bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 Lockdown Pandemic Period Effects in Highly Impacted Aquatic Ecosystems
Authors: Marcheggiani Stefania , Puccinelli Camilla , Chiudioni Filippo , Mancini Laura
Published: December 2022

Human activities severely affect aquatic ecosystems: the lockdown restrictions due to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) have proved that reducing anthropogenic activities can positively influence the environment and mitigate atmospheric pollution. In addition, studies on aquatic ecosystems have highlighted the decrease in suspended matter and pollutant concentrations associated with reduced marine transport and industrial activities. We evaluated the effects of the reduction of anthropogenic activities in highly impacted water ecosystems. Three of the sampling sites were on the Tiber River's lower stretch close to the urban area of Rome (Italy), and the other two were transitional waters located in the southern Latium region coastal area. These sampling sites have been studied by our research group for at least 20 years. The present study involved analysis of chemical and physicochemical parameters, biological communities, and land use. Microbiological fecal indicators and Salmonella spp. were also analyzed. There were two sampling campaigns, the first one in May 2020 (ID II) at the end of lockdown measures, and the second one a year later, in June 2021 (ID III). The data were compared with our old data, collected from 2002 to 2015 (ID I), to evaluate the potential effects of the restrictive measures. Biotic communities were dominated by pollution-tolerant taxa, indicating eutrophication and organic pollution. Furthermore, the high concentrations of microbiological indicators was mainly due to sewage from the urban area. The results of the research indicated no significant changes from past years (ID I) to 2020 (ID II) and 2021 (ID III). In conclusion, the restrictions adopted in Italy during the pandemic period were not sufficient to mitigate the heavy pressure of urbanization and agriculture that have long affected the studied aquatic ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:966–977. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Introduction, Part 2—Geodynamic evolution of Eastern Himalaya and Indo‐Myanmar orogenic belts: Advances through interdisciplinary studies
Authors: Singh Athokpam Krishnakanta , Chung Sun‐Lin , Somerville Ian D.
Published: December 2022

The geology of Eastern Himalaya, the Indo‐Myanmar orogenic belt (IMOB), the Shillong Plateau and its adjoining regions have a distinct entity in the tectonic framework of South‐east Asia. A considerable gap exists in our knowledge of the geology of the Eastern Himalaya, IMOB, Shillong Plateau, Assam–Arakan Basin, and ophiolites of Northeast India. In order to fulfil the gap to some extent two Special Issues were proposed through advanced interdisciplinary studies of geosciences. A total of 29 research papers cover articles of interdisciplinary studies of geosciences to understand the magmatism and exhumation history of the crystalline core, pressure, temperature, time, and deformation (P–T–t–d) conditions of the geologically least explored Eastern Himalaya and IMOB and adjoining regions are included in this Special Issue. This Special issue‐Part 2 is a continuation of an earlier Special Issue‐Part 1 published in vol. 57 (2), GJ with 26 research articles. This Special Issue will provide state‐of‐art information on the geodynamic evolution of the Eastern Himalaya and Indo‐Myanmar orogenic belt in the tectonic framework of South‐east Asia and will help in planning future guidelines to explore this one of the least studied geological terrains. Overall, this Special Issue will have the potential to become a reference volume for researchers, particularly working in the Eastern Himalaya, Shillong Plateau, Assam–Arakan Basin, and ophiolites of North‐east India. This volume will also be useful to future researchers and will also have the potential to become a reference volume for researchers, particularly working in the north‐eastern part of India and adjoining regions.
Development of machine learning models for the prediction of positive surgical margins in transoral robotic surgery (TORS)
Authors: Costantino Andrea , Sampieri Claudio , Pirola Francesca , De Virgilio Armando , Kim Se‐Heon
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To develop machine learning (ML) models for predicting positive margins in patients undergoing transoral robotic surgery (TORS).

Methods

Data from 453 patients with laryngeal, hypopharyngeal, and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma were retrospectively collected at a tertiary referral center to train (n = 316) and validate (n = 137) six two‐class supervised ML models employing 14 variables available pre‐operatively.

Results

The accuracy of the six ML models ranged between 0.67 and 0.75, while the measured AUC between 0.68 and 0.75. The ML algorithms showed high specificity (range: 0.75–0.89) and low sensitivity (range: 0.26–0.64) in detecting patients with positive margins after TORS. NPV was higher (range: 0.73–0.83) compared to PPV (range: 0.45–0.63). T classification and tumor site were the most important predictors of positive surgical margins.

Conclusions

ML algorithms can identify patients with low risk of positive margins and therefore amenable to TORS.
Post‐graduate pharmacy fellowships: The current state of affairs
Authors: Elmes Abigail T. , Holger Dana J. , Cieslak Karolina , Desai Divya , Kunz Coyne Ashlan J. , Patel Vraj , Rodgers Jo E. , Jarrett Jennie B.
Published: December 2022

While pharmacy residencies are relatively unanimous in their focus on cultivating quality clinical pharmacists with exceptional clinical knowledge and practice skills, post‐graduate pharmacy fellowships offer training opportunities to develop skills for successful entry into other career types, with major differences between and within various types including pharmaceutical industry, clinical practice, academia/education, and other fellowship programs. In general, pharmaceutical industry fellowships are designed to prepare pharmacy graduates to primarily contribute to various aspects of pharmaceutical drug development and marketing with skills aligned with a specific functional area within pharmaceutical industry. Clinical practice, academia/education, and other research fellowships generally focus on developing research skills in targeted areas ranging from specific therapeutic areas, teaching and learning, or disciplines of research. Most fellowship programs provide training and experiences to develop vital translatable skills such as interpersonal, written, and verbal communication, time and project management, leadership, and teamwork. Conversely, fellowship training can differ considerably, even within individual fellowship types and programs, in specific purpose, structure, required activities, funding, collaborative affiliations, and the specific career a graduate may be qualified to pursue after program completion. The objectives of this article are to differentiate various types of post‐graduate pharmacy fellowship programs and to review strengths and potential areas for improvement across all post‐graduate pharmacy fellowship programs.
Characteristics of incarcerated women's participation in groups: Exploring the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies United States prison dataset
Authors: Hicks‐Becton Latasha Y. , Holman Leigh Falls , Harrell‐Williams Leigh
Published: December 2022

This study employs logistic regression and latent class analyses to explore the relationship between incarcerated women's (n = 252) participation in nonacademic prison groups/skills classes and their demographic (e.g., education) and prison context (e.g., time to release) characteristics, using the 2014 Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies United States prison dataset. Time to release was a significant factor in readiness class participation. Time to release and race/ethnicity were significant factors in addiction group participation. Education level had the largest effect size across all groups/classes explored. We discuss counseling implications for using group/class screening to connect with incarcerated women, especially those with intersecting and historically marginalized identities.
The capsaicinoid nonivamide suppresses the inflammatory response and attenuates the progression of steatosis in a NAFLD‐rat model
Authors: Wikan Naruemon , Tocharus Jiraporn , Oka Chio , Sivasinprasasn Sivanan , Chaichompoo Waraluck , Suksamrarn Apichart , Tocharus Chainarong
Published: December 2022

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is relatively associated with comorbidities in obesity and metabolic inflammation. Low‐grade inflammation following the high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced NAFLD can promote the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) through particularly liver‐resident immune cell recruitment and hepatic nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) pathway. Therefore, inflammatory intervention may contribute to NASH reduction. Pelargonic acid vanillylamide (PAVA) or nonivamide is one of the pungent capsaicinoids of Capsicum species and has been found in chili peppers. Our previous study demonstrated that PAVA improved hepatic function, decreased oxidative stress and reduced apoptotic cell death but the insight role of PAVA on NAFLD is still unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the underlying anti‐inflammatory mechanism of PAVA in an NAFLD‐rat model. Male Sprague Dawley rats were fed with normal diet or HFD for 16 weeks. Then high‐fat rats were given vehicle or PAVA (1 mg/kg/day) for another 4 weeks. We found that PAVA alleviated hepatic inflammation associated with the reducing toll‐like receptor 4/NF‐κB pathway, showing significantly lower recruitment of cluster of differentiation 44. PAVA also maintained activity of insulin signaling pathway, and attenuated NOD‐, LRR‐ and pyrin domain‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome formation. NAFLD progresses to NASH through transforming growth factor (TGF‐β1), and also recovery to simple stage followed by PAVA suppresses pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, and Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway. Therefore, our findings suggest that PAVA provides a novel therapeutic approach for NAFLD and slows the progression to NASH.
Design and development of novel N‐(4‐aminobenzoyl)‐l‐glutamic acid conjugated 1,3,5‐triazine derivatives as Pf‐DHFR inhibitor: An in‐silico and in‐vitro study
Authors: Adhikari Nayana , Choudhury Ayesha A. K. , Shakya Anshul , Ghosh Surajit K. , Patgiri Saurav J. , Singh Udaya P. , Bhat Hans R.
Published: December 2022

In the present work, a library of 120 compounds was prepared using various aliphatic and aromatic amines. Finally, 10 compounds were selected through in silico screening carrying 4‐aminobenzoyl‐l‐glutamic acid and 1,3,5‐triazine moiety. The docking results of compounds 4d16 and 4d38 revealed higher binding interaction with amino acids Asp54 (−537.96 kcal/mol) and Asp54, Phe116 (−618.22 kcal/mol) against wild (1J3I) and quadruple mutant (1J3K) type of Pf‐DHFR inhibitors and were comparable to standard WR99210. These compounds were developed by facile and microwave‐assisted synthesis via nucleophilic substitution reaction and characterized by different spectroscopic methods. In vitro antimalarial assay results also suggested that these two compounds were having higher antimalarial activity against chloroquine‐sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine‐resistant (Dd2) strain out of the ten synthesized compounds with IC50 13.25 μM and 14.72 μM, respectively. These hybrid scaffolds might be useful in the lead discovery of a new class of Pf‐DHFR inhibitors.
Circ_0018909 knockdown inhibits the development of pancreatic cancer via the miR‐545‐3p/FASN axis and reduces macrophage polarization to M2
Authors: Song Yinxue , Wang Jun , Xu Jing , Gao Ye , Xu Zhichao
Published: December 2022

Multiple circular RNAs (circRNAs) were proven to regulate the development of pancreatic cancer. However, the action of circ_0018909 in pancreatic cancer was still unclear. The expression of circ_0018909, microRNA‐545‐3p (miR‐545‐3p), and fatty acid synthase (FASN) was measured using quantitative reverse‐transcriptase PCR (qRT‐PCR). Cell growth, cell cycle arrest, apoptotic cells, metastasis, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) were determined using EdU assay, flow cytometry, wound‐healing assay, transwell invasion, and western blotting, respectively. The expression of the macrophage markers, including CD80, MCP‐1, iNOS, and IL‐6 (M1 markers), as well as CD206 and CD163 (M2 markers), was analyzed using qRT‐PCR. Circ_0018909 knockdown dramatically depressed cell growth, migration, invasion, EMT, and elevated the number of apoptotic cells in pancreatic cancer cells, and repressed tumor growth in mice. Moreover, we proved that the absence of miR‐545‐3p rescued the action of circ_0018909 downregulation on cell growth, metastasis, apoptosis, and EMT in pancreatic cancer cells. MiR‐545‐3p bound to FASN and FASN overexpression hindered the impacts of miR‐545‐3p on the progression of pancreatic cancer. Besides this, our data demonstrated that circ_0018909 induced polarization from M0 macrophages to M2 macrophages. Circ_0018909 knockdown retarded the development of pancreatic cancer by modulating miR‐545‐3p to regulate FASN expression.
Morphological and molecular characterization of Rhizoctonia solani AG‐3 associated with tobacco target leaf spot in China
Authors: Xu Shanshan , Liu Xinru , Zhang Jie , Xiao Liangyun , Zhao Lianjing , Li Chengyun , Dong Wenhan , Yang Genhua
Published: December 2022

Tobacco target leaf spot is a leaf disease that seriously affects both the quantity and quality of commercial tobacco crops and has caused huge economic losses in many countries and also pandemics in China since 2006. The anastomosis group‐3 (AG‐3) pathogen is divided into different subgroups namely AG‐3 PT (potato type), AG‐3TB (tobacco type), and AG‐3 TM (tomato type), based on their host and the combined data from the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (rDNA‐ITS), rDNA intergenic spacer 1 (rDNA‐IGS1) regions, and translation elongation factor 1‐α (tef‐1α) gene. In this study, we collected tobacco leaves showing target spot symptom from four fields in China. We obtained 49 isolates from southwest China (Yunnan Provinces) and six isolates from northeast China (Liaoning Province). Phylogenetic tree based on rDNA‐ITS region indicated that 51 isolates (49 isolates from Yunnan and two isolates from Liaoning) and 4 isolates from Liaoning belonged to AG‐3 TB and AG‐3 TM, respectively.
Evaluating pharmacy high‐needs criteria: a tool for identifying inpatients at risk of medication‐related problems
Authors: Wembridge Paul , Ngo Cathy , Tran Thi Huong Tra , Ivar Maanya Pavan
Published: December 2022

Clinical pharmacy services can be costly, and in resource‐constrained healthcare services, should be prioritised towards patients with the greatest potential risks. At our health network, high‐needs pharmacy criteria were developed to identify patients at greatest need of clinical pharmacy services. This retrospective study of 761 patients admitted to four hospitals in metropolitan Melbourne aimed to evaluate the ability of the high‐needs pharmacy criteria to identify patients at increased risk of medication‐related adverse clinical outcomes. Patients' clinical records were reviewed to determine if the patient met one or more elements of the high‐needs criteria. Data on length of stay, 30‐day readmission rate, medication‐related problems, and medication‐related incidents were obtained from the electronic records. Patients meeting one or more high‐needs criteria had a longer length of stay (mean 6.7 days vs 3.1 days, p < 0.01), were more likely to be readmitted within 30 days (27% vs 16%, p < 0.01) and had a higher rate of medication‐related problems (15% vs 7.6%, p < 0.01). The sensitivity of the high‐needs criteria to identify patients with medication‐related problems, medication‐related incidents, or readmission within 30 days was above 80%. In conclusion, the high‐needs pharmacy criteria identified older patients with longer length of stay who are at greater risk of 30‐day readmission and medication‐related problems.
Application of fuzzy algorithms in conjunction with 1H‐NMR spectroscopy to differentiate alcoholic beverages
Authors: Pirnau Adrian , Feher Ioana , Sârbu Costel , Hategan Ariana Raluca , Guyon Francois , Magdas Dana Alina
Published: December 2022

Background

Recent statistics from the European Commission indicate that wine is one of the commodities most commonly subject to food fraud. In this context, the development of reliable classification models to differentiate alcoholic beverages requires, besides sensitive analytical tools, the use of the most suitable data‐processing methods like those based on advanced statistical tools or artificial intelligence.

Results

The present study aims to establish a new, innovative approach for the differentiation of alcoholic beverages (wines and fruit distillates), which is able to increase the discrimination rate of the models that have been developed. A data dimensionality reduction step was applied to proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) profiles. This stage consisted of the application of fuzzy principal component analysis (FPCA) prior to the development of classification models through discriminant analysis. The enhancement of the model's classification potential by the application of FPCA in comparison with principal component analysis (PCA) was discussed.

Conclusion

The association of 1H‐NMR spectroscopy and an appropriate statistical approach provided a very effective tool for the differentiation of alcoholic beverages. To develop reliable metabolomic approaches for the differentiation of wines and fruit distillates, 1H‐NMR spectroscopic data were exploited in conjunction with fuzzy algorithms to reduce data dimensionality. The study proved the greater efficiency of using FPCA scores in comparison with those obtained through the widely applied PCA. The proposed approach enabled wines to be distinguished perfectly according to their geographical origins, cultivar, and vintage, and this could be used for wine classification. Moreover, 100% correctly classified samples were also achieved for the botanical and geographical differentiation of fruit distillates. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Comparison of Gelatin/Polylysine‐ and Silk Fibroin/SDF‐1α‐Coated Mesenchymal Stem Cell‐Seeded Intracranial Stents
Authors: Peng Qichen , Guo Ruimin , Zhou Yangyang , Teng Ruidi , Cao Yulin , Mu Shiqing
Published: December 2022

Endothelialization of the aneurysmal neck is essential for aneurysm healing after endovascular treatment. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)‐seeded stents can promote aneurysm repair. The biological effects of coated and uncoated nitinol intracranial stents seeded with MSCs on vascular cells and macrophage proliferation and inflammation are investigated. Two stent coatings that exert pro‐aggregation effects on MSCs via different mechanisms are examined: gelatin/polylysine (G/PLL), which enhances cell adhesion, and silk fibroin/SDF‐1α (SF/SDF‐1α), which enhances chemotaxis. The aim is to explore the feasibility of MSC‐seeded coated stents in the treatment of intracranial aneurysms. The G/PLL coating provides the highest cytocompatibility and blood compatibility substrate for MSCs and vascular cells and promotes cell adhesion and proliferation. Moreover, it enhances MSC secretion and regulation of vascular cell and macrophage proliferation and chemotaxis. Although the SF/SDF‐1α coating promotes MSC secretion and vascular cell chemotaxis, it induces a greater degree of macrophage proliferation, chemotaxis, and secretion of pro‐inflammatory factors. MSC‐seeded stents coated with G/PLL may benefit stent surface endothelialization and reduce the inflammatory response after endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysm. These effects may improve aneurysm healing and increase the cure rate.
Effect of quenching in aqueous polyvinylpyrrolidone solutions on the microstructure and pitting corrosion resistance of AISI 1045 carbon steel
Authors: Nishimoto Masashi , Muto Izumi , Doi Takashi , Kawano Kaori , Sugawara Yu
Published: December 2022

Carbon steels are widely used as infrastructure components owing to their high strength, ductility, and weldability. However, as corrosion degrades critical infrastructure components, exploring the relationship between the microstructure and corrosion resistance of carbon steel is of particular interest in engineering. To analyze this relationship, it is first essential to evaluate the corrosion resistance of each microstructure in a carbon steel specimen with a single chemical composition to eliminate the effects of alloying elements. In this study, we compared the pitting corrosion resistance of four microstructures (water‐quenched martensite, tempered martensite, bainite and degenerate pearlite, and ferrite–pearlite) of an AISI 1045 medium‐carbon steel. The pitting corrosion resistances of the microstructures in near‐neutral pH solutions containing NaCl were ordered as follows: (high) water‐quenched martensite > bainite and degenerate pearlite > tempered martensite > ferrite–pearlite (low). Elucidating the effect of the microstructure on the pitting corrosion resistance may contribute to the development of corrosion‐resistant carbon steels with excellent mechanical properties.
Corrosion characterization of NiTi alloy by femtosecond laser surface processing
Authors: Yang Qibiao , Wang Jie , Bian Ruonan , Chen Lie , Cheng Jian , Lou Deyuan , Liu Dun
Published: December 2022

The study of the corrosion resistance of NiTi alloy surfaces with different wettabilities is important to achieve improvements in biocompatibility. In this study, a femtosecond laser was used to process different wettability surfaces on the NiTi alloy. The corrosion resistance of the surfaces was examined via potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to analyze the morphology and chemical composition of the surfaces. The findings demonstrate that when an original oxide film is destroyed by femtosecond laser processing with a low laser fluence, hydrophilic or hydrophobic surfaces are more vulnerable to erosion. The corrosion resistance of superhydrophilic surfaces is improved to a certain extent, whereas superhydrophobic surfaces exhibit excellent corrosion resistance. Superhydrophilic surfaces are protected from further corrosion by the formation of a dense oxide film after corrosion, whereas superhydrophobic surfaces can inhibit corrosion because of their thicker oxide film and additional air film produced by air trapped in the micro/nanostructure.
Affine‐periodic orbits for linear dynamical systems
Authors: Yang Xue , Cheng Ming , Li Yong
Published: December 2022

We observe the relationship between forward bounded orbits and affine periodic orbits for infinite‐dimensional linear dynamical systems and prove a Massera type criterion, which asserts that a forward bounded orbit implies the existence of affine periodic orbits. Such an affine‐periodic orbit might be periodic, quasi(almost)‐periodic, or spiral one. We also give an analog for hybrid (switching) discrete dynamical systems.
Image quality models for 2D and 3D x‐ray imaging systems: A perspective vignette
Authors: Siewerdsen Jeffrey H.
Published: December 2022

Image quality models based on cascaded systems analysis and task‐based imaging performance were an important aspect of the emergence of 2D and 3D digital x‐ray systems over the last 25 years. This perspective vignette offers cursory review of such developments and personal insights that may not be obvious within previously published scientific literature. The vignette traces such models to the mid‐1990s, when flat‐panel x‐ray detectors were emerging as a new base technology for digital radiography and benefited from the rigorous, objective characterization of imaging performance gained from such models. The connection of models for spatial resolution and noise to spatial‐frequency‐dependent descriptors of imaging task provided a useful framework for system optimization that helped to accelerate the development of new technologies to first clinical use. Extension of the models to new technologies and applications is also described, including dual‐energy imaging, photon‐counting detectors, phase contrast imaging, tomosynthesis, cone‐beam CT, 3D image reconstruction, and image registration.
Technical note: Four‐year experience with utilization of DICOM metadata analytics in clinical digital radiography practice
Authors: Long Zaiyang , Walz‐Flannigan Alisa I. , Littrell Laurel A. , Schueler Beth A.
Published: December 2022

Background

Digital radiography (DR) still presents many challenges and could have complex imaging acquisition and processing patterns in a clinical practice hindering quality standardization.

Purpose

This technical note aims to report the 4‐year experience with utilizing a custom DICOM metadata analytics program in clinical DR at a large institution.

Methods

Thirty‐eight DR systems of three vendors at multiple locations were configured to automatically send clinical DICOM images to a DICOM receiver. A suite of custom MATLAB programs was established to extract and store public and private header data weekly. Specific use cases are provided for systematic image acquisition investigation, image processing harmonization, exposure index (EI) longitudinal monitoring and EI target optimization.

Results

For systematic acquisition investigation, an example of adult lumbar spine exam analysis was provided with statistics on manual acquisition versus the use of automatic exposure control (AEC, including AEC dose level, active cell, and backup timer), grid usage, and collimation for various projections. For processing harmonization, up to 12.6% of protocols were revealed to have processing parameter differences in an example of a mobile radiography fleet. In addition, inconsistent use of a post‐acquisition image size function was also demonstrated, which resulted in anatomy size display variations. Bimonthly monitoring of median EI values showed expected trends, including changes after an AEC dose level adjustment for adult posterior‐anterior chest imaging on a scanner system. An example of adult axillary shoulder EI target refinement was shared using the median value, eμ, based on the lognormal EI data distribution after parsing down to acquisitions with appropriate techniques.

Conclusions

This analytics program enables systematic analysis of image acquisition and processing details. The information provides invaluable insights into real practice patterns, which can support data‐driven quality standardization and optimization.
Update of the CLRP Monte Carlo TG‐43 parameter database for high‐energy brachytherapy sources
Authors: Safigholi Habib , Chamberland Marc J. P. , Taylor Randle E. P. , Martinov Martin P. , Rogers D. W. O. , Thomson Rowan M.
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To update and extend version 2 of the Carleton Laboratory for Radiotherapy Physics (CLRP) TG‐43 dosimetry database (CLRP_TG43v2) for high‐energy (HE, ≥50 keV) brachytherapy sources (1 169Yb, 23 192Ir, 5 137Cs, and 4 60Co) using egs_brachy, an open‐source EGSnrc application. A comprehensive dataset of TG‐43 parameters is compiled, including detailed source descriptions, dose‐rate constants, radial dose functions, 1D and 2D anisotropy functions, along‐away dose‐rate tables, Primary and Scatter Separated (PSS) dose tables, and mean photon energies escaping each source. The database also documents the source models which are freely distributed with egs_brachy.

Acquisition and Validation Methods

Datasets are calculated after a recoding of the source geometries using the egs++ geometry package and its egs_brachy extensions. Air kerma per history is calculated in a 100.05 cm3 voxel located 100 cm from the source along the transverse axis and then corrected for the lateral and thickness dimensions of the scoring voxel to give the air kerma on the central axis at a point 100 cm from the source's mid‐point. Full‐scatter water phantoms with varying voxel resolutions in cylindrical coordinates are used for dose calculations. Most data (except for 60Co) are based on the assumption of charged particle equilibrium and ignore the potentially large effects of electron transport very close to the source and dose from initial beta particles. These effects are evaluated for four representative sources. For validation, data are compared to those from CLRP_TG43v1 and published data.

Data Format and Access

Data are available at https://physics.carleton.ca/clrp/egs_brachy/seed_database_v2
or http://doi.org/10.22215/clrp/tg43v2
including in Excel (.xlsx) spreadsheets, and are presented graphically in comparisons to previously published data for each source.

Potential Applications

The CLRP_TG43v2 database has applications in research, dosimetry, and brachytherapy planning. This comprehensive update provides the medical physics community with more precise and in some cases more accurate Monte Carlo (MC) TG‐43 dose calculation parameters, as well as fully benchmarked and described source models which are distributed with egs_brachy.
Improved magnetic drug targeting with maximized magnetic forces and limited particle spreading
Authors: Van Durme Rikkert , Crevecoeur Guillaume , Dupré Luc , Coene Annelies
Published: December 2022

Background

In magnetic drug targeting (MDT), micro‐ or nanoparticles are injected into the human body to locally deliver therapeutics. These magnetic particles can be guided from a distance by external magnetic fields and gradients from electromagnets.

Purpose

During the particles' movement through the vascular network, they are affected by magnetic forces, fluid (drag) forces, particle interactions, diffusion, etc. Adequate targeting is hindered when drag forces overcome the magnetic forces and particles present in vessels are carried away from the targeted region. Moreover, the magnetic force directions and diffusion mechanisms can cause particles to scatter, while they should remain together for an effective targeting performance. In this work, these adverse effects are tackled using optimization methods.

Methods

We formulate an optimization problem with respect to the currents in surrounding electromagnets that aims to maximize the magnetic force on a particle along a predefined direction. A boundary on the magnetic force divergence is introduced as a constraint to limit particle spreading. We also consider particles to be moved from an initial to a target location in a finite‐time interval. To this end dynamic optimization is applied.

Results

Simulations for particles in a bifurcated vessel show an increase of particle speed by 20% and a successful movement towards the targeted regions without spreading. For the dynamic optimization, simulation results demonstrate that particle collections are accurately guided with 10 times less scattering and 10 times more particles at the target than without the divergence constraint.

Conclusions

The proposed methods significantly improve the steering and capturing of particles in a region of interest. They are applicable to any magnetic drug targeting configuration with electromagnets.
Role of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone‐II and its receptor in swine reproduction
Authors: White Brett R. , Cederberg Rebecca A. , Elsken Dorothy H. , Ross Caitlin E. , Lents Clay A. , Desaulniers Amy T.
Published: December 2022

The pig represents the only livestock mammal capable of producing a functional protein for the second mammalian form of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH‐II) and its receptor (GnRHR‐II). To examine the role of GnRH‐II and its receptor in pig reproduction, we produced a unique swine line with ubiquitous knockdown of endogenous GnRHR‐II levels (GnRHR‐II knockdown [KD]), which is largely the focus of this review. In mature GnRHR‐II KD males, circulating testosterone concentrations were 82% lower than littermate control boars, despite similar luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. In addition, nine other gonadal steroids were reduced in the serum of GnRHR‐II KD boars, whereas adrenal steroids (except 11‐deoxycortisol) did not differ between lines. Interestingly, testes from GnRHR‐II KD males had fewer, hypertrophic Leydig cells and fewer, enlarged seminiferous tubules than control testes. As expected, downstream reproductive traits such as androgen‐dependent organ weights and semen characteristics were also significantly reduced in GnRHR‐II KD versus control boars. Next, we explored the importance of this novel ligand/receptor complex in female reproduction. Transgenic gilts had fewer, but heavier, corpora lutea with smaller luteal cells than littermate control females. Although the number of antral follicles were similar between lines, the diameter of antral follicles tended to be larger in GnRHR‐II KD females. In regard to steroidogenesis, circulating concentrations of progesterone and 17β‐estradiol were lower in transgenic compared to control gilts, even though serum levels of follicle‐stimulating hormone and LH were similar. Thus, GnRH‐II and GnRHR‐II represent a potential avenue to enhance fertility and promote the profitability of pork producers.
Using discrete element numerical simulation to determine effect of persistent fracture morphology on permeability stress sensitivity
Authors: Wang Chen , Zhang Cun , Li Zichen , Zhou Jie
Published: December 2022

The stress sensitivity of coal seams with different fracture structures affects gas migration characteristics in the fracture zone. In this study, permeability stress experiments for intact and persistent fracture coal samples are carried out. A discrete element method numerical simulation that adopts the changing joint stiffness method is proposed. Based on the experimental data, the corresponding parameters of persistent fractures and elastic joints for fluid–solid coupling simulations are determined. Subsequently, the internal influence mechanisms of fracture morphology on axial and confining stress sensitivities are determined. The simulation results show that sectional fractures with different dip angles in the persistent fracture control the sensitivity to axial and confining stresses. The horizontal segment fracture aperture decreases with an increase in axial stress, which reduces its flow capacity. This results in a decrease in the flow rates in the persistent fracture. When the confining stress increases, the vertical fracture aperture is significantly reduced, considerably reducing the flow rate in the persistent fracture.
Shift work disorder, mental health and burnout among nurses: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Cheng Hui , Liu Guangbi , Yang Junyi , Wang Qiaohong , Yang Hui
Published: December 2022

Aim

The aim of the study was to examine the relationships among nurses' shift work disorder, mental health and burnout to inform efforts to alleviate shift work disorder.

Design

This cross‐sectional study was conducted in China using a web‐based platform for questionnaire.

Methods

The study was comprised of a convenience sample of 1,268 Registered Nurses from 21 public hospitals in mainland China from June 2019–July 2019. Participants completed a web‐based survey designed to collect demographic and other self‐reported data. An independent sample t test and Pearson correlation were performed to analyse the relationship between shift work disorder, mental health and burnout.

Results

The vast majority (98.2%) of the participants were women between the ages of 20–59 years. The participants exhibited a higher incidence of mental health problems (58.1%) and burnout (65.5%) and those with shift work disorder exhibited a higher risk of mental health problems and burnout than those who did not have shift work disorder. Our research demonstrated that shift work disorder, combined with other variables, accounted for 40.5% of the variance in mental health (R2 = .405, adjusted R2 = .401, F = 107.214, p < .001) and 36.5% in burnout (R2 = .365, adjusted R2 = .361, F = 90.323, p < .001). Moreover, burnout negatively regulated the relationship between shift work disorder and mental health.

Conclusion

High‐risk nurses with shift work disorder were at a much higher risk of mental health problems and burnout.
Psychosocial and emotional morbidities after a diagnosis of cancer: Qualitative evidence from healthcare professional cancer patients
Authors: Natuhwera Germans , Ellis Peter , Wilson Acuda Stanley , Namukwaya Elizabeth
Published: December 2022

Aim

This inquiry aimed to; (1) examine the psychosocial and emotional sequelae associated with cancer patient‐hood experience in healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Uganda, (2) generate evidence to inform clinical and nursing practice about the needs of HCP patients with cancer.

Design

This was a qualitative phenomenological study.

Methods

The study was conducted among HCP cancer patients and survivors recruited from oncology and palliative care settings in Uganda. Data were collected via audio‐taped, face‐to‐face or telephone open‐ended interviews. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used.

Results

Eight HCP cancer patients and survivors participated in the study. Their mean age was 56 years, range 29–85 years. Three major themes emerged: (1) From a healthcare provider to a patient, (2) Socioeconomic challenges, and (3) Coping and support strategies.
Convergence and error estimation of weighted finite volume scheme for coagulation‐fragmentation equation
Authors: Bariwal Sanjiv Kumar , Kumar Rajesh
Published: December 2022

This article is dedicated to analyze a finite volume scheme for solving coagulation and multiple fragmentation equation. The rates of coagulation and fragmentation are chosen locally bounded and unbounded (singularity near the origin), respectively. It is shown that using weak compactness method, the numerically approximated solution tends to the weak solution of the continuous problem under a stability condition on the time step for non‐uniform mesh. Further, considering a uniform mesh, first order error approximation is demonstrated when kernels are in space. The accuracy of the scheme is also authenticated numerically for several test problems.
Association between precarious employment and BMI in the United States
Authors: Oddo Vanessa M. , Zhuang Castiel Chen , Dugan Jerome A. , Andrea Sarah B. , Hajat Anjum , Peckham Trevor , Jones‐Smith Jessica C.
Published: December 2022

Objective

There is growing recognition that precarious employment is an important determinant of health, which may increase BMI through multiple mechanisms, including stress. It was investigated whether increases in precarious employment were associated with changes in BMI in the United States.

Methods

Data were from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth adult cohort (1996–2016) (N = 7280). Thirteen indicators were identified to operationalize seven dimensions of precarious employment (range: 0–7, 7 indicating most precarious): material rewards, working‐time arrangements, stability, workers' rights, collective organization, interpersonal relationships, and training. The precarious employment–BMI association was estimated using linear regression models and an instrumental variables approach; state‐ and individual‐level firm sizes were the instruments for precarious employment. Models also included individual and year fixed effects and controlled for age, marital status, education, region, and industry.

Results

The average precarious employment score (PES) was 3.49 (95% CI: 3.46–3.52). The PES was the highest among Hispanic (4.04; 95% CI: 3.92–4.15) and non‐Hispanic Black (4.02; 95% CI: 3.92–4.12) women with lower education. A 1‐point increase in the PES was associated with a 2.18‐point increase in BMI (95% CI: 0.30–4.01).

Conclusions

Given that even small changes in weight affect chronic disease risk, policies to improve employment quality warrant consideration.
Fat content in infant mesenchymal stem cells prospectively associates with childhood adiposity and fasting glucose
Authors: Gyllenhammer Lauren E. , Duensing Allison M. , Keleher Madeline Rose , Kechris Katerina , Dabelea Dana , Boyle Kristen E.
Published: December 2022

Objective

In human studies, new model systems are needed for improved mechanistic investigation of developmental predisposition for metabolic disease but also to serve as benchmarks in early life prevention or intervention efforts. In this regard, human infant umbilical cord–derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an emerging tool. However, long‐term clinical relevance to in vivo markers of metabolic disease is unknown.

Methods

In a cohort of 124 mother/child dyads, this study tested the hypothesis that triglyceride content (TG) of infant MSCs undergoing adipogenesis in vitro (MSC‐TG) is associated with in vivo adiposity (percent fat mass) from birth to early childhood and with fasting glucose and insulin in early childhood.

Results

MSC‐TG was positively associated with in vivo child adiposity at birth, age 4 to 6 months, and age 4 to 6 years. MSC‐TG was associated with fasting glucose, but not insulin, at 4 to 6 years. Importantly, MSC‐TG explained an additional 13% variance in child adiposity at 4 to 6 years, after accounting for other established birth predictors (weight and percent fat mass at birth) and other established covariates related to child adiposity (e.g., breastfeeding exposure, physical activity).

Conclusions

This work demonstrates the strength of the MSC model for predicting offspring metabolic phenotype into childhood, even when considering the important contribution of other early life risk factors.
Postmenopausal women's experiences of weight maintenance following a very low energy diet
Authors: Harper Claudia , Maher Judith , Hsu Michelle , Grunseit Anne , Seimon Radhika , Sainsbury Amanda
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Very low energy diets (VLEDs) effectively induce substantial weight loss in people with obesity, yet they are rarely used as a first line treatment. There is a belief that such diets do not teach the lifestyle behavior changes needed for long‐term weight maintenance. However, little is known about the lived experiences of people who have lost weight on a VLED in the long term.

Methods

This study aimed to explore the behaviors and experiences of postmenopausal women who had followed a 4‐month VLED (using total meal replacement products [MRPs]), followed by a food‐based, moderately energy‐restricted diet for an additional 8 months, as part of the TEMPO Diet Trial. Qualitative in‐depth semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants at 12 or 24 months (i.e., at 8 or 20 months post diet completion). Transcribed interviews were analyzed thematically using an inductive approach.

Results

Undertaking a VLED was reported by participants to confer advantages in weight maintenance that previous weight loss attempts had not been able to do for them. Firstly, the rapid and significant weight loss, in conjunction with ease of use, was motivational and helped instill confidence in the participants. Secondly, the cessation of a normal diet during the VLED was reported by participants to break weight gain‐inducing habits, allowing them to abandon unhelpful habits and to introduce in their place more appropriate attitudes toward weight maintenance. Lastly, the new identity, helpful habits and increased self‐efficacy around weight loss supported participants during weight maintenance. Additionally, participants reported that ongoing occasional use of MRPs provided a useful and easy new strategy for countering weight regain and supporting their weight maintenance regimen.

Conclusion

Among the participants in this qualitative study, most of whom had maintained a loss of over 10% of their baseline body weight at the time of interview, using a VLED in the context of a clinical weight loss trial conferred confidence, motivation and skills for weight maintenance. These findings indicate that VLEDs with clinical support could be successfully leveraged to set up behaviors that will support weight maintenance in the long term.
Advancing gastric cancer precision medicine with novel genomic screens†
Authors: Halmai Nicole B , Carvajal‐Carmona Luis G
Published: December 2022

A recent study published in The Journal of Pathology used an shRNA library targeting all known human genes involved in metabolism to identify genes important for gastric cancer. The screen identified aspartyl‐tRNA synthetase (DARS) as a potential drug target, and patients whose tumors had high DARS levels had a worse prognosis, particularly among diffuse‐type gastric cancer. These findings identify a potential therapeutic target for precision medicine of gastric cancer patients, and may be useful for further investigations to discover additional interacting targets. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
DFT study of oxidation mechanism of secnidazole as an emerging contaminant: Application as STI control
Authors: Bibi Shamsa , Saleem Aamna , ur Rehman Shafiq , Bhatti Ijaz Ahmad , Iqbal Muhammad Adnan , Bashir Shahid , Quan Bai Fu , Nadeem Raziya
Published: December 2022

A well‐known process, called the advanced oxidation process, has been effectively used to study the oxidation mechanism of pharmaceutical wastes. The strong reactivity of hydroxyl radicals used in this process gradually oxidizes organic molecules into nontoxic products. Hence, the mechanistic details of secnidazole, 1‐(2‐hydroxypropy1)‐2‐methy1‐5‐nitroimidazole, oxidation, promoted by •OH have been studied under the M06‐2X method and 6‐311 G (d,p) level of theory, using density functional theory. Secnidazole molecule has been decomposed by oxidation of the isopropanol to an –COOH group, resulting in (2‐methyl‐5‐nitro‐imidazol‐1‐yl) acetic acid, which is further oxidized to (5‐hydroxy‐2‐methylimidazol‐1‐yl) acetic acid, by the action of •OH. Furthermore, nitro and methyl groups present as substituents to the five‐membered ring are replaced by hydroxyl groups, forming 1‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)‐2‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐5‐ol and 1‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)‐5‐nitro‐1H‐imidazol‐2‐ol, respectively. The optimized geometries of intermediates, transition states, and free energy surfaces have been found valuable in interpreting the details of the elimination mechanism. Fukui functional analysis has disclosed the reactivities of each site of SNZ. The systematic calculations on initial products and intermediates have shown significant exothermic properties.