bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Better Rejection‐Free Survival at Three Years in Kidney Transplant Recipients With Model‐Informed Precision Dosing of Mycophenolate Mofetil
Authors: Villeneuve Claire , Humeau Antoine , Monchaud Caroline , Labriffe Marc , Rerolle Jean‐phillipe , Couzi Lionel , Westeel Pierre‐François , Etienne Isabelle , Kamar Nassim , Büchler Mathias , Thierry Antoine , Marquet Pierre
Published: February 2024

The clinical impact of individual dose adjustment of mycophenolate mofetil is still debated, due to conflicting results from randomized clinical trials. This retrospective study aimed to compare 3‐year rejection‐free survival and adverse effects between adult kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) with or without mycophenolate mofetil model‐informed precision dosing (MIPD). MIPD is defined here as mycophenolic acid area under the curve (AUC0–12h) estimation using a limited sampling strategy, pharmacokinetic models and Bayesian estimators; dose recommendation to reach AUC0–12h = 45 mg.h/L; using a widely used online expert system. The study, nested in two multicenter prospective cohort studies, focused on patients who received a mycophenolate drug and were followed up for 1–3 years. Mycophenolate mofetil MIPD was prescribed as per local practice, on a regular basis, when deemed necessary, or not at all. The MIPD group included 341 KTRs and the control group 392. At 3 years, rejection‐free survival was respectively 91.2% and 80.6% (P < 0.001) and the cumulative incidence of rejection 5.08% vs. 12.7% per patient × year (hazard ratio = 0.49 (0.34, 0.71), P < 0.001), corresponding to a 2.5‐fold reduction. Significant association with rejection‐free survival was confirmed in patients at low or high risk of rejection (P = 0.017 and 0.013) and in patients on tacrolimus, but not on cyclosporine (P < 0.001 and 0.205). The mycophenolate mofetil MIPD group had significantly more adverse effects, but most occurred before the first AUC0–12h, suggesting some may be the reason why MIPD was ordered.
Development and Validation of the Pharmacological Statin‐Associated Muscle Symptoms Risk Stratification Score Using Electronic Health Record Data
Authors: Sun Boguang , Yew Pui Ying , Chi Chih‐Lin , Song Meijia , Loth Matt , Liang Yue , Zhang Rui , Straka Robert J.
Published: February 2024

Statin‐associated muscle symptoms (SAMS) can lead to statin nonadherence. This paper aims to develop a pharmacological SAMS risk stratification (PSAMS‐RS) score using a previously developed PSAMS phenotyping algorithm that distinguishes objective vs. nocebo SAMS using electronic health record (EHR) data. Using our PSAMS phenotyping algorithm, SAMS cases and controls were identified from Minnesota Fairview EHR, with the statin user cohort divided into derivation (January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2018) and validation (January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020) cohorts. A Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression model was applied to identify significant features for PSAMS. PSAMS‐RS scores were calculated and the clinical utility of stratifying PSAMS risk was assessed by comparing hazard ratios (HRs) between fourth vs. first score quartiles. PSAMS cases were identified in 1.9% (310/16,128) of the derivation and 1.5% (64/4,182) of the validation cohorts. Sixteen out of 38 clinical features were determined to be significant predictors for PSAMS risk. Patients within the fourth quartile of the PSAMS scores had an over sevenfold (HR: 7.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.03–12.45, derivation cohort) or sixfold (HR: 6.1, 95% CI: 2.15–17.45, validation cohort) higher hazard of developing PSAMS vs. those in their respective first quartile. The PSAMS‐RS score is a simple tool to stratify patients' risk of developing PSAMS after statin initiation which could inform clinician‐guided pre‐emptive measures to prevent PSAMS‐related statin nonadherence.
Green Additives in Chitosan‐based Bioplastic Films: Long‐term Stability Assessment and Aging Effects
Authors: Schnabl Kordula B. , Mandemaker Laurens D. B. , Ganjkhanlou Yadolah , Vollmer Ina , Weckhuysen Bert M.
Published: February 2024

Although biomass‐based alternatives for the manufacturing of bioplastic films are an important aspect of a more sustainable future, their physicochemical properties need to be able to compete with the existing market to establish them as a viable alternative. One important factor that is often neglected is the long‐term stability of renewables‐based functional materials, as they should neither degrade after a day or week, nor last forever. One material showing high potential in this regard, also due to its intrinsic biodegradability and antibacterial properties, is chitosan, which can form stable, self‐standing films. We previously showed that green additives introduce a broad tunability of the chitosan‐based material properties. In this work, we investigate the long‐term stability and related degradation processes of chitosan‐based bioplastics by assessing their physicochemical properties over 400 days. It was found that the film properties change similarly for samples stored in the fridge (4 °C, dark) as at ambient conditions (20 °C, light/dark cycles of the day). Additives with high vapor pressure, such as glycerol, evaporate and degrade, causing both brittleness and discoloration. In contrast, films with the addition of crosslinking additives, such as citric acid, show high stability also over a long time, bearing great preconditions for practical applications. This knowledge serves as a stepping‐stone to utilizing chitosan as an alternative material for renewable‐resourced bioplastic products.
Isolation‐based bidirectional generalized step‐up multilevel converter with optimized device count
Authors: Kumar Tiwari Dinesh , Kumar Singh Abhishek , Behari Dev Choudhury Nalin , Singh Jiwanjot
Published: February 2024

This article describes a generalized single‐phase multiwinding step‐up transformer‐based multilevel converter with optimized device count. The proposed topology comprises of a single dc source, eight switches (four unidirectional and four bidirectional) and a single high‐frequency multiwinding transformer. Phase disposition pulse width modulation (PDPWM) is used for the level creation. The proposed converter is examined qualitatively and quantitatively using the total number of transformers, PWM control method, switch count, voltage stress, and the number of gate drivers, all of which are favorable. All elements of transformer selection, winding requirements, and comparative study have been thoroughly examined. A thorough Lagrange multiplier method has been applied to minimize the copper losses and optimize the multiwinding transformer (MWT) winding. The proposed converter simulations are performed using the MATLAB/SIMULINK environment. Further, the validation of the result is confirmed by a hardware setup of 0.9 kW.
Current stress optimization of nonagonal MMC for FFTS‐based offshore wind power application
Authors: Liu Wenjun , Qin Zhiwen , Yan Jiahao , Wang Yimiao , Wang Yaoqiang , Tian Cheng
Published: February 2024

Nonagonal Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) is a new type of three‐port AC‐AC converter suited for applications in FFTS‐based offshore wind power. It can accommodate three AC ports with only nine branches, greatly reducing the cost and size of energy conversion. However, the multiplexing structure of nonagonal MMC inevitably increases the peak branch current resulting in high semiconductor ratings, which weakens its advantage in cost and size. Since the control degrees of freedom are reduced, traditional current attenuation methods are not applicable. To address this issue, in this paper, a parameter adjustment method is proposed for nonagonal MMC to reduce the current stress. By establishing the mathematical model of nonagonal MMC, phase angle difference between ports of nonagonal MMC is proved to be a key influencing factor of peak branch current. By adjusting phase angle difference, the average current stress of nonagonal MMC can be reduced by as great as 66.31%. Finally, the correctness of the conclusions of this paper is verified by RT‐LAB results.
Sensorless control of permanent magnet synchronous motor based on adaptive enhanced extended state observer
Authors: Chen Lijun , Liu Dongliang , Sun Limin , Zhan Chenggen , Zhao Jinyang
Published: February 2024

This article proposes an enhanced adaptive disturbance rejection control strategy for sensorless control of permanent magnet synchronous motor. The traditional fixed bandwidth quadrature phase‐locked loop (Q‐PLL) is insufficient to meet system dynamics in the event of sudden speed changes or motor disturbances, resulting in a significant decrease in control performance. Meanwhile, conventional extended state observers usually rely on a fixed high gain for fast convergence, which raises concerns about their sensitivity to noise. To overcome these challenges, the proposed method introduces a third‐order adaptive cascaded linear extended state observer (ACLESO) in place of the conventional PLL to accurately estimate the speed, phase, and overall disturbances, ensuring timely and accurate estimation of the total disturbance. Then, a speed controller based on linear state error feedback control law (LSEFCL) was designed to enhance the dynamic performance of the system. Based on the stability analysis using the Lyapunov function, finally, extensive experimental tests were carried out to verify the validity of the proposed method.
A new conceptual model for anorexia nervosa: A role for connective tissue?
Authors: Gibson Dennis , Mehler Philip S.
Published: February 2024

The etiology of anorexia nervosa (AN) remains to be fully elucidated, and current theories also fail to account for the direct effect of starvation on the health of the organs and tissues, specifically the connective tissue present in most organs of the body. Individuals with hereditary disorders of connective tissue manifest with clinical symptoms that overlap with AN, as the abnormal connective tissue also contributes to many of the other extra‐articular manifestations of these hereditary disorders. This article hypothesizes that a similar pathophysiology may also contribute to the clinical presentation of AN. Therefore, a better understanding is needed to elucidate: (1) the relationship between abnormal connective tissue and AN, (2) the impact of starvation toward the development of abnormal connective tissue and how this manifests clinically, (3) the etiology of autonomic nervous system changes contributing to the dysautonomia in AN, and (4) how the sensory signals sent from potentially abnormal connective tissue to the central nervous system impact interoception in AN. A conceptual model incorporating abnormal connective tissue is provided.

Public Significance

The etiology of AN remains poorly understood and current theories fail to account for the direct impact of starvation on the health of the organs and tissues of the body. There is significant clinical overlap between AN and hereditary connective tissue disorders. This paper attempts to provide a new conceptual model for AN in which abnormal connective tissue contributes to the underlying pathogenesis.
Atropisomeric N‐Heterocyclic Carbene‐Palladium(II) Complexes: Influence of the Backbone Substitution
Authors: Chou Yajie , Vançon Mathilde , Albalat Muriel , Deschodt Carla , Nava Paola , Humbel Stéphane , Vanthuyne Nicolas , Clavier Hervé
Published: February 2024

In order to facilitate the synthesis of NHC precursors as well as to incorporate new moieties, the influence of the NHC backbone substitution was investigated within the concept of atropisomeric NHC‐metal complexes. A series of NHC precursors was prepared from new anilines and used to synthesize the corresponding Pd(allyl)Cl(NHC) complexes, most of the time as a mixture of diastereomers (meso and chiral). Chiral HPLC at preparative scale enabled to obtain enantiopure complexes in low to excellent yields. These complexes displayed good activity in the intramolecular α‐arylation of amides and, as a function of the structure of the chiral catalyst, excellent enantioselectivities were reached (up to 96 % ee).
Synthesis and Application of a New Class of Planar and Centrally Chiral Ferrocenyl Amino Alcohol Ligands
Authors: Benson Annette , Cunningham Laura , Guiry Patrick J.
Published: February 2024

A family of ferrocenyl amino alcohols (14 examples) has been prepared from the corresponding planar chiral ketones and evaluated as a new class of chiral ligands for asymmetric ethyl‐ and phenylzinc additions to aldehydes. The highly enantioselective synthesis of these ligands is facile, scalable, robust and relies on the use of cheaply available starting materials. Asymmetric ethyl additions proceeded smoothly at ambient temperature, with reaction times as short as 1 hour furnishing the desired products in up to 90 % yield and 99 % ee. The corresponding phenyl additions afforded products in up to 81 % yield and 88 % ee. The observed stereochemical outcome for the addition of diethylzinc was rationalized and the key proposed transition state was supported by an analysis of the X‐ray structures of a series of amino alcohol ligands.
N‐Doped Porous Carbon Nanofiber Mats for High‐Performance Flexible Supercapacitor Electrodes
Authors: Shen Baolei , Hu Xianjin , Ren Hai‐Tao , Lin Jia‐Horng , Lou Ching‐Wen , Li Ting‐Ting
Published: February 2024

Carbon materials are widely utilized as a versatile material for supercapacitors in energy storage for their extraordinary electrical conductivity, chemical stability, and cost‐effectiveness. But achieving commercial viability still poses a significant challenge in improving the capacitance and energy density. To meet the requirements, an N‐doped carbon nanofiber mat (porous carbon nanofiber (PCNF)) is prepared for free‐standing electrodes with polyacrylonitrile and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) electrostatically spun nanofibers as precursors. PVP is a pore‐forming agent that decomposes on the carbon nanofibers during calcination to form pores, and the unique porous structure results in a remarkable performance of supercapacitor. The result shows that the PCNF30 exhibits high flexibility and electrochemical properties with a specific capacitance of 255.6 F g−1 at 2 A g−1 about 2.5 times higher than PCNF0 (105.3 F g−1 at 2 A g−1) and satisfactory rate performance with only about 39.8% specific capacitance loss at 100 A g−1. In addition, the symmetrical supercapacitor of PCNF30//PCNF30 has high energy density, up to 8.85 Wh kg−1 at 1.25 kW kg−1, and a 90.8% retention rate after undergoing 10 000 cycles. Those results suggest an efficient approach for PCNFs‐based materials in flexible electronic devices.
Sedimentary characteristics, formation conditions, and distribution mechanisms of beach bar sand bodies of Chang 82 submember, southwest Ordos Basin
Authors: Liao Jianbo , Xiao WenHua , Long Liwen , Tan Kaijun , Wei Haoyuan , Yang Jun , Yu Pinghui
Published: February 2024

Beach bar sand bodies are a relatively new type of reservoir in oil exploration where they can be found in the proximity of the source rock. In this study, the genetic type of sand bodies in the Upper Triassic Yanchang Formation in the southwest Ordos Basin is systematically studied through the observation of outcrops, core description, microscopic inspection of thin sections, along with petrophysical properties, mineralogy, and geochemical analysis of trace elements. The results showed that a new sedimentary type of beach bar sand bodies are developed in the Chang 82 submember of the Yanchang Formation, that are generally characterized with a flat bottom and convex top, where the contact interface between the bottom of the single sand body and mudstone is flat, and the bottom lacks erosion and filling structure. Moreover, a variety of wave‐induced sedimentary structures are developed, showing a reverse sedimentary sequence from fine to coarse grains. The structural and compositional maturity of the beach bar sand bodies are higher than that of the river channel sand body. Moreover, reservoir pore type is mainly comprised of intergranular pores, and the porosity and permeability of the samples retrieved from the sand body are much higher than that of the river channel sand body. Finally, the main controlling factors of the formation and preservation of beach bar sands are found to be the lake basin bottom topography, the base level cycle, and the stable paleo‐lake shoreline. During the Chang 82 submember depositional period, a large area where the beach bar sand bodies were deposited parallel to the lake shoreline in the southwest of the basin was created. Such depositional environments had suitable conditions to host large‐scale oil‐bearing reservoirs, as major exploration and development targets in the Ordos Basin in the future.
Andrea Vasella and the Active Site of Glycoside Hydrolases
Authors: Hoos‐Michelotti Roland
Published: February 2024

This perspective is an essay that tries to comprehend and reflect Andrea Vasella's work on the active sites of enzymes such as glycoside hydrolases.
Unpacking participation in healthcare governance: Lessons from two local health councils in Brazil and Spain
Authors: Suarez‐Herrera José Carlos , Diaz‐Castro Lina , Ramirez‐Rojas Maria Guadalupe , Pelcastre‐Villafuerte Blanca Estela
Published: February 2024

This paper describes and compares the integration of cross‐sector actors' participation into the governance of two local health councils, one located in Salvador de Bahia (Brazil) and the other in the Canary Islands (Spain). Based on the cross‐national comparative research conducted as part of a doctoral thesis, a qualitative design based on secondary data analysis was proposed on the three stages of the organisational integration process of participation. We used information from individual semi‐structured interviews (n = 70), situational observation, focus groups, literature review, and field notes to understand participatory processes of networking between multiple cross‐sector actors and to show how such processes might be associated with innovative practices. For these innovations to be successfully implemented, stakeholders need to acquire adequate competencies in cross‐sector collaboration, enabling them to learn about new organisational practices and to adapt the network of actors to the often unpredictable influences of contextual factors.
A high‐dimensional multinomial logit model
Authors: Nibbering Didier
Published: February 2024

The number of parameters in a standard multinomial logit model increases linearly with the number of choice alternatives and number of explanatory variables. Because many modern applications involve large choice sets with categorical explanatory variables, which enter the model as large sets of binary dummies, the number of parameters in a multinomial logit model is often large. This paper proposes a new method for data‐driven two‐way parameter clustering over outcome categories and explanatory dummy categories in a multinomial logit model. A Bayesian Dirichlet process mixture model encourages parameters to cluster over the categories, which reduces the number of unique model parameters and provides interpretable clusters of categories. In an empirical application, we estimate the holiday preferences of 11 household types over 49 holiday destinations and identify a small number of household segments with different preferences across clusters of holiday destinations.
The molecular circadian rhythms regulating the cell cycle
Authors: Zhou Qin , Wang Ruohan , Su Yunxia , Wang Bowen , Zhang Yunfei , Qin Ximing
Published: February 2024

The circadian clock controls the expression of a large proportion of protein‐coding genes in mammals and can modulate a wide range of physiological processes. Recent studies have demonstrated that disruption or dysregulation of the circadian clock is involved in the development and progression of several diseases, including cancer. The cell cycle is considered to be the fundamental process related to cancer. Accumulating evidence suggests that the circadian clock can control the expression of a large number of genes related to the cell cycle. This article reviews the mechanism of cell cycle‐related genes whose chromatin regulatory elements are rhythmically occupied by core circadian clock transcription factors, while their RNAs are rhythmically expressed. This article further reviews the identified oscillatory cell cycle‐related genes in higher organisms such as baboons and humans. The potential functions of these identified genes in regulating cell cycle progression are also discussed. Understanding how the molecular clock controls the expression of cell cycle genes will be beneficial for combating and treating cancer.
Continuous genetic monitoring of transient mesenchymal gene activities in distal tubule and collecting duct epithelial cells during renal fibrosis
Authors: Xu Zihang , Zhang Shaotong , Han Tingting , Cai Letong , Zhong Simin , Yang Xiaojie , Zhang Shaohua , Li Yan , Liu Kuo , Zhou Bin , Tian Xueying
Published: February 2024

Epithelial cells (ECs) have been proposed to contribute to myofibroblasts or fibroblasts through epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) during renal fibrosis. However, since EMT may occur dynamically, transiently, and reversibly during kidney fibrosis, conventional lineage tracing based on Cre‐loxP recombination in renal ECs could hardly capture the transient EMT activity, yielding inconsistent results. Moreover, previous EMT research has primarily focused on renal proximal tubule ECs, with few reports of distal tubules and collecting ducts. Here, we generated dual recombinases‐mediated genetic lineage tracing systems for continuous monitoring of transient mesenchymal gene expression in E‐cadherin+ and EpCAM+ ECs of distal tubules and collecting ducts during renal fibrosis. Activation of key EMT‐inducing transcription factor (EMT‐TF) Zeb1 and mesenchymal markers αSMA, vimentin, and N‐cadherin, were investigated following unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Our data revealed that E‐cadherin+ and EpCAM+ ECs did not transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts, nor transiently expressed these mesenchymal genes during renal fibrosis. In contrast, in vitro a large amount of cultured renal ECs upregulated mesenchymal genes in response to TGF‐β, a major inducer of EMT.
An enantioselective study of β‐cyclodextrin and ionic liquid‐β‐cyclodextrin towards propranolol enantiomers by molecular dynamic simulations
Authors: Ishak Mohamad Adil Iman , Aun Tan Tiek , Sidek Nadiah , Mohamad Sharifah , Jumbri Khairulazhar , Abdul Manan Ninie Suhana
Published: February 2024

In this study, the enantioselectivity of β‐cyclodextrin and its derivatives towards propranolol enantiomers are investigated by molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) have previously been shown to be able to recognize propranolol (PRP) enantiomers. To improve upon the enantioselectivity of β‐cyclodextrin, we propose the use of an ionic‐liquid‐modified‐β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD‐IL). β‐CD‐IL was found to be able to complex R and S propranolol enantiomers with differing binding energies. The molecular docking study reveals that the ionic liquid chain attached to the β‐CD molecule has significant interaction with propranolol. The formation of the most stable complex occurred between (S)‐β‐CD‐IL and (S)‐propranolol with an energy of −5.80 kcal/mol. This is attributed to the formation of a hydrogen bond between the oxygen of the propranolol and the hydrogen on the primary rim of the (S)‐β‐CD‐IL cavity. This interaction is not detected in other complexes. The root mean‐squared fluctuation (RMSF) value indicates that the NH group is the most flexible molecular fragment, followed by the aromatic group. Also of note, the formation of a complex between pristine β‐CD and (S)‐propranolol is the least favorable.
The structure of digraphs with excess one
Authors: Tuite James
Published: February 2024

A digraph is ‐geodetic if for any (not necessarily distinct) vertices there is at most one directed walk from to with length not exceeding . The order of a ‐geodetic digraph with minimum out‐degree is bounded below by the directed Moore bound . The Moore bound can be met only in the trivial cases and , so it is of interest to look for ‐geodetic digraphs with out‐degree and smallest possible order , where is the excess of the digraph. Miller, Miret and Sillasen recently ruled out the existence of digraphs with excess one for and and for and . We conjecture that there are no digraphs with excess one for and in this paper we investigate the structure of minimal counterexamples to this conjecture. We severely constrain the possible structures of the outlier function and prove the nonexistence of certain digraphs with degree three and excess one, as well closing the open cases and left by the analysis of Miller et al. We further show that there are no involutary digraphs with excess one, that is, the outlier function of any such digraph must contain a cycle of length .
Inclusive human development effect of financial inclusion in sub‐Saharan Africa: A gender perspective
Authors: Dianda Issa , Ouedraogo Idrissa , Sawadogo Hamidou
Published: February 2024

This paper investigates the effect of financial inclusion on inclusive human development in a panel of 35 countries in sub‐Saharan Africa for the years 2011, 2014 and 2017 from a gender perspective. Different methods, including fixed effect and random effect models, Tobit and quantile regressions, are used for the estimates. We find that financial inclusion improves inclusive human development. In addition, the effect of women's financial empowerment is stronger than that of men. Moreover, we find a complementary effect of financial account ownership and mobile money usage in the achievement of inclusive human development. Furthermore, the increasing effects of financial inclusion are greater in countries with lower inclusive human development than those with higher inclusive human development. African governments should therefore improve financial inclusion, particularly female financial inclusion, to achieve higher inclusive human development.
Spatial heterogeneity of COVID‐19 impacts on urban household incomes: Between‐ and within‐city analyses of two African countries
Authors: Batana Yele Maweki , Nakamura Shohei , Rajashekar Anirudh , Vilpoux Mervy Ever Viboudoulou , Wieser Christina
Published: February 2024

This paper examines spatial heterogeneity in the impacts of the early days of the COVID‐19 pandemic on urban household incomes in Ethiopia and Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Combining new panel household surveys with spatial data, the fixed‐effects regression analysis for Ethiopia finds that households in large and densely populated towns were more likely to lose their labour incomes in the early phase of the pandemic and afterwards than other households. Disadvantaged groups, such as females, low‐skilled, self‐employed and poor, particularly suffered in those towns. In Kinshasa, labour income‐mobility elasticities are higher among workers—particularly female and low‐skilled workers—who live in areas that are located farther from the city core area. The between‐ and within‐city evidence from two Sub‐Saharan African countries points to the spatial heterogeneity of COVID‐19 impacts, implying the critical role of mobility and accessibility in urban agglomerations.
Evaluation, in a highly specialised enzyme laboratory, of a digital microfluidics platform for rapid assessment of lysosomal enzyme activity in dried blood spots
Authors: Hirachan Rohit , Horman Alistair , Burke Derek , Heales Simon
Published: February 2024

Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are predominantly enzyme deficiencies leading to substrate accumulation, causing progressive damage to multiple organs. To date, a crucial part of diagnosing LSDs is measuring enzymatic activity in leucocytes, plasma, or dried blood spots (DBS). Here, we present results from a proof‐of‐principle study, evaluating an innovative digital microfluidics (DMF) platform, referred to as SEEKER®, that can measure the activity of the following four lysosomal enzymes from DBS: α‐L‐iduronidase (IDUA) for mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I), acid α‐glucosidase (GAA) for Pompe disease, β‐glucosidase (GBA) for Gaucher disease, and α‐galactosidase A (GLA) for Fabry disease. Over 900 DBS were analysed from newborns, children, and adults. DMF successfully detected known patients with MPS I, Pompe disease, and Gaucher disease, and known males with Fabry disease. This is the first demonstration of this multiplexed DMF platform for identification of patients with LSDs in a specialised diagnostic enzyme laboratory environment. We conclude that this DMF platform is relatively simple, high‐throughput, and could be readily accommodated into a specialised laboratory as a first‐tier test for MPS I, Pompe disease, and Gaucher disease for all patients, and Fabry disease for male patients only.
Human papillomavirus genotyping in high‐grade vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia: A multicentric Italian study
Authors: Preti Mario , Boldorini Renzo , Gallio Niccolò , Cavagnetto Cristina , Borella Fulvio , Pisapia Elena , Ribaldone Raffaella , Bovio Enrica , Bertero Luca , Airoldi Chiara , Cassoni Paola , Remorgida Valentino , Benedetto Chiara
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to analyze the human papillomavirus (HPV) genotype distribution in a large cohort of high‐grade vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VaIN) (vaginal HSIL, VaIN2/3) patients from two Italian referral centers. We included all patients with histologically confirmed VaIN2/3 from the Department of Surgical Sciences, Sant'Anna Hospital, University of Torino, Torino, Italy, and Ospedale Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy, between 2003 and 2022. After the histological evaluation of formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded samples, we performed HPV genotyping with VisionArray HPV Chip 1.0. We detected HPV DNA in 94.4% of VaIN2/3 (168/178), with HPV 16 as the most prevalent genotype, accounting for 51.8% of all infections, 41.2% of VaIN2 and 77.6% of VaIN3 cases. Other frequent genotypes were HPV 58 (8.3%, 10.9% of VaIN2 and 2.0% of VaIN3), HPV 73 (5.4%, 5.0% of VaIN2 and 6.1% of VaIN3), and HPV 31 (5.4%, 6.7% of VaIN2 and 2.0% of VaIN3). 73.2% of VaIN2/3 had a single HPV genotype infection and 26.8% a multiple infection (20.8% a double infection, 4.8% a triple infection, and 1.2% a quadruple infection). Single infection was more frequently present in VaIN3 than VaIN2 (81.6% vs. 69.8%). 69.1% of single infections and 73.3% of multiple infections had one or more genotypes covered by nine‐valent HPV vaccine. HPV vaccination is expected to have a large impact on reducing the incidence of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia.
Haemovigilance survey and screening strategy for arthropod‐borne viruses in blood donors from Argentina
Authors: Blanco Sebastián , Marín Ángeles Lorena , Frutos María Celia , Barahona Nubia Yandar , Rivarola María Elisa , Carrizo Luis Horacio , Spinsanti Lorena , Gallego Sandra Verónica
Published: February 2024

Arthropod‐borne viruses (arboviruses) count among emerging infections, which represent a major challenge for transfusion safety worldwide. To assess the risk of arboviruses‐transmission by transfusion (ATT), we performed a survey to evaluate the potential threat for transfusion safety. Samples were retrospectively and randomly collected from donors who donated during the peak of dengue incidence in Cordoba (years: 2016 and 2019–2022). A cost‐efficient strategy for molecular screening was implemented with a nucleic acid test (NAT) configured with Flavivirus and Alphavirus‐universal degenerated primers targeting conserved gene regions. Besides, we evaluated the neutralizing antibody (NAb) prevalence by plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). A total of 1438 samples were collected. Among the NAT‐screened samples, one resulted positive for Flavivirus detection. Subsequent sequencing of the PCR product revealed Saint Louis Encephalitis Virus (SLEV) infection (GeneBank accession number OR236721). NAb prevalence was 2.95% for anti‐Dengue, 9.94% anti‐SLEV, 1.09% anti‐West Nile Virus, and 0% anti‐Chikungunya. One of the NAb‐positive samples also resulted positive for IgM against SLEV but negative by ARN detection. This is the first haemovigilance study developed in Argentina that evaluates the potential risk of ATT and the first research to determine the prevalence of NAb against Flavivirus through PNRT to avoid possible cross‐reactions between Ab against Flavivirus. Herein, the finding of one SLEV‐viremic donor and the detection of anti‐SLEV IgM in a different donor demonstrated a potential threat for transfusion safety and emphasized the need for increased vigilance and proactive measures to ensure the safety of blood supplies.
Defects‐Induced Photochromism and Luminescent Modulation Based on Lanthanides‐Doped Cadmium Glass Toward Optical Storage Applications
Authors: Zhu Xiaodong , Huang Anjun , Zhao Heping , Liu Yue , Cun Yangke , Song Zhiguo , Qiu Jianbei , Tatiana Cherkasova , Liao Jiayan , Yang Zhengwen
Published: February 2024

Owing to the large storage capacity, the transparent luminescent glass with photo‐induced coloration properties has attracted considerable interest in recent years. However, lots of the photochromic (PC) mechanisms for glass are related to the ionic valence transformation, and the study associated with the defects‐induced photochromism of glass is limited. Herein, a kind of Sm3+ doped PC cadmium glass is fabricated, for which the PC mechanism is systematically investigated by various techniques, such as XPS spectra, thermoluminescence spectra, EPR spectra, etc. The results show that the mechanism of coloration for such glass should be due to the presence of oxygen vacancy‐related electron centers. Under 365 nm light irradiation, the color of the glass turns from colorless to brown, exhibiting a large color contrast, of 62%. Utilizing the re‐absorption process between absorption spectra and emission/excitation spectra, the emission intensity of Sm3+ is reversibly regulated, indicating their promising applications as an optical storage medium.
Total Patient Delay: A Comparison of Patient and Clinician/Health System Delays in the Diagnosis of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Corticobasal Syndrome
Authors: Swallow Diane M.A. , Murchie Peter , Counsell Carl E.
Published: February 2024

Background

Early diagnosis in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal syndrome (CBS) is important for clinical care and key to developing successful disease‐modifying agents. The patient‐dependent phases of decision‐making made before contact with a healthcare professional have been inadequately studied.

Objectives

To evaluate the patient‐dependent phases of decision‐making from symptom onset, comparing this to clinician and/or health system delays within the overall diagnostic pathway.

Methods

Using the Anderson General Model of Total Patient Delay and a mixed‐methods approach in participants with PSP/CBS and their caregivers recruited to the Scottish PSP and CBS cohort, we quantified and evaluated the determinants of “appraisal”, “illness,” and “behavioral” delay, comparing this to the clinician and/or health system delays (“treatment” delay) within the overall time from symptom onset to diagnosis.

Results

The time from index symptom onset to diagnosis was 3.26 (interquartile range [IQR] = 2.42, 4.75) years in PSP and 2.58 (IQR = 1.69, 4.08) years in CBS. Patient appraisal delay was 24 (IQR = 6, 60) weeks in PSP and 8 (IQR = 5, 24) weeks in CBS, illness delay 0 (IQR = −14, 0) weeks in PSP and 0 (IQR = −4, 0) weeks in CBS, with little perceived behavioral delay. Determinants of delay included the non‐specificity of symptoms, normalization of symptoms within the context of age or normal physiological variability, and the extent of insight into new somatic symptoms.

Conclusions

Although patient appraisal delay contributes to overall diagnostic delay in PSP/CBS, the greater proportion of overall diagnostic delay arises after contact with a healthcare professional (treatment delay).
Completion of a Nutrition‐Focused Physical Exam with hospitalized adults and pediatric patients: Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study
Authors: Jimenez Elizabeth Yakes , Lamers‐Johnson Erin , Long Julie M. , Mordarski Beth A. , Ma Xingya , Steiber Alison
Published: February 2024

Background

Nutrition‐Focused Physical Exam (NFPE) feasibility is not well‐studied. We describe registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN)–reported NFPE completion for hospitalized adult and pediatric patients overall and by assessment parameters.

Methods

Trained RDNs systematically conducted NFPEs for hospitalized adult and pediatric patients during the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Indicators to diagnose Malnutrition multisite cohort study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03928548). RDNs reported their ability to evaluate assessment sites for subcutaneous fat and muscle loss, fluid accumulation, and micronutrient status and to complete handgrip strength (adults and children ≥6 years) and mid‐upper arm circumference measurements (children). RDNs noted if they could complete the full NFPE; if not, they noted challenges. We descriptively summarized results and used multilevel logistic regression models to examine relationships between patient characteristics and NFPE completion.

Results

RDNs from 39 adult and 29 pediatric US hospitals conducted NFPEs for 327 adults and 214 children aged 1 month to 17.9 years. RDNs reported completing the examination for 44% (n = 145) of adults and 15% (n = 33) of children. They successfully evaluated 25 of 27 and 19 of 26 unique NFPE components in >80% of adults and children, respectively. Common reasons the full NFPE was not completed were limited mobility in adults and patient refusal in children. RDNs had lower odds of completing NFPEs in adults with lower vs higher education levels or higher vs lower nutrition complexity and in younger vs older children.

Conclusion

RDNs evaluated NFPE components for a high proportion (>80%) of hospitalized patients.
Assessing coagulopathy and endothelial dysfunction in pediatric venous malformation: A thromboelastometry and syndecan‐1 study
Authors: Nava y Hurtado Francisco , Monzon Manzano Elena , Viana‐Huete Vanesa , Triana Junco Paloma , Alvarez‐Roman Maria Teresa , Arias‐Salgado Elena G. , Butta Nora , Lopez Gutierrez Juan Carlos
Published: February 2024

Objective

The occurrence of unpredictable pain crises are the principal determinant of the quality of life for patients with venous malformations (VM). A definite coagulation phenomenon, characterized by an increase in D‐dimer levels and the presence of phleboliths within the malformation, has been previously reported. By applying Virchow's triad and evaluating intralesional samples, our objective is to delineate the coagulation profile and the extent of endothelial dysfunction within the malformation.

Methods

With the authorization of the Ethics Committee, a research project was undertaken on intralesional and extralesional blood samples from 30 pediatric patients afflicted with spongiform VM. Thromboelastometry analyses were performed using ROTEM Sigma, and the concentration of syndecan‐1 was determined by ELISA.

Results

In the ROTEM analyses, the A5, A10, and maximum clot firmness (MCF) values were below the established reference ranges in the intralesional samples in both the EXTEM and INTEM assays, indicating that intralesional clots had significant instability. Furthermore, during the investigation of the delayed fibrinolysis phase using recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) in EXTEM analysis, widespread hyperfibrinolysis was observed intralesional. Additionally, analysis of syndecan‐1 showed significant differences between extralesional and intralesional levels (p < .026) and controls (p < .03), suggesting differences in the state of endothelium.

Conclusions

For the first time, we developed a comprehensive understanding of the coagulopathic profile of VM and the role of endothelial dysfunction in its pathogenesis. These findings will enable the implementation of targeted therapies based on the individual coagulation profiles.
Microwave and ultrasound extraction of antioxidant phenolic compounds from Lantana camara Linn. leaves: Optimization, comparative study, and FT‐Orbitrap MS analysis
Authors: de Jesus Raphael Amancio , da Silva Wenes Ramos , Wisniewski Alberto , de Andrade Nascimento Luís Fernando , Blank Arie Fitzgerald , de Souza Daniel Alves , Wartha Elma Regina Silva de Andrade , Nogueira Paulo Cesar de Lima , Moraes Valéria Regina de Souza
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The species Lantana camara is used in folk medicine. The biological activities of this medicinal plant are attributable to the presence of various derivatives of triterpenoids and phenolic compounds present in its preparations, indicating excellent economic potential.

Objective

In this study, the operational conditions of ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) were optimized using Box–Behnken design to improve the total phenolic content (TPC) recovered in hydroethanolic extracts of L. camara leaves.

Material and methods

The TPC, total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activities of the hydroalcoholic extracts of L. camara, prepared by UAE and MAE under the optimized extraction conditions, were compared with those of the extracts obtained by conventional extraction methods.

Results

Under the optimal conditions, the extracts obtained by UAE (35% ethanol, 25 min, and a solvent‐to‐solid ratio of 60:1 mL/g) and by MAE (53% ethanol, 15 min, and 300 W) provided high yields of 32.50% and 38.61% and TPC values of 102.89 and 109.83 mg GAE/g DW, respectively. The MAE extract showed the best results with respect to TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activities, followed by extracts obtained by UAE, Soxhlet extraction, decoction, maceration, and infusion, in that order.

Conclusion

The results obtained indicate that L. camara may be used as an important source of antioxidant phenolic compounds to obtain products with high biological and economic potential, especially when the extraction process is performed under appropriate conditions using MAE and/or UAE, employing environmentally friendly solvents such as water and ethanol.
Chlorinated plastics offer unique opportunities and challenges in upcycling
Authors: Al Alshaikh Ali , Bara Jason E.
Published: February 2024

Chlorinated plastics are part of the everyday lives of consumers and producers alike. They can be found in buildings, automobiles, fashion, packaging and many other places. This prevalence makes them a considerable part of the plastic waste crisis. Interest in ‘upcycling’ (as opposed to recycling) has grown recently to augment the possibilities of managing plastic waste. The advances made in plastic upcycling have focused on polyethylene, polypropylene, poly(ethylene terephthalate) and polystyrene while chlorinated plastics, chiefly poly(vinyl chloride), have received much less attention. The release of chlorine‐containing molecules during treatment of chlorinated plastic greatly complicates cross‐method upcycling, or even the treatment of plastic mixes containing chlorinated plastics. This review presents a case for extracting value from chlorinated plastics by highlighting appealing upcycling products made owing to, or despite, the CCl bond via depolymerization, carbonization and modification. © 2024 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Incidence, prevalence, and pattern of medical service utilization of children's rare lung diseases in South Korea
Authors: Kim Hwan Soo , Choi Jiin , Lee Eun , Park Ji Soo , Jung Sungsu , Yoon Jisun , Lee Kyeong Hun , Kim Kyunghoon , Yang Hyeon‐Jong , Suh Dong In
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Children's rare lung diseases are a heterogeneous group of rare lung diseases with significant morbidity and mortality. There is very limited information on the incidence and prevalence of children's rare lung diseases in Asia. We investigated the nationwide incidence, prevalence, and pattern of medical service utilization of children's rare lung diseases in Korea.

Methods

We studied patients who were diagnosed with rare lung diseases coded per International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Edition and registered in the national rare diseases database of confirmed patients. Data was extracted from the Korean National Health Insurance Service Claims database over 2019−2021.

Results

Average incidence rate was 12.9 new cases per million children per year, and average prevalence rate was 60.2 cases per million children during the study period of 2019−2021. We found that more than 65% of new cases were diagnosed before 2 years of age. ChILD, primary ciliary dyskinesia, and cystic fibrosis were usually diagnosed after 6 years of age. Congenital airway and lung anomalies were often diagnosed before 2 years of age. Busan and Gyeongsangnam‐do residents tended to visit hospitals near their place of residence, while residents of other areas tended to visit hospitals in Seoul regardless of their area of residence.

Conclusions

We examined the epidemiology of rare lung diseases in children in South Korea. Our estimation of the incidence and prevalence could be used for sustainable health care and equitable distribution of health care resources.
Impacts of climate change and host plant availability on the potential distribution of Bradysia odoriphaga (Diptera: Sciaridae) in China
Authors: Xie Lixia , Wu Xinran , Li Xue , Chen Menglei , Zhang Na , Zong Shixiang , Yan Yi
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Chinese chives (Allium tuberosum Rottler ex Sprengel) are favored by consumers because of its delicious taste and unique fragrance. Bradysia odoriphaga (Diptera: Sciaridae) is a main pest that severely harms Chinese chives and other Liliaceae's production. Climate change may change the future distribution of B. odoriphaga in China. In this study, the CLIMEX was employed to project the potential distribution of B. odoriphaga in China, based on China's historical climate data (1987–2016) and forecast climate data (2021–2100).

RESULTS

Bradysia odoriphaga distributed mainly between 19.8° N–48.3° N and 74.8° E–134.3° E, accounting for 73.25% of the total mainland area of China under historical climate conditions. Among them, the favorable and highly favorable habitats accounted for 30.64% of the total potential distribution. Under future climate conditions, B. odoriphaga will be distributed mainly between 19.8° N–49.3° N and 73.8° E–134.3° E, accounting for 84.89% of China's total mainland area. Among them, the favorable and highly favorable habitats will account for 35.23% of the total potential distribution, indicating an increase in the degree of fitness. Areas with relatively appropriate temperature and humidity will be more suitable for the survival of B. odoriphaga. Temperature was a more important determinant of the climatic suitability of the pest B. odoriphaga than humidity. Host plants (Liliaceae) availability also had impact on climate suitability in some regions.

CONCLUSIONS

These projected potential distributions will provide supportive information for monitoring and early forecasting of pest outbreaks, and to reduce future economic and ecological losses. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.