bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of solid‐state fermentation on select antinutrients and protein digestibility of cold‐pressed and hexane‐extracted canola meals
Authors: Li Chenghao , Shi Dai , Stone Andrea K. , Wang Yixiao , Wanasundara Janitha P. D. , Tanaka Takuji , Nickerson Michael T.
Published: April 2023

In this study, the effects of solid‐state fermentation (SSF), including strain (Aspergillus niger NRRL 334 and A. oryzae NRRL 5590) and fermentation time (24, 48, and 72 h) on the nutritional value of cold‐pressed (CP) and hexane‐extracted (HE) canola meals were examined. SSF increased the protein content of both types of meals (from ~36% to ~40%) while reducing the oil content of CP meals (from ~12% to 9%). There was a significant reduction (~80%) in the phytic acid content of both types of meals after fermentation using either fungi. Overall, fermented samples showed a decrease in the total phenolic content from 2.7–3.1 to ~1.0 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry meal (DM) (a ~65% reduction), of which specifically the HE meal fermented with A. niger sample had the greatest decrease from 3.1 to 0.6 mg GAE/g DM (~81% reduction). Seventy‐two hours of fermentation decreased the in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) of A. oryzae fermented meals. In contrast, a shorter fermentation time (24 h) increased the IVPD for most samples as compared to the controls (from ~72%–73% to 77%–81%), with the exception of the CP meal fermented with A. niger which had similar IVPD at all fermentation times. Overall, the changes indicate that SSF using A. niger or A. oryzae can be useful to positively modify the composition of different canola meals and improve their nutritional value by significantly increasing the protein content, decreasing the levels of antinutrients, while only slightly reducing IVPD.
Preventing Surgical Site Infections: Implementing Strategies Throughout the Perioperative Continuum
Authors: Rosa Rossana , Sposato Kathleen , Abbo Lilian M.
Published: April 2023

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a considerable cause of patient morbidity and mortality and are associated with increased hospital lengths of stay as well as increased health care costs to both patients and health care facilities. Substantial advances have been made in infection control practices throughout the perioperative setting to prevent SSIs and improve patient quality of care. Preventing and reducing SSIs requires a multifaceted approach encompassing the continuum of medical and surgical care. This article reviews four major infection prevention guidelines and provides an updated summary of effective strategies that perioperative team members can implement for the prevention of SSIs preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively.
Clinical Issues — May 2023
Authors: Cahn Julie
Published: April 2023

THIS MONTH

Indications for use of intraoperative autologous red blood cell salvage

Key words: intraoperative red blood cell salvage, autologous blood, blood loss, transfusion, collection.

Contraindications for use of intraoperative autologous red blood cell salvage

Key words: intraoperative red blood cell salvage, red blood cell lysis, relative contraindications, autologous red blood cells, cell salvage devices.

Second victim phenomenon after adverse events

Key words: second victim, support program, Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (SVEST), adverse event, personal integrity.
Synthesis and characterization of low generation polyamidoamine dendrimers and release of 5‐fluorouracil from their complexes
Authors: Encalada‐Alayola Juan , Uribe‐Calderón Jorge A. , Herrera‐Kao Wilberth A. , Duarte‐Aranda Santiago , Alonzo‐Medina Gerardo M. , Domínguez‐Maldonado Rubén , Cervantes‐Uc José Manuel
Published: April 2023

The aim of this work was to investigate the potential of low‐generation polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers as drug nanocarriers for 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), an anticancer drug, and to determine the type of dendrimer generation (half or full) with the highest drug load capacity and slowest release rate. For this, PAMAM dendrimers (up to 2.0 generation) were synthesized and characterized by means of spectroscopic techniques and thermal analysis. Then, 5‐FU was successfully incorporated into dendrimers, and the resulting complexes were characterized in terms of their, elemental composition, spectroscopy, thermal behavior, and loading efficacy. In addition, in vitro release studies of 5‐fluorouracil from complexes were conducted using phosphate‐buffered saline; and the 5‐FU release kinetics was also modeled. The successful synthesis of PAMAM dendrimers was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), 1H‐NMR, UV–vis, dynamic light scattering and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analysis. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), FTIR, UV–vis and TGA results confirmed the complexation phenomena among PAMAM dendrimers and 5‐FU drug. It was found that the encapsulation efficiency and drug release rate are a function of generation type, and that the full‐generation dendrimers showed the best results. The Korsmeyer‐Peppas model best described the kinetics of drug release for all complexes. These results confirm that the proposed low‐generation dendrimers are suitable polymeric nanocarriers for drug delivery applications.
Cooperative linear quadratic differential games for uncertain systems with conservative players
Authors: Zhang Weixian , Shi Zongying , Zhong Yisheng
Published: April 2023

This paper investigates cooperative linear quadratic differential games for uncertain dynamic systems with conservative players, who attempt to optimize the worst‐case outcomes with limited a priori knowledge about the uncertainties. Without properly designed control strategies, the uncertainties could cause significant impacts on the performance indexes of players and spoil the cooperation among players. In this paper, compensation‐based robust control techniques are applied to handle the uncertainties, including parameter perturbations and external disturbances, by transforming the impacts of the uncertainties into a more tractable form. Subsequently, using Vickrey–Clarke–Groves principles, an auction‐based control allocation mechanism is designed to incentivize the players to cooperatively implement the compensation. With the methods proposed, the worst‐case performance indexes of players can be improved, and the cooperation among players is maintained in the uncertain system. Numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Controllability analysis for a class of linear quadratic conformable fractional game‐based control systems
Authors: Zhou Junshuang , Li Deyi , Chen Guici , Wang Xianjia
Published: April 2023

Controllability analysis for a class of linear quadratic conformable fractional game‐based control systems (CFGBCSs) is investigated in this article. Supported by the definition and property of conformable fractional, the payoff function for linear quadratic CFGBCSs is proposed, and Nash equilibrium solution is obtained via variational method for Hamilton function correspondingly. Subsequently, the state transition matrix and controllability matrix are presented to deduce the sufficient and necessary conditions for the controllability of Nash equilibrium solution of time‐varying linear quadratic CFGBCSs and time‐invariant linear quadratic CFGBCSs, respectively. Finally, two numerical examples are furnished to justify the validity of the matrix full rank condition.
A Meaningful Attempt: Applying Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma to Induce Polarization of Macrophages
Authors: Yu Haoran , Cheng Wendan , Ding Chengbiao , Li Ziyu , Ouyang Wenchong , Liu Qi , Wu Zhengwei , Jing Juehua
Published: April 2023

Macrophage polarization plays an important role in many macrophage‐related diseases. This study was designed to preliminarily explore the effects of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma on the polarization direction and cell activity of macrophages with different phenotypes (ie, M0, M1, and M2). The M1 macrophage marker inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and M2 macrophage marker cluster of differentiation 206 (CD206) were detected by western blot (WB). The effects of DBD plasma on macrophage viability were analyzed by using a cell counting kit‐8 detection kit. M0, M1, and M2 macrophages exhibited a decrease in iNOS expression and an increase in CD206 expression after the DBD plasma intervention. Additionally, the decrease in macrophage viability remained non‐significant after initiating the intervention. DBD plasma can promote the transformation of M0 and M1 macrophages to M2 macrophages, and can further enhance the expression of the M2 macrophage phenotype marker CD206. Our study not only demonstrates the potential therapeutic value of DBD plasma for macrophage‐related diseases, but it also provides a new direction for research to improve the treatment of macrophage‐related diseases. © 2023 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Real time on‐line amino acid analysis to explore amino acid trends and link to glycosylation outcomes of a model monoclonal antibody
Authors: Azer Nicole , Trunfio Nicholas , Fratz‐Berilla Erica J. , Hong Jin Sung , Cullinan Jackie , Faison Talia , Agarabi Cyrus D. , Powers David N.
Published: April 2023

Bioreactor parameters can have significant effects on the quantity and quality of biotherapeutics. Monoclonal antibody products have one particularly important critical quality attribute being the distribution of product glycoforms. N‐linked glycosylation affects the therapeutic properties of the antibody including effector function, immunogenicity, stability, and clearance rate. Our past work revealed that feeding different amino acids to bioreactors altered the productivity and glycan profiles. To facilitate real‐time analysis of bioreactor parameters and the glycosylation of antibody products, we developed an on‐line system to pull cell‐free samples directly from the bioreactors, chemically process them, and deliver them to a chromatography‐mass spectroscopy system for rapid identification and quantification. We were able to successfully monitor amino acid concentration on‐line within multiple reactors, evaluate glycans off‐line, and extract four principal components to assess the amino acid concentration and glycosylation profile relationship. We found that about a third of the variability in the glycosylation data can be predicted from the amino acid concentration. Additionally, we determined that the third and fourth principal component accounts for 72% of our model's predictive power, with the third component indicated to be positively correlated with latent metabolic processes related to galactosylation. Here we present our work on rapid online spent media amino acid analysis and use the determined trends to collate with glycan time progression, further elucidating the correlation between bioreactor parameters such as amino acid nutrient profiles, and product quality. We believe such approaches may be useful for maximizing efficiency and reducing production costs for biotherapeutics.
Current perspectives of cardio‐oncology: Epidemiology, adverse effects, pre‐treatment screening and prevention strategies
Authors: Bychowski Jakub , Sobiczewski Wojciech
Published: April 2023

Cancer and cardiac diseases are the most prevalent causes of death in most developed countries. Due to the earlier detection and higher effectiveness of treatment, more patients survive the disease and have a long life expectancy. As the post‐cancer population is growing, an increasing number of patients will be diagnosed with sequelae of those therapies, most often affecting the cardiovascular system. Although the risk of cancer recurrence decreases within years, the risk of cardiac complications—for example left ventricle (LV) systolic and diastolic dysfunction, arterial hypertension, arrhythmias, pericardial effusion and premature coronary artery disease remains elevated for decades after the completion of the therapy. The most common anticancer therapies that can cause adverse cardiovascular effects include chemotherapy—in particular anthracyclines, human epidermal growth receptor 2 targeted drugs and radiation therapy. A new field of research, cardio‐oncology, addresses this increasing risk, screening, diagnosis and prevention. This review aims to present the most relevant reports regarding the adverse cardiac effects of oncological therapy, including the most prevalent types of cardiotoxicity, methods of pre‐treatment screening and indications for prevention therapy.
Interplay between membrane proteins and membrane protein‐lipid pertaining to plant salinity stress
Authors: Dutta Debajyoti
Published: April 2023

High salinity in agricultural lands is one of the predominant issues limiting agricultural yields. Plants have developed several mechanisms to withstand salinity stress, but the mechanisms are not effective enough for most crops to prevent and persist the salinity stress. Plant salt tolerance pathways involve membrane proteins that have a crucial role in sensing and mitigating salinity stress. Due to a strategic location interfacing two distinct cellular environments, membrane proteins can be considered checkpoints to the salt tolerance pathways in plants. Related membrane proteins functions include ion homeostasis, osmosensing or ion sensing, signal transduction, redox homeostasis, and small molecule transport. Therefore, modulating plant membrane proteins' function, expression, and distribution can improve plant salt tolerance. This review discusses the membrane protein–protein and protein–lipid interactions related to plant salinity stress. It will also highlight the finding of membrane protein–lipid interactions from the context of recent structural evidence. Finally, the importance of membrane protein–protein and protein–lipid interaction is discussed, and a future perspective on studying the membrane protein–protein and protein–lipid interactions to develop strategies for improving salinity tolerance is proposed.
Dinuclear Iron(II) Triple Helicates Exhibiting Room Temperature Spin‐Transition Behaviour in Solid and Solution Phase
Authors: Jyoti Mondal Dibya , Gupta Arindam , Konar Sanjit
Published: April 2023

Herein, three dinuclear iron(II) helicates bearing the molecular formula [Fe2(L1)3](ClO4)4 ⋅ 2CH3OH ⋅ 3H2O (complex 1), [Fe2(L2)3](ClO4)4 ⋅ 6CH3CN (complex 2), and [Fe2(L3)3](ClO4)4 ⋅ 0.5H2O (complex 3) have been synthesized using imidazole and pyridine‐imine‐based ligands having fluorene moiety in the backbone. A change in the ligand field strength by terminal modulation led to a change in the spin‐transition behaviour from incomplete, multi‐step to complete, around room temperature in the solid state. Spin transition behaviour has also been observed in the solution phase characterized using variable temperature 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (Evans method) and correlated using UV‐visible spectroscopy. Fitting the NMR data using the ideal solution model yielded the transition temperature in the order T1/2 (1)<T1/2 (2)<T1/2 (3), which indicates an increase in the ligand field strength from complexes 1 to 3. This study accentuates the interplay between the ligand field strength, crystal packing, and supramolecular interactions in fine‐tuning the spin transition behaviour effectively.
18F‐Labeling Chemistry in Aqueous Media
Authors: Zhang Kaiqiang , Feng Wanru , Mou Zhaobiao , Chen Jiayin , Tang Xiaoqun , Li Zijing
Published: April 2023

18F‐Labeled molecular tracers and subsequent positron emission tomography are indispensable molecular imaging tools in medical diagnosis and research. The preparation of 18F‐labeled molecular tracers involves critical steps such as the 18F‐labeling reaction, work‐up, and 18F‐product purification, which are governed by 18F‐labeling chemistry. Since direct incorporation of 18F in aqueous media exhibits many advantages in practice, this Review summarizes the existing 18F‐labeling methods in aqueous media, which are sorted by atoms forming chemical covalent bonds with F. The Review is focused on the respective reaction mechanism, the water effect and the applications of these methods for the development of 18F‐radiopharmaceuticals. The research progress on aqueous nucleophilic labeling methods using [18F]F− as the 18F source has been mainly discussed.
Trading Symmetry for Stereoinduction in Tetradentate, non‐C2‐Symmetric Fe(II)‐Complexes for Asymmetric Catalysis
Authors: Steinlandt Philipp S. , Hemming Marcel , Xie Xiulan , Ivlev Sergei I. , Meggers Eric
Published: April 2023

A series of stereogenic‐at‐metal iron complexes comprising a non‐C2‐symmetric chiral topology is introduced and applied to asymmetric 3d‐transition metal catalysis. The chiral iron(II) complexes are built from chiral tetradentate N4‐ligands containing a proline‐derived amino pyrrolidinyl backbone which controls the relative (cis‐α coordination) and absolute metal‐centered configuration (Λ vs. Δ). Two chloride ligands complement the octahedral coordination sphere. The modular composition of the tetradentate ligands facilitates the straightforward incorporation of different terminal coordinating heteroaromatic groups into the scaffold. The influence of various combinations was evaluated in an asymmetric ring contraction of isoxazoles to 2H‐azirines revealing that a decrease of symmetry is beneficial for the stereoinduction to obtain chiral products in up to 99 % yield and with up to 92 % ee. Conveniently, iron catalysis is feasible under open flask conditions with the bench‐stable dichloro complexes exhibiting high robustness towards oxidative or hydrolytic decomposition. The versatility of non‐racemic 2H‐azirines was subsequently showcased with the conversion into a variety of quaternary α‐amino acid derivatives.
Enabling Ultrahigh Surface Area of Covalently‐linked Organic Framework for Boosted CO2 Capture: An Air Liquid Interfacial Plasma as Post‐furnishing Protocol
Authors: Jyoti Bora Hridoy , Jyoti Boruah Palash , Kalita Parismita , Gogoi Gautomi , Bailung Heremba , Sen Sarma Neelotpal , Kalita Anamika
Published: April 2023

The cognitive intent of a highly ordered and robust adsorbent is extremely sensible and, in this context, Covalent Organic Framework (COF) materials have significantly burgeoned their scope in diverse applications. Herein, a simple time‐competent hydrothermal procedure is presented to construct a covalent framework with an ultrahigh surface area of 1428 m2/g that shows active adsorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) at variable temperature ranges. Moreover, a facile scalably controlled post‐synthetic air liquid interfacial plasma (ALIP) induced protocol is substantiated that explicitly amplifies the surface area of the pristine framework even to a higher value of 2051 m2/g. The post‐synthetic plasma approach presented here led to the rapid enhancement of the surface area of the pristine COF by 43 %, which concurrently advances the CO2 uptake up to 67 %. Hence, the current study may open up a new frontier in the design as well as fine‐tune the properties of the covalent framework that unfolds the advanced outlook in addressing the challenges of CO2 capture.
Polymeric Unimolecular CO Dehydrogenase Mimic with both Inner and Outer Spheres for Enhanced Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Dai Haojie , Cui Rui , Chen Chuanshuang , Song Jiatian , Li Jinghan , Dong Lize , Yu Chunyang , Jiang Wenfeng , Zhou Yongfeng
Published: April 2023

Inspired by carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH), mimicking its inner and outer spheres is a promising strategy in CO2 reduction catalyst design. However, artificial CODH‐like catalysts are generally limited to the inner sphere effect and only applicable in organic solvents or for electrocatalysis. Herein, an aqueous CODH mimic with both inner and outer spheres for photocatalysis is reported. In this polymeric unimolecular catalyst, the inner sphere is composed of cobalt porphyrin with four appended amido groups and the outer sphere consists of four poly(2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) arms. Upon visible light irradiation (λ >420 nm), the as‐prepared catalyst exhibits a turnover number (TONCO) of 1731.2 in the reduction of CO2 into CO, which is comparable to most reported molecular catalysts in aqueous solution. The mechanism studies indicate that, in this water‐dispersible and structurally well‐defined CODH mimic, the cobalt porphyrin core serves as the catalysis center and the amido groups function as hydrogen‐bonding pillars helping to stabilize the CO2 adduct intermediate, whereas the PDMAEMA shell renders both water solubility and a CO2 reservoir through reversibly capturing of CO2. The present work has clarified the significance of coordination sphere effects for improving the aqueous photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance of CODH mimics.
Registered Reports: A new chapter at Ecology & Evolution
Authors: Gya Ragnhild , Birkeli Kristine , Dahle Ingrid J. , Foote Christopher G. , Geange Sonya R. , Lynn Joshua S. , Töpper Joachim P. , Vandvik Vigdis , Zernichow Camilla , Jenkins Gareth B.
Published: April 2023

Ecology & Evolution has published its first Registered Report and offers the perspective of the editor, author, and student on the publication process.
Sex differences in the generalizability of randomized clinical trials in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Schroeder Megan , Lim Yvonne Mei Fong , Savarese Gianluigi , Suzart‐Woischnik Kiliana , Baudier Claire , Dyszynski Tomasz , Vaartjes Ilonca , Eijkemans Marinus J.C. , Uijl Alicia , Herrera Ronald , Vradi Eleni , Brugts Jasper J. , Brunner‐La Rocca Hans‐Peter , Blanc‐Guillemaud Vanessa , Waechter Sandra , Couvelard Fabrice , Tyl Benoit , Fatoba Samuel , Hoes Arno W. , Lund Lars H. , Gerlinger Christoph , Asselbergs Folkert W. , Grobbee Diederick E. , Cronin Maureen , Koudstaal Stefan
Published: April 2023

Aims

In order to understand how sex differences impact the generalizability of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) in patients with heart failure (HF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), we sought to compare clinical characteristics and clinical outcomes between RCTs and HF observational registries stratified by sex.

Methods and results

Data from two HF registries and five HFrEF RCTs were used to create three subpopulations: one RCT population (n = 16 917; 21.7% females), registry patients eligible for RCT inclusion (n = 26 104; 31.8% females), and registry patients ineligible for RCT inclusion (n = 20 810; 30.2% females). Clinical endpoints included all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and first HF hospitalization at 1 year. Males and females were equally eligible for trial enrolment (56.9% of females and 55.1% of males in the registries). One‐year mortality rates were 5.6%, 14.0%, and 28.6% for females and 6.9%, 10.7%, and 24.6% for males in the RCT, RCT‐eligible, and RCT‐ineligible groups, respectively. After adjusting for 11 HF prognostic variables, RCT females showed higher survival compared to RCT‐eligible females (standardized mortality ratio [SMR] 0.72; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62–0.83), while RCT males showed higher adjusted mortality rates compared to RCT‐eligible males (SMR 1.16; 95% CI 1.09–1.24). Similar results were also found for cardiovascular mortality (SMR 0.89; 95% CI 0.76–1.03 for females, SMR 1.43; 95% CI 1.33–1.53 for males).

Conclusion

Generalizability of HFrEF RCTs differed substantially between the sexes, with females having lower trial participation and female trial participants having lower mortality rates compared to similar females in the registries, while males had higher than expected cardiovascular mortality rates in RCTs compared to similar males in registries.
Thioether‐Substituted Hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronenes
Authors: Mörsel Sven , Kellner René , Hirsch Andreas
Published: April 2023

The synthesis of novel mono‐, di‐, tri‐, tetra‐, and hexafluorinated hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronenes (HBCs) and their conversion into their thioether‐substituted analogs is reported. The substitution reaction with the corresponding thiolates was performed microwave‐assisted to significantly reduce the reaction time. With increasing amount of fluorination or thioether‐substituents, a decreasing extinction coefficient can be observed for the HBCs. Successive addition of thioether‐moieties leads to a bathochromic shift of the absorption and emission bands, whereas the nature of the attached thioether does not affect the optoelectronical properties. To further tune the electronic environment of the HBC core, a successive oxidation to the corresponding sulfone as well as the formation of the sulfonium salts were performed. With that, the electron‐donating thioethers were transformed into electron‐withdrawing substituents, resulting in an inversed electron demand in the periphery of the core. The so obtained compounds showed decreased extinction coefficients and a broadening of the absorption and emission bands.
A State‐of‐Art Review of the Metal Oxide‐Based Nanomaterials Effect on Photocatalytic Degradation of Malachite Green Dyes and a Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Umar Ehtisham , Ikram Muhammad , Haider Junaid , Nabgan Walid , Imran Muhammad , Nazir Ghazanfar
Published: April 2023

A wide range of hard contaminants in wastewater is generated from different industries as byproducts of the organic compound. In this review, various metal oxide‐based nanomaterials are employed for the photocatalytic removal of malachite green (MG) dye from wastewater. Some cost‐effective and appropriate testing conditions are used for degrading these hard dyes to get higher removal efficiency. The effects of specific parameters are considered such as how the catalyst is made, how much dye is in the solution at first, how much nanocatalyst is needed to break down the dye, the initial pH of the dye solution, the type of light source used, the year of publications, and how long the dye has to be exposed to light to be removed. This study suggests that Scopus‐based core collected data employ bibliometric methods to provide an objective analysis of global MG dye from 2011 to 2022 (12 years). The Scopus database collects all the information (articles, authors, keywords, and publications). For bibliometric analysis, 658 publications are retrieved corresponding to MG dye photodegradation, and the number of publications increases annually. A bibliometric study reveals a state‐of‐art review of metal oxide‐based nanomaterials' effects on photocatalytic degradation of MG dyes (12 years).
Colour‐based segmentation using FCM and K‐means clustering for 3D thyroid gland state image classification using deep convolutional neural network structure
Authors: Ongole Devanand , Saravanan S.
Published: April 2023

Thyroid cancer is a rare disease that often goes undetected until it reaches advanced stages. This study presents a novel approach for identifying Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TI‐RADS) stages of thyroid nodules using a deep convolutional neural network (Deep‐CNN) model. Our method incorporates pre‐processing, segmentation and feature extraction using colour based fuzzy‐c‐means and K‐means clustering, followed by deep learning classification. We demonstrate the efficacy of our proposed approach by achieving a success rate of 87% for classifying TI‐RADS1, TI‐RADS2, TI‐RADS3, TI‐RADS4 and TI‐RADS5 stages, outperforming other state‐of‐the‐art models. Our study fills an important gap in the literature, as previous studies have mainly focused on the margins of thyroid nodules rather than their calcium flecks. Our results offer promise for improving the accuracy and efficiency of thyroid cancer detection and management.
Macular choroidal thickness and correlations in a healthy pediatric South Asian cohort: A spectral domain optical coherence tomography study
Authors: Nadeem Sana
Published: April 2023

Purpose

The objective of this study is to assess the normative macular choroidal thickness (ChT) in healthy children with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) and study its correlations with age, intraocular pressure, axial length, corneal thickness, cup‐to‐disc ratio, and spherical equivalent.

Methods

This study recruited 89 healthy children. Macular ChT was measured in five locations, subfoveal, 1500 μm and 3000 μm nasal, and temporal to the fovea via the Optopol REVO80® SD‐OCT.

Results

The mean age was 11.17 years. The mean subfoveal ChT was 332.33 ± 73.07 μm, ChT 1500 μm nasal to the fovea; 281.19 ± 66.67 μm, ChT 1500 μm temporal to the fovea; 293.25 ± 71.11 μm, ChT 3000 μm nasal to the fovea; 219.55 ± 67.4 μm, ChT 3000 μm temporal to the fovea; 264.31 ± 70.8 μm. A correlation of subfoveal ChT was not observed with the variables.

Conclusions

This study illustrates the normative pediatric macular ChT profile.
Comparison of Misoprostol and Evening Primrose Oil on Cervical Preparation Before Gynecological Surgery
Authors: Rahbar Nahid , Sharafshahi Fatemeh , Ghods Sanaz , Ghorbani Raheb
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of evening primrose oil (EPO) for cervical ripening before gynecologic procedures and compare it to misoprostol. In this study, 40 hysteroscopy and dilation and curettage candidates were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either 2000 mg of vaginal EPO (n = 20) or 200 μg of vaginal misoprostol (n = 20) 2 hours before the expected procedure. The measured outcomes were the size of the Hegar dilator that passed through the cervix effortlessly, uterine cervicovaginal complications, and drug‐related side effects. The two groups were not significantly different in age, number of gravity, parity, type of delivery, and menopausal status (P > .05). The mean ± SD size of the first dilator was 5.25 ± 1.55 in the misoprostol group and 7.30 ± 1.08 in the EPO group (P < .001). The pain complaint in the EPO group was significantly lower (P = .027), but the two groups were not significantly different in terms of other complications. No cases of uterine or cervical rupture were seen in either group. The present study showed that 2000 mg of vaginal EPO was significantly more effective for cervical ripening than 200 μg of vaginal misoprostol before gynecological surgery. Therefore, it is recommended to use EPO as an alternative to misoprostol.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Rivaroxaban in Real‐World Patients
Authors: Alqahtani Saeed , Alnahdi Jamilah , Almofada Razan , bin hazza Asma'a , Alsultan Abdullah , Alqahtani Farjah
Published: April 2023

The pharmacokinetics (PK) of rivaroxaban have been studied in different populations, and there were differences in the PK parameters. However, most of these studies were conducted on healthy subjects from different ethnic groups. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the PK of rivaroxaban in real‐world patients to determine the covariates that may cause differences in the pharmacokinetics of rivaroxaban. This was a prospective observational study. Five blood samples were collected at different time points after starting the rivaroxaban dose. Plasma concentrations were analyzed, and population PK models were developed using Monolix version 4.4 software. In total, 100 blood samples from 20 patients (50% men/50% women) were analyzed. The patients’ mean (±standard deviation) age was 53.1 (±15.5) years and their mean body weight was 81.7 (±27.2) kg. The PK of rivaroxaban were described by a 1‐compartment model. The initial estimates for the absorption rate constant, apparent clearance (CL/F), and apparent volume of distribution were 1.8/h, 4.46 L/h, and 21.7 L, respectively. The interindividual variability for absorption rate constant, CL/F, and volume of distribution was 14%, 24%, and 29.3%, respectively. Covariates were tested for their influence on rivaroxaban pharmacokinetics. The aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, body mass index, and albumin concentrations had an effect on the CL/F of rivaroxaban. In this analysis, the population PK model of rivaroxaban found significant interindividual variability. Several covariates influenced the clearance of rivaroxaban and contributed to this variability. The results may provide a guide that can aid the clinician during the initiation and adjustment of therapeutic regimens.
Detection of H275Y oseltamivir resistance gene mutation among Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 patients by allelic discrimination real‐time RT‐PCR
Authors: Krishna Smriti , Jayaram Anup , Shetty Ujwal , Varamballi Prasad , Mukhopadhyay Chiranjay , Jagadesh Anitha
Published: April 2023

Influenza viruses can mutate genetically and cause a range of respiratory ailments. The H275Y mutation in the neuraminidase (NA) gene reduces the effectiveness of oseltamivir, a widely used drug for the treatment of Influenza A and B virus infection. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends single‐nucleotide polymorphism assays to detect this mutation. The present study aims to estimate the prevalence of H275Y mutation conferring oseltamivir resistance in Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus among hospitalized patients from June 2014 to December 2021. Following the WHO protocol, allelic discrimination real‐time RT‐PCR was performed for 752 samples. Out of the 752 samples, 1 tested positive for Y275 gene mutation by allelic discrimination real‐time RT‐PCR. In samples of years 2020 and 2021, neither the H275 nor Y275 genotype was detected. Sequencing of the NA gene of all negative samples showed a mismatch between the NA sequence and the probes used in the allelic discrimination assay. Also, Y275 mutation was detected in only 1 sample from 2020. The prevalence of oseltamivir resistance was estimated as 0.27% among the Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 patients during 2014−2021. The study highlights that the WHO‐recommended probes for detecting H275Y mutation may not be useful to detect 2020 and 2021 circulating strains of Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring of mutations in the influenza virus.
An efficient extrinsic capacitances extraction method for small‐signal GaN HEMT devices
Authors: Zatout Boumediene , Maafri Djabar , Taibi Abdelkader , Belaroussi Yasmina , Kerai Salim , Al Sabbagh Mohamad , Yagoub Mustapha C. E.
Published: April 2023

This article proposes a new extraction technique to determine the GaN HEMT extrinsic capacitances over a wide frequency band on two different substrates, namely, the silicon and the silicon carbide. The proposed technique, which uses a small‐signal model equivalent circuit under cold pinch‐off operating conditions, is based on the proposal of a new small‐signal equivalent circuit which allows extracting first the extrinsic resistances and inductances. Then comes the extraction of extrinsic capacitances at high frequency. The proposed approach achieved successful results through close agreement with measured data up to 60 GHz.
Next generation of boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) agents for cancer treatment
Authors: Coghi Paolo , Li Jinxin , Hosmane Narayan S. , Zhu Yinghuai
Published: April 2023

Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) is one of the most promising treatments among neutron capture therapies due to its long‐term clinical application and unequivocally obtained success during clinical trials. Boron drug and neutron play an equivalent crucial role in BNCT. Nevertheless, current clinically used l‐boronophenylalanine (BPA) and sodium borocaptate (BSH) suffer from large uptake dose and low blood to tumor selectivity, and that initiated overwhelm screening of next generation of BNCT agents. Various boron agents, such as small molecules and macro/nano‐vehicles, have been explored with better success. In this featured article, different types of agents are rationally analyzed and compared, and the feasible targets are shared to present a perspective view for the future of BNCT in cancer treatment. This review aims at summarizing the current knowledge of a variety of boron compounds, reported recently, for the application of BCNT.
Using 3D deep features from CT scans for cancer prognosis based on a video classification model: A multi‐dataset feasibility study
Authors: Chen Junhua , Wee Leonard , Dekker Andre , Bermejo Inigo
Published: April 2023

Background

Cancer prognosis before and after treatment is key for patient management and decision making. Handcrafted imaging biomarkers—radiomics—have shown potential in predicting prognosis.

Purpose

However, given the recent progress in deep learning, it is timely and relevant to pose the question: could deep learning based 3D imaging features be used as imaging biomarkers and outperform radiomics?

Methods

Effectiveness, reproducibility in test/retest, across modalities, and correlation of deep features with clinical features such as tumor volume and TNM staging were tested in this study. Radiomics was introduced as the reference image biomarker. For deep feature extraction, we transformed the CT scans into videos, and we adopted the pre‐trained Inflated 3D ConvNet (I3D) video classification network as the architecture. We used four datasets—LUNG 1 (n = 422), LUNG 4 (n = 106), OPC (n = 605), and H&N 1 (n = 89)—with 1270 samples from different centers and cancer types—lung and head and neck cancer—to test deep features’ predictiveness and two additional datasets to assess the reproducibility of deep features.

Results

Support Vector Machine–Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM–RFE) selected top 100 deep features achieved a concordance index (CI) of 0.67 in survival prediction in LUNG 1, 0.87 in LUNG 4, 0.76 in OPC, and 0.87 in H&N 1, while SVM‐RFE selected top 100 radiomics achieved CIs of 0.64, 0.77, 0.73, and 0.74, respectively, all statistically significant differences (p < 0.01, Wilcoxon's test). Most selected deep features are not correlated with tumor volume and TNM staging. However, full radiomics features show higher reproducibility than full deep features in a test/retest setting (0.89 vs. 0.62, concordance correlation coefficient).

Conclusion

The results show that deep features can outperform radiomics while providing different views for tumor prognosis compared to tumor volume and TNM staging. However, deep features suffer from lower reproducibility than radiomic features and lack the interpretability of the latter.
Sustaining hope: A narrative inquiry study exploring midwives' hope‐focused practices in HIV care in Ghana
Authors: Puplampu Gideon L. , LeMay Lenora M. , Asamoah‐Ampofo Evelyn , Caine Vera
Published: April 2023

HIV remains a statistically significant issue for women of childbearing age in Ghana. Nurses and midwives form the backbone of care providers for the prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission programmes. However, nurses and midwives receive little support to provide the emotional aspects of HIV/AIDS care.

Aim

Our aim was to build an understanding of how midwives currently embrace their experience of hope and hoping to support mothers living with HIV.

Design

This is narrative inquiry study.

Methods

We engaged in two to three conversations with five midwives in rural settings in Ghana to understand their experiences of hope and hoping in their interactions with mothers living with HIV. Using the narrative inquiry common places of temporality, the social and personal, and space/place, we wrote narrative accounts for each participant and then searched for resonances across the narrative accounts.

Results

We highlight three emerging narrative threads that resonated across narrative accounts. The three emerging narrative threads were (1) sustaining hope by drawing on life experiences across time and place; (2) hope is sustained through a focus on relational engagement with mothers; (3) midwives embrace the possibility to learn more about hope‐focused practices.

Conclusion

The midwives began, although tentatively, to shine light on the things and events that diminished their abilities to maintain a hopeful perspective. At the same time, they became more comfortable and familiar with the notion of making hope visible and accessible in their experiences.

Impact

Since the midwives welcomed additional support to cope with the challenges they were experiencing, we imagine one day being able to make sense of how nurses and midwives engage with a narrative pedagogy of hope. Including hope‐focused practices in nursing and midwifery preservice and in‐service opportunities is important.

Patient or Public Contribution

There was no direct patient or public involvement in this study.
Closing knowledge gaps among parents of children with sickle cell trait
Authors: Beeman Chase M. , Abrams Mary Ann , Zajo Kristin , Stanek Joseph , Martinez‐Mendez Alexandra , Creary Susan E.
Published: April 2023

Background

Despite needing to be informed about sickle cell trait (SCT) status to make informed reproductive decisions, more than 80% of adults with SCT, including parents of children with SCT who have a high prevalence of SCT, do not know their status.

Procedure

This was a prospective study of parents who received SCT telephone education from the state department of health and then completed SCTaware, a videoconference‐administered SCT education program. The objectives were to evaluate knowledge after telephone education and explore if SCTaware closes knowledge gaps. Participants completed a demographic survey, a health literacy assessment, and reported their SCT status. They completed the Sickle Cell Trait Knowledge Assessment before receiving SCTaware, immediately after, and at follow‐up visits; high knowledge was a score of 75% or higher correct.

Results

SCTaware and the initial surveys were completed by 61 parents; 45 completed the 6‐month surveys. Only 43% of participants had high SCT knowledge after telephone education; 92% achieved high knowledge immediately after, and 84% continued with high knowledge at 6 months. Most parents reported they were aware of their SCT status after telephone education; 12 changed their response after receiving SCTaware.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that over half of parents have low SCT knowledge following telephone education, and many may be unaware of their status. SCTaware closes knowledge gaps, leads to high sustained knowledge, and is a potentially scalable tool. Future studies should refine SCTaware and determine if parents use their knowledge to inform their children and reproductive decisions.
Effect of selectively localized layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanosheet on microstructure, toughness, rheological, and crystallization behaviors of PP/EVA/LDH ternary composites
Authors: Guo Xincheng , Chen Yao , Qin Jun , Guo Jianbing , Xu Xiaoyu , Lian Honglin , Lu Zongcheng , Chen Xiaolang
Published: April 2023

Polypropylene/ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer/layered double hydroxide (PP/EVA/LDH) ternary composites are fabricated by three different processing methods (Methods I, II, and III). The phase morphology distribution, mechanical toughness, rheological, and crystallization behaviors of PP/EVA/LDH ternary composites are investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Izod impact test, rheology, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and polarizing optical microscope. The theoretical calculation results of the wetting coefficient (ωa) show that LDH nanosheets are preferentially localized in the EVA phase. The cross‐sectional results combined with SEM show that the dispersion and phase morphology distribution of LDH are closely related to the kinetic parameter of the blending sequences. The possible phase distribution mechanism is elucidated accordingly. The II‐6c sample has a highest impact strength (4.8 kJ/m2) under the method II compared with that of PP (2.8 kJ/m2) and PP/EVA (4.1 kJ/m2), which shows a more excellent toughening effect due to the synergy of elasticity of EVA and localization of LDH. The DSC results show III‐6e sample has a highest crystallinity (61.8%) because of more well‐dispersed LDH localized in PP matrix phase, providing more crystallization nucleation sites under method III.
Registration of ‘Runde’ spring bread wheat cultivar
Authors: Mavindidze Peter , Mutari Bruce , Kutywayo Dumisani , Mavankeni Busiso Olga
Published: April 2023

‘Runde’ (Reg. no. CV‐1201, PI 702366; S02147‐7H‐0N‐2H‐0N) soft white spring bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar was developed by Crop Breeding Institute and released in December 2016 through the National Variety Release Committee. Runde was selected from a cross between S98066‐7H‐0G‐1H‐0N and F99012 made in 2002 at Harare Research Station. S98066‐7H‐0G‐1H‐0N is an experimental line made from a cross between F97009 (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center [CIMMYT] line) and SC91155‐4H‐0G‐0H‐0G‐6G‐0N (Crop Breeding Institute line). F99012 is an experimental line developed by CIMMYT. Runde (S02147‐7H‐0N‐2H‐0N) is a product of a 2002 cross made in Zimbabwe as cross no. 147, using the pedigree method. Runde is an early maturing, rust tolerant, and high yielding cultivar. It is generally large‐seeded (49 g/1000 grains). The genotype was among the best performing cultivars with tolerance to rusts due to the presence of leaf rust and stem rust resistance genes, Lr34, Sr2, and Lr68. It has high flour extraction potential, good dough mixing characteristics, and high flour concentration.
Impact of body mass index on the circulating levels of nitric oxide metabolites in clinicopathological features from women with breast cancer
Authors: Ferreira Fagotti Pâmella Aparecida , Oliveira Colleto Matheus Iago , Okamoto Ferreira Mariane , Teixeira Maito Vitor , Campestrini Bruno Vinicius , Scandolara Thalita Basso , de Souza Janoário Athanázio , Rech Daniel , da Silva Janaína Carla , Alves Fernanda Mara , Jacob Victorino Vanessa , Venturini Danielle , Panis Carolina
Published: April 2023

To investigate the clinical meaning of systemic nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) by comparing eutrophic and overweight/obese patients with breast cancer, considering clinical factors determinant of disease prognosis. A total of 61 women diagnosed with breast cancer were included in the study. NOx estimative was performed on plasma samples using the cadmium–copper‐Griess method. It was then categorized according to the age at diagnosis, body mass index, menopausal status, tumor histological features, molecular subtype lymph nodal invasion, and emboli presence, considering p ≤ 0.05 as significant. A significant augment was observed in NOx levels from overweight patients carrying Luminal B tumors concerning the Luminal B eutrophic ones. There was a considerable reduction in NOx levels in eutrophic postmenopausal patients compared to the overweight postmenopausal ones. Patients bearing tumor sizes between 2 and 5 cm in the eutrophic group had lower levels of NOx, concerning the overweight patients carrying tumors of the same size interval. Circulating NOx levels change significantly according to the trophic‐adipose status of breast cancer patients, and it is further affected by prognostic factors related to poor disease prognosis.