotes quality education. The IAM uses multi-user virtual environments (MUVEs) in two atelier types: A predefined MUVE and a student-shaped one. The study questions how the IAM, using MUVEs, meets the needs of remote inter-university studios. The research explores how MUVE types are used and experienced by students.

Design/methodology/approach

Forty-six students that participated in a remote studio course involving three universities were monitored through observations and a post-course questionnaire, responded to by twenty-five students.

Findings

Findings provide insights into the learners’ experience and a rich description of the teaching and learning acts that emerged while using the MUVEs types. Student-shaped MUVEs were found particularly supportive of acts associated with indirect learning and conceptualization. The study identifies subtypes of student-shaped MUVEs that support these desired educational acts.

Research limitations/implications

Findings provide encouraging insights for expanding the traditional atelier beyond its physical constraints and supporting sustainable quality education in remote inter-university studios.

Practical implications

The IAM can assist tutors in designing future virtual design studios to achieve diverse knowledge and learning progress.

Social implications

This paper fulfills an identified need to update the atelier pedagogical model to support sustainable quality education in remote inter-university studios. Based on the affordances of MUVEs, the IAM expands the traditional atelier with types of virtual ateliers to support the learners’ sense of belongingness and engagement.

Originality/value

Innovatively, the IAM simultaneously uses MUVEs as educational and design spaces that enhance learning.
Collaboration and interaction with smart mechanisms in flipped classrooms
Authors: Hwang Wu-Yuin , Nurtantyana Rio , Hariyanti Uun
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate learning behaviors deeply in flipped classrooms. In addition, it is worth considering how to help learners through recognition technology with natural language processing (NLP) when learners have question and answer (Q&A). In addition, the Internet of Things (IoT) can be utilized to make the physical learning environment more comfortable and smarter.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors developed smart learning environment (SLE) with smart mechanisms supported by recognition technology, NLP and IoT to help learners and employed scaffolding to facilitate their group discussions. This study is an explanatory research to investigate graduate learners' learning behavior when they are collaborating with group members and interacting with the environment in flipped classroom using the proposed SLE.

Findings

The results revealed that learners who collaborated more while coediting had significant learning achievement, and NLP sufficiently addressed their questions. Physical conditions of the SLE were comfortable for learners. They perceived that SLE could facilitate group discussions with scaffolding.

Practical implications

This study suggests to utilize flipped classrooms with technologies, e.g. Google Slides integration, to help learners to do more collaboration and use smart mechanisms, e.g. Q&A with NLP, to make learners more interacting during the discussion process.

Originality/value

The proposed SLE can record and analyze smartly their collaboration meaningfully with group members and interact with the environment. Accordingly, researchers found that collaboration in flipped classrooms can help their learning achievement, and it is worth being widely promoted.
You have to pay to play: housing costs and barriers to participation for student interns
Authors: Alteri Ashley
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Many low-income students are unable to participate in internship programs because they lack financial resources to pay for the cost of housing and relocating to the internship site. This paper examines the types of benefits or supports related to housing and relocation that employers are providing to paid interns.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses content analysis to examine the types of supports included in job advertisements posted on Handshake, the largest early career networking platform in the US.

Findings

During the period studied, less than 11% of internships advertised indicated that the employer was willing to provide housing or relocation support, only 107 employers across the US. Only 53 employers were willing to provide free company-sponsored housing. Internships offering support are clustered in the fields of business, engineering and research, providing almost no internships for students in other fields.

Practical implications

Given the high cost of housing, if a student does not have access to considerable financial resources, they are unlikely to participate in an internship or will be limited to a position in their commutable area. To level the playing field among all students, employers need to offer free or subsidized company-sponsored housing to student interns. While some employers do offer support, the number of students needing support far exceeds the number of internships available.

Originality/value

While there is information on what students identify as barriers, there is no accurate picture of employer supports available to mitigate these barriers. This exploratory analysis is the first to examine the benefits and supports employers are providing to paid interns.
Effects of geometrical parameters on thermohydrodynamic performance of a bearing operating with nanoparticle additive oil
Authors: Dal Abdurrahim , Sahin Mahir , Kilic Mustafa
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Bearing performance characteristics, such as stiffness and load capacity, are related to the viscosity of the fluid circulating through the gap. Nanoparticle additives in lubricant are one way to enhance of the viscosity. This study aims to investigate the effect of nanoparticle additives on the thermohydrodynamic performance of journal bearing with different bearing parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

The temperature distribution is modeled using a three-dimensional energy equation. The velocity components are calculated on the pressure distribution governed by Dowson’s equation. Moreover, the heat transfer between the journal and lubricant is modeled with Fourier heat conduction equation. On the other hand, the viscosity equation is derived for Al2O3 nanoparticles as a function of the volume ratio and the temperature. An algorithm based on the finite difference method is developed, and a serial simulation is performed for different parameters and different volume ratio of nanoparticle.

Findings

With the increase in the nanoparticle volume ratio, the maximum temperature decreases for the lower clearance values, but the addition of the nanoparticle influence on the maximum temperature reverses when the clearance grows up. The nanoparticle additives increase further the maximum temperature for higher values of L/D ratios. Moreover, the effects of the nanoparticle additives on the pressure are stronger at high eccentricity ratios for all bearing parameters.

Originality/value

This paper provides valuable design parameters for journal bearing with lubricant containing the nanoparticle additives.