bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction and Docking Studies of Novel Pyrimido[4,5‐b]quinolines as Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Bakr Rania B. , El Azab Islam H. , Elkanzi Nadia A. A.
Published: April 2024

In order to develop novel antimicrobial agents, we prepared quinoline bearing pyrimidine analogues 2–7, 8 a–d and 9 a–d and their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques. Furthermore, our second aim was to predict the interactions between the active compounds and enzymes (DNA gyrase and DHFR). In this work, fourteen pyrimido[4,5‐b]quinoline derivatives were prepared and assessed for their antimicrobial potential by estimating zone of inhibition. All the screened candidates displayed antibacterial potential with zone of inhibition range of 9–24 mm compared with ampicillin (20–25 mm) as a reference drug. Moreover, the target derivatives 2 (ZI=16), 9 c (ZI=17 mm) and 9 d (ZI=16 mm) recorded higher antifungal activity against C. albicans to that exhibited by the antifungal drug amphotericin B (ZI=15 mm). Finally, the most potent pyrimidoquinoline compounds (2, 3, 8 c, 8 d, 9 c and 9 d) were docked inside DHFR and DNA gyrase active sites and they recorded excellent fitting within the active regions of DNA gyrase and DHFR. These outcomes revealed us that compounds (2, 3, 8 c, 8 d, 9 c and 9 d) could be lead compounds to discover novel antibacterial candidates.
Molecular Basis for Chemoselectivity Control in Oxidations of Internal Aryl‐Alkenes Catalyzed by Laboratory Evolved P450s
Authors: Soler Jordi , Gergel Sebastian , Hammer Stephan C. , Garcia‐Borràs Marc
Published: April 2024

P450 enzymes naturally perform selective hydroxylations and epoxidations of unfunctionalized hydrocarbon substrates, among other reactions. The adaptation of P450 enzymes to a particular oxidative reaction involving alkenes is of great interest for the design of new synthetically useful biocatalysts. However, the mechanism that these enzymes utilize to precisely modulate the chemoselectivity and distinguishing between competing alkene double bond epoxidations and allylic C−H hydroxylations is sometimes not clear, which hampers the rational design of specific biocatalysts. In a previous work, a P450 from Labrenzia aggregata (P450LA1) was engineered in the laboratory using directed evolution to catalyze the direct oxidation of trans‐β‐methylstyrene to phenylacetone. The final variant, KS, was able to overcome the intrinsic preference for alkene epoxidation to directly generate a ketone product via the formation of a highly reactive carbocation intermediate. Here, additional library screening along this evolutionary lineage permitted to serendipitously detect a mutation that overcomes epoxidation and carbonyl formation by exhibiting a large selectivity of 94 % towards allylic C−H hydroxylation. A multiscalar computational methodology was applied to reveal the molecular basis towards this hydroxylation preference. Enzyme modelling suggests that introduction of a bulky substitution dramatically changes the accessible conformations of the substrate in the active site, thus modifying the enzymatic selectivity towards terminal hydroxylation and avoiding the competing epoxidation pathway, which is sterically hindered.
Fabrication of a mandibular implant‐retained overdenture using an existing subperiosteal implant: A clinical report
Authors: Arshad Mahnaz , Khoramshahi Nourin , Shirani Gholamreza
Published: April 2024

Key Clinical Message

A 64‐year‐old edentulous woman with a mandibular fracture received a subperiosteal implant for fracture fixation and dental rehabilitation. However, the ball abutments were submerged by the soft tissue because they were too short. Therefore, we designed a connector to lengthen the attachment and achieve adequate stability and retention for the overdenture.
Adsorptive removal of recalcitrant organic compounds of compost leachate by epichlorohydrin cross‐linked cyclodextrin copolymer
Authors: Afsar Sangari Ziba , Sayyad Amin Javad , Farrokhi Mahmoud , Pendashteh Alireza , Ayati Ali , Rajabzadeh Amin Reza , Zendehboudi Sohrab
Published: April 2024

Hazardous materials in compost leachate pose a threat to the environment, and its treatment has become a concern in recent years. The adsorption process is a highly effective method that is used for treating these contaminants. This research pioneered the application of cyclodextrin‐epichlorohydrin (ECP) copolymer for chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal in compost leachate treatment. It offers a practical and effective approach to addressing environmental concerns associated with COD, with an extremely high adsorption capacity of 11,246 mg/g. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), x‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive x‐ray (EDX) analyses were performed to identify the synthesized ECP. The effects of different parameters on the adsorption process were systematically investigated. Organic compounds removal was also evaluated using response surface methodology (RSM) in relation to process parameters. The maximum removal of COD was achieved in acidic solutions with an agitation speed of 160 rpm and adsorbent dosage of 3 g/L at 60 min. The corresponding maximum removal percentage achieved under the optimum conditions was about 70%. The adsorption process followed pseudo−second order kinetics and Freundlich isotherms models. The adsorption behaviour of ECP was investigated in ionic environment and it was efficiently regenerated for three adsorption–desorption cycles. The ECP showed high adsorption capacity and was found to be cost‐effective for COD removal. It was found to be a sustainable waste management strategy.
Preparation and stability of zinc‐based mesoporous sorbent modified with aluminium for high temperature coal gas desulphurization
Authors: Li Yang , Du Yi‐en , Wu Haipeng , Mi Jie , Feng Yu
Published: April 2024

Zinc‐based sorbents with ordered mesoporous structure were modified with aluminium and the key factors in the preparation were optimized based on the results of desulphurization tests performed in a fixed‐bed reactor with simulated coal gas. It was shown that the sorbents for hydrogen sulphide removal reached an optimum sulphur capacity of 9.14% when prepared under conditions of 10.0 crystalline pH, 30:1 Si:Al molar ratio, 0.32:1 Zn:Si molar ratio, and 1:3 Zn:TAA molar ratio. The sorbent without aluminium was synthesized synchronously as a comparison sample to investigate the effect of aluminium addition on the desulphurization properties. The surface acidity of the sorbents is enhanced by the addition of aluminium, and the sulphur capacity of the aluminium‐doped sorbent is consequently lower compared to that of aluminium‐free sorbent. Nevertheless, the aluminium‐doped sorbent shows a significant advantage in stability of performance over multiple desulphurization–regeneration cycles and reaches an 81% retention rate of sulphur capacity after five desulphurization, while the aluminium‐free sorbent is only 51% in contrast. The characterization results manifest that aluminium enters the carrier skeleton and increases the wall thickness, which alleviates the collapse of the carrier pore channels and the agglomeration of the active components during the desulphurization process. Stable pore structures and highly dispersed active components facilitate the mass transfer in the reaction process after multiple desulphurization. As a result, the aluminium‐doped sorbent exhibits better performance stability in high temperature coal gas desulphurization.
A graph‐based optimization methodology for identifying firefighting strategies aimed at domino effects
Authors: Khakzad Nima , Salzano Ernesto , Amyotte Paul
Published: April 2024

Firefighting strategies at process plants would include simultaneous extinguishment of burning units and cooling of exposed units if firefighting resources are sufficient. This way, the fire can be contained and its propagation to the exposed units can be prevented, which would otherwise cause fire escalation and result in domino effects. However, when the firefighting resources are not sufficient to handle all the critical units—either burning or exposed—at once, firefighters need to decide which burning units to suppress first and which exposed units to cool first to minimize the risks. Making effective decisions in such situations becomes critical knowing that, by spreading the fire to adjacent units, the number of critical units grows exponentially, making the available firefighting resources even more insufficient. In the present study, after modelling fire spread in a tank terminal as a directed graph, closeness centrality—a graph centrality metric—is used to identify the critical units from the viewpoint of their contribution to potential domino effects. Knowing the critical units and considering available firefighting resources for suppression and cooling of these units, mathematical programming is applied for optimal allocation of firefighting resources. A comparison between the results of the present work and previous studies shows the effectiveness of the developed methodology.
A CuCo Bimetal Confined Hollow SiC Hybrid Photothermal Nanoreactor for the Integration of Pollutant Mineralization and Solar‐Powered Water Evaporation
Authors: Wang Shuo , Liu Mengting , Gao Yarao , Zhao Hongyao , Zhu Hongyang , Du Rongrong , Zheng Yuyang , Guo Zengjing , Wang Yanyun , Song Yiyan , Yang Fu
Published: April 2024

Growing attention has been paid to the rational treatment of antibiotics‐bearing medical wastewater. However, the complexity of polluted wastewater makes the later comprehensive treatment difficult only by the Advanced Oxidation Process technique. Therefore, the coupled water treatment techniques including contaminant mineralization and regeneration of cleanwater become very attractive. A bimetallic functional hollow nanoreactor defined as (Co@SiO2/Cu−X) was successfully constructed by coating a Cu‐doped silica layer on the metal‐organic framework (ZIF‐67) followed by programmed calcination in nitrogen. The nanoreactor was endowed with a hollow configuration composed of mesoporous N‐doping C‐Silica hybrid shell encapsulated ultrafine Cu and Co metallic species. Such a configuration allows for the efficient diffusion and open reaction space of big contaminant molecules. The catalytic synergy of exposed Co−Cu bimetals and the easy accessibility of electron‐rich contaminants by polar N doping sites triggered surface affinity make the optimal Co@SiO2/Cu‐6 afford an excellent catalytic norfloxacin mineralization activity (7 min, kabs=0.744 min−1) compared to Cu‐free Co@SiO2‐6 (kabs=0.493 min−1) and Co‐6 (kabs=0.378 min−1) Benefiting from the above unique advantages, Co@SiO2/Cu‐6 show excellent removal performance in degrading different pollutants (carbamazepine, oxytetracycline, tetracycline, and bisphenol A) and persistent recycled stability in removing NFX. In addition, by virtue of the excellent photothermal properties, interfacial solar water evaporation application by Co@SiO2/Cu‐6 was further explored to reach the regeneration of cleanwater (1.595 kg m−2 h−1, 97.51 %). The integration of pollutant mineralization and solar water evaporation by creating the monolith evaporation by anchoring the Co@SiO2/Cu‐6 onto the tailored melamine sponge allows the regeneration of cleanwater (1.6 kg⋅m−2⋅h−1) and synchronous pollutant removal (NFX, 95 %, 60 min), which provides potential possibility the treatment of complicated wastewater.
THz generation and spatiotemporal variation of two cross‐focused Gaussian laser pulses in plasma
Authors: Jafari Milani M. R.
Published: April 2024

The impact of spatial and temporal evolution of nonlinear mixing of two Gaussian laser pulses propagating in plasma on generation of terahertz (THz) radiation have been investigated taking into account the ponderomotive nonlinearity. By calculating the modified electron density of plasma caused by the finite ponderomotive force of the pump lasers and using wave equation and paraxial ray approximation, two coupled governing equations for temporal and spatial pulse‐width parameters have been derived. The electric field of the THz wave as a result of nonlinear current density induced by the beat ponderomotive force of the pulses was extracted. Combined effects of initial laser and plasma parameters on the behavior of self‐compression and self‐focusing as well as THz radiation generation were investigated. The numerical results indicated a considerable spatiotemporal compression takes place within a specific range of laser intensity, exhibiting a saturation intensity point where the compression process reaches its maximum extent. It is observed that the generated THz radiation also strongly depends on the spatiotemporal dynamics of the pump pulses. The maximum THz amplitude corresponds to the strongest pump pulse compression extent.
Endoscopic and clinicopathological features of segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis
Authors: Obata Kazuhiko , Uchiyama Kan , Murai Ryuzo
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis (SCAD) has close endoscopic and pathological similarities to ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease. Clinical data on SCAD are limited in Japan. We examined the endoscopic and clinicopathological features of patients with SCAD.

Methods

This single‐center retrospective study included 13 patients with SCAD between 2012 and 2022. Endoscopic findings were categorized as follows: type A (swollen red patches 5–10 mm at the top of mucosal folds), mild and moderate type B (mild‐to‐moderate UC‐like findings), type C (aphthous ulcers resembling Crohn's disease), and type D (severe UC‐like findings).

Results

Overall, six, five, and two patients were diagnosed with type A, mild type B, and moderate type B disease, respectively. Among the type A cases, two spontaneously progressed to moderate type B and one escalated to type D, necessitating an emergency sigmoidectomy owing to perforation peritonitis, despite repeated antibiotic treatments. Histopathologically, diffuse neutrophil and lymphocyte infiltration with cryptitis were noted in all type A cases, whereas UC‐like alterations were observed in type B and D cases. Seven type B cases were treated with oral 5‐aminosalicylic acid and/or salazosulfapyridine. Clinical remission was achieved in three mild type B cases and one moderate type B case, while clinical relapse and remission were noted in three moderate type B cases. No anti‐inflammatory treatment was required in three type A and two mild type B cases.

Conclusions

Aggressive anti‐inflammatory treatment should be considered for SCAD with UC‐like findings due to the potential risk of severe ulceration, stenosis, and/or perforation.
Assessment of pDNA isoforms using microfluidic electrophoresis
Authors: Coll De Peña Adriana , Gutterman‐Johns Everett , Gautam Gayatri P. , Rutberg Jenna , Frej Menel Ben , Mehta Dipti R. , Shah Shreyas , Tripathi Anubhav
Published: April 2024

The recent rise in nucleic acid–based vaccines and therapies has resulted in an increased demand for plasmid DNA (pDNA). As a result, there is added pressure to streamline the manufacturing of these vectors, particularly their design and construction, which is currently considered a bottleneck. A significant challenge in optimizing pDNA production is the lack of high‐throughput and rapid analytical methods to support the numerous samples produced during the iterative plasmid construction step and for batch‐to‐batch purity monitoring. pDNA is generally present as one of three isoforms: supercoiled, linear, or open circular. Depending on the ultimate use, the desired isoform may be supercoiled in the initial stages for cell transfection or linear in the case of mRNA synthesis. Here, we present a high‐throughput microfluidic electrophoresis method capable of detecting the three pDNA isoforms and determining the size and concentration of the predominant supercoiled and linear isoforms from 2 to 7 kb. The limit of detection of the method is 0.1 ng/µL for the supercoiled and linear isoforms and 0.5 ng/µL for the open circular isoform, with a maximum loading capacity of 10–15 ng/µL. The turnaround time is 1 min/sample, and the volume requirement is 10 µL, making the method suitable for process optimization and batch‐to‐batch analysis. The results presented in this study will enhance the understanding of electrophoretic transport in microscale systems dependent on molecular conformations and potentially aid technological advances in diverse areas relevant to microfluidic devices.
Synergistic process interactions and morphological change in a river reach subject to multiple disturbances, the Laja River, Chile
Authors: Barahona José , Alcayaga Hernán , Caamaño Diego , Mao Luca , González Christian
Published: April 2024

This work studies the multiple sources of impacts and disturbances in the Laja River (Central Chile) and evaluates the changes in water and sediment flows and planimetric geomorphic changes.

The disturbances sources correspond to hydroelectric plants, water withdrawals for irrigation and the sustained decrease trend in rainfall in the basin. The changes in the plan‐view shape of the river reach were quantified using remote sensing techniques, through a supervised classification of Landsat 5 TM and 8 OLI satellite images, identified Water (W), Islands and Riverine Vegetation (IRV) and Bars and Banks Without Vegetation (BBWV), obtained a Kappa index>0,83 for a period of 15 years (2006–2021).

Compared with historical records, the period of analysis shows a decrease in annual rainfall by 17.5%. In addition, water withdrawals for irrigation have contributed to a 64% decrease in monthly stream discharge during the dry season. As a consequence of the decrease in annual rainfall and water withdrawals for irrigation, the sediment transport capacity has also decreased by 10.5%.

The changes in morphological driving variables (stream flows and sediment transport regimes) have manifested themselves in morphological changes, where it was possible to establish that a change in the channel form occurred in the last 15 years, going from a river with a single channel to a braided one. An important vegetation establishment has accompanied this morphological change on both riverbanks and the central bars. The colonizing vegetation corresponds to fast‐growing non‐native species (Salix spp., Populus spp. and Alnus spp). A stabilization of the channel form is expected, consolidating itself as a braided section with alternating vegetated bars.
Study on the influence of different thermal coals on the mixed‐burning characteristics of ventilation air methane and pulverized coal
Authors: Hao Chaoyu , Liu Yufei , Chen Yankun , Zhang Yachao , Deng Cunbao
Published: April 2024

To effectively utilize ventilation air methane (VAM), it is proposed to pass it into the boiler of the coal‐fired power plant for mixed combustion. However, the different types of thermal coal utilized present distinct characteristics when mixed with VAM. In this paper, lignite, bituminous coal, and anthracite are selected to study the CH4 conversion rate, system ignition temperature, and NO emission characteristics of the VAM‐pulverized coal coupled system on a fluidized bed experimental platform. The experimental results show that the ignition temperatures of VAM are 748, 736, and 732 °C when the CH4 concentration is 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75%. After the addition of thermal coal, the ignition temperature decreased significantly. When the CH4 concentration is 0.25%, the ignition temperature of the lignite‐VAM system is the lowest, which is 450 °C. Anthracite has the strongest catalytic effect on CH4 combustion. When the heating rate is 5 °C /min, the reaction rate of CH4 is the fastest in the anthracite‐VAM coupled system. Under laboratory conditions, the peak NO concentration in the coal‐VAM coupled system was lignite > bituminous coal > anthracite at different CH4 concentrations, and the CH4 in VAM had a reducing action on the NO generated during mixed combustion, with a stronger reducing effect observed as the CH4 concentration increased. The results of this study can lay the foundation for the industrial application of the mixed combustion of VAM and thermal coal, and be of great significance for solving the practical problems caused by the change of boiler coal types. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diverse response of shallow lake water levels to decadal weather patterns in a heterogeneous glacial Boreal Plains landscape
Authors: Leader S. , Kettridge N. , Hannah D. , Mendoza C. , Devito K. J.
Published: April 2024

To examine the relative controls of landscape and climate on spatial variability, we measured water level dynamics of shallow lakes over two decades that represent both the heterogeneity of surficial geology classifications, and thus the potential range in surface and groundwater connectivity, and the long‐term weather patterns of the Boreal Plain hydrogeoclimatic setting. Large ranges in shallow lakes water levels (between 0.25 and 2 m) were observed corresponding to extremes in precipitation relative to the long‐term mean precipitation over the study period. We found low concurrence in water level dynamics among four detailed study lakes that received the same meteorological weather signal, but were located in different surficial geology texture classifications that incorporated important landscape parameters associated with lake water balance and storage. Surficial geology classification alone did not, however, distinguish between different ranges in lake water level measured in a broader synoptic survey of 26 lakes across the region. Thus, simple surficial geology classifications cannot alone be applied to classify Boreal Plain lake water level dynamics and other controls, notably landscape position, must also be considered. We further show that inter‐annual variability in lake water levels was significantly greater than seasonal variability in this hydrogeoclimatic setting. This emphasizes the need for studies of sufficient length to capture weather extremes that include periods of wetting and drying, and demonstrates how observed magnitudes of water level variability, and lake function, can be an artefact of study length and initiation date. These findings provide a foundation to test and calibrate conceptual understanding of the wider controls of lake water levels to form holistic frameworks to mitigate ecological and societal impacts due to hydrological changes under climate and anthropogenic disturbance within and between hydrogeoclimatic settings.
Overcome Certification Challenges of AI Based Airborne Systems Using FAA Overarching Properties
Authors: Paramasivam Prameela , P Shashi Kumar , Paulraj Vasantha Selvi , Chandrashekar Rooparani
Published: April 2024

Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence encompassing Machine Learning, Deep Learning techniques have proved to be a game changer in multiple sectors. The use of these technologies in Aviation will prove to ensure higher rigor in predictive maintainability, air traffic management, safety assurance and airworthiness. Current traditional regulatory and industry standards have proved to be efficient and effective in providing highest level of safety. However, Certification of Avionics systems is becoming challenging because of increasing complexity of avionics systems. Current regulations and standards are very prescriptive and inadequate to support new technological trends. Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs) are working on establishing the regulatory guidance around these technologies. This paper addresses the new strategy of employing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) “Overarching Properties” ‐ a framework for demonstrating that a product has the qualities required to perform effectively and safely with the purpose of simplifying the certification process. This paper also covers the possible scenarios for establishing the safety net concept to enhance the determinism and airworthiness of AI based systems.
SASER in Practice: Early Insights from Two Case Studies Connected to Industry
Authors: Lenssen Jan A. , Ahmed Usama , Nizamis Kostas , Pessoa Marcus V. Pereira , Bonnema G. Maarten
Published: April 2024

Systems Engineering (SE) research with Industry as a laboratory (IaL) has multiple benefits: it safe‐guards relevance, facilitates co‐design, and allows researchers to gain practical insights. However, it faces a challenge in aligning traditional academic research with fast‐paced industrial processes. The Spiral Approach for Systems Engineering Research (SASER) was recently proposed to address this challenge. In this paper, we demonstrate and discuss for the first time the application of SASER in the context of (1) the High‐tech industry, and (2) Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Despite the context differences of the two case studies, SASER shows promising results for both the researchers and the industrial partners in keeping the partners interested, enabling shorter feedback loops, and preventing analysis paralysis. Even though there are just two case studies and this is an early stage research application of SASER, we firmly believe that it shows merit in facilitating SE academic research in the context of IaL.
AI enabled Digital Transformation of Space Test System
Authors: Kumar Prabhat , Kumar Deepak , Sridharan Goutham
Published: April 2024

A proper timebound testing is a crucial step throughout the development lifecycle from design to launch of every successful spacecraft mission. Each mission is unique and complexity increases with the variety. Each test plan includes multiple different tests which need to be planned manually which is cumbersome and prone to human errors. Here we can use AI to be more proactive in recognizing these in the first phase of choosing the best recommended plans. Artificial Intelligence (AI) assisted Digital transformation improves testing efficiency by streamlining many of the traditionally time‐consuming processes. In this paper, we have proposed multiple AI based solutions (Test plan and procedure recommendation, space simulation lab health monitoring, Faster Anomaly resolution) which will enable satellite system and test team in better planning and execution of test lifecycle. Proactive health monitoring and prior prediction of probable failure inside simulation lab helps us in increasing overall availability of testing facility.
A Benchmark Example of Intelligent Traffic Management System using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: R Jyothi Priya , Paramasivam Prameela , Kanagaraj Thava Bharathi , Paramasivan Sivasankari
Published: April 2024

This paper describes a practical methodology for benchmarking the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) of Smart City Application. It explains the complete development of the application from defining requirements to verifying the software. The system design is demonstrated using MATLAB System Composer. To achieve the intelligent traffic system, we used the You Only Look Once (YOLO) v5 algorithm for vehicle detection. The other deep learning prediction logics are shown to realize the various features such as the optimal route detection, hi‐traffic detection of ITMS. Followed by the verification and structural coverage of Intelligent Traffic Management System is demonstrated with example.
Selecting a birth weight standard for an indigenous population in a LMIC: A prospective comparative study
Authors: Geerts Lut , Brink Lucy T. , Odendaal Hein J.
Published: April 2024

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to compare birth weight (BW) distribution and proportion of BWs below or above specified percentiles in low‐risk singleton pregnancies in healthy South African (SA) women of mixed ancestry with expected values according to four BW references and to determine the physiological factors affecting BW.

Methods

This was an ancillary study of a prospective multinational cohort study, involving 7060 women recruited between August 2007 and January 2015 in two townships of Cape Town, characterized by low socioeconomic status, and high levels of drinking and smoking. Detailed information about maternal and pregnancy characteristics, including harmful exposures, was gathered prospectively, allowing us to select healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies without any known harmful exposures. In this cohort we compared the median BW and the proportion of BWs P90, 95 and 97 according to four reference standards (INTERGROWTH‐21st, customized according to the method described by Mickolajczyk, Fetal Medicine Foundation and revised Fenton reference) with expected values. Appropriate parametric and nonparametric tests were used, and sensitivity analysis was performed for infant sex, first trimester bookings and women of normal body mass index (BMI). Multiple regression was used to explore effects of confounders. Written consent and ethics approval was obtained.

Results

The cohort included 739 infants. The INTERGROWTH‐21st standard was closest for the actual BW‐distribution and categories. Below‐expected BW was associated with boys, younger, shorter, leaner women, lower parity and gravidity. Actual BW was significantly influenced by maternal weight, BMI, parity and gestational age.

Conclusion

Of the four references assessed in this study, the INTERGROWTH‐21st standard was closest for the actual BW distribution. Maternal variables significantly influence BW.
Intelligent MRI diagnosis of neurological alterations in infants from 4 to 12 months
Authors: Calderon‐Uribe Salvador , Morales‐Hernandez Luis A. , De Leo‐Jimenez Jose O. , Resendiz‐Ochoa Emmanuel , Toledano‐Ayala Manuel , Cruz‐Albarran Irving A.
Published: April 2024

Magnetic resonance imaging is an essential tool for the identification of neurological problems since it provides relevant information on brain development. The aim of the present work was the detection of neurological alterations in newborns from 4 to 12 months of age by segmentation and analysis of lateral ventricles in magnetic resonance images. For this purpose, an automated deep approach based on U‐net is proposed to segment the cerebral ventricles of the newborn. Subsequently, for these regions, features were extracted based on the patient's clinical history and on the shape (area, roundness, normalized central moment, among others) and pixel intensity (mean gray value, contrast level, among others). Once the features were extracted, different types of intelligent models (Logistic Regression, k‐Nearest Neighbors (kNN), and a Convolutional Neural Network) were assessed to detect the presence of neurological alterations. The segmentation phase of the system was tested on 50 patients and the classification phase on 28 patients (11 healthy, 17 with neurological changes). The results show a DICE similarity coefficient of 0.89 and a volume ratio of 1.05 for the segmentation stage and an accuracy of 98%, precision of 100%, sensitivity of 92%, and specificity of 100% for the classification stage using kNN. The last one proved to be the most computationally feasible model, due to the time required for training and inference (0.36 s and 35.2e‐4 s, respectively), as well as the consumption of computational resources (0.1 GB RAM CPU). In conclusion, it is possible to detect neurological alterations in newborns aged 4 to 12 months by segmenting and classifying the lateral ventricles in magnetic resonance images, using image processing techniques, the U‐net, as well as the kNN algorithm. This proposed methodology could play an important role in the early diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders.
Cytogenotoxic screening of the natural compound niga‐ichigoside F1 from Rubus imperialis (Rosaceae)
Authors: Almeida‐Terassi Laíza Moura , Castanha Ana Paula Martins , Alves Greice Rafaele , Cechinel‐Filho Valdir , Niero Rivaldo , O'Neill de Mascarenhas Gaivão Isabel , de Oliveira Liana Martins , de Lima Luan Vitor Alves , Mantovani Mário Sérgio , Maistro Edson Luis
Published: April 2024

Rubus imperialis Chum. Schl. (Rosaceae) have demonstrated some pharmacological activities, including gastroprotective action. However, genotoxic effects of R. imperialis extract was also reported. Since niga‐ichigoside F1 (NIF1) is a major compound of this plant species, and which has proven pharmacological properties, it is essential to investigate whether this compound is responsible for the observed toxicity. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyze the effects of NIF1 on HepG2/C3A cells for possible cytogenotoxicity, cell cycle and apoptosis influence, and expression of genes linked to the DNA damage, cell cycle, cell death, and xenobiotic metabolism. The results showed no cytogenotoxic effects of NIF1 at concentrations between 0.1 and 20 μg/ml. Flow cytometry also showed no cell cycle or apoptosis disturbance. In the gene expression analysis, none of the seven genes investigated showed altered expression. The data indicate that NIF1 has no cytogenotoxic effects, and no interruption of the cell cycle, or induction of apoptosis, apparently not being responsible for the cytotoxic effects observed in the crude extract of R. imperialis.
Designing a deep hybridized residual and SE model for MRI image‐based brain tumor prediction
Authors: Saran Raj S. , Surendiran B. , Raja S. P.
Published: April 2024

Deep learning techniques have become crucial in the detection of brain tumors but classifying numerous images is time‐consuming and error‐prone, impacting timely diagnosis. This can hinder the effectiveness of these techniques in detecting brain tumors in a timely manner. To address this limitation, this study introduces a novel brain tumor detection system. The main objective is to overcome the challenges associated with acquiring a large and well‐classified dataset. The proposed approach involves generating synthetic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) images that mimic the patterns commonly found in brain MRI images. The system utilizes a dataset consisting of small images that are unbalanced in terms of class distribution. To enhance the accuracy of tumor detection, two deep learning models are employed. Using a hybrid ResNet+SE model, we capture feature distributions within unbalanced classes, creating a more balanced dataset. The second model, a tailored classifier identifies brain tumors in MRI images. The proposed method has shown promising results, achieving a high detection accuracy of 98.79%. This highlights the potential of the model as an efficient and cost‐effective system for brain tumor detection.
Influence of female sex and double‐quadruple semitendinosus‐gracilis graft on the incidence of postoperative symptomatic cyclops lesions after ACL reconstruction
Authors: Arens Tabea , van Melick Nicky , van der Steen Maria C. , Janssen Rob P.A. , Bogie Rob
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Risk factors for the development of symptomatic cyclops lesion after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) surgery are not entirely identified yet. This study aimed to investigate whether the choice of hamstring graft (semitendinosus‐gracilis; STG vs. semitendinosus; ST) affects the risk of developing a symptomatic cyclops lesion after ACLR.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 1416 patients receiving either an ST graft (n = 1209) or an STG graft (n = 207) ACLR with a follow‐up of at least 2 years. A persisting extension limitation was clinically determined, and cyclops lesions were confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and second‐look arthroscopy. Graft‐specific incidence of cyclops lesions was examined with χ2 test and combined with the factors number of graft bundles, graft diameter and sex evaluated with a binominal logistic regression model.

Results

In total, 46 patients developed symptomatic cyclops lesions (3.2%), with 36 having ACLR with an ST graft (3.0%) and 10 with an STG graft (4.8%) (n.s). The mean time from ACLR to the second‐look arthroscopy for cyclops removal was 1.1 ± 0.6 years. Female patients were 2.5 times more likely to develop a cyclops lesion than male patients. Patients with an STG graft and larger graft diameters did not have a higher risk of developing cyclops lesions. Patients who received an STG graft with both tendons folded four times (double‐quadruple) had significantly higher risk of developing a cyclops compared with all other numbers of graft bundles combined (8.3%, respectively 3.0%; p = 0.014).

Conclusion

This study could not prove an increased risk of developing a symptomatic cyclops lesion for patients with an STG graft compared with an ST graft used for ACLR. However, patients with a double‐quadruple ACLR had a higher percentage of cyclops lesions compared with all other numbers of graft bundles. Female sex was associated with an increased risk of developing cyclops lesions.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
A non‐grain production on cropland spatiotemporal change detection method based on Landsat time‐series data
Authors: He Tingting , Jiang Suqin , Xiao Wu , Zhang Maoxin , Tang Tie , Zhang Heyu
Published: April 2024

Global food security is being threatened by the reduction of high‐quality cropland, extreme weather events, and the uncertainty of food supply chains. The globalization of agricultural trade has elevated the diversification of non‐grain production (NGP) on cultivated land to a prominent strategy for poverty alleviation in numerous developing nations. Its rapid expansion has engendered a multitude of deleterious consequences on both food security and ecological stability. NGP in China is becoming very common in the process of rapid urbanization, threatening national food security. To better understand the causal mechanisms and enable governments to balance food security and rural development, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of the spatiotemporal dynamics of NGP using remote sensing. Yet knowledge gaps remain concerning how to use remote sensing to track human‐dominated or ‐induced long‐term cultivated land changes. Our study proposed a method for detecting the spatiotemporal evolution of NGP based on Landsat time‐series data under the Google Earth Engine platform. This approach was proposed by (1) obtaining the union of cultivated lands from multiple landcover products to minimize the cultivated land omission, (2) constructing multi‐index dynamic trend rules for 3 representative types of NGP and obtaining results at the pixel level, while adopting the continuous change detection and classification algorithm to Landsat time series (1986–2022) to determine when the most recent change occurred, (3) minimizing the noise by object‐oriented land use–land cover classification and mode filter approaches, and (4) mapping the spatiotemporal distribution of NGP. The proposed methodology was tested in Jiashan, located in Zhejiang Province (eastern China), where NGP is widespread. We achieved a high overall accuracy of 95.67% for NGP type detection and an overall accuracy of 85.26% for change detection of time. The results indicated a continued increasing pattern of NGP in Jiashan from 1986 to 2022, with the cumulative percentage of NGP increasing from 0.02% to 20.69%. This study highlights the utilization of time‐series data to document essential NGP information for evaluating food security in China and the method is well‐suited for large‐scale mapping due to its automatic manner.
The clinical gaze: Its power and purpose in determining the patient experience and the value of interpersonal and technical skills in medicine
Authors: Khan Hamaad Ahmad
Published: April 2024

Current health education typically prizes and prioritises a biomedical sensibility in clinical practice, often to the detriment of the patient experience. In exploring the impact of the clinical gaze on patient experiences of medical care, this article argues for integrating interpersonal and technical skills in modern medicine, emphasising the value of holistic and compassionate care.
Evaluating impacts of environmental stress and bioactive chemicals on the North Carolina blue crab population: An individual-based model
Authors: Rocco Alex J. , Cao Jie , Li Yan , Lee Laura M.
Published: April 2024

Objective

Recent estimates of the North Carolina blue crab Callinectes sapidus stock found that the stock is overfished and overfishing is occurring. Threats outlined in the 2018 stock assessment include climate change and estrogenic endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EEDCs). The objective of this study was to use an individual-based modeling approach to simulate the long-term effects of climate change and EEDCs on the North Carolina blue crab stock.

Methods

To do this, we built an individual-based model that simulated the life history of individual blue crabs, including but not limited to growth, reproduction, and mortality. We then tested our population of blue crabs against 30 different combinations of temperature and EEDC scenarios over 50 years to determine the long-term effects on the population.

Result

Our simulations suggested that the North Carolina blue crab population may be relatively resilient to climate change-related temperature shifts but that there may be significant impacts at the population level as summer temperatures become more extreme. Endocrine-disrupting chemical effects resulted in an alternative stable state of lower catch or the total extinction of the population.

Conclusion

These results suggest that management strategy changes may be necessary as temperatures become more extreme in the region. In addition, more research is necessary to fully understand the effects of EEDCs on blue crabs and other crustaceans at the individual and population level.
Enhanced inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli using conjugated polyindole polymer nanoparticles under visible light irradiation
Authors: Manikandan Velu , Elango Duraisamy , Al‐Ansari Mysoon M. , Subash Velu , Mythili R. , Kim Woong , Jayanthi Palaniyappan , Song Kwang Soup
Published: April 2024

The areas of environmental cleanup and bacteria inactivation are particularly interesting in polymer‐based nanomaterials because of their unique physicochemical properties. Conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CP NPs) have potential uses in the biological and environmental, but little is known about them. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of CP nanoparticles in the photocatalytic inactivation of S. aureus and E. coli under visible irradiation (λ ≤ 420 nm), with minor enhancements observed. The simple and one‐step chemical oxidation technique was used to prepare CP nanoparticles. X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDS), and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses were utilized to characterize the physicochemical properties of CP nanoparticles for comprehensive structural analysis. The synthesized CP nanoparticles exhibited outstanding photocatalytic disinfection capabilities, achieving a degradation of 98.6%. This research not only provides insights into the physical characteristics of CP nanoparticles but also illustrates their antibacterial efficacy against two different bacterial pathogens, namely S. aureus and E. coli. Therefore, this research highlights an eco‐friendly and inexpensive preparation of conjugated polymer nanoparticles for a wide range of applications.
Cell division‐dependent dissemination following E‐cadherin loss underlies initiation of diffuse‐type gastric cancer
Authors: Monster Jooske L , Kemp Lars JS , Busslinger Georg A , Vliem Marjolein J , Derks Lucca LM , Staes Annelot AL , Bisseling Tanya M , Clevers Hans , van der Post Rachel S , Gloerich Martijn
Published: April 2024

Loss of the cell–cell adhesion protein E‐cadherin underlies the development of diffuse‐type gastric cancer (DGC), which is characterized by the gradual accumulation of tumor cells originating from the gastric epithelium in the surrounding stroma. How E‐cadherin deficiency drives DGC formation remains elusive. Therefore, we investigated the consequences of E‐cadherin loss on gastric epithelial organization utilizing a human gastric organoid model and histological analyses of early‐stage DGC lesions. E‐cadherin depletion from gastric organoids recapitulates DGC initiation, with progressive loss of a single‐layered architecture and detachment of individual cells. We found that E‐cadherin deficiency in gastric epithelia does not lead to a general loss of epithelial cohesion but disrupts the spindle orientation machinery. This leads to a loss of planar cell division orientation and, consequently, daughter cells are positioned outside of the gastric epithelial layer. Although basally delaminated cells fail to detach and instead reintegrate into the epithelium, apically mispositioned daughter cells can trigger the gradual loss of the single‐layered epithelial architecture. This impaired architecture hampers reintegration of mispositioned daughter cells and enables basally delaminated cells to disseminate into the surrounding matrix. Taken together, our findings describe how E‐cadherin deficiency disrupts gastric epithelial architecture through displacement of dividing cells and provide new insights in the onset of DGC. © 2024 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Validation of alopecia coding in US claims data among women of childbearing age
Authors: Schneeweiss Maria C. , Mostaghimi Arash , Chiuve Stephanie , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Anand Priyanka , Schoder Katharina , Oduol Theresa , Huisingh Carrie , Lin Kueiyu Joshua
Published: April 2024

Background

Accurately identifying alopecia in claims data is important to study this rare medication side effect.

Objectives

To develop and validate a claims‐based algorithm to identify alopecia in women of childbearing age.

Methods

We linked electronic health records from a large healthcare system in Massachusetts (Mass General Brigham) with Medicaid claims data from 2016 through 2018 to identify all women aged 18 to 50 years with an ICD‐10 code for alopecia, including alopecia areata, androgenic alopecia, non‐scarring alopecia, or cicatricial alopecia, from a visit to the MGB system. Using eight predefined algorithms to identify alopecia in Medicaid claims data, we randomly selected 300 women for whom we reviewed their charts to validate the alopecia diagnosis. Positive predictive values (PPVs) were computed for the primary algorithm and seven algorithm variations, stratified by race.

Results

Out of 300 patients with at least 1 ICD‐10 code for alopecia in the Medicaid claims, 286 had chart‐confirmed alopecia (PPV = 95.3%). The algorithm requiring two diagnosis codes plus one prescription claim for alopecia treatment identified 55 patients (PPV = 100%). The algorithm requiring 1 diagnosis code for alopecia plus 1 procedure claim for intralesional triamcinolone injection identified 35 patients (PPV = 100%). Across all 8 algorithms tested, the PPV varied between 95.3% and 100%. The PPV for alopecia ranged from 94% to 100% in White and 96%–100% in 48 non‐White women. The exact date of alopecia onset was difficult to determine in charts.

Conclusion

At least one recorded ICD‐10 code for alopecia in claims data identified alopecia in women of childbearing age with high accuracy.