bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Chemical Mutagen on Yield and Yield Attributing Traits in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Sankar Kottalanka Sai , Lal Gaibriyal M.
Published: October 2021

An experimental trail was conducted to differentiate the effect of sodium azide on yield and its attributes of chickpea. Overnight pre-soaked fresh seeds of ADBG-1, ICC-3020, ICCV-15112 genotypes were treated with various treatments of sodium azide (0.01%, 0.02%, 0.04%, 0.06%, 0.08% & control) for 06 hrs for the purpose of induction of mutation. The effect of sodium azide with unlike concentrations on yield and its attributing characters were studied in M1 generation of chickpea. Both laboratory readings and quantitative traits were recorded during experimentation. From the result, it was observed that all the laboratory readings exhibited reduction in their values upon increasing the concentrations of mutagen when compared to the control which was not treated. Whereas the efficacy of sodium azide on the average mean performance of quantitative traits on 03 chickpea genotypes exhibited that ICCV-15112 (0.04% SA) had higher seed yield and their attributing traits are Plant height, no. of secondary branches, biological yield and seed index.
A Study on Microwave Exposure Effects on Surface Coating Properties of Linden (Tilia cordata) and Spruce (Picea abies) Woods
Authors: Sahin Halil Turgut , Ozcelik Gamze
Published: October 2021

The quality performance of surface coatings are evaluated with emphasis on Microwave (Mw) irradiation, effects on both wood and oil modified alkyd-based varnish, separately. The surface pencil film hardness value of 2B (5 in metric) found for neat varnish coated linden and spruce control samples. It appears Mw exposure on both woods and varnish were effective for further increasing pencil hardness which are about 4 and 5 unit higher than controls. It is also noticeable that a clear improvement for cross-cut (adhesion) properties were realized with Mw treated varnish coated linden woods. Although cold liquid resistance of coating evaluations have conducted with 11 liquids, but coated surfaces were showed the lowest resistance, assessed grade 1 (considerably changes) for five of these liquids (juice, milk, ketchup, lemon juice, cola)  regardless of conditions or wood species. Therefore, results revealed some level correlation between Mw conditions and wood samples for six of the cold liquids involved in the examination. Mw treated spruce samples usually show 1 to 2 unit higher olive oil, vinegar, mayonnaise, ethyl alcohol resistance while no any improvement found for coffee and mineral water. Linden samples usually show 1 to 3 unit improving (higher) resistance against all these six cold liquids, regardless of Mw conditions. It is important to note that all Mw treated and varnish applied wood species subjected to olive oil, mayonnaise and ethyl alcohol show very high resistant properties (graded 4 and 5). Similar results are also realized with applying Mw irradiated vanish to both wood species. These variations and changes could be results of chemical structural changes, including cross-linking by esterification and etherification, promoted by Mw irradiation.
Assess the Effectiveness of Video-assisted Teaching on Knowledge Regarding Non-scalpel Vasectomy among Married Men in Selected Area in Rural Community
Authors: Wankhede Pratibha , Gode Shrutika , Gulghane Achal , Hatwar Vaibhav , Itkalwar Subodh , Wanjari Mayur
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Vasectomy is a surgical procedure in which the two tubes that carry sperm from the two testicles to the urinary tract are surgically altered, preventing sperm from passing through and fertilizing a woman's egg during sexual intercourse.

Objective: To determine the level of awareness of non-scalpel vasectomy and the impact of a video-assisted training programme among married males in a rural region. Community. To determine the relationship between the effectiveness of a video-assisted training programme on non-scalpel vasectomy knowledge and a set of demographic variables.

Methods: A descriptive survey method design. We conducted the descriptive research design study in the Wardha district of Maharashtra. We search for the rural area in Wardha district and men in the area. A total number of 100 men were taken inside this study. The study uses a non-probability convenient sampling technique.

Results: Findings from the study reveal that assess the effectiveness of video-assisted teaching on knowledge regarding non-scalpel among married men in selected area of Wardha district. There was an increase in the knowledge about non-scalpel vasectomy. The educational program is most important for enhancing the knowledge of the community men regarding non-scalpel vasectomy.

Conclusion: Our study draws the following conclusions to assess the effectiveness of video-assisted teaching on knowledge regarding non-scalpel vasectomy among married men are the very poor level of knowledge and accompanied by a lot of misconceptions.
How Does COVID 19 Alter Children Life?
Authors: Rodge Hina , Wanjari Mayur , Meshram Khushbu
Published: October 2021

COVID 19 (Coronavirus 2019) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was first discovered in December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei, China and resulted in an ongoing pandemic. It has put the world on a crisis footing and children could be the hidden victim of the pandemic. Due to this pandemic, the impact on children is severe. Children may be more vulnerable due to school closures, lockdowns and other stressors. Access to a computer and the internet at home could determine whether education comes to a halt or if children can continue to learn outside of the classroom. And also raising the cases of malnutrition, hunger and may suffer from extended ill-consequences of this pandemic, such as child labor, child trafficking, child marriage, sexual exploitation and death etc. soap and running water may make the difference between whether children get sick or not. School closure, lack of outdoor activity, aberrant dietary and sleeping habits are likely to disrupt children's usual lifestyle and can potentially promote monotony, distress, impatience, annoyance and varied neuropsychiatric manifestations. Incidences of domestic violence, child abuse, adulterated online contents are on the rise. The COVID-19 pandemic is potentially catastrophic for many children around the world. For children caught at the apex of this crisis, there is a genuine prospect that its effects will permanently alter their lives.
Rotational Work and Negative Impact on Mental Wellness: A Study on Sleep and Endurance among Oil and Gas Workers
Authors: Okeke Uloaku , Oluchi Nwaichi Eucharia , Chukwuemeka Stanley Princewill
Published: October 2021

The impact of mental wellness on the work performance and wellbeing of workers has generated much academic and corporate debates. Most recently, due to some high-profile cases involving the performance and wellness of sports people, conversations around the impact of mental wellness on work performance have dominated public discourse, yet the nature and degree of this impact has not been sufficiently studied and analysed and many questions remain unanswered. Indeed, there has been a growing awareness of the centrality of the role of mental wellness in the productivity of workers, especially in the Oil and Gas industry. Thus, this research sought to investigate how rotational work, its impact on sleep and endurance, affect workers in the Oil and Gas industry, using as methodology a simple random sampling of workers from the Port Harcourt metropolis, in the oil-rich delta area of Nigeria. To obtain data, this research used questionnaires, telephone interviews and cohort discussion session. Questions posed during this research focused on sleep and its perceived effect on endurance. The questionnaires were administered to the workers from selected international Oil and Gas companies located in Port Harcourt. Findings revealed that both sleep and the circadian cycle were negatively affected and impacting the self-reported well-being and productivity of the workers. From the data collected, 27.5% and 66.2%, which represented a total of 93.7% of the respondents, agreed and strongly agreed that their sleep was affected. 100% of the participants in the cohort session agreed that their sleep was affected. Furthermore, the interview sessions revealed specific details as more than 50% of the interview respondents indicated that the sleep distortion affected them even up to the first week of their time off. 48.8% and 37.5% agreed and strongly agreed to the fact that rotational work had effect on their endurance on site. This represented a total of 86.2% of the participants whose endurance level was affected due to rotational work. Over 60% of the participants in the cohort session admitted to feeling of extreme tiredness towards the end of their rotation period and prior to departure from site. The participants unanimously submitted that shorter rotation would give room for adequate recuperation and make work more productive and enhance the sense of mental wellness for rotational Oil and Gas workers.
Pili Multigemini Is a Possible Risk Factor for Pilonidal Sinus Disease
Authors: Ekici Yahya , Moray Gokhan
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study is to analyze both previously proposed and new risk factors for the development of pilonidal sinus. This is a prospective case-control study consisting of 145 patients with pilonidal sinus disease (n = 45) and a control group (n = 100). All patients were admitted to the department of general surgery between January 2013 and May 2015. The patients' age, family history, medical history, sitting time in a day, sitting posture, body mass index (BMI), Garn hairiness score, and hair type were evaluated. There were significant differences between the groups in the following characteristics: age (P = 0.01); positive family history (P = 0.01); medical history (P = 0.01); sitting time in a day (P = 0.01); sitting posture (P = 0.01); BMI (P = 0.01); Garn score (P = 0.01); and hair type. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that positive family history (P = 0.03); Garn score (P = 0.05); medical history (P = 0.01); and sitting posture (P = 0.02) were independent risk factors for the development of pilonidal sinus disease.
A Surgical Case of Pancreatic Metastasis from Lung Cancer
Authors: Suzumura Kazuhiro , Asano Yasukane , Kosaka Hisashi , Kanemura Shingo , Kamiya Hitomi , Hashimoto Masaki , Nakasho Keiji , Hasegawa Seiki , Nakano Takashi , Fujimoto Jiro
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Most patients with pancreatic metastasis from lung cancer are not candidates for surgical treatment because they have widespread systemic disease at the time of diagnosis. But it was reported that some patients with long-term survival were resected for pancreatic metastasis from lung cancer. We herein report a surgical case of pancreatic metastasis from lung cancer.

Case Presentation

A 61-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of a lung tumor. He underwent right middle lobectomy. A histopathologic examination showed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. About 1 year after lung resection, brain metastasis was demonstrated and radiation therapy was subsequently performed. Seven years after lung resection, his serum carcinoembryonic antigen levels were again elevated. FDG–PET (fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography) showed a slight uptake by the pancreatic head. Computed tomography (CT) showed an irregular and poorly enhanced tumor in the pancreatic head. EUS–FNA (endoscopic ultrasonography fine-needle aspiration) of the tumor in the pancreatic head was performed. A histopathologic examination showed thyroid transcription factor (TTF)-1 positive adenocarcinoma. The preoperative diagnosis was pancreatic metastasis from lung cancer. We performed subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy for the pancreatic head tumor because the primary lung cancer and brain metastasis responded to chemoradiation. A histopathologic examination of the resected specimen revealed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. Immunohistochemistry revealed TTF-1 positive cells in the tumor. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the 12th day after surgery. He is currently alive 22 months after pancreatic surgery.

Conclusion

Resection of pancreatic metastasis from lung cancer may improve the patient outcome when the metastasis is localized in the pancreas or other organ metastases are controlled.
Effects of Intraoperative Dexmedetomidine Infusion on Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Yan Chen , Ti-jun Dai
Published: October 2021

Objective

To investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine on postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty.

Methods

A total of 100 patients, 42 male and 58 female, ages 60 to 85 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I or II, who were undergoing total hip arthroplasty were randomly divided into 2 groups: a dexmedetomidine group (group D; n = 50) and a control group (group C; n = 50). Group D patients were infused with 0.3 μg · kg−1 · h−1 of dexmedetomidine from 5 minutes prior to anesthesia induction until the end of surgery. Group C patients received an equal volume of saline. Heart rate and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded before anesthesia induction (T0), 1 minute before extubation (T1), and 30 minutes after extubation (T2). The Visual Analog Score (VAS) at 1, 2, and 3 days after surgery, the incidence and duration of postoperative delirium, and the length of hospital stay were recorded. Adverse reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, and lethargy, were also recorded.

Results

The Visual Analog Scores in the 2 groups were similar. In group D, there was no significant difference in heart rate (P = 0.232) and MAP (P = 0.056) between T0 and T1. However, in group C, heart rate significantly increased by 15.3 bpm (P = 0.000) and MAP significantly increased by 10.7 mmHg (P = 0.001) at T1 compared with those at T0. The incidence of postoperative delirium in group D (10%) was significantly lower than that in group C (26%; P = 0.037). The duration of delirium in group D (1.3 ± 0.6 days) was shorter than that in group C (3.0 ± 0.5 days; P = 0.000). The length of hospital stay in group D (13.2 ± 0.9 days) was shorter than that in group C (16.1 ± 0.7 days; P = 0.000). No significant differences were observed in adverse effects between the 2 groups.

Conclusion

Intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine can not only reduce the incidence and duration of postoperative delirium, but also shorten the length of hospital stay in elderly patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty.
Outcomes of Distal Gastrectomy for Elderly Patients With Advanced Gastric Cancer: Comparison With Non-Elderly Patients and the Utility of Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy for Elderly Patients
Authors: Shimada Ayako , Ishii Satoru , Tanaka Hiroto , Okamoto Tomomi , Mishima Kohei , Nakanishi Ryo , Hosaka Miki , Ozaki Takahiro , Igarashi Kazuharu , Honda Masayuki , Funamizu Naotake , Tsutsui Atsuko , Omura Kenji , Wakabayashi Go
Published: October 2021

Background

As the elderly population increases, cases of elderly advanced gastric cancer (AGC) also increase. This study aims to investigate the safety and utility of curative gastrectomy, as well as the efficacy of laparoscopic gastrectomy, for these elderly patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the surgical outcomes of patients with cStage IB-III AGC who underwent distal gastrectomy (DG) with D2 lymph node dissection in our institution. We compared the results between elderly patients (>75 years) and non-elderly patients (<75 years). We further divided the elderly patients into 2 groups: those who underwent laparoscopic DG (LDG) and those who underwent open DG (ODG). Further, we compared the results of the 2 groups.

Results

From January 2014 to March 2019, 84 patients underwent DG with D2 lymph node dissection for cStage IB-III AGC (52 elderly patients and 32 non-elderly patients). ASA was significantly higher in elderly patients; however, there was no significant difference in surgical outcomes nor in overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) between the 2 groups. Among 52 elderly patients, 19 had LDG, whereas 33 had ODG. The LDG group had a significantly shorter length of hospital stay and a significantly less amount of blood loss. There was no significant difference in RFS and OS between these 2 groups.

Conclusions

Safety and oncologic curability may be achieved in elderly patients with AGC. LDG may be safely performed as ODG in elderly patients with AGC and it is expected to benefit them by achieving minimally invasive surgery.
Validation of spline modeling for calculation of electron insert factors for varian linear accelerators
Authors: Baltz Garrett C. , Kirsner Steven M.
Published: October 2021

There are several methods available in the literature for predicting the insert factor for clinical electron beams. The purpose of this work was to build on a previously published technique that uses a bivariate spline model generated from elliptically parameterized empirical measurements. The technique has been previously validated for Elekta linear accelerators for limited clinical electron setups. The same model is applied to Varian machines to test its efficacy for use with these linear accelerators. Insert factors for specifically designed elliptical cutouts were measured to create spline models for 6, 9, 12, 16, and 20 MeV electron energies for four different cone sizes at source‐to‐surface distances (SSD) of 100, 105, and 110 cm. Insert factor validation measurements of patient cutouts and clinical standard cutouts were acquired to compare to model predictions. Agreement between predicted insert factors and validation measurements averaged 0.8% over all energies, cones, and clinical SSDs, with an uncertainty of 0.6% (1SD), and maximum deviation of 2.1%. The model demonstrated accurate predictions of insert factors using the minimum required amount of input data for small cones, with more input measurements required for larger cones. The results of this study provide expanded validation of this technique to predict insert factors for all energies, cones, and SSDs that would be used in most clinical situations. This level of accuracy and the ease of creating the model necessary for the insert factor predictions demonstrate its acceptability to use clinically for Varian machines.
Visibly Clear Radiative Cooling Metamaterials for Enhanced Thermal Management in Solar Cells and Windows
Authors: Lee Kang Won , Lim Woojong , Jeon Min Soo , Jang Hanmin , Hwang Jehwan , Lee Chi Hwan , Kim Dong Rip
Published: October 2021

The study of transparent daytime radiative cooling with no additional energy consumption is a promising area of research. Its applications include solar cells and building and automobile windows that are prone to heating issues. Ubiquitous applications necessitate the development of metamaterials with high mechanical flexibility in a scalable manner while overcoming translucence. In this study, visibly clear and flexible radiative cooling metamaterials have been developed using a newly designed optical modulator filled into randomly distributed silica aerogel microparticles in a silicone elastomer. The optical modulator effectively suppresses visible light scattering, thus enabling higher loading of silica aerogel microparticles while securing visible clarity. The significant suppression of the rise in temperature by the metamaterial is verified using both indoor and outdoor experiments. The visibly clear metamaterials deployed in solar cells and windows can effectively suppress the rise in temperature under solar irradiation, thereby mitigating the performance degradation of solar cells by heating issues and suppressing the rise in temperature of indoor air.
Polymorphic Phases of Metal Chlorides in the Confined 2D Space of Bilayer Graphene
Authors: Lin Yung‐Chang , Motoyama Amane , Kretschmer Silvan , Ghaderzadeh Sadegh , Ghorbani‐Asl Mahdi , Araki Yuji , Krasheninnikov Arkady V. , Ago Hiroki , Suenaga Kazu
Published: October 2021

Unprecedented 2D metal chloride structures are grown between sheets of bilayer graphene through intercalation of metal and chlorine atoms. Numerous spatially confined 2D phases of AlCl3 and CuCl2 distinct from their typical bulk forms are found, and the transformations between these new phases under the electron beam are directly observed by in situ scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). The density functional theory calculations confirm the metastability of the atomic structures derived from the STEM experiments and provide insights into the electronic properties of the phases, which range from insulators to semimetals. Additionally, the co‐intercalation of different metal chlorides is found to create completely new hybrid systems; in‐plane quasi‐1D AlCl3/CuCl2 heterostructures are obtained. The existence of polymorphic phases hints at the unique possibilities for fabricating new types of 2D materials with diverse electronic properties confined between graphene sheets.
Designing and Demystifying the Lithium Metal Interface toward Highly Reversible Batteries
Authors: Xu Rui , Ding Jun‐Fan , Ma Xia‐Xia , Yan Chong , Yao Yu‐Xing , Huang Jia‐Qi
Published: October 2021

Reversible lithium (Li) plating/stripping is essential for building practical high‐energy‐density batteries based on Li metal chemistry, which unfortunately remains a severe challenge. In this contribution, it is demonstrated that through the rational regulation of strong Li+−anion coordination structures in a highly compatible low‐polarity solvent, 2‐methyl tetrahydrofuran, the Li plating/stripping assisted by a nucleation modulation procedure delivers a remarkably high average Coulombic efficiency under rather demanding conditions (99.7% and 99.5% under 1.0 mA cm−2, 3.0 mAh cm−2 and 3.0 mA cm−2, 3.0 mAh cm−2, respectively). The exceedingly reversible cycling obtained herein is fundamentally correlated with the flattened Li deposition and minimized solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) generation/reconstruction in the customized condition, which notably restrains the growth rates of both dead Li0 (0.0120 mAh per cycle) and SEI‐Li+ (0.0191 mAh per cycle) during consecutive cycles. Benefiting from the efficient Li plating/stripping manner, the assembled anode‐free Cu|LiFePO4 (2.7 mAh cm−2) coin and pouch cells exhibit impressive capacity retention of 43.8% and 41.6% after 150 cycles, respectively, albeit with no optimization on the test conditions. This work provides guidelines into the targeted interfacial design of high‐efficiency working Li anodes, aiming to pave the way for the practical deployment of high‐energy‐density Li metal batteries.
Facet‐Dependent Surface Charge and Hydration of Semiconducting Nanoparticles at Variable pH
Authors: Su Shaoqiang , Siretanu Igor , van den Ende Dirk , Mei Bastian , Mul Guido , Mugele Frieder
Published: October 2021

Understanding structure and function of solid–liquid interfaces is essential for the development of nanomaterials for various applications including heterogeneous catalysis in liquid phase processes and water splitting for storage of renewable electricity. The characteristic anisotropy of crystalline nanoparticles is believed to be essential for their performance but remains poorly understood and difficult to characterize. Dual scale atomic force microscopy is used to measure electrostatic and hydration forces of faceted semiconducting SrTiO3 nanoparticles in aqueous electrolyte at variable pH. The following are demonstrated: the ability to quantify strongly facet‐dependent surface charges yielding isoelectric points of the dominant {100} and {110} facets that differ by as much as 2 pH units; facet‐dependent accumulation of oppositely charged (SiO2) particles; and that atomic scale defects can be resolved but are in fact rare for the samples investigated. Atomically resolved images and facet‐dependent oscillatory hydration forces suggest a microscopic charge generation mechanism that explains colloidal scale electrostatic forces.
Delineation of management zones in integrated crop–livestock systems
Authors: Rodriguez Miranda Diana Alexandra , de Oliveira Alari Fernando , Oldoni Henrique , Bazzi Claudio Leones , do Amaral Lucas Rios , Graziano Magalhães Paulo Sérgio
Published: October 2021

The lack of studies on spatial variability in integrated crop–livestock systems (ICLS) hinders understanding how to increase their efficiency by implementing precision agriculture (PA) practices. As such, little is known about how grain and forage crops interact and how to improve the decision‐making process on fertilization and forage management. One technique that can help manage such systems is the delineation of management zones (MZs), regions with similar yield potential and soil and topography characteristics. Thus, this paper assesses the spatial correlation between yield and potential factors affecting it, and identifies whether it is possible to establish MZs for field management of grain and forage crops in succession in ICLS. Bivariate Moran's index was used to identify the attributes most spatially correlated with the yields. Elevation, soil apparent electrical conductivity, and clay content were the most spatially correlated variables with soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield, while soil organic matter content and elevation were the most spatially correlated with the forage yield. Spatial principal components analysis and fuzzy c‐means clustering algorithm were combined to delineate MZs for each crop. The MZs created for soybean were statistically different in grain yield, available phosphorus (P) in the 0‐to‐0.40‐m layer and pH in the 0‐to‐0.20‐m layer. The forage MZs showed significant differences in terms of available P in the 0‐to‐0.40‐m layer. We conclude that MZs for ICLS tends to be crop specific, demanding different MZs to characterize soybean and forage spatial variability.
Fetal dural sinus malformation: A case report and discussion of the literature
Authors: Jones Jacqueline , Christie James , Woodbury Sarah , Mizia Karen
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Fetal dural sinus malformation is a rare but important finding during pregnancy as it has the potential for significant complications.

Methods

Here we present a case of fetal dural sinus malformation and review the current literature relevant to this condition.

Results

We present the case of a 33‐year‐old woman who had fetal dural sinus malformation containing thrombus diagnosed at morphology ultrasound and confirmed on fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Serial ultrasounds demonstrated the sinus to reduce significantly in size over the course of the pregnancy. The woman delivered a healthy, term baby and there was no evidence of any neurological compromise in the early neonatal period.

Discussion

This case is in keeping with a recent systematic review, which identified 78 previous cases of fetal dural sinus thrombosis and reported good outcomes in most cases.

Conclusion

It therefore appears reasonable, in most cases of isolated dural sinus malformation, to monitor the progress of the lesion and continue managing the pregnancy as usual.
Quasi‐Newtonian Approach determination of velocity profile for the fully developed axial power law fluid flow in concentric annuli
Authors: Abbasov Teymuraz , Bilgili Hatice , Sarımeşeli Paçacı Ayşe
Published: October 2021

The Quasi‐Newtonian Approach has been developed for the closed‐form analytical solution of isothermic, inelastic, and steady‐state fully developed axial power law fluid flow in a concentric annuli. This approach is developed to eliminate the need to solve the two flow regions separately in the rheological flow problems. Using the approximate definition shear deformation distribution of power law rheological model, an analytical expression, which permits direct evaluation of the velocity distribution profiles, volumetric flow rate, and pressure drop in concentric annuli is derived. It is shown that all developed equations are applicable for both Newtonian and non‐Newtonian flows in concentric annuli, and these can be applied for a wider range of rheological parameters of the power law rheological model. Final analytical equations can easily be used in all theoretical and practical applications of the power law flow problems in annuli that are encountered in several interdisciplinary fields without using tables, graphs, and tedious numerical calculations. Theoretically obtained, fully developed velocity profiles are compared with the experimental results taken from the relevant literature.
Overlap of autism spectrum disorder and borderline personality disorder: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: May Tamara , Pilkington Pamela D. , Younan Rita , Williams Katrina
Published: October 2021

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and borderline personality Disorder (BPD) share features, including social and emotion regulation difficulties. The evidence for the overlap in prevalence and clinical characteristics was systematically reviewed. Ovid Medline, PsycInfo, and PubMed were searched until November 30, 2020 using keywords relating to BPD and ASD. Studies that reported on the overlap of ASD and BPD diagnoses or traits and used a case, cohort, or case‐controlled design were included. Of 1633 screened studies, 19 were included, of which 12 reported data suitable for meta‐analysis. Most samples were of small, clinically ascertained groups, with 11 having high risk of bias. The pooled prevalence of BPD in ASD was 4% [95% CI 0%–9%] and of ASD in BPD, 3% [95% CI 1%–8%]. There were inconsistent findings across clinical areas. The prevalence of a dual diagnosis of BPD in ASD cohorts and of ASD in BPD cohorts was within population prevalence estimates of each disorder. Based on this data we were not able to assess whether there is misdiagnosis of one in favor of the other. Neurocognitive differences may underlie similar behavioral symptoms, but further research using larger, well‐validated samples is needed.

Lay Summary

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) have overlaps in their symptoms. The overlap in how frequently they co‐occur and their presentation was systematically reviewed. We searched the key databases and including all studies that reported on the overlap of ASD and BPD diagnoses or traits and used a case, cohort or case‐controlled design. Of 1633 studies, 19 were included, of which 12 reported data suitable for pooling. Most samples were of small, clinical groups, with 11 having high risk of bias. The pooled prevalence of BPD in ASD was 4% [95% CI 0%–9%] and of ASD in BPD, 3% [95% CI 1%–8%]. There were inconsistent findings across studies comparing ASD and BPD related symptoms and problems. The prevalence of a dual diagnosis of BPD in ASD cohorts and of ASD in BPD cohorts was similar to the population prevalence of each disorder. Further research using larger, well‐validated samples is needed.
Designer nanoparticles for plant cell culture systems: Mechanisms of elicitation and harnessing of specialized metabolites
Authors: Arya Sagar S. , Lenka Sangram K. , Cahill David M. , Rookes James E.
Published: October 2021

Plant cell culture systems have become an attractive and sustainable approach to produce high‐value and commercially significant metabolites under controlled conditions. Strategies involving elicitor supplementation into plant cell culture media are employed to mimic natural conditions for increasing the metabolite yield. Studies on nanoparticles (NPs) that have investigated elicitation of specialized metabolism have shown the potential of NPs to be a substitute for biotic elicitors such as phytohormones and microbial extracts. Customizable physicochemical characteristics allow the design of monodispersed‐, stimulus‐responsive‐, and hormone‐carrying‐NPs of precise geometries to enhance their elicitation capabilities based on target metabolite/plant cell culture type. We contextualize advances in NP‐mediated elicitation, especially stimulation of specialized metabolic pathways, the underlying mechanisms, impacts on gene regulation, and NP‐associated cytotoxicity. The novelty of the concept lies in unleashing the potential of designer NPs to enhance yield, harness metabolites, and transform nanoelicitation from exploratory investigations to a commercially viable strategy.
Trust and shared decision‐making among individuals with multiple myeloma: A qualitative study
Authors: Whitney Robin L. , White Anne Elizabeth Clark , Rosenberg Aaron S. , Kravitz Richard L. , Kim Katherine K.
Published: October 2021

Background

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable cancer with complex treatment options. Trusting patient–clinician relationships are essential to promote effective shared decision‐making that aligns best clinical practices with patient values and preferences. This study sought to shed light on the development of trust between MM patients and clinicians.

Methods

Nineteen individual semi‐structured interviews were conducted with MM patients within 2 years of initial diagnosis or relapse for this qualitative study. Interviews were recorded and transcripts were coded thematically.

Results

We identified three main themes: (1) externally validated trust describes patients’ predisposition to trust or distrust clinicians based on factors outside of patient–clinician interactions; (2) internally validated trust describes how patients develop trust based on interactions with specific clinicians. Internally validated trust is driven primarily by clinician communication practices that demonstrate competence, responsiveness, listening, honesty, and empathy; and (3) trust in relation to shared decision‐making describes how patients relate the feeling of trust, or lack thereof, to the process of shared decision‐making.

Conclusion

Many factors contribute to the development of trust between MM patients and clinicians. While some are outside of clinicians’ control, others derive from clinician behaviors and interpersonal communication skills. These findings suggest the possibility that trust can be enhanced through communication training or shared decision‐making tools that emphasize relational communication. Given the important role trust plays in shared decision‐making, clinicians working with MM patients should prioritize establishing positive, trusting relationships.
Key stakeholder perspectives on primary care for young people with an eating disorder: A qualitative study
Authors: Malson Helen , Tischner Irmgard , Herzig Hugh , Kitney Danielle , Phillips Catherine , Norweg Sanni , Moon Jasmin , Holmes Su , Wild Katie , Oldham‐Cooper Rosie
Published: October 2021

This paper examines the provision of primary care for young people with an eating disorder within the UK from the perspectives of three key stakeholder groups: young people with an eating disorder, carers of young people with an eating disorder and General Practitioners (GPs). Twenty‐two young people with an eating disorder (aged 16–25) and 10 carers completed qualitative questionnaires or participated in interviews about their experiences of seeking primary care from GPs. Forty‐one GPs participated in either focus groups or interviews about delivering care to young people with eating disorders. Interviews and focus groups were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. All data were then analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis. Our analysis indicates that GPs often felt they lacked the necessary knowledge and/or resources to provide adequate support to young people with an eating disorder who they also often viewed as a “difficult” patient group. Young people and carers expressed mixed but predominantly negative experiences; reporting that GPs often lacked adequate understanding of eating disorder, failed to take participants' concerns seriously, and delayed referring patients to specialist services. Our findings indicate a need for interventions that will improve primary care provision and access to appropriate support for young people with an eating disorder.
HaloTag Engineering for Enhanced Fluorogenicity and Kinetics with a Styrylpyridium Dye
Authors: Miró‐Vinyals Carla , Stein Alina , Fischer Sandro , Ward Thomas R. , Deliz Liang Alexandria
Published: October 2021

HaloTag is a small self‐labeling protein that is frequently used for creating fluorescent reporters in living cells. The small‐molecule dyes used with HaloTag are almost exclusively based on rhodamine scaffolds, which are often expensive and challenging to synthesize. Herein, we report the engineering of HaloTag for use with a chemically accessible, inexpensive fluorophore based on the dimethylamino‐styrylpyridium dye. Through directed evolution, the maximum fluorogenicity and the apparent second‐order bioconjugation rate constants could be improved up to 4‐fold and 42‐fold, respectively. One of the top variants, HT‐SP5, enabled reliable imaging in mammalian cells, with a 113‐fold fluorescence enhancement over the parent protein. Additionally, crystallographic characterization of selected mutants suggests the chemical origin of the fluorescent enhancement. The improved dye system offers a valuable tool for imaging and illustrates the viability of engineering self‐labeling proteins for alternative fluorophores.
Management of upper retropharyngeal abscesses in children: Two case reports of a troublesome situation
Authors: Torretta Sara , Ibba Tullio , Guastella Claudio , Gaini Lorenzo , Di Cicco Maurizio , Folino Francesco , Marchisio Paola , Bosis Samantha , Pinzani Raffaella , D'Amico Mario , Pignataro Lorenzo
Published: October 2021

Management of upper retropharyngeal abscesses in children is challenging. In surgical cases, ultrasound‐assisted intra‐operative procedures may be helpful to reach peculiar locations, thus reducing surgical morbidity and complications rate.
Clinical Case Reports on the acceptability and tolerance of a High‐Energy whey peptide‐based Pediatric oral nutritional supplement in children aged over 12 months
Authors: Simpson Kathryn
Published: October 2021

The nutritional management of the complex needs of children with impaired gastrointestinal function can be challenging, using a high‐energy pediatric whey‐based peptide formula in clinical practice demonstrates its role in managing symptoms.
Complication following frenectomy: A case report
Authors: Sæthre Terje , Berg Einar , Bunæs Dagmar F. , Leknes Knut N.
Published: October 2021

When performing a frenectomy in patients with an increased risk of exposing bone dehiscence, it is essential that the distance between the incisions is not too wide and that they are mainly made in the movable mucosa to secure optimal wound closure.
Synthesis and Physical Properties of Tunable Aryl Alkyl Ionic Liquids (TAAILs)
Authors: Lerch Swantje , Strassner Thomas
Published: October 2021

Tunable aryl alkyl ionic liquids (TAAILs) based on the imidazolium cation were first reported in 2009. Since then, a series of TAAILs with different properties due to the electron‐donating or ‐withdrawing effect of the substituents at the aryl ring has been developed. Herein, a wide variety of those ionic liquids (ILs) is presented in terms of their cation structure. The authors synthesized ILs containing the bromide or bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide anion and 1‐aryl‐3‐alkyl imidazolium cations with various substituents in the ortho and/ or para position of the phenyl ring and alkyl chains of different lengths varying from butyl to dodecyl. The differences of their physical properties (melting point, thermal decomposition, viscosity, electro‐chemical window) of these ILs are reported according to their structure.
New Cembrane‐Type Diterpenoids from the South China Sea Soft Coral Sinularia nanolobata
Authors: Lin Na , Li Heng , Wang Jian‐Rong , Tang Wei , Zheng Ming‐Yue , Wang Hong , Jiang Cheng‐Shi , Guo Yue‐Wei
Published: October 2021

Comprehensive Summary

In the present study, nine new cembrane‐type diterpenoids, namely ximaonanolobatins A—I (1—9), together with six related known analogs (10—15) and four known tetraprenylated alkaloids malonganenones D, E, H, and K (16—19) were isolated from the soft coral Sinularia nanolobata collected off the Ximao Island in the South China Sea. The structures of 1—9 were robustly established by a combination of detailed spectroscopic analyses, chemical reactions, quantum mechanical (QM)‐NMR methods, biogenetic consideration, and the comparison with those literature data. The absolute configuration of 1 was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction analysis, and the absolute configuration of 2 was determined by QM‐NMR calculations and chemical transformation. In addition, the absolute configuration of 3 was determined using the modified Mosher's method. All these isolates were evaluated for their anti‐inflammatory and anti‐tumor activities. The results showed that only compound 15 exhibited potential anti‐inflammatory effect against LPS‐induced TNF‐α release in RAW264.7 macrophages with an IC50 value of 12.6 μmol/L.
Let's ask the patient: Self‐reported quality‐of‐life measures help to predict kidney cancer mortality
Authors: Nabavizadeh Behnam , Master Viraj A.
Published: October 2021

Currently, there is a large and growing body of evidence to support the impact of physical health and activity on cancer outcomes. Mental and physical components of self‐reported quality‐of‐life metrics have been shown to predict all‐cause mortality in patients with renal cell carcinoma. However, an inherent drawback of such metrics could be misunderstandings of quality‐of‐life domains and inaccurate responses in some settings.
Pharmacokinetics of Asciminib When Taken With Imatinib or With Food
Authors: Hoch Matthias , Zack Julia , Quinlan Michelle , Huth Felix , Forte Sofia , Dodd Stephanie , Aimone Paola , Hourcade‐Potelleret Florence
Published: October 2021

Asciminib, a first‐in‐class, Specifically Targeting the Abelson kinase Myristoyl Pocket (STAMP) inhibitor with the potential to overcome resistance to adenosine triphosphate–competitive tyrosine kinase inhibitors, is being investigated in leukemia as monotherapy and in combination with tyrosine kinase inhibitors including imatinib. This phase 1 study in healthy volunteers assessed the pharmacokinetics of asciminib (40 mg single dose) under 2 conditions: when taken with imatinib (steady state; 400 mg once daily) and a low‐fat meal (according to imatinib prescription information), or when taken as single‐agent under different food conditions. Asciminib plus imatinib with a low‐fat meal increased asciminib area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to infinity and maximum plasma concentration (geometric mean ratios [90% confidence interval], 2.08 [1.93‐2.24] and 1.59 [1.45‐1.75], respectively) compared with asciminib alone under the same food conditions. Asciminib plus food decreased asciminib area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to infinity compared with asciminib taken under fasted conditions (geometric mean ratios: low‐fat meal, 0.7 [0.631‐0.776]; high‐fat meal, 0.377 [0.341‐0.417]). Asciminib plus imatinib was well tolerated with no new safety signals. Overall, coadministration of asciminib with imatinib and a low‐fat meal results in a moderate increase in asciminib exposure compared with asciminib alone under the same food condition. Food itself decreases asciminib exposure, indicating that single‐agent asciminib should be administered in the fasted state to prevent potential suboptimal exposures.
Oversampling the minority class using a dedicated fitness function and genetic algorithmic progression
Authors: Sadhukhan Payel , Palt Sarbani
Published: October 2021

Class imbalance is a pertinent characteristic of a number of real‐world datasets. The underrepresentation of the minority class in such datasets causes difficulty in learning and prediction of its members. In this era of Big Data, we need to address this practical issue in order to get admissible outputs from our classifier models. We present a novel work, oversampling the minority class using a dedicated fitness function and genetic algorithmic progression – to tackle the problem of class imbalance. We generate a random set of feature points in the given space and use genetic‐algorithm guided progression to metamorphose them into a set of potential minority points. The optimization function looks at the neighborhood of the synthetic minority points for computing the fitness scores. We have employed 19 real‐world datasets, three metrics, three classifiers, and four diversified oversampling methods in the empirical study. A comprehensive study involving several well‐established minority oversamplers demonstrates the efficaciousness of the proposed method in handling class imbalance.
Parallel tensor decomposition with distributed memory based on hierarchical singular value decomposition
Authors: Fang Zisen , Qi Fumin , Dong Yichuan , Zhang Yong , Feng Shengzhong
Published: October 2021

As an important tool of multiway/tensor data analysis tool, Tucker decomposition has been applied widely in various fields. But traditional sequential Tucker algorithms have been outdated because tensor data is growing rapidly in term of size. To address this problem, in this article, we focus on parallel Tucker decomposition of dense tensors on distributed‐memory systems. The proposed method uses hierarchical SVD to accelerate the SVD step in traditional sequential algorithms, which usually takes up most computation time. The data distribution strategy is designed to follow the implementation of hierarchical SVD. We also find that compared with the state‐of‐the‐art method, the proposed method has lower communication cost in large‐scale parallel cases under the assumption of the α–β model.
Outcomes for infants whose mothers had an eating disorder in the perinatal period: A systematic review of the evidence
Authors: Mah Beth , Cibralic Sara , Hanna Joanne , Hart Melissa , Loughland Carmel , Cosh Suzanne
Published: October 2021

Objective

To establish any health outcomes for infants to age one, associated with their mother having a diagnosis of an active eating disorder during pregnancy or the 12‐month postnatal period.

Method

A qualitative systematic literature review of numerous databases (Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane Library, MedNar, PsycExtra, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and Open Grey) was performed examining any infant health outcomes.

Results

This resulted in 22 included studies (17 cohort, 3 cross‐sectional, 1 case controlled and 1 mixed methods study). A range of adverse infant outcomes including poor birth, growth and interactional feeding outcomes were identified.

Discussion

Antenatal identification and treatment for women with an eating disorder during the perinatal period and their infants are vital. Optimizing pregnancy nutrition, maternal eating disorder symptoms and feeding interactions appear particularly important.