bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of near‐infrared spectroscopy for the estimation of volatile compounds in Tempranillo Blanco grape berries during ripening
Authors: Marín‐San Román Sandra , Fernández‐Novales Juan , Cebrián‐Tarancón Cristina , Sánchez‐Gómez Rosario , Diago María Paz , Garde‐Cerdán Teresa
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

The knowledge of volatile compounds concentration in grape berries is very valuable information for the winemaker, since these compounds are strongly involved in the final wine quality, and in consumer acceptance. In addition, it would allow to set the harvest date according to aromatic maturity, to classify grape berries according to their quality and to make wines with different characteristics, among other implications. However, so far, there are no tools that allow the volatile composition to be measured directly on intact berries, either in the vineyard or in the winery.

RESULTS

In this work, the use of near‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy to estimate the aromatic composition and total soluble solids (TSS) of Tempranillo Blanco grape berries during ripening was evaluated. For this purpose, the spectra in the NIR range (1100–2100 nm) of 240 intact berry samples were acquired in the laboratory. From these same samples, the concentration of volatile compounds was analyzed by thin film‐solid‐phase microextraction‐gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TF‐SPME‐GC–MS), and the TSS were quantified by refractometry. These two methods were used as reference methods for model building. Calibration, cross‐validation and prediction models were built from spectral data using partial least squares (PLS). Determination coefficients of cross‐validation (R2CV) above 0.5 were obtained for all volatile compounds, their families, and TSS.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support that NIR spectroscopy can be successfully use to estimate the aromatic composition as well as the TSS of intact Tempranillo Blanco berries in a non‐destructive, fast, and contactless form, allowing simultaneous determination of technological and aromatic maturities. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of different colors of film mulch on soil temperature and rice growth in a non‐flooded condition
Authors: Zhang Youliang , Huang Chenyu , Zhao Long , Feng Shaoyuan , Zhao Zhonghua , Zhang Lu
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Rice cultivation under film mulching with no flooding is widely used as an effective water‐saving technology. Different colors of film mulch have different effects on the soil hydrothermal environment and crop growth because of their different optical properties. However, the effects of different colors of film mulch on soil temperature and rice physiological growth are not clearly understood.

RESULTS

Field experiments were conducted in 2019 and 2020 to investigate the effects of different color mulches on soil temperature and rice growth in a non‐flooded condition. Transparent film (TM), black film (BM), two‐color film (BWM, silver on the front and black on the back), and no film (NM) in a non‐flooded condition were designed. Soil temperature variation at different soil depths of 0–0.25 m and rice plant height, stem thickness, dry matter, yield and quality were monitored. The results showed that compared to no mulching, the mulching treatment effectively increased the average soil temperature during the whole rice growth stage with the soil temperature ranked TM > BM > BWM. Compared with NM, the BM and BWM treatments increased rice yield by 12.1–17.7% and 6.4–14.4% in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The BWM had 18.2% and 6.8% greater gel consistency than NM in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Transparent film should be applied with care because of the high soil temperature stress. Black film and two‐color film (silver on the front and black on the back) could be better option for rice yield, increasing and quality improving in a non‐flooded condition. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Pilonidal sinus disease carcinoma: Survival and recurrence analysis
Authors: Safadi Mhd Firas , Degiannis Konstantinos , Doll Dietrich
Published: May 2023

Background

The study aims to determine the survival and recurrence rates of pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) carcinoma.

Methods

The data were collected retrospectively by searching the worldwide literature for all reports of carcinoma developing on the background of PSD. The results were presented using Kaplan–Meier curves.

Results

Between 1900 and 2022, 140 cases of PSD carcinoma were published in 103 papers, with follow‐up data available in 111 cases. Squamous cell carcinoma constituted 94.6% of the cases (n = 105). The disease‐specific survival rate was 61.7% for 3 years, 59.8% for 5 years, and 53.2% for 10 years. There was a significant survival difference between stages: 80.0% in stages I and II, 70.8% in stage III, and 47.8% in stage IV (p = 0.01). The 5‐year survival in G1‐tumors was better than G2 and G3‐tumors at 70.5% and 32.0%, respectively (p = 0.002). Recurrence occurred in 46.6% of the patients. The time‐to‐recurrence in patients treated with curative intention averaged 15.1 months (1–132 months). Local, regional, and distant recurrence was observed in 75.6%, 33.3%, and 28.9% of the recurrent tumors, respectively.

Conclusions

Pilonidal sinus carcinoma has a worse prognosis than primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Poor prognostic factors include advanced‐stage disease and poor differentiation.
Reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruption secondary to SARS‐CoV‐2 and influenza A coinfection with varicella zoster virus reactivation
Authors: Moshayedi Aref , Malachowski Stephen J. , Haught Justin
Published: May 2023

Reactive infectious mucocutaneous eruption (RIME) is a newly proposed clinical entity characterised by post‐infectious mucositis involving two or more mucous membranes. The term expands the previously described Mycoplasma pneumoniae‐induced rash and mucositis to include additional infectious agents. We report a case of RIME secondary to SARS‐CoV2 and Influenza A coinfection with subsequent reactivation of varicella zoster virus on the lips. RIME can have significant clinical overlap with Stevens‐Johnson Syndrome and differentiation is key in limiting unnecessary future medication restrictions on patients. This report serves to increase awareness of RIME, including to coinfections and possible reactivation of Human Herpes Viruses.
Detecting Mild Phonotrauma in Daily Life
Authors: Van Stan Jarrad H. , Burns James , Hron Tiffiny , Zeitels Steven , Panuganti Bharat A. , Purnell Phillip R. , Mehta Daryush D. , Hillman Robert E. , Ghasemzadeh Hamzeh
Published: May 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to gain quantitative insights into the role of daily voice use associated with mild phonotrauma via the Daily Phonotrauma Index (DPI), a measure derived from neck‐surface acceleration magnitude (NSAM) and difference between the first two harmonic magnitudes (H1 − H2).

Methods

An ambulatory voice monitor recorded weeklong voice use for 151 female patients with phonotraumatic vocal hyperfunction (PVH) and 181 female vocally healthy controls. Three laryngologists rated phonotrauma severity from each patient's laryngoscopy. Mixed generalized linear models evaluated the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of the original DPI trained on all patients versus a mild DPI version trained on only patients rated with mild phonotrauma. Individual contribution of NSAM and H1 − H2 to each DPI model was also evaluated.

Results

Reliability across the laryngologists' phonotrauma ratings was moderate (Fleiss κ = 0.41). There were 70, 69, and 12 patients with mild, moderate, and severe phonotrauma, respectively. The mild DPI, compared to the original DPI, correctly classified more patients with mild phonotrauma (Cohen's d = 0.9) and less controls (d = −0.9) and did not change in overall accuracy. H1 − H2 contributed less to mild phonotrauma classification than NSAM for mild DPI.

Conclusions

Compared with the original DPI, the mild DPI exhibited higher sensitivity to mild phonotrauma and lower specificity to controls, but the same overall classification accuracy. These results support the mild DPI as a promising detector of early phonotrauma and that NSAM may be associated with early phonotrauma, and H1 − H2 may be a biomarker associated with vocal fold vibration in the presence of lesions.

Level of Evidence

Level 4, case–control study Laryngoscope, 133:3094–3099, 2023
The Evolution and Outcomes of the “Maddern Procedure” for the Treatment of Subglottic Stenosis
Authors: Lorenz Robert R.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

A novel technique to treat subglottic stenosis, the “Maddern Procedure”, has been gaining acceptance in academic centers. This study describes the technique in detail, as well as its evolution over the first 28 patients performed at an academic center.

Methods

A prospective case‐series, with descriptive technique modifications cataloged throughout the 6 years needed to accumulate the patient cohort with a minimum of 2 years of follow‐up (11/2015–11/2021). Main outcomes examined included changes to surgical indications, complications, and post‐operative outcomes as measured by validated measures of voice and breathing.

Results

Complete resection of subglottic scaring was performed, at first transcervically (2 pts), then transorally (26 pts). Successful performance of the procedure occurred in all patients without complications, with either successful decannulation of previously existing tracheotomies, or removal of perioperative tracheotomies. Buccal grafts (8/26) replaced skin graft as the graft of choice. Although high subglottic disease was first thought to be a contraindication, superior results became evident in cases of high stenosis rather than disease that included the upper trachea, with 4/26 patients requiring subsequent tracheal resection or tracheal dilation. Of the 22 remaining patients, 19/22 had successful arresting of restenosis, with 2/22 undergoing subsequent cricotracheal resection, and 1/22 pts requiring subglottic dilation. Overall, 19/26 Maddern pts (73%) had objectively favorable outcomes, with 24/26 (92%) reporting that they would have undergone the procedure again.

Conclusion

Full‐thickness mucosal resection and relining of the subglottis is a developing technique that is a safe, yet technically challenging procedure which addresses the recurrent nature of the disease.

Level of Evidence

Level 4 (Case‐series) Laryngoscope, 133:3100–3108, 2023
Facilely Control Grafting Density and Side Chain Composition of Bottlebrush Polymer
Authors: Xiao Longqiang , Gao Danni , Hou Linxi
Published: May 2023

Control over polymer architecture and composition is essential for disclosing structure‐property relationships and developing high‐performance materials. Herein, a new method is successfully developed to synthesize bottlebrush polymer (BP) with controllable graft density and side chain composition by “grafting‐from” strategy using in situ halogen exchange and reversible chain transfer catalyzed polymerization (RTCP). The main chain of the BP is first synthesized by the polymerization of methacrylates containing alkyl bromide as a side group. Then, the alkyl bromine is quantitatively converted to alkyl iodide with sodium iodide (NaI) via in situ halogen exchange to efficiently initiate the RTCP of methacrylates. By adjusting the input amount of NaI and monomers in sequence, BP named PBPEMA‐g‐PMMA/PBzMA/PPEGMEMA which contains three different kinds of polymer side chains including hydrophilic PPEGMEMA, hydrophobic PMMA, and PBzMA is synthesized with narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn ≤ 1.36). The grafting density and the chain length of each polymer side chain are well controlled by the addition of NaI in batches and following RTCP. Moreover, the obtained BP self‐assembled into spherical vesicles in aqueous with hydrophilic coronal structure, core region, and the hydrophobic wall between the former two, which enables to wrap hydrophobic pyrene and hydrophilic Rhodamine 6G separately or simultaneously.
The VEGA web service: multipurpose online tools for molecular modelling and docking analyses
Authors: Pedretti Alessandro , Vittorio Serena , Sabato Emanuela , Vistoli Giulio , Mazzolari Angelica
Published: May 2023

The paper presents the VEGA Online web service, which includes a set of freely available tools deriving from the development of the VEGA suite of programs. In detail, the paper is focused on two tools: the VEGA Web Edition (WE) and the Score tool. The former is a versatile file format converter including relevant features for 2D/3D conversion, for surface mapping and for editing/preparing input files. The Score application allows rescoring docking poses and in particular includes the MLP Interactions Scores (MLPInS) for describing hydrophobic interactions. To the best of our knowledge, this web service is the only available resource by which one can calculate both the virtual log P of a given input molecule according to the MLP approach plus the corresponding MLP surface.
Improving In Vitro Detection of Sensitization to Lipid Transfer Proteins: A New Molecular Multiplex IgE Assay
Authors: Sara Balsells‐Vives , Ulrike Flügge , Bettina Brix , Yvonne Weimann , Teresa Peralta , Clara San Bartolomé , Giovanna Araujo‐Sánchez , Rocío Casas‐Saucedo , María Torradeflot , Rocío Lara , Rosa Munoz‐Cano , Joan Bartra , Waltraud Suer , Mariona Pascal
Published: May 2023

Scope

LTP‐syndrome is characterized by sensitization (IgE) to multiple non‐specific lipid transfer proteins (nsLTPs) with a variable clinical outcome. The treatment is primarily based on offending food avoidance. However, the determination of Pru p 3‐specific IgE is currently the main diagnostic tool to assess sensitization to nsLTPs. Herein, the study evaluates improvement of LTP‐syndrome diagnosis and clinical management using a new IgE multiplex‐immunoblot assay with a high diversity of food nsLTPs.

Methods and results

An EUROLINE‐LTP strip with 28 recombinant nsLTPs from 18 allergenic sources is designed. In total the study investigates 38 patients with LTP‐syndrome and compares results from the nsLTPs (LTP‐strip) with the respective food extracts of Prick‐by‐prick (PbP) testing. The agreement exceeds 70% for most nsLTPs, e.g., Pru p 3 (100%), Mal d 3 (97%), Pru av 3 (89%), Pha v 3 isoforms (87%/84%), Ara h 9 (82%), Cor a 8 (82%), and Jug r 3 (82%). The functionality and allergenic relevance of nine recombinant nsLTPs are proven by Basophil activation testing (BAT).

Conclusions

The new IgE multiplex‐immunoblot nsLTP assay shows a good diagnostic performance allowing culprit food assessment. Negative results from LTP‐strip may indicate potentially tolerable foods, improving diet intervention and patients’ quality of life.
Physiologically‐Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling of the Postbiotic Supplement Urolithin A Predicts its Bioavailability Is Orders of Magnitude Lower than Concentrations that Induce Toxicity, but also Neuroprotective Effects
Authors: Aichinger Georg , Stevanoska Maja , Beekmann Karsten , Sturla Shana J.
Published: May 2023

Scope

A range of health benefits are attributed to consuming urolithin A (UA), such as improved muscle health, anti‐aging activity, and neuroprotection, whereas few studies raise possible adverse effects at high doses, including genotoxicity and estrogenic effects. Therefore, understanding UA bioactivity and safety depends on its pharmacokinetics. However, there is no physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model available for UA, thus limiting reliable assessment of effects observed from in vitro experimentation.

Methods and results

We characterizes glucuronidation rates of UA by human S9 fractions. Partitioning and other physicochemical parameters are predicted using quantitative structure–activity relationship tools. Solubility and dissolution kinetics are determined experimentally. These parameters are used to construct a PBPK model, and results are compared with data from human intervention studies. We evaluates how different supplementation scenarios may influence UA plasma and tissue concentrations. Concentrations at which either toxic or beneficial effects are previously observed in vitro appear unlikely to be achieved in vivo.

Conclusion

A first PBPK model for UA is established. It enables prediction of systemic UA concentrations and is critical for extrapolating in vitro results to in vivo uses. Results support the safety of UA, but also challenge the potential for readily achieving beneficial effects by postbiotic supplementation.
A novel MIMO antenna with switchable UWB/5G modes for vehicular terminals
Authors: Kaliaperumal Kayalvizhi , Subramaniam Ramesh
Published: May 2023

This paper demonstrates the design and development of a dual‐operating mode multiple‐input and multiple‐output (MIMO) antenna. The MIMO antenna comprises a novel ultrawideband (UWB) antenna with selectively chosen feedlines to obtain bandwidth reconfiguration. The novel UWB monopole evolved from a rectangular monopole whose radiating portion and the ground plane are shaped to obtain broadband impedance matching from 2.3 to 10.7 GHz (Mode 1). The antenna is excited using a 50‐Ω microstrip line. An additional feed path is created and deployed to achieve bandwidth selectivity with a tuning fork bandpass filter (BPF) operating between 2.8 and 4 GHz. Bandwidth selection is performed using a pair of positive–intrinsic–negative diodes. Thus, in the reconfigured state, the monopole is connected to the excitation source through the BPF, restricting the operational bandwidth to 2.8–4.0 GHz (Mode 2). A vertically polarized four‐element MIMO antenna with pattern diversity characteristics is constructed, and the performance parameters are studied. The proposed multiantenna is fabricated and tested in the laboratory. The proposed MIMO antenna offers a measured gain of over 3.51 dBi and total efficiency above 78%. The proposed multielement antenna is suitable for UWB communications, including ISM, LTE2700, and sub‐6 GHz 5G communications at 3.5 GHz in the vehicular environment.
Distress related to psychotic experiences: Enhancing the world health organization composite international diagnostic interview psychosis screen
Authors: Oh Hans , Karcher Nicole R. , Soffer‐Dudek Nirit , Koyanagi Ai , Besecker Megan , DeVylder Jordan E.
Published: May 2023

Background

The abbreviated version of the World Health Organization (WHO) Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) psychosis screen tends to yield high prevalence in online samples. Psychotic Experiences (PE) may not necessarily indicate current or imminent psychopathology; however, distressing PE appear to be more clinically informative.

Methods

We analyzed data collected from an online survey administered to a Qualtrics panel (N = 2522 adults). Using multivariable logistic regression, we examined the association between PE (with and without associated distress) and several mental health outcomes, adjusting for age, gender, and race/ethnicity.

Results

Individuals with distressing PE had greater odds of most mental health outcomes when compared with individuals with non‐distressing PE. This was true for being in mental health treatment, loneliness, probable mental illness, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempt, adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, and education level. The only exception was for hazardous alcohol use, for which there was no significant association with distressing PE.

Conclusion

As screening for PE gains traction in public health and preventive medicine, using an abbreviated version of the WHO CIDI psychosis screen may be clinically informative, especially when eliciting the distressful nature of PE.
What are Brazilian orthopaedists' views on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain? A qualitative investigation
Authors: Murray Fabiana Silveira , Costa Nathalia , Jesus‐Moraleida Fabianna , Meziat‐Filho Ney
Published: May 2023

Background

Orthopaedists are often the first point of contact for patients who present with low back pain (LBP) and chronic LBP in Brazil.

Aim

To explore the views of orthopaedists on therapeutic approaches for chronic non‐specific low back pain (CNLBP) with a view to gain insights into aspects of clinical practice considered important to them.

Methods

A qualitative design underpinned by interpretivism was employed. Participants were (n = 13) orthopaedists with experience in treating patients with CNLBP. Following the pilot interviews, semi‐structured interviews were conducted, audio‐recorded, transcribed and de‐identified. Interview data were thematically analysed.

Results

Four themes were identified. (1) Biophysical aspects are important and predominate, but sometimes their relevance can be unclear; (2) Psychosocial aspects and lifestyle factors influence the therapeutic approach; (3) Treatment of CNLBP ‐ including medication, physical activity, surgery and other invasive procedures and other therapeutic modalities; and (4) Nuances of clinical practice – “it goes beyond medicine”.

Conclusion

Brazilian orthopaedists value identifying the biophysical cause(s) of chronic low back pain. Psychological factors were often discussed secondary to biophysical aspects, whereas social aspects were rarely mentioned. Orthopaedists highlighted their difficulties in navigating patients' emotions and reassuring patients without referrals to imaging tests. Orthopaedists may benefit from training that targets communication and other relational aspects of care in order to work with people who present with CNLBP.
Dirichlet‐type absorbing boundary conditions for peridynamic scalar waves in two‐dimensional viscous media
Authors: Hermann Alexander , Shojaei Arman , Seleson Pablo , Cyron Christian J. , Silling Stewart A.
Published: May 2023

Construction of absorbing boundary conditions (ABCs) for nonlocal models is generally challenging, primarily due to the fact that nonlocal operators are commonly associated with volume constrained boundary conditions. Moreover, application of Fourier and Laplace transforms, which are essential for the majority of available methods for ABCs, to nonlocal models is complicated. In this paper, we propose a simple method to construct accurate ABCs for peridynamic scalar wave‐type problems in viscous media. The proposed ABCs are constructed in the time and space domains and are of Dirichlet type. Consequently, their implementation is relatively simple, since no derivatives of the wave field are required. The proposed ABCs are derived at the continuum level, from a semi‐analytical solution of the exterior domain using harmonic exponential basis functions in space and time (plane‐wave modes). The numerical implementation is done using a meshfree collocation approach employed within a boundary layer adjacent to the interior domain boundary. The modes satisfy the peridynamic numerical dispersion relation, resulting in a compatible solution of the interior region (near‐field) with that of the exterior region (far‐field). The accuracy and stability of the proposed ABCs are demonstrated with several numerical examples in two‐dimensional unbounded domains.
A single site study to investigate the current prevalence of anti‐hepatitis C virus antibody among substance use disorder patients in Hiroshima—Insufficient testing and diagnosis
Authors: Kagaya Ariyuki , Nagaoki Yuko , Shimura Satomi , Kawana Katsuyoshi , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: May 2023

Aims

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among drug users presents an important public health problem; however, little recognition and few approaches to address this issue in Japan. This study was conducted to investigate the current disease status by assessing anti‐HCV antibody (Ab) seroprevalence among people who inject drugs (PWIDs) and people who use drugs (PWUDs) in Hiroshima, Japan.

Methods

This study was a psychiatric single‐site chart review in patients with drug abuse problems in the Hiroshima region. The primary outcome was anti‐HCV Ab prevalence among PWIDs who underwent anti‐HCV Ab testing. The secondary outcomes included the prevalence of anti‐HCV Ab among PWUDs who underwent anti‐HCV Ab testing and the proportion of patients who underwent anti‐HCV Ab examination.

Results

A total of 222 PWUD patients were enrolled. Among these, 16 patients (7.2%) had records of injection drug use (PWIDs). Eleven (68.8%) of the 16 PWIDs received anti‐HCV Ab tests, and 4 (36.4%, 4/11) were anti‐HCV Ab‐positive. Among 222 PWUDs, 126 (56.8%) patients received anti‐HCV Ab tests, and 57 of these patients (45.2%, 57/126) were anti‐HCV Ab‐positive.

Conclusion

The prevalence of anti‐HCV Ab among PWIDs and PWUDs who visited the study site was higher than the general population, which was 2.2% among hospitalized patients between May 2018 and November 2019. Considering the World Health Organization's (WHO) elimination goal and recent advances in HCV treatment, patients with drug abuse experience should be encouraged to take HCV tests and consult hepatologists for further investigations and treatment if they are positive for anti‐HCV Ab.
Longer Times to Delivery of Otolaryngology Care for Patients With Limited English Proficiency
Authors: Lopez Betzamel , Gottlieb Barbara R. , Naples James G.
Published: May 2023

Objective

Limited English proficiency (LEP) is known to contribute to poorer health outcomes and delays in management. However, to our knowledge, no other studies have explored the impact of LEP on delays to care within otolaryngology. This study aims to investigate the relationship between LEP and the time to delivery of otolaryngology care.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 1125 electronic referrals to an otolaryngologist from primary care providers at 2 health centers in the greater Boston area, between January 2015 and December 2019. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine if patient LEP status (preferred language non‐English and language interpreter use) has an impact on total time to appointment (TTTA).

Results

Patients with non‐English preferred languages were 2.6 times more likely to experience extended TTTA (odds ratio [OR] = 2.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.99‐3.42, p < .001) relative to English‐speaking patients. Patients who required interpreter use were 2.4 times more likely to experience extended TTTA (OR = 2.42, 95% CI = 1.84‐3.18, p < .001) relative to patients who did not require an interpreter. There was no difference in age, sex, insurance type, education level, or marital status. TTTA did not vary by diagnosis category (p = .09).

Discussion

LEP is an important factor that influences the time to appointment in our cohort. Notably, the impact of LEP on appointment wait times was independent of diagnosis.

Implications for Practice

Clinicians should recognize LEP as a factor that can impact the overall delivery of care in otolaryngology. Specifically, mechanisms to streamline care for LEP patients should be considered.
Fertility preservation in pediatric leukemia and lymphoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Close Allison , Burns Karen , Bjornard Kari , Webb Martine , Chavez Josuah , Chow Eric J. , Meacham Lillian
Published: May 2023

Certain chemotherapy agents, radiation, and surgery can all negatively impact future fertility. Consults regarding treatment‐related risk for infertility and gonadal late effects of these agents should occur at the time of diagnosis as well as during survivorship. Counseling on fertility risk has traditionally varied significantly across providers and institutions. We aim to provide a guide to standardize the assignment of gonadotoxic risk, which can be used in counseling patients both at the time of diagnosis and in survivorship. Gonadotoxic therapies were abstracted from 26 frontline Children's Oncology Group (COG) phase III protocols for leukemia/lymphoma, in use from 2000–2022. A stratification system based on gonadotoxic therapies, sex, and pubertal status was used to assign treatments into minimal, significant, and high level of increased risk for gonadal dysfunction/infertility. Risk levels were assigned to protocols and different treatment arms to aid oncologists and survivor care providers in counseling patients regarding treatment‐related gonadotoxicity. Males were most commonly at high risk, with at least one high‐risk arm in 14/26 protocols (54%), followed by pubertal females (23% of protocols) and prepubertal females (15% of protocols). All patients who received direct gonadal radiation or hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) were considered at high risk. Partnering with patients and their oncology/survivorship team is imperative for effective fertility counseling both prior to and post treatment, and this comprehensive guide can be used as a tool to standardize and improve reproductive health counseling in patients undergoing COG‐based leukemia/lymphoma care.
High‐fidelity random fiber distribution algorithm based on fiber spreading process
Authors: Xiao Jing , Li Mengze , Li Shuran , Song Xiaowen , Ke Yinglin
Published: May 2023

The performance of fiber‐reinforced composites is not only determined by their constituents, but also by the spatial distribution of inclusions. The traditional random distribution algorithm only considers the randomness of its relative position, and every newly generated fiber has to be checked with all the existing fibers, which requires a large amount of calculation. In this paper, inspired by the spreading process that the fibers are not arranged randomly, but the forces acting on the upper and lower rows of fibers. A random fiber distribution algorithm based on partition randomness is proposed, and a microscopic model of in‐plane fibers with random distribution is established. The maximum volume fraction of fibers generated by the algorithm is 75%, and the generation time is less than 20s. Statistical characterization and finite element analysis of the structure generated by the algorithm are compared with the experimental data to verify the randomness and effectiveness of fibers. The algorithm overcomes the jamming limit of the traditional hard‐core method, and can efficiently generate random microstructure models with different volume fractions, which can be a promising alternative for modeling and analysis of unidirectional fiber‐reinforced composites.
Linking beliefs in reading with lifelong learning tendencies among undergraduates: The mediating role of enthusiasm for reading
Authors: Buyukgoze Hilal
Published: May 2023

Today, learning no longer takes place on a definite place or time; rather, it has an ongoing and interactive nature, lasting throughout one's life. Relatedly, reading is usually considered to enhance learning, communication and the exchange of ideas. Given the importance of becoming a lifelong learner, this study focuses on the influence of reading habits on lifelong learning tendencies of university students as mediated by their enthusiasm for reading. A predictive correlational research model was employed to test the proposed hypotheses. A total of 376 undergraduates with diverse backgrounds were surveyed in a central city of Turkey. The mediated‐path analysis demonstrated that belief in the impact of reading is a prominent predictor of university students' lifelong learning tendencies. Further, enthusiasm for reading was explored to mediate the link between beliefs in the impact of reading and lifelong learning tendencies. This study contributes to the debate and research on lifelong learning by using a national case which is relatively understudied and underrepresented international higher education research. It also adds to the theme by revealing direct and indirect paths between university students' beliefs in reading and lifelong learning tendencies as mediated by their enthusiasm for reading.
Vocabulary skills of bilingual children: The evidence for context‐dependent performance
Authors: Gómez Franco Ligia E. , Vasilyeva Marina
Published: May 2023

Most bilingual children often display greater proficiency and preference for one of their two languages. Researchers refer to this asymmetry as language dominance. However, despite being possible to determine the overall language dominance in bilinguals, there may be substantial flexibility in their language use. In particular, the relative ease of using each language may depend on the sociolinguistic context and the language of the interlocutor which may affect the ease of accessing words in a given language. In the present work, we investigate whether and how the sociolinguistic context in an International English medium school influences bilingual children's vocabulary production. Specifically, we examine whether bilingual first‐grade children's expressive vocabulary skills vary as a function of the linguistic context (Home/School) and the language (English/Spanish) of their conversational partner. Results showed that contextual factors interacted with child's language performance. The participants' ability to name objects in Spanish was affected by the conversational partner's language, and their ability to name Home‐context words varied by language. The findings of this investigation highlight the importance of considering sociolinguistic factors when evaluating bilingual children's language skills.
Student interest in mathematics homework: Do peer interest and homework approaches matter?
Authors: Xu Jianzhong
Published: May 2023

The current investigation examined models of homework interest according to the data from middle school students in China. Homework interest was positively related to homework favorability, feedback quality, deep approach, monitoring motivation, peer interest, self‐concept, teacher control, and family homework help. Additionally, homework interest was negatively associated with the surface approach. At the class level, homework interest was related positively to feedback quality, yet negatively to parent education. Thus, the current study extended prior research on homework, by indicating that student interest in homework was further associated with peer interest and homework approaches. Implications for further investigation and practice are discussed based on these findings.
Apocynin alleviates weight gain and obesity‐induced adipose tissue inflammation in high‐fat diet‐fed C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Park Yea‐Jin , Gil Tae‐Young , Jin Bo‐Ram , Cha Yun‐Yeop , An Hyo‐Jin
Published: May 2023

Obesity involves chronic low‐grade inflammation within adipose tissue. Apocynin (APO) is a therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate whether APO can reduce weight gain and obesity‐induced adipose tissue inflammation. C57BL/6 mice were administered APO or orlistat (Orli) as a positive control with a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. Lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes were used for the in vitro study. Our results showed a significantly lower white adipose tissue (WAT) mass index in 10 mg/kg APO‐treated mice than in 20 mg/kg Orli‐treated mice. Moreover, the protein expression of adipose triglyceride lipase, fatty acid synthase, sterol regulatory element‐binding transcription factor 1, and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ was reversed in the WAT of 10 mg/kg APO‐treated mice. Furthermore, APO reduced the expression of the macrophage marker F4/80, decreased the mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, and increased the mRNA levels of interleukin‐10 in WAT. APO decreased the phosphorylation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase, extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, and p65 in vivo and in vitro. Notably, APO had a stronger effect on the amelioration of adipose tissue inflammation than Orli did. Our findings lay the foundation for research on the use of APO as an agent to ameliorate weight gain and obesity‐induced inflammatory diseases.
Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma: The popular occurrence of herbal medicine applied in classical prescriptions
Authors: He Luying , Kang Qianming , Zhang Yang , Chen Man , Wang Zefei , Wu Yonghui , Gao Hetong , Zhong Zhangfeng , Tan Wen
Published: May 2023

Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is a well‐known herbal medicine with a wide range of pharmacological functions that has been used throughout Chinese history. This review presents a comprehensive introduction to this herb and its classical prescriptions. The article discusses the resources and distribution of species, methods of authentication and determination chemical composition, quality control of the original plants and herbal medicines, dosages use, common classical prescriptions, indications, and relevant mechanisms of the active content. Pharmacokinetic parameters, toxicity tests, clinical trials, and patent applications are discussed. The review will provide a good starting point for the research and development of classical prescriptions to develop herbal medicines for clinical use.
Molecular mechanisms underlying the potential neuroprotective effects of Trifolium pratense and its phytoestrogen‐isoflavones in neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Al‐Shami Ahmed S. , Essawy Amina E. , Elkader Heba‐Tallah Abd Elrahim Abd
Published: May 2023

Neurodegenerative disorders are heterogeneous, debilitating, and incurable groups of brain disorders that have common features including progressive degeneration of the structure and function of the nervous system. Phytoestogenic‐isoflavones have been identified as active compounds that can modulate different molecular signaling pathways related to the nervous system. The main aim is to shed the light on the molecular mechanisms followed by phytoestrogen‐isoflavones profound in the Trifolium pratense and discuss the latest pharmacological findings in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Data were collected using different databases. The search terms used included “Phytoestrogens,” “Isoflavones,” “neurodegenerative disorders,” “Neuronal plasticity,” etc., and combinations of these keywords. As a result, this review article mainly demonstrates the potential neuroprotective properties of phystoestrogen‐isoflavones present in the Trifolium pratense (Red clover), particularly in neurodegenerative disorders. Phytochemical studies have shown that Trifolium pratense mainly includes more than 30 isoflavone compounds. Among them, phytoestrogen‐isoflavones, such as biochanin A, daidzein, formononetin, genistein (Gen), etc.,are characterized by potent neuroprotective properties against different neurodegenerative disorders. There are preclinical and clinical scientific evidence on their mechanisms of action involve molecular interaction with estrogenic receptors, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidative, antiapoptotic, autophagic inducing, and so on. phytoestrogen‐isoflavones are the major bioactive components in the Trifolium pratense that exhibit therapeutic efficacy in the case of neurodegenerative disorders. This review provides detailed molecular mechanisms targeted by phytoestrogen‐isoflavones and experimental key findings for the clinical use of prescriptions containing Trifolium pratense‐derived isoflavones for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
Robot‐assisted nipple‐sparing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction with gel implant and latissimus dorsi muscle flap: Our initial experience
Authors: Chen Kuo , Zhang Jin , Beeraka Narasimha M. , Song Dajiang , Sinelnikov Mikhail Y. , Lu Pengwei
Published: May 2023

Background

This study reports the preliminary results of da Vinci robot XI robot‐assisted nipple‐sparing mastectomy immediate breast reconstruction (R‐NSMIBR) with gel implant and latissimus dorsi muscle flap.

Methods

A total of 15 patients who underwent R‐NSMIBR with gel implant and latissimus dorsi muscle flap surgery for breast cancer between September 2022 and November 2022 were evaluated.

Results

Mean total operative time for R‐NSMIBR was 361.9 ± 77.0 min. As the learning curve increased, the robot arm docking time decreased rapidly from the initial 25–10 min. Average total blood loss was 27.8 ± 10.7 mL and posterior surgical margin positivity rate was 0%. Perioperative complications and local recurrences or deaths were not observed at a mean follow‐up of 3 ± 1 month 15 patients were satisfied with postoperative aesthetic results.

Conclusions

R‐NSMIBR with a gel implant and latissimus dorsi muscle flap could be a new therapeutic option for breast reconstruction.
On bounded realness for ℋ∞ control design in discrete‐time descriptor systems
Authors: Park Chan‐eun , Park In Seok , Kwon Nam Kyu , Park PooGyeon
Published: May 2023

This article suggests a new necessary and sufficient condition of bounded real lemma (BRL) for discrete‐time descriptor systems (DTDSs). First, a Lyapunov function for DTDSs is designed by using a positive definite matrix whose the dimension equals to the rank of a singular matrix in DTDSs, whereas the existing work in the literature has considered the dimension which equals to the length of the state. By considering the zero constraint which comes from the singular matrix in DTDSs, two slack variables are introduced into the difference of Lyapunov function. Then, a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) is provided to ensure the necessary and sufficient condition of the BRL for DTDSs. Next, an inversion formula is given to apply the proposed BRL to a stabilization problem of DTDSs. Based on the inversion formula, the BRL for the closed‐loop system with state‐feedback control is obtained in terms of non‐convex conditions. Therefore, a sufficient condition of the non‐convex conditions is provided in terms of LMIs. Three numerical examples show the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.
Environmental change, strategic entrepreneurial action, and success: Introduction to a special issue on an important, neglected topic
Authors: Davidsson Per , Recker Jan , Chalmers Dominic , Carter Sara
Published: May 2023

Research Summary

The two premises that underpin this SEJ Special Issue on Environmental Change, Strategic Entrepreneurial Action, and Success are that all environmental changes provide positive potentials for some ventures, and that this has been under‐emphasized in past theory and research. After stating these premises and illustrating how present research treats the environment, we proceed to explain how the five articles selected for the special issue advance our thinking in this domain. We then broaden our discussion to how future entrepreneurship research can make further progress by studying interaction among environmental changes as well as their links to entrepreneurial agents, contexts (sectoral, spatial, organizational, etc.) and the entrepreneurial artifact (emerging venture). Throughout, the focus is on the enabling rather than constraining role of environmental changes.

Managerial Summary

The COVID‐19 pandemic, the digital revolution, and the sustainability transition forced by climate change demonstrate significant business impact of environmental changes, including potentials for new business initiatives. This editorial and the five vanguard articles included in this SEJ Special Issue on Environmental Change, Strategic Entrepreneurial Action, and Success outline how future research can develop better theory and evidence on this important topic. The articles address matters ranging from how COVID‐19 facilitated some technology firms' recruiting and reignited media firms' dormant initiatives to how environmental degradations sparked entrepreneurial ecosystem development in Kenya, how the level of environmental dynamism at a venture's birth impact its current ability to benefit from change, and the consequences of passing on potentials provided by environmental change.
Boosting the Methanol Oxidation Reaction Activity of Pt–Ru Clusters via Resonance Energy Transfer
Authors: Liang Jiahui , Cheng Heyun , Zhao Bolin , Hu Qiong , Xing Zihao , Zhang Yuwei , Niu Li
Published: May 2023

The sluggish kinetics of the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) with PtRu electrocatalyst severely hinder the commercialization of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). The electronic structure of Pt is of significant importance for its catalytic activity. Herein, it is reported that low‐cost fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) can regulate the behavior of the D‐band center of Pt in PtRu clusters through resonance energy transfer (RET), resulting in a significant increase in the catalytic activity of the catalyst participating in methanol electrooxidation. For the first time, the bifunction of RET is used to provide unique strategy for fabrication of PtRu electrocatalysts, not only tunes the electronic structure of metals, but also provides an important role in anchoring metal clusters. Density functional theory calculations further prove that charge transfer between CDs and Pt promotes the dehydrogenation of methanol on PtRu catalysts and reduces the free energy barrier of the reaction associated with the oxidation of CO* to CO2. This helps to improve the catalytic activity of the systems participating in MOR. The performance of the best sample is 2.76 times higher than that of commercial PtRu/C (213.0 vs 76.99 ). The fabricated system can be potentially used for the efficient fabrication of DMFCs.
Accelerating Industrial‐Level NO3− Electroreduction to Ammonia on Cu Grain Boundary Sites via Heteroatom Doping Strategy
Authors: Wang Yan , Xia Shuai , Cai Rui , Zhang Jianfang , Wang Jiarui , Yu Cuiping , Cui Jiewu , Zhang Yong , Wu Jingjie , Yang Shize , Tan Hark Hoe , Wu Yucheng
Published: May 2023

Although the electrocatalytic nitrate reduction reaction (NO3−RR) is an attractive NH3 synthesis route, it suffers from low yield due to the lack of efficient catalysts. Here, this work reports a novel grain boundary (GB)‐rich Sn‐Cu catalyst, derived from in situ electroreduction of Sn‐doped CuO nanoflower, for effectively electrochemical converting NO3− to NH3. The optimized Sn1%‐Cu electrode achieves a high NH3 yield rate of 1.98 mmol h−1 cm−2 with an industrial‐level current density of −425 mA cm−2 at −0.55 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and a maximum Faradaic efficiency of 98.2% at −0.51 V versus RHE, outperforming the pure Cu electrode. In situ Raman and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies reveal the reaction pathway of NO3−RR to NH3 by monitoring the adsorption property of reaction intermediates. Density functional theory calculations clarify that the high‐density GB active sites and the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) suppression induced by Sn doping synergistically promote highly active and selective NH3 synthesis from NO3−RR. This work paves an avenue for efficient NH3 synthesis over Cu catalyst by in situ reconstruction of GB sites with heteroatom doping.
Photo‐Rechargeable Li‐Ion Batteries using TiS2 Cathode
Authors: Kumar Amar , Hammad Raheel , Pahuja Mansi , Arenal Raul , Ghosh Kaushik , Ghosh Soumya , Narayanan Tharangattu N.
Published: May 2023

Photo‐rechargeable (solar) battery can be considered as an energy harvesting cum storage system, where it can charge the conventional metal‐ion battery using light instead of electricity, without having other parasitic reactions. Here a two‐electrode lithium‐ion solar battery with multifaceted TiS2–TiO2 hybrid sheets as cathode. The choice of TiS2–TiO2 electrode ensures the formation of a type II semiconductor heterostructure while the lateral heterostructure geometry ensures high mass/charge transfer and light interactions with the electrode. TiS2 has a higher lithium binding energy (1.6 eV) than TiO2 (1.03 eV), ensuring the possibilities of higher amount of Li‐ion insertion to TiS2 and hence the maximum recovery with the photocharging, as further confirmed by the experiments. Apart from the demonstration of solar solid‐state batteries, the charging of lithium‐ion full cell with light indicates the formation of lithium intercalated graphite compounds, ensuring the charging of the battery without any other parasitic reactions at the electrolyte or electrode‐electrolyte interfaces. Possible mechanisms proposed here for the charging and discharging processes of solar batteries, based on the experimental and theoretical results, indicate the potential of such systems in the forthcoming era of renewable energies.