bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus from Wound Samples during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Roohi Shugufta , Ahmed Tufail , Altaf Insha , Fomda Bashir
Published: March 2023

Introduction: On March 11th, 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARSCoV-2) virus as a pandemic. This recently discovered β-coronavirus spread instantaneously across mainland China due to human-tohuman transmission and crossed international borders aided by intercontinental travel. In most nations, the logarithmic growth of the cases very quickly overwhelmed the healthcare system which led to the overcrowding of the hospitals and led to a sudden surge in Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs). Implementation of contact precautions was implemented to control cross-infection. Aim: To determine the effect of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) on the prevalence of HAIs with special emphasis on Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Materials and Methods: This three-year retrospective study (September 2018-August 2021) was undertaken at an apex tertiary care institute in Northern India. Wound swabs were collected and processed in the laboratory for the presence of aerobic bacterial isolates. S. aureus was identified using conventional methods and antimicrobial sensitivity was performed by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Data was entered in Microsoft Excel and later analysed in International Business Machines (IBM) Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. Results: A steady increase in the isolation of MethicillinResistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was noted during the study period (60.5% in 2018 to 78.1% in 2021). A statistically significant increase was noted in the detection of MRSA after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (p=0.018) despite the reduced number of surgeries conducted in the institution and rigorous execution of contact precautions. Conclusion: There was an increase in the rate of MRSA isolation during the study period. The increase was significantly affected by the onset of COVID-19. To contain the spread of MRSA, novel methods including preoperative screening of patients undergoing elective surgeries and periodic screening of hospital staff need to be implemented along with standard infection control precautions at all times.
Potential of Biochar to Sequester Carbon and Mitigate Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Authors: Azad Humayun , Bhat Javeed I. A. , Shameem S. A.
Published: March 2023

Biochar is a solid material obtained from the carbonization of any biomass including weeds, crop residues and other wastes of plant origin. Biochar plays an important role in climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon in the soil and reducing nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) gas emissions to the environment through enhancing soil absorption. Here we review the potential of biochar to reduce N2O and CH4 emissions from agricultural practices and sequester atmospheric CO2 in the soil including potential mechanism behind observed effects. However, some fundamental mechanism and manipulation of biochar remain understandable and need further investigation.
Advancements in Modeling Protocols for Assessing Climate Change Impacts on Water Resources: A Review
Authors: Ray Soubhagya Laxmi , Pati Ansuman , Jhankar Anwesha , Sahoo Ambika Prasad , Paul Jagadish Chandra , Sahoo Bharat Chandra , Das Dwarika Mohan , Majhi Pradipta
Published: March 2023

The scientific community has dedicated significant attention to climate change and climate variability in the past two decades, with numerous investigations focused on these topics. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's third and fourth assessment reports have provided clear evidence that the planet's climate has undergone significant changes since the pre-industrial era, resulting in a warmer phase. These changes have had severe effects on hydrological processes and the availability of water resources due to shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns. A better comprehension of climate change's impact on water resources can aid in developing sustainable strategies for their management and development. Hydrological models combined with climate models can offer a framework to comprehend and explore the interplay between climate, human activities, and water resources.
Communication and Raising Citizen's Consciousness of Climate Change Challenges and Adaptation in Nigeria
Authors: Azu Akudo , Alakwe Kizito Ogedi
Published: March 2023

The global impact of climate change remains a grave concern to every nation, from severe droughts in East Africa to wildfires in Australia and extreme floods and landslides in India, Nepal and Bangladesh, and, recently, the devastating floods witnessed in Nigeria, climate change challenges continue to escalate. Climate change is driving people out of their homes and ushering in a world of poverty. Extant literature avers that at the centre of mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and stimulating the desired action is communication. Consequently, this paper seeks to interrogate the centrality of communication as a tool in the hands of policymakers, the media and international donor agencies in stimulating public consciousness in Nigeria towards climate change challenges and adaptation. Leveraging a quantitative and exploratory approach and using surveys with structured and unstructured questionnaire questions, the study exposed gaps in citizens' knowledge of the causes of climate change and revealed the level of awareness of climate change challenges, people's attitudes to climate change, sources of information, and desired medium of communication among the Nigerian public. The study highlights the interplay between the contents of climate change communication and actionable steps that are easy to be understood and relatively simple to be followed by the citizens. Finally, the paper contends that much more needs to be done in sensitising citizens on climate change while suggesting a combination of alternative communication strategies that promise to stimulate citizens' awareness of climate change challenges and adaptation in Nigeria.
Left-Handed Mothers and LGBTQ+ Child Acceptance in Singapore: Exploring the Link through Early Life Rejection
Authors: Rabak Jin , Lan Hen Guai
Published: March 2023

Parental acceptance is a critical factor in the well-being of LGBTQ+ children, with research consistently demonstrating the harmful effects of rejection and discrimination on mental health outcomes. This study examines the difference in acceptance of LGBTQ+ children between left-handed and right-handed mothers. We collected data from a sample of 200 mothers, including 100 left-handed and 100 right-handed mothers, who all have at least one LGBTQ+ child. Our findings suggest that left-handed mothers tend to be more supportive of their LGBTQ+ children, with a significantly higher mean acceptance score (M = 4.28, SD = 0.69) compared to right-handed mothers (M = 2.76, SD = 0.93), t(198) = 7.52, P < .001, d = 0.94. We propose that left-handed mothers may be more empathetic towards their child’s struggles due to their own experiences of rejection based on their handedness. Our study highlights the importance of considering individual differences in parenting and the potential impact on the well-being of LGBTQ+ children.
Public Perception and the Role of E-Government Services in the Housing Market of Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Md. Shanzid , Al-Amin Muhammad
Published: March 2023

This study followed qualitative and quantitative approaches, and data was collected through secondary and primary sources. This research found that 71.80 per cent of the respondents know E-government services. 28.20 per cent of the respondents do not have. 63.50 per cent of the respondents took benefits from E-Government services. Bangladesh's E-Government plays a vital role in improving the housing market sector, and 51.9 per cent of the respondents said that the housing market sector is improving n Bangladesh. 82.7 per cent of the respondent's interest in the housing market. 28.8 per cent of the respondents said it still takes less time to use the services 40.4 of the respondents said it takes a long time. The authors tried to examine the impact of Bangladesh's E-Government on Bangladesh's property markets and determine the potential consequences or repercussions. Finally, this research gives some recommendations based on the study survey, such as Online connectivity from the city to the village level is critical for gaining internet knowledge and engaging in E-Governance activities. No one can use the government online portal for personal activities if they do not have access to the internet. In Bangladesh, it is difficult for the government to deliver internet access to rural areas promptly. As a result, the government should promote private enterprises to offer low-cost internet access to the people so that the peasants may access the internet. Government should take care of that.
Resection cavity auto‐contouring for patients with pediatric medulloblastoma using only CT information
Authors: Hernandez Soleil , Nguyen Callistus , Gay Skylar , Duryea Jack , Howell Rebecca , Fuentes David , Parkes Jeannette , Burger Hester , Cardenas Carlos , Paulino Arnold C. , Pollard‐Larkin Julianne , Court Laurence
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Target delineation for radiation therapy is a time‐consuming and complex task. Autocontouring gross tumor volumes (GTVs) has been shown to increase efficiency. However, there is limited literature on post‐operative target delineation, particularly for CT‐based studies. To this end, we trained a CT‐based autocontouring model to contour the post‐operative GTV of pediatric patients with medulloblastoma.

Methods

One hundred four retrospective pediatric CT scans were used to train a GTV auto‐contouring model. Eighty patients were then preselected for contour visibility, continuity, and location to train an additional model. Each GTV was manually annotated with a visibility score based on the number of slices with a visible GTV (1 = < 25%, 2 = 25–50%, 3 = > 50–75%, and 4 = > 75–100%). Contrast and the contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) were calculated for the GTV contour with respect to a cropped background image. Both models were tested on the original and pre‐selected testing sets. The resulting surface and overlap metrics were calculated comparing the clinical and autocontoured GTVs and the corresponding clinical target volumes (CTVs).

Results

Eighty patients were pre‐selected to have a continuous GTV within the posterior fossa. Of these, 7, 41, 21, and 11 were visibly scored as 4, 3, 2, and 1, respectively. The contrast and CNR removed an additional 11 and 20 patients from the dataset, respectively. The Dice similarity coefficients (DSC) were 0.61 ± 0.29 and 0.67 ± 0.22 on the models without pre‐selected training data and 0.55 ± 13.01 and 0.83 ± 0.17 on the models with pre‐selected data, respectively. The DSC on the CTV expansions were 0.90 ± 0.13.

Conclusion

We successfully automatically contoured continuous GTVs within the posterior fossa on scans that had contrast > ± 10 HU. CT‐Based auto‐contouring algorithms have potential to positively impact centers with limited MRI access.
Switchable and Reversible p+/n+ Doping in 2D Semiconductors by Ionic 2D Minerals
Authors: Zhang Rongjie , Sun Yujie , Chen Wenjun , Zhao Shilong , Wang Jingwei , Teng Changjiu , Liu Bilu , Cheng Hui‐Ming
Published: March 2023

2D semiconductors are promising for fabricating miniaturized and flexible electronic devices. The manipulation of polarities in 2D semiconductors is key to fabricate functional devices and circuits. However, the switchable and reversible control of polarity in 2D semiconductors is challenging due to their ultrathin body. Herein, a reversible and non‐destructive method is developed to dope 2D semiconductors by using ionic 2D minerals as the electrostatic gating. The 2D semiconductor channel can be reversibly transformed between n+ and p+ types with carrier concentrations of 1.59 × 1013 and 6.82 × 1012 cm−2, respectively. With the ability to in situ control carrier type and concentration in 2D semiconductors by ionic gating, a reversible PN/NP junction and programmable logic gate are demonstrated in such devices. This 2D mineral materials‐based ionic doping approach provides an alternative method for achieving multi‐functional and complex circuits in an all‐2D material flatform.
Surface Reconstruction of Ni–Fe Layered Double Hydroxide Inducing Chloride Ion Blocking Materials for Outstanding Overall Seawater Splitting
Authors: Enkhtuvshin Enkhbayar , Yeo Sunghwan , Choi Hyojeong , Kim Kang Min , An Byeong‐Seon , Biswas Swarup , Lee Yongju , Nayak Arpan Kumar , Jang Jin Uk , Na Kyeong‐Han , Choi Won‐Youl , Ali Ghulam , Chae Keun Hwa , Akbar Muhammad , Chung Kyung Yoon , Yoo Kyoungmin , Chung Yong‐Chae , Shin Tae Ho , Kim Hyeok , Chung Chan‐Yeup , Han HyukSu
Published: March 2023

Generation of hydrogen fuel via electrochemical water splitting powered by sustainable energy, such as wind or solar energy, is an attractive path toward the future renewable energy landscape. However, current water electrolysis requires desalinated water resources, eventually leading to energy costs and water scarcity. The development of cost‐effective electrocatalysts capable of splitting saline water feeds directly can be an evident solution. Herein, a surface reconstructed nickel‐iron layered double hydroxide (NF‐LDH) is reported as an exceptionally active and durable bifunctional electrocatalyst for saline water splitting without chloride corrosion. The surface reconstructed NF‐LDH consists of Ni3Fe alloy phase interconnected in a 2D network in which an ultrathin (≈2 nm) and low‐crystalline NiFe (oxy)hydroxide phase are formed on the surface. The NiFe (oxy)hydroxide phase draws large anodic current densities, satisfying the level of practical application, while the Ni3Fe alloy phase is simultaneously responsible for the high catalytic activity for cathodic reactions and superior corrosion resistance. The surface reconstructed NF‐LDH electrode can be easily fabricated in a large electrode area (up to 25 cm2) and can successfully produce hydrogen fuels from saline water powered by the laboratory‐made low‐intensity photovoltaic cell.
Unexpected Quasi‐Axial Conformer in Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence DMAC‐TRZ, Pushing Green OLEDs to Blue
Authors: Stavrou Kleitos , Franca Larissa G. , Böhmer Tobias , Duben Luka M. , Marian Christel M. , Monkman Andrew P.
Published: March 2023

Hidden photophysics is elucidated in the very well‐known thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitter, DMAC‐TRZ. A molecule that, based on its structure, is considered not to have more than one structural conformation. However, based on experimental and computational studies, two conformers, a quasi‐axial (QA) and a quasi‐equatorial (QE) are found, and the effect of their co‐existence on both optical and electrical excitation isexplored. The relative small population of the QA conformer has a disproportionate effect because of its strong local excited state character. The energy transfer efficiency from the QA to the QE conformer is high, even at low concentrations, dependent on the host environment. The current accepted triplet energy of DMAC‐TRZ is shown to originate from the QA conformer, completely changing the understanding of DMAC‐TRZ. The contribution of the QA conformer in devices helps to explain the good performance of the material in non‐doped organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). Moreover, hyperfluorescence (HF) devices, using v‐DABNA emitter show direct energy transfer from the QA conformer to v‐DABNA, explaining the relatively improved Förster resonance energy transfer efficiency compared to similar HF systems. Highly efficient OLEDs where green light (TADF‐only devices) is converted to blue light (HF devices) with the maximum external quantum efficiency remaining close to 30% are demonstrated.
An Organic Chiroptical Detector Favoring Circularly Polarized Light Detection from Near‐Infrared to Ultraviolet and Magnetic‐Field‐Amplifying Dissymmetry in Detectivity
Authors: Hu Renjie , Lu Xiangqian , Hao Xiaotao , Qin Wei
Published: March 2023

Circularly polarized light detection has attracted growing attention because of its unique application in security surveillance and quantum optics. Here, through designing a chiral polymer as a donor, a high‐performance circularly polarized light detector is fabricated, successfully enabling detection from ultraviolet (300 nm) to near‐infrared (1100 nm). The chiroptical detector presents an excellent ability to distinguish right‐handed and left‐handed circularly polarized light, where dissymmetries in detectivity, responsivity, and electric current are obtained and then optimized. The dissymmetry in electric current can be increased from 0.18 to 0.23 once an external magnetic field is applied. This is a very rare report on the dissymmetry tunability by an external field in chiroptical detectors. Moreover, the chirality‐generated orbital angular momentum is one of the key factors determining the performance of the circularly polarized light detection. Overall, the organic chiroptical detector presents excellent stability in detection, which provides great potential for future flexible and compact integrated platforms.
Cuproptosis Induced by ROS Responsive Nanoparticles with Elesclomol and Copper Combined with αPD‐L1 for Enhanced Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Guo Boda , Yang Feiya , Zhang Lingpu , Zhao Qinxin , Wang Wenkuan , Yin Lu , Chen Dong , Wang Mingshuai , Han Sujun , Xiao Haihua , Xing Nianzeng
Published: March 2023

Cuproptosis is a new cell death that depends on copper (Cu) ionophores to transport Cu into cancer cells, which induces cell death. However, existing Cu ionophores are small molecules with a short blood half‐life making it hard to transport enough Cu into cancer cells. Herein, a reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐sensitive polymer (PHPM) is designed, which is used to co‐encapsulate elesclomol (ES) and Cu to form nanoparticles (NP@ESCu). After entering cancer cells, ES and Cu, triggered by excessive intracellular ROS, are readily released. ES and Cu work in a concerted way to not only kill cancer cells by cuproptosis, but also induce immune responses. In vitro, the ability of NP@ESCu to efficiently transport Cu and induce cuproptosis is investigated. In addition, the change in the transcriptomes of cancer cells treated with NP@ESCu is explored by RNA‐Seq. In vivo, NP@ESCu is found to induce cuproptosis in the mice model with subcutaneous bladder cancer, reprograming the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, NP@ESCu is further combined with anti‐programmed cell death protein ligand‐1 antibody (αPD‐L1). This study provides the first report of combining nanomedicine that can induce cuproptosis with αPD‐L1 for enhanced cancer therapy, thereby providing a novel strategy for future cancer therapy.
High‐Throughput Scanning Second‐Harmonic‐Generation Microscopy for Polar Materials
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Tan Yangchun , Dong Yangda , Dai Liyufen , Ren Chuanlai , Zhang Fengyuan , Zeng Lingping , An Feng , Li Changjian , Huang Boyuan , Zhong Gaokuo , Li Jiangyu
Published: March 2023

The Materials Genome Initiative aims to discover, develop, manufacture, and deploy advanced materials at twice the speed of conventional approaches. To achieve this, high‐throughput characterization is essential for the rapid screening of candidate materials. In this study, a high‐throughput scanning second‐harmonic‐generation microscope with automatic partitioning, accurate positioning, and fast scanning is developed that can rapidly probe and screen polar materials. Using this technique, typical ferroelectrics, including periodically poled lithium niobate crystals and PbZr0.2Ti0.8O3 (PZT) thin films are first investigated, whereby the microscopic domain structures are clearly revealed. This technique is then applied to a compositional‐gradient (100−x)%BaTiO3−x%SrTiO3 film and a thickness‐gradient PZT film to demonstrate its high‐throughput capabilities. Since the second‐harmonic‐generation signal is correlated with the macroscopic remnant polarization over the probed region determined by the laser spot, it is free of artifacts arising from leakage current and electrostatic interference, while materials’ symmetries and domain structures must be carefully considered in the data analysis. It is believed that this work can help promote the high‐throughput development of polar materials and contribute to the Materials Genome Initiative.
Impairing Tumor Metabolic Plasticity via a Stable Metal‐Phenolic‐Based Polymeric Nanomedicine to Suppress Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Li Xiaoling , Duan Zhenyu , Chen Xiaoting , Pan Dayi , Luo Qiang , Gu Lei , Xu Gang , Li Yinggang , Zhang Hu , Gong Qiyong , Chen Rongjun , Gu Zhongwei , Luo Kui
Published: March 2023

Targeting metabolic vulnerability of tumor cells is a promising anticancer strategy. However, the therapeutic efficacy of existing metabolism‐regulating agents is often compromised due to tolerance resulting from tumor metabolic plasticity, as well as their poor bioavailability and tumor‐targetability. Inspired by the inhibitive effect of N‐ethylmaleimide on the mitochondrial function, a dendronized‐polymer‐functionalized metal‐phenolic nanomedicine (pOEG‐b‐D‐SH@NP) encapsulating maleimide‐modified doxorubicin (Mal‐DOX) is developed to enable improvement in the overall delivery efficiency and inhibition of the tumor metabolism via multiple pathways. It is observed that Mal‐DOX and its derived nanomedicine induces energy depletion of CT26 colorectal cancer cells more efficiently than doxorubicin, and shifts the balance of programmed cell death from apoptosis toward necroptosis. Notably, pOEG‐b‐D‐SH@NP simultaneously inhibits cellular oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis, thus potently suppressing cancer growth and peritoneal intestinal metastasis in mouse models. Overall, the study provides a promising dendronized‐polymer‐derived nanoplatform for the treatment of cancers through impairing metabolic plasticity.
An overview of mechanical properties and failure mechanism of FRP laminates with hole/cutout
Authors: Gupta Savita , Pal Snehanshu , Ray Bankim Chandra
Published: March 2023

Aerospace and aircraft companies follow a pyramidal structure of testing, ranging from specimen tests to full‐scale structure tests, for aircraft structural design. At the base level, open hole strength evaluation is one of the qualification procedures for composite components. The holes are made in the structural components to accommodate bolts and rivets in order to assemble the parts into a single unit. Holes in the component are also used to fulfill functional requirements, such as the passage of wire bundles. FRP components are sensitive to these holes/cutouts as substantial decrement in the strength is observed in several experiments. The degradation in the strength of the component is due to stress concentration around the hole. This review aims to comprehend the effect of the hole on the mechanical properties of FRP laminates; the emphasis is mainly on CFRP laminates and experimental results. An overview of tensile, compressive, flexural and post buckling properties of laminates with the hole is presented to aid in the optimal design of the component. Finally, the failure mechanism during loading is discussed and described through a graphical presentation.
The rise of ChatGPT: Exploring its potential in medical education
Authors: Lee Hyunsu
Published: March 2023

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into medical education has the potential to revolutionize the way students learn about biomedical sciences. Large language models, such as ChatGPT, can serve as virtual teaching assistants, providing students with detailed and relevant information and perhaps eventually interactive simulations. ChatGPT has the potential to increase student engagement and enhance student learning, though research is needed to confirm this. The challenges and limitations of ChatGPT must also be considered, including ethical issues and potentially harmful effects. It is crucial for medical educators to keep pace with technology's rapidly changing landscape and consider the implications for curriculum design, assessment strategies, and teaching methods. Continued research and evaluation are necessary to ensure the optimal integration of AI‐based learning tools into medical education.
Biomass‐derived sulfonated polycyclic aromatic carbon catalysts for biodiesel production by esterification reaction
Authors: Yadav Nidhi , Yadav Gaurav , Ahmaruzzaman Md
Published: March 2023

Sulfonated polycyclic aromatic carbon (SPAC) catalysts have specific surface characteristics owing to the presence of two types of functional groups: SO3H (sulfonic) and oxygen‐containing functional groups (COOH and OH groups). Oxygen‐containing functional groups provide a synergistic effect to the sulfonic group, resulting in a high total acid density and enhanced catalytic activity of SPAC. Owing to the high acid density, SPAC catalysts are used for various applications such as organic transformations, electrocatalysis and water treatment. The natural abundance of raw materials, easy processing for catalyst fabrication, excellent catalytic performance and high thermal and chemical stability make SPAC cost‐effective and environmentally benign. Biomass‐derived heterogeneous catalysts possess unique surface characteristics, high reusability and low cost owing to their easy accessibility, along with various environmental benefits. This review demonstrates biodiesel production using oleic acid as a feedstock material catalyzed by biomass‐derived SPAC catalysts. Additionally, various parameters such as catalyst synthetic parameters, esterification reaction parameters, the esterification reaction mechanism and catalytic stability, which affect the catalytic performance and esterification efficacy, are discussed. Finally, the future scope for developing novel SPAC catalysts has been demonstrated for young researchers in this field. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Slow‐release fertilizers using lignin: Challenges and future prospects
Authors: Kumar Ravindra , Næss Geir , Sørensen Mette
Published: March 2023

Lignin is an integral part of the plant cell wall and is the largest single source of aromatic carbon in the world, which makes it suitable for the production of feed, chemicals, fuels, and biomaterials. Total lignin production is greater than 50 million tons per annum; however, currently, less than 5% of the lignin is being valorized, and 95% is burnt to create steam and power. Burning aromatic carbons produces heat and power, making them low‐value materials. However, the macromolecules of lignin can be modified to use for several industrial applications, such as surfactants, paints, hydrogel, absorbents, and fertilizer. In this review, we provide a systematic and comprehensive summary of the last 10 years of the development of controlled release fertilizer (CRF) from lignin, which is a renewable material. Lignin‐based CRFs are green, environment friendly, and are considered efficient for agricultural use in place of urea and diammonium phosphate. Coating the fertilizer with lignin could increase fertilizer's 20–30 times slower release vis‐à‐vis uncoated fertilizer. However, the structure of lignin varies from one process to another process; it is therefore highly dependent upon the fractionation process and pulping methodologies adopted. A high degree of heterogeneity, complex structure, and low reactivity of the lignin results in an uneven coating, large surface porosity, and cracks in the coatings. The similarity of the lignin can be improved by chemical modifications in its molecule; however, any chemical processing increases the cost of slow‐release fertilizer. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Association of prepregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain on severity of optic nerve hypoplasia
Authors: Situ Betty A. , Borchert Mark S. , Brown Brianne , Garcia‐Filion Pamela
Published: March 2023

Background

Optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) is a birth defect of unknown etiology and a leading cause of visual impairment in developed countries. Recent studies suggest that factors of deprivation and exposures of poor nutritional status, such as lower gestational weight gain (GWG), may be associated with increased risk of ONH. The present study describes the prenatal features of mothers of ONH cases, including prepregnancy BMI and GWG, and the associations with clinical features of disease severity.

Methods

Retrospective study of prenatal records for cases of ONH enrolled in a research registry. Prepregnancy BMI and GWG were compared to maternal characteristics and clinical findings of ONH severity including bilaterality, hypopituitarism, and neuroradiographic abnormalities.

Results

Compared to population‐based normative data of births in the United States, mothers of ONH cases (n = 55) were younger (23.3 vs. 25.8 years; p = 0.03), with higher incidence of inadequate GWG (34.0% vs. 20.4%; p = 0.03) predominantly in the first and second trimesters. The presence of major brain malformations was associated with younger maternal age (21.6 [IQR 19.4, 24.7] vs. 24.9 years [IQR 22.1, 28.5] [p = 0.02]), primiparity (44.1% vs. 13.3%; p = 0.05) and decreased prepregnancy BMI (20.9 kg/m2 [19, 22.5] vs. 25.5 kg/m2 [21.3, 28.2]; p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Decreased prepregnancy BMI and inadequate GWG correlated with clinical features of ONH severity, specifically bilateral disease and presence of major brain malformations.
Pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy in Japanese patients with triple‐negative breast cancer: Results from KEYNOTE‐355
Authors: Hattori Masaya , Masuda Norikazu , Takano Toshimi , Tsugawa Koichiro , Inoue Kenichi , Matsumoto Koji , Ishikawa Takashi , Itoh Mitsuya , Yasojima Hiroyuki , Tanabe Yuko , Yamamoto Keiko , Suzuki Masato , Pan Wilbur , Cortes Javier , Iwata Hiroji
Published: March 2023

Pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy improved progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared with placebo plus chemotherapy in patients with previously untreated locally recurrent inoperable or metastatic triple‐negative breast cancer with tumor programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) combined positive score (CPS) ≥10 in the global, phase 3, randomized controlled trial KEYNOTE‐355. We report results for patients enrolled in Japan. Patients were randomized 2:1 to pembrolizumab 200 mg or placebo Q3W for 35 cycles plus chemotherapy (nab‐paclitaxel, paclitaxel, or gemcitabine–carboplatin). Primary endpoints were PFS per RECIST version 1.1 by blinded independent central review and OS in patients with PD‐L1 CPS ≥10, PD‐L1 CPS ≥1, and the intention‐to‐treat (ITT) population. No alpha was assigned to this exploratory analysis. Eighty‐seven patients were randomized in Japan (pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy, n = 61; placebo plus chemotherapy, n = 26), 66 (76%) had PD‐L1 CPS ≥1, and 28 (32%) had PD‐L1 CPS ≥10. Median time from randomization to data cutoff (June 15, 2021) was 44.7 (range, 37.2–52.9) months in the ITT population. Hazard ratios (HRs; 95% CI) for OS were 0.36 (0.14–0.89), 0.52 (0.30–0.91), and 0.46 (0.28–0.77) in the PD‐L1 CPS ≥10, PD‐L1 CPS ≥1, and ITT populations, respectively. HRs (95% CI) for PFS were 0.52 (0.20–1.34), 0.61 (0.35–1.06), and 0.64 (0.39–1.05). Grade 3 or 4 treatment‐related adverse events occurred in 85% of patients in each group (no grade 5 events). Consistent with the global population, pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy tended to show improvements in OS and PFS with manageable toxicity versus placebo plus chemotherapy in Japanese patients and supports this combination in this setting.
Correctional treatment as an economically sound approach to reducing the high costs of recidivism: A review of the research
Authors: Zane Steven N. , Pupo Jhon A. , Welsh Brandon C.
Published: March 2023

Background

Prior research indicates that correctional treatment programmes can be highly effective in reducing reoffending. Less studied, however, is whether such programmes are economically efficient.

Aims

To review the research literature on the economic efficiency of correctional treatment programmes.

Methods

A review of cost–benefit analyses of correctional treatment programmes from 2004 to the present was carried out. To be included in the review, studies must have attempted to measure monetary costs and benefits of correctional treatment programmes and be based on experimental or quasi‐experimental evaluations.

Results

A total of 22 cost–benefit studies of correctional treatment programmes met the criteria for inclusion in the review, 19 of which estimated (or allowed estimation of) benefit‐to‐cost ratios. All 19 studies yielded a favourable benefit‐to‐cost ratio.

Conclusions

Correctional treatment programmes appear to be economically efficient, with the monetary benefits produced by such programmes substantially exceeding their monetary costs. This finding appears to hold across a variety of different intervention types, and offers policy‐makers and practitioners ample evidence in favour of providing additional resources for correctional treatment programmes.
Preparation and promising optoelectronic applications of lead halide perovskite patterned structures: A review
Authors: Lan Shangui , Pan Baojun , Liu Ying , Zhang Zhixiang , Zhang Lijie , Yu Bin , Fang Yanjun , Wang Peijian
Published: March 2023

Lead halide perovskites have received considerable attention from researchers over the past several years due to their superior optical and optoelectronic properties, because of which they can be a versatile platform for fundamental science research and applications. Patterned structures based on lead halide perovskites have much more novel properties compared with their more commonly seen bulk‐, micro‐, and nano‐crystals, such as improvement in antireflection, light‐scattering effects, and light absorption, as a result of their adjustability of spatial distributions. However, there are many challenges yet to be resolved in this field, such as insufficient patterned resolution, imperfect crystal quality, complicated preparation process, and so on. To pave the way to solve these problems, we provide a systematic presentation of current methods for fabricating lead halide perovskite patterned structures, including thermal imprint, use of etching films, two‐step vapor‐phase growth, template‐confined solution growth, and seed‐assisted growth. Furthermore, the advantages and disadvantages of these methods are elaborated in detail. In addition, thanks to the extraordinary properties of lead halide perovskite patterned structures, a variety of potential applications in optics and optoelectronics of these structures are described. Lastly, we put forward existing challenges and prospects in this exciting field.
Molecular allergy diagnosis is sensitive and avoids misdiagnosis in patients sensitized to seasonal allergens
Authors: Koch Lukas , Laipold Karin , Arzt‐Gradwohl Lisa , Sturm Eva Maria , Aberer Werner , Aumayr Martina , Hemmer Wolfgang , Čerpes Urban , Sturm Gunter J.
Published: March 2023

Background

The specificity of extract‐based pollen allergy diagnosis is decreased due to cross‐reactivity via cross‐reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) or panallergens such as profilins or polcalcins. This study aimed to explore the prevalence of sensitization to seasonal extracts, CCDs, profilin and polcalcin and investigate the sensitivity and specificity of seasonal molecular allergy diagnosis (MAD) using commercially available test methods.

Methods

2948 patients were screened for specific immunoglobulin E to ash, birch, mugwort, ragweed and timothy grass pollen extracts and grouped according to the number of positive tests (1–5). 100 patients from each group and a control group were randomly selected to calculate the prevalence of CCD and panallergen sensitization. With 742 patients, sensitivity and specificity of MAD (Alt a 1, Fra/Ole e 1, Bet v 1, Phl p 1, Art v 1, and Amb a 1) was determined.

Results

1627 patients (55.2%) were positive to at least one, and 1002 patients (34.0%) were positive to multiple of the five pollen allergens investigated; 18.5% of the pollen‐sensitized patients had sensitization to CCDs or panallergens. Specifically, sensitization to CCDs, profilins, and polcalcins was observed in 8.7%, 10.9%, and 2.9% of these patients, respectively. The sensitivity of MAD was high, with sensitivities between 96.2% and 100% using ImmunoCAP and 91.5% and 100% using ALEX2. Specificity was 100% for both assays.

Conclusions

Due to cross‐reactivity, about one‐fifth of pollen‐sensitized patients is at risk of misdiagnosis. However, MAD is sensitive, specific and helps to avoid misdiagnosis and select primary allergen sources for immunotherapy.
Association between altered metabolism and genetic mutations in human glioma
Authors: Pearl Hannah , Fleischer Candace C.
Published: March 2023

Background

Molecular markers for classification of gliomas include isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations and codeletion of chromosomal arms 1p and 19q (1p/19q). While mutations in IDH enzymes result in the well‐characterized production of oncometabolite 2‐hydroxyglutarate, dysregulation of other metabolites in IDH tumors is less characterized. Similarly, the effects of 1p/19q codeletion on cellular metabolism are also unclear.

Aim

This study aimed to quantify changes in tumor metabolites in human glioma tissue as a function of both IDH mutation and 1p/19q codeletion.

Methods and Results

Deidentified human glioma tissue and associated clinical data were obtained from the Emory University Winship Cancer Institute tissue biobank from 14 patients (WHO grades II, III, and IV; seven female and seven male). Proton (1H) high‐resolution magic angle spinning (HR‐MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy data were acquired using a 600 MHz Bruker AVANCE III NMR spectrometer. Metabolite concentrations were calculated using LCModel. Differences in metabolite concentrations as a function of IDH mutation, 1p/19q codeletion, and survival status were determined using Mann–Whitney U tests. Concentrations of alanine, glutamine, and glutamate were significantly lower in glioma tissue with IDH mutations compared to tissue with IDH wildtype. Additionally, glutamate concentration was significantly lower in glioma tissue with 1p/19q codeletion compared to intact 1p/19q. Exploratory analysis revealed alanine concentration varied significantly as a function of survival status.

Conclusions

Given the emerging landscape of glioma treatments that target metabolic dysregulation, an improved understanding of altered metabolism in molecular sub‐types of gliomas, including those with IDH mutation and 1p/19q codeletion, is an important consideration for treatment stratification and personalized medicine.
Board diversity and corporate social performance in family firms. The moderating effect of the institutional and business environment
Authors: Gavana Giovanna , Gottardo Pietro , Moisello Anna Maria
Published: March 2023

We analyze the effect of structural and demographic board diversity on family firms' corporate social performance (CSP), taking into account certain institutional and business environment aspects. The sample consists of French, German, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese nonfinancial listed firms over the period 2014–2021. We compare family and nonfamily firms before focusing on family businesses. Findings show that CSP benefits from having female directors in family firms whilst independent directors increase CSP in nonfamily businesses. Family directors exert a negative effect on CSP in family firms. The enforcement of law makes the positive influence of board independence significant for family firms and of nondual CEOs for nonfamily companies. Within family firms, the negative effect of family directors is strengthened by the enforcement of law but lowered by the efficiency of the judicial system. Hostile business environment always lowers CSP and reduces female directors' positive influence for family firms.
Gastric squamous metaplasia observed by image‐enhanced endoscopy
Authors: Iwata Eri , Sugimoto Mitsushige , Akimoto Yoshika , Hamada Mariko , Niikura Ryota , Nagata Naoyoshi , Itoi Takao , Kawai Takashi
Published: March 2023

A 61‐year‐old Helicobacter pylori‐positive female with gastroesophageal reflux disease has undergone surveillance endoscopy every year for 13 years at Tokyo Medical University Hospital. At the first surveillance in 2009, conventional white light endoscopy showed a 10‐mm whitish slightly depressed lesion at the lesser curvature of the gastric cardia. This lesion gradually increased in size to 15 mm over the 13‐year observational period. Indigo carmine chromoendoscopy, narrow band imaging, and texture and color enhancement imaging in both mode 1 and mode 2 clearly emphasized the presence of a depressed whitish mucosa around the gastric mucosa compared with white light imaging. None of the three image‐enhanced endoscopy techniques showed any abnormality in the vascular or structural pattern. Pathological findings showed squamous epithelium without atypia and revealed no evidence of malignancy in the stomach. We thus report a case of gastric squamous metaplasia without gastric neoplastic lesion in the gastric cardia whose lesions were endoscopically observed to change the size for more than 10 years and whose lesions were endoscopically evaluated with a texture and color enhancement imaging mode 1 and mode 2 and narrow band imaging.
The effect of time of eating on cardiometabolic risk in primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Billingsley Hayley E.
Published: March 2023

Continuous energy restriction is currently considered the first‐line dietary therapy for weight loss in individuals with obesity. Recently, interventions which alter the eating window and time of eating occasions have been explored as means to achieve weight loss and other cardiometabolic improvements such as a reduction in blood pressure, glycaemia, lipids and inflammation. It is unknown, however, whether these changes result from unintentional energy restriction or from other mechanisms such as the alignment of nutrient intake with the internal circadian clock. Even less is known regarding the safety and efficacy of these interventions in individuals with established chronic noncommunicable disease states, such as cardiovascular disease. This review examines the effects of interventions which alter both eating window and time of eating occasions on weight and other cardiometabolic risk factors in both healthy participants and those with established cardiovascular disease. We then summarise the state of existing knowledge and explore future directions of study.
Posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic events, and longitudinal eating disorder treatment outcomes: A systematic review
Authors: Convertino Alexandra D. , Mendoza Rebecca R.
Published: March 2023

Objective

Many individuals diagnosed with an eating disorder (ED) have been exposed to traumatic events, and some of these individuals are diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although theorized by researchers and clinicians, it is unclear whether traumatic event exposure or PTSD interferes with outcomes from ED treatment. The objective of the current study was to systematically review the literature on traumatic events and/or PTSD as either predictors or moderators of psychological treatment outcomes in EDs.

Method

A PRISMA search was conducted to identify studies that assessed the longitudinal association between traumatic events or PTSD and ED outcomes. Eighteen articles met the inclusion criteria for review.

Results

Results indicated that traumatic event exposure was associated with greater ED treatment dropout, but individuals with a traumatic event history benefited from treatment similarly to their unexposed peers. Findings also indicated that traumatic events may be associated with greater symptom relapse posttreatment.

Discussion

Given the limited number of studies examining PTSD, results are considered very tentative; however, similar to studies comparing trauma‐exposed and nontrauma‐exposed participants, individuals with PTSD may have similar treatment gains compared to individuals without PTSD, but individuals with PTSD may experience greater symptom relapse posttreatment. Future researchers are encouraged to examine whether trauma‐informed care or integrated treatment for EDs and PTSD mitigates dropout from treatment and improves symptom remission outcomes. Furthermore, researchers are encouraged to examine how the developmental timing of traumatic events, self‐perceived impact of trauma, and cumulative trauma exposure may be associated with differential ED treatment outcomes.

Public Significance

Eating disorders (EDs), trauma, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often co‐occur. Individuals with traumatic event exposure and/or PTSD demonstrate greater ED symptoms; it is unclear whether these individuals benefit similarly in ED treatment to their peers. The current study found that individuals with traumatic event exposure are more likely to drop out of treatment but benefit from treatment with similar symptom remission. Traumatic history was associated with greater relapse posttreatment.
Determination of a positive response in the Ames Salmonella mutagenicity assay
Authors: Zeiger Errol
Published: March 2023

Genetic toxicology tests are used to categorize substances as genotoxic and potentially carcinogenic. In general, test results are designated as mutagenic, not mutagenic, or inconclusive and, depending on its potential use and applicable regulations, a mutagenic result can restrict or remove a substance from further development, or assign limits to its use. In these tests, mutation responses form a continuum without a clear delineation between an increase over the background, untreated, mutant frequency and a frequency that would define the test substance as a mutagen and a potential carcinogenic hazard. This situation is illustrated using the Salmonella mutagenicity (Ames) test which is the initial, and often only, test used to characterize substances as mutagenic or nonmutagenic. It has its widest use by industry and regulatory authorities to identify potential carcinogens among chemicals in development. The OECD Test Guideline No. 471 has been adopted by regulatory agencies internationally, and describes the minimum requirements for a negative response, but does not provide a specific approach for evaluating the test data. The most widely used criterion for making yes‐or‐no mutagenicity decisions is a 2‐ or 3‐fold increase over the background (solvent) mutant frequency. Other approaches rely on formal statistics and/or expert judgment. These approaches and recently proposed modifications are evaluated here. Recommendations are made that are in conformity with the OECD guideline and are based on biological relevance and the biology of the mutagenic response rather than on arbitrary decision points (e.g., ≥2‐fold increase or p ≤ .05).