bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Soil Properties Using Geospatial Techniques at DDUCE-OF Farm
Authors: Narender  , Kumar Mukesh , Kumar Anil , Saharan Baljeet Singh
Published: May 2023

The purpose of this study was to identify the geographic variability and mapping of different soil properties using geospatial techniques at DDUCE-OF Farm. For this purpose, surface soil samples (0-15 cm depth) were collected with the help of GPS at definite locations of research farm area at DDUCE-OF, CCSHAU, Hisar during rabi, 2021. These samples were analyzed in the laboratory for various physico-chemical and biological properties. Soil properties of DDUCE-OF farm revealed that soils are sandy loam to loam in texture having pH ranged from 7.15 to 8.65 and electrical conductivity (EC) ranged from 0.30 to 2.75 dS/m. The soil organic carbon (SOC) content was observed medium to high (0.41 to 0.94%).The available N was low (126 to 196 kg/ha), P ranged from 8.50 to 23.5 kg/ha (from low to high in content) and available K was found medium to high and ranged from 128.5 to 554.0 kg/ha. The available S ranged between 60 to 725 mg/kg and was observed sufficient. The soil microbiological bacterial count status ranged between 4.6x103-9.8x109 CFU count per g of soil in various blocks of organic farm. The DTPA-extractable micronutrients Zn (1.00-4.47 mg/kg), Fe (7.26-19.92 mg/kg), Mn (3.88-17.77 mg/kg) and Cu (0.93-4.64 mg/kg) were sufficient in amount and heavy metal contents (Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr, As) were found below their permissible limit. The study concluded that the soil mapping and survey is significant because it aids in the evaluation of soil qualities and their application in organic farming.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Insurer Classification of Nonemergent Pediatric Emergency Department Visits
Authors: Pomerantz Alexander , De Souza Heidi G. , Hall Matthew , Neuman Mark I. , Goyal Monika K. , Samuels-Kalow Margaret E. , Aronson Paul L. , Alpern Elizabeth R. , Simon Harold K. , Hoffmann Jennifer A. , Wells Jordee M. , Shanahan Kristen H. , Gutman Colleen K. , Peltz Alon
Published: May 2023

Importance

Government and commercial health insurers have recently enacted policies to discourage nonemergent emergency department (ED) visits by reducing or denying claims for such visits using retrospective claims algorithms. Low-income Black and Hispanic pediatric patients often experience worse access to primary care services necessary for preventing some ED visits, raising concerns about the uneven impact of these policies.

Objective

To estimate potential racial and ethnic disparities in outcomes of Medicaid policies for reducing ED professional reimbursement based on a retrospective diagnosis-based claims algorithm.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This simulation study used a retrospective cohort of pediatric ED visits (aged 0-18 years) for Medicaid-insured children and adolescents appearing in the Market Scan Medicaid database between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2019. Visits missing date of birth, race and ethnicity, professional claims data, and Current Procedural Terminology codes of billing level of complexity were excluded, as were visits that result in admission. Data were analyzed from October 2021 to June 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Proportion of ED visits algorithmically classified as nonemergent and simulated per-visit professional reimbursement after applying a current reimbursement reduction policy for potentially nonemergent ED visits. Rates were calculated overall and compared by race and ethnicity.

Results

The sample included 8 471 386 unique ED visits (43.0% by patients aged 4-12 years; 39.6% Black, 7.7% Hispanic, and 48.7% White), of which 47.7% were algorithmically identified as potentially nonemergent and subject to reimbursement reduction, resulting in a 37% reduction in ED professional reimbursement across the study cohort. More visits by Black (50.3%) and Hispanic (49.0%) children were algorithmically identified as nonemergent when compared with visits by White children (45.3%; P < .001). Modeling the impact of the reimbursement reductions across the cohort resulted in expected per-visit reimbursement that was 6% lower for visits by Black children and 3% lower for visits by Hispanic children relative to visits by White children.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this simulation study of over 8 million unique ED visits, algorithmic approaches for classifying pediatric ED visits that used diagnosis codes identified proportionately more visits by Black and Hispanic children as nonemergent. Insurers applying financial adjustments based on these algorithmic outputs risk creating uneven reimbursement policies across racial and ethnic groups.
Characterization of two tripartite motif-containing genes from Asian Seabass Lates calcarifer and their expression in response to virus infection and microbial molecular motifs
Authors: Raji Sathyan Krishnapriya , Premraj Avinash , Thavarool Puthiyedathu Sajeevan
Published: May 2023

Objective

We identified two tripartite motif (TRIM) genes, LcTRIM21 and LcTRIM39, from the Asian Seabass Lates calcarifer, and examined their responses to experimental betanodavirus infection and stimulation with microbial pathogen-associated molecular patterns.

Methods

Genes encoding LcTRIM21 and LcTRIM39 were identified, cloned, and sequenced from the Asian Seabass. We analyzed the sequence using a variety of bioinformatics tools to determine protein structure, localization, and establish a phylogenetic tree. By using quantitative real-time PCR, we analyzed expression profiles of the LcTRIM21 and LcTRIM39 genes in response to betanodavirus challenge as well as molecular pathogen-associated molecular patterns like poly(I:C) and Zymosan A. The tissue distribution pattern of these genes was also examined in healthy animals.

Result

Asian Seabass homologues of the TRIM gene, LcTRIM21 and LcTRIM39, were cloned, both encoding proteins with 547 amino acids. LcTRIM21 is predicted to have an isoelectric point of 6.32 and a molecular mass of 62.11 kilodaltons, while LcTRIM39 has an isoelectric point of 5.57 and a molecular mass of 62.11 kilodaltons. LcTRIM21 and LcTRIM39 homologues were predicted to be localized in cytoplasm by in silico protein localization. Structurally, both proteins contain an N-terminal really interesting new gene (RING) zinc-finger domain, B-box domain, coiled-coil domain and C-terminal PRY/SPRY domain. Most tissues and organs examined showed constitutive expression of LcTRIM21 and LcTRIM39. Upon poly(I:C) challenge or red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus infection, LcTRIM21 and LcTRIM39 mRNA expression was significantly upregulated, suggesting that they may play a critical antiviral role against fish viruses. LcTRIM21 and LcTRIM39 expression were also upregulated by administration of the glucan Zymosan A.

Conclusion

The TRIM-containing gene is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that exhibits antiviral activity by targeting viral proteins via proteasome-mediated ubiquitination. TRIM proteins can be explored for the discovery of antivirals and strategies to combat diseases like viral nervous necrosis, that threaten seabass aquaculture.
Nanozyme‐Based Robotics Approach for Targeting Fungal Infection
Authors: Oh Min Jun , Yoon Seokyoung , Babeer Alaa , Liu Yuan , Ren Zhi , Xiang Zhenting , Miao Yilan , Cormode David P. , Chen Chider , Steager Edward , Koo Hyun
Published: May 2023

Fungal pathogens have been designated by the World Health Organization as microbial threats of the highest priority for global health. It remains a major challenge to improve antifungal efficacy at the site of infection while avoiding off‐target effects, fungal spreading, and drug tolerance. Here, a nanozyme‐based microrobotic platform is developed that directs localized catalysis to the infection site with microscale precision to achieve targeted and rapid fungal killing. Using electromagnetic field frequency modulation and fine‐scale spatiotemporal control, structured iron oxide nanozyme assemblies are formed that display tunable dynamic shape transformation and catalysis activation. The catalytic activity varies depending on the motion, velocity, and shape providing controllable reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Unexpectedly, nanozyme assemblies bind avidly to fungal (Candida albicans) surfaces to enable concentrated accumulation and targeted ROS‐mediated killing in situ. By exploiting these tunable properties and selective binding to fungi, localized antifungal activity is achieved using in vivo‐like cell spheroid and animal tissue infection models. Structured nanozyme assemblies are directed to Candida‐infected sites using programmable algorithms to perform precisely guided spatial targeting and on‐site catalysis resulting in fungal eradication within 10 min. This nanozyme‐based microrobotics approach provides a uniquely effective and targeted therapeutic modality for pathogen elimination at the infection site.
Judicious Heteroatom Doping Produces High‐Performance Deep‐Blue/Near‐UV Multiresonant Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence OLEDs
Authors: Suresh Subeesh Madayanad , Zhang Le , Matulaitis Tomas , Hall David , Si Changfeng , Ricci Gaetano , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Warriner Stuart , Beljonne David , Olivier Yoann , Samuel Ifor D. W. , Zysman‐Colman Eli
Published: May 2023

Two multiresonant thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) emitters are presented and it is shown how further borylation of a deep‐blue MR‐TADF emitter, DIDOBNA‐N, both blueshifts and narrows the emission producing a new near‐UV MR‐TADF emitter, MesB‐DIDOBNA‐N, are shown. DIDOBNA‐N emits bright blue light (ΦPL = 444 nm, FWHM = 64 nm, ΦPL = 81%, τd = 23 ms, 1.5 wt% in TSPO1). The deep‐blue organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) based on this twisted MR‐TADF compound shows a very high maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 15.3% for a device with CIEy of 0.073. The fused planar MR‐TADF emitter, MesB‐DIDOBNA‐N shows efficient and narrowband near‐UV emission (λPL = 402 nm, FWHM = 19 nm, ΦPL = 74.7%, τd = 133 ms, 1.5 wt% in TSPO1). The best OLED with MesB‐DIDOBNA‐N, doped in a co‐host, shows the highest efficiency reported for a near‐UV OLED at 16.2%. With a CIEy coordinate of 0.049, this device also shows the bluest EL reported for a MR‐TADF OLED to date.
In Situ Electrochemical Oxyanion Steering of Water Oxidation Electrocatalysts for Optimized Activity and Stability
Authors: Wang Xunlu , Ma Ruguang , Li Shanlin , Xu Mengmeng , Liu Lijia , Feng Yihan , Thomas Tiju , Yang Minghui , Wang Jiacheng
Published: May 2023

Compared to traditional modulation by metal cations doping, oxyanions offer a higher possibility of mediating the performance of electrocatalysts toward oxygen evolution reaction (OER) due to their special polyanion configurations and large electronegativity. However, the mechanism and rules of oxyanions mediation remain poorly understood. Herein, an in situ electrochemical oxyanion (NO3−, PO43−, SO42−, or SeO42−) steering strategy to study the variation and rules of OER performance for transition‐metal (TM = Ni, Fe, Co) hydroxide electrocatalysts is reported. Electrocatalytic experiments indicate both activity and stability of oxyanion‐modified TM hydroxides follow the order of PO43− > NO3− > SO42− > SeO42−. Electrochemical incorporation of PO43−or NO3−improves activity and stability of TM hydroxides. Conversely, SO42−or SeO42−doping significantly accelerates TM leaching and thus impairs OER performance. Theoretical calculations reveal that electrochemical oxyanion doping simultaneously modulates TM‐O covalency and TM‐3dband centers, correlating with TM stability and OER activity of TM hydroxides. This research constructs an oxyanion‐mediated rule for designing high‐performance electrocatalysts toward energy transformation.
Clinical characteristics and overall survival among acute myeloid leukemia patients with TP53 gene mutation or chromosome 17p deletion
Authors: Daver Naval G. , Iqbal Shahed , Huang Julie , Renard Camille , Lin Joyce , Pan Yang , Williamson Mellissa , Ramsingh Giridharan
Published: May 2023

Approximately 5% to 15% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients have TP53 gene mutations (TP53m), which are associated with very poor outcomes. Adults (≥18 years) with a new AML diagnosis were included from a nationwide, de‐identified, real‐world database. Patients receiving first‐line therapy were divided into three cohorts: venetoclax (VEN) + hypomethylating agents (HMAs; Cohort A), intensive chemotherapy (Cohort B), or HMA without VEN (Cohort C). A total of 370 newly diagnosed AML patients with TP53m (n = 124), chromosome 17p deletion (n = 166), or both (n = 80) were included. The median age was 72 years (range, 24–84); most were male (59%) and White (69%). Baseline bone marrow (BM) blasts were ≤30%, 31%–50%, and >50% in 41%, 24%, and 29% of patients in Cohorts A, B, and C, respectively. BM remission (<5% blasts) with first‐line therapy was reported in 54% of patients (115/215) overall, and 67% (38/57), 62% (68/110), and 19% (9/48) for respective cohorts (median BM remission duration: 6.3, 6.9, and 5.4 months). Median overall survival (95% CI) was 7.4 months (6.0–8.8) for Cohort A, 9.4 months (7.2–10.4) for Cohort B, and 5.9 months (4.3–7.5) for Cohort C. There were no differences in survival by treatment type after adjusting for the effects of relevant covariates (Cohort A vs. C adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.9; 95% CI, 0.7–1.3; Cohort A vs. B aHR = 1.0; 95% CI, 0.7–1.5; and Cohort C vs. B aHR = 1.1; 95% CI, 0.8–1.6). Patients with TP53m AML have dismal outcomes with current therapies, demonstrating the high unmet need for improved treatments.
Rivaroxaban versus nadroparin for thromboprophylaxis following thoracic surgery for lung cancer: A randomized, noninferiority trial
Authors: Zhao Mengmeng , Bao Yi , Jiang Chao , Chen Linsong , Xu Lisha , Liu Xiaogang , Li Jiaqi , Yang Yang , Jiang Gening , Li Jian , She Yunlang , Chen Qiankun , Shen Lei , Chen Chang
Published: May 2023

The benefit of rivaroxaban in thromboprophylaxis after oncologic lung surgery remains unknown. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban, patients who underwent thoracic surgery for lung cancer were enrolled, and randomly assigned to rivaroxaban or nadroparin groups in a 1:1 ratio; anticoagulants were initiated 12–24 h after surgery and continued until discharge. Four hundred participants were required according to a noninferiority margin of 2%, assuming venous thromboembolism (VTE) occurrence rates of 6.0% and 12.6% for patients in the rivaroxaban and nadroparin groups, respectively. The primary efficacy outcome was any VTE during the treatment and 30‐day follow‐up periods. The safety outcome was any on‐treatment bleeding event. Finally, 403 patients were randomized (intention‐to‐treat [ITT] population), with 381 included in per‐protocol (PP) population. The primary efficacy outcomes occurred in 12.5% (25/200) of the rivaroxaban group and 17.7% (36/203) of the nadroparin group (absolute risk reduction, −5.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI], [−12.2–1.7]), indicating the noninferiority of rivaroxaban in ITT population. Sensitivity analysis was performed in the PP population and yielded similar results, confirming the noninferiority of rivaroxaban. In the safety analysis population, the incidence of any on‐treatment bleeding events did not differ significantly between the groups (12.2% for rivaroxaban vs. 7.0% for nadroparin; relative risk [RR], 1.9; 95% CI, [0.9–3.7]; p = .08), including major bleeding (9.7% vs. 6.5%; RR, 1.6 [95% CI, 0.9–3.7]; p = .24), and nonmajor bleeding (2.6% vs. 0.5%; RR, 5.2 [95% CI, 0.6–45.2]; p = .13). Rivaroxaban for thromboprophylaxis after oncologic lung surgery was shown to be noninferior to nadroparin.
Ameliorative effects of glycine on cobalt chloride‐induced hepato‐renal toxicity in rats
Authors: Iji Oluwafikemi Temitayo , Ajibade Temitayo Olabisi , Esan Oluwaseun Olanrewaju , Awoyomi Omolola Victoria , Oyagbemi Ademola Adetokunbo , Adetona Moses Olusola , Omobowale Temidayo Olutayo , Yakubu Momoh Audu , Oguntibeju Oluwafemi Omoniyi , Nwulia Evaristus
Published: May 2023

Background

The important roles of liver and kidney in the elimination of injurious chemicals make them highly susceptible to the noxious activities of various toxicants including cobalt chloride (CoCl2). This study was designed to investigate the role of glycine in the mitigation of hepato‐renal toxicities associated with CoCl2 exposure.

Methods

Forty‐two (42) male rats were grouped as Control; (CoCl2; 300 ppm); CoCl2 + Glycine (50 mg/kg); CoCl2 + Glycine (100 mg/kg); Glycine (50 mg/kg); and Glycine (100 mg/kg). The markers of hepatic and renal damage, oxidative stress, the antioxidant defense system, histopathology, and immunohistochemical localization of neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) and renal podocin were evaluated.

Results

Glycine significantly reduced the markers of oxidative stress (malondialdehyde content and H2O2 generation), liver function tests (ALT, AST, and ALP), markers of renal function (creatinine and BUN), and decreased the expression of neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) and podocin compared with rats exposed to CoCl2 toxicity without glycine treatment. Histopathology lesions including patchy tubular epithelial necrosis, tubular epithelial degeneration and periglomerular inflammation in renal tissues, and severe portal hepatocellular necrosis, inflammation, and duct hyperplasia were observed in hepatic tissues of rats exposed to CoCl2 toxicity, but were mild to absent in glycine‐treated rats.

Conclusion

The results of this study clearly demonstrate protective effects of glycine against CoCl2‐induced tissue injuries and derangement of physiological activities of the hepatic and renal systems in rats. The protective effects are mediated via augmentation of total antioxidant capacity and upregulation of NGAL and podocin expression.
Effect of intravenous fluid therapy for acute alcohol intoxication on length of time from arrival at the emergency department until awakening: A prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Terayama Takero , Sasa Ruka , Nakatani Yuka , Tanaka Fumika , Terashige Sho , Higashiyama Daishi , Sugiura Takao , Hatanaka Kosuke , Nishiyama Takashi , Takeshima Shigeto
Published: May 2023

Aim

To evaluate the association of intravenous fluid (IVF) therapy on the length of time from arrival at the emergency department (ED) until awakening in cases of acute alcohol intoxication.

Methods

This single‐center, prospective, observational study was conducted in the ED of the Self‐Defense Forces Central Hospital during October 1, 2018 to July 31, 2019. Patients with 1,000 mL bolus of lactated Ringer's solution and those without bolus were compared. The primary outcome was the length of time until awakening. Secondary outcomes were the length of stay in the ED and occurrence of conditions requiring extra care. Predictors of the occurrence of any event requiring extra care were identified.

Results

We included 201 patients, of whom 109 received IVF and 92 did not. No significant difference existed in the baseline characteristics between the groups. The median length of time until awakening did not significantly differ between the groups (P = 0.77). Multivariable regression analysis adjusted by age, sex, hemoglobin, blood alcohol concentration, and initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score demonstrated that the regression coefficient of IVF for length of time until awakening was −9.55 (95% confidence interval [CI], −36.2 to 17.2). Hemoglobin (regression coefficient, 10.1; 95% CI, 0.38–19.9) and initial GCS score (regression coefficient, −7.51; 95% CI, −10.8 to −4.21) were significantly associated with length of time.

Conclusion

IVF therapy was not associated with the length of time until awakening in patients with acute alcohol intoxication in the ED. Routine IVF administration was unnecessary.
A Dicyanomethyl Radical Conjugated with a Pyridylamino Group: Combining Radical‐based Dynamic Covalent Chemistry and Coordination Chemistry
Authors: Hasegawa Hiroki , Sakamaki Daisuke , Fujiwara Hideki
Published: May 2023

In this work, we aimed to develop a dicyanomethyl radical that undergoes both reversible C−C bond formation/dissociation and metal‐ligand coordination reactions to combine dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC) based on organic radicals with coordination chemistry. We have previously reported a dicyanomethyl radical conjugated with a triphenylamine (1⋅) that exhibits a monomer/dimer equilibrium between the σ‐bonded dimer (12). We designed and synthesized a novel dicyanomethyl radical with a pyridyl group as a coordination point (2⋅) by replacing the phenyl group of 1⋅ with a 3‐pyridyl group. We showed that 2⋅ is also in an equilibrium with the σ‐bonded dimer (22) in solution and has suitable thermodynamic parameters for application in DCC. 22 coordinates to PdCl2 in a 2 : 2 ratio to selectively form a metallamacrocycle (22)2(PdCl2)2, and its structure was clarified by single crystal X‐ray analysis. Variable‐temperature NMR, ESR, and electronic absorption measurements revealed that (22)2(PdCl2)2 also undergoes the reversible C−C bond formation/dissociation reaction. Ligand‐exchange experiment showed that 22 was liberated from (22)2(PdCl2)2 by the addition of another ligand with a higher affinity for PdII. This work demonstrated that DCC based on dicyanomethyl radicals works orthogonally to metal‐ligand coordination reactions.
Regioselective Formal β‐Allylation of Carbonyl Compounds Enabled by Cooperative Nickel and Photoredox Catalysis
Authors: Liu Kun , Wang Zhe , Künzel Augustinus N. , Layh Marcus , Studer Armido
Published: May 2023

The Tsuji–Trost reaction between carbonyl compounds and allylic precursors has been widely used in the synthesis of natural products and pharmaceutical compounds. As the α‐C−H bond is far more acidic than the β‐C−H bond, carbonyl compounds undergo highly regioselective allylation at the α‐position and their β‐allylation is therefore highly challenging. This innate α‐reactivity conversely hampers diversity, especially if the corresponding β‐allylation product is targeted. Herein, we present a formal intermolecular β‐C−C bond formation reaction of a broad range of aldehydes and ketones with different allyl electrophiles through cooperative nickel and photoredox catalysis. β‐Selectivity is achieved via initial transformation of the aldehydes and ketones to their corresponding silyl enol ethers. The overall transformation features mild conditions, excellent regioselectivity, wide functional group tolerance and high reaction efficiency. The introduced facile and regioselective β‐allylation of carbonyl compounds proceeding through cooperative catalysis allows the preparation of valuable building blocks that are difficult to access from aldehydes and ketones using existing methodology.
Behavioral event detection and rate estimation for autonomous vehicle evaluation
Authors: Terres Maria A. , Chen Aiyou , Zhou Rachel , McLeod Claire M.
Published: May 2023

Autonomous vehicles are continually increasing their presence on public roads. However, before any new autonomous driving software can be approved, it must first undergo a rigorous assessment of driving quality. These quality evaluations typically focus on estimating the frequency of (undesirable) behavioral events. While rate estimation would be straight‐forward with complete data, in the autonomous driving setting this estimation is greatly complicated by the fact that detecting these events within large driving logs is a non‐trivial task that often involves human reviewers. In this article, we outline a streaming partial tiered event review configuration that ensures both high recall and high precision on the events of interest. In addition, the framework allows for valid streaming estimates at any phase of the data collection process, even when labels are incomplete, for which we develop the maximum likelihood estimate and show it is unbiased. Constructing honest and effective confidence intervals (CI) for these rate estimates, particularly for rare safety‐critical events, is a novel and challenging statistical problem due to the complexity of the data likelihood. We develop and compare several CI approximations, including a novel gamma CI method that approximates the exact but intractable distribution with a weighted sum of independent Poisson random variables. There is a clear trade‐off between statistical coverage and interval width across the different CI methods, and the extent of this trade‐off varies depending on the specific application settings (e.g., rare vs. common events). In particular, we argue that our proposed CI method is the best‐suited when estimating the rate of safety‐critical events where guaranteed coverage of the true parameter value is a prerequisite to safely launching a new ADS on public roads.
Upgrades to W. M. Keck observatory detector systems
Authors: Alvarez Carlos , Kassis Marc , Greffe Timothee , Smith Roger , Baril Marc , Campbell Randall , Gomez Percy , Kirby Evan , Mawet Dimitri , Roberts Mitsuko , Weber Robert , Hale David , Cavalieri David , Holewczynski Joshua , Smous James , Kwok Shui , Chan Dwight , Dahler Mike
Published: May 2023

We report on our plans to upgrade the detector systems in the 2022–2024 time frame for three of the workhorse instruments (NIRC2, DEIMOS, and NIRES) operated by the W. M. Keck Observatory. The upgrades are done in collaboration with Observatory partner institutions and other Maunakea observatories. The main motivating factors behind these upgrades are to tackle obsolescence of hardware and software components, to boost observing efficiency, to enhance the instrument throughput, and to add new observing functionality.
Conversion and synthesis of chemicals catalyzed by fungal cytochrome P450 monooxygenases: A review
Authors: Permana Dani , Kitaoka Takuya , Ichinose Hirofumi
Published: May 2023

Cytochrome P450s (also called CYPs or P450s) are a superfamily of heme‐containing monooxygenases. They are distributed in all biological kingdoms. Most fungi have at least two P450‐encoding genes, CYP51 and CYP61, which are housekeeping genes that play important roles in the synthesis of sterols. However, the kingdom fungi is an interesting source of numerous P450s. Here, we review reports on fungal P450s and their applications in the bioconversion and biosynthesis of chemicals. We highlight their history, availability, and versatility. We describe their involvement in hydroxylation, dealkylation, oxygenation, C═C epoxidation, C–C cleavage, C–C ring formation and expansion, C–C ring contraction, and uncommon reactions in bioconversion and/or biosynthesis pathways. The ability of P450s to catalyze these reactions makes them promising enzymes for many applications. Thus, we also discuss future prospects in this field. We hope that this review will stimulate further study and exploitation of fungal P450s for specific reactions and applications.
Improved Zoom engagement by adopting flipped class strategies to the curriculum of a Biology of Aging course during the Covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: Wheaton Keith
Published: May 2023

During the pandemic, a 4th year course: Biology of Aging was modified with extensive flipped classroom strategies to promote better student engagement. By utilizing the strength of the Zoom video conferencing platform students were able to have meaningful in‐class experiences that promoted engagement and learning. This was further enhanced by shifting traditional lectures to a pre‐recorded format to act as resources and promoting forum discussions outside of class times using the course management system (Brightspace). These changes influenced the satisfaction and benefited the student experience. Shifting to active student‐centered learning and facilitation led to a dynamic well received teaching environment. The one trade off being that students needed to produce content every week, which was perceived as a heavy but manageable workload by many in the course. These changes can be used as a format for other online courses.
Impact of interictal epileptiform discharges on brain network in self‐limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes: A magnetoencephalography study
Authors: Xu Yue , Wang Yingfan , Xu Fengyuan , Li Yihan , Sun Jintao , Niu Kai , Wang Pengfei , Li Yanzhang , Zhang Ke , Wu Di , Chen Qiqi , Wang Xiaoshan
Published: May 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the differences on resting‐state brain networks between the interictal epileptiform discharge (IED) group with self‐limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (SeLECTS), the non‐IED group with SeLECTS, and the healthy control (HC) group.

Methods

Patients were divided into the IED and non‐IED group according to the presence or absence of IED during magnetoencephalography (MEG). We used Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, fourth edition (WISC‐IV) to assess cognition in 30 children with SeLECTS and 15 HCs. Functional networks were constructed at the whole‐brain level and graph theory (GT) analysis was used to quantify the topology of the brain network.

Results

The IED group had the lowest cognitive function scores, followed by the non‐IED group and then HCs. Our MEG results showed that the IED group had more dispersed functional connectivity (FC) in the 4–8 Hz frequency band, and more brain regions were involved compared to the other two groups. Furthermore, the IED group had fewer FC between the anterior and posterior brain regions in the 12–30 Hz frequency band. Both the IED group and the non‐IED group had fewer FC between the anterior and posterior brain regions in the 80–250 Hz frequency band compared to the HC group. GT analysis showed that the IED group had a higher clustering coefficient compared to the HC group and a higher degree compared to the non‐IED group in the 80–250 Hz frequency band. The non‐IED group had a lower path length in the 30–80 Hz frequency band compared to the HC group.

Conclusions

The study data obtained in this study suggested that intrinsic neural activity was frequency‐dependent and that FC networks of the IED group and the non‐IED group underwent changes in different frequency bands. These network‐related changes may contribute to cognitive dysfunction in children with SeLECTS.
‘Do I share because I care?’: Investigating the factors influencing consumer's adoption of shared consumption
Authors: Khalek Sk Abu , Chakraborty Anirban
Published: May 2023

The preference structure of consumers remains a perplexing issue for sharing platforms. This study aims to broaden the understanding of shared consumption (SC) adoption. It employed the theory of interpersonal behaviour (TIB) and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to propose a conceptual model integrating cognitive, affective and normative beliefs to explain sharing intention. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted using a self‐administered questionnaire to gather responses. Using partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS‐SEM), the assessment of 298 valid responses revealed that economic incentives, normative beliefs, environmental concerns and perceived moral norms are significant predictors of sharing intention. The results of this study offer insights into the fact that consumers are cognizant of the sustainability concern and are ready to amend their consumption patterns driven by moral norms. Additionally, non‐cognitive factors like freedom from ownership hassles and availability uncertainty influence sharing intention. The study's theoretical contributions include extending the application of TIB to shared consumption behaviour and integrating non‐cognitive factors with TPB factors to understand shared consumption intention better. Accordingly, the study offers guidance to marketers for promoting shared consumption.
The proposed modification of TNM staging and therapeutic strategy for skip metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma: A multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yang Zheyu , Heng Yu , Zhao Qiwu , Hao Ding , Tao Lei , Deng Xiaxing , Cai Wei , Qiu Weihua
Published: May 2023

Background

Skip metastasis is a special type of lateral lymph node metastasis, which is not classified definitely by the eighth edition of the AJCC TNM staging system. The aim of the research was to study the prognosis of skip metastasis in PTC patients, and carry out a more appropriate N staging for skip metastasis.

Methods

Study subjects were 3167 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), who underwent thyroidectomy at three clinical centers from 2016 to 2019. We identified two well‐balanced cohorts matched on the basis of propensity score.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 42 months, recurrence occurred in 68 (4.3%) patients with lymph node metastasis. 34 cases recurred in 1120 patients with central lymph node metastasis (N1a), and 34 recurred in 461 patients with lateral lymph node metastasis (N1b), among which 73 patients were diagnosis with skip metastasis. The RFS of N1a was significantly lower than that of N1b (p < 0.001). After propensity‐score matching, recurrence rate was significantly lower in the skip metastasis group than in the LLNM group (p = 0.039), whereas the rate was similar in the skip metastasis groups and the CLNM group (p = 0.29).

Conclusions

In conclusion, our study indicated that, among patients with LLNM, those with positive skip metastasis showed significantly lower recurrence, exhibiting a similar rucurrence tendency as patients with CLNM. Thus, skip metastasis could be categorized into N1a stage rather than N1b stage based on the AJCC TNM staging system. The downstaging of skip metastasis may reveal more conservative treatment strategy.
Practising cultural identities: British Indians' use of Indian classical dance
Authors: Varma Piya , Siromahov Metodi
Published: May 2023

The Indian diaspora has faced many obstacles including the challenge of navigating their dual identities, in order to belong in the UK. Music and dance are popular ways of practising cultural identities, which could mean that British Indians (BIs) use Indian Classical Dance (ICD) for maintaining cultural continuity and establishing a strong cultural identity. This qualitative study explores the reasons behind ICD practice, the relationship between ICD practice and the cultural identities of BIs, and the role served by themes of cultural continuity in their talk about identity. We conducted semi‐structured interviews with 10 UK‐based, Indian classical dance artists and analysed them using Thematic Analysis to identify the following themes: (1) Dual‐Identity Struggle (Sub‐themes: Confusion and Isolation and Racism and Stereotypes), (2) Parental Influence, (3) Embracing Dual‐Identity (Sub‐themes: Growth with Age and Impact of a Diverse Community), (4) Benefits of ICD (Sub‐themes: Education & Connection to Indian religion and history and Expressing & Understanding Identity) and (5) ICD: Authenticity versus Modernity (Sub‐themes: Authentic ICD in UK and Modernising ICD). The results from this piece of exploratory research have generated further data that improves our understanding of how BIs maintain a sense of collective continuity, and how they practise their Indian identity in daily life. Limitations of this study include the lack of balance between participants of different genders and dance styles. Therefore, further research can be developed including large‐scale studies on the role of ICD between genders, nationalities or generations.
New Spirostane from a Fungus Neohelicomyces hyalosporus and Its Bioactivity
Authors: Zheng Wen , Han Long , He Zhang‐Jiang , Kang Ji‐Chuan
Published: May 2023

A new spirostane, namely neohelicomyine B (1), together with six known steroids (2–7) were isolated from the fermentation of fungus Neohelicomyces hyalosporus. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by extensive analyses of spectroscopic methods including 1D and 2D NMR and HR‐ESI‐MS. The absolute configuration of 1 was confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The bioactivities of compounds 1–7 were evaluated using cellular assays. Compound 1 displayed moderate cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells (hepatoma cells) with IC50 value of 8.4±2.1 μM. Compound 7 also exhibited cytotoxic activity against HepG2 cells with the IC50 value of 3.0±0.2 μM.
On the choice of coordinate origin in length gauge optical rotation calculations
Authors: Parsons Taylor , Balduf Ty , Caricato Marco
Published: May 2023

In this work, we explore the issue of origin dependence in optical rotation (OR) calculations in the length dipole gauge (LG) using standard approximate methods belonging to density functional theory (DFT) and coupled cluster (CC) theory. We use the origin‐invariant LG approach, LG(OI), that we recently proposed as reference for the calculations, and we study whether a proper choice of coordinate origin and molecular orientation can be made such that diagonal elements of the LG‐OR tensor match those of the LG(OI) tensor. Using a numerical search algorithm, we show that multiple spatial orientations can be found where the LG and LG(OI) results match. However, a simple analytical procedure provides a spatial orientation where the origin of the coordinate system is close to the center of mass of the molecule. At the same time, we also show that putting the origin at the center of mass is not an ideal choice for every molecule (relative errors in the OR up to 70% can be obtained in out test set). Finally, we show that the choice of coordinate origin based on the analytical procedure is transferable across different methods and it is superior to putting the origin in the center of mass or center of nuclear charge. This is important because the LG(OI) approach is trivial to implement for DFT, but not necessarily for nonvariational methods in the CC family. Therefore, one can determine an optimal coordinate origin at DFT level and use it for standard LG‐CC response calculations.
Thermal behaviour and crystallization analysis of ethylene‐propylene (EP) copolymer and EP‐styrene terpolymer
Authors: Bahar Md Khairul , Mazhar Hassam , Khan Wasim Ullah , Al‐Harthi Mamdouh Ahmed
Published: May 2023

Polyolefin copolymers have been an important commercial product since their invention. Hence, it is crucial to study their co‐ and terpolymers due to their extensive use. In this paper, in situ synthesis of ethylene‐propylene (EP) copolymer, its terpolymer with styrene, and composites with nickel‐chromium (NiCr) layered double hydroxide (LDH) has been reported along with their thermal properties. Styrene had a significant impact on the activity, increasing the yield by 195% and 235% with an addition of 0.5 and 1.0 mL styrene, respectively, compared to neat EP. The crystallinity, melting temperature, and thermal stability decreased due to styrene; nevertheless, it performed better compared to a similar work of terpolymer where α‐olefin was the third monomer. The incorporation of NiCr LDH as a drop‐in filler during in situ polymerization affected adversely the thermal stability of the terpolymer. However, the ultrasonication treatment improved the thermal stability of the final product.
Comparative Pharmacokinetics and Safety Studies of Dexibuprofen Injection and a Branded Product Ibuprofen Injection in Healthy Chinese Volunteers
Authors: Hua Wenyan , Zhou Wenjia , Su Mei , Zhang Quanying , Zong Shunlin , Wang Meng
Published: May 2023

Ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, is considered a safe and effective analgesic for treating different types of pain and joint disorders. Dexibuprofen, S‐(+)‐ibuprofen, is the single pharmacologically active enantiomer of ibuprofen. It is more potent than the racemic formulation of ibuprofen in terms of analgesic and anti‐inflammatory properties and causes less acute gastric damage. For the first time, in the present single‐dose, randomized, open‐label, 2‐period crossover study, the safety and pharmacokinetic (PK) characteristics of a single‐dose dexibuprofen injection (0.2 g) were evaluated in healthy Chinese subjects and compared with the PK characteristics of a 0.2‐g ibuprofen injection. Five consecutive men and women were randomly administered a single dose of the 0.2‐g ibuprofen or 0.2‐g dexibuprofen injection after fasting in every period during the 5‐day interval. Then, plasma samples were collected for liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric analysis. WinNonlin software was used for calculating the PK parameters. The geometric mean ratios of the 0.2‐g dexibuprofen injection/ibuprofen injection for maximal plasma concentration, area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) from time 0 to the last quantifiable time point, and AUC from time 0 to infinity were 184.6%, 136.9%, and 134.4%, respectively. The dexibuprofen plasma exposure of the 0.15‐g dexibuprofen injection was comparable to that of the 0.2‐g ibuprofen injection, calculated using AUC from time 0 to infinity.
The homogeneous mixing of MgO and H2O at extreme conditions
Authors: Kovačević Tanja , González‐Cataldo Felipe , Militzer Burkhard
Published: May 2023

Investigating water worlds presents a unique opportunity to understand the fundamental processes of planetary formation and evolution. One key aspect is characterizing the interactions between water and rock under the pressures and temperatures present within these worlds. Investigating the conditions for the homogeneous mixing of these materials is imperative to characterizing bulk properties and evolution of water‐rich exoplanets. Here we use density functional molecular dynamics simulations to study MgO‐H2O mixtures at high pressure–temperature conditions where H2O occurs in solid, superionic, or liquid form. MgO, the representative rocky material, can be either solid or liquid. We start from 500 K at 120 GPa, increasing the temperature step by step up to 8000 K. By inspection, we determine the temperature at which MgO‐HO homogeneously mix in our simulations. At 6000 K and 174 GPa is when we find the system to homogeneously mix. This heat‐until‐it‐mixes approach provides us with an upper bound on the temperature for the mixing of MgO and H2O. We find that homogeneous mixing occurs at sufficiently low temperatures to be relevant for the collisional growth of a water‐rich planet.
Wear‐free indoor fall detection based on RFID and deep residual networks
Authors: Zhao Chuanxin , Zhu Jihong , Xu Zhiqiang , Chen Siguang , Chen Fulong , Wang Taochun
Published: May 2023

Since falls of the elderly can easily cause serious health problems in daily life, fall detection has received the attention of researchers. Traditionally, wearable sensors have been used to detect whether a person has fallen. However, wearable sensors may bring inconvenience to users' activities and affect user experience. In this paper, a fall detection approach based on RFID is proposed. In the proposed approach, non‐contact passive tags are used to construct an array of tags. Fall detection will be performed without the user wearing the device. The RSSI and phase data are collected when the reader queries the tags. Furthermore, an action segmentation algorithm is designed to quickly extract human action information based on the short‐term variance change of the phase signal. Subsequently, a deep residual network is built to classify fall movements and daily movements. Experiments show that the system can handle differences among users and locations and has an excellent performance in terms of recognition accuracy and efficiency, with an average accuracy rate of 96.77%.
Bibliometric analysis of the use of artificial intelligence in COVID‐19 based on scientific studies
Authors: Karbasi Zahra , Gohari Sadrieh H. , Sabahi Azam
Published: May 2023

Background and Aims

One such strategy is citation analysis used by researchers for research planning an article referred to by another article receives a “citation.” By using bibliometric analysis, the development of research areas and authors’ influence can be investigated. The current study aimed to identify and analyze the characteristics of 100 highly cited articles on the use of artificial intelligence concerning COVID‐19.

Methods

On July 27, 2022, this database was searched using the keywords “artificial intelligence” and “COVID‐19” in the topic. After extensive searching, all retrieved articles were sorted by the number of citations, and 100 highly cited articles were included based on the number of citations. The following data were extracted: year of publication, type of study, name of journal, country, number of citations, language, and keywords.

Results

The average number of citations for 100 highly cited articles was 138.54. The top three cited articles with 745, 596, and 549 citations. The top 100 articles were all in English and were published in 2020 and 2021. China was the most prolific country with 19 articles, followed by the United States with 15 articles and India with 10 articles.

Conclusion

The current bibliometric analysis demonstrated the significant growth of the use of artificial intelligence for COVID‐19. Using these results, research priorities are more clearly defined, and researchers can focus on hot topics.
KMT2D links TGF‐β signaling to noncanonical activin pathway and regulates pancreatic cancer cell plasticity
Authors: Lu Shuang , Kim Hong Sun , Cao Yubo , Bedi Karan , Zhao Lili , Narayanan Ishwarya Venkata , Magnuson Brian , Gu Yumei , Yang Jing , Yi Zhujun , Babaniamansour Sepideh , Shameon Sargis , Xu Chang , Paulsen Michelle T. , Qiu Ping , Jeyarajan Sivakumar , Ljungman Mats , Thomas Dafydd , Dou Yali , Crawford Howard , di Magliano Marina Pasca , Ge Kai , Yang Bo , Shi Jiaqi
Published: May 2023

Although KMT2D, also known as MLL2, is known to play an essential role in development, differentiation, and tumor suppression, its role in pancreatic cancer development is not well understood. Here, we discovered a novel signaling axis mediated by KMT2D, which links TGF‐β to the activin A pathway. We found that TGF‐β upregulates a microRNA, miR‐147b, which in turn leads to post‐transcriptional silencing of KMT2D. Loss of KMT2D induces the expression and secretion of activin A, which activates a noncanonical p38 MAPK‐mediated pathway to modulate cancer cell plasticity, promote a mesenchymal phenotype, and enhance tumor invasion and metastasis in mice. We observed a decreased KMT2D expression in human primary and metastatic pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, inhibition or knockdown of activin A reversed the protumoral role of KMT2D loss. These findings support a tumor‐suppressive role of KMT2D in pancreatic cancer and identify miR‐147b and activin A as novel therapeutic targets.
Development of an intelligent full‐field polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography for breast cancer classification
Authors: Basu Sautami , Agarwal Ravinder , Srivastava Vishal
Published: May 2023

Biopsy is the gold standard for cancer detection, however the surge in breast cancer cases has made manual haematoxylin and eosin stained histopathological image examination difficult. Automatic cancer diagnosis is vital for a healthy life. It allows fast diagnosis without specific skills. This research proposes an intelligent full‐field polarization‐sensitive optical coherence tomography (FF‐PS‐OCT) system for ex‐vivo breast classification using ensemble model corroborated by technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). 220 samples image were scanned using the FF‐PS‐OCT to extract the phase information. The multilevel ensemble classifier has 94.8% precision, 92.5% recall, 93.7% F‐score and 82.3% Mathews correlation coefficient on the testing dataset. The developed ensemble model corroborated by TOPSIS, outperforms the single model in terms of performance metrics. The initial results indicate that the rapid, non‐contact and label‐free FF‐PS‐OCT imaging modality using birefringent information is beneficial for making interventional decisions by clinicians.