bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liver steatosis and fibrosis in people with human immunodeficiency virus in West Africa and the relationship with hepatitis B virus coinfection
Authors: Villa Giovanni , Owusu Dorcas , Smith Colette , Azumah Marilyn , Abdullahi Adam , Phillips Suzannah , Sayeed Laila , Austin Harrison , Chadwick David , Phillips Richard Odame , Geretti Anna Maria
Published: September 2022

There is a heavy burden of liver disease in West Africa. While the role of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is well recognized, less is known about the contributing role of liver steatosis and how the two interact in the context of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Adults with HIV in Ghana underwent FibroScan measurements to determine prevalence of liver steatosis (expressed as controlled attenuation parameter [CAP]) and fibrosis (expressed as liver stiffness [LS]). We explored contributing factors in linear regression models, including demographics, lifestyle characteristics, medical history, HIV and HBV status, and measurements of metabolic syndrome. Among 329 adults (72.3% women; median age, 47 years), 322 (97.9%) were on antiretroviral therapy (median duration, 8.9 years). CD4 counts were preserved (median, 619 cells/mm3); plasma HIV RNA was fully suppressed in 162 (50.3%) of the treated participants. Cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and use of traditional or herbal remedies were uncommon (6.1%, 1.8%, 3.3%, respectively). Largely undiagnosed metabolic syndrome was detected in 87 (26.4%) participants. We obtained readings indicative of ≥S2 steatosis and ≥F2 fibrosis in 43 (13.1%) and 55 (16.7%) participants, respectively. Higher CAP values were associated with metabolic syndrome and longer prior stavudine exposure. Higher LS values were associated with male sex, higher HIV RNA, and higher CAP values. Relative to people without HBV, those with HBV (n = 90) had a similar prevalence of ≥S2 steatosis but a higher prevalence of ≥F2 fibrosis (36.7% vs. 9.2%, p < 0.0001) and concomitant ≥S2 steatosis and ≥F2 fibrosis (9.1% vs. 1.3%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Both HBV and liver steatosis pose a threat to long‐term liver health among people with HIV in West Africa. Urgently required interventions include improving HIV suppression and diagnosing and managing determinants of the metabolic syndrome.
Massive data language models and conversational artificial intelligence: Emerging issues
Authors: O’Leary Daniel E.
Published: September 2022

Google’s LaMDA, Open AI’s GPT‐3, and Meta’s BlenderBot are artificial intelligence (AI)‐based chatbots, that have been trained on billions of documents creating the notion of “massive data.” These systems use human‐generated documents to capture words and relationships between words that people use when they communicate. This paper examines some of the similarities of these systems and the emerging issues regarding these massive data language models, including whether they are sentient, the use and impact of scale, information use and ownership, and explanations of discussions and answers. This paper also directly investigates some artifacts of Google’s LaMDA and compares them with Meta’s BlenderBot. Finally, this paper examines emerging issues and questions deriving from our analysis.
Internet capabilities and innovation in the Balkan countries: The role of foreign technology licensing
Authors: Hawach Fadi , Zhang Chao , Acharjee Shushanta , Nicolas‐Sans Ruben
Published: September 2022

Using the resource‐based view and knowledge spillover, this study investigates the direct effects of Internet capabilities (communication, platform, and connection capabilities) on product and process innovation across 10 Balkan countries from 2007 to 2019. The study examines the role of foreign technology licensing in moderating these relationships. In line with findings from developed countries, the empirical results show that Internet capabilities positively influence product and process innovation. Surprisingly, foreign technology licensing was unable to enhance the positive effects of Internet capabilities on process and product innovation due to the overlapped benefits and the potential costs and risks involved in the Balkan countries. As a result, our study enhances the literature's understanding of Internet capabilities' effects on innovation and the role of foreign technology licensing, enriching current knowledge and providing practical implications for the developing context of the Balkan countries.
Breaking the ice: Creating and maintaining an affirming practice setting for LGBTQIA+ pharmacy trainees
Authors: Astle Kevin N. , Mills Alex R. , Medlin Christopher G.
Published: September 2022

Learners who identify as a sexual or gender minority (SGM) may experience anxiety and fear when entering new learning environments, hindering their ability to develop their professional identity. This may be attributed to uncertainty regarding whether the preceptors and practice site will be affirming of their gender identity and/or sexual orientation. Historically, SGM learners may have experienced these stress processes, leading to an unnecessarily poor learning experience. Postgraduate trainees' experiences have an increased and sustained negative impact when training in an “unfriendly” environment, as previous negative encounters have already challenged their professional identity. Preceptors serve as the first step in creating a welcoming and affirming practice site and are instrumental in mitigating stigmatizing encounters. By focusing on effective first impressions and non‐assumptive dialogue, a preceptor can help elevate themselves as a trusted individual in that learner's life. This article aims to discuss stigma and discrimination's effects on postgraduate and early‐career SGMs and provide a “how‐to” guide to mitigate negative experiences for pharmacy learners. Additionally, this guide will utilize case studies to better illustrate stigmatizing encounters in the trainee setting and provide considerations for equitable and affirming learning environments.
The safety and performance of the Spectra Optia apheresis system platelet depletion protocol in patients with elevated platelet counts
Authors: Lopert Pamela , Abdelrahman Sohair , Graybill Christopher A. , Rhodes Jack , Sørensen Betina , Li Ming , Hu Yu , Wu Depei , Liu Ligen , He Pengcheng , Zhang Xuejun , Huang Fen , Hu Jianda , Bill Jerry
Published: September 2022

Background

Thrombocytosis is a presenting and progressive clinical feature found in multiple disease states. It is characterized by high platelet (PLT) counts (>450 × 109/L) and can lead to thrombohemorrhagic events. Thrombocytapheresis or platelet depletion (PLTD) can be performed in acutely symptomatic patients suffering from thrombocytosis and may reduce or prevent acute serious complications associated with thrombocythemia thereby enabling patients to receive potentially curative high‐dose chemotherapy.

Methods

This report details the results from 2 clinical studies, one conducted in the European Union (EU) and one in the People's Republic of China, assessing the PLTD procedure on the Spectra Optia Apheresis System. The primary objective of both studies was to assess the safety and performance of the PLTD procedure in patients with elevated PLT counts.

Results

Data were collected from 56 participants completing 64 PLTD procedures. The mean percent change in PLT count and collection efficiency (CE1) was 55.1% and 68.5%, respectively. In the EU study, 6 participants experienced a total of 9 adverse events (AEs) and in the China study, 44 participants reported a total of 212 AEs. In both studies, the majority of AEs reported were Grade 2 or lower and no serious AEs, unanticipated adverse device effects, or AEs leading to death were reported.

Conclusions

The data collected within these studies indicate that the PLTD procedure is well tolerated and effective at reducing circulating PLTs in patients suffering from thrombocytosis as evaluated by a percent decrease in PLT count, CE1, and AE incidence.
Aberrant autophagy in lysosomal storage disorders marked by a lysosomal SNARE protein shortage due to suppression of endocytosis
Authors: Tanaka Hiroki , Tsuji Daisuke , Watanabe Ryosuke , Ohnishi Yukiya , Kitaguchi Shindai , Nakae Ryuto , Teramoto Hiromi , Tsukimoto Jun , Horii Yuto , Itoh Kohji
Published: September 2022

Lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) are inherited metabolic diseases caused by genetic defects in lysosomal enzymes or related factors. LSDs are associated with excessive accumulation of natural substrates in lysosomes leading to central nervous system and peripheral tissue damage. Abnormal autophagy is also involved in pathogenesis, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We demonstrated that impairment of lysosome‐autophagosome fusion is due to suppressed endocytosis in LSDs. The fusion was reduced in several LSD cells and the brains of LSD model mice, suggesting that the completion of autophagy is suppressed by the accumulation of substrates. In this brain, the expression of the soluble N‐ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins, VAMP8 and Syntaxin7, was decreased on the lysosomal surface but not intracellular. This aberrant autophagy preceded the development of pathological phenotypes in LSD‐model mice. Furthermore, the enzyme deficiency leading to the substrate accumulation could suppress endocytosis, and the inhibited endocytosis decreased SNARE proteins localized on lysosomes. These findings suggest that the shortage of SNARE proteins on lysosomes is one of the reasons for the impairment of lysosome‐autophagosome fusion in LSD cells. Defects in lysosomal enzyme activity suppress endocytosis and decrease the supply of intracellular SNARE proteins recruited to lysosomes. This shortage of lysosomal SNARE proteins impairs lysosome‐autophagosome fusion in lysosomal storage disorders.
Nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member 1 in the pathology of obesity‐induced osteoarthritis progression
Authors: Hosokawa Hiroaki , Akagi Ryuichiro , Watanabe Shotaro , Horii Manato , Shinohara Masashi , Mikami Yukio , Toguchi Kaoru , Kimura Seiji , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Ohtori Seiji , Sasho Takahisa
Published: September 2022

Mechanical overload and chemical factors are both related to obesity‐induced progression of knee osteoarthritis. The circadian rhythm is related to the development of metabolic syndrome and the progression of osteoarthritis, and the core clock genes nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member 1 (NR1D1) and brain and muscle arnt‐like protein 1 (BMAL1) are dysregulated in cartilage from patients with osteoarthritis. Here, we focused on NR1D1 and investigated osteoarthritis‐related changes and gene expression in a mouse model of diet‐induced obesity. A high‐fat diet was provided to C57BL6/J mice, and changes in body weight, blood lipids, and gene expression were investigated. Destabilization of the medial meniscus or sham surgery was performed on mice fed a high‐fat diet or normal diet, and histological osteoarthritis‐related changes and NR1D1 expression were investigated. The effects of the NR1D1 agonist SR9009 were also assessed. Mice fed a high‐fat diet developed significant obesity and dyslipidemia. Nr1d1 and Bmal1 gene expression levels decreased in the liver and knee joints. Moreover, increased osteoarthritis progression and decreased NR1D1 protein expression were observed in high‐fat diet‐fed mice after surgical osteoarthritis induction. SR9009 decreased the progression of obesity, dyslipidemia, and osteoarthritis. Overall, obesity and dyslipidemia induced by the high‐fat diet led to osteoarthritis progression and decreased NR1D1 expression. Thus, NR1D1 may play an important role in obesity‐induced osteoarthritis.
Incomplete cytoreduction with peritoneal metastases from appendiceal mucinous neoplasms
Authors: Sugarbaker Paul H. , Chang David
Published: September 2022

Background

Complete cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is the standard of care for mucinous appendiceal neoplasms with peritoneal metastases. Despite many publications regarding selection factors favoring a complete CRS, incomplete CRS does occur. Patients with an incomplete CRS are the focus of this manuscript.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of prospective, histologic, and perioperative data was performed. Overall survival was the endpoint for the numerous assessments. Judgments regarding when to and when not to proceed with an incomplete CRS were sought.

Results

From a database of 949 patients who underwent an index CRS for appendiceal mucinous neoplasm, 264 patients (27.8%) had an incomplete CRS. The median overall survival was 1.8 years. Low‐grade histopathology and absence of tense ascites or bowel obstruction were significantly associated with increased overall survival. More extensive surgery suggested a more favorable outcome.

Conclusions

When a surgeon is confronted by a procedure that will inevitably end with an incomplete CRS, a current trend is to close quickly and always avoid complications. Patients with low‐grade neoplasms who present in the absence of tense ascites or bowel obstruction may gain years of survival by surgical reduction of tumor burden.
Antibiotics in mastoid and epitympanic obliteration withS53P4bioactive glass: A retrospective study
Authors: Alciato Lauranne , Bernardeschi Daniele , Pourcher Valérie , Mkrtchyan Naira , Tankéré Frédéric , Sterkers Olivier , Lahlou Ghizlène
Published: September 2022

Objective

The role of antibiotics in ear surgery is still controversial. The aim of this study was to assess their need in cholesteatoma surgery when performing obliteration with S53P4 bioactive glass, a biocompatible material with antibacterial properties.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary referral center between January 2017 and May 2019. Sixty‐nine consecutive patients, who underwent surgery for cholesteatoma removal and/or rehabilitation of canal‐wall‐down mastoidectomy with mastoid and epitympanic obliteration using S53P4 granules were included. Before 2019, antibiotics were routinely used (group “w/AB”). Patients received intravenous antibiotics during surgery, oral treatment was continued for 7 days and topical antibiotics for 1 month. After 2019, no antibiotics were administered (group “w/oAB”). The primary outcome was the occurrence of early surgical site infection. Secondary outcomes were late infection, anatomic and functional results at 3 and 12 months.

Results

Twenty‐three patients were included in group “w/oAB” and 46 in group “w/AB”, with no significant differences in demographics, medical history or follow‐up. Five ears (22%) in group “w/oAB” developed an early infection compared with 2 (4%) in group “w/AB” (p = .03). The relative risk was 6.11, 95CI%[1.09;31.96]. Infections were successfully treated with antibiotics, and no patient underwent surgical removal of the granules. No late infections or complications were observed. There was no difference in graft failure or air‐bone gap closure at 1 year.

Conclusion

Peri‐/post‐operative antibiotics prevent early infection in obliteration surgery with S53P4 granules. Infections can be treated medically without complications or require removal of the implanted material.

Level of evidence

4.
A comparative study between brick and stone aggregate concrete using rice husk ash as partial cement replacement
Authors: Bhowmik R.N. , Pal J.
Published: September 2022

Today's world cannot be imagined without the application of concrete. Although as a constituent of concrete stone aggregate is mostly used, there are certain areas on this earth where it is scarcely available which leads to the use of brick aggregate. Moreover, as supplementary cementitious material, use of rice husk ash is beneficial to our environment. So, the study presents the possibility of using the brick aggregate and rice husk ash to the possible extent in making concrete by comparing stone and brick aggregate concrete, with rice husk ash as partial cement replacement. The specimens were prepared using water to binder ratios varying from 0.38 to 0.54. Properties of fresh and hardened concrete were measured using different tests on the specimens.The results of the mechanical tests were also co‐related with the microscopic image studies.This study finds that for a higher grade of concrete optimum rice husk ash replacement varies between 5 % to 10 % and for lower grade of concrete the rice husk ash replacement varies between 10 % to 15 %. The study also shows that using rice husk ash, brick aggregate concrete exhibits better improvement in comparison to stone aggregate concrete.
Mapping research findings on change implementation in nursing practice: A scoping literature review
Authors: Salma Israa , Waelli Mathias
Published: September 2022

Aims

The aim of this study was to map the diverse factors impacting change implementation in nursing practices and investigate different implementation strategies.

Design

Scoping literature review following PRISMA‐ScR extension.

Methods

Data were collected from PubMed, Ebsco, Scopus and ScienceDirect databases from 1990 onwards. Only English peer‐reviewed studies reporting an implementation of change in nursing practice were included. Of 9,954 studies, 425 abstracts were scanned and 98 full‐text articles were screened. Finally, 28 studies were selected.

Results

A multifaceted approach, with a tailored intervention, was the most effective implementation strategy. Most identified factors were considered systematic, for example resource availability, leadership and knowledge. However, others related to local social and material context were identified in fewer number of studies. These seem to be operational elements for implementation processes. Both types of factors are essential and must be considered for successful implementation.

Conclusion

We advocate the development of framework including systematic factors and which capture the local context flexibility.
Appraising Multinuclear Cu2+ Structure Formation in Cu‐CHA SCR Catalysts via Low‐T Dry CO Oxidation with Modulated NH3 Solvation
Authors: Iacobone Umberto , Nova Isabella , Tronconi Enrico , Villamaina Roberta , Ruggeri Maria Pia , Collier Jillian , Thompsett David
Published: September 2022

Cu2+ ions (ZCu2+(OH)−, Z2Cu2+) are regarded as the NH3‐SCR (SCR=selective catalytic reduction) active site precursors of Cu‐exchanged chabazite (CHA) which is among the best available catalysts for the abatement of NOx from Diesel engines. During SCR operation, copper sites undergo reduction (Reduction half‐cycle, RHC: Cu2+→Cu+) and oxidation (Oxidaton half‐cycle, OHC: Cu+→Cu2+) semi cycles, whose associated mechanisms are still debated. We recently proposed CO oxidation to CO2 as an effective method to probe the formation of multinuclear Cu2+ species as the initial low‐T RHC step. NH3 pre‐adsorption determined a net positive effect on the CO2 production: by solvating ZCu2+(OH)− ions, ammonia enhances their mobility, favoring their coupling to form binuclear complexes which can catalyze the reaction. In this work, dry CO oxidation experiments, preceded by modulated NH3 feed phases, clearly showed that CO2 production enhancements are correlated with the extent of Cu2+ ion solvation by NH3. Analogies with the SCR‐RHC phase are evidenced: the NH3‐Cu2+ presence ensures the characteristic dynamics associated with a second order kinetic dependence on the oxidized Cu2+ fraction. These findings provide novel information on the NH3 role in the low‐T SCR redox mechanism and on the nature of the related active catalyst sites.
Humidity during high‐frequency oscillatory ventilation compared to intermittent positive pressure ventilation in extremely preterm neonates: An in vitro and in vivo observational study
Authors: Danan Claude , Tauzin Manon , Jung Camille , Durrmeyer Xavier , Caeymaex Laurence , Treussart Charles , Decobert Fabrice , Louis Bruno
Published: September 2022

Background

Inappropriate humidification of inspired gas during mechanical ventilation can impair lung development in extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants. Humidification depends on multiple factors, such as the heater‐humidifier device used, type of ventilation, and environmental factors. Few studies have examined inspired gas humidification in these infants, especially during high‐frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV). Our objective was to compare humidity during HFOV and intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV), in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

In vitro and in vivo studies used the same ventilator during both HFOV and IPPV. The bench study used a neonatal test lung and two heater‐humidifiers with their specific circuits; the in vivo study prospectively included preterm infants born before 28 weeks of gestation.

Results

On bench testing, mean absolute (AH) and relative (RH) humidity values were significantly lower during HFOV than IPPV (RH = 79.4 ± 8.1% vs. 89.0 ± 6.2%, p < 0.001). Regardless of the ventilatory mode, mean RH significantly differed between the two heater‐humidifiers (89.6 ± 6.7% vs 78.7 ± 6.8%, p = 0.003). The in vivo study included 10 neonates (mean ± SD gestational age: 25.7 ± 0.9 weeks and birthweight: 624.4 ± 96.1 g). Mean RH during HFOV was significantly lower than during IPPV (74.6 ± 5.7% vs. 83.0 ± 6.7%, p = 0.004).

Conclusion

RH was significantly lower during HFOV than IPPV, both in vitro and in vivo. The type of heater‐humidifier also influenced humidification. More systematic measurements of humidity of inspired gas, especially during HFOV, should be considered to optimize humidification and consequently lung protection in ELBW infants.
Perceived strengths and weaknesses of paediatric physiotherapy services: Results from an international survey
Authors: Camden Chantal , Mulligan Hilda , Cinar Eda , Gauvin Cheyenne , Berbari Jade , Nugraha Boya , Gutenbrunner Christoph
Published: September 2022

Background and Purpose

Ensuring access to high quality services in paediatric physiotherapy (PT) is important to respond to the diverse needs of children. The accessibility and quality of paediatric PT services has however never been explored internationally. The purpose of this study is to explore the perceived strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of paediatric PT services offered around the world.

Method

A cross‐sectional survey design method was used with a subsample of physiotherapists (PTs) who had previously participated in an online survey. The survey used for this study included close‐ and open‐ended questions about access to services and the SWOT of PT services within participants' country. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize quantitative data and a content analysis was performed on open‐ended questions.

Results

Overall, 47 PTs from 47 countries completed the survey; 36% of participants reported that free access was available to all children in their country while 34% stated that a referral was always required when accessing services. Lack of direct access, insufficient specialized PT, financial and geographical issues were the main perceived barriers to access services. Access also emerged as one of the nine themes following the SWOT analysis. Other themes included education, quality of PT approaches, PT practices, communication and cooperation, teamwork, government, resources, and attitudes of PTs.

Discussion

Despite variations in accessing services and how services are delivered across countries, some similar themes influencing PTs practices were found. Future opportunities for PTs working with children should aim at optimizing the initial training and professional development of PTs in paediatrics, increasing access to services for all children and advocating for sustainable and well‐coordinated models of care building on best practices.
What is the evidence that a pharmacy team working in an acute or emergency medicine department improves outcomes for patients: A systematic review
Authors: Punj Ekta , Collins Abbie , Agravedi Nirlep , Marriott John , Sapey Elizabeth
Published: September 2022

Pharmacy services within hospitals are changing, with more taking on medication reconciliation activities. This systematic review was conducted to determine the measured impacts of Pharmacy teams working in an acute or emergency medicine department. The protocol followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and was prospectively registered on PROSPERO, National Institute for Health and Care Research, UK registration number: CRD42020187487. The systematic review had two co‐primary aims: a reduction in the number of incorrect prescriptions on admission by comparing the medication list from primary care to secondary care, and a reduction in the severity of harm caused by these incorrect prescriptions; chosen to determine the impact of pharmacy‐led medication reconciliation services in the emergency and acute medicine setting. Seventeen articles were included. Fifteen were non‐randomized controlled trials and two were randomized controlled trials. The number of patients combined for all studies was 7630. No studies included were based within the UK. All studies showed benefits in terms of a reduction in medicine errors and patient harm, compared to control arms. Nine articles were included in a statistical analysis comparing the pharmacy intervention arm with the non‐pharmacy control arm, with a Chi2 of 101.10 and I2 value = 92%. However, studies were heterogenous with different outcome measures and many showed evidence of bias. The included studies consistently indicated that pharmacy services based within acute or emergency medicine departments in hospitals were associated with fewer medication errors. Further studies are needed to understand the health and economic impact of deploying a pharmacy service in acute medical settings including out‐of‐hours working.
Flocking control for Cucker–Smale model under denial‐of‐service attacks
Authors: Shi Xiaoyu , Shi Lei , Cheng Yuhua , Chen Kai
Published: September 2022

In this article, the issue of flocking control for Cucker–Smale model under denial‐of‐service (DoS) attacks is discussed. It is assumed that there is an active stage and an asleep stage for each period of the DoS. Malicious attacks partially or completely destroy the network communication links in the active stages, and replenish energy without any attacks in the dormant stages. By constructing the agents' position and velocity errors, the C–S model under DoS attacks is equivalently transformed into error systems. By applying the approach of products convergence for infinite sub‐stochastic matrices, a sufficient condition for producing the flocking behavior is obtained. An upper bound of relative errors for agents' final positions is established, which depends on initial states, the topology structure and the weight function. Finally, simulation experiments verify the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Novel Heteroleptic Uranyl(VI) Complexes Incorporating Tetradentate and Bidentate Chelating Ligands: Deviation from the Oyl‐U‐Oyl Linearity
Authors: Sethi Sipun , Panigrahi Rachita , Mallik Bhabani S. , Behera Nabakrushna
Published: September 2022

Two heteroleptic uranyl(VI) complexes [UO2(L)(phen)] (1) and [UO2(L)(pypzH)] (2) [where, H2L=N2O2‐benzil bis(isonicotinoyl hydrazone) ligand, phen=1,10‐phenanthroline and pypzH=3‐(2‐pyridylpyrazole)] were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, UV‐Visible, 1H NMR, FT‐IR and TGA techniques. The time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) calculations of both the complexes were carried out to obtain the insights into the structure and spectral properties. According to results obtained, the title complexes have highly distorted structures deviating from the expected hexagonal bipyramidal structures. The computed results show that the LUMO of the complex is mainly stabilized by uranium. Both the complexes exhibit similar UV‐Visible spectra within the region 325–600 nm with their intense bands at ∼450 nm primarily due to the HOMO→LUMO transitions. A weak absorption band which appears at ∼335 nm for each complex has been attributed to n→π* transition. In contrast to complex 2,the complex 1 exhibits maximum deviation from the Oyl‐U‐Oyl linearity.
Synthesis of 5‐Substituted‐1H‐Tetrazoles from Nitriles and Azides in a Betaine‐Diol‐Based Deep Eutectic Solvent
Authors: Shin Jung‐Ah , Lee Sejin
Published: September 2022

Devising a simple, environmentally friendly, and reusable route for the [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of azides and nitriles to form tetrazoles is undoubtedly a challenging issue. Herein, a facile synthesis method for 5‐substituted‐1H‐tetrazoles was developed by treating nitriles with NaN3 in a betaine‐diol‐based deep eutectic solvent. This protocol offers products in very high yields, an easy work‐up procedure devoid of harmful organic solvents, and recyclability of the deep eutectic solvent, thereby making it environmentally benign.
Interaction of Aromatic Nitro Compounds and Fluoride Ions with Photoluminescent GO‐Ce Nanoparticles: Understanding the Role of Local Environment of Cerium
Authors: Pyne Dinesh K. , Pramanik Soumalya , Chatterjee Shovon , Bali Somnath , Biswas Tuyan , Sengupta Sohini , Halder Arnab
Published: September 2022

Local environment dependent photoluminescence (PL) of cerium incorporated GO nanoparticles (GO−Ce NPs) is investigated by using fluorescence quenching study in presence of aromatic nitro compounds (ANCs) and fluoride ion. Presence of trivalent and tetravalent cerium ions at the different locations of the GO based nanoparticles interact with ANCs and fluoride ions in a different manner depending upon the accessibility and local polarity of the excited cerium (III) ions. Proposed system is found to be most sensitive towards ortho‐nitrophenol (quenching efficiency 70.5 %) with a high constant value of KD and KS, 8.7 × 104 and 7.0 × 104 respectively. Herein, the fluorescence quenching study of GO−Ce NPS reveals the different mode of interactions between the fluorophoric moieties and quenchers.
Magnetic, Electrical and Humidity Sensing Properties of Multiferroic GdCrO3 Nanoparticles Fabricated by Metal Organic Precursor Method
Authors: Lone Irfan H. , Khan Huma , Wani Irshad A. , Jain Arvind Kumar , Ahmad Tokeer
Published: September 2022

Monophasic GdCrO3 nanoparticles have been fabricated by ethylene glycol‐assisted metal citrate precursor method. The as‐prepared nanoparticles have been characterized for phase purity, size and morphology by using powder X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopic techniques. GdCrO3 nanoparticles showed excellent crystallinity with an average particle size of 78 nm and high specific surface area of 184 m2 g−1. The two band gap values of 1.9 eV and 2.3 eV were calculated using K−M function of the UV‐visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Magnetic results of GdCrO3 nanoparticles possess the well defined ferromagnetic loop, which confirms the ferromagnetic characteristics of these nanoparticles. Our results further exhibit improved P−E loop for GdCrO3 nanoparticles showing ferroelectric behaviour at room temperature for the first time which indicates the presence of multiferroic nature. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss of sintered/unsintered pellet of GdCrO3 were measured as a function of frequency and temperature. Lastly, the humidity sensing parameters of GdCrO3 nanoparticles have also been reported.
New Strategy and Excellent Fluorescence Property of Unique Core–Shell Structure Based on Liquid Metals/Metal Halides
Authors: Duan Liangfei , Zhang Yumin , Zhao Jianhong , Zhang Jin , Li Qian , Lu Qingjie , Fu Li , Liu Jing , Liu Qingju
Published: September 2022

The further applications of liquid metals (LMs) are limited by their common shortcoming of silver‐white physical appearance, which deviates from the impose stringent requirements for color and aesthetics. Herein, a concept is proposed for constructing fluorescent core–shell structures based on the components and properties of LMs, and metal halides. The metal halides endow LMs with polychromatic and stable fluorescence characteristics. As a proof‐of‐concept, LMs‐Al obtained by mixing of LMs with aluminum (Al) is reported. The surface of LMs‐Al is transformed directly from Al to a multi‐phase metal halide of K3AlCl6 with double perovskites structure, via redox reactions with KCl + HCl solution in a natural environment. The formation of core–shell structure from the K3AlCl6 and LMs is achieved, and the shell with different phases can emit a cyan light by the superimposition of the polychromatic spectrum. Furthermore, the LMs can be directly converted into a fluorescent shell without affecting their original features. In particular, the luminescence properties of shells can be regulated by the components in LMs. This study provides a new direction for research in spontaneous interfacial modification and fluorescent functionalization of LMs and promises potential applications, such as lighting and displays, anti‐counterfeiting measures, sensing, and chameleon robots.
Ketogenic dietary lifestyle intervention effects on sleep, cognition, and behavior in mild cognitive impairment: Study design
Authors: Sanderlin Ashley H. , Hayden Kathleen M. , Baker Laura D. , Craft Suzanne
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Sleep and diet are modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD) that may be salient areas for the development of preventive intervention strategies against dementia in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Sleep disturbances account for up to 15% of the population attributable risk for AD. Diet influences sleep quality, such that diets high in sugars, fat, and processed food affect sleep quality and cognition in older adults. The combination of poor sleep and diet health may increase risk for dementia in people with MCI, yet it is unknown how intervening on diet may influence sleep health.

Methods

The MCI Sleep Study assesses longitudinal changes in objective and subjective measures of sleep between two investigational diet groups in the Brain Energy for Amyloid Transformation in Alzheimer's Disease study: the modified Mediterranean ketogenic diet (MMKD) and the American Heart Association diet. Objective sleep assessments include an in‐home sleep study using the WatchPAT Central Plus (Itamar Medical, Ltd) at baseline and the end of the 4‐month diet intervention. Subjective sleep questionnaires include the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The MCI Sleep Study outcome measures include longitudinal change in cognitive performance, mood, behavior, and quality of life.

Results

Study recruitment is currently ongoing. We hypothesize the low‐carb MMKD diet to have a beneficial impact on sleep health in individuals with MCI. Pre‐ and post‐diet changes in sleep metrics across diet groups will be examined using mixed effects analysis of variance models.

Discussion

Early assessment of chronic sleep and diet behaviors may be vital in understanding when interventions are necessary and the lifestyle modifications that should accompany future AD prevention and therapy recommendations.
Vision Zero in Norway
Authors: Elvik Rune
Published: September 2022

This chapter describes the adoption of Vision Zero in Norway and some of the impacts on transport safety policy that can be traced to it. These impacts concern the following:

the demand for improved knowledge about the effects of road safety measures,

the creation of a new forum for developing road safety policy,

the adoption of quantified road safety targets and a system for management by objectives based on road safety indicators,

the identification of roads suitable for conversion to motorways or to 2+1 roads based on the Swedish model,

the revision of speed limit policy and

the revision of standards for the design and use of guardrails.

It is argued that the adoption of Vision Zero has had a major impact on road safety policy in Norway and may have contributed to speeding up the decline in the number of traffic fatalities and serious injuries after the year 2000.
Student Engagement in Open, Distance, and Digital Education
Authors: Bond Melissa , Bergdahl Nina
Published: September 2022

Engaging students in their learning, and within their learning community, is a key goal of educators. However, ongoing discussions about its nature, conceptualization, and measurement have led to a diffusion of the concept’s understanding, and ability to apply it within both research and practice. This chapter draws on theoretical and empirical primary and secondary ODDE research, and provides an overview of student engagement and disengagement, particularly as they relate to educational technology. The four dimensions of behavioral, affective/emotional, cognitive, and social (dis-)engagement are presented, alongside example indicators. In addition, a bioecological model of student engagement is explored with explicit links to digital learning. The chapter concludes by providing open questions and directions for future research, including further emphasis and exploration needed on the role of social engagement in ODDE contexts, as well as disengagement as a separate construct.
Colchicine overdose impairs the capacity of Kupffer cells to clear foreign particles and endotoxins
Authors: Hassan Reham , Myllys Maiju , Brackhagen Lisa , Hobloss Zaynab , González Daniela , Seddek Abdel-latif , Friebel Adrian , Hoehme Stefan , Marchan Rosemarie , Trauner Michael , Hengstler Jan G. , Ghallab Ahmed
Published: September 2022

Colchicine is an anti-inflammatory drug with a narrow therapeutic index. Its binding to tubulin prevents microtubule polymerization; however, little is known about how depolymerization of microtubules interferes with the phagocytosis function of Kupffer cells (KC). Here, we applied functional intravital imaging techniques to investigate the influence of microtubule disruption by colchicine on KC morphology, as well as its capacity to clear foreign particles and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in anesthetized mice. Intravital imaging of KC in healthy mice showed the typical elongated morphology, localization at the luminal side of the sinusoidal endothelial cells, and moving cell protrusions. In contrast, at colchicine doses of 1 mg/kg and higher (intraperitoneal), KC appeared roundish with strongly reduced protrusions and motility. To study the functional consequences of these alterations, we analyzed the capacity of KC to phagocytose fluorescent nanospheres (100 nm-size) and LPS. After tail vein injection, the nanospheres formed aggregates of up to ~ 5 µm moving along the sinusoidal bloodstream. In controls, the nanosphere aggregates were rapidly captured by the Kupffer cell protrusions, followed by an internalization process that lasted up to 10 min. Similar capture events and internalization processes were observed after the administration of fluorescently labeled LPS. In contrast, capture and internalization of both nanospheres and LPS by KC were strongly reduced in colchicine-treated mice. Reduced phagocytosis of LPS was accompanied by aggravated production of inflammatory cytokines. Since 0.4 mg/kg colchicine in mice has been reported to be bio-equivalent to human therapeutic doses, the here-observed adverse effects on KC occurred at doses only slightly above those used clinically, and may be critical for patients with endotoxemia due to a leaky gut–blood barrier.
Visuospatial working memory and obstacle crossing in young and older people
Authors: Chu N. C. W. , Sturnieks D. L. , Lord S. R. , Menant J. C.
Published: September 2022

Obstacle crossing requires visuospatial working memory to guide the trailing leg trajectory when vision in unavailable. Visuospatial working memory, as assessed with neuropsychological tests, declines with age, however, this remains to be investigated functionally in obstacle crossing. There is also evidence that visuospatial encoding during a secondary task interferes with balance control during stepping and walking in older people. Here, we studied the interaction effects of age by delay (study 1) and age by secondary visuospatial task (study 2) conditions on obstacle clearance in a visuospatial working memory -guided obstacle crossing task. Healthy young adults aged 19 to 36 years (n = 20 in study 1 and n = 17 in study 2) and healthy older adults aged 66 to 83 years (n = 29 in study 1 and n = 21 in study 2) were instructed to step over an obstacle with their leading leg and straddle it for a delay period before completing the crossing with their trailing leg. In study 1, two obstacle height conditions (12 cm, 18 cm) and two delay durations (20 s, 60 s) were presented in random order. In study 2, participants were required to attend to either no secondary task (control), a visuospatial secondary (star movement) task, or a nonspatial secondary (arithmetic) task, while straddling the obstacle for a delay duration of 20 s, at obstacle heights of 12 cm and 18 cm, randomly presented. Trailing leg kinematics (mean and variability of maximum toe clearance over the obstacle) were determined via motion capture. There were no statistically significant age by delay or age by secondary task interactions. In study 1, toe clearance variability was significantly greater in young adults and increased with increasing delay duration in both groups. In study 2, compared with the control condition, toe clearance variability was significantly greater in the non-spatial secondary task condition but not in the visuospatial condition. Contrary to our hypotheses, these findings suggest that young and older adults alike can store an obstacle representation via visuospatial working memory for durations of at least 60 s and use this information to safely scale their trailing leg over an obstacle. However, the increase in trailing leg toe clearance variability with delay duration suggests that obstacle representation starts to deteriorate even within the first 20 s regardless of age. The finding that undertaking a concurrent arithmetic task impaired visuospatial working memory-guided obstacle clearance suggests a potential increased risk of tripping during obstacle crossing while dual-tasking in both young and older people.
Long Term Average Cost Control Problems Without Ergodicity
Authors: Ankirchner Stefan , Engelhardt Stefan
Published: September 2022

We consider a stochastic control problem with time-inhomogeneous linear dynamics and a long-term average quadratic cost functional. We provide sufficient conditions for the problem to be well-posed. We describe an explicit optimal control in terms of a bounded and non-negative solution of a Riccati equation on $$[0, \infty )$$

[
0
,
∞
)

, without an initial and terminal condition. We show that, in contrast to the time-homogeneous case, in the inhomogeneous case the optimally controlled state dynamics are not necessarily ergodic.
A McKean–Vlasov Game of Commodity Production, Consumption and Trading
Authors: Aïd René , Bonesini Ofelia , Callegaro Giorgia , Campi Luciano
Published: September 2022

We propose a model where a producer and a consumer can affect the price dynamics of some commodity controlling drift and volatility of, respectively, the production rate and the consumption rate. We assume that the producer has a short position in a forward contract on $$\lambda $$
λ
units of the underlying at a fixed price F, while the consumer has the corresponding long position. Moreover, both players are risk-averse with respect to their financial position and their risk aversions are modelled through an integrated-variance penalization. We study the impact of risk aversion on the interaction between the producer and the consumer as well as on the derivative price. In mathematical terms, we are dealing with a two-player linear-quadratic McKean–Vlasov stochastic differential game. Using methods based on the martingale optimality principle and BSDEs, we find a Nash equilibrium and characterize the corresponding strategies and payoffs in semi-explicit form. Furthermore, we compute the two indifference prices (one for the producer and one for the consumer) induced by that equilibrium and we determine the quantity $$\lambda $$
λ
such that the players agree on the price. Finally, we illustrate our results with some numerics. In particular, we focus on how the risk aversions and the volatility control costs of the players affect the derivative price.
Investigation of the effects of pulse width modulation on the laser sintering of LATP for all-solid-state batteries
Authors: Wehbe H. , Schmidt L. O. , Kandula M. W. , Dilger K.
Published: September 2022

Inorganic solid electrolytes are the most important component for realizing all-solid-state batteries with lithium metal anodes and enable safe battery cells with high energy densities. Their synthesis and processing are the subject of current research, especially the NASICON-type Li1+xAlxTi2-x(PO4)3 (LATP). Herein, the ability of sintering with electro-magnetic irradiation is investigated and correlated with different properties of prepared LATP pellets. First of all, an infrared camera records the temperature of the surface during the treatment. Second, the effect of the pulse fluence is investigated in terms of the topology and morphology of the pellets. Here, the arithmetic surface roughness Ra is the main parameter. Then, the depth of the radiation interaction in the pellet is measured. The focus of this paper is on the different pulse widths of the laser sources, and therefore, similar pulse and hatch overlap ensure equivalent areal energy input in both cases. As a summarized result, treatment with a shorter pulse width generates high peak pulse powers, resulting in higher temperatures, rougher surfaces and affecting deeper layers of the pellets compared to treatment with longer pulse width. On the contrary, excessive power leads to the ablation of the material up to destruction.
Vector-borne pathogens of zoonotic concern in dogs from a Quilombola community in northeastern Brazil
Authors: de Macedo Lucia Oliveira , Bezerra-Santos Marcos Antonio , Filho Carlos Roberto Cruz Ubirajara , da Silva Sales Kamila Gaudêncio , de Sousa-Paula Lucas C. , da Silva Lidiane Gomes , Dantas-Torres Filipe , do Nascimento Ramos Rafael Antonio , Otranto Domenico
Published: September 2022

Canine vector-borne pathogens (CVBPs) comprise a group of disease agents mainly transmitted by ticks, fleas, mosquitoes and sand flies. In this study, we assessed the presence of CVBPs in an Afro-descendent community (Quilombola) of northeastern, Brazil. Dog blood samples (n = 201) were collected and analyzed by rapid test for the detection of antibodies against Leishmania spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp. and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), and antigens of Dirofilaria immitis. In addition, polymerase chain reactions were performed for Anaplasmataceae, Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., Rickettsia spp. and B. burgdorferi s.l. Overall, 66.7% of the dogs scored positive to at least one pathogen at serological and/or molecular methods. Antibodies against Ehrlichia spp. were the most frequently detected (57.2%; n = 115/201), followed by Anaplasma spp. (8.5%; n = 17/201), Leishmania spp. (8.5%; n = 17/201) and B. burgdorferi s.l. (0.5%; n = 1/201). For D. immitis, 11 out of 201 (5.5%) animals scored positive. At the molecular analysis, 10.4% (n = 21/201) of the samples scored positive for Babesia spp./Hepatozoon spp., followed by Anaplasmataceae (5.0%; n = 10/201) and Rickettsia spp. (3.0%; n = 6/201). All samples were negative for B. burgdorferi s.l. Our data demonstrated the presence of CVBPs in the studied population, with a high seropositivity for Ehrlichia spp. In addition, considering the detection of zoonotic pathogens in dogs and their relationship with people from Quilombola communities, effective control strategies are advocated for minimizing the risk of infection in this socially vulnerable human population and their pets.