bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Disaggregated Impact of Financial Development on the Effectiveness of Monetary Policy in Nigeria
Authors: Adamu Yusuf , Oladipo Olajide , Umaru Aminu
Published: May 2023

The fast development in the financial system has attracted researchers’ interest in studying its implication on the economy, though empirical evidence is highly limited on disaggregated levels. This study is undertaken to examine the impact of disaggregated financial development on the effectiveness of monetary policy in Nigeria. The study used Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model to capture the data-generating process as well as both short-run and long-run relationships. The scope of analysis ranged from 2000 quarter 1 to 2021 quarter 4 to circumvent the effect of regime changes, as the chosen time horizon represents the period of the uninterrupted civilian regime in Nigeria. The data are sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s and the International Monetary Fund’s statistical databases. Moreso, quarterly frequency data are used to reflect the short-run nature of the monetary policy. The finding reveals financial market development enhances the effectiveness of monetary policy in terms of achieving both its primary and secondary objectives while financial institutions development does not. Given the findings, it is recommended that the Government together with the Central Bank of Nigeria should design policies that would enhance the efficiency of the financial market, particularly markets infrastructure and technology-based products to reduce information asymmetry and transactional costs to ease the way of doing business.
Vitamin B12 Content in Lamb Meat: Effect of Cooking and Freezing Temperatures
Authors: Ziani Kaddour , Eddine Houari Adli Djallal Eddine , Halla Noureddine , Mansouri Abdeldjallil , Kahloula Kahled , Boumédiène Khaled Méghit , Djenane Djamel
Published: May 2023

The meat industry has taken several measures to expand its shelf life, such as frozen storage and thermal treatments. Hence, the valuable content in red meat, such as vitamin B12, could be affected by this handling. This study aimed to assess the vitamin B12 losses in Algerian Hamra lamb meat caused by frozen storage (06 months at -18 °C) and boiling for 45 minutes at 80 °C with regard to modifications in water-holding capacity (WHC). Samples of Longissimus lumborum (LL) and Longissimus thoracis (LT) were utilized to assess this micronutrient using microbiological assay (VitaFast®). In comparison with Fresh Raw Meat (FeRM), Frozen Raw Meat (FoRM) was marked by a reduced difference in B12 content (1.36 ± 0.14 vs. 1.19 ± 0.12 µg/100 g, respectively). However, the values of B12 decreased significantly in Fresh Boiled Meat (FeBM) (0.78 ± 0.40) and Frozen Boiled Meat (FoBM) (1.00 ± 0.07) compared to FeRM. The recorded values of cooking loss (CL) and forced drip loss (FDP) appeared identical. The B12 vitamin content in Hamra lamb meat is generally affected by cooking processes (longer time and higher temperature treatments) than short freezing storage (less than 06 months at – 18 °C).
Keywords: B12 vitamin; Cooking; Freezing storage; Lamb meat; Microbiological assay.
Cocoa volatile compounds affect aroma but not taste
Authors: Anita-Sari Indah , Hari Murti Rudi , Susila Putra Eka Tarwaca , Misnawi  , Setyawan Bayu , Rizqi Akbar Miftahur , Wahyu Susilo Agung
Published: May 2023

Flavor is one of the most essential indicators for determining the quality of cocoa beans, especially fine flavor cocoa. The volatile compound in the beans affect the mechanism the flavor emergence. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the volatile compound in the aromatic and non-aromatic cocoa groups as one of FFCs indicator. It was conducted at the Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute, Jember, East Java, Indonesia. Furthermore, the genetic material used consisted of six aromatic cocoa genotypes, such as DR 2, ICCRI 03, ICCRI 07, ICCRI 09, MCC 02, and TSH 858 as well as four non-aromatic genotypes such as Sulawesi1, Sulawesi 2, KW 516, and KEE 2. A completely randomized block design (RCBD) was used with three repetitions. The fermented bean samples of each genotype were analyzed of volatile compound at the Food and Science Laboratory, Jember Polytechnic, East Java and sensory test was conducted by three certified panelists from ICCRI. Data were analyzed by orthogonal contrast analysis with IRRI's STAR 2.0.1 software. While the Microsoft Excel 2019 and R Studio were used for correlation analysis and heatmaps. The results showed aldehydes, acids, esters, pyrroles, and pyrazines of aromatic cocoa bean group higher than the non-aromatic. The alanine and terpenoid compounds was only found in clones DR 2 and ICCRI 03, while the alcohol and phenol compounds dominated in the non-aromatic group. Genotypes were grouped into six groups, based on flavor and volatile compound. ICCRI 09 characterized by strong acidity with a fresh fruit, spicy and sweet aroma as well as containsed aldehydes. Furthermore, ICCRI 03, MCC 02, and TSH 858 bean had weaker acidity and aroma than ICCRI 09 and contain terpenoids. ICCRI 07 had a nutty and woody aroma and was dominated by furan and pyrazine compounds. While Sulawesi 1 had a putrid aroma and alkaloids. The genotype groups of KW 516, KEE2, and Sulawesi 2 had astringent taste, dirty/dusty and moldy aroma as well as contained alcohol and phenol.
Keywords: Aromatic; Flavor; Non-aromatic; Theobroma cacao L; Volatile compounds
Farmers’ Flood Risk Perception in Turkey: The Case of Mersin Province
Authors: Hayran Seyit
Published: May 2023

Understanding perception of the farmers’ flood risks has become increasingly important. This study aimed to evaluate the flood risk perception of farmers by constructing a farmer risk perception score based on eight statements. Data was gathered from 250 randomly selected farmers and analyzed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and binary logistic regression. Based on the flood risk perception score, the farmers were classified into two groups, and the results revealed that 46.00% of surveyed farmers had a high level of flood risk perception. The binary logistic regression analysis showed that seven factors, including gender, age, household size, children, farm size, insurance intention, and flood experience, had a significant impact on farmers’ flood risk perceptions. The findings of this study may aid government organizations and farmers in enhancing their flood risk management strategies.
Keywords: Flood disaster; Risk perception score; Turkey
Development of a Skin-Directed Scoring System for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Epidermal Necrolysis
Authors: Waters Margo , Dobry Allison , Le Stephanie T. , Shinkai Kanade , Beachkofsky Thomas M. , Davis Mark D. P. , Dominguez Arturo R. , Kroshinsky Daniela , Markova Alina , Micheletti Robert G. , Mostaghimi Arash , Pasieka Helena B. , Rosenbach Misha , Seminario-Vidal Lucia , Trinidad John , Albrecht Joerg , Altman Emily M. , Arakaki Ryan , Ardern-Jones Michael , Bridges Alina G. , Cardones Adela R. , Chadha Angad A. , Chen Jennifer K. , Chen Steven T. , Cheng Kyle , Daveluy Steven , DeNiro Katherine L. , Harp Joanna , Keller Jesse J. , King Brett , Korman Abraham M. , Lowenstein Eve J. , Luxenberg Erin , Mancuso Jennifer Brescoll , Mauskar Melissa M. , Milam Philip , Motaparthi Kiran , Nelson Caroline A. , Nguyen Cuong V. , Nutan Fnu , Ortega-Loayza Alex G. , Patel Tejesh , Rahnama-Moghadam Sahand , Rekhtman Sergey , Rojek Nathan W. , Sarihan Mansi , Shaigany Sheila , Sharma Timmie R. , Shearer Sabrina M. , Shields Bridget E. , Strowd Lindsay C. , Tartar Danielle M. , Thomas Cristina , Wanat Karolyn A. , Walls Andrew C. , Zaba Lisa C. , Ziemer Carolyn M. , Maverakis Emanual , Kaffenberger Benjamin H.
Published: May 2023

Importance

Scoring systems for Stevens-Johnson syndrome and epidermal necrolysis (EN) only estimate patient prognosis and are weighted toward comorbidities and systemic features; morphologic terminology for EN lesions is inconsistent.

Objectives

To establish consensus among expert dermatologists on EN terminology, morphologic progression, and most-affected sites, and to build a framework for developing a skin-directed scoring system for EN.

Evidence Review

A Delphi consensus using the RAND/UCLA appropriateness criteria was initiated with a core group from the Society of Dermatology Hospitalists to establish agreement on the optimal design for an EN cutaneous scoring instrument, terminology, morphologic traits, and sites of involvement.

Findings

In round 1, the 54 participating dermatology hospitalists reached consensus on all 49 statements (30 appropriate, 3 inappropriate, 16 uncertain). In round 2, they agreed on another 15 statements (8 appropriate, 7 uncertain). There was consistent agreement on the need for a skin-specific instrument; on the most-often affected skin sites (head and neck, chest, upper back, ocular mucosa, oral mucosa); and that blanching erythema, dusky erythema, targetoid erythema, vesicles/bullae, desquamation, and erosions comprise the morphologic traits of EN and can be consistently differentiated.

Conclusions and Relevance

This consensus exercise confirmed the need for an EN skin-directed scoring system, nomenclature, and differentiation of specific morphologic traits, and identified the sites most affected. It also established a baseline consensus for a standardized EN instrument with consistent terminology.
Development of Prediction Models for Antenatal Care Attendance in Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Wilder Bryan , Pons-Duran Clara , Goddard Frederick G. B. , Hunegnaw Bezawit Mesfin , Haneuse Sebastien , Bekele Delayehu , Chan Grace J.
Published: May 2023

Importance

Antenatal care prevents maternal and neonatal deaths and improves birth outcomes. There is a lack of predictive models to identify pregnant women who are at high risk of failing to attend antenatal care in low-resource settings.

Objective

To develop a series of predictive models to identify women who are at high risk of failing to attend antenatal care in a rural setting in Ethiopia.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prognostic study used data from the Birhan Health and Demographic Surveillance System and its associated pregnancy and child cohort. The study was conducted at the Birhan field site, North Shewa zone, Ethiopia, a platform for community- and facility-based research and training, with a focus on maternal and child health. Participants included women enrolled during pregnancy in the pregnancy and child cohort between December 2018 and March 2020, who were followed-up in home and facility visits. Data were analyzed from April to December 2022.

Exposures

A wide range of sociodemographic, economic, medical, environmental, and pregnancy-related factors were considered as potential predictors. The selection of potential predictors was guided by literature review and expert knowledge.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The outcome of interest was failing to attend at least 1 antenatal care visit during pregnancy. Prediction models were developed using logistic regression with regularization via the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and ensemble decision trees and assessed using the area under the receiving operator characteristic curve (AUC).

Results

The study sample included 2195 participants (mean [SD] age, 26.8 [6.1] years; mean [SD] gestational age at enrolment, 25.5 [8.8] weeks). A total of 582 women (26.5%) failed to attend antenatal care during cohort follow-up. The AUC was 0.61 (95% CI, 0.58-0.64) for the regularized logistic regression model at conception, with higher values for models predicting at weeks 13 (AUC, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.66-0.71) and 24 (AUC, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.64-0.69). AUC values were similar with slightly higher performance for the ensembles of decision trees (conception: AUC, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.59-0.65; 13 weeks: AUC, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.67-0.72; 24 weeks: AUC, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.64-0.69).

Conclusions and Relevance

This prognostic study presents a series of prediction models for antenatal care attendance with modest performance. The developed models may be useful to identify women at high risk of missing their antenatal care visits to target interventions to improve attendance rates. This study opens the possibility to develop and validate easy-to-use tools to project health-related behaviors in settings with scarce resources.
Severity of All-Terrain Vehicle–Related Injuries by Age in Canada, 2002-2019
Authors: MacDougall William , Jiang Xuejing , Sobhan Shamsia , Balshaw Robert , Haas Barbara , Moore Lynne , Yanchar Natalie , McGavock Jonathan
Published: May 2023

Importance

Rates of pediatric hospitalizations following an injury while riding an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) are increasing. Few studies have compared the rates of severe injuries among children, adolescents, and adults.

Objectives

To investigate whether younger ATV riders are at risk for more severe ATV-related injuries.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study was conducted using administrative data from hospitals in 9 provinces in Canada. Participants included patients admitted to hospitals with ATV-related injuries between 2002 and 2019. Statistical analysis was performed from June 2020 to September 2021.

Exposures

The primary exposure was age younger than 16 years. Comparison groups were youths aged 16 to 20 years and adults aged 21 years and older.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes of interest were death, spinal cord injury, and an Injury Severity Score (ISS) greater than 25. Secondary outcomes were less severe injuries, including head injuries, crush type injuries, and fractures.

Results

Among 52 745 patients with complete data, 15% were youths younger than 16 years, 13% were youths aged 16 to 20 years, 82% were male, and 47% lived in rural areas. After adjusting for covariates, the odds of dying were higher among youths aged 16 to 20 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.64; 95% CI, 1.04-2.60) compared with those younger than 16 years. Youths aged 16 to 20 years also had higher odds of spinal cord injury (aOR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.80-4.20) and an injury severity score greater than 25 (aOR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.36-1.96) compared with youths 16 years of age or less. Sex-specific analyses revealed these associations were greater for male youths aged 16 to 20 years (spinal cord injury: aOR, 3.81; 95% CI, 1.38-11.10, and dying in a hospital: aOR, 4.37; 95% CI, 1.19-21.02) than female youths aged 16 to 20 years.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study of patients hospitalized for ATV injuries in Canada, youths aged 16 to 20 years and adults aged 21 years and older were at an increased risk of death and severe injuries compared with youths younger than 16 years. The increased risk of death and severe injuries was most evident among male patients.
Perspectives of US Adults on Antimicrobial Trials With Noninferiority Designs
Authors: Morlock Robert , Rose John , Powers John H.
Published: May 2023

This survey study assesses respondents’ willingness to participate in noninferiority trials of antimicrobials.
Memory, metamemory, and false memory for features of the Apple logo
Authors: Whatley Mary C. , Schwartz Shawn T. , Block Jessica B. , Castel Alan D.
Published: May 2023

Our memory for common, easily recognizable logos, like the Apple logo, is surprisingly poor because of attentional saturation, where we stop attending to details of frequently encountered objects. This lack of attention to details may leave us susceptible to misinformation effects. Across four experiments, we tested recognition memory for the Apple logo after incidentally encoding an accurate or altered version of the logo (Experiments 1–3), or after no incidental encounter of the logo prior to the surprise test (Experiment 4). Additionally, participants rated how much they liked the logo as a measure of processing fluency. Results demonstrated that incidentally viewing an altered version of the Apple logo can disrupt subsequent recognition of the correct logo, but this effect may diminish following a short delay. Considering our frequent exposure to everyday stimuli, we show conditions in which memory for a ubiquitous stimulus can be disrupted when incidentally presented with inaccurate information.
Self‐Assembled Artificial Light‐Harvesting System Constructed Using Electrostatic Interactions in Aqueous Solution for the Sensing of Heavy Metal Cations
Authors: Li Meng , Shi Quanyu , Song Ningxin , Chen Zhijun , Wang Lidong , James Tony D.
Published: May 2023

A supramolecular artificial light‐harvesting system (LHS) is successfully constructed in an aqueous environment using carbon dots (CDs) andα,β,γ,δ‐Tetrakis(1‐methylpyridinium‐4‐yl) porphyrin p‐Toluenesulfonate (TMPyP) via electrostatic interactions. Specifically, the CDs act as a donor, and TMPyP, which is loaded to the surface of the CDs, acts as an acceptor for the LHS. Energy transfer occurs from the CDs to the TMPyP in the assembled CDs‐TMPyP upon UV excitation. To demonstrate the applicability, the CDs‐TMPyP system is used as a sensor for Hg(II) in an aqueous solution. Subsequently, a functional material suitable for the detection and removal of Hg(II) is fabricated by integrating the CDs‐TMPyP into a polymer network.
A Highly Active Hydroformylation Catalyst Using a Self‐Assembling Bis‐N‐Pyrrolyl Phosphine Ligand
Authors: Bauer Felix , Dierenbach Niklas , Breit Bernhard
Published: May 2023

Herein we report an improved self‐assembling phosphorus ligand based on hydrogen bonding between pyridone/hydroxypyridine in the ligand backbone. The N‐pyrrolyl substituents significantly improve the π‐backbonding properties of the ligand. Rhodium, iridium and platinum complexes of the ligand were prepared and analyzed by NMR spectroscopy and x‐ray crystal structure analysis. A catalyst based on this ligand showed very high catalytic activity and linear regioselectivity in rhodium‐catalyzed hydroformylation of 1‐octene. The same ligand was applied in linear regioselective iridium‐catalyzed hydroformylation of 1‐octene.
Assessment of two in‐situ and ex‐situ methods for silver/graphene oxide‐grafted cotton fabrics fabrication and antibacterial activity enhancement by hydrophobic modification with stearic acid
Authors: Huong Quach Thi Thanh , Nam Nguyen Thanh Hoai , Tinh Ninh Thi , Hai Nguyen Duy , An Hoang , Vy Nguyen Pham Tuong , Han Tran My , Khanh Tran Nhat , Nhi Tran Le Hoai , Hieu Nguyen Huu
Published: May 2023

The increase in the number of infectious diseases has exerted many negative consequences on human health. In this study, the antibacterial cotton fabric was fabricated for application in antibacterial products, contributing to the prevention of infectious diseases for humans. Particularly, ex‐situ and in‐situ dip‐coating techniques were compared and utilized for the fabrication of the antibacterial cotton fabric. Besides, the effects of the concentrations of precursors, including graphene oxide (GO), silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), silver/graphene oxide nanocomposite (Ag/GO), and dip‐coating times were evaluated to determine the most appropriate preparation conditions. Therewithal, the resulting cotton fabric was modified with stearic acid (SA) to enhance the hydrophobicity, in which the concentration of the SA was also assessed. Additionally, the antibacterial performance of the prepared material was investigated against Gram‐negativePseudomonas aeruginosaand Gram‐positiveStaphylococcus aureus. Different analytical techniques such as scanning electron microscope, contact angle measurement, and color stability were also utilized for the comparison between different cotton fabrics. According to the obtained results, the dip‐coated in‐situ Ag/GO (in‐situ‐Ag/GO/cotton) fabrics showed better antibacterial performance than that of dip‐coated ex‐situ Ag/GO (ex‐situ‐Ag/GO/cotton) ones, which can be attributed to the even distribution of Ag/GO nanocomposite on the fabric prepared by the in‐situ methods. According to the aforementioned results, the resulting antibacterial cotton fabric can be considered a promising material for the production of antibacterial face masks and protective clothing, which can be utilized in hospitals, textile industries, or the manufacture of sport gears.
Silver‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Benzyl Ethers via Alkoxylation of Benzylic C(sp3)−H Bonds
Authors: Huang Peng , Zhang Guang'an , Wang Zechao , Wu Junliang
Published: May 2023

Alkoxylation of benzylic C(sp3)−H bonds has become one of the most important tools for the construction of benzyl ethers from feedstock chemicals. Herein, we reported a silver catalyzed alkoxylation of benzylic C(sp3)−H bonds employing potassium persulfate as an oxidant at room temperature. This strategy showed good functional‐group tolerance, site selectivity, and chemoselectivity. The reaction proceeded smoothly in the presence of various primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohol nucleophiles, affording corresponding benzyl ethers. Combined experimental studies provided mechanistic insights into the possible radical pathways. Furthermore, a possible mechanism was proposed for this method.
Synthesis, antioxidant effectiveness, and docking study of new benzothiazolyl‐chromenone‐based fluorophores
Authors: Hossan Aisha , Al‐nami Samar Y.
Published: May 2023

As chromenones demonstrate significant push–pull fluorescence effects on the development and description of novel push–pull fluorescent compounds based on chromenone with exceptional molar extinction coefficients, benzothiazolyl‐chromenone‐based fluorophores were created by refluxing ethanol/piperidine over Knoevenagel's condensation. Many spectral methods, including 1H‐NMR, FT‐IR analysis, and (C, H, N) analysis, were used to demonstrate the molecular structures of the synthesized benzothiazolyl‐chromenone‐based fluorophores. The synthesized fluorophore UV–vis absorption and emission spectra showed significant extinction coefficients, which were observed to be influenced by the substituted benzothiazole bridge in conjugation with the alkoxy donor moiety. It was discovered that the alkoxyl group‐bonded substituents had an effect on the maximum absorbance wavelength. The benzothiazolyl‐chromenone hybrid achieved antioxidant efficacy that compared favourably with commonly used medications [butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and vitamin C]. In contrast with the other hybrids, hybrid 3c, which has a hexyloxy tail, made good claims about its suitable action towards vitamins and reference medications. Additionally, the synthesized benzothiazolyl‐chromenone‐based hybrids showed marked coordination with antioxidant efficacy when docked studies of the hybrids towards the chosen 3NM8 protein were conducted.
One‐pot synthesis of unsymmetrical 1,3‐butadiyne derivatives
Authors: Zhao Zhicai
Published: May 2023

An efficient co‐operative Ni/Cu system for Cadiot–Chodkiewicz coupling utilizes CaC2 as the alkyne source. The advantage of this cross‐coupling reaction lies in the low cost of using cheap and readily available raw materials and the simplicity of operation. A series of functionalized diaryl, aryl‐alkyl, and aryl‐heteroaryl 1,3‐diynes are obtained in moderate to high yields.
Two New Cembranoids from the Chinese Soft Coral Sarcophyton boettgeri**
Authors: Yu Jia‐Dong , Su Ming‐Zhi , Gu Yu‐Cheng , Yu Dan‐Dan , Yao Li‐Gong , Shen Shou‐Mao , Guo Yue‐Wei , Wang Hong
Published: May 2023

Two new cembranoids, namely sarcoboettgerols D and E, together with four known related ones, have been isolated from the soft coral Sarcophyton boettgeri collected from Weizhou Island in the South China Sea. Their structures including absolute configurations were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, quantum mechanical nuclear magnetic resonance methods, time‐dependent density functional theory‐electronic circular dichroism calculations, as well as comparison with the reported data in the literature. A plausible biogenetic relationship of four cembranoids was proposed. In bioassays, sarcomililatin B exhibited cytotoxic activity against H1299 cell (IC50=35.0 μM), whereas sarcomililatin B and sarcomililatin A displayed moderate antibacterial activities (MIC 17.4–34.8 μg/mL).
Long‐term survival in a dog with probable thyroid storm
Authors: Beverly Jeffrey , Pigott Armi , Puzio Claire E. , Rivera Meghan
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

Thyroid storm is a rare, life‐threatening endocrine emergency that may occur in dogs. With rapid identification and early aggressive therapy, long‐term survival is possible.

The aim of this paper was to describe the successful emergency management and long‐term survival of a dog with probable thyroid storm. We present proposed guidelines for the characterization of thyroid storm in dogs, and treatment considerations as utilized for this patient. A 6‐year‐old female spayed German Shepherd Dog was presented to a multispecialty center for radiation planning and treatment of a previously diagnosed nonresectable functional thyroid carcinoma. Recovering from anesthesia, the patient developed clinical features that would qualify as thyroid storm using human metrics. The patient improved with aggressive treatment of thyroid storm, extrapolating from human and feline recommendations. This is the first known report of long‐term survival in a canine with suspected thyroid storm. The crisis was effectively identified and emergently treated.
Negative pressure pulmonary edema due to upper airway obstruction after general anesthesia in a patient with Parkinson's disease: A case report
Authors: Hasegawa Ayaka , Niimi Naoko , Mitaka Chieko , Hayashida Masakazu
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

In a patient with Parkinson's disease (PD) who underwent spine surgery 13 h after the last anti‐Parkinson medications, negative pressure pulmonary edema from upper airway obstruction developed immediately after extubation. Although oxygenation improved with high‐flow nasal cannula therapy, such complications might develop due to abrupt discontinuation of medication for PD.
Post‐COVID‐19 syndrome mimicking cholangiocarcinoma: A case report
Authors: Khonsari Mahmoodreza , Boostani Kamal , Farnood Farahnoosh
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

The differential diagnosis of post‐COVID‐19 syndrome is important in patients with symptoms of biliary obstruction. This patient had severe COVID‐19 who underwent ERCP and mimicked cholangiocarcinoma.

Patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) manifest liver injuries with pathological changes because of lowered blood oxygen saturation, cardiac malfunction, hepatotoxic drugs during treatment, and cellular injury. This paper reports a patient with a history of severe COVID‐19 who mimics cholangiocarcinoma after undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). It was shown that differential diagnosis of post‐COVID‐19 syndrome is greatly important mostly in patients with symptoms of biliary obstruction.
Rare forearm intramuscular myxoma: A case report
Authors: Pirmohamadi Hosein , Begloo Mahmood Jafar , Rahimi Mohsen , Akbaribazm Mohsen
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

Intramuscular myxoma (IMM) is a benign soft tissue tumor of mesenchymal origin that occurs mainly in skeletal muscles which can be removed through surgery after diagnosis.

Intramuscular myxoma (IMM) is a benign soft tissue tumor of mesenchymal origin that typically occurs in skeletal muscles. Its diagnosis is based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histopathologic evaluation of the lesion. In our report, we describe the case of a 60‐year‐old female with an IMM in the supinator muscle of the right forearm, which was confirmed by MRI and histopathologic examination. Following surgery to remove the mass, a follow‐up confirmed the patient's recovery and the absence of movement limitations in the elbow joint.
Direct Valorization of Recycled Palladium as Heterogeneous Catalysts for Total Oxidation of Methane
Authors: y Morales Michaël Martin Romo , Brunet‐Manquat Anthony , Dib Hadi , Rousset Jean‐Luc , Morfin Franck , Burel Laurence , Bourgeois Damien , Kaper Helena
Published: May 2023

Electronic waste as an alternative source of palladium is used for the preparation of heterogeneous catalysts for methane oxidation. The strategy developed in this paper involves two steps: optimization of the leaching protocol to recover the Pd from the waste, and development of a suitable impregnation protocol directly from the leachate, which is a strongly acidic solution. The precipitation‐deposition technique is particularly suitable for the preparation of catalysts from acidic media. The impact of Ba, Bi, and Ag impurities on the catalytic performance is studied on model catalysts. The presence of these elements and their impact on the catalytic properties are analyzed and discussed using X‐ray diffraction, nitrogen physisorption, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Through variation of the pH, the impurities co‐deposited with Pd can be limited and the catalytic performance of catalysts derived from real waste can be greatly enhanced.
A Sustainable and Catalytic Synthesis of Dibenzosuberone
Authors: Nori Valeria , Della Penna Francesca , Cocco Emanuele , Mantegazza Simone , Razzetti Gabriele , Quattrocchi Giuseppe , Pesciaioli Fabio , Carlone Armando
Published: May 2023

Dibenzosuberone (DBS) is a key intermediate for the synthesis of relevant active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for the treatment of several diseases related to the central nervous system. Herein, the design and development of a milder and greener approach to improve the well‐established methodology for the synthesis of DBS limiting waste production via the use of immobilized catalysts are presented.
Preparation of Ca(OH)2 nanoparticles by impinging stream reaction precipitation method
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , Zhang Jin , Dong Xin , Feng Ying , Niu Juchao
Published: May 2023

In this paper, Ca(OH)2 nanoparticles are prepared by impinging stream co‐precipitation method. The process of preparing nanoparticles by impinging stream is optimized. The influence of process variable, such as dispersant type, dispersant dosage, circulating flow rate, reactant concentration ratio of OH− and Ca2+, reaction temperature and circulation time, on the particle size of Ca(OH)2 nanoparticle are investigated. The results show that the concentration ratio of reactants has a significant effect on the size of Ca(OH)2 nanoparticles. The optimal process conditions are obtained by single factor experiment, PEG6000, 3.3% dispersant dosage, Q = 1000 L · h−1, C = 1.88, T = 46.68°C and t = 60 min. The average particle size of Ca(OH)2 nanoparticles prepared under these conditions is 107.67 nm. According to the microstructure analysis, the prepared Ca(OH)2 nanoparticles samples have high purity and a good crystal structure. The powder dispersed with a marked hexagonal crystal shape and good thermal decomposition.
Correlation between serum laminin level and prognosis of acute heart failure
Authors: Yan Xiaoyun , Ye Jiaqi , Chen Haixiao , Jiang Ying , Xie Ling , Zhang Ying , Qiang Wenhui , Cai Hongli , Zheng Koulong , Zhang Qing
Published: May 2023

Objective

To investigate the correlation between serum laminin (LN) level and the prognosis of acute heart failure (AHF).

Methods

A total of 199 patients with AHF treated in Nantong First People's Hospital from March 2019 to November 2021 were included in this study. The patients were divided into the event group and the non‐event group according to whether major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) occurred during hospitalization. We collected the baseline data of all patients and their LN levels were measured. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the predictive value of LN for the occurrence of MACE in AHF patients during hospitalization. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to screen the independent factors associated with the occurrence of MACE in patients with AHF.

Results

Among 199 patients with AHF, 43 were in the event group and 156 were in the non‐event group. The area under ROC curve of LN to predict MACE in AHF patients during hospitalization was 0.8144, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.7433–0.8855, p < .0001, cutoff point = 77.9, specificity 58.33%, and sensitivity 88.37%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the independent factors associated with the occurrence of MACE in AHF patients were the increase of LN level (odds ratio [OR]: 1.020, 95% CI: 1.012–1.028), the decrease of ejection fraction (OR: 0.007, 95% CI: 0.000–0.362) and diastolic blood pressure (OR: 0.946, 95% CI: 0.913–0.981; p < .05).

Conclusion

The increase of LN level is independently correlated with the occurrence of MACE in AHF patients during hospitalization, which has the potential to be a serological indicator for poor prognosis in patients with AHF.
Proteome profiling of salivary small extracellular vesicles in glioblastoma patients
Authors: Müller Bark Juliana , Trevisan França de Lima Lucas , Zhang Xi , Broszczak Daniel , Leo Paul J. , Jeffree Rosalind L. , Chua Benjamin , Day Bryan W. , Punyadeera Chamindie
Published: May 2023

Background

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a critical role in intercellular communication under physiological and pathological conditions, including cancer. EVs cargo reflects their cell of origin, suggesting their utility as biomarkers. EVs are detected in several biofluids, and their ability to cross the blood–brain barrier has highlighted their potential as prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers in gliomas, including glioblastoma (GBM). Studies have demonstrated the potential clinical utility of plasma‐derived EVs in glioma. However, little is known about the clinical utility of saliva‐derived EVs in GBM.

Methods

Small EVs were isolated from whole mouth saliva of GBM patients pre‐ and postoperatively. Isolation was performed using differential centrifugation and/or ultracentrifugation. EVs were characterized by concentration, size, morphology, and EVs cell‐surface protein markers. Protein cargo in EVs was profiled using mass spectrometry.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in size and concentration of EVs derived from pre‐ and post GBM patients' saliva samples. A higher number of proteins were detected in preoperative samples compared to postoperative samples. The authors found four highly abundant proteins (aldolase A, 14‐3‐3 protein ε, enoyl CoA hydratase 1, and transmembrane protease serine 11B) in preoperative saliva samples from GBM patients with poor outcomes. Functional enrichment analysis of pre‐ and postoperative saliva samples showed significant enrichment of several pathways, including those related to the immune system, cell cycle and programmed cell death.

Conclusions

This study, for the first time, demonstrates the feasibility of isolating and characterizing small EVs from pre‐ and postoperative saliva samples from GBM patients. Preliminary findings encourage further large cohort validation studies on salivary small EVs to evaluate prognosis in GBM.
Thermochemical Expansion and Protonic and Electronic Hole Conductivity of Grain Interior and Grain Boundaries in 10 Mole% Y‐Substituted SrZrO3
Authors: Jiang Lulu , Norby Truls , Han Donglin
Published: May 2023

Proton conducting acceptor‐doped SrZrO3 has a history as long as that of BaZrO3, but has attracted less interest. Inspired by its higher transport number of ionic conduction in wet oxygen revealed by our recent work, we here explore further aspects of doped SrZrO3 as electrolyte in proton ceramic electrochemical cells. In‐situ high temperature XRD (HT‐XRD) analysis of SrZr0.9Y0.1O3−δ (SZY10) indicated an anisotropic chemical expansion of hydration, stronger along the b than the a direction, and negative in the c direction. A systematic electromotive force (EMF) and impedance spectroscopy study as a function of
and
allowed determination of partial conductivities of electron holes and ions (mainly protons) in bulk (grain interior) and grain boundaries. Enthalpies and preexponentials were determined and interpreted for bulk and grain boundary partial conductivities based on defect chemistry and a brick layer model. The hole conductivity in bulk is modest and ensures high ionic transport numbers in oxidizing atmospheres, while grain boundaries exhibit lower ionic transport numbers from a relatively higher hole conductivity attributed primarily to tunnelling past the deepest part of the space charge region. Y‐doped SrZrO3 (SZY) materials exhibit lower proton conductivities but excel over Y‐doped BaZrO3 (BZY) in terms of thermal expansion compatibility with electrode materials and higher ionic transport numbers in oxidizing atmospheres and may hence be candidates for functional layers between BZY‐based electrolytes and positrodes in proton ceramic electrochemical cells.
HRG inhibits liver cancer lung metastasis by suppressing neutrophil extracellular trap formation
Authors: Yin Yanze , Dai Huijuan , Sun Xicheng , Xi Zhifeng , Zhang Jiang , Pan Yixiao , Huang Yongxin , Ma Xueyun , Xia Qiang , He Kang
Published: May 2023

Background

Distant metastasis is a sign of poor prognosis for cancer patients. Extrahepatic liver cancer metastases commonly spread to the lung. Remodelling of the metastatic microenvironment is essential for tumour metastasis. Neutrophil‐associated metastatic microenvironment contributes to the early metastatic colonisation of cancer cells in the lung.

Method

The lung metastasis models were constructed via treated cancer cells by tail vein injection into mice. And samples of lung were harvested at the indicated time to analyze tumor growth and immune cells in the microenvironment. Tumors and lung metastasis specimens were obtained via surgical operations for research purposes. Neutrophils were obtained from peripheral blood of patients with liver cancer or healthy donors (HD).

Results

Hepatocellular carcinoma cells reduce the secretion of histidine‐rich glycoprotein (HRG), regulate the recruitment and activation of neutrophils in the metastatic microenvironment and promote the production of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), thereby promoting liver cancer lung metastasis. HRG binds to FCγR1 on the neutrophil membrane while inhibiting PI3K and NF‐κB activation, thereby reducing IL‐8 secretion to reduce neutrophil recruitment. Meanwhile, HRG inhibited IL8‐MAPK and NF‐κB pathway activation and ROS production, resulting in reduced NETs formation.

Conclusions

Our study reveals that liver cancer regulates neutrophil recruitment and NETs formation in the metastatic microenvironment by reducing HRG secretion, thereby promoting tumour lung metastasis. The results of this study will contribute to the development of possible strategies for treating metastases.
A case report of a patient with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction presented as dysphagia
Authors: Leonidou Elena , Ioannou Maria , Mavrommatis Petros , Mouzarou Angeliki
Published: May 2023

Dysphagia is a common clinical symptom in older people that can be attributed to a wide range of diseases, extending from neoplasm to gastroesophageal reflux diseases such as stroke or achalasia. We are presenting a case of a 78‐year‐old male with a history of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and progressive dysphagia, due to a rare case, namely, dysphagia megalatriensis. Even though left ventricular ejection fraction was preserved, the patient improved, when we provided him with optimal medical heart failure with reduced ejection fraction treatment. In our case report, we intend to highlight the benefits of optimized medical therapy in a patient with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, due to mitral valve regurgitation leading to a hugely dilated left atrium.
DDoS attacks and machine‐learning‐based detection methods: A survey and taxonomy
Authors: Najafimehr Mohammad , Zarifzadeh Sajjad , Mostafavi Seyedakbar
Published: May 2023

Distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks represent a significant cybersecurity challenge, posing a critical risk to computer networks. Developing an effective defense mechanism against these attacks is crucial but challenging, given their diverse attack types, network and computing platform heterogeneity, and complex communication protocols. Moreover, the emergence of innovative DDoS attack methods presents a formidable threat to existing countermeasures. Various machine learning techniques have shown promise in detecting DDoS attacks with low false‐positive rates and high detection rates. This survey paper offers a comprehensive taxonomy of machine learning‐based methods for detecting DDoS attacks, reviewing supervised, unsupervised, hybrid approaches, and analyzing the related challenges. Further, we explore relevant datasets, highlighting their strengths and limitations, and propose future research directions to address the current gaps in this domain. This paper aims to provide a profound understanding of DDoS attack detection mechanisms, aiding researchers, and practitioners in developing effective cybersecurity approaches against such attacks. This research is essential because DDoS attacks are diverse and pose a formidable threat to computer networks, and various machine learning techniques have shown promise in detecting them. Its implications include providing insights that can inform the development of robust defense mechanisms against DDoS attacks.
Identifying epileptogenic abnormalities through spatial clustering of MEG interictal band power
Authors: Owen Thomas W. , Janiukstyte Vytene , Hall Gerard R. , Horsley Jonathan J. , McEvoy Andrew , Miserocchi Anna , de Tisi Jane , Duncan John S. , Rugg‐Gunn Fergus , Wang Yujiang , Taylor Peter N.
Published: May 2023

Successful epilepsy surgery depends on localizing and resecting cerebral abnormalities and networks that generate seizures. Abnormalities, however, may be widely distributed across multiple discontiguous areas. We propose spatially constrained clusters as candidate areas for further investigation and potential resection. We quantified the spatial overlap between the abnormality cluster and subsequent resection, hypothesizing a greater overlap in seizure‐free patients. Thirty‐four individuals with refractory focal epilepsy underwent pre‐surgical resting‐state interictal magnetoencephalography (MEG) recording. Fourteen individuals were totally seizure‐free (ILAE 1) after surgery and 20 continued to have some seizures post‐operatively (ILAE 2+). Band power abnormality maps were derived using controls as a baseline. Patient abnormalities were spatially clustered using the k‐means algorithm. The tissue within the cluster containing the most abnormal region was compared with the resection volume using the dice score. The proposed abnormality cluster overlapped with the resection in 71% of ILAE 1 patients. Conversely, an overlap only occurred in 15% of ILAE 2+ patients. This effect discriminated outcome groups well (AUC = 0.82). Our novel approach identifies clusters of spatially similar tissue with high abnormality. This is clinically valuable, providing (a) a data‐driven framework to validate current hypotheses of the epileptogenic zone localization or (b) to guide further investigation.
Pro‐Inflammatory Proteins Associated with Frailty and Its Progression—A Longitudinal Study in Community‐Dwelling Women
Authors: Mitchell Adam , Malmgren Linnea , Bartosch Patrik , McGuigan Fiona Elizabeth , Akesson Kristina E.
Published: May 2023

The complex pathophysiology underlying biological aging creates challenges for identifying biomarkers associated with frailty. This longitudinal, nontargeted proteomics study aimed to identify proteins associated with frailty, particularly the change from nonfrail to frail. The population‐based Osteoporosis Prospective Risk Assessment cohort includes women all of whom are 75 years old at inclusion (n = 1044) and reassessed at 80 years (n = 715) and 85 years (n = 382). A deficits in health frailty index (FI) and 92 plasma proteins (Olink CVD‐II panel) were available at all ages. The identical age facilitated differentiating chronological and biological aging. Bidirectional analyses, performed cross‐sectionally and longitudinally, used regression models controlled for false discovery rate (FDR), across 5‐ and 10‐year time windows and longitudinal mixed models. Frailty outcomes were frailty index, frailty status (frail defined as FI ≥ 0.25), change in frailty index, and change in frailty status, together with protein expression or change in protein expression. Elevated levels of 32 proteins were positively associated with the FI, cross‐sectionally at all ages (range: β‐coefficients 0.22–2.06; FDR 0.021–0.024), of which 18 were also associated with frailty status (range: odds ratios 1.40–5.77; FDR 0.022–0.016). Based on the accrued data, eight core proteins (CD4, FGF23, Gal‐9, PAR‐1, REN, TNFRSF10A TNFRSF11A, and TNFRSF10B) are proposed. A one‐unit change in the FI was additively associated with increased protein expression over 5 and 10 years (range: β‐coefficients 0.52–1.59;p < 0.001). Increments in baseline FI consistently associated with a change in protein expression over time (5 years, β‐range 0.05–1.35; 10 years, β‐range 0.51–1.48; allp < 0.001). A one‐unit increase in protein expression was also associated with an increased probability of being frail (FI ≥ 0.25) (β‐range: 0.14–0.61). Mirroring the multisystem deterioration that typifies frailty, the proteins and their associated biological pathways reflect pathologies, including the renal system, skeletal homeostasis, and TRAIL‐activated apoptotic signaling. The core proteins are compelling candidates for understanding the development and progression of frailty with advancing age, including the intrinsic musculoskeletal component. © 2023 The Authors.Journal of Bone and Mineral Researchpublished by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Weight variability, physical functioning and incident disability in older adults
Authors: McMenamin Katie J. , Harris Tamara B. , Baker Joshua F.
Published: May 2023

Background

This study aimed to determine if greater variability in body mass index (BMI) is associated with declines in physical functioning and incident disability in older adults.

Methods

Included were participants from the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study who had semi‐annual BMI data during the first 3 years of follow‐up. Participants were categorized into quintiles of BMI variability, using two methods. The first method used average successive variability, whereas the second method adjusted these values to remove the variability due to net change in BMI over the 3‐year period. Linear regression was used to assess the relationship between the two measures of BMI variability and net changes in BMI, fat mass index, appendicular lean mass index, and Health, Aging and Body Composition Physical Performance Score during the first 3 years of the study. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the relationship of BMI variability with the subsequent incidence of new disability, adjusting for confounding factors.

Results

Among 2121 participants, those in the highest BMI variability quintile were more likely to lose both body mass (β: −0.086 [95% confidence interval, CI: −0.133, −0.040], P < 0.01) and fat mass (β: −0.059 [95% CI: −0.117, −0.002], P = 0.04) and had greater declines in physical performance score (β: −0.094 [95% CI: −0.162, −0.026], P < 0.01) compared to participants with the least variability in BMI. Participants with high BMI variability also had higher rates of incident disability (hazard ratio: 1.36 [95% CI: 1.07, 1.72], P = 0.01), independent of net BMI change.

Conclusions

BMI variability in older adults is associated with decline in physical performance and incident disability. This relationship cannot be explained by net weight loss alone, supporting it as an independent feature of frailty.