bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Development of Copper (II) Complexes of Polypyridyl Ligands in Chemotherapy and Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Rani J Jansi , Roy Sovan
Published: February 2023

Cancer is a deadly disease associated with abnormal cell growth and invasion to various parts of the body. Many drugs such as cisplatin and carboplatin have been used for the treatment of cancer over the years. However, a lack of selectivity toward cancer cells and associated side effects with current treatment options has fueled continued efforts throughout the world to find better anticancer drugs. Over the past decades, copper‐containing compounds have shown excellent anticancer activity. Cu(II) complexes are well studied and show broad‐spectrum pharmacological activity. The redox activity of copper ions contributes to cytotoxic activity in combination with ligands that possess bioactivity. Binding of copper with various types of bidentate, tridentate, and tetradentate ligands can activate the processes of necrosis, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Copper induces the formation of reactive oxygen species to cleave DNA. Similarly, light‐assisted excitation of Cu(II) complexes in the red region of the electromagnetic spectrum helps produce different reactive species, thereby inducing anticancer activity through a photodynamic mechanism. In general, in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that the administration of copper ions is effective against various cancer cell lines. Herein we discuss the past ten years of research into copper complexes of terpyridine‐, 2,2’‐bipyridine‐, and 1,10‐phenanthroline‐based ligands as potential anticancer agents. The aspects of chemotherapy by redox‐mediated pathways and photodynamic therapy using light‐assisted excitation are reviewed, with a focus on mechanisms of activity, details of important experimental procedures, as well as drawbacks in the design of copper‐containing drugs.
Terpyridine Glycoconjugates and Their Metal Complexes: Antiproliferative Activity and Proteasome Inhibition
Authors: Panebianco Roberta , Viale Maurizio , Loiacono Fabrizio , Lanza Valeria , Milardi Danilo , Vecchio Graziella
Published: February 2023

Metal terpyridine complexes have gained substantial interest in many application fields, such as catalysis and supramolecular chemistry. In recent years, the biological activity of terpyridine and its metal complexes has aroused considerable regard. On this basis, we synthesised new terpyridine derivatives of trehalose and glucose to improve the water solubility of terpyridine ligands and target them in cancer cells through glucose transporters. Glucose derivative and its copper(II) and iron(II) complexes showed antiproliferative activity. Interestingly, trehalose residue reduced the cytotoxicity of terpyridine. Moreover, we tested the ability of parent terpyridine ligands and their copper complexes to inhibit proteasome activity as an antineoplastic mechanism.
Accounting going green: The move toward environmental sustainability in Vietnamese manufacturing firms
Authors: Hoai Tu Thanh , Minh Nha Nguyen , Van Hien Vo , Nguyen Nguyen Phong
Published: February 2023

This study investigates how environmental management accounting (EMA) usage mediates the impact of green dynamic capabilities on environmental performance. Furthermore, the moderating effects of green mindfulness on the relationship between green dynamic capabilities and EMA usage are investigated. The proposed model and its hypotheses are evaluated using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) with survey data from 394 large Vietnamese manufacturing firms. The study's findings are as follows: (1) green dynamic capabilities positively affect EMA usage, which, in turn, affects environmental performance; (2) when green mindfulness is strong, the effect of green dynamic capabilities on EMA usage is amplified. These findings demonstrate how the interaction between green dynamic capabilities and green mindfulness can contribute to the success of manufacturing firms that use EMA systems in emerging markets. Additionally, the current study elucidates the mechanism by which green dynamic capabilities influence EMA usage, and it aims to contribute to green dynamic capabilities research in accounting by introducing green mindfulness as a boundary condition.
Intelligent wide‐area damping controller for static var compensator considering communication delays
Authors: Jamsheed Faisal , Javed Iqbal Sheikh
Published: February 2023

This paper utilizes a static var compensator in coordination with an intelligent online controller, to enhance the oscillation damping of the power system at various operating conditions and communication delays. For system identification, a linear identifier is used that ensures a low computational burden and facilitates its real‐time implementation. This identifier accurately estimates the system's local linear model using local measurements and continuously updates its parameters in real time to account for system's changing operational states. The learning rate of the identifier is also adaptively adjusted such that the stability of the learning algorithm and optimal speed of convergence are guaranteed. The location of the controller is selected based upon the controllability and bus voltage participation factors, and an effective feedback signal is obtained using the observability. An empirical expression has also been proposed to offset the effects of communication time delays caused due to use of wide‐area signals. Time‐domain simulations are performed on single‐ and multi‐machine power systems to check the efficacy of the proposed intelligent controller. The performance of the controller is compared with the residue‐based conventional controller and also with the recently proposed wide‐area damping controller.
A wireless power transfer system for an autonomous underwater vehicle based on lightweight universal variable ring‐shaped magnetic coupling
Authors: Zhang Ben , Wang Xudong , Lu Changbo , Lu Yong , Xu Wanli
Published: February 2023

The existing wireless power transfer systems for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) have problems due to long transmission distances and the unstable attitudes of AUVs, which result in poor system performance. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a lightweight universal variable ring‐shaped magnetic coupler for the shape characteristics of AUVs and the charging platform environment. In particular, the size of the magnetic coupler transmitter can be varied according to the size of the AUV, resulting in a close fit between the magnetic coupler transmitter and receiver, reducing the transmission distance and fixing the AUV attitude. To achieve a lightweight receiver and reduce the burden on the AUV, the design is optimized in terms of both the system topology and the magnetic coupler structure. First, the LCC‐S topology is used to reduce the number of components on the secondary side. Second, the use of a nanocrystalline ribbon as the core material effectively reduces the weight of the magnetic coupler receiver. Finally, a 300‐W experimental platform is built to verify the functionality of the designed magnetic coupler. The experimental results show that the system has a DC‐DC transfer efficiency of 86%. With the variable ring‐shaped magnetic coupler, the charging power can be increased by 7.2% when the transmission efficiency remains unchanged.
Usefulness of cell block examination for the cytological diagnosis of thoracic SMARCA4‐deficient undifferentiated tumor: A case report
Authors: Minoshima Atsushi , Sugita Shintaro , Segawa Keiko , Aoyama Tomoyuki , Ito Mikako , Daimon Fuminori , Takenami Tomoko , Kido Tomomi , Moriya Jun , Nishikiori Hirotaka , Hasegawa Tadashi
Published: February 2023

SMARCA4‐deficient undifferentiated tumor (SMARCA4‐UT) is a high‐grade malignant neoplasm showing undifferentiated or rhabdoid morphology that significantly involves the thorax of adults. It has been reported as SMARCA4‐deficient thoracic sarcoma or SMARCA4‐deficient non‐small cell lung carcinoma according to the findings of immunohistochemical and genetic studies. We report a case of thoracic SMARCA4‐UT for which cell block analysis and immunohistochemical staining were useful for the final diagnosis. A 51‐year‐old man had a chief complaint of left back pain and visited our hospital for further examination. Cytological examination of a left pleural effusion was performed and we also made a cell block of the pleural effusion. Cytological examination revealed polyhedral to round tumor cells. The tumor cells appeared singly or formed loosely cohesive clusters. The nuclei were round to oval, enlarged, and sometimes eccentric with prominent nucleoli with irregular borders. The nuclear chromatin was unevenly distributed. The cytoplasm was vacuolar to eosinophilic. There were no characteristic structures of tumor cells. The cell block revealed many single or loosely cohesive round to epithelioid cells. Some tumor cells often exhibited eccentrically located nuclei and lightly eosinophilic cytoplasm, showing a rhabdoid morphology. On immunohistochemistry, the tumor cells were positive for SOX‐2 and they demonstrated significantly reduced SMARCA4 (BRG1) expression; SMARCA2 (BRM) and SMARCB1 (INI1) expression were retained. Accordingly, we made a diagnosis of SMARCA4‐UT. This case demonstrates the importance of performing histological and immunohistochemical analysis using cell blocks for immediate diagnosis.
Long‐term macrophyte and snail community responses to population declines of invasive rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus)
Authors: Szydlowski Daniel K. , Elgin Ashley K. , Lodge David M. , Tiemann Jeremy S. , Larson Eric R.
Published: February 2023

A central focus of invasive species research has been on human efforts to eradicate invaders or reduce their abundance to mitigate the worst of their impacts. In some cases, however, populations of invasive species decline without human intervention, which may inform management responses to these invaders. Such is the case of the invasive rusty crayfish (Faxonius rusticus) in northern Wisconsin, USA, where systematic population monitoring since 1975 has revealed population declines in approximately half of the lakes surveyed. Population declines of invasive species without human intervention remain understudied, but there is even less research on how communities respond following such declines. Using 10 lakes in Vilas County, Wisconsin, we investigated community recovery of habitat (macrophytes) and prey (freshwater snails) of F. rusticus following up to 33 years of declines of this invader in some lakes using a dataset with a rare, long‐term span over which consistent data were collected (1987, 2002, 2011, and 2020). We compared community responses in lakes where F. rusticus populations reached a peak and subsequently declined (boom‐bust lakes) and lakes where our dataset only captured the decline of F. rusticus (bust lakes) to reference lakes with consistently high or low crayfish abundance over time. We found partial recovery of macrophytes and snails in the bust and boom‐bust lakes where F. rusticus has declined, with recovery of macrophyte abundance and richness in the boom‐bust lakes achieving levels observed in the low‐crayfish reference lakes. Snail abundance and richness increased after declines of F. rusticus, though not to the level of the low‐crayfish reference lakes, suggesting that snail recovery may lag macrophyte recovery because snails are dependent on macrophytes and associated periphyton for habitat. The recovery we document potentially represents long‐term ecosystem resilience of lakes to biological invasions. Our results suggest that lake communities may recover without active restoration interventions after invasive crayfish population declines, although identifying which lakes experience these natural declines remains a priority for future research and management.
Analysis of terahertz double dielectric structure patch antenna using nitride semiconductors
Authors: Miura Shin , Kurahashi Kenta , Goshima Keishiro , Nagase Masanori
Published: February 2023

Recently, gallium arsenide (GaAs)‐based resonant tunneling diode (RTD) oscillators and indium phosphorus (InP)‐based Schottky barrier diode (SBD) receivers have been studied in the terahertz (THz) band. The THz devices for practical use should operate at room temperature, be small in size, and have high output power. Therefore, this study was focused on gallium nitride (GaN), which possesses excellent material properties, such as wide bandgap characteristics and heteroepitaxy on Si substrates. The GaN‐based oscillators and receivers are expected to be compact, operate at room‐temperature, and act as a high‐power device for the THz‐band devices. However, GaN has crystal defects, which can cause instability in device operations. A double dielectric structure patch antenna composed of Silicon Nitride (SiN) and Benzo Cyclo Butene (BCB) with different dielectric constants was proposed to realize a GaN‐based THz transmitter and receiver. The antenna characteristics were investigated using the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method. The results showed that the SiN has little effect on the radiation, whereas the BCB is strongly responsible for the radiation. Comparing the absolute gain between the double dielectric structure and the conventional structure using the SiN, it was confirmed that the double dielectric structure can improve the absolute gain.
Shoreline hardening affects species composition and condition of larval fishes in the Yangtze River: Implications for conservation and inshore habitat restoration
Authors: Wang Zhen , Cao Juan , Cheng Fei , Keckeis Hubert , Xie Songguang
Published: February 2023

Inshore habitats play a crucial role in the downstream drift of larval fish in large rivers. Natural inshore habitats of most of the world's large rivers have been heavily degraded by shoreline stabilization measures, but the knowledge about consequences for the condition and distribution of larval fishes is extremely limited. Investigations during the peak season of larval drift into species composition as well as into feeding intensity and body injuries of representative taxa were conducted at different inshore mesohabitats along semi‐natural and stabilized shores in a free‐flowing section in the middle Yangtze River. Species were unambiguously identified by a combination of DNA barcoding and morphological analyses. Overall, 37 taxa from seven families were detected from a total of 9,915 fish larvae caught. Earlier developmental stages greatly outnumbered the later stages in diversity and abundance in each investigated mesohabitat. Abundance and assemblage structure as well as the body injury rate differed significantly between mesohabitats. Generally, overall species richness and abundance tended to be lower, and divergence of the assemblage and body injury rates tended to be higher at heavily hardened shores, which could be contributed to the poor riparian vegetation and restricted suitable hydraulic conditions there. Our results may reflect the underestimated impact of inshore habitat degradation on larval fishes and highlight the demand for creating adequate areas of shallow and slow‐flow habitats with good riparian vegetation conditions along the shores. These measures will foster an appropriate connectivity between spawning areas and high‐quality nurseries for larval fishes.
One‐year‐long evaluation of non‐rainfall water available to soil biocrusts in the Negev Highlands
Authors: Kidron Giora J. , Kronenfeld Rafael
Published: February 2023

Soil biocrusts abound in deserts, but yet little agreement exists regarding their water sources. Most researchers regard non‐rainfall water (NRW), particularly dew as an important water source for soil biocrusts, but nevertheless, evidence from the Negev suggests that following the nocturnal soil heat efflux, NRW is drastically reduced. The possible contribution of NRW to 3‐ to 5‐mm‐tall lichens, which are less impacted by the warm nocturnal surface temperatures, poses an additional challenge. For this end, NRW obtained by cloths attached to the soil surface and cloths located at a 5‐mm height above ground were measured, accompanied by periodic temperature measurements. As for the cyanobacteria and the 1‐mm‐tall lichens, NRW did not reach the necessary threshold required for the performance of net photosynthesis by cyanobacterial (0.1 mm) or chlorolichens (0.05 mm) but was occasionally reached at 5‐mm height above ground. Nevertheless, when the average amount obtained at 1‐mm intervals (mimicking the length of the lichen thallus) along the 5‐mm height was calculated, it either fell below the necessary threshold or was too low during daytime to compensate for the carbon loss during nighttime respiration. The apparent incapability of NRW to provide sufficient water to sustain the 3‐ to 5‐mm‐tall lichens in the Negev Highlands is supported by the confinement of these lichens to north‐facing rock terraces (ledges), where they may benefit from additional water through runoff. One may therefore conclude that NRW may not be regarded as a meaningful water source for the Negev biocrusts, whether composed of cyanobacteria or of 1‐ to 5‐mm‐tall lichens.
Applying a two‐dimensional hydrodynamic model to estimate fish stranding risk downstream from a hydropeaking hydroelectric station
Authors: Glowa Sarah E. , Kneale Andrea J. , Watkinson Douglas A. , Ghamry Haitham K. , Enders Eva C. , Jardine Timothy D.
Published: February 2023

Fish stranding is of global concern with increasing hydropower operations using hydropeaking to respond to fluctuating energy demand. Determining the effects hydropeaking has on fish communities is challenging because fish stranding is dependent on riverscape features, such as topography, bathymetry and substrate. By using a combination of physical habitat assessments, hydrodynamic modelling and empirical data on fish stranding, we estimated the number of fish stranding over a 5‐month period for three model years in a large Prairie river. More specifically, we modelled how many fish potentially stranded during the years 2019, 2020 and 2021 across a 16 km study reached downstream from E.B. Campbell Hydroelectric Station on the Saskatchewan River, Canada. Fish stranding densities calculated from data collected through remote photography and transect monitoring in 2021 were applied to the daily area subject to drying determined by the River2D hydrodynamic model. The cumulative area subject to change was 90.05, 53.02 and 80.74 km2for years 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively, from June to October. The highest number of stranded fish was estimated for the year 2021, where estimates ranged from 89,800 to 1,638,000 individuals based on remote photography and transect monitoring fish stranding densities, respectively, 157 to 2,856 fish stranded per hectare. Our approach of estimating fish stranding on a large scale allows for a greater understanding of the impact hydropeaking has on fish communities and can be applied to other riverscapes threatened by hydropeaking.
How does water current velocity affect invertebrate community and leaf‐litter breakdown in a physicochemically stable freshwater ecosystem? An experimental study in two nearby reaches (erosional vs. depositional) of the Vera Spring (Central Italy)
Authors: Cristiano Giovanni , Di Sabatino Antonio
Published: February 2023

The decomposition of allochthonous dead organic matter is a key process for the metabolism and functioning of stream and spring ecosystems. The litter breakdown process is influenced by several abiotic and biotic factors. Among abiotic parameters, the role of current velocity and physical abrasion was poorly investigated. Field studies gave contrasting results, mainly because of the covariation and the interaction of current velocity with other biotic/abiotic variables. For these reasons, we assessed leaf‐litter breakdown and the structure of crenic assemblages in two nearby reaches (erosional vs. depositional) of a physicochemically stable rheocrene spring. The two zones investigated were characterized by similar environmental conditions, but water current velocity was about four times greater in the erosional reach. We found substantial differences in the structure and functional organization of crenic assemblages. Overall taxa richness and density were higher in the depositional reach, while diversity and abundance of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera were taller in the erosional zone. Shredders were more abundant in the erosional zone, and scrapers were more represented in the slow current sector of the spring. We also demonstrated that water flow may promote a faster decomposition of leaf detritus in the spring erosional reach mainly through indirect effects: higher richness and abundance of shredder detritivores. Our results indicate that water current velocity may have a key role in affecting both spring assemblage composition and ecosystem processes.
Epileptic Status in a PEDiatric cohort (ESPED) requiring intensive care treatment: A multicenter, national, two‐year prospective surveillance study
Authors: Meyer Sascha , Langer Jaro , Poryo Martin , Bay Johannes Goaliath , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Heinrich Beate , Nunold Holger , Strzelczyk Adam , Ebrahimi‐Fakhari Daniel
Published: February 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to provide seizure etiology, semiology, underlying conditions, and out‐of‐ and in‐hospital diagnostics, treatment, and outcome data on children with out‐of‐ or in‐hospital‐onset status epilepticus (SE) according to the International League Against Epilepsy definition that required admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) for ≥4 hours.

Methods

This prospective national surveillance study on SE in childhood and adolescence was conducted over 2 years (07/2019‐06/2021).

Results

This study examined 481 SE episodes in 481 children with a median age of 43 months (1 month to 17 years 11 months), of which 46.2% were female and 50.7% had a previous seizure history. The most frequent acute SE cause was a prolonged, complicated febrile seizure (20.6%). The most common initial seizure types were generalized seizures (49.9%), focal seizures (18.0%), and unknown types (12.1%); 40.5% of patients suffered from refractory SE and 5.0% from super‐refractory SE. The three most common medications administered by nonmedically trained individuals were diazepam, midazolam, and antipyretics. The three most frequent anti‐seizure medications (ASMs) administered by the emergency physician were midazolam, diazepam, and propofol. The three most common ASMs used in the clinical setting were midazolam, levetiracetam, and phenobarbital. New ASMs administered included lacosamide, brivaracetam, perampanel, stiripentol, and eslicarbazepine. Status epilepticus terminated in 16.0% in the preclinical setting, 19.1% in the emergency department, and 58.0% in the PICU; the outcome was unknown for 6.9%. The median PICU stay length was 2 (1–121) days. The median modified Rankin scale was 1 (0–5) on admission and 2 (0–6) at discharge. New neurological deficits after SE were observed in 6.2%. The mortality rate was 3.5%.

Significance

This study provides current real‐world out‐of‐ and in‐hospital data on pediatric SE requiring PICU admission. New ASMs are more frequently used in this population. This knowledge may help generate a more standardized approach.
Wall‐diaphragm interactions in seismic response of building systems I: Parametric models and elastic response
Authors: Fischer Astrid W. , Schafer Benjamin W.
Published: February 2023

The objective of this paper is to study the elastic seismic response of simplified building models that include considerations of the vertical lateral force resisting system (walls) and the horizontal lateral force resisting system (floor diaphragms) through parametric study. The assumption of rigid diaphragms is often used in the seismic design of buildings; however, research suggests that the diaphragm may influence the fundamental building period and the seismic building response. In this paper, a simplified model is presented for single and multi‐story buildings utilizing two degrees of freedom per story for the vertical system, for example, the walls, and one degree of freedom per story for the floor diaphragm. The number of stories, the stiffness of the walls and diaphragm(s), and the mass distribution between the walls and diaphragm are varied to represent a large range of potential building compositions. Eigen analyses of the models indicate that the wall and diaphragm interact when at similar periods resulting in elongation of the overall building period. Response of elastic time‐history analyses of the building models are presented in this paper where it is shown that the force demands in both the wall and diaphragm(s) are dependent on the relative stiffness of the walls and diaphragm(s), and the mass‐distribution between these two systems. In the companion paper “Wall‐Diaphragm Interactions in Seismic Response of Building System II: Inelastic Response and Design” the parametric building study is extending to nonlinear time‐history analyses including different levels of assumed inelasticity in both the walls and diaphragm.
Intensity measures as interfacing variables versus response proxies: The case of rigid rocking blocks
Authors: Lachanas Christos G. , Vamvatsikos Dimitrios , Dimitrakopoulos Elias G.
Published: February 2023

A comparative study of alternative Intensity Measures (IMs) for structures of rocking response is presented, focusing on the salient characteristics that define the selection of an optimal IM for the problem at hand. An IM may play the role of an interfacing variable, linking hazard with fragility/vulnerability for the risk assessment of structures, or it may only be employed as a proxy for predicting structural response under a given ground motion. In the first case, low conditional variability (high efficiency) and low conditional dependence on seismological parameters (high sufficiency) are needed. For response proxy usage, one may place more importance on the predictive capability of the IM within a simple regression model, favoring high correlation and low fitting errors over an extended range of response. The results showcased that (i) the peak ground acceleration and peak ground velocity, tend to be highly efficient and sufficient in specific regions of rocking response, that is, onset of rocking and overturning, respectively, but not necessarily everywhere; (ii) the average spectral acceleration shows a more consistent performance at the cost of requiring the definition of a proper period range; (iii) magnitude sufficiency is generally more difficult to achieve, compared to the distance from the rupture, and (iv) IMs that may be unsuitable for risk and vulnerability assessment, can still be highly effective as response predictors in statistical models.
Amygdala‐frontoparietal effective connectivity in creativity and humor processing
Authors: Chan Yu‐Chen , Zeitlen Daniel C. , Beaty Roger E.
Published: February 2023

Although both creativity and humor elicit experiences of surprise followed by appreciation, it remains unknown whether shared or distinct patterns of effective connectivity are involved in their processing. The present fMRI study used dynamic causal modeling and parametrical empirical Bayes analysis to examine the effective connectivity between the amygdala and frontoparietal network during two‐stage creativity and humor processing. We examined processing during the setup and punch line stages for creativity and humor, including typical forms (alternate uses for creativity and incongruity‐resolution humor), atypical forms (aesthetic uses for creativity and nonsense humor), and baseline forms. Our focus was on the mesolimbic pathway during the punch line stage. We found that the amygdala plays a key role in expectation violation and appreciation. Broadly, amygdala‐to‐IFG connectivity was important for evaluating typical and atypical forms of both creativity and humor, while amygdala‐to‐precuneus connectivity was involved in evaluating typical forms. Amygdala‐to‐IFG connectivity was involved in the expectation violation to resolution stage of processing for typical and atypical forms of creativity and humor. Amygdala‐to‐precuneus connectivity was involved in processing the novelty and usefulness of typical forms of creativity (alternate uses) and understanding others' intentions in typical forms of humor (incongruity‐resolution). Interestingly, VTA‐to‐amygdala connectivity was involved in processing the appreciation of both typical (incongruity‐resolution humor) and atypical (nonsense humor) forms of humor while amygdala‐to‐VTA connectivity was involved in processing the appreciation of atypical (aesthetic uses) forms of creativity. Altogether, these findings suggest that the amygdala and frontoparietal circuitry are critical for creativity and humor processing.
Socioeconomic inequalities in waiting times for planned and cancer surgery: Evidence from Spain
Authors: Bosque‐Mercader Laia , Carrilero Neus , García‐Altés Anna , López‐Casasnovas Guillem , Siciliani Luigi
Published: February 2023

Waiting times act as a non‐price rationing mechanism to bring together the demand for and the supply of public healthcare services and ensure equal access independently of ability to pay. This study tests for the presence of socioeconomic inequalities in waiting times for ten publicly‐funded planned and cancer surgeries in Catalonia (Spain) in 2015–2019. Socioeconomic status (SES), measured by four categories (very low, low, middle, high), is based on co‐payment levels for medicines which depend on patient's income. Using administrative data, we estimate the association between SES and waiting times controlling for patient characteristics and hospital fixed effects. Compared to patients with low SES, patients with middle SES wait 2–6 fewer days for hip replacement, cataract surgery, and hysterectomy, and less than a day for breast cancer surgery. These inequalities arise within hospitals and are not explained by patient nor hospital characteristics. For some surgeries, the results also show that patients with higher SES are more likely to voluntarily exit the waiting list and have a lower probability of having a surgery canceled for medical reasons and dying while waiting.
The role of civic capital on vaccination
Authors: Buonanno Paolo , Galletta Sergio , Puca Marcello
Published: February 2023

Can civic‐minded individuals fight against a pandemic? In this paper, we show that civic capital plays an important role when assessing the level of compliance with COVID‐19 vaccination recommendations. Analyzing data on a large sample of municipalities from the Italian region of Lombardy, we show that the share of vaccinated individuals is significantly higher in municipalities with higher pre‐determined levels of civic capital. These findings are robust to the possibility of spatial spillovers across neighboring municipalities. Our findings contribute to the existing evidence highlighting the importance of individual contributions and civic capital as important behavioral determinants affecting the containment of infectious diseases.
Describing homelessness risk among people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in Western Australia: A cluster analysis approach
Authors: Blackford Krysten , Crawford Gemma , McCausland Kahlia , Zhao Yun
Published: February 2023

Issue Addressed

Housing is a social determinant of health. Migrants are at an increased risk of insecure housing, overcrowding, and homelessness which can lead to poor quality of life and well‐being. This study aimed to identify clustering patterns of homelessness risks among people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds in Western Australia (WA).

Methods

Participants from CaLD backgrounds (n = 143, 81.8% male) were identified from secondary cross‐sectional data sourced from Vulnerability Index Service Prioritisation Decision Assistance Tool (VI‐SPDAT) surveys conducted with people experiencing homelessness in Perth, WA, between 2012 and 2020. A two‐step cluster analysis was used to identify subgroups within the data, and chi‐square tests compared demographic characteristics and drivers of homelessness among the determined clusters.

Results

Three distinct clusters were identified and labelled as ‘high‐risk group’ (n = 50, 35.0%), ‘medium‐risk group’ (n = 39, 27.3%) and ‘low‐risk group’ (n = 47, 32.9%). The most vulnerable participants (with VI‐SPDAT score ≥ 10) were all clustered in the ‘high‐risk group’.

Conclusion

The analysis identified subgroups within and between CaLD populations and highlighted limitations with data collection instruments for measuring homelessness among these groups.

So What?

To prevent health issues associated with homelessness and improve social determinants of health, improvements in research and service provision are recommended to facilitate equitable access to secure housing for people from CaLD populations.
Antibody responses to BNT162b2 SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccine among healthcare workers and residents of long‐term care facilities: A cohort study in Northern Italy
Authors: Vicentini Costanza , Zotti Carla Maria , Cornio Alessandro Roberto , Garlasco Jacopo , Marengo Noemi , Meddis Davide , Ditommaso Savina , Giacomuzzi Monica , Memoli Gabriele , Bordino Valerio , Gianino Maria Michela ,   the Collaborating Group
Published: February 2023

Background and Aims

Long‐term care facilities (LTCFs) have been severely impacted by COVID‐19, with a disproportionate amount of SARS‐CoV‐2 infections and related deaths occurring among residents.

Methods

This study is part of an ongoing multicenter, prospective cohort study conducted among healthcare workers (HCWs) and residents of 13 LTCFs in Northern Italy designed to evaluate SARS‐CoV‐2 specific immunoglobulin class G (IgG) titers before and following vaccination with Pfizer/BNT162b2 SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccine (two doses of vaccine, 21 days apart). Serum samples were obtained from participants (t0) before vaccination, and (t1) 2 weeks after and analyzed to determine anti‐S1 IgG antibodies.

Results

Five hundred and thirty‐four participants were enrolled (404 subjects participated in both blood draws). Seropositivity was 50.19% at t0 and 99% at t1, with a significant difference in IgG titers. A higher proportion of residents were seropositive at t0 compared with HCWs, with significantly higher IgG titers among residents at both t0 and t1. Pre‐existing immunity also had a significant effect on postvaccination IgG titers. However, a significant difference in titers at t1 between HCWs and residents considering only participants seropositive at t0 was found, with higher median titers among previously seropositive residents.

Conclusion

Findings of this study provide scientific evidence endorsing the policy of universal vaccination in LTCFs.
Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D and hyaluronic acid levels as markers of fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease at the main tertiary referral hospital in Ghana: A case‐control study design
Authors: Dzudzor Bartholomew , Hammond Harris , Tachi Kenneth , Alisi Anna , Vento Sandro , Gyasi Richard Kwasi , Aheto Justice Moses K
Published: February 2023

Background and Aims

Liver fibrosis leading to chronic liver disease (CLD) is a major cause of morbidity, mortality and health‐care expenditure worldwide. The “gold standard” for diagnosis and staging of liver fibrosis is histological analysis of liver tissue obtained by liver biopsy, an invasive procedure. Therefore, there is the need to identify noninvasive and inexpensive markers for diagnosis and staging of liver fibrosis. This study aimed at evaluating the correlation of hyaluronic acid (HA) and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25‐OH vitamin D) serum levels as markers of fibrosis with histologically staged and graded liver biopsies obtained from CLD patients.

Methods

This was a case‐control study involving 40 CLD patients requiring liver biopsies and 40 controls. Liver biopsies were staged to determine the degree of fibrosis. Serum levels of 25‐OH vitamin D and HA were determined using ELISA. Statistical analyses were performed to determine differences in HA and 25‐OH vitamin D levels between controls and patients as well as to correlate the biomarkers with the stages of fibrosis.

Results

CLD patients showed significant (p < 0.001) increase in the levels of AST, ALT, GGT, compared to the controls. Patients also had significantly (p < 0.001) lower serum 25‐OH vitamin D and higher HA (p < 0.001) levels compared to the controls. Additionally, 25‐OH vitamin D levels of the CLD patients were significantly different across the stages of liver fibrosis likewise serum HA levels. Furthermore, 25‐OH vitamin D levels inversely correlated with the severity of liver fibrosis. A significant negative correlation (r = −0.33,p < 0.05) between CLD patients' HA and 25‐OH vitamin D were found.

Conclusion

CLD patients had significantly reduced serum 25‐OH vitamin D and higher HA. Both markers correlated with the degree of liver fibrosis. These findings have major clinical translatable implication in the use of vitamin D supplementation in the management of CLD in Ghana.
Physicians' continuing medical education activities and satisfaction with their ability to stay current in medical information and practice: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Jayas Amy , Andriole Dorothy A. , Grbic Douglas , Hu Xiaochu , Dill Michael , Howley Lisa D.
Published: February 2023

Background and Aims

Little is known about physicians' approaches to continuing medical education (CME) for continuing professional development despite the rapid evolution of CME offerings. We sought to identify the extent to which demographic, career, and experiential CME‐activity variables were independently associated with physicians' satisfaction with their ability to stay current on medical information and practice.

Methods

Using the 2019 Association of American Medical Colleges' National Sample Survey of Physicians data, we ran multivariable logistic regression models examining demographic, career, and experiential (participation in 11 CME activities in the past year) variables for their associations with physicians' satisfaction (satisfied vs. not satisfied/neutral) with their ability to stay current.

Results

Of 5926 respondents, 90% (5341/5926) were satisfied with their ability to stay current. Significant (each two‐sided p < 0.05) predictors of respondents who were satisfied included (among others) a surgery specialty (vs. primary care; adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06–1.88), an academic affiliation (vs. none; AOR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.10–1.66), and participation (vs. no participation) in each of professional meetings (AOR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.07–1.60) and journal‐based CME (AOR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.07–1.56). Respondents who self‐identified as a race/ethnicity underrepresented in medicine (vs. white; AOR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.48–0.97) and were between ages 40 and 49 years (vs. 50–59; AOR = 0.74; 95% CI = 0.58–0.94) were less likely to be satisfied. Gender, board certification status, and medical degree type did not independently predict satisfaction (each p > 0.05).

Conclusion

We observed independent associations between physicians' satisfaction with their ability to stay current in medical information and practice and each specialty, academic affiliation, race/ethnicity, age, and CME activity type (for 2 of 11 examined). Findings may be relevant to organizations and institutions designing and implementing CME activities in the current context of COVID‐19 pandemic‐related in‐person activity limitations and can inform targeted interventions addressing differences in the satisfaction we observed to better support physicians' CME.
High‐throughput screening of phase‐engineered atomically thin transition‐metal dichalcogenides for van der Waals contacts at the Schottky–Mott limit
Authors: Li Yanyan , Su Liqin , Lu Yanan , Luo Qingyuan , Liang Pei , Shu Haibo , Chen Xiaoshuang
Published: February 2023

A main challenge for the development of two‐dimensional devices based on atomically thin transition‐metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) is the realization of metal–semiconductor junctions (MSJs) with low contact resistance and high charge transport capability. However, traditional metal–TMD junctions usually suffer from strong Fermi‐level pinning (FLP) and chemical disorder at the interfaces, resulting in weak device performance and high energy consumption. By means of high‐throughput first‐principles calculations, we report an attractive solution via the formation of van der Waals (vdW) contacts between metallic and semiconducting TMDs. We apply a phase‐engineering strategy to create a monolayer TMD database for achieving a wide range of work functions and band gaps, hence offering a large degree of freedom to construct TMD vdW MSJs with desired contact types. The Schottky barrier heights and contact types of 728 MSJs have been identified and they exhibit weak FLP (−0.62 to −0.90) as compared with the traditional metal–TMD junctions. We find that the interfacial interactions of the MSJs bring a delicate competition between the FLP strength and carrier tunneling efficiency, which can be utilized to screen high‐performance MSJs. Based on a set of screening criteria, four potential TMD vdW MSJs (e.g., NiTe2/ZrSe2, NiTe2/PdSe2, HfTe2/PdTe2, TaSe2/MoTe2) with Ohmic contact, weak FLP, and high carrier tunneling probability have been predicted. This work not only provides a fundamental understanding of contact properties of TMD vdW MSJs but also renders their huge potential for electronics and optoelectronics.

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Activation of E3 ubiquitin ligase WWP2 by non‐receptor tyrosine kinase ACK1
Authors: Zhu Jun , Peng Ziluo , Tian Xianyan , Wu Tiantian , Sun Aiqin , Yang Wannian , Lin Qiong
Published: February 2023

WW domain containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 2 (WWP2) is a member of the NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin ligase family. WWP2 ligase activity is regulated by the 2, 3‐linker auto‐inhibition. Tyrosine phosphorylation of the 2, 3‐linker was identified as an activating means for releasing the auto‐inhibition of WWP2. However, the tyrosine kinase (TK) for the phosphorylation and activation remains unknown. In this report, we have found that non‐receptor TK ACK1 binds to the WW3 domain of WWP2 and phosphorylates WWP2. ACK1 phosphorylates WWP2 at the 2, 3‐linker and partially activates the ubiquitination ligase activity. Unexpectedly, tyrosine phosphorylation of the 2, 3‐linker seems not a major mode for activation of WWP2, as ACK1 causes much higher activation of the 2, 3‐linker tyrosine phosphorylation defective mutants of WWP2 than that of wild‐type WWP2. Furthermore, epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulates tyrosine phosphorylation of WWP2 and this EGF‐stimulated phosphorylation of WWP2 is mediated by ACK1. Finally, knockdown of WWP2 by shWWP2 inhibits the EGF‐dependent cell proliferation of lung cancer A549 cells, suggesting that WWP2 may function in the EGFR signaling in lung cancer progression. Taken together, our findings have revealed a novel mechanism underlying activation of WWP2.
Effect of camera distance and angle on color of diverse skin tone‐based standards in smartphone photos
Authors: Cronin Austin , Tkaczyk Eric R. , Hussain Iftak , Bowden Audrey , Saknite Inga
Published: February 2023

Accurate and reproducible color capture is vital in medical photography. Camera distance and angle are particularly important as they are highly variable in a clinical setting. To account for variability in illumination, camera technology, and geometric effects, color standards are often used for color correction. To explore how geometry affects color, we quantified the change in CIELAB color value of a color standard for diverse skin tones at varying smartphone camera distances and angles. Whereas both chromaticity (a* and b*) and lightness (L*) were affected by angle, distance only affected L* (standard error of measurement, SEM > 1 CIELAB unit). Flash usage did not generally reduce distance and angle associated variability. Compared to compressed (JPG) format, raw (DNG) images had decreased median variability across different distances and angles. These findings suggest that in medical photography, inconsistent camera distance and angle can increase variability in photographed skin appearance over time.
Effect of rare earth oxide microparticles on mechanical, corrosion, antibacterial, and hemolytic behavior of Mg‐Hydroxyapatite composite for orthopedic applications – A preliminary in‐vitro study
Authors: Aggarwal Divyanshu , Kumar Vinod , Sharma Siddharth
Published: February 2023

The current study focused on developing a multifunctional Mg‐based biodegradable composite that mitigates the trade‐off between strength, antibacterial, and cytotoxicity behavior for orthopedic bone implants. The composite has been reinforced with natural mineral‐based Hydroxyapatite and rare earth oxide (REO): Neodymium oxide. The effect of different concentrations of REO on the mechanical, antibacterial, and corrosion properties was analyzed. The antibacterial properties were assessed against gram‐positive B. Subtilis and gram‐negative E. Coli bacterial pathogens. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of the composites was assessed via Hemolysis percentage calculations. In addition, the microstructure characterization was performed via FESEM, XRD, and EDS techniques, and different intermetallic phase formations were recorded. Contact angle measurements were done via the sessile drop method to analyze the impact of rare earth oxide on the surface properties of the synthesized composites and their relationship with bacterial adhesion. The corrosion studies and swelling rates were performed under PBS and DMEM solutions. The composite with the addition of 1.5% REO outperformed the experiments with a compressive strength of 126.4 MPa, and a corrosion rate less than 0.2 mm/yr. The corrosion rates and degree of swelling were seen to be more stable in DMEM solution as compared to PBS. Improved antibacterial rates were observed against both pathogens after the addition of REO along with a hemolysis percentage less than 5% for Mg‐HA‐1.5Nd2O3. The composites showed increased hydrophobicity (>75%) by the addition of 1.5% REO. Hence, it was concluded that REO (Nd2O3) addition to the Mg‐Hydroxyapatite composite is a feasible choice as a biomaterial for bone implant applications.
Hypoxia‐Inducible Factor‐2α Signaling in the Skeletal System
Authors: Mendoza Sarah V , Genetos Damian C , Yellowley Clare E
Published: February 2023

Hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs) are oxygen‐dependent heterodimeric transcription factors that mediate molecular responses to reductions in cellular oxygen (hypoxia). HIF signaling involves stable HIF‐β subunits and labile, oxygen‐sensitive HIF‐α subunits. Under hypoxic conditions, the HIF‐α subunit is stabilized, complexes with nucleus‐confined HIF‐β subunit, and transcriptionally regulates hypoxia‐adaptive genes. Transcriptional responses to hypoxia include altered energy metabolism, angiogenesis, erythropoiesis, and cell fate. Three isoforms of HIF‐α—HIF‐1α, HIF‐2α, and HIF‐3α—are found in diverse cell types. HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α serve as transcriptional activators, whereas HIF‐3α restricts HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α. The structure and isoform‐specific functions of HIF‐1α in mediating molecular responses to hypoxia are well established across a wide range of cell and tissue types. The contributions of HIF‐2α to hypoxic adaptation are often unconsidered if not outrightly attributed to HIF‐1α. This review establishes what is currently known about the diverse roles of HIF‐2α in mediating the hypoxic response in skeletal tissues, with specific focus on development and maintenance of skeletal fitness. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.