bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Colour Doppler Ultrasonography and Indirect Computer Tomography Venography for the Diagnosis of Deep Venous Thrombosis in Patients with Suspected Pulmonary Thromboembolism at a Tertiary Care Centre in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Chelliah Nellaiappan , Chellathurai Amarnath , Raju Bharathi Priya , Anandaraja Pon Shankar , Muthaiyan Priya , Suresh Nischith Chennagiri SureshNischith Chennagiri
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Pulmonary Thromboembolism (PTE) and Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) are prevalent conditions with a high mortality rate and need immediate medical attention. The initial and standard imaging techniques are Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA) for the diagnosis of PTE and Colour Doppler Ultrasonography (CDUS) for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). However, there can be some issues when using these two different approaches, like the requirement for a separate area and more time. With the so-called indirect Computed Tomography Venography (CTV) approach, thrombi in the deep venous system that may cause PTE can be examined right after pulmonary CT Angiography (CTA) without the need for additional contrast agent. Aim: To determine the accuracy of indirect CTV for the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis in patients with suspected PTE. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Radiology in Government Stanley Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, India from June 2021 to May 2022. A total of 50 patients with a probable diagnosis of PTE and was established with CTA were included. All 50 patients underwent indirect CTV and CDU on the same day. For indirect CTV lower extremities between the iliac crest and the popliteal region were scanned without administration of extra contrast medium. Colour Doppler Ultrasound (CDUS) was considered as Gold standard. To find the efficacy of CTV in determining DVT the Receiver Operating Characteristics curve (ROC) was used. Results: Of the total 50 patients, who were enrolled in the study, 21 (42%) patients were females and 29 (58%) patients were males. The mean age of the study subjects was 43.5±12.1 years. Among these DVT was detected in 25/50 patients (50.0%) by Doppler Sonography, Similarly DVT was detected in 23/50 patients (46%) by CTV. The sensitivity of CTV was 76% and the specificity was 84%, Positive Predictive Value (PPV) of 82.6%, Negative Predictive Values (NPV) of 77.8%. The p-value and kappa value between CTV and CDUS was calculated as 0.0005 and 0.600, respectively. Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, a combined CTA indirect CTV method can determine the DVT with a moderate level of sensitivity and specificity
Association of Craniofacial Anthropometry and Personality with Impact of Metacognitive and Emotional Intervention among Medical Students: A Research Protocol
Authors: Srivastava Ankit , Chimurkar Vilas , Pandey Nisha Mani , Bihari Anand
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Physiognomic evaluation of the human face has been widely considered in computer-based visual applications, to know the characteristic properties of human. This had given rationality for the present study to be planned on craniofacial anthropometry and its relationship with personality traits in medical students. Aim: Evaluate the effectiveness of different craniofacial anthropometry; cephalic index, forehead width, forehead length, bizygomatic width, bigonial width, upper facial index, and facial index with the type of personality traits and impact of metacognitive and emotional interventions on personality among medical students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional interventional analytical study on Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) undergraduate students with sample size of 293 will be conducted in Jawahar Lal Nehru Medical College, DMIMS, Wardha, Maharashtra, India. The age group of samples will be 18-30 years. The expected duration of study will be August 2022 to July 2025. The data collection will be carried out for a period of one and half year (January 2023 to June 2024). The tools for data collection shall be craniofacial anthropometric measurement, Big Five Personality Test (BFPT) questionnaire, meta- cognitive awareness inventory, Emotional Intelligence self-assessment Questionnaire (EIQ), Personal information Questionnaire (PIQ). Expected results: The results will be drawn by comparing Craniofacial Anthropometric Measurement with personality traits and effect of metacognitive and emotional intervention. Conclusion: The present study will be also a torchbearer for medical teachers and psychologist and behavioural medicine to understand individual’s personality by face cueing.
Characteristics and Diversity of Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) Pneumatophores in a Deforested and Sand-Filled Forest at Eagle Island, Niger Delta Nigeria
Authors: Numbere Aroloye O. , Camilo Gerardo R.
Published: March 2023

Pneumatophores are a major channel of oxygen circulation in mangrove forest. It is hypothesized that soil condition, canopy cover and stagnant pool of water can influence pneumatophore growth rate. Pneumatophore characteristics i.e., abundance, diversity in root types, microbial and chemical composition in sand-filled mangrove forest was studied. Six plots were established within a rectangular area measuring 4152.24 m2 in a rand@om block design to investigate the effect of soil conditions on pneumatophore growth. A total of 9,586 pneumatophores were physically counted and differentiated into four types namely 1-branch, 2-branch, 3-branch, and 4-branch pneumatophores.  Soil samples were also collected, and the physico-chemistry determined in the laboratory. The ANOVA results shows that there is significant difference in the abundance of pneumatophore types (F3, 20 = 7.61, p<.001). The most abundant pneumatophore type is the one branch pneumatophore (n=4747) while the least is the four branched pneumatophores. The stagnant pool site with silty and muddy soil has the most abundant pneumatophore growth whereas plots in the seashore site with sandy soil has the least abundant pneumatophores. In contrast, the seashore site has the highest diversity (H=1.367), which means more root types (i.e., 2-, 3- and 4-branch) while the stagnant pool has the lowest diversity (H=0.956), which means more of the 1-branch type. Metal concentration was higher in the stagnant pool site while microbial count is higher in the seashore site.  The study shows that soil condition, canopy cover, stagnant pool plus tidal action influenced pneumatophore growth, which means that deforestation of mangrove trees leads to poor soil formation (i.e., sandy soil) and affect root formation in mangrove soil. Therefore, the destruction of mangrove trees should be discouraged to prevent soil degradation.
Geomorphic Impacts of Dam Removal
Authors: Meitzen Kimberly M.
Published: March 2023

Removing a dam from a river system produces a cascade of impacts that include the formation of the river channel in the upstream former reservoir and the adjustment of the downstream river channel to the change in sediment delivery eroded from the reservoir. River channel responses upstream and downstream of the dam vary relative to numerous factors, such as physiographic conditions, the size and age of the dam, the removal method, reservoir geometry, and the volume and texture distribution of stored sediment. Some predictable differences occur relative to small and large dam removals and methods of dam removal. Dam removals can result in negative consequences, but the restoration of functional physical processes related to sediment erosion, transport, and deposition indicative of more natural, nondisrupted conditions mostly prevail. Interest in dam removal projects and pre‐ and post‐removal river‐system monitoring is a growing field in geomorphology.
Uberization
Authors: Camară Gabriel
Published: March 2023

Uberization is a dimension of the sharing economy where organizations bring services to individuals through platforms or digital applications. Urban mobility (e.g., Uber, Lyft), accommodation (AirBnB), and meal delivery (Glovo) are the most relevant sectors in which uberization takes place. Service providers are usually not employees and their work represents an additional source of income, which can be earned as their main activity, or through a multi‐activity framework. This new model allows service providers to have a small number of employees, avoid large asset investments, and can circumvent tax obligations, thus creating a controversial competitive framework.
Charge Regulation on Hybrid Nanosheet Stereoassembly via Interfacial PO Coupling Enables Efficient Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Wu Kaili , Wang Xin , Wang Wenqing , Luo Yan , Cao Wei , Cao Yiyao , Xie Haijiao , Yan Yan , Lin Huijuan , Zhu Jixin , Rui Kun
Published: March 2023

Precise regulation on interfacial electronic coupling is essential to achieve efficient catalysts with tailored electrocatalytic behaviors but remains challenging. Herein, a straightforward topochemical strategy is presented to realize Co‐based heterostructured nanofiber stereoassembled with PO coupled nanosheet (CoHF/PO). By constructing well‐defined metal oxide/phosphide interface, prominent electron redistribution can be established via interfacial PO coupling, which is strongly correlated with the catalytic activities. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the rational interface engineering renders accelerated charge transfer and more importantly, optimized surface adsorption/desorption behaviors, contributing to boosted kinetics for both hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen evolution reaction. Particularly, CoHF/PO featuring promoted intrinsic activity and accessible active sites exhibits intriguing activity and stability at higher current densities in alkaline media, surpassing commercial Pt/C and Ir/C. This study is expected to demonstrate noteworthy promise of covalent coupling toward modulated electronic environment and interface chemistry for electrocatalytic applications and beyond.
Large‐Scale, Controllable Synthesis of Ultrathin Platinum Diselenide Ribbons for Efficient Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Li Zechen , Huang Meirong , Li Jing , Zhu Hongwei
Published: March 2023

2D platinum diselenide (PtSe2) exhibits exceptional layer‐dependent electrical properties and high catalytic activity for hydrogen evolution reactions, making it an ideal system for studying structure–activity correlations. However, the synthesis of high‐quality atomically thin PtSe2 materials has proven challenging. This study presents a simple chemical vapor deposition method for synthesizing high‐quality ultrathin 1T‐PtSe2 ribbons on Au foils, making it easily applicable. Theoretical and experimental results confirm that these atomically thin 1T‐PtSe2 ribbons possess abundant catalytic sites and can serve as ideal electrocatalysts. This study advances the large‐scale synthesis and potential application of ultrathin transition metal disulfides and presents a novel method for designing and synthesizing highly active ultrathin catalysts.
Unusual Surface Coagulation Activation Patterns of Crystalline and Amorphous Silicate‐Based Biominerals
Authors: Liu Chunyu , Cui Xu , Du Yunbo , Wang Xue , Kim Jua , Li Shuaijie , Zhang Liyan , Zhao Xiaoli , Zhao Limin , Tian Pengfei , Zhang Hao , Su Kun , Li Xian , Pan Haobo
Published: March 2023

Activation of coagulation cascades, especially FX and prothrombin, prevents blood loss and reduces mortality from hemorrhagic shock. Inorganic salts are efficient but cannot stop bleeding completely in hemorrhagic events, and rebleeding carries a significant mortality risk. The coagulation mechanism of biominerals has been oversimplified in the past two decades, limiting the creation of novel hemostats. Herein, at the interface, the affinity of proteins, the protease activity, fibrinolysis, hydration shell, and dynamic microenvironment are monitored at the protein level. Proteomic analysis reveals that fibrinogen and antithrombin III's affinity for kaolin's interface causes a weak thrombus and rebleeding during hemostasis. Inspiringly, amorphous bioactive glass (BG) with a transient‐dynamic ion microenvironment breaches the hydration layer barrier and selectively and slightly captures procoagulant components of kiniogen‐1, plasma kallikrein, FXII, and FXI proteins on its interface, concurrently generating a continuous biocatalytic interface to rapidly activate both intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation pathways. Thus, prothrombin complexes are successfully hydrolyzed to thrombin without platelet membrane involvement, speeding production of high‐strength clots. This study investigates how the interface of inorganic salts assists in coagulation cascades from a more comprehensive micro‐perspective that may help elucidate the clinical application issues of kaolin‐gauze and pave the way to new materials for managing hemorrhage.
Molecular Chameleon Carriers for Nucleic Acid Delivery: The Sweet Spot between Lipoplexes and Polyplexes
Authors: Thalmayr Sophie , Grau Melina , Peng Lun , Pöhmerer Jana , Wilk Ulrich , Folda Paul , Yazdi Mina , Weidinger Eric , Burghardt Tobias , Höhn Miriam , Wagner Ernst , Berger Simone
Published: March 2023

Taking advantage of effective intracellular delivery mechanisms of both cationizable lipids and polymers, highly potent double pH‐responsive nucleic acid carriers are generated by combining at least two lipo amino fatty acids (LAFs) as hydrophobic cationizable motifs with hydrophilic cationizable aminoethylene units into novel sequence‐defined molecules. The pH‐dependent tunable polarity of the LAF is successfully implemented by inserting a central tertiary amine, which disrupts the hydrophobic character once protonated, resulting in pH‐dependent structural and physical changes. This “molecular chameleon character” turns out to be advantageous for dynamic nucleic acid delivery via lipopolyplexes. By screening different topologies (blocks, bundles, T‐shapes, U‐shapes), LAF types, and LAF/aminoethylene ratios, highly potent pDNA, mRNA, and siRNA carriers are identified, which are up to several 100‐fold more efficient than previous carrier generations and characterized by very fast transfection kinetics. mRNA lipopolyplexes maintain high transfection activity in cell culture even in the presence of ≥90% serum at an ultra‐low mRNA dose of 3 picogram (≈2 nanoparticles/cell), and thus are comparable in potency to viral nanoparticles. Importantly, they show great in vivo performance with high expression levels especially in spleen, tumor, lungs, and liver upon intravenous administration of 1–3 µg luciferase‐encoding mRNA in mice.
A Novel Potassium Salt Regulated Solvation Chemistry Enabling Excellent Li‐Anode Protection in Carbonate Electrolytes
Authors: Zhang Shenghang , Zhuang Xiangchun , Du Xiaofan , Zhang Xiaohu , Li Jiedong , Xu Gaojie , Ren Zhongqin , Cui Zili , Huang Lang , Wang Shitao , Sun Fun , Qiao Lixin , Dong Shanmu , Cui Guanglei
Published: March 2023

In lithium‐metal batteries (LMBs), the compatibility of Li anode and conventional lithium hexafluorophosphate‐(LiPF6) carbonate electrolyte is poor owing to the severe parasitic reactions. Herein, to resolve this issue, a delicately designed additive of potassium perfluoropinacolatoborate (KFPB) is unprecedentedly synthesized. On the one hand, KFPB additive can regulate the solvation structure of the carbonate electrolyte, promoting the formation of Li+FPB− and K+PF6− ion pairs with lower lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy levels. On the other hand, FPB− anion possesses strong adsorption ability on Li anode. Thus, anions can preferentially adsorb and decompose on the Li‐anode surface to form a conductive and robust solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer. Only with a trace amount of KFPB additive (0.03 m) in the carbonate electrolyte, Li dendrites’ growth can be totally suppressed, and Li||Cu and Li||Li half cells exhibit excellent Li‐plating/stripping stability upon cycling. Encouragingly, KFPB‐assisted carbonate electrolyte enables high areal capacity LiCoO2||Li, LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811)||Li, and LiNi0.8Co0.05Al0.15O2 (NCA)||Li LMBs with superior cycling stability, showing its excellent universality. This work reveals the importance of designing novel additives to regulate the solvation structure of carbonate electrolytes in improving its interface compatibility with the Li anode.
Modeling and Quantifying Optimal Dynamics of Extraction of Charge Carriers in the Operation of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Mehdizadeh‐Rad Hooman , Ram Kiran Sreedhar , Setsoafia Daniel Dodzi Yao , Ompong David , Singh Jai
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a mathematical model and the relevant computer code are developed to quantify the extraction probability rate of charge carriers (EPRCC) in a perovskite solar cell of the structure: Glass/ITO/PEDOT: PSS/CH3NH3PbI3/PC60BM/Al to investigate the influence of interfaces and grain boundaries. It is found that, without passivation, the probability of an electron generated near the anode reaches to the cathode is only 35%, while by passivating the interfaces and grain boundaries, this probability increases to about 60% at maximum power point condition. Likewise, without passivation, the probability of a hole generated near the electron transport layer‐active layer interface reaches to the hole transport layer is only 15%, while by passivating the interfaces and grain boundaries, this probability increases to about 45% at maximum power point condition. The same calculation has been done at the short‐circuit current condition, and it is found that at the maximum power point condition, passivation works better for increasing the EPRCC than at the short circuit current condition. The authors have also investigated the influence of grain boundary sizes on the EPRCC, and the results show that the EPRCC is almost grain boundary size independent.
Nanoscale Porosity of High Surface Area Gadolinium Oxide Nanofoam Obtained With Combustion Synthesis
Authors: de Boer Roos M. , Chen Xiaodan , Cvejn Daniel , Peterek Dědková Kateřina , van Huis Marijn A. , Mendes Rafael G.
Published: March 2023

Nanoscale gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) is a promising nanomaterial with unique physicochemical properties that finds various applications ranging from biomedicine to catalysis. The preparation of highly porous Gd2O3 nanofoam greatly increases its surface area thereby boosting its potential for functional use in applications such as water purification processes and in catalytic applications. By using the combustion synthesis method, a strong exothermic redox reaction between gadolinium nitrate hexahydrate and glycine causes the formation of crystalline nanoporous Gd2O3. In this study, the synthesis of Gd2O3 nanofoam is achieved with combustion synthesis at large scale (grams). Its nanoscale porosity is investigated by nitrogen physisorption and its nanoscale 3D structure by electron tomography, and the formation process is investigated as well by means of in situ heating inside the transmission electron microscope. The bulk nanofoam product is highly crystalline and porous with a surface area of 67 m2 g−1 as measured by physisorption, in good agreement with the electron tomographic 3D reconstructions showing an intricate interconnected pore network with pore sizes varying from 2 to 3 nm to tens of nanometers. In situ heating experiments point to many possibilities for tuning the porosity of the Gd2O3 nanofoam by varying the experimental synthesis conditions.
Site‐Selective Decarboxylative Direct Formylation of Nitrogen Heterocycles (Azaindoles, Indoles, Pyrroles) and Anilines Utilizing Glyoxylic Acid
Authors: Laha Joydev K. , Hunjan Mandeep Kaur , Maity Tapas , Hazra Amitava
Published: March 2023

A new method for formylation of nitrogen heterocycles overcoming the limitations of classical approaches using a cheap feedstock formylating agent especially under mild and neutral conditions is the subject of this current investigation. This work describes direct formylation of nitrogen heterocycles (azaindoles, indoles, pyrroles) and anilines using glyoxylic acid as the formyl source and K2S2O8 as the exclusive reagent. The key features include a general method for both C‐ and N‐formylation under neutral and mild reaction conditions. The application of the method is further demonstrated in the tandem synthesis of nitrogen heterocycles, pharmaceuticals, and a natural product. Unlike aroylation with arylglyoxylic acids, a previously unknown pathway for the direct formylation with glyoxylic acid in the presence of K2S2O8 is now unveiled.

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I2‐Catalyzed/Mediated C−S and C−I Bond Formation: Solvent‐ and Metal‐Free Approach for the Synthesis of β‐Keto Sulfones and Branched Sulfones
Authors: Tyagi Aparna , Taneja Neha , Khan Jabir , Kumar Hazra Chinmoy
Published: March 2023

Herein, we report a solvent‐ and transition‐metal‐free, iodine‐catalyzed formation of C−S (sulfone) bonds for the synthesis of β‐keto sulfones using readily accessible methyl ketones and sulfonyl hydrazides. This study also features the α‐functionalization of β‐keto sulfones to synthesize β‐keto thiosulfones and α‐iodo‐β‐keto sulfones via iodine‐catalyzed carbon‐sulfide (C−S) bond formation under solvent‐free conditions and iodine‐mediated C−I bond formation under aqueous conditions, respectively. The analytical studies and control experiments allow insights into a free‐radical coupling strategy. Overall, the presented protocol is operationally simple and scalable, has a broad range of functional group tolerance, and provides access to three functionalized organic scaffolds.

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Self‐Driven Prenucleation‐Induced Perovskite Crystallization Enables Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Yao , Li Lingcong , Wu Zhujie , Zhang Ruike , Hong Jin , Zhang Jianxin , Rao Huashang , Pan Zhenxiao , Zhong Xinhua
Published: March 2023

Perovskite film with high crystal quality is fundamental to achieving high‐performance solar cells. A fast nucleation process is crucial to improving the crystallization quality. Here, we propose a self‐driven prenucleation strategy to achieve fast nucleation. This is realized through rational solvent design. The key characteristics of different solvents are systematically evaluated. Among them, formamide, with ultra‐high dielectric constant, low Gutman donor number, and a high boiling point, is selected as the co‐solvent. These unique characteristics render formamide a double‐face solvent that is a good solvent for formamidinium iodide (FAI) and CsI while a poor solvent for PbI2. As a result, formamide induces the self‐driven prenucleation of PbI2‐DMSO seeding crystals and accelerates the nucleation, improving the crystalline quality of perovskite film. The efficiency of the hole transport layer‐free carbon‐based perovskite solar cells is boosted beyond 19 % for the first time.
Metal‐Free Arylation of Benzothiophenes at C4 by Activation as their Benzothiophene S‐Oxides
Authors: Bisht Ranjana , Popescu Mihai V. , He Zhen , Ibrahim Ameer M. , Crisenza Giacomo E. M. , Paton Robert S. , Procter David J.
Published: March 2023

Benzothiophenes, activated by oxidation to the corresponding S‐oxides, undergo C−H/C−H‐type coupling with phenols to give C4 arylation products. While an electron‐withdrawing group at C3 of the benzothiophene is important, the process operates without a directing group and a metal catalyst, thus rendering it compatible with sensitive functionalities—e.g. halides and formyl groups. Quantum chemical calculations suggest a formal stepwise mechanism involving heterolytic cleavage of an aryloxysulfur species to give a π‐complex of the corresponding benzothiophene and a phenoxonium cation. Subsequent addition of the phenoxonium cation to the C4 position of the benzothiophene is favored over the addition to C3; Fukui functions predict that the major regioisomer is formed at the more electron‐rich position between C3 and C4. Varied selective manipulation of the benzothiophene products showcase the synthetic utility of the metal‐free arylation process.
Enhanced oral bioavailability of capsaicin‐loaded microencapsulation complex via electrospray technology: Preparation, in vitro and in vivo evaluation
Authors: Zhu Yuan , Li Shuang , Wang Haiqiao , Adu‐Frimpong Michael , Xue Yuanyuan , Gu Zhengqing , Yu Jiangnan , Xu Ximing
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this work was to fabricate the microencapsulation of capsaicin using electrospray technology and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) K30 as a carrier. The morphological characteristics of capsaicin‐PVP electrosprayed microencapsulation complex under different processing parameters were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), while the best process was determined, wherein it comprised of 10 KV (voltage), 0.8 ml·h−1 (solution flow rate), 0.9 mm (the inner diameter of the needle), and 10 cm (receiving distance). The X‐ray diffraction results of the electrosprayed complex showed that capsaicin was present in the carrier in an amorphous form. The drug release properties of capsaicin powder and electrosprayed complex in different media were investigated. The results showed that in vitro release rates of the capsaicin complex in different media were much higher than that of capsaicin powder, with correspondingly improved bioavailability, defined by intravenous and oral dosing in rats in vivo, for the electrosprayed complex compared to that of capsacin powder. The dose absorbed of the electrosprayed complex was 2.2‐fold that of the capsaicin powder. In short, electrospray technology can be used to prepare capsaicin‐loaded electrosprayed microencapsulation complex. This technique can improve the solubility and bioavailability of capsaicin, and provide a new idea for the solubilization of other insoluble drugs.
Analysis of global DNA methylation changes in human keratinocytes immediately following exposure to a 900 MHz radiofrequency field
Authors: Cantu Jody C. , Butterworth Joseph W. , Peralta Xomalin G. , Payne Jason A. , Echchgadda Ibtissam
Published: March 2023

The increasing use of nonionizing radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF‐EMFs) in a wide range of technologies necessitates studies to further understanding of biological effects from exposures to such forms of electromagnetic fields. While previous studies have described mechanisms for cellular changes occurring following exposure to low‐intensity RF‐EMFs, the role of molecular epigenetics has not been thoroughly investigated. Specifically unresolved is the effect of RF‐EMFs on deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation, which is a powerful epigenetic process, used by cells to regulate gene expression. DNA methylation is dynamic and can be rapidly triggered in response to external stimuli such as exposure to RF‐EMFs. In the present study, we performed a global analysis of DNA methylation patterns in human keratinocytes exposed to 900 MHz RF‐EMFs for 1 h at a low dose rate (estimated mean specific absorption rate (SAR) < 10 mW/kg). We used a custom system to allow stable exposure of cell cultures to RF‐EMFs under biologically relevant conditions (37 °C, 5% CO2, 95% humidity). We performed whole genome bisulfite sequencing directly following RF‐EMF exposure to examine the immediate changes in DNA methylation patterns and identify early differentially methylated genes in RF‐EMF‐exposed keratinocytes. By correlating global gene expression to whole genome bisulfite sequencing, we identified six common targets that were both differentially methylated and differentially expressed in response to RF‐EMF exposure. The results highlight a potential epigenetic role in the cellular response to RF‐EMFs. Particularly, the six identified targets may potentially be developed as epigenetic biomarkers for immediate responses to RF‐EMF exposure. Bioelectromagnetics. 1–13, © 2023 Bioelectromagnetics Society. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Resveratrol activation of SIRT1/MFN2 can improve mitochondria function, alleviating doxorubicin‐induced myocardial injury
Authors: Zhang Qingling , Zhang Yunpeng , Xie Bingxin , Liu Daiqi , Wang Yueying , Zhou Zandong , Zhang Yue , King Emma , Tse Gary , Liu Tong
Published: March 2023

Background

Doxorubicin is a widely used cytotoxic chemotherapy agent for treating different malignancies. However, its use is associated with dose‐dependent cardiotoxicity, causing irreversible myocardial damage and significantly reducing the patient's quality of life and survival. In this study, an animal model of doxorubicin‐induced cardiomyopathy was used to investigate the pathogenesis of doxorubicin‐induced myocardial injury. This study also investigated a possible treatment strategy for alleviating myocardial injury through resveratrol therapy in vitro.

Methods

Adult male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a control group and a doxorubicin group. Body weight, echocardiography, surface electrocardiogram, and myocardial histomorphology were measured. The mechanisms of doxorubicin cardiotoxicity in H9c2 cell lines were explored by comparing three groups (phosphate‐buffered saline, doxorubicin, and doxorubicin with resveratrol).

Results

Compared to the control group, the doxorubicin group showed a lower body weight and higher systolic arterial pressure, associated with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening, prolonged PR interval, and QT interval. These abnormalities were associated with vacuolation and increased disorder in the mitochondria of cardiomyocytes, increased protein expression levels of α‐smooth muscle actin and caspase 3, and reduced protein expression levels of Mitofusin2 (MFN2) and Sirtuin1 (SIRT1). Compared to the doxorubicin group, doxorubicin + resveratrol treatment reduced caspase 3 and manganese superoxide dismutase, and increased MFN2 and SIRT1 expression levels.

Conclusion

Doxorubicin toxicity leads to abnormal mitochondrial morphology and dysfunction in cardiomyocytes and induces apoptosis by interfering with mitochondrial fusion. Resveratrol ameliorates doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity by activating SIRT1/MFN2 to improve mitochondria function.
Early survival for patients newly diagnosed with cancer during COVID‐19 in Ontario, Canada: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Fu Rui , Sutradhar Rinku , Li Qing , Kamalraj Pabiththa , Dare Anna , Hanna Timothy P. , Chan Kelvin K. W. , Irish Jonathan C. , Coburn Natalie , Hallet Julie , Singh Simron , Parmar Ambica , Earle Craig C. , Lapointe‐Shaw Lauren , Krzyzanowska Monika K. , Louie Alexander V. , Mahar Alyson , Urbach David R. , McIsaac Daniel I. , Enepekides Danny , Gomez David , Look Hong Nicole J. , Tinmouth Jill , Eskander Antoine
Published: March 2023

Background

Little is known about the association between the COVID‐19 pandemic and early survival among newly diagnosed cancer patients.

Methods

This retrospective population‐based cohort study used linked administrative datasets from Ontario, Canada. Adults (≥18 years) who received a cancer diagnosis between March 15 and December 31, 2020, were included in a pandemic cohort, while those diagnosed during the same dates in 2018/2019 were included in a pre‐pandemic cohort. All patients were followed for one full year after the date of diagnosis. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess survival in relation to the pandemic, patient characteristics at diagnosis, and the modality of first cancer treatment as a time‐varying covariate. Interaction terms were explored to measure the pandemic association with survival for each cancer type.

Results

Among 179,746 patients, 53,387 (29.7%) were in the pandemic cohort and 37,741 (21.0%) died over the first post‐diagnosis year. No association between the pandemic and survival was found when adjusting for patient characteristics at diagnosis (HR 0.99 [95% CI 0.96–1.01]), while marginally better survival was found for the pandemic cohort when the modality of treatment was additionally considered (HR 0.97 [95% CI 0.95–0.99]). When examining each cancer type, only a new melanoma diagnosis was associated with a worse survival in the pandemic cohort (HR 1.25 [95% CI 1.05–1.49]).

Conclusions

Among patients able to receive a cancer diagnosis during the pandemic, one‐year overall survival was not different than those diagnosed in the previous 2 years. This study highlights the complex nature of the COVID‐19 pandemic impact on cancer care.
Real‐world data on the efficacy and safety of immune‐checkpoint inhibitors in elderly patients with non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Morinaga Daisuke , Asahina Hajime , Ito Shotaro , Honjo Osamu , Tanaka Hisashi , Honda Ryoichi , Yokouchi Hiroshi , Nakamura Keiichi , Takamura Kei , Hommura Fumihiro , Kawai Yasutaka , Ito Kenichiro , Sukoh Noriaki , Yokoo Keiki , Morita Ryo , Harada Toshiyuki , Takashina Taichi , Goda Tomohiro , Dosaka‐Akita Hirotoshi , Isobe Hiroshi ,   the Hokkaido Lung Cancer Clinical Study Group Trial
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Immune‐checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective against advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, whether the efficacy and safety of ICI treatment in elderly patients are similar to those in younger patients is unclear. This study was designed to address this question.

Methods

We enrolled patients who received ICI monotherapy in Japan between December 2015 and December 2017; those ≥75 years of age comprised the elderly group. We compared the efficacy and safety of ICI monotherapy in elderly patients with those in younger patients and explored prognostic factors in elderly patients.

Results

We enrolled 676 patients; 137 (20.3%) were assigned to the elderly group. The median age of the elderly and younger groups was 78 (range, 75–85) and 66 (range, 34–74) years. The median progression‐free survival (4.8 months vs. 3.3 months, p = 0.1589) and median overall survival (12.3 months vs. 13.0 months, p = 0.5587) were similar between the elderly and younger groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that a significantly better OS in the elderly group was associated with better responses to first‐ or second‐line ICI treatment (p = 0.011) and more immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) (p = 0.02). IrAEs that led to ICI discontinuation occurred in 34 of 137 patients (24.8%) in the elderly group, and their survival was significantly higher than that in those who did not have irAEs.

Conclusion

ICI is also effective in elderly NSCLC patients, and treatment discontinuation due to irAEs may be a good prognostic marker.
Refining the Dynamic Network of T2SS Endopilus Tip Heterocomplex Combining cw‐EPR and Nitroxide–GdIII Distance Measurements
Authors: Gerbaud Guillaume , Barbat Brice , Tribout Mathilde , Etienne Emilien , Belle Valérie , Douzi Badreddine , Voulhoux Romé , Bonucci Alessio
Published: March 2023

The type 2 secretion system (T2SS) is a bacterial nanomachine composed of an inner membrane assembly platform, an outer membrane pore and a dynamic endopilus. T2SS endopili are organized into a homo‐multimeric body formed by the major pilin capped by a heterocomplex of four minor pilins. The first model of the T2SS endopilus was recently released, even if structural dynamics insights are still required to decipher the role of each protein in the full tetrameric complex. Here, we applied continuous‐wave and pulse EPR spectroscopy using nitroxide‐gadolinium orthogonal labelling strategies to investigate the hetero‐oligomeric assembly of the minor pilins. Overall, our data are in line with the endopilus model even if they evidenced conformational flexibility and alternative orientations at local scale of specific regions of minor pilins. The integration of different labelling strategies and EPR experiments demonstrates the pertinence of this approach to investigate protein–protein interactions in such multiprotein heterocomplexes.
Herd behaviors in index futures trading: Driving factors and impact on market volatility
Authors: Wu Ming‐Hung , Hu Wan‐Ting , Weng Pei‐Shih
Published: March 2023

This study analyzes market index futures data on the Taiwan Futures Exchange to explore herd trading behaviors and their impact on the market. The study finds that herd behaviors are prevalent in all trading directions and that investor sentiment is a more direct explanation than information chasing. Herding in intraday trading increases market volatility on the same day but decreases it on the following day. Additional tests show that overnight trading has a weaker herding tendency and a less noticeable market correction on the following day, which can be attributed in part to the lower participation of retail traders in overnight sessions. The analysis using overnight trading reinforces the relevance of retail trading in explaining herd trading. Overall, the study offers new evidence and insights into herd behaviors in the derivatives market dominated by retail investors.
Fly strike in sheep: updates on the cost of control
Authors: Lihou Katie , Lovatt Fiona , Wall Richard
Published: March 2023

Background: Blowfly strike is an important seasonal problem which costs the UK sheep industry millions of pounds per year. To maximise margins, it is important that practitioners advise clients on the most cost‐effective treatment strategy for their flock.

Aim of the article: This article models the costs associated with different strategies for the management of blowfly strike on sheep farms. Farm vets should use this model to determine the most appropriate strategy for their clients.
Making the transition from friend and colleague to manager
Authors: Ballantyne Helen
Published: March 2023

This article offers a selection of tools to support new managers, breaking the topic down into three sections: preparation, implementation and evaluation. It is impossible to go into detail on all the concepts mentioned throughout the article, so instead this piece should be considered an introduction. The aim is to provide a launchpad for further exploration into various ideas and concepts that have the potential to help you transition from friend and colleague to manager.
RETRACTED: Enhanced chemotherapeutic efficacy of docetaxel in human lung cancer cell line via GLUT1 inhibitor
Authors: Bahremani Mona , Rashtchizadeh Nadereh , Sabzichi Mehdi , Vatankhah Amir Mansour , Danaiyan Sepideh , Poursistany Haniyeh , Mohammadian Jamal , Ghorbanihaghjo Amir
Published: March 2023

The dose‐dependent adverse effects of anticancer agents need new methods with lesser toxicity. The objective of the current research was to evaluate the efficacy of GLUT1 inhibitor, as an inhibitor of glucose consumption in cancer cells, in augmenting the efficiency of docetaxel with respect to cytotoxicity and apoptosis. Cell cytotoxicity was assessed by using methylthiazolyldiphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Annexin V/PI double staining was employed to evaluate apoptosis percentage. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis was accomplished to detect the expression of genes involved in the apoptosis pathway. The IC50 values for docetaxel and BAY‐876 were 3.7 ± 0.81 and 34.1 ± 3.4 nM, respectively. The severity of synergistic mutual effects of these agents on each other was calculated by synergy finder application. It showed that the percentage of apoptotic cells following co‐administration of docetaxel and BAY‐876 increased to 48.1 ± 2.8%. In comparison without GLUT1 co‐administration, the combined therapy decreased significantly the transcriptome levels of the Bcl‐2 and Ki‐67 and a remarkable increase in the level of the Bax as proapoptotic protein(p < 0.05). Co‐treatment of BAY‐876 and docetaxel depicted a synergistic effect which was calculated using the synergy finder highest single agent (HSA) method (HSA synergy score: 28.055). These findings recommend that the combination of GLUT‐1 inhibitor and docetaxel can be considered as a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of patients with lung cancer.
Ophiopogonin D attenuates the progression of murine systemic lupus erythematosus by reducing B cell numbers
Authors: Nie Yingkun , Li Chunyan , Sun Ni
Published: March 2023

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by immune abnormalities leading to multi‐organ damage. The activation of autoreactive B cell differentiation will lead to the production of pathogenic autoantibodies, contributing to the development of SLE. However, the effects of Ophiopogonin D (OP‐D) on B cell activation and autoantibody production as well as renal injury in the pathogenesis of SLE remain unclear. MRL/lpr mice, one of the most commonly used animal models of SLE, were intragastrically administered with 5 mg/kg/d OP‐D at 17 weeks of age for 3 weeks. The survival rates of mice in each group were monitored for 6 weeks until 23 weeks of age. Proteinuria and serum creatinine levels were measured. Serum levels of immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgM, and anti‐dsDNA autoantibodies were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Numbers of CD19+ B cells in the blood, spleen and bone marrow and numbers of splenic germinal center (GC) B cells were calculated by using flow cytometry. OP‐D treatment prolonged survival in MRL/lpr mice. OP‐D treatment reduced proteinuria and serum creatinine levels as well as mitigated renal pathological alternation in MRL/lpr mice. Furthermore, serum levels of IgG, IgM, and anti‐dsDNA autoantibodies were reduced by OP‐D treatment. OP‐D lessened not only CD19+ B cells in the spleen and bone marrow but also plasma cells that secreted anti‐dsDNA autoantibodies, IgG and IgM in the spleen and bone marrow. OP‐D ameliorated the progression of SLE by inhibiting the secretion of autoantibodies though reducing B cell numbers.
Integrated transcriptome, proteome and single‐cell sequencing uncover the prognostic and immunological features of colony‐stimulating factor 3 receptor in pan‐cancer
Authors: Song Liying , Jiang Feng , Tian Yu , Cao Xiaolan , Zhu Minxia , Zhang Jie , Wang Xiaoping , Deng Langmei
Published: March 2023

Background

Colony‐stimulating factor 3 receptor (CSF3R) has been demonstrated to be associated with various hematological tumors, especially chronic neutrophilic leukemia; however, the detailed roles of CSF3R in other cancers remain to be explored.

Methods

In the present study, we systematically analyzed the expression profiles of CSF3R in pan‐cancer by comprehensive bioinformatics databases, such as Tumor Immune Estimation Resource, version 2 (TIMER2.0), Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis, version 2 (GEPIA2.0), etc. GEPIA2.0 was also used to analyze the relationship between CSF3R expression and patients' survival prognosis.

Results

We found that the high expression of CSF3R was associated with a poor prognosis in the brain tumor patients, such as brain lower grade glioma and glioblastoma multiforme. In addition, we further investigated the genetic mutation and DNA methylation level of CSF3R in multiple cancers. Immune infiltration analysis showed that CSF3R expression was positively correlated with a variety of tumor‐infiltrating immune cells in most cancers. Single cell sequencing indicated that CSF3R levels were correlated with several cancer‐associated pathways, such as DNA damage, cell invasion, and stemness.

Conclusions

Taken together, the role of CSF3R in multiple cancers might reveal its potential as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for cancer patients.
Treatment outcomes of extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma
Authors: Houdek Matthew T. , Heidenreich Mark J. , Ahmed Safia K. , Allen‐Rhoades Wendy , Siontis Brittany L. , Robinson Steven I. , Petersen Ivy A. , Rose Peter S.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma (EES), is a rare soft tissue sarcoma. Treatment for EES commonly involves chemotherapy and surgical resection (ST) or less commonly combined chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy (ST + RT). The purpose of the current study was to evaluate our institutional experience treating EES.

Methods

We reviewed 36 (18 males:18 females) patients (mean age 30 years) with a nonretroperitoneal/visceral EES treated with either ST (n = 24, 67%) or ST + RT (n = 12, 33%). All patients were treated with chemotherapy, most commonly vincristine, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide/ifosfamide and etoposide (VDC/IE, n = 23, 66%) Radiotherapy was mostly delivered preoperatively (n = 9). The mean follow‐up was 8 years.

Results

The 10‐year disease specific survival for patients was 78%, with no difference in the survival between patients in the ST versus the ST + RT groups (83% vs. 71%, p = 0.86). There was no difference in the 10‐year local recurrence (91% vs. 100%, p = 0.29) or metastatic free survival (87% vs. 75%, p = 0.45) between the ST and ST + RT groups.

Conclusion

The results of the current study highlight the ability to achieve excellent local control with chemotherapy and surgery for EES. We recommend for multidisciplinary management of patients with EES, including chemotherapy and surgery, with use of radiotherapy if there is concern for a potentially close margin of resection.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy associated with isotoxic high‐dose stereotactic body radiotherapy does not increase postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy for nonmetastatic pancreatic cancer
Authors: Navez Julie , Bouchart Christelle , Mans Laura , Devos Soline , Loi Patrizia , Closset Jean , Van Laethem Jean‐Luc
Published: March 2023

Background and Objectives

The role of radiotherapy in the therapeutic sequence of nonmetastatic pancreatic cancer (PC) is controversial, including isotoxic high‐dose stereotactic body radiotherapy (iHD‐SBRT). This study aimed to compare postoperative outcome of patients with nonmetastatic PC undergoing neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) including iHD‐SBRT versus upfront pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD).

Methods

All patients undergoing PD for PC from 2017 to 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, identifying patients receiving NAT with iHD‐SBRT. Toxicity of treatments and postoperative outcome were assessed and analyzed in a propensity score‐matched population.

Results

Eighty‐nine patients underwent upfront surgery (surgery group) and 22 after NAT and iHD‐SBRT (SBRT group). No major side effects SBRT‐related were identified preoperatively. Postoperative morbidity was similar between groups. There was no postoperative death in SBRT group, and six in surgery group (p = 0.597). No difference was observed in the rates of complications related to pancreatic surgery. The postoperative hospital stay was shorter in SBRT versus surgery groups (p = 0.016). After propensity score matching, no significant difference in the postoperative morbidity was observed between groups.

Conclusions

Incorporation of iHD‐SBRT in the NAT sequence before PD for PC did not increase postoperative morbidity compared with upfront surgery. These results confirm the feasibility and safety of iHD‐SBRT for the upcoming STEREOPAC trial.
Surgical management of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
Authors: Rust Dylan J. , Kwinta Bradley D. , Geskin Larisa J. , Samie Faramarz H. , Remotti Fabrizio , Yoon Sam S.
Published: March 2023

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is an uncommon, locally aggressive cutaneous malignancy. Complete resection is the primary treatment but there is debate over the optimal method. Wide local excision was traditionally the standard of care; however, National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines now recommend Mohs micrographic surgery as the preferred approach. Medical therapy with imatinib can be used in advanced or unresectable disease. This review will discuss the current management of DFSP, focusing on optimal surgical approach.