bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement and Morphology of Corneal Endothelial Cell Density in Myopic Eyes of Adult Females Using a Non Contact Specular Microscope: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Maqsood Farah , Almatrafi Menwah , Alhassan Noura
Published: September 2023

Introduction: A non contact specular microscope has been used to acquire the morphology of the corneal endothelial cell layer. This analysis provides measurements of the Coefficient of Variation (CV), the hexagonal appearance of the cells, and the mean corneal Endothelial Cell Density (ECD). These parameters are used to assess the function of the corneal endothelial layer. Aim: To evaluate the average corneal ECD, Hexagonality (HEX), CV, and their relationship with myopia in young females. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of five months, from November 2016 to March 2017 at the clinics of the Department of Optometry and Vision Science, College of Applied Medical Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and involved 107 eyes of healthy subjects aged 18-25 years. The participants’ refraction was estimated using an automatic refractor. Non contact specular microscopy was performed on emmetropic and myopic subjects. The average of three successive estimations of ECD, hexagonal appearance, and CV in cell size were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program (version 22.0), and the independent student’s t-test was used to compare the means of various variables between low and moderate myopia. Results: The study included the right eyes of 107 healthy Saudi female subjects aged 18-25 years, who were divided into three groups based on their refractive errors. Non contact specular microscopy was performed on emmetropic (n=36, 20.58±1.20 years and mean Spherical Equivalent (SE) of -0.01±0.23 D), low myopic (n=49, 20.63±1.51 years and SE of -1.19±0.68 D), and moderate myopic (n=22, 20.64±1.26 years with mean SE of -4.15±0.90 D) subjects. The mean ECD in low myopic eyes was 2799.59±184.39 per square millimetre, the mean CV was 26.67±4.03 percent, and the mean hexagonal appearance of the cells was 67.69±4.82%. The average ECD, mean CV, and hexagonal appearance in moderate myopic eyes were found to be 2722.36±143/mm2 , 26.68±3.57%, and 68.73±5.87%, respectively. The results showed no statistically significant differences in ECD (p>0.05) and hexagonal appearance (p>0.05) in the cells of moderate and low myopic eyes. Conclusion: The present study found no significant relationship between corneal endothelial parameters and mild to moderate myopic eyes.
The Effect of Mutagenesis on the Production of Mycelia Growth of Auricularia Species in Nigeria
Authors: E. T. Abikoye, , J. K. Oloke, , P. C. Okorie, , A. K. Lawal, , A. O. Anibaba, , O. F. Oluwawole, , A. A. Odunuga, , M. O. Ajao, , O. D. Adelaja, , O. B. Okeowo, , A. Ngajo,
Published: September 2023

Auricularia species is a jelly-like edible mushroom belonging to the class Basidiomycete, Family Auriculariacea. It has many medicinal properties and is widely consumed in Nigeria. Not much research effort appears to have been conducted on its domestication and commercial production in Nigeria. This study evaluated the use of sawdust and rice bran as potential substrates for its cultivation. Two strains of Auricularia species were collected from the wild and identified as Auricularia polytricha and Auricularia subglabra by genetic DNA extraction. Pure cultures of the species were screened for strain improvement by mutagenesis using UV light and ethyl methyl sulfonate mutagens. Spawn of the wild species and the mutants were produced using sorghum grain. The produced spawn was used for the production of the mushroom fruit bodies using sawdust supplemented with rice bran. The biological efficiencies of both wild and mutant were 197% and 90% respectively. A combination of sawdust and rice bran supported the growth of both species of Auricularia.  The Rate of spawn running during spawn production was also negatively affected by mutagenesis in mutants.
Unveiling the Potential of Antioxidant Proteins with the Integration of Little Millet Phytochemicals from GC-MS Studies through In silico Approach
Authors: Sathyamurthy Dilipraj , Kathirvel Pavitra , Natesan Senthil , Narayanan Manikanda Boopathi , Duraisamy Kavithamani , Unni Krishnan , Mannu Jayakanthan
Published: September 2023

Aim: Millet extracts contain bioactive compounds that have antioxidant properties, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and other health-promoting properties. Little millet contains more protein, minerals, vitamins, and carbohydrates than rice and wheat. The dynamics of soil organic matter may be significantly impacted by the presence of antioxidants compounds in the soil. Antioxidants and protein-modifying substances are dietary components that change numerous characteristics and, in some cases, reverse ageing. Thus, exploring the phytochemicals in little millet is very much essential in understanding its biological functional implications.

Methodology: We have carried out the GCMS analysis for the little millet (seed). Further, we have performed the molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation for the shortlisted phytochemicals.  

Results: We screened the metabolites using GCMS analysis due to the unexplored phytochemicals of little millet. Docking against the little millet phytochemicals was done with a focus on key antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Acetin compound displayed strong binding with superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, while hexadecenoic acid exhibited best affinity with catalase. Through molecular dynamics simulations, we found the glutathione peroxidase complex to be the most stable. This stability implies enhanced antioxidant activity, crucial in counteracting oxidative stress.

Conclusion: This study uncovers the untapped potential of little millet’s phytochemicals. By elucidating their interaction with vital antioxidant proteins, it opens avenues for innovative anti-aging strategies, health interventions and helps in enhancing the plant defence mechanism.
Risk Management in Medical Device Industry
Authors: Khinvasara Tushar , Ness Stephanie , Tzenios Nikolaos
Published: September 2023

In spite of the fact that risk management has developed into an essential component of the process of developing medical devices, as mandated by both domestic and international regulations and standards, there is still no all-encompassing model that describes how risk management in the development of medical devices ought to be approached, particularly in terms of the types of risks that ought to be addressed. This is due to the fact that risk management has developed into an essential component of the process, which is mandated by both domestic and international regulations and standards. The present focus of risk management in the industry of developing medical devices is on technical risks, such as product, usability, and development process hazards. This is done in compliance with the norms and laws of standards. On the other hand,  non-technical risks, such as those associated with businesses and projects, are not given  nearly enough consideration. This review focuses on the risk management in medical device industry.
Role of Healthy Human Gut Microbiota in the Emergence and Dissemination of Extended-Spectrum \(\beta\)-lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae and Genes Associated with \(\beta\)-lactam Resistance in Community Settings in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Baguy Ouattara Mohamed , Wognin Affou Séraphin , Anatole Toty Abalé , Carole Gbonon M’bengue Valérie , Gédeon Kouassi Koffi , Bertin Guedé Kipré , Bertin Tiekoura Konan , Fernique Konan Kouadio , Innocent Kouadio Kouamé , Kpoda Dissinviel Stéphane , Ayayi Abraham , Ali Konate , Kouadio Guessennd Nathalie , Alphonse Kamenan , Mireille Dosso
Published: September 2023

Overuse of β-lactam antibiotics in communities in developing countries has transformed healthy human intestinal flora into a reservoir of antibiotic-resistant organisms. The prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae in community settings remains undetermined. In order to obtain data on ESBL enterobacteria, 265 stool samples were collected from August 2019 to February 2020 from individuals residing in the urban districts of Abidjan and attending medical consultations at the Institut Pasteur de Côte d'Ivoire. Isolates belonging to family Enterobacteriaceae were isolated on MacConkey and identified using the API 20E galerie and antibiotic susceptibility was determined using Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute disc diffusion method. Detection of extended spectrum β-lactamases (TEM, SHV, GES, PER, VEB, CTXM 1, CTXM 2, CTXM 8 and CTXM 9) was done by simplex and multiplex PCR. The human stools strains consisted of 513 species of Enterobacteria multidrug resistants. Among the 513 strains, 75 (14.6%) of the enterobacterial strains produced ESBLs, while 438 (85.4%) produced high-level cephalosporinases. Enterobacteria producing extended-spectrum β-lactamase we dominated by the species Escherichia coli (46.7%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.3%), Enterobacter cloacae (13.3%), Enterobacter aerogenes (6.7%), Proteus mirabilis (6.7%), Klebsiella oxytoca (4%), Proteus vulgaris (2.7%), Citrobacter koseri (1.3%), and Citrobacter freundii (1.3%). Strains were resistant (100%) to antibiotics from beta-lactam family (penicillin with inhibitor, monobactam, cephalosporin) but low level resistant (1,3%) was observed to carbapenem (imipénème, méropénème, Ertapenem). The rate of resistance to quinolones and aminoglycosides were respectively between 22.9% - 43.3% and 7.9-35.1%. The resistance genes TEM, SHV, CTXM 1, CTXM 2, CTXM 8 and CTXM 9 were detected. No GES and PER genes were not detected. The high fecal carriage rate of ESBL-PE associated with genes in community settings of Ivory Coast highlights the risk for transmission and dissemination because healthy people are potential patients on borrowed time.
Advancing Patient-Centered Outcomes and Equity in Clinical Trials for BCG-Unresponsive Nonmuscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Hwang Thomas J. , Davies Benjamin J. , Preston Mark A.
Published: September 2023

This Viewpoint encourages investigators to move beyond FDA guidance toward patient-centered therapies and health equity for BCG-unresponsive bladder cancer.
Tailoring Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Luo Zhiqiang , Wang Yu , Li Jinbo , Wang Jinglin , Yu Yunru , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: September 2023

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an attractive anionic polysaccharide polymer with inherent pharmacological properties and versatile chemical groups for modification. Due to their water retention ability, biocompatibility, biodegradation, cluster of differentiation‐44 targeting, and highly designable capacity, HA hydrogels have been an emerging biomaterial, showing tailoring performance in terms of chemical modifications and hydrogel forms. Various preparation technologies have been developed for the fabrication of the tailoring HA hydrogels with unique structures and functions. They have been utilized in diverse biomedical applications like drug delivery and tissue engineering scaffolds. Herein, this review comprehensively summarizes the HA derivatives with different molecule weights and functional modifications. Then the various fabrication methods to obtain tailoring hydrogels in the forms of nanogel, nanofiber, microparticle, microneedle patch, injectable hydrogel, and scaffold are reviewed as well. The emphasis is focused on the shining biomedical applications of these tailoring HA hydrogels in anti‐bacteria, anti‐inflammation, wound healing, cancer treatment, regenerative medicine, psoriasis treatment, diagnosis, etc. The potentials and prospects are subsequently given to inspire further investigation, aiming at accelerating product translation from research to clinic.
Development of Electrochemical Anion Doping Technique for Expansion of Functional Material Exploration
Authors: Katsumata Takuya , Yamamoto Hajime , Kimura Yuta , Amezawa Koji , Aso Ryotaro , Kikkawa Soichi , Yamazoe Seiji , Nakamura Takashi
Published: September 2023

Instead of conventional cation doping strategy, anion doping is a promising new strategy for advances of energy conversion and storage technologies such as batteries, catalysts, electrolysis, and fuel cells. To synthesize mixed‐anion compounds, novel synthesis techniques such as topochemical reaction, high‐pressure reaction, solvothermal reaction have been developed. Despite these excellent synthesis techniques, synthesizable mixed‐anion compounds are still limited. For further expansion of the material exploration of mixed‐anion compounds, herein, an electrochemical anion doping technique is developed, which can flexibly control a species of anion, the doping rate and the degree of anion doping. The concept of the new synthesis technique is verified by F doping to the perovskite oxide La0.5Sr0.5CoO3−δ. Quantitative control of F in the perovskite host material is succeeded by using an electrochemical reactor composed of La0.5Sr0.5CoO3−δ‐BaF2|BaF2|PbF2‐Pb, and phase‐pure F‐doped La0.5Sr0.5CoO3−δ powder is obtained. Moreover, nano‐size crystalline domains with amorphous phase are formed on the particle surface under the high‐rate F doping, suggesting that tuning the anion doping rate enables the control of the formation of metastable phase. As demonstrated, the electrochemical anion doping technique opens up new possibilities for advances of energy materials by utilizing function of anionic species.
Double Emulsion‐Mediated Delivery of Polyphenol Mixture Alleviates Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Choi Subin , Ko Junghyeon , Park Su‐Bin , Kim Joo‐Young , Ha Jung‐Hwa , Roh Sangho , An Young‐Hyeon , Hwang Nathaniel S.
Published: September 2023

Although the polyphenols have been studied to alleviate inflammation, there are still challenges to delivering the polyphenols with stabilized formulation due to their low water solubility and susceptibility to oxidation. Herein, the transdermal delivery system of polyphenol mixture (PM), including quercetin (Q), phloretin (P), and ellagic acid (E), is developed using double emulsion for applying to atopic dermatitis (AD). Through the in vitro anti‐degranulation assay, the optimal molar ratio of each polyphenol (Q:P:E = 5:1:1) is obtained, and the PM shows at most a 43.6% reduction of degranulation of immune cells, which is the primary factor of AD. Moreover, the water‐in‐oil‐in‐water double emulsion (W/O/W) enhances the PM's stability and has a higher anti‐degranulation effect than the oil‐in‐water emulsion (O/W). In the in vivo 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene (DNCB)‐induced mice AD model, PM reduces more AD symptoms than every single polyphenol. The PM‐encapsulated W/O/W (PM_W/O/W) shows the most effectiveness in AD by decreasing dermatitis score, i.e., skin/ear thickness, mast cells, and serum IgE level. Finally, this suggests that the findings on the optimal ratio of PM and double emulsion‐based delivery would be beneficial in treating AD and can be applied to other allergic diseases.
Optimizing Crystallization in Wide‐Bandgap Mixed Halide Perovskites for High‐Efficiency Solar Cells
Authors: An Yidan , Zhang Nan , Zeng Zixin , Cai Yating , Jiang Wenlin , Qi Feng , Ke Lingyi , Lin Francis R. , Tsang Sai‐Wing , Shi Tingting , Jen Alex K.‐Y. , Yip Hin‐Lap
Published: September 2023

Wide‐bandgap (WBG) perovskites have attracted considerable attention due to their adjustable bandgap properties, making them ideal candidates for top subcells in tandem solar cells (TSCs). However, WBG perovskites often face challenges such as inhomogeneous crystallization and severe nonradiative recombination loss, leading to high open‐circuit voltage (VOC) deficits and poor stability. To address these issues, a multifunctional phenylethylammonium acetate (PEAAc) additive that enhances uniform halide phase distribution and reduces defect density in perovskite films by regulating the mixed‐halide crystallization rate, is introduced. This approach successfully develops efficient WBG perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with reduced VOC loss and enhanced stability. By applying this universal strategy to the FAMACsPb(I1−xBrx)3 system with a range of bandgaps of 1.73, 1.79, 1.85, and 1.92 eV, power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of 21.3%, 19.5%, 18.1%, and 16.2%, respectively, are attained. These results represent some of the highest PCEs reported for the corresponding bandgaps. Furthermore, integrating WBG perovskite with organic photovoltaics, an impressive PCE of over 24% for two‐terminal perovskite/organic TSCs, with a record VOC of ≈ 2.2 V is achieved. This work establishes a foundation for addressing phase separation and inhomogeneous crystallization in Br‐rich perovskite components, paving the way for the development of high‐performance WBG PSCs and TSCs.
Self‐Reaction Effect‐Boosted Liquid Thermocell Based on Ethanol‐Aqueous Biphasic System
Authors: Liu Xiangyu , Wang Taiyu , Fang Jiale , Fan Feng Ru
Published: September 2023

Low‐grade heat (<100 °C) energy sources possess considerable untapped potential for sustainable power generation. Liquid thermocells (LTCs) represent an innovative solution to convert low‐grade heat into electricity. The performance of LTCs relies on the combined effects of the Seebeck coefficient (Se), electrical conductivity (σeff), and thermal conductivity (κeff). While previous studies have predominantly focused on enhancing Se and σeff, κeff has received limited attention. Therefore, in this study, an electrochemically active biphasic liquid thermocell (EAB‐LTC) composed of ferrocene (Fc) and in an ethanol‐aqueous biphasic system is proposed. The self‐reaction of the redox couple enhances Se, while the biphasic nature of the system suppresses thermal convection, resulting in reduced κeff. Compared to the conventional single‐phase LTC utilizing / , the Se is increased by nearly threefold, accompanied by a more than threefold enhancement in output power. The application of the EAB‐LTC module is successfully demonstrated in powering electronic devices, thereby establishing a novel pathway for advancing high‐performance LTCs and presenting a promising approach toward achieving carbon neutrality.
Co‐Catalyzed Reductive Cross‐Couplings of Csp3−S with Callyl−O Electrophiles to form Csp3−Csp3 Bonds
Authors: Gao Mengyu , Gosmini Corinne
Published: September 2023

Cross‐electrophilic coupling of various benzyl sulfonium salts with Callyl−O electrophiles is described using a simple Co−Mn catalytic system. This catalytic system is able to activate both the stable Csp3−S bond of sulfonium salts and the Csp3−O bond of allylic acetate or ether under mild reaction conditions to form various functionalized alkyl olefinic compounds. Allyl methyl ethers were employed for the first time in transition metal‐catalyzed cross‐electrophilic coupling to build Csp3−Csp3 bonds. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggested the involvement of benzyl radicals generated from C−S bond cleavage through a single electron transfer.
The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in Tumor Therapy and Imaging
Authors: Feng Ting , Wan Yilin , Cui Shengsheng , Liu Yanlei
Published: September 2023

Cancer is a major disease that poses a serious threat to human health. The therapy and imaging methods of cancer are still widely studied as hotspots for numerous researchers. In particular, the rapid development of nanoscience and technology provide new strategies for tumor therapy and imaging. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are suggested as potential tumor therapy and imaging tools due to the low immunogenicity, good biocompatibility, high safety, and their natural ability to penetrate biological barriers. This review summarizes the applications of EVs originating from different sources in tumor therapy and imaging, and proposes the advantages and remaining limitations of EVs in this field. EVs from different sources show unique strengths and delivery potentials in tumor‐related research. By focusing on the selection of suitable sources of EVs for therapy and imaging under different conditions, this work expects to provide more knowledge on the potential of EVs in the medical application in the future.
Molecular dynamics predictions of viscosity for organophosphorus liquids
Authors: Ivanova Ella V. , Gor Gennady Y.
Published: September 2023

When studying physical properties of highly toxic chemicals, such as chemical warfare agents (CWAs), molecular dynamics (MD) simulations can serve as an alternative to experimental measurements. We performed MD simulations to calculate viscosity of four organophosphorus liquids, CWAs, sarin, and soman, as well as their simulants, DMMP and DIMP, in the temperature range from 0 to . The molecules were represented with Transferable Potentials for Phase Equilibria United Atom (TraPPE‐UA) force field; the calculations were performed using the Green–Kubo method. The results for sarin and DMMP are in good agreement with previously published experimental data, which justifies the use of the TraPPE‐UA force field for other organophosphorus compounds. Therefore we predicted viscosity of DIMP and soman, for which the experimental data were unavailable. Our results suggest that for applications where liquid viscosity is important, DMMP is a suitable simulant for sarin, and DIMP is a suitable simulant for soman.
Data‐driven integrated design of solvents and extractive distillation processes
Authors: Wang Zihao , Zhou Teng , Sundmacher Kai
Published: September 2023

As property and process models with many variables need to be considered, integrated computer‐aided molecular and process design (CAMPD) problems are computationally expensive. An efficient CAMPD approach is proposed for the simultaneous design of solvents and extractive distillation (ED) processes based on a data‐driven modeling strategy. First, artificial neural network (ANN)‐based process models are trained to replace the physical models conventionally used in CAMPD. Subsequently, optimization is performed to maximize process performance, through which optimal solvent properties and corresponding optimal process parameters are obtained. Then, real solvents approximating the optimal property values are identified from a large solvent database. Rigorous simulations of the ED process are performed to evaluate the performance of the optimal solvents and corresponding process parameters. Further economic evaluation (6.11% lower annual cost compared to the benchmark process) and chemical hazard assessment confirm that acetylacetone is a promising solvent for the ED separation of 1‐butene from 1,3‐butadiene.
Visible Light‐Induced Decarboxylative Peroxidation of Carboxylic Acids: Metal‐Free Synthesis of Benzyl Peroxides
Authors: Lou Chenhao , Feng Yuting , Huang Qiuwei , Lv Leiyang , Li Zhiping
Published: September 2023

A visible light‐induced direct decarboxylative peroxidation of carboxylic acids under mild conditions has been disclosed. With this protocol, a variety of readily available carboxylic acids were converted to the peroxidation products in moderate to good yields via decarboxylative radical C−OO bond coupling. Tert‐butyl hydroperoxide acts as both the oxidant and peroxyl source, avoiding the use of transition metals or extra oxidants.
Association between metabolic syndrome and risk of incident dementia in UK Biobank
Authors: Qureshi Danial , Collister Jennifer , Allen Naomi E. , Kuźma Elżbieta , Littlejohns Thomas
Published: September 2023

INTRODUCTION

The association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and incident dementia remains inconclusive.

METHODS

In 176,249 dementia‐free UK Biobank participants aged ≥60 years at baseline, Cox proportional‐hazards models were used to investigate the association between MetS and incident dementia. MetS was defined as the presence of ≥3 of the following: elevated waist circumference, triglycerides, blood pressure, blood glucose, and reduced high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol.

RESULTS

Over 15 years of follow‐up (median = 12.3), 5255 participants developed dementia. MetS was associated with an increased risk of incident dementia (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06, 1.18). The association remained consistent when restricting to longer follow‐up intervals: >5 to 10 years (HR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.27) and >10 years (HR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.32). Stronger associations were observed in those with ≥4 MetS components and in apolipoprotein‐E (APOE)‐ε4 non‐carriers.

DISCUSSION

In this large population‐based prospective cohort, MetS was associated with an increased risk of dementia.

Highlights

MetS was associated with a 12% increased risk of incident all‐cause dementia.

Associations remained similar after restricting the analysis to those with longer follow‐up.

The presence of four or five MetS components was significantly associated with dementia.

Stronger associations were observed in those with a low genetic risk for dementia.
An internal fraud model for operational losses in retail banking
Authors: Paredes Rocío , Vega Marco
Published: September 2023

This article presents a novel dynamic model for internal fraud losses in the retail banking sector, incorporating internal factors such as ethical quality of workers and bank risk controls. The model's parameters are calibrated for each bank in the Operational Riskdata eXchange (ORX) consortium, based only on publicly available exposure indicators. The model generates simulated internal operational losses, exhibiting standard stochastic properties and tail behavior that closely align with actual operational losses. At an aggregate level, the model endeavors to replicate the average frequency and severity of losses observed within the internal fraud—retail banking category. Moreover, we identify macro‐environmental factors that exert influence over the severity and frequency of model‐simulated losses, consistent with findings in the existing literature.
Evaluating the effectiveness of video feedback to improve cheerleader tumbling skills
Authors: Snapp Sara Kate , Miltenberger Raymond G. , Zerger Heather M.
Published: September 2023

The current study evaluated the effectiveness of video feedback (VF) to improve tumbling skills with three high‐school cheerleaders. Researchers evaluated the effects of VF using a multiple baseline across behaviors design. Results demonstrate that VF was effective in increasing the percentage of correct steps of the target skills for all three participants. This study contributes to the literature on the use of VF as a procedure to increase sports performance.
Influence of menopause on chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting in highly emetogenic chemotherapy for breast cancer: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Yokokawa Takashi , Suzuki Kenichi , Tsuji Daiki , Hosonaga Mari , Kobayashi Kazuo , Kawakami Kazuyoshi , Kawazoe Hitoshi , Nakamura Tomonori , Suzuki Wataru , Sugisaki Takahito , Aoyama Takeshi , Hashimoto Koki , Hatori Masahiro , Tomomatsu Takuya , Inoue Ayaka , Azuma Keiichi , Asano Maimi , Takano Toshimi , Ohno Shinji , Yamaguchi Masakazu
Published: September 2023

Background

Female sex and younger age are reported risk factors for chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in highly emetogenic chemotherapy, but the underlying mechanism has not been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to clarify the impact of menopause on CINV.

Methods

This retrospective observational study analyzed data from consecutive patients who received their first cycle of perioperative anthracycline‐based chemotherapy for breast cancer between January 2018 and June 2020. The endpoints were association between CINV (vomiting, ≥Grade 2 nausea, complete response [CR] failure) and menopause as well as the association between CINV and follicle‐stimulating hormone [FSH]/estradiol [E2].

Results

Data for 639 patients were analyzed. Among these patients, 109 (17.1%) received olanzapine (four antiemetic combinations) and 530 (82.9%) did not (three antiemetic combinations). Premenopausal state (amenorrhea lasting ≥12 months) was significantly associated with ≥Grade 2 nausea and CR failure in univariate analysis but not in multivariate analysis. The premenopausal FSH/E2 group (defined by serum levels; FSH <40 mIU/mL and E2 ≥20 pg/mL) had a significantly higher rate of ≥Grade 2 nausea than the postmenopausal FSH/E2 group (FSH ≥40 mIU/mL and E2 <20 pg/mL) (48.8% vs. 18.8%, p = 0.023).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that changes in FSH and E2 due to menopause may affect the severity of nausea and that FSH and E2 (especially FSH) levels might be useful indicators for CINV risk assessment.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease and risk of cancer: Findings from the Korean National Health Screening Cohort
Authors: Tran Chi Lan , Han Minji , Kim Byungmi , Park Eun Young , Kim Young Il , Oh Jin‐Kyoung
Published: September 2023

Aim

Little is known about the association of cancers other than esophageal adenocarcinoma with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study aimed to examine the association between GERD and the risk of different types of cancer.

Methods

A cohort study was conducted using data from the National Health Screening Cohort. We included 10,261 GERD patients and 30,783 non‐GERD individuals who were matched in a 1:3 ratio by age and sex. All participants were followed‐up until cancer diagnosis, death, or end of the study (December 31, 2015). Hazard ratios were calculated using the Cox proportional hazards model, adjusting for smoking and alcohol consumption, physical activity, body mass index, income, area, and Charlson Comorbidity Index.

Results

The median follow‐up time was 9.9 years. GERD was associated with an increased risk of esophageal (adjusted hazard ratios [aHR] = 3.20 [1.89–5.41]), laryngeal (aHR = 5.42 [2.68–10.96]), and thyroid cancers (aHR = 1.91 [1.55–2.34]) after controlling for all covariates. The results were consistent when examining GERD with esophagitis (K210) and without esophagitis (K219) separately. For thyroid cancer, the results were insignificant after controlling for having ever‐received thyroid biopsy procedures. A dose–response relationship was found between GERD and esophageal cancer as well as laryngeal cancer, with patients with a longer duration of GERD treatment showing a stronger effect. In contrast, GERD was associated with a reduced risk of colorectal (aHR = 0.73 [0.59–0.90]), liver (aHR = 0.67 [0.51–0.89]), and pancreatic cancers (aHR = 0.43 [0.24–0.76]), which might have resulted from differences in healthcare utilization between GERD and non‐GERD groups.

Conclusion

GERD was associated with an increased risk of esophageal and laryngeal cancers. Additionally, early detection and treatment of precancerous lesions among the GERD group could lead to a lower risk of colorectal, liver, and pancreatic cancers.
Alternative promoters and splicing create multiple functionally distinct isoforms of oestrogen receptor alpha in breast cancer and healthy tissues
Authors: Balcazar Lopez Carlos Enrique , Albrecht Juliane , Hafstað Völundur , Börjesson Freitag Cornelia , Vallon‐Christersson Johan , Bellodi Cristian , Persson Helena
Published: September 2023

Background

Oestrogen receptor alpha (ER) is involved in cell growth and proliferation and functions as a transcription factor, a transcriptional coregulator, and in cytoplasmic signalling. It affects, for example, bone, endometrium, ovaries and mammary epithelium. It is a key biomarker in clinical management of breast cancer, where it is used as a prognostic and treatment‐predictive factor, and a therapeutical target. Several ER isoforms have been described, but transcript annotation in public databases is incomplete and inconsistent, and functional differences are not well understood.

Methods

We have analysed short‐ and long‐read RNA sequencing data from breast tumours, breast cancer cell lines, and normal tissues to create a comprehensive annotation of ER transcripts and combined it with experimental studies of full‐length protein and six alternative isoforms.

Results

The isoforms have varying transcription factor activity, subcellular localisation, and response to the ER‐targeting drugs tamoxifen and fulvestrant. Antibodies differ in ability to detect alternative isoforms, which raises concerns for the interpretation of ER‐status in routine pathology.

Conclusions

Future work should investigate the effects of alternative isoforms on patient survival and therapy response. An accurate annotation of ER isoforms will aid in interpretation of clinical data and inform functional studies to improve our understanding of the ER in health and disease.
The effect of emotion type and similarity of experience on consumers' willingness to pay for cause‐related products: Construal level perspective
Authors: Luan Chi‐Cheng , Phan The Anh
Published: September 2023

Information complexity hinders consumer processing and reduces positive responses to cause‐related products. Previous studies on cause‐related marketing (CRM) have focused more on messaging effects on reducing information complexity, such as the presentation of the donation amount, cause description, and image displays. This study discusses the effect of construal fit on consumers' willingness to pay (WTP) for products sold through CRM by focusing on the emotional and perceptual aspects of prior experiences. Notably, sadness has a low‐level construal fit with a high similarity of experience, whereas happiness has a high‐level construal fit with a low similarity of experience. Study 1 employs a between‐subjects design, examining how the construal fit influences WTP for cause‐related products. The results of Study 2 reveal that when consumers are in a sad (happy) emotional state, the higher (lower) they perceive the similarity of their experiences with the cause, the greater their WTP increases owing to processing fluency. Study 3 reconfirms the mediating roles of perceptual and conceptual fluency irrespective of text‐based and visual advertisements for CRM, thus showing the robustness of the construal fit effect on the enhancement of the two types of processing fluency across advertising contexts. These findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of the construal fit between emotional and perceptual experiences in enhancing processing fluency in CRM and suggest that marketers can create a teaser ad that induces either a sad or similar experience or a happy or less similar experience before introducing a CRM campaign.
Balloon‐assisted subintimal entry (BASE) in chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary interventions
Authors: Alexandrou Michaella , Rempakos Athanasios , Al Ogaili Ahmed , Choi James W. , Poommipanit Paul , Alaswad Khaldoon , Basir Mir B. , Davies Rhian , Benton Stewart , Jaffer Farouc A. , Chandwaney Raj H. , Azzalini Lorenzo , Kearney Kathleen E. , ElGuindy Ahmed M. , Abi Rafeh Nidal , Goktekin Omer , Gorgulu Sevket , Khatri Jaikirshan J. , Aygul Nazif , Vo Minh N. , Cincin Altug , Rangan Bavana V. , Mastrodemos Olga C. , Allana Salman S. , Sandoval Yader , Burke M. Nicholas , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: September 2023

Background

There is limited data on the use of the balloon‐assisted subintimal entry (BASE) technique in chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

We analyzed the baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics and outcomes of 155 CTO PCIs that utilized the BASE technique at 31 US and non‐US centers between 2016 and 2023.

Results

The BASE technique was used in 155 (7.9%) of 1968 antegrade dissection and re‐entry (ADR) cases performed during the study period. The mean age was 66 ± 10 years, 88.9% of the patients were men, and the prevalence of diabetes (44.6%), hypertension (90.5%), and dyslipidemia (88.7%) was high. Compared with 1813 ADR cases that did not use BASE, the target vessel of the BASE cases was more commonly the RCA and less commonly the LAD. Lesions requiring BASE had longer occlusion length (42 ± 23 vs. 37 ± 23 mm, p = 0.011), higher Japanese CTO (J‐CTO) (3.4 ± 1.0 vs. 3.0 ± 1.1, p < 0.001) and PROGRESS‐CTO (Prospective Global Registry for the Study of Chronic Total Occlusion Intervention chronic total occlusion) (1.8 ± 1.0 vs. 1.5 ± 1.0, p = 0.008) scores, and were more likely to have proximal cap ambiguity, side branch at the proximal cap, blunt/no stump, moderate to severe calcification, and proximal tortuosity. Technical (71.6% vs. 75.5%, p = 0.334) and procedural success (71.6% vs. 72.8%, p = 0.821), as well as major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (1.3% vs. 4.1%, p = 0.124), were similar in ADR cases that used BASE and those that did not.

Conclusions

The BASE technique is used in CTOs with longer occlusion length, higher J‐CTO score, and more complex angiographic characteristics, and is associated with moderate success but also low MACE.
Enhanced antioxidant capacity of brown rice vinegar supplemented with soy residue
Authors: Park Kyungeun , Kim Yookyung
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives

This study aimed to prepare and use soy residue as a supplement to enhance the antioxidant activities of grain vinegar, which has relatively lower antioxidant activities than fruit vinegar. Brown rice vinegar (BRV) was supplemented with 30% (BROV3) and 50% (BROV5) soy residue, respectively.

Findings

After 3 days of alcohol fermentation, the BROVs had lower sugar content (6.43–9.4 °Brix [Bx]), alcohol content (4.47%–7.5%), and pH (3.65–3.66) but higher acidity (0.75%) than BRV (12.47 °Bx, alcohol content 11%, pH 3.72, acidity 0.66%). During 10 days of acetic fermentation, the BROVs showed higher pH (3.23–3.38) and lower acidity (4.05%–4.35%) than BRV (pH 2.88, acidity 4.86%). As the soy residue was increased, the contents of essential amino acids increased from 22.03 mg/L (BRV) to 515.27 mg/L (BROV5), but those of desirable volatile compounds decreased, and those of undesirable compounds increased. The polyphenolics, flavonoids, and isoflavone contents and 2,2‵‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2, 2‐azino‐bis‐3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS)+ radical‐scavenging activities of the BROVs increased while increasing soy residue.

Conclusions

Although soy residue addition decreased certain desirable volatile compounds and increased certain undesirable ones, overall, it improved the antioxidant activity and quality of brown rice vinegar.

Significance and Novelty

The potential of soy residue for enhancing vinegar functionality was confirmed.
Hepatocellular carcinoma with gastric adenocarcinoma treated with atezolizumab and bevacizumab
Authors: Suga Takayoshi , Kimura Yuko , Furuya Kensuke , Sato Hiroko
Published: September 2023

Key Clinical Message

Atezolizumab and bevacizumab combination therapy might be one of the treatment options for hepatocellular carcinoma concurrent with gastric adenocarcinoma.
The First Planar, Not Twisted, Distannene − A Structural Alkene Analog. Synthesis, Isolation and X‐ray Crystallography Characterization
Authors: Bashkurov Roman , Fridman Natalia , Bravo‐Zhivotovskii Dmitry , Apeloig Yitzhak
Published: September 2023

The tetrasilyl‐substituted distannene, (tBu2HSi)2Sn=Sn(SiHtBu2)2 6, was synthesized by mild thermolysis (70 °C in hexane) of tris(di‐tert‐butyl‐hydridosilyl)stannane 4. The X‐ray crystallography structure of 6 reveals the following unusual structural properties: a planar geometry around both Sn atoms (Σ∡Sn=359.87°), a non‐twisted Sn=Sn double bond, and the shortest Sn=Sn double bond of 2.599 Å among all acyclic distannenes. Thus, compound 6 is the first reported distannene having a structure closely analogous to a classic alkene. Reactions of 6 with CCl4 or with 2,3‐dimethylbuta‐1,3‐diene to produce 1,2‐dichlorodistannane 9 and the [2+4] cycloadduct 10, respectively, are characteristic for a Sn=Sn double bond.
Motivational communication skills to improve motivation and adherence in cardiovascular disease prevention: A narrative review
Authors: Xu Linqi , Pinxten Wim , Vandereyt Frank , Falter Maarten , Scherrenberg Martijn , Kizilkilic Sevda Ece , Van Erum Hanne , Dendale Paul , Kindermans Hanne
Published: September 2023

Lifestyle optimization is one of the most essential components of cardiovascular disease prevention. Motivational counseling provided by health care professionals could promote lifestyle modification. The purpose of the review is to identify possible evidence‐based psychological principles that may be applicable to motivational counseling in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. These motivational communication skills promote behavioral change, improved motivation and adherence to cardiovascular disease prevention. A personal collection of the relevant publications. The review identified and summarized the previous evidence of implementation intentions, mental contrasting, placebo effect and nocebo effects and identity‐based regulations in behavior change interventions and proposed their potential application in cardiovascular disease prevention. However, it is challenging to provide real support in sustainable CVD‐risk reduction and encourage patients to implement lifestyle changes, while avoiding being unnecessarily judgmental, disrespectful of autonomy, or engaging patients in burdensome efforts that have little or no effect on the long run. Motivational communication skills have a great potential for effectuating sustainable lifestyle changes that reduce CVD‐related risks, but it is also surrounded by ethical issues that should be appropriately addressed in practice. It is key to realize that motivational communication is nothing like an algorithm that is likely to bring about sustainable lifestyle change, but a battery of interventions that requires specific expertise and long term joint efforts of patients and their team of caregivers.
Association between frailty and physical performance in older patients with heart failure
Authors: Jin Uram , Yoon Minjae , Ha Jaehyung , Lee Seung‐Hyun , Yun Doeun , Kim Ji‐Su , Oh Jaewon , Park Sungha , Lee Sang‐Hak , Kang Seok‐Min , Lee Chan Joo
Published: September 2023

Background

Frailty is an issue in patients with heart failure (HF). A Korean version of the frailty scale (K‐FRAIL) has been developed.

Hypothesis

We aimed to analyze the relationship between the K‐FRAIL scale and physical performance in patients with HF.

Methods

This study included 142 patients with HF aged ≥65 years from a single center. Muscular fitness was assessed using the handgrip test and knee extensor strength measurement. Aerobic capacity was assessed using the cardiopulmonary exercise test and 6‐min walk test (6MWT). Frailty was assessed using the K‐FRAIL questionnaire.

Results

Peak VO2 and 6MWT scores significantly decreased as frailty worsened, but handgrip and knee extensor strength did not. In the multivariate analysis, peak VO2 (β = −.31; p = .002) and 6MWT score (β = −.38; p < .001) showed significant inverse associations with the K‐FRAIL score. Based on the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the cut‐off values of peak VO2 (hazard ratio, 5.08; p = .023) and 6MWT (hazard ratio, 3.99; p = .020) were independent predictors of frailty.

Conclusion

In older patients with HF, physical performance correlates with the degree of frailty. The K‐FRAIL scale is correlated with the peak VO2 and 6MWT.
Zwitterionic Polymer: A New Paradigm for Protein Conjugation beyond PEG
Authors: Zeng Zhipeng , Chen Shi , Chen Yongming
Published: September 2023

To render protein drugs more suitable for clinical treatment, PEGylation has been widely used to ameliorate their inherent deficiencies, such as poor stability, rapid elimination in the bloodstream, and high immunogenicity. While increasingly PEGylated protein drugs have been approved by the FDA, the non‐degradability of PEG and the emergence of anti‐PEG antibodies after injection raise concerns about their cumulative chronic toxicity and long‐term therapeutic efficacy. Zwitterionic polymer, with a unique structure containing equal amounts of positively charged and negatively charged groups, shows a different hydration behavior to PEG, which may be a superior PEG alternative for protein conjugation. In this concept review, a series of features beyond that of PEGylated protein exhibited by protein‐zwitterionic polymer conjugate are discussed and some suggestions are presented for their future direction.
Prescribed curvature measure problem in hyperbolic space
Authors: Yang Fengrui
Published: September 2023

The problem of the prescribed curvature measure is one of the important problems in differential geometry and nonlinear partial differential equations. In this paper, we consider the prescribed curvature measure problem in the hyperbolic space. We obtain the existence of star‐shaped k‐convex bodies with prescribed (n‐k)‐th curvature measures by establishing crucial C2 regularity estimates for solutions to the corresponding fully nonlinear PDE in the hyperbolic space.
Quasi‐identifier recognition with echo chamber optimization‐based anonymization for privacy preservation of cloud storage
Authors: Jadhav Poonam Samir , Borkar Gautam M.
Published: September 2023

The publication of data raises several security concerns, implying that when a reputable company offers data to a third party, personal information is not needed to be revealed. The fundamental issue that led to identity leakage is the connection of quasi‐identifiers (QIDs); however, the majority of researchers overlook the identification of accurate QIDs. This study developed a privacy preservation and clustering‐based quasi‐identification model based on the Echo Chamber optimization with a Z‐mixture parameter for privacy‐preserving combined data publishing to maintain the privacy of the data. The Echo chamber optimization is used to conduct a clustering‐based quasi‐identification to find the significant attributes especially, in determining the dimension of the solutions as well as the precise QIDs using the re‐identification risk rate as the fitness function. The loss of information is greatly reduced in terms of the metrics such as normalized certainty penalty metric, average equivalent class size metric, and discernibility metric. The developed optimized clustering‐based algorithm with the privacy preservation model extensively minimizes the leakage of private information and the utilization of data is well‐maintained compared with other existing algorithms.
Influence of Coordination to Silver(I) Centers on the Activity of Heterocyclic Iodonium Salts Serving as Halogen‐Bond‐Donating Catalysts
Authors: Il'in Mikhail V. , Polonnikov Denis A. , Novikov Alexander S. , Sysoeva Alexandra A. , Safinskaya Yana V. , Bolotin Dmitrii S.
Published: September 2023

Kinetic data based on 1H NMR monitoring and computational studies indicate that in solution, pyrazole‐containing iodonium triflates and silver(I) triflate bind to each other, and such an interplay results in the decrease of the total catalytic activity of the mixture of these Lewis acids compared to the separate catalysis of the Schiff condensation, the imine–isocyanide coupling, or the nucleophilic attack on a triple carbon−carbon bond. Moreover, the kinetic data indicate that such a cooperation with the silver(I) triflate results in prevention of decomposition of the iodonium salts during the reaction progress. XRD study confirms that the pyrazole‐containing iodonium triflate coordinates to the silver(I) center via the pyrazole N atom to produce a rare example of a pentacoordinated trigonal bipyramidal dinuclear silver(I) complex featuring cationic ligands.
Refined asymptotic analysis of the two‐capacitor circuit
Authors: Sommariva Antonino M. , Dalai Marco
Published: September 2023

A refinement of a previous asymptotic analysis of the well‐known two‐capacitor circuit is presented. It rests on some mathematical results, which allow the originally conceived regularity constraint to be replaced with a new one, not only less restrictive but also and above all simpler and easier to check. On this basis, the main time domain diagrams of the circuit with the embedding switch are presented. In addition, the solution of the circuit in the transition interval is provided, and some calculations related to the distribution side of the analysis are also reconsidered and improved.