bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
l‐Glutamate maintains the quality of apple fruit by mediating carotenoid, sorbitol and sucrose metabolisms
Authors: Li Canying , Zhang Chenyang , Liu Jiaxin , Qu Linhong , Ge Yonghong
Published: March 2023

Background

l‐Glutamate is involved in many important chemical reactions in horticultural products and improves postharvest disease resistance. Quality decline of apple fruit caused by senescence and fungus invasion often leads to tremendous losses during logistics. This study was performed to evaluate the variations of quality attributes, carotenoid, sorbitol and sucrose metabolisms in apples (cv. Qiujin) after l‐glutamate dipping treatment.

RESUITS

l‐Glutamate immersion maintained high values of L*, a* and b*, flesh firmness, titratable acidity, as well as the total soluble solids, soluble sugar, reducing sugar and ascorbic acid contents in apples. l‐Glutamate also decreased mass loss, respiratory rate and ethylene release, enhanced sucrose synthase‐cleavage, acid invertase and neutral invertase activities, whereas reduced sorbitol dehydrogenase, sucrose phosphate synthase, sucrose synthase synthesis and sorbitol oxidase activities in apples. Moreover, l‐glutamate inhibited lutein, β‐carotene and lycopene accumulation, and down‐regulated phytoene synthase, lycopene β‐cyclase, ζ‐carotene desaturase, phytoene desaturase, carotenoid isomerase, ζ‐carotene isomerase and carotenoids cleavage dioxygenase gene expressions, but up‐regulated 9‐cis‐epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase gene expression in apples.

Conclusion

Postharvest l‐glutamate dipping treatment can keep apple quality by modulating key enzyme activity and gene expression in sorbitol, sucrose and carotenoid metabolisms. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Perioperative outcomes of cytoreductive surgery for tumours of colorectal or appendiceal origin with ovarian involvement
Authors: Wagstaff Jessica F. R. , Flood Michael P. , Mohan Helen , McBain Rosemary D. , McNally Orla , Apte Sameer S. , McCormick Jacob , Guerra Glen R. , Heriot Alexander G. , Warrier Satish K.
Published: March 2023

Background and Objectives

Ovarian metastases (OM) are a common site for metastases in gastrointestinal tumours with peritoneal disease. This study aimed to evaluate perioperative complications between patients with and without OM following cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for appendiceal/colorectal cancer.

Methods

Female patients undergoing CRS ± HIPEC for appendiceal/colorectal tumours at a single centre from 2009 to 2020 were analysed. Patients were grouped according to presence or absence of OM at the time of CRS.

Results

The study included 318 patients, 72 (22.6%) had OM. Operation duration was longer for patients with OM (332 vs. 276 min, p < 0.0001). Patients with OM achieved higher rates of complete cytoreduction (93% vs. 79%, p = 0.006) despite a higher peritoneal carcinomatosis index (13 vs. 7, p < 0.001) and were more likely to require a blood transfusion (32% vs. 19%, p = 0.024) and a stoma (24% vs.10%, p = 0.005). Increasing age and presence of abdominal symptoms were independent predictors of major and all‐cause morbidity, respectively. The presence of abdominal symptoms was independently associated with all‐cause morbidity in the OM group.

Conclusion

These results may assist with preoperative counselling. Prospective multicentre datasets are needed to evaluate morbidity in one‐ versus two‐stage approaches for those with abdominal symptoms and OM.
Improvement in general touch avoidance in patients with moderate‐to‐severe genital psoriasis treated with ixekizumab during a 52‐week, randomized, phase 3 clinical trial (IXORA‐Q)
Authors: Soung Jennifer , Cather Jennifer C. , Gooderham Melinda , Ryan Caitriona , Somani Najwa , Feely Meghan , See Kyoungah , Burge Russel , Elrayes Mohamed , Gallo Gaia , Armstrong April W.
Published: March 2023

Background

People with genital psoriasis may avoid close social interactions (hugs, handshakes, kisses, touching others, or being touched), which can have a significant impact on quality of life. Ixekizumab, an interleukin 17A antagonist, demonstrated rapid and persistent improvement in moderate‐to‐severe genital psoriasis through 52 weeks in a phase 3 trial (IXORA‐Q).

Objectives

To evaluate general touch avoidance (TA) in patients with moderate‐to‐severe genital psoriasis treated with ixekizumab through 52 weeks in the IXORA‐Q trial.

Methods

In IXORA‐Q (NCT02718898), adult patients received 80 mg ixekizumab every 2 weeks (IXE Q2W, N = 75) or placebo (PBO, N = 74) for 12 weeks. At Week 12, all patients received open‐label 80 mg ixekizumab every 4 weeks (IXE Q4W) through Week 52, with an opportunity to escalate dosing to Q2W at Weeks 24, 28, or 40. Patients used a numeric rating scale (NRS) to self‐report the degree of TA experienced over the past 2 weeks (score of 0 [not at all] to 10 [very much]). Outcomes included TA NRS score change from baseline and the proportion of patients achieving a TA NRS score of 0 through Week 52. Correlations between TA NRS scores and psoriasis outcomes were also examined.

Results

Mean (standard deviation) baseline TA NRS score was 2.7 (3.3) for IXE Q2W and 3.0 (3.5) for PBO. Among patients with a baseline TA NRS score >0, mean (standard deviation) change from baseline at Week 52 (where a lower score indicates greater improvement) and the proportion of patients who achieved a TA NRS score of 0 at Week 52 were −4.4 (3.2) [78.0%] for patients treated continuously with ixekizumab (Q2W then Q4W, N = 41) and −4.1 (3.6) [62.5%] for PBO/IXE Q4W (N = 40). TA NRS score improved in parallel with the majority of psoriasis outcomes examined, with the strongest positive association between the TA NRS score and Dermatology Life Quality Index total score.

Conclusions

Among patients with moderate‐to‐severe genital psoriasis, ixekizumab treatment achieves continued sustained improvement in general TA to 52 weeks.
Key characters of glycodrugs
Authors: Jiao Heng , Cao Xin
Published: March 2023

Glycodrug is an important chemical medicine category derived from biological carbohydrates and their mimics. However, the fundamental logic and features of glycodrugs are obscure issues. To make it easier to understand, four key characters of glycodrugs are extracted for reference. First, Glc relating drugs are key guards in glycometabolism. Second, Rib, GlcN/GalN, and Sia relating drugs are efficient modulators in life signaling regulations. Third, rare sugar relating drugs are effective weapons against various pathogens. Finally, glycosylation modifications are helpful strategies for druggability enhancement. In light of such key characters, more innovative glycodrugs will emerge in the future.
Molecular residual disease: A new clue for individualized approach in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Jia‐Tao , Zhong Wen‐Zhao , Wu Yi‐Long
Published: March 2023

The prognostic value of molecular residual disease (MRD) in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases using high‐depth circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) sequencing has been well documented. The utility of MRD to direct individualized therapy has increasingly emerged in the clinical trial design of solid tumors, such as escalation or de‐escalation of adjuvant therapy based on MRD. And the efficiency of MRD assay is a key determinant to the success of clinical trials, especially the limitation of detection and predictive value. Here, we review the progress made in evaluating the clinical validity of ctDNA‐MRD test and provide insight into exploiting these developments to future clinical scenarios for improving the individualized therapy of NSCLC.
Association between birth weight and the risk of chronic kidney disease in men and women: Findings from a large prospective cohort study
Authors: Dai Lingyan , Zhuang Juncheng , Fan Li , Zou Xia , Chan Kei Hang Katie , Yu Xueqing , Li Jie
Published: March 2023

Background

The sex‐specific associations between birth weight and the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) later in life remain controversial. This study aimed to examine the shape of the relationship between birth weight and the risk of CKD in men and women.

Methods

A total of 277,252 participants free of CKD at baseline from the United Kingdom Biobank (UKB) prospective cohort were included in the analysis. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to estimate the association between birth weight and the risk of incident CKD with adjustment for potential confounders.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 11.9 years, we identified 13,030 (4.7%) CKD cases. Compared with normal birth weight (2.5–4.0 kg), low birth weight (LBW, <2.5 kg) was associated with an 11% higher risk of CKD in men (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.11 [95% CI 1.01–1.21]) and a 27% higher risk of CKD in women (HR: 1.27 [1.19–1.36]) (p for interaction = 0.02). High birth weight (HBW, >4.0 kg) was associated with an 11% lower risk of CKD (HR: 0.89 [0.83–0.95]) in men but not in women (HR: 0.96 [0.89–1.04]) (p for interaction = 0.13). Furthermore, the LBW‐CKD association was stronger in obese (HR: 1.28 [1.18–1.39]) than in nonobese participants (HR: 1.16 [1.09–1.24], p for interaction = 0.03).

Conclusions

We found an L‐shaped relationship between birth weight and the risk of CKD in women but a linear shape in men. The LBW‐CKD association was mitigated to some extent by maintaining healthy body weight in adulthood. Our findings support the notion that the CKD risk should be managed from a lifecycle perspective.
Two‐grid mixed finite element method for two‐dimensional time‐dependent Schrödinger equation
Authors: Tian Zhikun , Chen Yanping , Huang Yunqing , Wang Jianyun
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we study the semidiscrete mixed finite element scheme and construct a two‐grid algorithm for the two‐dimensional time‐dependent Schrödinger equation. We analyze error results of the mixed finite element solution in ‐norm by some projection operators. Then, we propose a two‐grid method of the semidiscrete mixed finite element. With this method, the solution of the Schrödinger equation on a fine grid is reduced to the solution of original problem on a much coarser grid together with the solution of two elliptic equations on the fine grid. We also obtain the error estimate of two‐grid solution with exact solution in ‐norm. Finally, a numerical experiment indicates that our two‐grid algorithm is more efficient than the standard mixed finite element method.
Cardiac q‐space trajectory imaging by motion‐compensated tensor‐valued diffusion encoding in human heart in vivo
Authors: Teh Irvin , Shelley David , Boyle Jordan H. , Zhou Fenglei , Poenar Ana‐Maria , Sharrack Noor , Foster Richard J. , Yuldasheva Nadira Y. , Parker Geoff J. M. , Dall'Armellina Erica , Plein Sven , Schneider Jürgen E. , Szczepankiewicz Filip
Published: March 2023

Purpose

Tensor‐valued diffusion encoding can probe more specific features of tissue microstructure than what is available by conventional diffusion weighting. In this work, we investigate the technical feasibility of tensor‐valued diffusion encoding at high b‐values with q‐space trajectory imaging (QTI) analysis, in the human heart in vivo.

Methods

Ten healthy volunteers were scanned on a 3T scanner. We designed time‐optimal gradient waveforms for tensor‐valued diffusion encoding (linear and planar) with second‐order motion compensation. Data were analyzed with QTI. Normal values and repeatability were investigated for the mean diffusivity (MD), fractional anisotropy (FA), microscopic FA (μFA), isotropic, anisotropic and total mean kurtosis (MKi, MKa, and MKt), and orientation coherence (Cc). A phantom, consisting of two fiber blocks at adjustable angles, was used to evaluate sensitivity of parameters to orientation dispersion and diffusion time.

Results

QTI data in the left ventricular myocardium were MD = 1.62 ± 0.07 μm2/ms, FA = 0.31 ± 0.03, μFA = 0.43 ± 0.07, MKa = 0.20 ± 0.07, MKi = 0.13 ± 0.03, MKt = 0.33 ± 0.09, and Cc = 0.56 ± 0.22 (mean ± SD across subjects). Phantom experiments showed that FA depends on orientation dispersion, whereas μFA was insensitive to this effect.

Conclusion

We demonstrated the first tensor‐valued diffusion encoding and QTI analysis in the heart in vivo, along with first measurements of myocardial μFA, MKi, MKa, and Cc. The methodology is technically feasible and provides promising novel biomarkers for myocardial tissue characterization.
Body mass index, waist circumference, and urinary incontinence in midlife: A follow‐up of mothers in the Danish National Birth Cohort
Authors: Hjorth Sarah , Axelsen Susanne M. , Gommesen Ditte , Kjeldsen Anne C. M. , Taastrøm Katja A. , Nohr Ellen A.
Published: March 2023

Background

Obesity is a modifiable risk factor for urinary incontinence, yet few studies have investigated how waist circumference as compared to body mass index (BMI) influences the risk of urinary incontinence.

Objective

To estimate how BMI and waist circumference associates with risk of urinary incontinence in midlife and determine which of the two is the strongest predictor of urinary incontinence.

Methods

Cohort study among mothers in the Danish National Birth Cohort. Weight and waist circumference were self‐reported 7 years after cohort entry. Symptoms of urinary incontinence in midlife were self‐reported using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ‐FLUTS) and analyzed continuously and as presence or absence of any, stress (SUI), urgency (UUI), and mixed (MUI) urinary incontinence. Linear and log binomial regressions were used to calculate mean differences and risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Restricted cubic splines were generated to explore nonlinear relationships.

Results

Among 27 254 women at a mean age of 44.2 years, any urinary incontinence was reported by 32.1%, SUI by 20.9%, UUI by 2.4%, and MUI by 8.6%. For all outcomes, increases in risk were similar with higher BMI and waist circumference. The estimates of association were strongest for MUI (RR 1.10, 95% CI 1.08;1.12 and RR 1.12, 95% CI 1.10;1.14 for half a standard deviation increase in BMI and waist circumference, respectively). While increases in risk of the other outcomes were seen across the entire range of BMI and waist circumference, the risk of SUI rose until BMI 28 kg/m2 (waist circumference 95 cm), and then fell slightly.

Conclusions

Symptoms of urinary incontinence and prevalence of any urinary incontinence, SUI, UUI, and MUI increased with higher BMI and waist circumference. Self‐reported BMI and waist circumference were equally predictive of urinary incontinence.
Student‐generated memes as a way to facilitate online discussion for adult learners
Authors: Lin Xi , Sun Qi
Published: March 2023

This qualitative study examines how a student‐generated meme activity influences adult learners' interaction in online class discussions. A multiple‐case design is applied to understand how this class discussion activity facilitates online threaded interactions. This study recruited 28 adult learners from a two‐section graduate‐level asynchronous online class. Findings show that entertaining and easy to relate to meme activity generated by students engages adult learners in discussion activities for active learning. It helps learners quickly open up to each other to share and learn from each other. This discussion activity offers an alternative to releasing their emotions and feelings individually and collectively benefits adult learners when approaching new learning. It also shows the advantages of using a discussion activity connecting diverse adult learners and building a sense of community for social support while supporting each other for new learning. Findings indicate a significant role also played by the instructor in facilitating interactions. Our study provides insights into integrating internet tools (memes) with discussion activity for active learning in a fully asynchronous online discussion board.
Psychometric evaluation of the electronic faces thermometer scale for pain assessment in children 8–17 years old: A study protocol
Authors: Castor C. , Björk M. , Bai J. , Berlin H. , Kristjansdottir G. , Kristjansdottir O. , Hansson H. , Höök A. , Stenström P. , Nilsson S.
Published: March 2023

It is often a challenge for a child to communicate their pain, and their possibilities to do so should be strengthened in healthcare settings. Digital self‐assessment provides a potential solution for person‐centered care in pain management and promotes child participation when a child is ill. A child's perception of pain assessment differs when it is assessed using digital or analog formats. As we move into the digital era, there is an urgent need to validate digital pain assessment tools, including the newly developed electronic Faces Thermometer Scale (eFTS). This study protocol describes three studies with the overall aim to evaluate psychometric properties of the eFTS for assessing pain in children 8–17 years of age. A multi‐site project design combining quantitative and qualitative methods will be used for three observational studies. Study 1: 100 Swedish‐speaking children will report the level of anticipated pain from vignettes describing painful situations in four levels of pain and a think‐aloud method will be used for data collection. Data will be analyzed with phenomenography as well as descriptive and comparative statistics. Study 2: 600 children aged 8–17 years at pediatric and dental settings in Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and USA will be included. Children will assess their pain intensity due to medical or dental procedures, surgery, or acute pain using three different pain Scales for each time point; the eFTS, the Faces Pain Scale Revised, and the Coloured Analogue Scale. Descriptive and comparative statistics will be used, with subanalysis taking cultural context into consideration. Study 3: A subgroup of 20 children out of these 600 children will be purposely included in an interview to describe experiences of grading their own pain using the eFTS. Qualitative data will be analyzed with content analysis. Our pilot studies showed high level of adherence to the study procedure and rendered only a small revision of background questionnaires. Preliminary analysis indicated that the instruments are adequate to be used by children and that the analysis plan is feasible. A digital pain assessment tool contributes to an increase in pain assessment in pediatric care. The Medical Research Council framework for complex interventions in healthcare supports a thorough development of a new scale. By evaluating psychometric properties in several settings by both qualitative and quantitative methods, the eFTS will become a well‐validated tool to strengthen the child's voice within healthcare.
Topological Bonding and Electronic Properties of Cd43Te28 Semiconductor Material with Microporous Structure
Authors: Li Yixin , Xiong Wei , Li Lei , Zhou Zhuoming , Yao Chuang , Huang Zhongkai , Bo Maolin
Published: March 2023

CdTe is a II–VI semiconductor material with excellent characteristics and has demonstrated promising potential for application in the photovoltaic field. The electronic properties of Cd43Te28 with microporous structures are investigated based on density functional theory. The newly established binding‐energy and bond‐charge model is used to convert the value of Hamiltonian into bonding values. A method is provided for describing topological chemical bonds by atomic coordinates and wave phases. The dynamic process of the wave function with time and the magic cube matrix are also discussed. This study provides an innovative method and technology for the accurate analysis of the topological bonding and electronic properties of microporous semiconductor materials.
Infoveillance and bibliometric analysis of COVID‐19 in Nigeria
Authors: Amzat Jimoh , Kanmodi Kehinde Kazeem , Egbedina Eyinade Adeduntan
Published: March 2023

Background

Infectious diseases often come with enormous fear because of their ability to spark and spread. The same for COVID‐19, which WHO declared a pandemic in February 2020 after a record spread in multiple countries. The global world of information and social media plays a major role in the pandemic. Hence, this study aims to analyse the patterns of internet search and research interests on COVID‐19 in Nigeria.

Methods

This is an infoveillance and bibliometric research about COVID‐19 in Nigeria using systemic search through Google Trends to obtain COVID‐19 information prevalence and research incidence through bibliometric analysis using SCOPUS database. The data obtained were analysed using the Microsoft Excel 2021 software. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, mean, range and mode) were used for the summarisation of the data. The findings were presented using texts, tables, charts and maps.

Results

The information search spike started 1 week before the first index case. Search volume index inequalities were observed across the country, with the northern Nigeria having a higher search volume for COVID‐19. This study also uncovered several top search terms, including “COVID‐19,” “COVID loan” and “vaccine,” and queries, including “COVID‐19 Nigeria,” “COVID loan” and “COVID‐19 in Nigeria,” among others, which showed critical infodemiologic concerns in Nigeria. The interests of Nigerian researchers concerning COVID‐19 cut across various disciplines. The top three subject areas with the most significant volume of these publications were Medicine, Social Sciences and Biochemistry. This study found extensive research collaboration with over 150 countries coupled with external funding.

Conclusion

As internet search spikes reflect population health concerns and information‐wish, understanding the infodemic patterns and search terms will influence mass media regulators and health authorities to be vigilant and tackle the spread of misinformation. Nigeria's research resilience depicts great potential, hence, a call for improved local funding for research and development.
Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry of some homolycorine‐type Amaryllidaceae alkaloids
Authors: Berkov Strahil , Denev Rumen , Sidjimova Borjana , Zarev Yancho , Shkondrov Alexandar , Torras‐Claveria Laura , Viladomat Francesc , Bastida Jaume
Published: March 2023

Rationale

Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) is the most frequently applied technique for analyzing Amaryllidaceae alkaloids in plant extracts. Having these compounds, known for their potent bioactivities, is a distinctive chemotaxonomic feature of the Amaryllidoideae subfamily (Amaryllidaceae). The Amaryllidaceae alkaloids of homolycorine type with a C3–C4 double bond generally show molecular and diagnostic ions at the high‐mass region with low intensity in the EIMS mode, leading to problematic identification in complex plant extracts.

Methods

Eleven standard homolycorine‐type alkaloids (isolated and identified by 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance) were subjected to separation with GC and studied with electron impact mass spectrometry (EIMS) including single quadrupole (GC–EIMS), tandem (GC–EIMS/MS), and high‐resolution (GC–HR‐EIMS) detectors, as well as with chemical ionization mass spectrometry (GC–CIMS). Alkaloid fractions from two Hippeastrum species and Clivia miniata were subjected to GC–EIMS and GC–CIMS for alkaloid identification.

Results

GC–EIMS in combination with GC–CIMS provided significant structural information of homolycorine‐type alkaloids with C3–C4 double bond, facilitating their unambiguous identification. Based on the obtained typical fragmentation, other 11 homolycorine‐type compounds were identified in extracts from two Hippeastrum species by parallel GC–EIMS, GC–CIMS, and liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and in extracts from C. miniata by GC–EIMS.

Conclusions

GC–MS can be successfully applied for the identification of new and known homolycorine‐type alkaloids, among others within the Amaryllidoideae subfamily, as well as for chemotaxonomical and chemoecological studies.
Biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction are associated with poor outcome in COVID‐19 patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mohebbi Alireza , Haybar Habib , Nakhaei Moghaddam Fatemeh , Rasti Zahra , Vahid Mohammad Amin , Saki Najmaldin
Published: March 2023

Numerous studies have linked coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) with endothelial dysfunction and reported elevated levels of endothelial biomarkers in this disease. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the published evidence in this respect. A systematic literature search of PubMed and Scopus databases was performed to find studies investigating biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction in COVID‐19 patients. Pooled standardized mean differences and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each biomarker using random effect model. 74 studies with 7668 patients were included. In comparison to patients with good outcome, those with poor outcome had higher levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF) (SMD: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.59–1.07, p < 0.00001), vWF:ADAMTS13 (1.23, (0.77–1.7), p < 0.00001), angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) (1.06 (0.6–1.51), p < 0.0001), E‐selectin (1.09 (0.55–1.63), p < 0.0001), P‐selectin (0.59 (0.24–0.94), p = 0.001), syndecan‐1 (0.99 (0.6–1.37), p < 0.00001), mid‐regional pro‐adrenomedullin (MR‐proADM) (1.52 (1.35–1.68), p < 0.00001), vascular endothelial growth factor (0.27 (0.02–0.53), p = 0.03), soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFLT‐1) (1.93 (0.65–3.21), p = 0.03) and lower levels of ADAMTS13 antigen (−0.69 (−0.9 to −0.47) p < 0.00001) and activity (−0.84 (−1.06 to −0.61) p < 0.0000). Plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 and tissue plasminogen activator levels were not different between the two groups (p < 0.05). There were elevated levels of endothelial dysfunction biomarkers in COVID‐19 patients with poor outcome, indicating their possible role in disease severity and prognosis. In particular, MR‐proADM, vWF, syndecan‐1 and sFLT‐1 showed a significant association with poor outcome in these patients.
Structural, nutritional, and functional properties of amaranth protein and its application in the food industry: A review
Authors: Zhang Xin , Shi Jiajia , Fu Yidan , Zhang Tianyi , Jiang Lianzhou , Sui Xiaonan
Published: March 2023

Due to population and environmental concerns, more sustainable proteins are needed as alternatives to traditional proteins, including meat, milk, and soy proteins. Amaranth protein has been considered as a complete protein that is also gluten‐free and balanced in amino acid composition. Amaranth protein is rich in bioactive peptides, and its hydrolysis products have been demonstrated to be potential in preventing several diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. Amaranth protein is high in albumin, glutenin, and globulin, whereas the variability in albumin and glutenin content is dependent on the geography and variety of amaranth. In the food industry, amaranth protein is currently used in nutritionally fortified foods, gluten‐free foods, and food protein‐based films. Due to its excellent nutritional and bifunctional properties, amaranth protein has shown a great potential in functional foods and meat analogues. This review provides an overview of several properties of amaranth protein, including nutrition, bioactivity, structure, as well as its applications in the food industry and prospects. By reviewing the above properties of amaranth protein, it is considered as one of the promising sustainable alternative protein sources for future foods.
Effectiveness of 0.1% Mometasone Furoate under Hydrocolloid Dressing Versus 0.1% Mometasone Furoate in Patients with Lichen Simplex Chronicus
Authors: Lo Hiu Lai , Ip Fong Cheng
Published: March 2023

There was a lack of high-quality, evidence-based treatment for lichen simplex chronicus (LSC). Topical steroid under hydrocolloid dressing treatment was investigated mostly in observational studies without investigation of the cost-effectiveness and the methodology of application also varied without standardisation. To investigate the cost-effectiveness of topical steroid under hydrocolloid dressing in the treatment of moderate to severe lichen simplex chronicus (LSC). The study aimed to provide a clear methodology that was replicable. A single-blinded randomized controlled trial was carried out to compare the efficacy of 0.1% mometasone furoate cream with or without hydrocolloid dressing in patients suffering from moderate to severe LSC. Physician Global Assessment (PGA) score, Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) individual components score were assessed by a Dermatologist through clinical photos at week 0, 2, and 4. Pruritis Numerical Rating Scale (PNRS) was rated. Forty adult patients were recruited. The group with hydrocolloid dressing showed superior treatment efficacy. 20 out of 20 patients benefited from the hydrocolloid dressing with topical steroid while only 6 out of 20 patients benefited from topical steroid alone at week 2 regarding PGA. Similar result was obtained at week 4. Extra HK$ 132 was needed for each patient in hydrocolloid with topical steroid group. The number needed to treat (NNT) was 1.43 (95% CI: 1.42–1.44) at week 2 and 1.42 (95% CI: 1.41–1.44) at week 4 regarding PGA score improvement of ≥2. NNT analysis supported the cost-effectiveness of adjunctive hydrocolloid dressing usage as the first-line treatment in patients with moderate to severe LSC. This study added evidence to LSC treatment with a detailed and reproducible methodology.
Microstructural Analysis and Corrosion Behavior of a Titanium Cenosphere Composite Foam Fabricated by Powder Metallurgy Route
Authors: Majumdar Dibyendu Dutta , Sahu Shrishty , Mondal Dehi Pada , Roychowdhury Amit , Jha Amol Kumar , Ghosh Manojit
Published: March 2023

This study examines the influence of cenosphere particle size and sintering parameters on the microstructure and electrochemical behavior of Ti‐cenosphere composite foam fabricated by powder metallurgy route. Cenosphere has been added as a space holder material to develop Ti composite foam because of its abundant availability and low cost. Ti (particle size between 250 μm and 350 μm) and cenosphere (with a varying particle size of <150 μm, 150 μm–200 μm and >200 μm) in the ratio of 75 : 25 (wt %) were compacted using 100 MPa of applied pressure and sintering temperatures of 1000 and 1200 °C with sintering time ranging from 2 to 6 h at a heating rate of 25 °C/min. A defect‐free microstructure with the uniform dispersion of cenosphere particles in the Ti matrix was observed with the cenosphere particles in the size range of 150–212 μm at a sintering temperature of 1000 °C for 4 h. The porosity content in the syntactic foam varied from 34 to 50 % and decreased with increasing sintering time and temperature. Based on a detailed study of corrosion behavior in Hank's solution, the composite foam with cenosphere particles in the size range of 150–212 μm and sintered at 1000 °C for 4 h showed the highest corrosion resistance.
Exploring a supramolecular gel to in‐situ crystal fabrication from the low molecular weight gelators: a crystal engineering approach towards microelectronic device application
Authors: Dhibar Subhendu , Pal Baishakhi , Karmakar Kripasindhu , Kundu Sandip , Bhattacharjee Subham , Sahoo Rupam , Mehebub Rahaman SK. , Dey Dhananjay , Pratim Ray Partha , Saha Bidyut
Published: March 2023

A novel functional supramolecular gel (SA‐MEA) has been produced through the mixing of succinic acid and monoethanolamine directly in DMF medium under ambient conditions. The semi‐solid and viscoelastic nature of mechanically stable SA‐MEA gel has been established through the rheological analysis. The major chemical components of the gel are confirmed by EDX elemental mapping, while FESEM microstructural analysis investigates the morphological patterns of the gel. The gel gives rise to crystalline materials at room temperature and in the absence of external stimuli. Single‐crystal diffraction study of the in‐situ generated crystals shows the existence of different supramolecular synthons involving the hydrogen‐bonding interactions (N−H⋅⋅⋅O and O−H⋅⋅⋅O) leading to the formation of graph set motifs. These structural building blocks provide the stability to hold the overall molecular framework of SA‐MEA gel. Moreover, the contribution of O⋅⋅⋅H/H⋅⋅⋅O contacts plays a crucial role in this gel formation, which is established from the Hirshfeld surfaces along with linked 2D fingerprint patterns of the plot for both molecular components. Additionally, the SA‐MEA gel‘s supramolecular structure exhibits electrical conductivity, which was exploited to construct an electronic device with a metal‐semiconductor (MS) junction. Analyses of the gel‘s electrical properties were done in‐depth. Inclusive, this work demonstrates that the SA‐MEA gel may be used to create a semi‐conductive microelectronic device, such as a Schottky barrier diode.
Computational Study of the Adsorption of Small Gas Molecules on Pillar[5]arenes
Authors: Duy Ho Quoc , Rauls Eva
Published: March 2023

The anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) that is the main cause of the greenhouse effect has become subject to many studies of gas capture, storage, and separation. P[n]A‐based supramolecular organic frameworks (SOF) have emerged as a promising candidate for capturing and separation of CO2. Experimental studies show high adsorption rates and selectivity for CO2 over other gases such as methane (CH4) and nitrogen (N2). [Advanced Materials 26, 7027 (2014)] However, a full understanding of CO2 adsorption in P[n]A is still missing. Using density functional theory (DFT) based calculations, we found that CO2 can be adsorbed by P[5]A in different positions. The most favorable adsorption position is within the cavity of P[5]A. The CO2 molecule adsorbs by forming hydrogen bonds or by π‐π interaction with the benzene rings of P[5]A. Also CH4 and N2 can be physisorbed by P[5]A, but with lower binding energies, which can be explained by the weaker quadrupole moments and polarizabilities of CH4 and N2. Our investigations are the basis for targeted design and optimization of a potential application of P[5]A in CO2 capture, storage, and separation.
Hydrogen‐bond Peculiarities in Nitrilotris‐(Methylenephosphonato)‐Three‐aqua‐Iron(II) from XRD Experiment and DFT Calculation
Authors: Dobysheva Lyudmila V. , Chausov Feodor F.
Published: March 2023

Nitrilotris‐(Methylenephosphonato)‐Three‐aqua‐Iron(II) (FeNTP) is a linear organic‐inorganic coordination polymer forming on the steel surface as an anti‐corrosion coating. The compound was studied earlier experimentally and theoretically using ab‐initio DFT calculations. Here, the peculiarities of the bonds of hydrogen atoms, within and between the polymer chains, forming the three‐dimensional network of the coating, are discussed and compared to those in other compounds including water. The effect of Fe magnetic moment on the hydrogen bonds is studied. It is shown that in organometallic compounds, the magnetic state of magnetic atoms M affects the total polymer volume both through the M‐nearest neighbor distances and through the H‐bonding lengths, the change in the latter can even prevail over the former.
Pentanoate‐Tethered Artemisinin‐Isatin Hybrids with Antileukemic Potential
Authors: Xu Zhi , Chen Linzhi , Xu Dan
Published: March 2023

A series of novel pentanoate tethered artemisinin‐isatin hybrids 6 a–d and 7 a–m were synthesized and evaluated their activity against CCRF‐CEM, K562 and K562/ADR leukemia cell lines as well as normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by MTT assay. In particular, hybrid 7 b (IC50: 2.30 and 2.77 μM) exhibited highest activity against CCRF‐CEM and K562 cells, and the activity was not inferior to these of adriamycin (IC50: 4.89 μM) and vorinostat (IC50: 3.83 μM) against K562 cells, whereas hybrid 7 g (IC50: 0.62 μM) was more potent than adriamycin (IC50: 4.89 μM) and vorinostat (IC50: 3.83 μM) against K562/ADR cells. Moreover, the two hybrids (IC50: >100 μM) displayed non‐cytotoxicity towards normal PBMCs cells, and the selectivity index values were >11.02, indicating their excellent selectivity and safety profiles. Thus, hybrids 7 b and 7 g could act as potential anti‐leukemic candidates and were worthy of further preclinical evaluations.
Piperazine‐ and Pyrazole‐Based Heterocyclic Scaffold Derivatives Connected with Urea and Thiourea for Anti‐Inflammatory Activity
Authors: Bhargavi Dodda , Konduri Srihari , Prashanth Jyothi , Sireesha Malladi , Prabhakara Rao Koya
Published: March 2023

A couple of series of heterocyclic‐based urea and thiourea derivatives, connected with a hybrid scaffold skeleton containing pyrazole and piperazine ring moieties, were achieved. In this study, a total of fifteen new compounds were synthesized by reacting 1‐(3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐yl)piperazine hydrochloride with carbamides and thiocarbamides. All the fifteen newly synthesized compound structures were confirmed by 1H & 13C NMR and FTIR spectroscopy, ESI mass spectrometry, CHNS analysis and HPLC chromotograms. Moreover, the structures of N‐allyl‐4‐(3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐yl)piperazine‐1‐carbothioamide and 4‐(3‐methyl‐1‐phenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐yl)‐N‐(4‐nitrophenyl)piperazine‐1‐carbothioamide were also confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Further, as per the objective of this work, all these fifteen newly synthesized compounds were screened for anti‐inflammatory activity. The majority of the compounds displayed moderate‐to‐good anti‐inflammatory activity. The anti‐inflammatory activity study was also correlated with molecular docking studies using the receptor Cyclooxygenase‐2.
An Ultra‐Stable Electrode‐Solid Electrolyte Composite for High‐Performance All‐Solid‐State Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Huang Yuqin , Gao Panyu , Zhang Tengfei , Zhang Xiang , Xia Guanglin , Fang Fang , Sun Dalin , Guo Zaiping , Yu Xuebin
Published: March 2023

The low ionic and electronic conductivity between current solid electrolytes and high‐capacity anodes limits the long‐term cycling performance of all‐solid‐state lithium‐ion batteries (ASSLIBs). Herein, this work reports the fabrication of an ultra‐stable electrode‐solid electrolyte composite for high‐performance ASSLIBs enabled by the homogeneous coverage of ultrathin Mg(BH4)2 layers on the surface of each MgH2 nanoparticle that are uniformly distributed on graphene. The initial discharge process of Mg(BH4)2 layers results in uniform coverage of MgH2 nanoparticle with both LiBH4 as the solid electrolyte and Li2B6 with even higher Li ion conductivity than LiBH4. Consequently, the Li ion conductivity of graphene‐supported MgH2 nanoparticles covered with ultrathin Mg(BH4)2 layers is two orders of magnitude higher than that without Mg(BH4)2 layers. Moreover, the thus‐formed inactive Li2B6 with strong adsorption capability toward LiBH4, acts as a stabilizing framework, which, coupled with the structural support role of graphene, alleviates the volume change of MgH2 nanoparticles and facilitates the intimate contact between LiBH4 and individual MgH2 nanoparticles, leading to the formation of uniform stable interfaces with high ionic and electronic conductivity on each MgH2 nanoparticles. Hence, an ultrahigh specific capacity of 800 mAh g−1 is achieved for MgH2 at 2 A g−1 after 350 cycles.
N‐Heterocyclic Olefin Type Ionic Liquid with Innate Soft Lewis‐Base Character as an Effective Additive for Hybrid Quasi‐2D and 3D Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhou Zhonggao , Li Lihua , Li Bolun , Li Jing , Liu Tianyong , Huang Xi , Tang Shaobin , Qiu Hongdeng , Cai Wanzhu , Zhang Shiyong , Li Kan , Xu Guohai , Zhen Hongyu
Published: March 2023

In optimizing perovskites with ionic liquid (IL), the comparative study on Lewis acid‐base (LAB) and hydrogen‐bonding (HB) interactions between IL and perovskite is lacking. Herein, methyl is substituted for hydrogen on 2‐position of imidazolium ring of N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) type IL IdH to weaken HB interactions, and the resulting N‐heterocyclic olefin (NHO) type IL IdMe with softer Lewis base character is studied in both hybrid quasi‐2D (Q‐2D) and 3D perovskites. It is revealed that IdMe participates in constructing high‐quality Q‐2D perovskite (n = 4) and provides stronger passivation for 3D perovskite compared with IdH. Power conversion efficiency (PCE) of Q‐2D PEA2MA3Pb4I13 perovskite solar cells (PVSCs) is boosted to 17.68% from 14.03%. PCE and device stability of 3D PVSCs enhances simultaneously. Both theoretical simulations and experimental results show that LAB interactions between NHO and Pb2+ take the primary optimization effects on perovskite. The success of engineering LAB interactions also offers inspiration to develop novel ILs for high‐performance PVSCs.
Identification, isolation, and structure elucidation of novel forced degradation products of nelarabine
Authors: Parmar Raghuvirsinh , Rajput Sadhana , Mohan Arivozhi
Published: March 2023

The present study focuses on novel degradation products of nelarabine generated from forced degradation study. In the process, a novel analytical method was developed which was not only compatible with liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry but also had the efficiency to capture each of the possible degradation products with sufficient separation from the nelarabine peak. Nelarabine was exposed to acidic, alkali, oxidation, photolytic, and thermal stress conditions as recommended by International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. No major degradation was observed under photolytic and thermal conditions however the drug was observed to be significantly degraded under acidic, alkali, and oxidative stress conditions generating a total of nine novel degradation products which are hitherto not been reported in the literature. The major degradation products obtained under acidic and alkali conditions were isolated using preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography and their structure was elucidated using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and high‐resolution mass spectroscopic studies. Moreover, probable pathways for the formation of these degradation products were also outlined.
Metal‐Organic Framework Composites and Their Derivatives as Efficient Electrodes for Energy Storage Applications: Recent Progress and Future Perspectives
Authors: Wang Teng , Chen Shaoqian , Chen Kai‐Jie
Published: March 2023

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have been important electrochemical energy storage (EES) materials because of their rich species, large specific surface area, high porosity and rich active sites. Nevertheless, the poor conductivity, low mechanical and electrochemical stability of pristine MOFs have hindered their further applications. Although single component MOF derivatives have higher conductivity, self‐aggregation often occurs during preparation. Composite design can overcome the shortcomings of MOFs and derivatives and create synergistic effects, resulting in improved electrochemical properties for EES. In this review, recent applications of MOF composites and derivatives as electrodes in different types of batteries and supercapacitors are critically discussed. The advantages, challenges, and future perspectives of MOF composites and derivatives have been given. This review may guide the development of high‐performance MOF composites and derivatives in the field of EES.
Pasta wastes, as substitute for corn, in the laying Japanese quails diet: Effects on production performance, egg quality and blood biochemistry
Authors: Mohammadi Hamed , Pirsaraei Zarbakht Ansari , Mousavi Seyed Naser , Ghobadi Navvab
Published: March 2023

Background

Animal food shortage and finding efficient ways to produce poultry products are getting more and more important issues in the world.

Objectives

This study was aimed to determine the effect of replacing corn with pasta wastes (0%, 50% and 100%) in the diet on production performance, some blood variables and the egg quality traits of laying quails.

Methods

A total of 240 laying quails were allocated into 3 experimental groups with 8 replicates for 8 weeks. Egg production percentage, egg mass, feed intake and also mortality rate and percentage of abnormal eggs, egg quality traits and blood variables were evaluated.

Results

None of the pasta wastes inclusion had significant effect on egg mass, abnormal egg percentage, mortality rate, yolk diameter, yolk weight, albumen height, yolk index, shell weight percentage, egg shape index and blood parameters (except for triglycerides). Replacing 100% corn with pasta by‐product reduced feed conversion ratio and increased egg weight values. Replacing 100% corn by pasta wastes significantly increased the albumen weight, shell weight and also egg length and width and decreased the Haugh unit. Replacing 50% and 100% corn had a significant increase in yolk height, egg surface area and significantly decreased shell thickness and yolk colour. Overall, 100% replacement of corn by pasta by‐product increased blood triglycerides compared to the 50% group.

Conclusions

Based on the result of current experiment, total replacement of corn with pasta wastes could increase the egg weight and also improve feed conversion ratio in the laying quail diets.
An eigenvalue solution for nonlocal vibration of guide supported perfect/imperfect functionally graded power‐law and sigmoid nanobeams on one‐parameter elastic foundation
Authors: Civalek Ömer , Uzun Büşra , Özgür Yaylı Mustafa
Published: March 2023

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study for the first time, proposes a finite element (FE) model to investigate the size‐dependent vibrational responses of guide supported imperfect functionally graded (FG) nonlocal beams embedded in an elastic foundation in the context of nonlocal elasticity theory (NET). The main objective of this paper is to present a nonlocal FE solution for vibration analysis of imperfect FG nanobeams including nonlocal effect, power‐law distribution function, sigmoid distribution function, even porosity model, uneven porosity model, elastic foundation parameter, and guide support condition. It is considered that perfect/imperfect FG nanobeams are made of silicon carbide (SiC) and aluminum (Al) and that beam properties vary along the height direction. In addition, the nanobeams rest on a one‐parameter elastic foundation and this foundation provides the interaction between the structure and the soil with elastic springs. The frequency values of perfect/imperfect FG power‐law and sigmoid nanobeams obtained by using a nonlocal FE method are shown via tables and figures.
Basic Concepts and Terms
Authors: Winter Alfred , Ammenwerth Elske , Haux Reinhold , Marschollek Michael , Steiner Bianca , Jahn Franziska
Published: March 2023

A common terminology is needed when dealing with information systems. Health information systems, as socio-technical subsystems of a healthcare setting, compriss data, information, and knowledge processes as well as the associated actors. They support information and knowledge logistics.

When dealing with health information systems and their architecture, we distinguish between concepts such as entities and entity types, computer-based and non-computer-based application components supporting functions, and physical data processing systems. Electronic health records (EHR) are parts of health information systems that collect patient health data from different health care settings. A patient record is the collection of a patient’s health data from a certain facility.

Management of health information systems includes planning, directing, and monitoring tasks.

The three-layer graph-based metamodel (3LGM2) is a metamodel that supports the management of health information systems. It describes the components of health information system architectures and their relationships among each other at three layers. It consists of the domain layer to describe functions and entity types, the logical tool layer to describe application components, and the physical tool layer to describe physical tools, as well as the inter-layer relationships between the three layers.
Spin Dynamics
Authors: Méot François
Published: March 2023

This chapter is a general introduction to spin dynamics in beam lines and accelerators, and to resonant depolarization in cyclic accelerators.
Spin Codes
Authors: Ranjbar Vahid
Published: March 2023

This chapter reviews the approaches to numerically integrate the spin-orbit and how they are applied in several spin codes.