bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of moral injury and posttraumatic stress disorder on health care utilization and suicidality in rural and urban veterans
Authors: Parry Kimber J. , Hicken Bret L. , Chen Wei , Leng Jianwei , Allen Steven , Burningham Zachary
Published: November 2022

This study explored the impact of moral injury (MI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on health care utilization, mental health complexity, and suicidality in rural and urban veterans. Analyses combined data from the Salt Lake City PTSD Clinic Intake Database and the Department of Veterans Affairs Corporate Data Warehouse. Participants (N = 1,545; Mage = 45.9 years) were predominately male (88.3%) and White (87.8%). Adjusted analyses indicated associations between a 1‐unit increase in Moral Injury Events Scale (MIES) score and increased mental health complexity, RR = 1.01, 95% CI [1.01, 1.02], p < .001; psychotropic medication utilization, RR = 1.01, 95% CI [1.01, 1.03], p < .001; VA drug class count, RR = 1.01, 95% CI [1.00, 1.01], p = .030; outpatient utilization, RR = 1.01, 95% CI [1.01, 1.02], p < .001; and mental health outpatient utilization, RR = 1.01, 95% CI [1.00, 1.03], p < .001. For the MIES x PTSD interaction, all associations remained statistically significant with similar estimated effects. However, for rural veterans, this interaction did not significantly affect utilization. Among those with PTSD, a 1‐unit MIES increase was associated with an increased risk of suicidality, OR = 1.02, 95% CI [1.01, 1.04], and psychiatric admission, OR = 1.02, 95% CI [1.00, 1.04]. Findings suggest that higher MIES scores predict increased health care utilization and mental health complexity. Further, PTSD combined with higher MIES scores may increase the risk of suicidality and psychiatric admission. Rural veterans with PTSD and higher MIES scores may require additional outreach and intervention.
The efficacy of PD‐1 inhibitors in patients with salivary gland carcinoma: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Sato Ryosuke , Kumai Takumi , Ishida Yoshiya , Yuasa Ryota , Kubota Akinobu , Wakisaka Risa , Komatsuda Hiroki , Yamaki Hidekiyo , Wada Tetsuji , Harabuchi Yasuaki
Published: November 2022

Objective

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been considered as novel therapeutic approaches for various cancers. ICIs were reportedly efficacious against rare cancers, including salivary gland carcinoma (SGC). We aimed to analyze the efficacy and safety of ICIs in patients with SGC.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the oncologic outcomes and immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) in patients with SGC treated with at least one cycle of nivolumab or pembrolizumab.

Results

Among 12 patients, there were two with a complete response (CR), two with a partial response, five with stable diseases, and three with progressive diseases. The overall response rate was 33.3%. A CR was achieved in patients with poorly differentiated carcinoma (carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma) and salivary duct carcinoma. The progression‐free survival ranged between 1 and 18 months (median, 4 months), while the overall survival ranged between 2 and 25 months (median, 13.5 months). An irAE was observed in only one patient who developed grade 3 erythema multiforme, and this patient's condition improved with withdrawal of pembrolizumab alone.

Conclusion

Programmed death‐1 blockade was an effective therapy for patients with SGC, including aggressive histologic types.
Correlations between objective and subjective outcomes after adenotonsillar surgery in children with OSA
Authors: Sjölander Isabella , Borgström Anna , Nerfeldt Pia , Fehrm Johan , Friberg Danielle
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To investigate whether the OSA‐18 questionnaire and a postoperative patient‐reported outcome measure (PROM) question correlated with polysomnography (PSG) data.

Methods

A prospective study of otherwise healthy young children with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to investigate if the obstructive apnea–hypopnea index (OAHI) before and 6–12 months after adenotonsil surgery correlated with the OSA‐18 total symptom score (TSS) and the sleep disturbance subscale (SDS), as well as a PROM question on symptom improvement with responses on a 4‐grade Likert scale.

Results

Of 201 children, 173 (86%) had complete data of OAHI and OSA‐18 pre‐ and postoperatively. The mean age was 3.2 years (SD 1.0) and the mean OAHI was 15.9 (11.3). Significant correlations between changes in the OAHI and OSA‐18 were found, both TSS (r = 0.29, p < .001) and SDS (r = 0.53, p < .001). A total of 136 (68%) patients responded to the PROM question, the majority of whose symptoms had disappeared (n = 102) or almost disappeared (n = 30). Four patients had unchanged symptoms, and none had worsening symptoms. A correlation was found between the PROM question and a change in the OAHI (r = 0.36, p < .001), as well as a change in the OSA‐18 TSS (r = 0.24, p = .006) and the SDS (r = 0.34, p < .001). The specificity of the PROM question for prediction of a postoperative OAHI < 2 was 82%, and the sensitivity was 38%.

Conclusion

Changes in the OAHI significantly correlated with changes in the OSA‐18, especially with the sleep disturbance scale, which could be an alternative for evaluation at follow‐ups.

Level of Evidence

3
Photoinduced Side‐Chain Functionalization, Grafting, Cross‐Linking, and Chain Extension by Thiol‐Epoxide Click Reaction Using Photo Base Generator
Authors: Kiliclar Huseyin Cem , Yilmaz Gorkem , Li Zhiquan , Zheng Yuanjian , Yagci Yusuf
Published: November 2022

In this work, photoinduced thiol‐epoxy click reaction for side‐chain functionalization, chain‐extension, grafting, and cross‐linking of polymers prepared by atom transfer radical polymerization by using 1,5‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐5‐ene thioxanthone acetate (Tx‐DBU) as a photo base generator (PBG) is described. Irradiation of Tx‐DBU at 365 nm leads to the generation of 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU) in neutral form as a super base. DBU is capable of abstracting protons from thiols and thus formed thiolates are excellent nucleophiles that exhibit high affinity toward electrophiles such as epoxide rings. Appropriately selected thiols are successfully used for the desired reactions. The precursors and resulting polymers are characterized using 1H‐NMR, Fourier transform infrared, gel permeation chromatography, and differential scanning calorimetry measurements. This study shows that the use PBGs can further be extended to the synthesis of various complex macromolecular structures by the described post modification processes.
Shore hardness behavior of light‐cured dental composite resin filled with TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: A. A. Meshref
Published: November 2022

In this study, the influence of light curing times, curing modes and concentrations of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the Shore hardness number of top and bottom surfaces and hardness ratio of hybrid composite resin is investigated. Hybrid composite resin and titanium dioxide nanoparticles are the materials used in this study. Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are added to hybrid composite resin. The resulting paste is placed in plastic bars and cured using a visible light curing unit for 60 s, 80 s, 100 s and 120 s from both sides. The curing modes used are gradually strong, flashing and strong modes. Hardness number of top and bottom surfaces is measured using Shore D durometer test. The results show that the curing times, curing modes and concentrations of titanium dioxide nanoparticles have influence on the Shore hardness numbers. The Shore hardness numbers at 120 s is higher than that obtained for a 60 s cure time and flashing curing mode produce dental nanocomposite resin with higher Shore hardness numbers. The Shore hardness numbers of the studied hybrid composite is increased by adding 0.5 wt.% and 0.6 wt.% of titanium dioxide nanoparticles.
Impact of additive thermal loads on the long‐term behaviour of current‐carrying bolted joints made of tinned and nickel‐plated aluminum and copper conductor materials in electrical vehicle
Authors: Poudeu F.S.D. , Beilner M. , Schlegel S.
Published: November 2022

Zur Stromübertragung innerhalb von elektrischen Komponenten (zum Beispiel in der Batterie) im Fahrzeug werden bevorzugt Stromschienen eingesetzt. Diese werden aus Gründen der Austauschbarkeit und Reparaturfähigkeit über Schraubenverbindungen gefügt. Abhängig von den Leiter‐ und den Beschichtungswerkstoffen, den Montageparametern und den Belastungsbedingungen im Betrieb altern diese stromführenden Schraubenverbindungen zeitabhängig. Dadurch erhöhen sich der Verbindungswiderstand und die Verbindungstemperatur. Wenn die anwendungsspezifische Grenztemperatur an der Kontaktstelle erreicht ist, kann die Funktion der Schraubenverbindung beeinträchtigt werden oder ein Ausfall auftreten. In diesem Beitrag werden die Einflüsse der Belastungsarten abhängig von den Leiter‐ und Beschichtungswerkstoffen und von der Montagevorspannkraft auf das Verhalten von Schraubenverbindungen untersucht und gegenüber dargestellt. Darauf aufbauend wird die dominante Belastung hergeleitet.
Effect of welding material on microstructure and properties of welded joints of bridge weathering steel Q345qDNH
Authors: Guo T. , Dong Z. , Nan X. , Liu X. , Zhang L.
Published: November 2022

The matching between the wire material and the base metal has an extremely important influence on the performance of the welded joint. In this work, the effects of two welding materials THQ440‐NQ‐II and ER50‐6 with different compositions on the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of bridge weathering steel Q345qDNH were investigated. Although the mechanical properties of the two welded joints are lower than those of the base metal, the yield strength, elongation after fracture, impact toughness at 20 °C and −40 °C of THQ440‐NQ‐II welded joints are 6.8 %, 23.5 %, 13.7 %, 18 % higher than those of ER50‐6 welds, respectively. THQ440‐NQ‐II welds are ductile fractures and quasi‐cleavage fractures at 20 °C and −40 °C, respectively; while ER50‐6 welds are quasi‐cleavage fracture and cleavage fracture at 20 °C and −40 °C, respectively, the ductile‐brittle transition temperature of ER50‐6 weld is higher than that of THQ440‐NQ‐II weld. Comparing the corrosion resistance in 3.5 % sodium chloride (NaCl) solution, THQ440‐NQ‐II weld is better than the base metal, while ER50‐6 welds are lower than the base metal. This is because the nickel, chromium, copper elements contained in the THQ440‐NQ‐II welding wire can inhibit the formation of Widmanstätten structure and upper bainite during the welding process, refine the structure, increase the content of acicular ferrite, and reduce the ductile‐brittle transition temperature of welding joint, improves the corrosion resistance of the weld.
Auctions versus posted prices in the revenue management of limited inventory
Authors: Maslov Alexander
Published: November 2022

The paper examines a monopolistic seller with a limited inventory, who can sell it by auctions or posted prices in an online market. Previous studies have investigated a seller with unlimited inventory and found that selling by auctions and posted prices is the profit‐maximizing strategy. Contrary to this finding, for limited inventory, mixing selling mechanisms is not always optimal. In particular, when the number of risk‐neutral buyers is high, listing the inventory by auctions generates the highest profit. When faced with risk‐averse buyers, selling by posted prices and auctions is the best strategy. Posted prices are almost always inferior to other listing strategies.
Optimal error estimates of two‐level iterative finite element methods for the thermally coupled incompressible MHD with different viscosities
Authors: Zhang Huifang , Zhang Tong
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we develop and design the two‐level finite element iterative methods for the stationary thermally coupled incompressible MHD equations. The considered numerical schemes are based on the classical iterations with one correction. First, under some strong uniqueness conditions, the rough solutions are obtained on the coarse mesh with the mesh size
and the Simple, Oseen, and Newton iterations, respectively. Three kinds of corrections are made by solving a linear problem on the fine mesh with mesh size
with different viscosities. Finally, under the weak uniqueness condition, the stationary thermally coupled incompressible MHD is solved by the one‐level finite element Oseen iteration on the fine mesh. The uniform stability and convergence of these two‐level iterative methods are analyzed with respect to the mesh sizes
and iterative times
. Extensive numerical results are presented to demonstrate the established theoretical findings and show the performances of these two‐level iterative schemes with different viscosities.
Recent advances in the liquid‐phase 6,7Li nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Krivdin Leonid B.
Published: November 2022

The present review is focused on experimental methods and structural applications, including computational aspects, of classical lithium liquid‐phase nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). It consists of four parts covering accordingly a brief overview, early experimental reports (papers of up to about 2015) and more recent (papers appearing in the interim of about 2015 until 2022) results, together with very few but highly prospective computational results.
Improving the ductility, toughness, and electrical conductivity of poly(lactic acid) by forming poly(lactic acid)/thermoplastic polyester elastomer blend and blend‐based nanocomposites
Authors: Jen Ting‐Ni , Behera Kartik , Chang Yen‐Hsiang , Chiu Fang‐Chyou
Published: November 2022

In this study, poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE) (70/30) blend and blend‐based nanocomposites with carbon nanotube (CNT) as a nanofiller were fabricated by conventional melt mixing. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that the blend had a biphasic morphology, and CNTs were selectively distributed in the dispersed TPEE domains in the composites. The presence of CNTs induced the agglomeration and shape modification of TPEE domains, consequently influencing the examined properties. Differential scanning calorimetry results revealed that the crystallizability of PLA was improved after blending with TPEE, and further CNT incorporation increased the crystallization temperature of TPEE during cooling. The elongation at break (EB) and notched impact strength (IS) of PLA were evidently improved in the blend and composites. In particular, the EB and IS in the composites increased by up to 290% and 43%, respectively. The electrical resistivity of neat components and the blend decreased by up to eight orders of magnitude after 3 phr CNT loading due to double percolation in TPEE domains and dispersed CNTs. A percolation threshold at ca. 1 phr CNT loading for electrical conductivity was determined. Rheological property analysis suggested the formation of a pseudo‐network structure, which was attributed to the CNTs increasing the viscosity of the TPEE domains in the composites.
A new analytic tool for assessing the impact of the US Food and Drug Administration regulatory actions
Authors: Lu Christine Y. , Hou Laura , Kolonoski Joy , Petrone Andrew B. , Zhang Fang , Corey Catherine , Huang Ting‐Ying , Bradley Marie C.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Develop and test a flexible, scalable tool using interrupted time series (ITS) analysis to assess the impact of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory actions on drug use.

Methods

We applied the tool in the Sentinel Distributed Database to assess the impact of FDA's 2010 drug safety communications (DSC) concerning the safety of long‐acting beta2‐agonists (LABA) in adult asthma patients. We evaluated changes in LABA use by measuring the initiation of LABA alone and concomitant use of LABA and asthma controller medications (ACM) after the DSCs. The tool generated ITS graphs and used segmented regression to estimate baseline slope, level change, slope change, and absolute and relative changes at up to two user‐specified time point (s) after the intervention. We tested the tool and compared our results against prior analyses that used similar measures.

Results

Initiation of LABA alone declined among asthma patients aged 18–45 years before FDA DSCs (−0.10% per quarter; 95%CI: −0.11% to −0.09%) and the downward trend continued after. Concomitant use of LABA and ACM was stable before FDA DSCs. After FDA DSCs, there was a small trend decrease of 0.006% per quarter (95% CI, −0.008% to −0.003%). We found similar results among those aged 46–64 years and patients with poorly‐controlled asthma. Our results were consistent with previous studies, confirming the performance of the new tool.

Conclusions

We developed and tested a reusable ITS tool in real‐world databases formatted to the Sentinel Common Data Model that can assess the impact of regulatory actions on drug use.
Rituximab pharmacokinetic and pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic evaluation based on a study in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: Influence of tumor size on pharmacokinetic and assessment of pharmacokinetic similarity
Authors: Svensson Robin J. , Ooi Qing Xi , Friberg Lena E. , Maharaj Narendra , Reddy Pramod Kumar , López‐Lázaro Luis , Hansson Emma
Published: November 2022

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories rituximab (DRL_RI; Dr. Reddy's Laboratories SA, Basel, Switzerland) is under development as a rituximab biosimilar. Study RI‐01‐002 (Clinical Trials Registry ‐ India/2012/11/003129), comparing DRL_RI to the reference medicinal product (RMP) MabThera® (Roche, Grenzach‐Wyhlen, Germany), demonstrated pharmacokinetic (PK) equivalence and showed comparable pharmacodynamic, efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity profiles. We used data from the same study to perform population PK and PK–pharmacodynamic analyses: first exploring possible factors influencing the PK similarity assessment between products and then performing simulations to investigate the impact of tumor size on rituximab PK. Nonlinear mixed‐effects models for PK, tumor size, tumor size–PK, and tumor response were developed independently. The final PK model included drug product as a dose‐scaling parameter and predicted a 6.75% higher dose reaching the system in RMP‐treated patients. However, when tumor size was included in the tumor size–PK model, the drug product effect was no longer observed. The model rather indicated that patients with larger tumor size have higher clearance. Further simulations confirmed that higher baseline tumor size is associated to slightly lower rituximab exposure. Tumor response, described by a continuous‐time Markov model, did not differ between drug products. Both had higher effects during the first 20 weeks of treatment. Also, the model described a subpopulation of nonresponders to treatment (42%) with faster transitions to a worse state. The different rituximab exposure initially detected between drug products (6.75%) was shown using PK/PK–pharmacodynamic analysis to be attributed to a tumor size imbalance between treatment groups. PK/PK–pharmacodynamic analyses may contribute to PK similarity assessments.
The effect of almond intake on cardiometabolic risk factors, inflammatory markers, and liver enzymes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Morvaridzadeh Mojgan , Qorbani Mostafa , Shokati Eshkiki Zahra , Estêvão M. Dulce , Mohammadi Ganjaroudi Negar , Toupchian Omid , Abdollahi Shima , Pizarro Ana Beatriz , Abu‐Zaid Ahmed , Zadro Joshua R. , Heshmati Javad , Ziaei Somayeh
Published: November 2022

Almond intake may be correlated with improvements in several cardiometabolic parameters, but its effects are controversial in the published literature, and it needs to be comprehensively summarized. We conducted a systematic search in several international electronic databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov until April 2021 to identify randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of almond consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors, inflammatory markers, and liver enzymes. Data were pooled using the random‐effects model method and presented as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Twenty‐six eligible trials were analyzed (n = 1750 participants). Almond intake significantly decreased diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), non‐high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), and very LDL (p < 0.05). The effects of almond intake on systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, C‐peptide, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma‐glutamyl transferase, C‐reactive protein (CRP), hs‐CRP (high sensitivity C‐reactive protein), interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor‐α, ICAM (Intercellular Adhesion Molecule), VCAM (Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule), homocysteine, HDL, ox‐LDL, ApoA1, ApoB, and lipoprotien‐a were not statistically significant (p > .05). The current body of evidence supports the ingestion of almonds for their beneficial lipid‐lowering and antihypertensive effects. However, the effects of almonds on antiinflammatory markers, glycemic control, and hepatic enzymes should be further evaluated via performing more extensive randomized trials.
Targeted Additive Micromodulation of Grain Size in Nanocrystalline Copper Nanostructures by Electrohydrodynamic Redox 3D Printing
Authors: Menétrey Maxence , Koch Lukas , Sologubenko Alla , Gerstl Stephan , Spolenak Ralph , Reiser Alain
Published: November 2022

The control of materials’ microstructure is both a necessity and an opportunity for micro/nanometer‐scale additive manufacturing technologies. On the one hand, optimization of purity and defect density of printed metals is a prerequisite for their application in microfabrication. On the other hand, the additive approach to materials deposition with highest spatial resolution offers unique opportunities for the fabrication of materials with complex, 3D graded composition or microstructure. As a first step toward both—optimization of properties and site‐specific tuning of microstructure—an overview of the wide range of microstructure accessed in pure copper (up to >99.9 at.%) by electrohydrodynamic redox 3D printing is presented, and on‐the‐fly modulation of grain size in copper with smallest segments ≈400 nm in length is shown. Control of microstructure and materials properties by in situ adjustment of the printing voltage is demonstrated by variation of grain size by one order of magnitude and corresponding compression strength by a factor of two. Based on transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography, it is suggested that the small grain size is a direct consequence of intermittent solvent drying at the growth interface at low printing voltages, while larger grains are enabled by the permanent presence of solvent at higher potentials.
The effect of spouses' relative education on household time allocation
Authors: Taveras Elisa
Published: November 2022

Does spouses' relative education explain their household's distribution of labor? This paper analyzes the effect of spouses' education on time allocated to housework and paid work. To address endogeneity concerns, I exploit changes in spouses' relative education due to remarriage to identify its effects on their time allocation. I find that when a husband marries a wife with a higher relative education than their previous spouse, his share of time on housework increases while his share of time on paid work decreases. In contrast, I find nonsignificant results when a wife remarries a more educated husband than her previous one. I also find that changes in the spouse's education reduce the probability of a spouse staying at home. These findings show that relative human capital plays a role in household labor distribution and motivates a more gender‐neutral division of labor within households due to a more evenly distributed time allocation.
Make‐up gas influence on the signal behavior of the Vacuum ultraviolet detector for gas chromatography
Authors: Lelevic Aleksandra , Geantet Christophe , Lorentz Chantal , Moreaud Maxime , Souchon Vincent
Published: November 2022

A vacuum ultraviolet absorbance detector features the addition of the make‐up gas whose purpose is to decrease the diffusion of analytes in the flow cell. It has been previously demonstrated that the vacuum ultraviolet detector VGA 100 is a concentration‐sensitive detector for which the signal area is inversely proportional to the total flow in the flow cell. In this work, the signal behavior in the new generation vacuum ultraviolet detector, which features changed configuration for the introduction of make‐up gas, was explored. Contrary to previous instruments, a non‐linear relationship between the detector signal area and the inverse of the total flow in the flow cell (carrier gas flow + make‐up gas flow) was observed. To explain these observations, we have investigated the behavior of the detector in combination with one‐dimensional and two‐dimensional gas chromatography. Based on the results obtained, it was concluded that in these next‐generation instruments, flow in the flow cell cannot be regarded as a simple sum of the gas chromatography column flow and the total make‐up flow. After making modifications to the estimation of the total effective flow in the flow cell, a linear relationship between the signal area and the inverse of the flow in the flow cell was recovered.
Pareto chart‐enabled screening of influential factors in designing transfersomes
Authors: Modi Chetna , Bharadia Praful
Published: November 2022

Methotrexate is the treatment of choice for rheumatoid arthritis, having significant side effects on oral administration, prompting researchers to consider transdermal administration. Transfersomes can overcome the challenges of transdermal administration of drugs because of their deformable nature, allowing for greater skin penetration than other formulations. However, due to an enormous number of product and process variables, the manufacturing of transfersomes proved a pain. The goal of the research study was to use a Plackett‐Burman design to evaluate an important product and process variables connected with the preparation of methotrexate transfersomes. The influence of six product and process variables on %entrapment efficiency and vesicle deformability was investigated and according to p‐values, and the Pareto chart, the concentration of lipid, edge activator, and methotrexate were found critical variables influencing vesicle features having positive and negative effects on variables. In the future, experimental design may be used to optimize these critical parameters for further exploration in the development of methotrexate transfersomes.
Simultaneous determination of five poppy husk alkaloids and three main components of acetaminophen‐caffeine‐aspirin tablets in hot pot broth by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Song Juan , Guo Tianrong , Wu Wenlin , Liao Mei , Xiao Quanwei , Qiao Binzong , Wan Yuping , Dai Qin , Zhou Yan
Published: November 2022

This work aimed to evaluate the usefulness of ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry for the simultaneous determination of five alkaloids and three main components of acetaminophen‐caffeine‐aspirin tablets in hot pot broth. The sample was extracted by hydrochloric acid (0.1 mol) and sodium hydroxide was used to adjust the potential of hydrogen. Then acetonitrile was used to extract the target compounds and cleaned up by one enhanced matrix removal product. Standard curves were made by adding mixing standard solutions of different concentrations. Eight isotope internal standards were used to improve the accuracy of the quantification. The linear ranges were 0.4–40.0 μg/kg for morphine, codeine, acetaminophen, caffeine, and salicylic acid, as well as 0.08–8.0 μg/kg for thebaine, papaverine, and noscapine, respectively. The eight compounds had good linearities and the detection limits of were in the range of 0.003–0.3 μg/kg. The recovery values were higher than 82% and the precision was lower than 14.7% in the experiment. A lot of actual testing of hot pot broth samples showed that the method is simple, effective, and sensitive, which is suitable for the determination and confirmation of the eight targeted compounds added to the hot pot broth.
Liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous assessment of ofloxacin and dexamethasone in ocular biofluids: Application to ocular pharmacokinetic studies
Authors: Sanap Sachin Nashik , Bisen Amol Chattrapati , Agrawal Sristi , Biswas Arpon , Mishra Anjali , Kumar Mukesh , Verma Sarvesh Kumar , Chaudhary Abhijit Deb , Bhatta Rabi Sankar
Published: November 2022

A simple, fast, and responsive liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method was established and fully validated according to the United States Food and Drug Administration guidelines for the simultaneous quantitation of ofloxacin and dexamethasone in tear fluid and partially in aqueous humor and cornea. Samples were cleaned‐ up by single‐step precipitation using methanol as an anti‐solvent. Agilent SB C18 column with 4.5 min total run time was used for chromatographic separation utilizing isocratic mode. Mass spectrometry detection was carried out by a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer in the multiple reaction monitoring modes utilizing a positive electrospray ionization. The developed method showed a wide analytical range (ofloxacin: 0.7812–200 ng/ml and dexamethasone: 1.875–240 ng/ml) with good linearity (r2 > 0.99) and acceptable accuracy and precision. It also showed excellent recoveries (>85% for analytes) and a negligible matrix effect. Finally, this method was successfully applied to determine the pharmacokinetic profile of clinically used eye drop solution of ofloxacin and dexamethasone in preclinical rabbit tear fluid, suggesting its suitability for therapeutic drug monitoring in clinical practices.
SwISS: A scalable Markov chain Monte Carlo divide‐and‐conquer strategy
Authors: Vyner Callum , Nemeth Christopher , Sherlock Chris
Published: November 2022

Divide‐and‐conquer strategies for Monte Carlo algorithms are an increasingly popular approach to making Bayesian inference scalable to large data sets. In its simplest form, the data are partitioned across multiple computing cores and a separate Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm on each core targets the associated partial posterior distribution, which we refer to as a sub‐posterior, that is, the posterior given only the data from the segment of the partition associated with that core. Divide‐and‐conquer techniques reduce computational, memory and disk bottle necks but make it difficult to recombine the sub‐posterior samples. We propose SwISS: Sub‐posteriors with Inflation, Scaling and Shifting; a new approach for recombining the sub‐posterior samples, which is simple to apply, scales to high‐dimensional parameter spaces and accurately approximates the original posterior distribution through affine transformations of the sub‐posterior samples. We prove that our transformation is asymptotically optimal across a natural set of affine transformations and illustrate the efficacy of SwISS against competing algorithms on synthetic and real‐world data sets.
Tackling the rise in canine fertility clinics
Authors: Mills Georgina
Published: November 2022

Georgina Mills discusses calls for action to tackle the growing issue of unregulated canine fertility clinics in the UK.
Join the antibiotic amnesty campaign
Authors: McGilligan Michael , Duggal Girija
Published: November 2022

BVA policy officer Michael McGilligan and BVA media officer Girija Duggal encourage vets to engage with a new campaign to reduce the misuse of antimicrobials.
Time for change: allyship in the veterinary profession
Authors: Rossi Nina
Published: November 2022

BVA media manager Nina Rossi describes how BVA worked with Animal Aspirations and other stakeholders to promote allyship during Black History Month.
Student vet nurse to practice manager – shaped by skills learnt in life and work
Authors: Mariner Claire
Published: November 2022

Although Claire Mariner has been a practice manager for less than two years, she recognises that her experiences have helped her identify how to be a supportive and understanding member of the team.
Long‐term outcome with neoadjuvant electrochemotherapy and sliding canthoplasty in a cat with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the lower and third eyelid
Authors: Ferro Livia , Rigon Niccolò , Ciccarelli Stefano , Barachetti Laura , Leo Chiara
Published: November 2022

A 10‐year‐old, female, spayed cat was referred with a lower eyelid mass lesion of the right eye. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology and histopathology revealed a locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma. The cat was treated with three sessions of neoadjuvant electrochemotherapy, which was associated with a good response. After electrochemotherapy treatment, a sliding canthoplasty was performed to reconstruct the eyelid margin. Histology of excised tissue during surgery, post‐electrochemotherapy, demonstrated a lack of neoplastic cells. The patient was still in complete remission 22 months after diagnosis. All treatments were well tolerated, with mild‐to‐moderate and self‐limiting local toxicities, allowing normal eyelid function and preservation of sight. This multi‐modal approach resulted in a long‐term local control. This case report highlights the potential benefit of electrochemotherapy in the neoadjuvant setting, enabling surgical removal and long‐term local tumour control.
Accelerated computation of the genetic algorithm for energy-efficient virtual machine placement in data centers
Authors: Ding Zhe , Tian Yu-Chu , Wang You-Gan , Zhang Wei-Zhe , Yu Zu-Guo
Published: November 2022

Energy efficiency is a critical issue in the management and operation of cloud data centers, which form the backbone of cloud computing. Virtual machine (VM) placement has a significant impact on energy-efficiency improvement for virtualized data centers. Among various methods to solve the VM-placement problem, the genetic algorithm (GA) has been well accepted for the quality of its solution. However, GA is also computationally demanding, particularly in the computation of its fitness function. This limits its application in large-scale systems or specific scenarios where a fast VM-placement solution of good quality is required. Our analysis in this paper reveals that the execution time of the standard GA is mostly consumed in the computation of its fitness function. Therefore, this paper designs a data structure extended from a previous study to reduce the complexity of the fitness computation from quadratic to linear one with respect to the input size of the VM-placement problem. Incorporating with this data structure, an alternative fitness function is proposed to reduce the number of instructions significantly, further improving the execution-time performance of GA. Experimental studies show that our approach achieves 11 times acceleration of GA computation for energy-efficient VM placement in large-scale data centers with about 1500 physical machines in size.
Combined synoptic and regional weather patterns affecting atmospheric Poaceae pollen concentrations in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Waudby Charlotte M. , Sherwood Steven C. , Osborne Nicholas J. , Beggs Paul J. , Al-Kouba Jane , Ebert Elizabeth E. , Muscatello David J.
Published: November 2022

Inhalation of grass pollen can result in acute exacerbation of asthma, prompting questions about how grass pollen reaches metropolitan areas. We establish typical atmospheric Poaceae (grass) pollen concentrations recorded at two pollen samplers within the Sydney basin in eastern Australia and analyse their correlation with each other and meteorological variables. We determine the effect of synoptic and regional airflow on Poaceae pollen transport during a period of extreme (≥ 100 grains m−3 air) concentration and characterise the meteorology. Finally, we tested the hypothesis that most Poaceae pollen captured by the pollen samplers originated from local sources. Fifteen months of daily pollen data, three days of hourly atmospheric Poaceae pollen concentrations and fifteen months of hourly meteorology from two locations within the Sydney basin were used. Weather Research Forecasting (WRF), Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) modelling and conditional bivariate probability functions (CBPF) were used to assess Poaceae pollen transport. Most Poaceae pollen collected was estimated to be from local sources under low wind speeds. Extreme daily Poaceae pollen concentrations were rare, and there was no strong evidence to support long-distance Poaceae pollen transport into the Sydney basin or across the greater Sydney metropolitan area. Daily average pollen concentrations mask sudden increases in atmospheric Poaceae pollen, which may put a significant and sudden strain on the healthcare system. Mapping of Poaceae pollen sources within Sydney and accurate prediction of pollen concentrations are the first steps to an advanced warning system necessary to pre-empt the healthcare resources needed during pollen season.
Global weak solutions to a phase-field model for motion of grain boundaries
Authors: Zhu Zixian , Guo Boling , Fang Shaomei
Published: November 2022

We employ the Galerkin method to prove the global existence of weak solutions to a phase-field model which is suitable to describe a sort of interface motion driven by configurational forces. The higher-order derivative of unknown S exists in the sense of local weak derivatives since it may be not summable over the original open domain. The existence proof is valid in the one-dimensional case.
Thermoelectric field for a coated hole of arbitrary shape in a nonlinearly coupled thermoelectric material
Authors: Wang Xu , Schiavone P.
Published: November 2022

We study the thermoelectric field for an electrically and thermally insulated coated hole of arbitrary shape embedded in an infinite nonlinearly coupled thermoelectric material subject to uniform remote electric current density and uniform remote energy flux. A conformal mapping function for the coating and matrix is introduced, which simultaneously maps the hole boundary and the coating-matrix interface onto two concentric circles in the image plane. Using analytic continuation, we derive a general solution in terms of two auxiliary functions. The general solution satisfies the insulating conditions along the hole boundary and all of the continuity conditions across the perfect coating-matrix interface. Once the two auxiliary functions have been obtained in the elementary-form, the four original analytic functions in the coating and matrix characterizing the thermoelectric fields are completely and explicitly determined. The design of a neutral coated circular hole that does not disturb the prescribed thermoelectric field in the thermoelectric matrix is achieved when the relative thickness parameter and the two mismatch parameters satisfy a simple condition. Finally, the neutrality of a coated circular thermoelectric inhomogeneity is also accomplished.
A common IGF1R gene variant predicts later life breast cancer risk in women with preeclampsia
Authors: Powell Mark , Fuller Sophia , Gunderson Erica , Benz Christopher
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Preeclampsia has been inconsistently associated with altered later life risk of cancer. This study utilizes the Nurses’ Health Study 2 (NHS2) to determine if the future risk of breast and non-breast cancers in women who experience preeclampsia is modified by carrying a protective variant of rs2016347, a functional insulin-like growth factor receptor-1 (IGF1R) single nucleotide polymorphism.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study completed within the NHS2 evaluated participants enrolled in 1989 and followed them through 2015, with a study population of 86,751 after exclusions. Cox proportional hazards models both with and without the impact of rs2016347 genotype were used to assess the risk of invasive breast cancer, hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer, and non-breast cancers.

Results

Women with preeclampsia had no change in risk of all breast, HR+ breast, or non-breast cancers when not considering genotype. However, women carrying at least one T allele of rs2016347 had a lower risk of HR+ breast cancer, HR 0.67, 95% CI: 0.47–0.97, P = 0.04, with interaction term P = 0.06. For non-breast cancers as a group, women carrying a T allele had an HR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.53–1.08, P = 0.12, with interaction term P = 0.26.

Conclusions

This retrospective cohort study found that women with preeclampsia who carry a T allele of IGF1R rs2016347 had a reduced future risk of developing HR+ breast cancer, and a reduced but not statistically significant decreased risk of non-breast cancers suggesting a possible role for the IGF-1 axis in the development of cancer in these women.
Quality assessment of cardiac magnetic resonance myocardial scar imaging prior to ventricular arrhythmia ablation
Authors: Shah Rushil , Sharma Apurva , Assis Fabrizio , De Vasconcellos Henrique Doria , Alugubelli Navya , Pandey Pallavi , Akhtar Tauseef , Gasperetti Alessio , Zhou Shijie , Halperin Henry , Zimmerman Stefan L. , Tandri Harikrishna , Kolandaivelu Aravindan
Published: November 2022

High-resolution scar characterization using late gadolinium enhancement cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (LGE-CMR) is useful for guiding ventricular arrhythmia (VA) treatment. However, imaging study quality may be degraded by breath-holding difficulties, arrhythmias, and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). We evaluated the effect of image quality on left ventricle (LV) base to apex scar interpretation in pre-VA ablation LGE-CMR. 43 consecutive patients referred for VA ablation underwent gradient-recalled-echo LGE-CMR. In ICD patients (n = 24), wide-bandwidth inversion-recovery suppressed ICD artifacts. In non-ICD patients, single-shot steady-state free-precession LGE-CMR could also be performed to reduce respiratory motion/arrhythmia artifacts. Study quality was assessed for adequate/limited scar interpretation due to cardiac/respiratory motion artifacts, ICD-related artifacts, and image contrast. 28% of non-ICD patients had studies where image quality limited scar interpretation in at least one image compared to 71% of ICD patient studies (p = 0.012). A median of five image slices had limited quality per ICD patient study, compared to 0 images per non-ICD patient study. Poorer quality in ICD patients was largely due to motion-related artifacts (54% ICD vs 6% non-ICD studies, p = 0.001) as well as ICD-related image artifacts (25% of studies). In VA ablation patients with ICDs, conventional CMR protocols frequently have image slices with limited scar interpretation, which can limit whole-heart scar assessment. Motion artifacts contribute to suboptimal image quality, particularly in ICD patients. Improved methods for motion and ICD artifact suppression may better delineate high-resolution LGE scar features of interest for guiding VA ablation.
Oral formulation of bendamustine hydrochloride for patients with advanced solid tumors; a phase 1 study
Authors: Shimizu Toshio , Nakagawa Kazuhiko , Hayashi Hidetoshi , Iwasa Tsutomu , Kawakami Hisato , Watanabe Satomi , Yamamoto Noboru , Yonemori Kan , Koyama Takafumi , Sato Jun , Tamura Kenji , Kikuchi Keiichi , Akaike Kenichiro , Takeda Shiho , Takeda Masayuki
Published: November 2022

To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended dose (RD) of orally-administered bendamustine in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors. The optimal dosing schedule, safety, pharmacokinetics, and preliminary antitumor effects were also evaluated. A multicenter, open-label trial with a standard 3 + 3 design and dose escalation by dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) was conducted. The treatment schedules were once daily for 7, 14, and 21 days every 3 weeks as one cycle. The total dose per cycle was increased from 175 to 840 mg/m2. Eighteen patients were enrolled in this study. DLT occurred in one of six patients at 75 mg/m2/day × 7 days, and one of three patients at 37.5 mg/m2/day × 14 days and 25 mg/m2/day × 21 days. However, the delayed recovery from a decrease in neutrophil or platelet count hampered the start of subsequent treatment cycles, and the trend was more prominent at 37.5 mg/m2/day × 14 days and 25 mg/m2/day × 21 days than in 75 mg/m2/day × 7 days. MTD was determined as 75 mg/m2/day × 7 days to allow acceptable hematologic recovery. The pharmacokinetics of orally-administered bendamustine were generally dose-dependent; however, the inter-individual variability is relatively large. The major adverse events were hematologic toxicities; gastrointestinal disorders were generally mild. Adverse drug reactions did not lead to the discontinuation of the drug. A partial response was observed in two of six patients (prostatic small cell carcinoma and thymic carcinoma) at 75 mg/m2/day × 7 days. The RD and optimal dosing schedule of orally-administered bendamustine was 75 mg/m2 once daily for 7 days every 3 weeks for the treatment of advanced solid tumors. (Trial registration number ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03604679. Registration date July 27, 2018).
Comparison of the efficacy of acupuncture at the TUNG’s extra points and the traditional Chinese medicine points for elderly patients with chronic low back pain in Thailand
Authors: Siriteerathitikul Poonyaphat , Wongmanakul Saengchai , Kunyalue Monticha , Khamthai Punyawee
Published: November 2022

Objective

To compare the efficacy of acupuncture at TUNG’s extra points and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) points for elderly patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) in Thailand.

Methods

A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial with 84 elderly volunteers with CLBP was designed. The patients were randomly assigned either to the group getting acupuncture at TUNG’s extra points or to the group getting acupuncture at TCM points. The treatment period was 30 min per session for seven consecutive days. Before and after treatment, the score of the numeric rating scale (NRS), the back range of motion (BROM), and the back strength were measured and compared.

Results

After treatment, both groups were found with decreased NRS scores and increased BROM (P<0.05), but with no statistical difference in their back strength in comparison with that before treatment in the same group (P>0.05). Regarding the between-group comparisons, no significant differences were found in the NRS score or BROM in the direction of forward flexion and right lateral flexion or the back strength after treatment (P>0.05). However, statistical differences were found in the BROM in directions of back extension (P<0.01) and left lateral flexion (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Acupuncture at TUNG’s extra points can decrease the low back pain NRS score and increase the back strength and the BROM in directions of forward flexion and right lateral flexion, equivalent to acupuncture at TCM points. Acupuncture at TCM points has a better effect in increasing the BROM in directions of back extension and left lateral flexion; acupuncture at TUNG’s extra points is suitable for elderly CLBP patients, and it should be supported and promoted.