bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of tramadol hydrochloride on neural tube development in 48‐hr chick embryos: Argyrophilic nucleolar organizing region and genetic analysis study
Authors: Atay Emre , Bozkurt Erhan , Ertekin Ayşe
Published: December 2022

Background

Tramadol hydrochloride or tramadol is an opioid analgesic that acts on the central nervous system. The pregnancy category of tramadol is determined as “C” according to the Food and Drug Administration. There are no adequate and well‐controlled studies in pregnant women. In this study, we aimed to reveal the effects of tramadol on neural tube (midline) closure by analyzing morphologically, histologically and genetically in chick embryos.

Methods

Ninety White Leghorn species, fertile and 0‐day‐old specific pathogen‐free eggs (60 ± 5 g) were used in the study. Eggs were divided into a total of six groups (control, sham, and drug groups). Four different doses of tramadol (1, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 mg/egg) were administered subblastodermically at the 28th hour of the incubation. All eggs were opened at the 48th hour of incubation and evaluated.

Results

Embryos in the control group according to Hamburger–Hamilton classification were compatible with stages 13 and 14. In the groups treated with tramadol, it was determined that the embryos had neural tube closure defects (such as neck, tail regions) and some embryos showed developmental retardation due to the increase in the drug dose. In the statistical analysis performed, a significant difference was found between the control group and the group receiving the highest dose of tramadol in terms of crown‐rump length and number of somites (p < .05). The brain and reproductive expression gene expression was upregulated in embryos at each of tramadol doses compared to control group.

Conclusions

It was determined that tramadol causes neural tube closure defects in embryos depending on the dose.
Comparing linear discriminant analysis and supervised learning algorithms for binary classification—A method comparison study
Authors: Graf Ricarda , Zeldovich Marina , Friedrich Sarah
Published: December 2022

In psychology, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) is the method of choice for two‐group classification tasks based on questionnaire data. In this study, we present a comparison of LDA with several supervised learning algorithms. In particular, we examine to what extent the predictive performance of LDA relies on the multivariate normality assumption. As nonparametric alternatives, the linear support vector machine (SVM), classification and regression tree (CART), random forest (RF), probabilistic neural network (PNN), and the ensemble k conditional nearest neighbor (EkCNN) algorithms are applied. Predictive performance is determined using measures of overall performance, discrimination, and calibration, and is compared in two reference data sets as well as in a simulation study. The reference data are Likert‐type data, and comprise 5 and 10 predictor variables, respectively. Simulations are based on the reference data and are done for a balanced and an unbalanced scenario in each case. In order to compare the algorithms' performance, data are simulated from multivariate distributions with differing degrees of nonnormality. Results differ depending on the specific performance measure. The main finding is that LDA is always outperformed by RF in the bimodal data with respect to overall performance. Discriminative ability of the RF algorithm is often higher compared to LDA, but its model calibration is usually worse. Still LDA mostly ranges second in cases it is outperformed by another algorithm, or the differences are only marginal. In consequence, we still recommend LDA for this type of application.
Racial and ethnic inequities of palliative care use among advanced Non‐Small cell lung cancer patients in the US
Authors: Islam Jessica Y. , Braithwaite Dejana , Zhang Dongyu , Guo Yi , Tailor Tina D. , Akinyemiju Tomi
Published: December 2022

Background

With early intervention, palliative care (PC) can improve quality of life and increase survival among advanced‐stage non‐small cell lung cancer (aNCSLC) patients. However, PC is often offered late in the cancer treatment course and is underused. We characterized racial/ethnic inequities and the role of healthcare access in PC use among patients with aNSCLC.

Methods

We used data from the 2004–2016 National Cancer Database, including adults aged 18–90 years with aNSCLC (stage 3 or 4 at diagnosis; n = 803,618). Based on the NCCN guidelines, PC includes non‐curative surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, pain management, or any combination of non‐curative care. We examined PC use by sociodemographic and health care‐level characteristics. To evaluate the independent associations of race/ethnicity and health care access characteristics with PC, we estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Covariate adjustment sets varied by exposure determined using directed acyclic graphs.

Results

Our population was 55% male and 77% non‐Hispanic/Latinx (NH)‐White, with a mean age of 68 years. Overall, 19% of patients with aNSCLC used PC. Compared to NH‐White patients, NH‐Black (aOR:0.91,95% CI:0.89–0.93) and Hispanic/Latinx (aOR:0.80,95% CI:0.77–0.83) patients were less likely to use PC, whereas Indigenous (AI/AN) (aOR:1.18,95% CI:1.06–1.31) and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (aOR:2.08,95% CI:1.83–2.36) patients were more likely. Overall, compared to the privately‐insured, uninsured (aOR:1.19,95% CI:1.11–1.28) and Medicaid‐insured patients (aOR:1.19,95% CI:1.14–1.25) were more likely to use PC.

Conclusion

PC is underutilized among NH‐Black and Hispanic/Latinx patients with aNSCLC. Insurance type may play a role in PC use among patients with aNSCLC.
Breast cancer risk for women with diabetes and the impact of metformin: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Lu Yifan , Hajjar Ali , Cryns Vincent L. , Trentham‐Dietz Amy , Gangnon Ronald E. , Heckman‐Stoddard Brandy M. , Alagoz Oguzhan
Published: December 2022

Background

Diabetes mellitus has been associated with increased breast cancer (BC) risk; however, the magnitude of this effect is uncertain. This study focused on BC risk for women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

Two separate meta‐analyses were conducted (1) to estimate the relative risk (RR) of BC for women with T2DM and (2) to evaluate the risk of BC for women with T2DM associated with the use of metformin, a common diabetes treatment. In addition, subgroup analyses adjusting for obesity as measured by body mass index (BMI) and menopausal status were also performed. Studies were identified via PubMed/Scopus database and manual search through April 2021.

Results

A total of 30 and 15 studies were included in the first and second meta‐analyses, respectively. The summary RR of BC for women with T2DM was 1.15 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09–1.21). The subgroup analyses adjusting BMI and adjusting BMI and menopause resulted in a summary RR of 1.22 (95% CI, 1.15–1.30) and 1.20 (95% CI, 1.05–1.36), respectively. For women with T2DM, the summary RR of BC was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.60–1.12) for metformin users compared with nonmetformin users.

Conclusions

Women with T2DM were more likely to be diagnosed with BC and this association was strengthened by adjusting for BMI and menopausal status. No statistically significant reduction of BC risk was observed among metformin users.

Impact

These two meta‐analyses can inform decision‐making for women with type 2 diabetes regarding their use of metformin and the use of screening mammography for early detection of breast cancer.
Patient‐centered communication tool for older patients with acute myeloid leukemia, their caregivers, and oncologists: A single‐arm pilot study
Authors: LoCastro Marissa , Sanapala Chandrika , Wang Ying , Jensen‐Battaglia Marielle , Wittink Marsha , Norton Sally , Klepin Heidi D. , Richardson Daniel R. , Mendler Jason H. , Liesveld Jane , Huselton Eric , O'Dwyer Kristen , Cortes Ashley‐Marie , Rodriguez Chrystina , Dale William , Loh Kah Poh
Published: December 2022

Background

In a single‐arm pilot study, we assessed the feasibility and usefulness of an innovative patient‐centered communication tool (UR‐GOAL tool) that addresses aging‐related vulnerabilities, patient values, and prognostic awareness for use in treatment decision making between older adults with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML), their caregivers, and oncologists.

Methods

Primary feasibility metric was retention rate; >50% was considered feasible. We collected recruitment rate, usefulness, and outcomes including AML knowledge (range 0–14) and perceived efficacy in communicating with oncologists (range 5–25). Due to the pilot nature and small sample size, hypothesis testing was performed at α = 0.10.

Results

We included 15 patients (mean age 76 years, range 64–88), 12 caregivers, and 5 oncologists; enrollment and retention rates for patients were 84% and 73%, respectively. Patients agreed that the UR‐GOAL tool helped them understand their AML diagnosis and treatment options, communicate with their oncologist, and make more informed decisions. From baseline to post‐intervention, patients and caregivers scored numerically higher on AML knowledge (patients: +0.6, p = 0.22; caregivers: +1.1, p = 0.05) and perceived greater efficacy in communicating with their oncologists (patients: +1.5, p = 0.22; caregivers: +1.2, p = 0.06).

Conclusion

We demonstrated that it is feasible to incorporate the UR‐GOAL tool into treatment decision making for older patients with AML, their caregivers, and oncologists.
Cytotoxic Effects of the Benzophenanthridine Alkaloids Isolated from Eomecon chionantha on MCF‐7 Cells and Its Potential Mechanism
Authors: Yang Peng , Zhou Xi , Xie Yang
Published: December 2022

Seven benzophenanthridine alkaloids (1–7) were obtained from the 75 % EtOH extract of Eomecon chionantha, and exhibited moderate biological activity against MCF‐7 cells. 8,12‐dimethoxysanguinarine (1, DSG) strongly decreased the cell viability of MCF‐7 cell lines with an IC50 value of 7.12 μΜ. Based on RNA‐sequencing measure and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis results, the significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were associated with Pathways in Cancer and PI3 K‐AKT signaling pathways in DSG treated group. The potential molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying the effect of DSG induces necroptosis in MCF‐7 cells via molecular docking, TEM analysis, and ROS measurement. Besides, DEGs of bone metastasis‐related genes such as PI3 K, IGF1R, Notch, and Wnt mRNA were significantly downregulated in the DSG‐treated group on MCF‐7 cells. DSG might be selected as a bone metastasis proteins inhibitor of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IκBα, IGF1R, Notch, NF‐κB, PTHrp, PI3 K, PKB/AKT, PTEN, TNF‐α, and Wnt via molecular docking. DSG suppressed bone metastasis by regulating the expression levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, PTH, CROSS, TP1NP, and OSTEOC on MCF‐7 cells using ELISA measurement. Thus, our findings reveal that DSG could be a lead compound for suppressing tumor cells to bone metastasis in breast cancer cells.
Synergistic Coupling of Hierarchical Heterostructured Ni3P/Ni/VN Microflower Electrocatalyst for Enhanced Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Fu Changle , Feng Liangliang , Yin Hongyan , Li Yuhang , Li Guodong , Feng Yongqiang , Cao Liyun , Huang Jianfeng , Liu Yipu
Published: December 2022

The exploration of economical and highly efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is paramount for the development of sustainable hydrogen economy. Herein, a novel three‐dimensional (3D) hierarchical microflower electrocatalyst comprised of N‐doped carbon‐armored Ni3P/Ni/VN heterogeneous nanoparticles (Ni3P/Ni/VN@NC) is developed by combining a hydrothermal method with in‐situ carbonization‐phosphating strategy. The unique robust hierarchical structure derived from 3D NiV layered double hydroxide (NiV‐LDH) skeleton as precursor provides multidimensional mass and charge transport channels as well as numerous active sites for HER, leading to the improved HER activity. More importantly, the possible electron transfer route of Ni3P→Ni→VN is demonstrated due to the charge pumping capability of VN during interfacial electron intercoupling among the tri‐component, which endows Ni3P/Ni/VN with the favorable absorption of hydrogen‐intermediates and thus upgraded HER kinetics over such heterostructure. The resulting Ni3P/Ni/VN@NC catalyst exhibits extremely low overpotentials of 81 mV and 134 mV to deliver a current density of 10 mA cm−2 without iR‐compensation in alkaline and acidic media, respectively, and maintains continuous operation for over 90 h. This work enlightens the rational design of hierarchical multi‐component heterostructured catalysts for efficient hydrogen production.
Mechanosynthesis of Triazolyl‐bis(indolyl)methane Pharmacophores via Gold Catalysis: A Prelude to Their Molecular Electronic Properties and Biological Potency
Authors: Sundaramoorthy Ramachandran , Vadivelu Murugan , Karthikeyan Kesavan , Praveen Chandrasekar
Published: December 2022

Chemical structures possessing both 1,2,3‐triazole and bis(indolyl)methane fragments gained considerable interest in drug synthesis owing to their established biological efficacies. However, 1,2,3‐triazoles linked at the bridging position of bis(indolyl)methane is a logical and unexplored design approach. In this regard, nine new triazolyl‐bis(indolyl)methane conjugates under AuCl catalyzed ball‐milling conditions were accomplished. Comparative evaluation on absorptive and emissive properties of the synthesized dyads were also analyzed. To unravel the influence of different peripheral substituents on the electronic structure and π‐orbital properties, theoretical investigations were performed. Screening of molecules for free radical scavenging, anti‐inflammatory and antidiabetic showed comparable potency against reference drugs. In particular, compounds 7 h, 7 d and 7 a displayed good efficiency of α‐amylase inhibition. The DNA gyrase inhibitory potential of all compounds were assessed in silico which revealed high binding affinity (ΔG=−8.99 Kcal/mol) for 7 i followed by 7 h (ΔG=−7.80 Kcal/mol) with the targeted protein.
Encapsulation and Delivery of an Osteosarcoma Stem Cell Active Gallium(III)‐Diflunisal Complex Using Polymeric Micelles
Authors: Passeri Ginevra , Vincent Ruby A. , Xiao Zhiyin , Northcote‐Smith Joshua , Suntharalingam Kogularamanan
Published: December 2022

Here we report the encapsulation of an osteosarcoma stem cell (OSC) potent gallium(III)‐diflunisal complex 1 into polymeric nanoparticles, and its delivery into osteosarcoma cells. At the optimum feed (20 %, 1 NP20), nanoparticle encapsulation of 1 enhances potency towards bulk osteosarcoma cells and OSCs (cultured in monolayer and three‐dimensional systems). Strikingly, the nanoparticle formulation exhibits up to 5645‐fold greater potency towards OSCs than frontline anti‐osteosarcoma drugs, doxorubicin and cisplatin. The nanoparticle formulation evokes a similar mechanism of action as the payload, which bodes well for future translation. Specifically, the nanoparticle formulation induces nuclear DNA damage, cyclooxygenase‐2 downregulation, and caspase‐dependent apoptosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that polymeric nanoparticles can be used to effectively deliver an OSC‐active metal complex into osteosarcoma cells.
Crossover‐SGD: A gossip‐based communication in distributed deep learning for alleviating large mini‐batch problem and enhancing scalability
Authors: Yeo Sangho , Bae Minho , Jeong Minjoong , Kwon Oh‐Kyoung , Oh Sangyoon
Published: December 2022

Distributed deep learning is an effective way to reduce the training time for large datasets as well as complex models. However, the limited scalability caused by network‐overheads makes it difficult to synchronize the parameters of all workers and gossip‐based methods that demonstrate stable scalability regardless of the number of workers have been proposed. However, to use gossip‐based methods in general cases, the validation accuracy for a large mini‐batch needs to be verified. For this, we first empirically study the characteristics of gossip methods in a large mini‐batch problem and observe that gossip methods preserve higher validation accuracy than AllReduce‐SGD (stochastic gradient descent) when the number of batch sizes is increased, and the number of workers is fixed. However, the delayed parameter propagation of the gossip‐based models decreases validation accuracy in large node scales. To cope with this problem, we propose Crossover‐SGD that alleviates the delay propagation of weight parameters via segment‐wise communication and random network topology with fair peer selection. We also adapt hierarchical communication to limit the number of workers in gossip‐based communication methods. To validate the effectiveness of our method, we conduct empirical experiments and observe that our Crossover‐SGD shows higher node scalability than stochastic gradient push.
Analysis of Thermal Characteristics of Batch Cooling Sonocrystallization: Effect on Crystal Attributes
Authors: Yadav Jyoti , Srivastava Abhishek , Patel Swati A.
Published: December 2022

The control of desired product quality attributes in the crystallization process is one of the major concerns of the pharmaceutical industries due to the established standard limits for active pharmaceutical ingredients in applications. The objective of the present work is to establish the fundamental understanding and methodology of the batch cooling sonocrystallization process to tune the crystal attributes over the range of operating parameters, i.e., ultrasound amplitude, duration of sonication, and cooling rate. For the constant cooling rate, the effect of three levels of ultrasound amplitude has been investigated over the range of durations of insonation. It is observed for a fixed cooling rate that the optimized set of ultrasound parameters shortens the induction time resulting in a finer range of particles increasing the surface area and narrowing the particle size distribution. The performance of the process in terms of thermal characteristics has been analyzed to delineate the effect of operating parameters to be employed as a function of the product characteristics. The simple expressions for temperature profiles during the process have been proposed as a function of saturation temperature to facilitate their applications in the optimization of the operating parameters for the desired product size and size range.
Unconformity generation and the shift from storm‐dominated to tide‐dominated processes in a Jurassic retroarc foreland basin: Insights from ichnology
Authors: Wroblewski Anton F.‐J. , Morris Emma A.
Published: December 2022

An enigmatic transition from the storm‐dominated, offshore to lower shoreface deposits of the Redwater Shale Member (Sundance Formation) to the overlying mixed tidal and aeolian Windy Hill Sandstone (Morrison Formation) in the Oxfordian of the North American Western Interior has long been a source of intrigue. Previously proposed drivers include the progradation of a large, tide‐dominated delta onto a storm‐dominated shelf, a complete reorganisation of the basin's hydrodynamics and climate, or the development of a regional unconformity (termed the J‐5). In south‐eastern Wyoming, the Redwater Shale is characterised as an offshore to distal shoreface deposit with glauconitic siltstones and sandstones punctuated by coquinoid and sandy tempestites and hosting a Cruziana Ichnofacies. The Windy Hill Sandstone, a time‐transgressive, sand‐rich, intertidal succession with classic Pteraichnus and stressed Skolithos Ichnofacies, sharply overlies the Redwater Shale and records an abrupt basinward shift in facies that accompanied at least tens of metres of sea‐level fall. New, detailed sedimentological, ichnological and architectural data collected across this transition in the study area provide fresh insights into the depositional history of these units and demonstrates the existence locally of a composite J‐5 unconformity. The unconformity developed as tectonically driven, prograding shoreline trajectories of the Redwater Shale gave way to degrading trajectories of the Windy Hill Sandstone, leading to a forced regression and formation of a regressive surface of marine erosion. The sharp juxtaposition of intertidal flat facies (Pteraichnus Ichnofacies) directly upon offshore to lower shoreface deposits (Cruziana Ichnofacies) is the key to recognising the unconformity and proves the value of the previously underutilised ichnological data.
Stereoselective Synthesis of 1,1’,2,2’‐Tetrasubstituted Ferrocenes by Double Lithiation of a 1,1’‐Disubstituted Ferrocenyl Pyrroloimidazolone
Authors: Talisic Lyzcel , Snelgrove Claire , Wijesundara Maneesha , Pilkington Melanie , Metallinos Costa
Published: December 2022

A 1,1’‐disubstituted ferrocenyl pyrroloimidazolone with syn stereochemistry undergoes double lithiation–electrophile quench in a one‐pot procedure to give C2‐symmetric 1,1’,2,2’‐tetrasubstituted products in >95 : 5 diastereomeric ratio (dr). These results represent an extension of double lithiation to access tetrasubstituted planar chiral ferrocenes for the first time to a nitrogen‐linked (pyrroloimidazolone) chiral directing group. The stereochemistry of the products was determined by X‐ray crystallography of distannane and dibromide adducts in combination with deuteration, elimination, and transmetalation experiments. Results support that products arise from selective deprotonation of the pro‐Sp position of each cyclopentadienyl (Cp) ring.
Deep learning models for analysis of non‐destructive evaluation data to evaluate reinforced concrete bridge decks: A survey
Authors: Lavadiya Dayakar Naik , Dorafshan Sattar
Published: December 2022

Application of deep learning (DL) for automatic condition assessment of bridge decks has been on the raise in the last few years. From the published literature, it is evident that lot of research efforts has been done in identifying the surface defects such as cracks, potholes, spalling and so forth using supervised learning methods such as deep learning. However, the health of a reinforced concrete bridge deck is jeopardized substantially due to presence of subsurface defects. Subsurface defects in bridge decks are genearlly detected using non‐destructive evaluation (NDE) methods. Interpertation of NDE data for autonomous deck evaluation requires development of DL models; however, The task of defect detection DL has not received the proper attention for subsurface defect detection in the past. The goal of this paper is to provide a review of existing DL models for analysis of NDE data of bridge decks. The authors reviewed prominent NDE techniques for subsurface defect detection of bridge decks and explored the various DL models proposed to identify these defects. First a brief overview of the working principle of NDE techniques and DL architectures is provided, and then the information about proposed DL models and their efficacy is highlighted. Based on the existing knowledge gaps, various challenges and future prospects associated with application of DL in bridge subsurface inspection are discussed.
Apigenin alleviates diabetic endothelial dysfunction through activating AMPK/PI3K/Akt/eNOS and Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathways
Authors: Miao Lingchao , Cheong Meng Sam , Zhou Chunxiu , Farag Mohamed , Cheang Wai San , Xiao Jianbo
Published: December 2022

Apigenin (4′,5,7‐trihydroxyflavone) is a natural flavone reported to present anti‐diabetic and anti‐oxidative bioactivities. The effect of apigenin to mitigate endothelial dysfunction in diabetes remains to be investigated. In the present study, the vaso‐protective effect of apigenin as well as its underlying action mechanisms was investigated using in vitro‐ and in vivo‐based assays. Aortas were detached from C57BL/6J mice for ex vivo treatment, and primary rat aortic endothelial cells (RAECs) were cultured and further stimulated using high glucose (HG) with or without apigenin. In‐vivo diabetic model was established by feeding male C57BL/6J mice with a high‐fat diet (60% kcal% fat) for a total of 14 weeks, whereas the treatment group was orally administered apigenin (25 mg/kg/day) during the last 4 weeks. Exposure to HG (30 mM, 48 h) impaired acetylcholine‐induced endothelium‐dependent relaxation (EDR) in mouse aortas and induced oxidative stress with the downregulation of adenosine 5'‐monophosphate (AMP)‐activated protein kinase (AMPK)/phosphatidyl inositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO‐1) signaling pathways in aortas and RAECs. These impairments were reversed by apigenin treatments. However, the vaso‐protective effects of apigenin were abolished by Compound C (AMPK inhibitor) and wortmannin (PI3K inhibitor). Chronic oral administration with apigenin ameliorated EDR and reduced oxidative stress in the aortas of high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obese and diabetic mice. In conclusion, this study revealed that apigenin improved endothelial function and suppressed oxidative stress in the vasculature in diabetes through the activation of AMPK/PI3K/Akt/eNOS and Nrf2/HO‐1 pathways, suggesting its therapeutic potential as a natural dietary flavonoid against vascular diseases associated with diabetes.
Energy‐consistent formulation of the pressure‐free two‐fluid model
Authors: Buist Jurriaan F. H. , Sanderse Benjamin , Dubinkina Svetlana , Oosterlee Cornelis W. , Henkes Ruud A. W. M.
Published: December 2022

The pressure‐free two‐fluid model (PFTFM) is a recent reformulation of the one‐dimensional two‐fluid model (TFM) for stratified incompressible flow in ducts (including pipes and channels), in which the pressure is eliminated through intricate use of the volume constraint. The disadvantage of the PFTFM was that the volumetric flow rate had to be specified as an input, even though it is an unknown quantity in case of periodic boundary conditions. In this work, we derive an expression for the volumetric flow rate that is based on the demand for energy (and momentum) conservation. This leads to PFTFM solutions that match those of the TFM, justifying the validity and necessity of the derived choice of volumetric flow rate. Furthermore, we extend an energy‐conserving spatial discretization of the TFM, in the form of a finite volume scheme, to the PFTFM. We propose a discretization of the volumetric flow rate that yields discrete momentum and energy conservation. The discretization is extended with an energy‐conserving discretization of the source terms related to gravity acting in the streamwise direction. Our numerical experiments confirm that the discrete energy is conserved for different problem settings, including sloshing in an inclined closed tank, and a traveling wave in a periodic domain. The PFTFM solutions and the volumetric flow rates match the TFM solutions, with reduced computation time, and with exact momentum and energy conservation.
Aquaponics production system: A review of historical perspective, opportunities, and challenges of its adoption
Authors: Okomoda Victor Tosin , Oladimeji Sunday Abraham , Solomon Shola Gabriel , Olufeagba Samuel Olabode , Ogah Samuel Ijabo , Ikhwanuddin Mhd
Published: December 2022

The aquaponics production system integrates hydroponics and recirculatory aquaculture system for the simultaneous production of plants and fish. At a time, such as the postpandemic era, the aquaponics system represents an efficient green farming and eco‐friendly alternative to sustainable agricultural production. In this review, the history and development of the production systems were traced vis‐a‐vis its pros and cons. Although there has been much dispute about the origin of the system, the numerous records of developmental attempts in history have all led to the current complexity of the systems and their efficiency. Water conservation, improved performance, food security, less pollution, and low energy consumption are some of the advantages identified in the use of aquaponics systems for food production. Challenges to the domestication of the system, however, include moderately high start‐up capital, the need for stable electricity to operate the system, nutrient availability, as well as treatment of diseases in the system. Although the aquaponics production system could be a panacea for food security in Africa, modalities for the domestication of this technology are largely not in place, hence the need for some government interventions in this regard.
Does Perdeuteration Increase the Polarity of Janus Face Cycloalkanes?
Authors: Fang Zeguo , Yu Cihang , Bühl Michael , O'Hagan David
Published: December 2022

Stimulated by a suggestion of the late Professor Jack D. Dunitz, that perdeuterated Janus face cycloalkanes may be more polar than their unlabelled forms, the deuterated isotopologue of all cis‐1,2,3,4,5,6‐hexafluorocyclohexane ([2H6]‐1a) and all cis‐1,2,3,4‐tetrafluorocyclopentane ([2H6]‐3a) were prepared. Computation at the B3LYP−D3 level indicated that [2H6]‐1a is not more polar than its protio form 1, however perdeuterated cyclopentane [2H6]‐3a may indeed be more polar than 3, although the magnitude is predicted to be small. None‐the‐less retention time analysis on a reverse phase GC/MS column of an add‐mix of 3 and [2H6]‐3a gave some indication that the per‐deuterated isotopologue 3a was detected marginally before the unlabelled compound consistent with increased polarity associated with perdeuteration.
Quality of maternal and newborn care in Switzerland during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional study based on WHO quality standards
Authors: de Labrusse Claire , Abderhalden‐Zellweger Alessia , Mariani Ilaria , Pfund Anouck , Gemperle Michael , Grylka‐Baeschlin Susanne , Mueller Antonia N. , Valente Emanuelle Pessa , Covi Benedetta , Lazzerini Marzia ,   the IMAgiNE EURO study group
Published: December 2022

Objective

To explore quality of maternal and newborn care (QMNC) in healthcare facilities during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Switzerland.

Methods

Women giving birth in Switzerland answered a validated online questionnaire including 40 WHO standards‐based quality measures. QMNC score was calculated according to linguistic region and mode of birth. Differences were assessed using logistic regression analysis adjusting for relevant variables.

Results

A total of 1175 women were included in the analysis. Limitations in QMNC during the pandemic were reported by 328 (27.9%) women. Several quality measures, such as deficient communication (18.0%, n = 212), insufficient number of healthcare professionals (19.7%, n = 231), no information on the newborn after cesarean (26.5%, n = 91) or maternal and newborn danger signs (34.1%, n = 401 and 41.4% n = 487, respectively) suggested preventable gaps in QMNC. Quality measures significantly differed by linguistic region and mode of birth. Multivariate analysis established a significantly lower QMNC for women in French‐ and Italian‐speaking regions compared with the German‐speaking region. Moreover, in several quality indicators reflecting communication with healthcare providers, women who did not answer the questionnaire in one of the Swiss national languages had significantly worse scores than others. A significant lower QMNC was also found for young and primiparous women and for those who experienced cesarean or instrumental vaginal birth.

Conclusion

Women giving birth in Switzerland during the pandemic reported notable gaps in QMNC. Providers should be attuned to women who are younger, primiparous, and those who had an emergency cesarean or instrumental vaginal birth given the lower QMNC reported by these groups. Women who did not respond in a Swiss national language may need improved communication strategies.
Women's perspectives on the quality of hospital maternal and newborn care around the time of childbirth during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Results from the IMAgiNE EURO study in Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia‐Herzegovina
Authors: Drandić Daniela , Drglin Zalka , Mihevc Ponikvar Barbara , Bohinec Anja , Ćerimagić Amira , Radetić Jelena , Ružičić Jovana , Kurbanović Magdalena , Covi Benedetta , Valente Emanuelle Pessa , Mariani Ilaria , Lazzerini Marzia ,   the IMAgiNE EURO study group
Published: December 2022

Objective

To assess the quality of maternal and newborn care (QMNC) in countries of the former Yugoslavia.

Method

Women giving birth in a facility in Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia‐Herzegovina between March 1, 2020 and July 1, 2021 answered an online questionnaire including 40 WHO standards‐based quality measures.

Results

A total of 4817 women were included in the analysis. Significant differences were observed across countries. Among those experiencing labor, 47.4%–62.3% of women perceived a reduction in QMNC due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, 40.1%–69.7% experienced difficulties in accessing routine antenatal care, 60.3%–98.1% were not allowed a companion of choice, 17.4%–39.2% reported that health workers were not always using personal protective equipment, and 21.2%–53.8% rated the number of health workers as insufficient. Episiotomy was performed in 30.9%–62.8% of spontaneous vaginal births. Additionally, 22.6%–55.9% of women received inadequate breastfeeding support, 21.5%–62.8% reported not being treated with dignity, 11.0%–30.5% suffered abuse, and 0.7%–26.5% made informal payments. Multivariate analyses confirmed significant differences among countries, with Slovenia showing the highest QMNC index, followed by Croatia, Bosnia‐Herzegovina, and Serbia.

Conclusion

Differences in QMNC among the countries of the former Yugoslavia during the COVID‐19 pandemic were significant. Activities to promote high‐quality, evidence‐based, respectful care for all mothers and newborns are urgently needed. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04847336.
Quality of maternal and newborn care around the time of childbirth in Luxembourg during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Results of the IMAgiNE EURO study
Authors: Arendt Maryse , Tasch Barbara , Conway Francesca , Lecomte Aline , Covi Benedetta , Mariani Ilaria , Valente Emanuelle Pessa , Lazzerini Marzia ,   the IMAgiNE EURO study group
Published: December 2022

Objective

To investigate the quality of maternal and newborn care (QMNC) during childbirth in Luxembourg from women's perspectives.

Methods

Women giving birth in facilities in Luxembourg between March 1, 2020, and July 1, 2021, answered a validated online WHO standards‐based questionnaire as part of the multicountry IMAgINE EURO study. Descriptive and multivariate quantile regression analyses were performed.

Results

A total of 493 women were included, representing 5.2% of women giving birth in the four maternity hospitals in Luxembourg during the study period. Most quality measures suggested high QMNC, although specific gaps were observed: 13.4% (n = 66) of women reported not being treated with dignity, 9.1% (n = 45) experienced abuse, 42.9% (n = 30) were not asked for consent prior to instrumental vaginal birth, 39.3% (n = 118) could not choose their birth position, 27% (n = 133) did not exclusively breastfeed at discharge (without significant differences over time), 20.5% (n = 101) reported an insufficient number of healthcare professionals, 20% (n = 25) did not receive information on the newborn after cesarean, and 41.2% (n = 203) reported lack of information on newborn danger signs before discharge. Multivariate analyses highlighted higher reported QMNC indexes among women born outside Luxembourg and delivering with a gynecologist, and significantly lower QMNC indexes in women with the highest education levels and those delivering in the hospital offering some private services.

Conclusions

Despite maternal reports suggesting an overall high QMNC in Luxembourg, improvements are needed in specific aspects of care and communication, mostly related to maternal autonomy, respect, and support, but also number and competencies of the health workforce.
Womenʼs assessment of the quality of hospital‐based perinatal care by mode of birth in Romania during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Results from the IMAgiNE EURO study
Authors: Otelea Marina Ruxandra , Simionescu Anca Angela , Mariani Ilaria , Valente Emanuelle Pessa , Nanu Michaela Iuliana , Nanu Ioana , Handra Claudia Mariana , Covi Benedetta , Lazzerini Marzia ,   the IMAgiNE EURO Study Group
Published: December 2022

Objective

To assess women's perceptions of the quality of maternal and newborn care (QMNC) received in hospitals in Romania during the COVID‐19 pandemic by mode of birth.

Methods

A validated anonymous online questionnaire based on WHO quality measures. Subgroup analysis of spontaneous vaginal birth (SVB), emergency cesarean, and elective cesarean and multivariate analyses were performed, and QMNC indexes were calculated. Maternal age, educational level, year of birth, mother born in Romania, parity, type of hospital, and type of professionals assisting the birth were used for multivariate analysis.

Results

A total of 620 women completed the survey. Overall, several quality measures suggested gaps in QMNC in Romania, with the lowest QMNC indexes reported for provision of care and availability of resources. Women who had either elective or emergency cesarean compared with those who had SVB more frequently lacked early breastfeeding (OR 2.04 and 2.13, respectively), skin‐to‐skin contact (OR 1.73 and 1.75, respectively), rooming‐in (OR 2.07 and 1.96, respectively), and exclusive breastfeeding at discharge (OR 2.27 and 1.64, respectively). Compared with elective cesarean, emergency cesarean had higher odds of ineffective communication by healthcare providers (OR 1.65), lack of involvement in choices (OR 1.58), insufficient emotional support (OR 2.07), and no privacy (OR 2.06). Compared with other modes of birth, a trend for lower QMNC indexes for emergency cesarean was observed for all domains, while for elective cesarean the QMNC index for provision of care was significantly lower.

Conclusion

Quality indicators of perinatal care remain behind targets in Romania, with births by cesarean the most affected.

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier

NCT04847336
Lipoprotein particles exhibit distinct mechanical properties
Authors: Piontek Melissa C. , Roos Wouter H.
Published: December 2022

Lipoproteins (LPs) are micelle‐like structures with a similar size to extracellular vesicles (EVs) and are therefore often co‐isolated, as intensively discussed within the EV community. LPs from human blood plasma are of particular interest as they are responsible for the deposition of cholesterol ester and other fats in the artery, causing lesions, and eventually atherosclerosis. Plasma lipoproteins can be divided according to their size, density and composition into chylomicrons (CM), very‐low‐density lipoproteins (VLDL), low‐density lipoproteins (LDL) and high‐density lipoproteins (HDL). Here, we use atomic force microscopy for mechanical characterization of LPs. We show that the nanoindentation approach used for EV analysis can also be used to characterize LPs, revealing specific differences between some of the particles. Comparing LPs with each other, LDL exhibit a higher bending modulus as compared to CM and VLDL, which is likely related to differences in cholesterol and apolipoproteins. Furthermore, CM typically collapse on the surface after indentation and HDL exhibit a very low height after surface adhesion both being indications for the presence of LPs in an EV sample. Our analysis provides new systematic insights into the mechanical characteristics of LPs.
Comparative cranio‐mandibular myology of three species of Batoidea from the Southern Gulf of California, Mexico
Authors: Ramírez‐Díaz Cristina , Peña Renato , Diogo Rui , Cruz‐Escalona Víctor H.
Published: December 2022

The mandibular apparatus of batoids (skates, electric rays, guitarfishes, stingrays, and sawfishes) is composed of a few skeletal elements to which the muscular bundles, responsible for all movements involved in the feeding mechanism, are inserted. The description of the different mandibular morphologies can help to understand the different feeding guilds in this group. In this study, we examined the cranio‐mandibular myology of adult Rostroraja velezi, Narcine entemedor, and Zapteryx exasperata, three species of rays that coexist in the Southern Gulf of California, Mexico. This study described the muscles on the ventral and the dorsal surfaces for each species, identified the origins and insertions of these muscles, as well as the general characteristics of muscle morphology. There were 17 and 18 muscle bundles attached to the feeding apparatus, including five on the dorsal surface. Only the levator rostri, which elevates the rostrum during feeding, showed considerable differences in shape and size among species. The muscles of the adductor complex showed the greatest differences in size among the three species. N. entemedor presented the exclusive muscle X in the lower mandibular area and the extreme reduction of the coracohyoideus in the pharyngeal area derived from the absence of the basihyal cartilage. The information generated in our study supports the morphological specialization of electric rays (N. entemedor) for an almost exclusive suction feeding strategy.
Effects of filtration timing and pore size on measured nutrient concentrations in environmental water samples
Authors: Reed Megan H. , Strope Erica K. , Cremona Fabien , Myers Justin A. , Newell Silvia E. , McCarthy Mark J.
Published: December 2022

Nutrient monitoring is important for informing management decisions to mitigate eutrophication in aquatic systems. Many nutrient monitoring programs use filter pore sizes that allow microorganisms to pass into samples and/or wait extended times between sample collection and filtration/preservation, allowing microbial processes to alter nutrient concentrations. Here, 34 sites were sampled to determine how filter pore size and filtration timing affected measured ammonium (NH4+) and orthophosphate (ortho‐P) concentrations. Three filter pore sizes (0.22, 0.45, and 0.70 μm) were used to filter water immediately upon collection and after 5 and 22 h in a bottle. NH4+ and ortho‐P concentrations varied relative to “baseline” measurements (i.e., 0.22 μm, field‐filtered samples), both over time and with different filter pore sizes, and showed no predictable direction of change based on ambient nutrient concentration or trophic status. As expected, larger relative changes occurred with lower ambient concentrations; however, for the entire dataset, samples with > 1 μmol L−1 ortho‐P and > 3 μmol L−1 NH4+ were lower by 11 and 33%, respectively, which would result in reported nutrient concentrations that were not representative of in situ conditions. Whole‐water samples filtered after 22 h varied up to 3070% for NH4+ and 480% for ortho‐P from baseline concentrations. Filtering water samples with a 0.22 filter (or 0.45 μm, at worst), immediately upon collection, should be adopted as standard practice to ensure that reported nutrient concentrations represent the most accurate measurement possible. Inconsistent and/or insufficient sampling and sample handling procedures can lead to poorly calibrated models and misinformed management and legislative decisions.
Histidine‐Functionalized Diblock Copolymer Nanoparticles Exhibit Enhanced Adsorption onto Planar Stainless Steel
Authors: Brotherton Emma E. , Josland Daniel , György Csilla , Johnson Edwin C. , Chan Derek H.H. , Smallridge Mark J. , Armes Steven P.
Published: December 2022

RAFT aqueous emulsion polymerization of isopropylideneglycerol monomethacrylate (IPGMA) is used to prepare a series of PGEO5MA46‐PIPGMAy nanoparticles, where PGEO5MA is a hydrophilic methacrylic steric stabilizer block bearing pendent cis‐diol groups. TEM studies confirm a spherical morphology while dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis indicated that the z‐average particle diameter can be adjusted by varying the target degree of polymerization for the core‐forming PIPGMA block. Periodate oxidation is used to convert the cis‐diol groups on PGEO5MA46‐PIPGMA500 and PGEO5MA46‐PIPGMA1000 nanoparticles into the analogous aldehyde‐functionalized nanoparticles, which are then reacted with histidine via reductive amination. In each case, the extent of functionalization is more than 99% as determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy. Aqueous electrophoresis studies indicate that such derivatization converts initially neutral nanoparticles into zwitterionic nanoparticles with an isoelectric point at pH 7. DLS studies confirm that such histidine‐derivatized nanoparticles remain colloidally stable over a wide pH range. A quartz crystal microbalance is employed at 25°C to assess the adsorption of both the cis‐diol‐ and histidine‐functionalized nanoparticles onto planar stainless steel at pH 6. The histidine‐bearing nanoparticles adsorb much more strongly than their cis‐diol counterparts. For the highest adsorbed amount of 70.5 mg m–2, SEM indicates a fractional surface coverage of 0.23 for the adsorbed nanoparticles.
Playing in a pandemic: The impact of family on performance in the NBA's “bubble”
Authors: Paulsen Richard J. , Boucot Olivia
Published: December 2022

Using the setting of the National Basketball Association's “bubble” during early stages of the COVID‐19 pandemic, we use fixed‐effects regressions with game‐level player data to test for the impact of “psychic” costs of migration on worker productivity. We construct a unique dataset on player families to test for differential impacts of worker isolation from friends and family on players in committed relationships or those with children. Our results indicate that relative to other players, the “psychic” costs of the migration of playing in the “bubble” had a differential negative impact on the performance of players in relationships and/or with children.
A novel computational framework for integrating multidimensional data to enhance accuracy in predicting the prognosis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Qinran , Xu Yuhong , Kang Shiyang , Chen Junquan , Yao Zhihao , Wang Haitao , Wu Qinian , Zhao Qi , Zhang Qihua , Xu Rui‐hua , Zou Xiufen , Luo Huiyan
Published: December 2022

Accurate prognosis prediction is the key to achieving precision treatment and guiding the selection of adjuvant chemotherapy in high‐risk stage II/III colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Here we developed a novel machine learning method, the random non‐negative matrix factorization (RNMF) algorithm, which outperformed traditional non‐negative matrix factorization in terms of computational speed, accuracy, and robustness in simulated data sets. Moreover, based on multidimensional data from CRC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas database and DNA methylation data from those from Sun Yat‐sen University cancer center, we further demonstrated the excellent performance of a novel prognostic computational framework based on the RNMF (PCF_RNMF), which is capable of integrating multidimensional training while allowing survival prediction when single dimensional data for validation is provided. This novel algorithm has great potential to mitigate the challenge of integrating various types of data in public databases with clinically available single‐dimensional data to allow cost‐effective survival prediction for CRC patients in clinical practice.