bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photogenerated Azido Radical Mediated Oxidation: Access to Carbonyl Functionality from Alcohols, Alkylarenes, and Olefins via Organophotoredox
Authors: Shee Maniklal , Singh N. D. Pradeep
Published: May 2022

Azido radical mediated photocatalytic oxidation method for the selective oxidation of various well‐known feedstocks, such as (hetero)aromatic or aliphatic alcohols, alkylarenes, and terminal alkenes, is successfully accomplished. Herein, the catalytic HAT and reversible addition/elimination strategies of azido radical have been explored to convert the commonly oxidizable functionalities into invaluable carbonyls or tertiary alcohols using an organic photocatalyst 4CzIPN with tetrabutyl ammonium azide (TBAN3) and air/O2 as an oxidant. Indeed, this mild, operationally simple, and productive method offers good to excellent product yields with a wide range of structurally diverse substrates, including pharmaceutical derivatives with good functional group tolerance. Several control experiments have been carried out to investigate the detailed reaction mechanism.

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Broadband Spin‐Locked Metasurface Retroreflector
Authors: Tan Qingze , Zheng Bin , Cai Tong , Qian Chao , Zhu Rongrong , Li Xiaofeng , Chen Hongsheng
Published: May 2022

Retroreflectors are ubiquitously used in a multitude of applications, such as cloaking, wireless communication, radar, and antenna, owing to their ability to augment the reflected electromagnetic (EM) waves in the incident direction. However, Current metasurface retroreflector designs have yet to mature into a practical method due to the limitations of low efficiency and narrow band, which actually originate from the difficulty in simultaneously engineering phase profiles of certain metasurface at distinct wavelengths. Here, a broadband spin‐locked retroreflector with high efficiency that relies only on a simple metasurface layer is demonstrated. The metasurface is designed with low‐loss dielectric resonators, introducing both the propagation and geometric phases to enable dispersive phase compensation. The results indicate that the proposed metasurface can achieve retroreflection over a broadband spectrum while keeping the spin state identical. Furthermore, a broadband spin‐locked cloak is presented for validation. The work builds up a major advance for practice‐oriented retroreflector and even envision this approach may open new vistas in the very cutting‐edge research of 6G wireless communication network.
Short‐term impacts of cover crops in maritime potato (Solanum tuberosum) systems
Authors: Una Toby M. , McMoran Don , Seefeldt Steven S. , Maupin Brian , Myhre Elizabeth , Griffin‐LaHue Deirdre
Published: May 2022

Cover cropping is a soil conservation practice widely investigated in agronomic crops, but less is known about cover crop implications in specialty cropping systems, particularly in a high disturbance system like potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). Brassica cover crops are popular in eastern Washington potato production, but brassica seed crop production in western Washington presents issues with use of brassica cover crops in the region's fresh‐market potato systems. To identify winter cover crops compatible with regional restrictions and climatic challenges in western Washington potato systems, trials including a no‐cover control, eight single species (including brassicas, grasses, and legumes), and a grass–legume mixture were conducted in Mount Vernon, WA, in 2018–2019 and 2019–2020. We examined cover crop and weed biomass production, potato yield and quality, and short‐term soil health impacts by measuring permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC) and inorganic nitrogen before cover crop incorporation and at midseason. Cover crop biomass and weed suppression varied by year, with annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) producing the most biomass in both years despite poorer weather conditions and reduced cover crop biomass in other treatments in 2020, making it a good cover crop candidate for western Washington. Both POXC and inorganic nitrogen were greater at midseason but did not vary among cover crop treatments, suggesting that temporal variation influences POXC and inorganic nitrogen more than a single winter of cover crops. Potato yield and tuber wireworm damage varied by year, but not across cover crop treatments, and tuber symptoms resembling black scurf did not vary by year nor treatment.
Topological Quantum Phase Transitions of Anisotropic Antiferromagnetic Kitaev Model Driven by Magnetic Field
Authors: Jia Shi‐Qing , Quan Ya‐Min , Zou Liang‐Jian , Lin Hai‐Qing
Published: May 2022

The evolution of quantum spin liquid states (QSL) of the anisotropic antiferromagnetic (AFM) Kitaev model with the [001] magnetic field by utilizing the finite‐temperature Lanczos method (FTLM) is investigated. In this anisotropic Kitaev model with and (K is the energy unit), due to the competition between anisotropy and magnetic field, the system emerges four exotic quantum phase transitions (QPTs) when and , while only two QPTs when . At these magnetic‐field tuning quantum phase transition points, the low‐energy excitation spectrums appear level crossover, and the specific heat, magnetic susceptibility and Wilson ratio display anomalies; accordingly, the topological Chern number may also change. These results demonstrate that the anisotropic interacting Kitaev model with modulating magnetic field displays more rich phase diagrams, in comparison with the isotropic Kitaev model.
Statefinder Analysis of Symmetric Teleparallel Cosmology
Authors: Solanki Raja , Sahoo Pradyumn K.
Published: May 2022

Statefinder diagnostics is a convenient method that can differentiate between the various dark energy models. In this article, the statefinder parameters in symmetric teleparallel cosmology are analyzed. The gravity theory is an alternative theory to general relativity where gravitational interactions attribute to the non‐metricity scalar Q. In the present work, two models are considered which contains a linear and a non‐linear form of non‐metricity scalar, specifically, and , where α and β are free parameters and then statefinder parameters are evaluated. The trajectory of the models in the plane are plotted. In addition, the physical behavior of different cosmological parameters such as density, deceleration, and the EoS parameters are analyzed. Further, Om diagnostic is used to differentiate the behavior of both models. It is found that both models predict that the present universe is accelerating due to the dark energy component evolving due to non‐metricity. Moreover, model I represents phantom type behavior while model II follows quintessence scenario.
The impact of fatty acid profile on the physicochemical properties of commercial margarines in Brazil
Authors: Silva Thaís Jordânia , Barrera‐Arellano Daniel , Badan Ribeiro Ana Paula
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to evaluate how lipid profiles affect the physicochemical properties, fatty acid profiles, and nutritional qualities of Brazilian margarines. We analyzed the texture profiles of 13 margarine samples and characterized their fatty acid composition, solid fat content, crystallization kinetics by NMR and thermal behavior by differential scanning calorimetry. The samples had total fat content ranging from 20% to 82% and low trans fatty acid (TFA) levels, except for two samples (5–7% elaidic acid). The fatty acid compositions of all samples showed a predominance of linoleic (23%–46%), oleic (20%–46%), and palmitic acids (7%–14%), indicating that they were formulated with soybean and palm oils. Saturated fat content ranged from 23% to 31%. Compared to the other evaluated samples, those with higher content of lipid and saturated fatty acids (SFAs) exhibited increased hardness and stickiness but reduced spreadability and adhesiveness. The presence of TFAs resulted in increased plasticity of the samples. Reformulation resulted in products with greater SFA levels, which had a negative impact as it increased the atherogenic index (AI: 0.22–0.48). The HF55 sample contained canola oil‐based fat and presented the best nutritional and physical properties. This study is the first to report a complete evaluation of representative margarines, with essential information in reformulating to achieve lower SFA.
Study on the effect of ionic strength on particle migration and deposition in porous media covered by biofilm based on coupled Lattice Boltzmann method and Discrete element method
Authors: Hong Yiqun , Chen Liping , Gong Yanfeng , Wang Shiling , Zhou Yanjie
Published: May 2022

Biofilms covering porous media will interact with particles and affect particle migration. In order to investigate the migration mechanism of particles in porous media covered by biofilms, the migration process of particles with different particle sizes under the condition of the changing ionic strength is analyzed by using the lattice Boltzmann method–discrete element method (LBM‐DEM) coupling method from mesoscopic scale. The variation patterns of ion strength include gradient and mutation, respectively. Also, the agglomeration of particles at the pore throat in porous media is investigated under different conditions. The main results are obtained as follows. First, both the change of ionic strength and its changing mode significantly affect the migration behavior of particles in NaCl solution but have little effect on the behavior of particles in CaCl2 solution. Second, when the pressure difference between the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of porous media is 0.4 kPa, the residual permeability of 1.5‐μm particles in the NaCl solution with ionic strength mutation is the highest, which has value of 64.92%. Third, at the specific flow rate, the particles in low ionic strength solution are more likely to be settled. The attraction of particles in the CaCl2 solution is one order of magnitude less than that in the NaCl solution, and the accumulated particles are more likely to be dispersed.
On the fractional glitch recoveries and pulsar spin properties
Authors: Eze Christian I. , Iyida Evaristus U. , Eya Innocent O.
Published: May 2022

Pulsar glitches are sudden jumps in the spin frequency of an otherwise steadily spinning down neutron star. A glitch, in many pulsars, is followed by a recovery phase in which the pulsars return fully or partially to the pre‐glitch state on a wide range of time scales. This paper statistically investigates the behavior of the glitch recovery parameter, Q, and its relationship with the pulsar rotational parameters. The Q for the different sub‐classes of the glitch sizes appear to arise from different distributions, suggesting a possible different path of recovery or interior dynamics for the recovery of glitches of different sizes. While the Q has moderate relation with characteristic age, rotational frequency, fractional moment of inertia, and coupling parameter, it shows a very weak correlation with spin‐down rate. The implications are discussed. Glitch and glitch recovery appear to have different underlying physics, but both point to some dynamical changes within the interior of the neutron star.
Asymmetrical sex reversal: Does the type of heterogamety predict propensity for sex reversal?
Authors: Nemesházi Edina , Bókony Veronika
Published: May 2022

Sex reversal, a mismatch between phenotypic and genetic sex, can be induced by chemical and thermal insults in ectotherms. Therefore, climate change and environmental pollution may increase sex‐reversal frequency in wild populations, with wide‐ranging implications for sex ratios, population dynamics, and the evolution of sex determination. We propose that reconsidering the half‐century old theory “Witschi's rule” should facilitate understanding the differences between species in sex‐reversal propensity and thereby predicting their vulnerability to anthropogenic environmental change. The idea is that sex reversal should be asymmetrical: more likely to occur in the homogametic sex, assuming that sex‐reversed heterogametic individuals would produce new genotypes with reduced fitness. A review of the existing evidence shows that while sex reversal can be induced in both homogametic and heterogametic individuals, the latter seem to require stronger stimuli in several cases. We provide guidelines for future studies on sex reversal to facilitate data comparability and reliability.
Enhancing cereal productivity by genetic modification of root architecture
Authors: Kořínková Nikola , Fontana Irene M. , Nguyen Thu D. , Pouramini Pouneh , Bergougnoux Véronique , Hensel Goetz
Published: May 2022

Food security is one of the main topics of today's agriculture, primarily due to increasingly challenging environmental conditions. As most of humankind has a daily intake of cereal grains, current breeding programs focus on these crop plants. Customized endonucleases have been included in the breeders’ toolbox after successfully demonstrating their use. Due to technological restrictions, the main focus of the new technology was on above‐ground plant organs. In contrast, the essential below ground components were given only limited attention. In the present review, the knowledge of the root system architecture in cereals and the role of phytohormones during their establishment is summarized, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are outlined. The review summarizes how the use of CRISPR‐based genome editing methodology can improve the root system architecture to enhance crop production genetically. Finally, future research directions involving this knowledge and technical advances are suggested.
Biomedical applications of three‐dimensional bioprinted craniofacial tissue engineering
Authors: Charbe Nitin Bharat , Tambuwala Murtaza , Palakurthi Sushesh Srivatsa , Warokar Amol , Hromić‐Jahjefendić Altijana , Bakshi Hamid , Zacconi Flavia , Mishra Vijay , Khadse Saurabh , Aljabali Alaa A. , El‐Tanani Mohamed , Serrano‐Aroca Ãngel , Palakurthi Srinath
Published: May 2022

Anatomical complications of the craniofacial regions often present considerable challenges to the surgical repair or replacement of the damaged tissues. Surgical repair has its own set of limitations, including scarcity of the donor tissues, immune rejection, use of immune suppressors followed by the surgery, and restriction in restoring the natural aesthetic appeal. Rapid advancement in the field of biomaterials, cell biology, and engineering has helped scientists to create cellularized skeletal muscle‐like structures. However, the existing method still has limitations in building large, highly vascular tissue with clinical application. With the advance in the three‐dimensional (3D) bioprinting technique, scientists and clinicians now can produce the functional implants of skeletal muscles and bones that are more patient‐specific with the perfect match to the architecture of their craniofacial defects. Craniofacial tissue regeneration using 3D bioprinting can manage and eliminate the restrictions of the surgical transplant from the donor site. The concept of creating the new functional tissue, exactly mimicking the anatomical and physiological function of the damaged tissue, looks highly attractive. This is crucial to reduce the donor site morbidity and retain the esthetics. 3D bioprinting can integrate all three essential components of tissue engineering, that is, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and regeneration of the lost craniofacial tissues. Such integration essentially helps to develop the patient‐specific treatment plans and damage site‐driven creation of the functional implants for the craniofacial defects. This article is the bird's eye view on the latest development and application of 3D bioprinting in the regeneration of the skeletal muscle tissues and their application in restoring the functional abilities of the damaged craniofacial tissue. We also discussed current challenges in craniofacial bone vascularization and gave our view on the future direction, including establishing the interactions between tissue‐engineered skeletal muscle and the peripheral nervous system.
The impact of antibiotic selection and interval time among advanced non‐small cell lung cancer patients receiving prior antibacterial treatment and first‐line chemotherapy
Authors: Tian Xiaoman , Mei Ting , Yu Min , Li Yanying , Ao Rui , Gong Youling
Published: May 2022

Background

To determine whether antibiotic use before chemotherapy is associated with chemotherapy responses and patient outcomes among NSCLC patients and define the optimal interval between chemotherapy initiation and antibiotic treatment.

Materials and methods

One thousand four hundred and four advanced NSCLC patients receiving first‐line platinum‐based doublets therapy were retrospectively analyzed. Kaplan–Meier curve evaluated the impact of antibiotic use and type of antibiotics on the survival of patients. The factors affect the patient's prognosis were further confirmed by Cox regression. The optimal interval between antibiotic treatment and the initiation of chemotherapy was determined by the X‐tile program.

Results

NSCLC patients of 33.5% advanced underwent broad‐spectrum antibiotic treatment prior to chemotherapy. In the chemotherapy only (Chemo) and chemotherapy plus antiangiogenesis (Chemo‐angio) treatment groups, prior antibiotic treatment was associated with worse OS (Chemo: 13.8 vs. 17.6 months, p < 0.001; Chemo‐angio:11.9 vs. 18.1 months, p = 0.012) and PFS (Chemo: 3.7 vs. 5.8 months, p < 0.001; Chemo‐angio: 3.1 vs. 5.9 months, p < 0.001). Cox regression analysis revealed prior antibiotic administration as an independent predictor of OS and PFS (HR for PFS/OS: 1.925/1.452, both p < 0.001). Antibiotic usage duration (HR for PFS/OS: 1.030/1.036, p = 0.009/0.001) and type (PFS/OS: p < 0.001/p = 0.01) also showed significant association with patient prognosis, with calculated interval time cutoff values of 2, 4, and 2 days for fluoroquinolones, β‐lactamase inhibitors, and cephalosporins, respectively.

Conclusion

Antibiotic use before first‐line chemotherapy was associated with poor results in advanced NSCLC patients; treatment length and type being strongly correlated with patient outcomes. Appropriate prolongation of the time between two treatments may enhance patient survival. Further prospective research is however necessary.
Release of nitrogen during thermochemical conversion of Shenhua bituminous coal under Ar, CO2, and air atmospheres
Authors: Zhang Jinzhi , Wang Zhiqi , Zhao Ruidong , Chen Tianju , Wu Jinhu
Published: May 2022

Coal thermochemical conversion processes unavoidably generate gaseous pollutants, endangering the environment or influencing synthetic processes downstream. In order to display the differences in release behaviours of nitrogen among different coal thermochemical conversion stages, the nitrogen release characteristics of Shenhua bituminous coal under Ar, CO2, and air atmospheres were investigated using X‐ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) and thermogravimetry‐mass spectrometry (TG‐MS). Results indicate that the reaction atmosphere has an important influence on nitrogen release. The total released mass of nitrogen when using 100 g raw coal in the whole experiment under Ar, CO2, and air atmospheres is 0.54, 0.64, and 0.75 g, respectively. The organic forms of nitrogen in raw coal and coal char are pyridine nitrogen (N‐6), pyrrole nitrogen (N‐5), quaternary nitrogen (N‐Q), and nitrogen oxide (N‐X). While in the coal ash, the sub‐peaks of N‐Q and N‐X disappear entirely, leaving only N‐5 and N‐6 sub‐peaks. The released nitrogen‐containing gas consists of NH3, HCN, NO, and NO2 during experiments in CO2 and air atmospheres. However, only NH3 and HCN are detected during experiments in the Ar atmosphere. The revolution characteristics of NH3 and HCN under Ar and CO2 atmospheres are similar.
AMP‐activated protein kinase α1 phosphorylates PHD2 to maintain systemic iron homeostasis
Authors: Wang Cheng , Zhang Wencheng , Xu Wenjing , Liu Zhaoyu , Huang Kai
Published: May 2022

Background

Iron is essential for all mammalian life, and either a deficiency or excess of iron can cause diseases. AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a critical regulator of metabolic homeostasis; however, it has not been established whether AMPK regulates iron metabolism.

Methods

Iron, hepcidin and ferroportin levels were examined in mice with global and hepatocyte‐specific knockout of AMPKα1 and AMPKα2. Primary AMPKα1 or AMPKα2 deleted hepatocytes were isolated and cultured in hypoxia condition to explore PHD2, HIF and hydroxylated HIF1α levels. We performed immunoprecipitation, in vitro AMPK kinase assay and site‐direct mutant assay to detect phosphorylation sites of PHD2. We also obtained liver tissues from patients with anaemia of chronic disease undergoing surgery, AMPKα1 and hydroxylated HIF1α levels were measured by immunohistochemical analysis.

Results

We found that mice with global deficiency of AMPKα1, but not AMPKα2, exhibited hypoferraemia as well as iron sequestration in the spleen and liver. Hepatocyte‐specific, but not myeloid‐specific, ablation of AMPKα1 also reduced serum iron levels in association with increased hepcidin and decreased ferroportin protein levels. Mechanistically, AMPKα1 directly phosphorylated prolyl hydroxylase domain‐containing (PHD)2 at serines 61 and 136, which suppressed PHD2‐dependent hydroxylation of hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)1α and subsequent regulation of hepatic hepcidin‐related iron signalling. Inhibition of PHD2 hydroxylation ameliorated abnormal iron metabolism in hepatic AMPKα1‐deficient mice. Furthermore, we found hepatic AMPKα/PHD2/HIFα/ hepcidin axes were highly clinically relevant to anaemia of chronic disease.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these observations suggest that hepatic AMPKα1 has an essential role in maintaining iron homeostasis by PHD2‐dependent regulation of hepcidin, thus providing a potentially promising approach for the treatment of iron disturbances in chronic diseases.
When Is a Change Significant? The Update Problem of Apps in Medical and Behavioral Research
Authors: Shachar Carmel , Gerke Sara , Morrell Walker , Kirby Aaron , Cohen I. Glenn , Bierer Barbara E.
Published: May 2022

Digital applications (apps) are commonly used across the research ecosystem. While apps are frequently updated in the course of clinical and behavioral research, there is limited guidance as to when an app update should trigger action related to human research participant protections and who should be responsible for monitoring and reviewing these updates. We term this the “update problem” and argue that, while it is the principal investigator's duty to track all relevant updates, the level of involvement and re‐review by the institutional review board (IRB) of an approved research protocol should vary depending on whether the update may be classified as minor, not minor, or significant. Minor updates require at most annual notification of the IRB, updates that are not minor require prompt notification of the IRB, and significant updates may require full board re‐review or another response. We also suggest how these policies might be implemented.
Influence of Dispositional Optimism on Ethically Salient Research Perspectives: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kim Jane Paik , Mondal Sangeeta , Tsungmey Tenzin , Ryan Katie , Dunn Laura B. , Roberts Laura Weiss
Published: May 2022

Research participants should be drawn as fairly as possible from the potential volunteer population. Underlying personality traits are underexplored as factors influencing research decision‐making. Dispositional optimism, known to affect coping, physical health, and psychological well‐being, has been minimally studied with respect to research‐related attitudes. We conducted an exploratory, online survey with 151 individuals (with self‐reported mental illness [n = 50], physical illness [n = 51], or neither [n = 50]) recruited via MTurk. We evaluated associations between dispositional optimism (assessed with the Life Orientation Test—Revised) and general research attitudes, perceived protectiveness of five research safeguards, and willingness to participate in research using safeguards. Strongly optimistic respondents expressed more positive research attitudes and perceived four safeguards as more positively influencing willingness to participate. Optimism was positively associated with expressed willingness to participate in clinical research. Our findings add to a limited literature on the influence of individual traits on ethically salient research perspectives.
Nothing about Us without Us: Inclusion and IRB Review of Mental Health Research Protocols
Authors: Tully Ian
Published: May 2022

Research on mental health and illness presents a variety of unique ethical challenges. This article argues that institutional review boards (IRBs) can improve their reviews of such research by including the perspectives of individuals with the condition under study either as members of the IRB or as consultants thereto. Several reasons for including the perspectives of these individuals are advanced, with the discussion organized around a hypothetical case study involving the assessment of a novel talk‐therapy modality. Having made this case, the article goes on to explain how to implement the idea by building on a recent proposal by Rebecca Dresser, who argues in a number of publications for the inclusion of former research participants in the IRB review process. Finally, concerns about protecting reviewer and consultant confidentiality are addressed.
Modulating Thermostability and Productivity of Benzhydryl‐Substituted Bis(imino)pyridine‐Iron C2H4 Polymerization Catalysts through ortho‐CnH2n−1 (n=5, 6, 8, 12) Ring Size Adjustment
Authors: Han Mingyang , Oleynik Ivan I. , Ma Yanping , Oleynik Irina V. , Solan Gregory A. , Hao Xiang , Sun Wen‐Hua
Published: May 2022

Four types of benzhydryl‐containing bis(arylimino)pyridine‐iron(II) chloride complex, [2‐{CMeN(2,4,6‐Me3C6H2)}‐6‐{CMeN(Ar)}C5H3N]FeCl2 (Ar=2,4‐(CHPh2)2‐6‐(C5H9)C6H2 Fe1, 2,4‐(CHPh2)2‐6‐(C6H11)C6H2 Fe2, 2,4‐(CHPh2)2‐6‐(C8H15)C6H2 Fe3 and 2,4‐(CHPh2)2‐6‐(C12H23)C6H2 Fe4), discriminable by the ring size of the ortho‐CnH2n−1 (n=5, 6, 8, 12) group, have been prepared in good yield (>85 %) via the reaction of the corresponding N,N,N′‐ligand, L1–L4, with ferrous chloride tetrahydrate. All new complexes were characterized by FT‐IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The molecular structure of Fe3 emphasizes the distorted pseudo‐square pyramidal geometry bestowed to the metal center and the steric unevenness provided by the inequivalent N‐mesityl and N‐2,4‐dibenzyhydryl‐6‐cyclooctylphenyl groups. Extremely high activities for ethylene polymerization were achieved at temperatures between 60 °C and 70 °C following pre‐treatment of the iron(II) precatalyst with either MMAO or MAO, with the relative performance being: Fe2>Fe1>Fe3>Fe4. Notably, ortho‐cyclohexyl Fe2, under activation with MMAO, afforded the highest level of performance of this study reaching 2.82×107 g PE per mol (Fe) per h at 70 °C forming strictly linear and narrowly dispersed polyethylene (Mw/Mn=2.0) with moderate molecular weight (11.3 kg per mol). Furthermore, runs performed using Fe1/MMAO at 90 °C saw the catalytic activity drop by around only 40 % highlighting the remarkable thermostability of these catalysts. By comparison, polymerizations performed using MAO as co‐catalyst were less controlled with broader dispersities (Mw/Mn range: 4.8–10.1), while the molecular weights were generally higher (55.7–150.9 kg per mol).
In vitro characterisation of murine pre‐adipose nucleated cells reveals electrophysiological cycles associated with biological clocks
Authors: Martin Capucine , Johnston Jonathan D. , Henslee Erin A. , van der Veen Daan R. , Labeed Fatima H.
Published: May 2022

Adipocytes are energy stores of the body which also play a role in physiological regulation and homeostasis through their endocrine activity. Adipocyte circadian clocks drive rhythms in gene expression, and dysregulation of these circadian rhythms associates with pathological conditions such as diabetes. However, although the role of circadian rhythms in adipose cells and related tissues has been studied from phsyiological and molecular perspectives, they have not yet been explored from an electrical perspective. Research into electro‐chronobiology has revealed that electrical properties have important roles in peripheral clock regulation independently of transcription–translation feedback loops. We have used dielectrophoresis to study electrophysiological rhythms in pre‐adipocytes – representing an adipocyte precursor and nucleated cell‐based model, using serum shocking as the cellular method of clock entrainment. The results revealed significant electrophysiological rhythms, culminating in circadian (ca. 24 hourly) cycles in effective membrane capacitance and radius properties, whereas effective membrane conductance was observed to express ultradian (ca. 14 hourly) rhythms. These data shed new light into pre‐adipocyte electrical behaviour and present a potential target for understanding and manipulation of metabolic physiology.
Symptomatic femoral head necrosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A retrospective case‐control study
Authors: Wei Qijiao , Yan Qing , Lin Diantian , Gao Fei , Lin He , Chen Zhihan
Published: May 2022

Objective

We conducted a retrospective case–control study to investigate the risk factors for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Methods

The clinical data of patients diagnosed with RA at Fujian Provincial Hospital from January 2013 to December 2020 were retrospectively collected and evaluated. Twenty‐two patients with ONFH were identified. Eighty‐eight age‐, sex‐, and disease duration‐matched RA patients without symptomatic ONFH were randomly selected as controls in a ratio of 1:4. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors.

Results

The anticardiolipin (ACL)‐immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration, clinical disease activity index, simplified disease activity index, incidence of hyperlipidemia in the case group were higher than those in the control group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis did not find the independent risk factor in ONFH patients with RA.

Conclusion

The pathogenesis of ONFH in RA is related to many factors such as ACL IgG, disease activity index, and hyperlipidemia. While, we went to great lengths to explore the relationship between antiphospholipid antibodies and ONFH, but it plays a very small role.
Culturally sensitive recommendations for the clinical pharmacist to engage the Arab American patient
Authors: Alosaimy Sara , Mohammad Insaf , Chahine Elias B. , Saad Aline , Jaber Linda A. , El‐Ghali Amer
Published: May 2022

Arab Americans (ARAM) comprise approximately 3.7 million individuals in the United States (US). The Census Bureau classifies ARAM as white and does not acknowledge them as a minority group in the Middle East North African (MENA) category creating a challenge when assessing their health outcomes. Like other minority groups, ARAM have unique social behaviors and cultural attributes that directly affect their health outcomes. However, many health care professionals in the US are not well‐informed of their culture. Hence, it is important for clinical pharmacists to familiarize themselves with the Arab culture in order to engage the ARAM patient and provide culturally competent care. This article reviews ARAM demographics and some of their common health behaviors and associated outcomes. The authors also offer culturally sensitive recommendations addressing important areas of health care to mitigate health disparities for this growing patient population.
Serendipitous discovery of (L)‐valine mediated in situ formation of two‐dimensional coordination polymer by tripodal ligand with transition metals
Authors: Batra Meenal , Kaur Sarvjeet , Shruti  , Nayak Manoj K. , Sun Shih‐Sheng , Singh Ashutosh S.
Published: May 2022

A new methodology for 2D coordination polymer formation has been reported by in situ amide bond cleavage of the ligand L at room temperature under a mild condition in the presence of aqueous pyridine. The ligand is formed by the coupling of (L)‐valine with benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxylic acid (btcH3). The three amide bonds present on the tripodal ligand, easily break and forms 2D coordination polymer with btc−3 as {[(btc)(py)3(H2O)(Co)1.5].(py)(H2O)2}n (1), {(btc)0.66(py)3(H2O)Ni}n (2), and {[(btc)(py)3Zn1.5](H2O)2}n (3). The tripodal ligand L has been characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, and mass spectra and their corresponding coordination polymers 1, 2, and 3, respectively, have been characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis.
Effectiveness of dietary counseling with or without nutrition supplementation in hospitalized patients who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wong Alvin , Huang Yingxiao , Sowa P. Marcin , Banks Merrilyn D. , Bauer Judith D.
Published: May 2022

Background

Nutrition support is associated with improved survival and nonelective hospital readmission rates among malnourished medical inpatients; however, limited evidence supporting dietary counseling is available. We intend to determine the effect of dietary counseling with or without oral nutrition supplementation (ONS), compared with standard care, on hospitalized adults who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, The Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar for studies listed from January 1, 2011, to August 31, 2021. Meta‐analysis was performed to obtain pooled risk ratios (RRs) and 95% CIs to estimate the effect. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used to assess the certainty of the evidence.

Results

Sixteen studies were identified. Compared with standard care, dietary counseling with or without ONS probably does not reduce inpatient rates of 30‐day mortality (RR = 1.24; 0.60–2.55; I2 = 45%; P = 0.56; moderate certainty), slightly reduces 6‐month mortality (RR = 0.83; 0.69–1.00; I2 = 16%; P = 0.06; high certainty), reduces complications (RR = 0.85; 0.73–0.98; I2 = 0%; P = 0.03; high certainty), and may slightly reduce readmission (RR = 0.83; 0.66–1.03; I2 = 55%; P = 0.10; low certainty) but may not reduce length of stay (mean difference: −0.75 days; −1.66‐0.17; I2 = 70%; P = 0.11; low certainty). Intervention may result in slight improvements in nutrition status/intake and weight/body mass index (low certainty).

Conclusions

There is an increase in the certainty of evidence regarding the positive impact of dietary counseling on outcomes. Future studies should standardize and provide details/frequencies of counseling methods and ONS adherence to determine dietary counseling effectiveness.
Management of home parenteral nutrition catheter‐related bloodstream infections in hospitals outside of a specialized intestinal failure center
Authors: Bond Ashley , Conley Thomas , Teubner Antje , Taylor Michael , Abraham Arun , Romero Salazar Francisco , Mallawaarachchi Pearl , Lal Simon
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Catheter‐related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) remain the commonest complication associated with home parenteral nutrition (HPN). Although the management outcomes of CRBSIs have been extensively reported by specialized intestinal failure (IF) centers, there are minimal data reporting CRBSI outcomes for HPN‐dependent patients admitted to nonspecialized hospitals.

Method

This was an observational study from a prospectively maintained database of CRBSIs in HPN‐dependent patients managed outside of a specialized IF center.

Results

Three hundred and six patients from a total cohort of 1066 HPN‐dependent patients suffered from 489 CRBSI events from 2003 to 2021; after 2017, 71 of these events were managed at the patient's local, nonspecialized hospital and the remainder at the specialized IF center. From 2017 to 2021, salvage of the central venous catheter (CVC) with antimicrobial therapy was attempted in 32 out of 71 (45.1%) patients admitted to the nonspecialized hospital, with successful salvage recorded in 23 (71.8%) cases. Notably, CVC salvage was attempted more commonly (77 out of 103 [74.8%]; P = 0.004 vs nonspecialized hospital), with a better salvage success rate (64 out of 77 [83.1%] P = 0.01 vs nonspecialized hospital) in patients who were admitted to the specialized IF center.

Conclusion

In some instances, CRBSIs can be effectively managed when patients presenting to a nonspecialized hospital; however, overall salvage is more likely to be successful in the specialized setting. Further development of clinical and educational networks between IF centers and patients' local hospitals aimed at standardizing care may lead to improved CRBSI outcomes.
Flipped detection of psychoactive substances in complex mixtures using handheld Raman spectroscopy coupled to chemometrics
Authors: Calvo‐Castro Jesus , Tchakounte Steve N. , Guarino Valentina , Ahmed Adeel A. , Stair Jacqueline L.
Published: May 2022

New psychoactive substance (NPS) misuse represents a critical social and health problem. Herein, a novel flipped approach is presented for the detection of psychoactive substances in complex mixtures using portable Raman spectroscopy. This consists firstly of evaluating the spectral dissimilarities of an NPS product to its constituent adulterants followed by detection of the NPS by means of key spectral signatures. To demonstrate it, three structurally diverse NPS and four commonly used adulterants were selected. A Design‐of‐Experiments guided approach was employed to determine the composition of simulate street samples, ranging from binary to quinary mixtures of varying concentrations. Spectra were acquired for all mixtures using a portable Raman spectrometer and examined using projection analysis on model systems, developed via principal component analysis using reference materials. For all 21 mixtures investigated, the innovative ‘flipped’ methodology resulted in isolated and unequivocal detection of the NPS. Interestingly, the NPS signatures were consistent across all mixtures investigated and were 1712, 1000, and 777/1022 cm−1 for 5F‐PB‐22, phenibut, and N‐Me‐2‐AI containing samples, respectively. Thus indicating that the developed model systems could be applicable to structural analogs. NPS were detected to concentrations as low as 6.0% w/w. This flipped methodology was benchmarked to the instrument's output algorithms and outperformed these in terms of NPS detection, particularly for low concentration ternary and quinary mixtures. As a result, this study represents a critical change in the conceptualization of novel approaches for the detection of psychoactive substances and further denotes a blueprint for the development of detection methodologies of target analytes in complex mixtures.
Patterns of Opioid Usage and Predictors of Utilization Following Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery
Authors: Kuan Edward C. , Birkenbeuel Jack L. , Kovacs Alexander J. , Abiri Arash , Goshtasbi Khodayar , Lehrich Brandon M. , Golshani Kiarash , Chen Jefferson W. , Cadena Gilbert , Hsu Frank P.K.
Published: May 2022

Objective

Pain control is an important topic that has not been extensively studied in patients undergoing endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS). The purpose of this study is to identify opioid requirements after ESBS and the risk factors predictive of increased use.

Methods

This study was a retrospective review of all patients undergoing ESBS at a tertiary academic skull base surgery program between July 2018 and August 2020. The primary outcome variable was total morphine equivalent dose (MED) requirements after surgery, calculated as the sum of all morphine milligram equivalents over a 24‐h period, and summated across the duration of each participant's hospital course.

Results

94 patients were included in this review. Average daily MED requirements were 14.00 ± 6.79 mg. Average total MED requirements were 83.78 ± 92.99 mg during hospitalization. Average length of stay (LOS) was 5.71 ± 4.42 days, with 22 (23.4%) patients not requiring opioid use upon discharge. On multivariate analysis, female sex (β = 49.62; 95% CI [13.53, 85.71], p = 0.008), nasoseptal flap (NSF) reconstruction (β = 49.56; 95% CI [13.51, 85.61], p = 0.008) and LOS (β = 4.02; 95% CI [0.001, 8.04], p = 0.050) were independently associated with higher total MED requirements.

Conclusions

We report average total MED requirements of 83.78 mg after ESBS, with female sex, intraoperative use of an NSF, and increased LOS as predictors of higher MED use. This data indicates a subset of patients who may benefit from more aggressive pain control strategies upfront, including consideration of non‐opioid, multimodal pain regimens.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 132:1939–1945, 2022
Effects of Cortical Stimulation on Feedback‐Dependent Vocal Control in Non‐Human Primates
Authors: Eliades Steven J. , Tsunada Joji
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Hearing plays an important role in our ability to control voice, and perturbations in auditory feedback result in compensatory changes in vocal production. The auditory cortex (AC) has been proposed as an important mediator of this behavior, but causal evidence is lacking. We tested this in an animal model, hypothesizing that AC is necessary for vocal self‐monitoring and feedback‐dependent control, and that altering activity in AC during vocalization will interfere with vocal control.

Methods

We implanted two marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus) with bilateral AC electrode arrays. Acoustic signals were recorded from vocalizing marmosets while altering vocal feedback or electrically stimulating AC during random subsets of vocalizations. Feedback was altered by real‐time frequency shifts and presented through headphones and electrical stimulation delivered to individual electrodes. We analyzed recordings to measure changes in vocal acoustics during shifted feedback and stimulation, and to determine their interaction. Results were correlated with the location and frequency tuning of stimulation sites.

Results

Consistent with previous results, we found electrical stimulation alone evoked changes in vocal production. Results were stronger in the right hemisphere, but decreased with lower currents or repeated stimulation. Simultaneous stimulation and shifted feedback significantly altered vocal control for a subset of sites, decreasing feedback compensation at some and increasing it at others. Inhibited compensation was more likely at sites closer to vocal frequencies.

Conclusions

Results provide causal evidence that the AC is involved in feedback‐dependent vocal control, and that it is sufficient and may also be necessary to drive changes in vocal production.

Level of Evidence

N/A Laryngoscope, 133:1–10, 2023
Hepatocellular carcinoma incidence in chronic hepatitis C patients according to sustained virological response (SVR) with interferon‐based therapies and baseline characteristics
Authors: Purevsambuu Tuul , Bota Simona , Hucke Florian , Hofer Harald , Ferenci Peter , Sieghart Wolfgang , Peck‐Radosavljevic Markus
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most common cause of cancer‐related death worldwide with increasing incidence. Effective antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) became available in the last 7 years but despite the WHO Hepatitis elimination targets, they are not universally available today in all regions for all the patients, indicating still a bleak outlook for CHC‐associated HCC in the next decades.

Aim

To assess the HCC incidence in relation to interferon (IFN)‐based antiviral treatment response and baseline characteristics of a large cohort of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients from a single institution.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data of CHC patients, who were diagnosed between 1989 and 2011 and treated at the AKH‐University Hospital of Vienna before the introduction of direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) only therapy. We analysed the HCC incidence in patients with a sustained virological response (SVR) and without SVR according to the patients' baseline characteristics.

Results

Our study included 2134 patients, who were treated or not treated with IFN‐based antiviral treatment and had long‐term follow‐up available. The overall HCC incidence in this cohort was 6.2% (132 HCC cases over a median follow‐up period of 9 years). According to the baseline fibrosis stage, the overall HCC incidence was: 1.1% in patients with baseline fibrosis stage F0‐2, 8.2% in F3 and 20.6% in F4 patients. The HCC incidence was significantly higher in non‐SVR and no‐treatment group as compared with SVR patients: 12.4% vs 1.9%, P < .0001, 7.3% vs 1.9%, P < .0001. In multivariate analysis, lower platelet count (odds ratio‐OR = ‐0.1, 95% CI: 0.15‐0.63), for the SVR group and presence of cirrhosis (OR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.59‐8.17), ALBI grade >=2 (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.0‐5.3) for the non‐SVR group were independently associated with HCC occurrence. For the group of patients with no treatment, the only predictor for HCC was high baseline alpha‐fetoprotein values (OR = 10.2, 95% CI: 2.2‐47.9).

Conclusion

The achievement of SVR significantly reduces the risk for HCC occurrence during long‐term follow‐up. However, the risk remains high in successfully treated patients with low platelet count and in patients who did not achieve SVR with more advanced liver disease. These risk factors should be considered in decision‐making of HCC surveillance in this settling.
Lessons from Amazon's Election Results
Authors: Wich Scott
Published: May 2022

There was tremendous interest in how Amazon would fare in three union elections held recently. First, the votes at Amazon's Bessemer, Alabama facility: Two heavyweights—Amazon and the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU)—duked it out in a small Alabama town that until recently most people had never heard of. Last year, the company famously beat back its first ever U.S. union election in Bessemer by an overwhelming 2–1 margin. That victory left a wake of several election objections that caused the NLRB to order a second election, conducted in March using mail‐in ballots. This time it appears that Amazon has won again, but at this writing its margin is smaller, 993 against and 875 in favor, with 416 challenged ballots that have not yet been processed. It is still possible Amazon will lose the election once those votes are counted or discarded, though unlikely.
Environmental factors driving evapotranspiration over a grassland in a transitional climate zone in China
Authors: Zhang Liang , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Hongli , Yue Ping , Li Hongyu , Wang Juanli , Zhao Funian , Wang Yong , Wang Jianshun
Published: May 2022

The surface evapotranspiration (ET) process is the key link in the interaction between land and atmosphere. However, the influence of different environmental factors on ET over transitional climate zones and the physical pattern of the interaction between multiple factors remain unclear. Therefore, based on the continuous observation data during the vegetation growing season of a typical grassland in the Semi‐Arid Climate and Environment Observation of Lanzhou University (SACOL) station from 2007 to 2012, the influence pattern of multiple environmental factors on ET over China's transitional climate zone was analysed. Each environmental factor exhibited significant seasonal and interannual variations. The mean value of ET was 1.67 mm day−1. Although the maximum values of sensible heat flux and vapour pressure deficit occurred in April and June, respectively, the maximum values of other environmental factors appeared from July to August. Net radiation, soil moisture, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were the main controlling factors of ET over the grassland, with correlation coefficients of 0.54, 0.52, and 0.46, respectively. The analysis of multiple environmental factors showed that when soil moisture, wind speed, net radiation, and NDVI reached 0.2 m3 m−3, 2 m s−1, 100 W m−2, and 0.2, respectively, ET varied in contrast with vapour pressure, vapour pressure deficit, and air temperature under the influences of weather processes, land–atmosphere coupling, and drought stress. These findings deepen our understanding of the role of ET in the land–atmosphere coupling process over the transitional climate zone in China.