bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single use flexible ureteroscopes: Current status and future directions
Authors: Juliebø‐Jones Patrick , Ventimiglia Eugenio , Somani Bhaskar K. , Æsøy Mathias Sørstrand , Gjengstø Peder , Beisland Christian , Ulvik Øyvind
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Single use ureteroscopes are a technological innovation that have become available in the past decade and gained increased popularity. To this end, there are now an increasing number of both benchside and clinical studies reporting outcomes associated with their use. Our aim was to deliver a narrative review in order to provide an overview of this new technology.

Methods

A narrative review was performed to gain overview of the history of the technology's development, equipment specifications and to highlight potential advantages and disadvantages.

Results

Findings from preclinical studies highlight potenial advantages in terms of the design of single use ureteroscopes such as the lower weight and more recent modifications such as pressure control. However, concerns regarding plastic waste and environmental impact still remain unanswered. Clinical studies reveal them to have a non inferior status for outcomes such as stone free rate. However, the volume of evidence, especially in terms of randomised trials remains limited. From a cost perspective, study conclusions are still conflicting and centres are recommended to perform their own micro cost analyses.

Conclusions

Most clinical outcomes for single use ureteroscopes currently match those achieved by reusable ureteroscopes but the data pool is still limited. Areas of continued debate include their environmental impact and cost efficiency.
Spot(ters) the difference: Bringing traditional anatomical examinations online
Authors: Bond Alistair P. , Butts Thomas , Tierney Claire M.
Published: July 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic caused a shift in anatomy education forcing institutions to find innovative ways to teach and assess online. This study details the development of an online spotter across multiple modules that allowed students to sit the examination at home whilst still maintaining the integrity of the assessment. The online spotter consisted of individual, Zoom calls between students and examiners whereby slides with images and questions were screen shared. To examine the viability of this spotter in non‐lockdown scenarios several parameters were considered. Mean marks were compared to traditional versions and Pearson's r correlation coefficients were calculated between online and traditional spotters and between online spotters and overall performance in anatomy modules. A survey was carried out to determine the students' view of the assessment. Pearson's r was between 0.33 and 0.49 when comparing online spotters to the traditional format, and between 0.65 and 0.75 (p < 0.01) when compared to a calculated anatomy score. The survey indicated overall student satisfaction as 82.5% reported that it was a fair way to test their knowledge and 55% reported the same or lower levels of anxiety when compared to traditional spotters. However, there was nothing to indicate that the students preferred this format over laboratory‐based spotters. These results indicate that this new exam format would be useful for small cohorts who are undertaking online or hybrid courses, or in circumstances when running a full spotter is too costly, and represents a fair and robust way to assess practical anatomical knowledge online.
Tension pneumothorax caused by the ruptured hydatid cyst of the lung
Authors: Rezaei Reza , Sadidi Hossein , Taqanaki Pegah Bahrami
Published: July 2023

Hydatid cyst disease puts a significant burden on the health of humans every year. The lung is the second most common organ of implantation of Echinococcus larvae. Due to the importance of early diagnosis of tension pneumothorax, this paper provides four cases of hydatid disease that presented with tension pneumothorax.
Double‐sensor conductivity probe applied in a flotation system
Authors: Silva Aires Pedro , Afacan Artin , Liu Qi , Prasad Vinay
Published: July 2023

This study proposed a new approach for measuring bubble size distribution, bubble mean diameter, Sauter mean bubble diameter, and gas holdup using a double‐sensor conductivity probe in an air/water two‐phase system bubble column. The results for the two‐phase system were compared and calibrated using analyses from bubble images taken by a digital camera from the side of the column wall. Good agreement was observed between the two techniques. The same double‐sensor conductivity was used in an air/water/solids three‐phase system. The conductivity probe captured the change in bubble dynamic behaviour inside the pulp phase; however, the presence of the solids made it more challenging to measure. As a result, the VisioFroth commercial package, using images taken from the top of the froth layer, could be used in conjunction with the double‐sensor conductivity probe to show the dynamic evolution of mineralized bubbles from the pulp zone to the froth zone in a flotation process.
The Role of Functional Groups in Tuning the Self‐Assembly Modes and Physical Properties of Multicomponent Gels
Authors: Sudhakaran Jayabhavan Sreejith , Kuppadakkath Geethanjali , Damodaran Krishna K.
Published: July 2023

We have analyzed the nature and role of functional groups on the self‐assembly modes and the physical properties of multicomponent gels with structurally similar individual components. The gelation properties of individual and mixed enantiomeric compounds of biphenyl bis‐(amides) of alanine (BPA) or phenylalanine (BPP) methyl ester were analyzed in various solvent/solvent mixtures. Multicomponent gels were formed by mixing the enantiomeric BPP compounds at a lower concentration, but a higher concentration was required for mixed alanine‐based BPA gels. The comparison of the mechanical strength of the individual and mixed BPP compounds indicated that the mixed BPP gels displayed enhanced mechanical strength (∼2‐fold increase) in p‐xylene, but a weaker gel was observed in DMSO/water. However, a reverse trend was observed for BPA gels, indicating the role of functional groups in the gel network formation. X‐ray diffraction analysis of the gelator and the xerogels in the solid state confirmed the formation of co‐assembled networks in mixed enantiomeric gels. The stability of the gels towards anions was evaluated by analyzing the anion induced stimuli‐responsive properties. These results indicate the effective modeling of the functional groups of the individual components could lead to multicomponent gels with tunable properties.
Investigation on Optical, Electrical, Third Harmonic Generation and Hirshfeld Analysis Characteristics of Novel Organic 3‐Amino‐1H‐1,2,4‐Triazole 3,5‐Dinitrobenzoic Acid Monohydrate (3ATDM) Crystal for Nonlinear Optical (NLO) Applications
Authors: Britto Sahaya Infant Lasalle , Muthu Senthil Pandian , Bakthavatchallu Gunasekaran , Perumalsamy Ramasamy
Published: July 2023

The organic 3‐amino‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole 3,5‐dinitrobenzoic acid monohydrate (C9 H10 N6 O7) (H2O) (3ATDM) single crystal is synthesized and grown using the slow evaporation solution technique (SEST), for the first time. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction (SXRD) analysis indicated that the 3ATDM crystal has the characteristics of the noncentrosymmetric Pc space group of the monoclinic crystal system. The crystal have good optical characteristics as observed using UV‐visible‐near infrared (NIR) analysis; the transmittance wavelength region is in the range of 200–1000 nm. Sharp emission peaks are observed in the photoluminescence spectrum; this is indicative of ultraviolet (UV) emission. Thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG‐DTA) is used to evaluate the thermal behavior. The 3ATDM crystal is thermally stable up to 207 °C; the first endothermic peak appeared at 150 °C. The dielectric loss (tan δ) and dielectric constant (ε') are measured as a function of frequency. Vickers microhardness analysis is used to characterize the mechanical strength of the 3ATDM crystal. The third‐order nonlinear optical properties such as absorption coefficient (β), refractive index (n2), and susceptibility (χ (3)) are evaluated through the Z‐scan technique at 532 nm, using a continuous wave (CW) solid‐state laser.
Multi‐input multi‐output converter for simultaneous buck and boost voltage conversion
Authors: Dhananjaya Mudadla , Ali Jagabar Sathik M. , Potnuru Devendra , Mekhilef Saad
Published: July 2023

Internet of Things (IoT) devices, portable electronics, and electric vehicle (EV) accessories have increased the need for DC power distribution with various outputs. Multiport converters (MPCs) handle numerous inputs and loads with fewer components, low power losses, and less cost. Most multi‐input converters are time‐shared and restrict the duty cycle's working range, limiting energy sources and output voltage. Single‐input multi‐output (SIMO) converters have inductor current and duty cycle limits. In this study, a dual‐input dual‐output (DIDO) converter is proposed to overcome the limitations mentioned above. It can operate multiple loads without restrictions on charging inductor currents and cross‐regulation problems. Any variations will not influence the proposed converter's output voltage VO1 (VO2) by the load current iO2 (iO1). To verify the feasibility of the proposed configuration, a 250 W laboratory prototype has been developed, and experimental results are validated.
A 1/f noise optimized correlated multiple sampling technique for complementary metal oxide semiconductor image sensor
Authors: Liu Yalei , Xu Jiangtao , Zha Wanbin , Nie Kaiming
Published: July 2023

Correlated multiple sampling (CMS) technique is often used to reduce random noise in complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor, but as the number of samples increases, the suppression of 1/f noise by standard CMS based on averaging sampling gradually decreases. Therefore, in this paper, a 1/f noise optimized correlated multiple sampling (NOCMS) technique based on differentiated sampling weights is proposed. Transfer functions of standard CMS and NOCMS for analyzing the suppression effect of random noise respectively are derived based on the Fourier transform theory. And NOCMS shows a dramatic advantage in the suppression of 1/f noise. In addition, a circuit structure based on single‐slope analog‐to‐digital converter (SSADC) for implementing NOCMS is suggested. Ramp generator provides multiple sets of ramps with different slopes to quantify the reset and signal voltages of pixel output. Sampling weights are increased with the decrease of ramp slopes. The last reset and first signal values are weighted more due to their potentially higher correlations which highlights the principle of assigning weights. Simulation results under 110 nm CMOS technology illustrate that the input‐referred random noise is 142.9 V under standard CMS and 120.9 V under NOCMS when the number of samples equals 8. The noise reduction effect is improved by 15%. NOCMS makes it possible to further reduce 1/f noise of CMOS image sensor.
On the performance of energy harvesting‐assisted Nth best relay cooperative networks in Nakagami‐m fading
Authors: Singh Raghwendra K. , Kumar Nagendra , Dixit Dharmendra
Published: July 2023

We study the energy harvesting (EH)‐assisted system model based on the performance of a dual‐hop cooperative communication system that is subjected to Nakagami‐
fading. Through the partial relay selection method, the selection of
th best relay (BR) is performed among
amplify and forward (AF) relays, which can harvest energy from radio frequency signals. At the receiver, the selection combining scheme is considered to select between the signals of
th best relaying path and the direct path. For this considered system, we compute the closed‐form expressions of outage probability (OP) and the average symbol error rate (ASER) for higher order quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) techniques, especially for rectangular QAM, cross QAM, and hexagonal QAM. Further, a new moment‐generating function expression is obtained which is used to derive the ASER expression related to the generalized non‐coherent modulation technique. We also give the asymptotic expression of OP to find out the diversity order. Furthermore, we study the effect of fading parameters,
th BR, and other factors on system behavior. Finally, we verify the derived expressions with Monte Carlo simulations.
Worsening renal function in hospitalized patients with systolic heart failure: prevalence and risk factors
Authors: Asbagh Amirhosein Ghafouri , Sadeghi Mohammadreza Taban , Ramazanilar Parisa , Nateghian Hooman
Published: July 2023

Aims

Heart failure (HF) is usually associated with complications of other organs. Renal impairment is seen in a significant proportion of HF patients and is characterized by worsening renal function (WRF). WRF can be used for predicting symptom exacerbation in systolic HF. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of WRF among hospitalized patients with systolic HF.

Methods and results

In this cross‐sectional study, data from medical records of 347 hospitalized patients diagnosed with HFrEF from 2019 to 2020, admitted to Tabriz Shahid Madani Heart Hospital, who met the predefined inclusion criteria, were retrieved. Patients were divided into two groups based on the in‐hospital occurrence of WRF. Laboratory tests and para‐clinical findings were collected and analysed using SPSS Version 20.0. Statistical significance was accepted at a P value of <0.05. In this study, 347 hospitalized patients with HFrEF were included. The mean (standard deviation) age was 62.34 (±18.87) years. The mean (SD) length of stay was 6.34 (±4) days. According to our findings, 117 patients (33.71%) had WRF. Following multivariate analysis of potential predictors of WRF occurrence, hyponatremia, haemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count and prior diuretic use were found to be independent predictors for WRF occurrence in patients with systolic heart failure.

Conclusions

This study revealed that in patients with WRF, mortality rate and length of stay were significantly greater than those of patients without WRF. Initial clinical characteristics of HF patients who developed WRF can help physicians identify patients with a higher risk of WRF.
Rhodium(II)‐Catalyzed Selective C(sp3)−H Amination of Alkanes
Authors: Boquet Vincent , Guimaraes Naves Junio A. , Brunard Erwan , Nasrallah Ali , Joigneaux Mylène , Sosa Carrizo E. Daiann , Saget Tanguy , Darses Benjamin , Sircoglou Marie , Dauban Philippe
Published: July 2023

The development of an efficient catalytic system enabling the conversion of alkanes to valuable nitrogen‐containing building blocks is reported. Light alkanes can be selectively functionalized by an intermolecular C(sp3)−H amination reaction that proceeds at room temperature in the presence of only 1 mol % of a dirhodium(II) complex. Selective amination of tertiary C(sp3)−H within acyclic or cyclic alkanes used as limiting components leads to the corresponding amides isolated with yields in the 51–96 % range. The reaction, that can be performed on a gram‐scale, applies with equal levels of efficiency and selectivity to more complex hydrocarbons.
Evaluation of the Stereochemical Lability of Benzo‐Cycloheptene‐Based Drugs Endowed with Potentially Modulable Planar Chirality
Authors: Buonsenso Fabio , Colombo Marta , Marchesi Andrea , Mammone Francesca Romana , Sannicolò Francesco , Cirilli Roberto , Pierini Marco
Published: July 2023

An experimental and theoretical study was carried out to analyze the configurational lability possessed by some of the most common drugs endowed with a central non‐planar seven‐membered cycloheptadiene ring, which confers chirality to these compounds. In fact, the absence of planarity allows the existence of two enantiomeric species that can interconvert thanks to a ring overturning mechanism. The energy barrier that opposes the inversion of the chiral tricyclic scaffold characterizing such species, which is strongly dependent on the presence of appropriate substituents on the two external cycles, has been investigated through Dynamic‐HPLC and off‐column racemization techniques, as well as through assessments based on molecular modelling approaches. Interesting indications were obtained by making targeted structural changes to allow accurate control of the stereolability characterizing the tricyclic framework.
When one's partner wants out: Awareness, attachment anxiety and accuracy
Authors: Tan Kenneth , Machia Laura V. , Agnew Christopher R.
Published: July 2023

Can a person tell whether their romantic partner wants to break up and, if so, how is such accuracy associated with their own attachment anxiety? We examined these questions by proposing and assessing the construct of perceived partner dissolution consideration (PPDC), including its validity. We then assessed the extent to which partners were accurate in their perceptions of each other's dissolution consideration, focusing on the perceiver's attachment anxiety as a potential moderator. Specifically, in two studies involving couples, dyadic analyses of couple data showed that couple members significantly underestimated (negative mean‐level bias) partner dissolution consideration and also projected their own dissolution consideration onto their partners. Couple members higher in anxiety were particularly accurate (tracking accuracy) in their assessments of dissolution consideration. Implications for partner perceptions and judgements of dissolution consideration on relationship functioning are considered.
Hydrometric data rescue and extension of river flow records: Method development and application to catchments modified by arterial drainage
Authors: de Smeth Kate , Comer Joanne , Murphy Conor
Published: July 2023

Extended hydrometric (water level and flow) records are presented for eight Irish catchments subject to arterial drainage. The procedures employed to collect and process historical data, extend flow records and compile key metadata and information about each gauging station are described. Procedures are developed to handle data quality issues related to hydrometric practices and equipment malfunction and to quality assure rescued data using quality codes that complement modern hydrometric practices. The workflow developed will assist other hydrometric data rescue efforts and minimize subjectivity during the rescue process. The newly extended records represent the longest continuous river flow series available in Ireland, extending to the commencement of formal hydrometric monitoring in the country in 1940. The resultant data sets add 150 years of daily data across eight stations and will provide a key new resource for hydrological studies into the impacts of arterial drainage and flow nonstationarity.
Spatially consistent physical characteristics of UK rivers: 1‐km data
Authors: Davies Helen N. , Rameshwaran Ponnambalam , Bell Victoria A. , Dadson Simon
Published: July 2023

The physical river characteristics datasets described here provide spatially consistent information to support hydrological and inundation modelling at a 1 km × 1 km resolution across the United Kingdom, on the British National Grid. The datasets of physical river characteristics provide gridded datasets (outflow drainage directions, catchment areas, widths of bankfull rivers and depths of bankfull rivers) and a comma‐separated table of NRFA (National River Flow Archive) gauging station locations. These datasets are derived from a range of sources: outflow drainage directions, catchment area and bankfull river widths are derived from existing higher resolution datasets, whereas bankfull river depths were harder to source and instead are derived from sparse historical measurements. The new gridded datasets provide a derived value for each UK land cell on the British National Grid (BNG). The comma‐separated NRFA gauging station locations table provides the most appropriate locations of 1,499 river flow gauging stations on the 1 km resolution grids, together with the approximate error in the 1 km × 1 km gridded delineation of the upstream catchment area. This article explains how UK‐wide 1‐km grids of these variables were estimated, their format and how to use them. The data are available from the Environmental Information Data Centre (EIDC).
Manganiferous clays of Dharwar Craton, southern peninsular India: Insights on Archean weathering and ore formation processes
Authors: Harshitha Gangula , Manikyamba Chakravadhanula , Sridhar B. , Satyanarayanan M. , Sarma D. Srinivasa
Published: July 2023

Vast clay deposits of Chitradurga and Sandur greenstone belts of the Dharwar Craton, southern peninsular India, hosting pockets of high‐grade manganese (Mn) ore, provide remarkable clues related to the ore‐forming processes and palaeo‐environmental conditions. In this study these Fe–Mn‐rich clays were investigated through mineralogical and geochemical characteristics to comprehend their palaeo‐weathering and genetic constraints and their role in the supergene accumulation of Mn ore. Their mineralogy is characterized by predominant kaolinite, muscovite, birnessite, haematite, goethite, halloysite along with quartz and traces of ilmenite. Chemical indices of alteration and weathering indicate intense weathering conditions under high palaeo‐precipitation rates in a humid, tropical climate under shallow burial conditions and K‐metasomatism. The presence of authigenic kaolinite and absence of illite reflect on diagenesis up to mesodiagenetic stage. Positive to negative Ce anomalies (Ce/Ce* = 0.67–5.93) of these clays suggest varying oxic‐anoxic conditions during their genesis, whereas conspicuous negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu* = 0.61–0.99) are attributed to precursor sediment signatures and hydrothermal imprints of the Mn ore. These kaolinite‐rich clays are suggested to have been formed by in situ chemical alteration, whereas kaolinitization of the Fe–Mn‐rich arenaceous and argillaceous sediments was derived from predominant tonalite and felsic provenance in a shallow marine passive margin setting. Based on the morphologies of birnessite, haematite and goethite in the investigated clays, we propose that these clays have played a key role in the oxidation and deposition of Mn (II) from the migrating aqueous solutions and acted as organo‐polymerization templates for the proliferation of ancient microbial life on the planet Earth.
Short‐chain fatty acids profile in patients with SARS‐CoV‐2: A case‐control study
Authors: Nabizadeh Edris , Memar Mohammad Yousef , Hamishehkar Hamed , Ghanbari Hadi , Kadkhoda Hiva , Asnaashari Solmaz , Kafil Hossein Samadi , Varshochi Mojtaba , Mostafazadeh Mostafa , Hosseinpour Rasoul , Ghotaslou Reza
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims

SARS‐CoV‐2, as a new pandemic disease, affected the world. Short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) such as acetic, propionic, and butyric acids are the main metabolites of human gut microbiota. The positive effects of SCFAs have been shown in infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, influenza, and rhinovirus. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the concentration of SCFAs in patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 compared with the healthy group.

Methods

This research was designed based on a case and control study. Twenty healthy individuals as the control group and 20 persons admitted to the hospital with a positive test of coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) real‐time polymerase chain reaction were included in the study as the patient group from September 2021 to October 2021, in Tabriz, Iran. Stool specimens were collected from volunteers, and analysis of SCFAs was carried out by a high‐performance liquid chromatography system.

Results

The amount of acetic acid in the healthy group was 67.88 ± 23.09 μmol/g, while in the group of patients with COVID‐19 was 37.04 ± 13.29 μmol/g. Therefore, the concentration of acetic acid in the patient group was significantly (p < 0.001) lower than in the healthy group. Propionic and butyric acid were present in a higher amount in the control group compared with the case group; however, this value was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study showed that the concentration of acetic acid as the metabolite caused by gut microbiota is significantly disturbed in patients with COVID‐19. Therefore, therapeutic interventions based on gut microbiota metabolites in future research may be effective against COVID‐19.
Conjugate local thermal nonequilibrium and non‐Darcy flow inside porous enclosure: Analysis of localized heating and cooling arrangements
Authors: Alomar Omar Rafae , Basher Noor Moneer , Yousif Anwar Ahmed , Yousif Qais Abid
Published: July 2023

This study covers a simulation on conjugate free convective in a porous enclosure containing a side wall thickness and partially heated and cooled from sides under the considerations of local thermal nonequilibrium (LTNE) and non‐Darcy flow. Interest has been focused on how the side wall thickness and the locations of cooled and heated parts affect the effectiveness of the Nusselt number (Nu). Three different cases of localized heating and cooling locations have been implemented for the following ranges: scaled heat transfer coefficient (), wall to fluid thermal conductivity ratio (), modified Rayleigh number (), wall width (), inertial parameter (), and thermal conductivity ratio (). Outcomes show that and the locations of cooled and heated parts have remarkable impacts on all the Nusselt numbers. The intensity of LTNE region considerably relies on , and . The total average NuT is highly dependent on , , , , and as compared to H. The increase in leads to change of the convective mechanism to conductive mode. The rise in guides to increase Nu, where can control the flow strength. The actions of on Nuf is more evident than Nus. For low H and Kr, the size of LTNE zone is considerably affected by H as compared to Kr although Kr has a high influence on Nu. For high Kr and H, the LTNE zone has closely vanished. Findings display that the Case 2 provided the highest Nu for all tested parameters except the case of . Finally, it is evident that for the problems that employed solid conduction wall with localized heating and cooling sections, Case 2 is recommended for future use in the applications that implement a porous medium and depend on free convection.
Architectural design and electrochemical performance of MOF‐based solid‐state electrolytes for high‐performance secondary batteries
Authors: Yang Biao , Shi Yuxin , Kang Dae Joon , Chen Zhidong , Pang Huan
Published: July 2023

Nowadays solid‐state batteries have become a hot spot in the research of batteries and a significant candidate for commercial batteries for the increasing demands for good safety and excellent energy density. Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have been considered as suitable materials for solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) for the merits of regular channels and large specific surface areas, which can provide a promising structural platform for fast‐ion conduction. Therefore, numerous kinds of MOF‐based SSEs with enhanced electrochemical performance have been successfully synthesized and studied in recent years. In this review, the recent progress (synthesis methods, physical and chemical characteristics) of MOF‐based SSEs for secondary batteries have been summarized. Finally, the challenges and opportunities faced by the future development in this field are put forward, hoping to provide some enlightenment for the synthesis of MOF‐based SSEs, so as to create more efficient, long‐lasting, and safe SSE‐based secondary batteries.
A Tribute to Richard Lerner (1938–2021) who Encouraged a Glycobiology Approach to a Broad‐Spectrum Antiviral
Authors: Fotinou Constantina , Dwek Raymond A.
Published: July 2023

Richard Lerner was a visionary polymath of the 20th century; a medical doctor, chemist, immunologist, inventor, and founder of new scientific fields. As a tribute to his life and scientific achievements, we discuss his connection with Oxford University and the Glycobiology Institute and we discuss our research data on the host glycoprotein folding pathway and how its inhibition can lead to broad spectrum antiviral drugs. This host targeting approach for developing antiviral therapies has the advantage of being effective against many viruses, therefore can be used to prevent new epidemics to become pandemics.
Bradykinin receptor participates in doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity by modulating iNOS signal pathway
Authors: Chen Xueyan , Xie Kerang , Zhang Xiaofei , Gu Xinshun , Wu Yi , Su Suwen
Published: July 2023

Doxorubicin (DOX), an effective and broad‐spectrum anthracycline antibiotic, is widely used in the treatment of numerous malignancies. However, dose‐dependent cardiotoxicity limits the clinical application of DOX, and the molecular mechanisms are still unknown. In this study, we used the BK receptor B1/B2 double‐knockout (B1B2‐/‐) mice to observe the role of BK receptor in cardiotoxicity induced by DOX and the underlying mechanisms. DOX induced myocardial injury with increased serum levels of AST, CK, and LDH, upregulated tissue expression of bradykinin B1/B2 receptor, FABP4 and iNOS, and downregulated expression of eNOS. However, these altered releases of myocardial enzyme and the expression level of iNOS were significantly prevented in the B1B2‐/‐ mice. We concluded that the activation of both B1 and B2 receptors of BK were involved in the DOX‐induced acute myocardial injury, possibly mediated through iNOS signaling pathways.
Disproportionality Analysis on Hypothyroidism With Roxadustat Using the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Database
Authors: Kouki Yasunobu , Okada Naoto , Saga Kosuke , Ozaki Masakazu , Saisyo Atsuyuki , Kitahara Takashi
Published: July 2023

Hypoxia‐inducible factor prolyl‐hydroxylase inhibitor (HIF‐PHI) is a novel agent for the treatment of renal anemia. HIF‐PHI increases endogenous erythropoietin production by inhibiting the degradation of an erythropoietin transcription factor. Although beneficial effects are expected from HIF‐PHI, its novel mechanism raises concerns regarding the risk of potential adverse events. The cases of hypothyroidism, which had not been reported in clinical trials, were reported after the administration of roxadustat in a real‐world setting. However, the effects of HIF‐PHIs on thyroid function have not yet been fully evaluated. This study aimed to assess the clinical impact of HIF‐PHIs on thyroid function using the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database, a spontaneous reporting system in Japan, because HIF‐PHIs were made available in Japan before they were available in other countries. Although a disproportionality signal for hypothyroidism was detected with roxadustat (reporting odds ratio [ROR]:22.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]:18.3‐26.7, no signals were detected with another HIF‐PHI, daprodustat (ROR:1.3, 95%CI:0.3‐5.4), and epoetin beta pegol (ROR:1.2, 95%CI:0.5‐2.7). Signals of hypothyroidism due to roxadustat were also detected regardless of age or sex. Approximately 50% of hypothyroidism cases were reported within 50 days of starting roxadustat use. These results indicate that roxadustat use may be related to the development of hypothyroidism. The need for monitoring of thyroid function should be alerted during roxadustat administration regardless of age or sex.
Application of concept maps as an assessment tool in engineering education: Systematic literature review
Authors: Jackson Alexandra , Barrella Elise , Bodnar Cheryl
Published: July 2023

Background

Concept maps are a valid assessment tool to explore student understanding of diverse topics. Many types of academic programs have integrated concept mapping into their courses, resulting in various activities and scoring methods to understand student perceptions.

Purpose

Few prior reviews of concept mapping have addressed their use within engineering education. This systematic literature review examines articles that use concept mapping as an assessment tool in engineering education contexts and provides suggestions for future research.

Scope/Method

We conducted a literature search using terms related to concept map and engineering education. Articles were screened by their title, abstract, section, and then full paper, resulting in 53 articles for the final review. Two researchers examined the topic, activity type, and scoring method of the maps.

Results

Concept mapping topics fit into three categories, and the activity structures fit into four types. Of seven scoring methods, “Traditional” was the most used. Studies that compared multiple scoring methods showed that the “Holistic” and “Categorical” methods were better able to capture the content of the maps. All types of scoring demonstrated positive outcomes, suggesting that concept maps can demonstrate understanding of the topic and can assess learning.

Conclusions

Concept maps have been applied in a number of ways. All types of concept mapping scores were shown to be useful and can lead to a better understanding of the students' learning outcomes. However, more research is needed to determine which scoring methods are recommended for specific applications.
Facilitating person‐centred care: integrating an electronic client feedback tool into continuous quality improvement processes to deliver client‐responsive HIV services in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Tendo‐Bugondo Cyprien , Lieke Oséé , Kasongo Pierre , Diur Baudouin , Canagasabey Davina S. , Thior Ibou , Milenge Pascal K. , Kiluba Jean‐Claude
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Engaging communities in the design, implementation and monitoring of health services is critical for delivering high‐quality, person‐centred services that keep people living with HIV engaged in care. The USAID‐funded Integrated HIV/AIDS Project in Haut‐Katanga (IHAP‐HK) integrated an electronic client feedback tool into continuous quality improvement (CQI) processes. We aimed to demonstrate this system's impact on identifying and improving critical quality‐of‐care gaps.

Methods

Through stakeholder and empathy mapping, IHAP‐HK co‐designed a service quality monitoring system—comprising anonymous exit interviews and ongoing monitoring through CQI cycles—with people living with HIV, facility‐based providers and other community stakeholders. IHAP‐HK trained 30 peer educators to administer oral, 10‐ to 15‐minute exit interviews with people living with HIV following clinic appointments, and record responses via the KoboToolbox application. IHAP‐HK shared client feedback with facility CQI teams and peer educators; identified quality‐of‐care gaps; discussed remediation steps for inclusion in facility‐level improvement plans; and monitored implementation of identified actions. IHAP‐HK tested this system at eight high‐volume facilities in Haut‐Katanga province from May 2021 through September 2022.

Results

Findings from 4917 interviews highlighted wait time, stigma, service confidentiality and viral load (VL) turnaround time as key issues. Solutions implemented included: (1) using peer educators to conduct preparatory tasks (pre‐packaging and distributing refills; pulling client files) or escort clients to consultation rooms; (2) limiting personnel in consultation rooms during client appointments; (3) improving facility access cards; and (4) informing clients of VL results via telephone or home visits. Due to these actions, between initial (May 2021) and final interviews (September 2022), client satisfaction with wait times improved (76% to 100% reporting excellent or acceptable wait times); reported cases of stigma decreased (5% to 0%); service confidentiality improved (71% to 99%); and VL turnaround time decreased (45% to 2% informed of VL results 3 months after sample collection).

Conclusions

Our results showed the feasibility and effectiveness of using an electronic client feedback tool embedded in CQI processes to collect client perspectives to improve service quality and advance client‐responsive care in the Democratic Republic of Congo. IHAP‐HK recommends further testing and expansion of this system to advance person‐centred health services.
Assessing Pleistocene–Holocene climatic and environmental change in insular Near Oceania using stable isotope analysis of archaeological fauna
Authors: Roberts Patrick , Hixon Sean , Hamilton Rebecca , Lucas Mary , Ilgner Jana , Marzo Sara , Hawkins Stuart , Luu Sindy , Gosden Chris , Spriggs Matthew , Summerhayes Glenn
Published: July 2023

In comparison to temperate and arid regions, environmental responses to the Last Glacial Maximum and the Terminal Pleistocene and Holocene boundary remain poorly known for many parts of the tropics, making it challenging to unravel human–landscape interactions across this timeframe. This is particularly the case in insular Near Oceania, where sea‐level fluctuations and potential changes in forest cover may have had major impacts on hunter–gatherer populations. Here, we apply stable carbon and oxygen isotope analyses to small‐mammal teeth from four Pleistocene–Holocene (spanning from 29 000 years ago to the late Holocene) sequences in the Bismarck Archipelago to reconstruct changes in environments directly exploited by human populations in this part of the world. Our results show a subtle response of tropical habitats in Near Oceania to relatively arid conditions during the late‐glacial period, something that has also been observed at sites in South and Southeast Asia, followed by a Terminal Pleistocene–Holocene expansion of tropical forest cover. Nevertheless, site‐based variability in environmental responses across this period highlight the need for more multidisciplinary studies of human occupation sequences in a region that is becoming increasingly central to exploring human adaptations, environmental modifications and social network development over the past 20 000 years.
Protective effect of Limosilactobacillus reuteri‐fermented yogurt on mouse intestinal barrier injury induced by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Lu Xi , Zhang Mingxin , Ma Yuzhe , Li Guohua , Zhao Xin , Qian Weisheng
Published: July 2023

Background

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a pathogen that causes traveler's diarrhea, for which an effective vaccine is lacking. Previous studies showed that Limosilactobacillus reuteri could inhibit E. coli, effectively increase the expression of its tight junction protein, and reduce the adhesion of ETEC to the intestinal epithelial Caco‐2 cell line. In this study, three kinds of yogurt with different starter cultures were first prepared: Lm. reuteri yogurt (fermented by Lm. reuteri alone), traditional yogurt (fermented by Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus at a ratio of 1:1) and mixed yogurt (fermented by Lm. reuteri, S. thermophilus and L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus at a ratio of 1:1:1). The physiological properties, oxidative stress, intestinal barrier function, tight junction protein, pathological conditions and intestinal microbiota composition were investigated.

Results

The data showed that Lm. reuteri‐fermented yogurt pregavage could effectively alleviate the intestinal barrier impairment caused by ETEC in mice. It alleviated intestinal villus shortening and inflammatory cell infiltration, decreased plasma diamine oxidase concentration and increased claudin‐1 and occludin expression in the jejunum of ETEC‐infected mice. In addition, Lm. reuteri‐fermented yogurt significantly reduced the ETEC load in fecal samples, reversed the increase in Pseudomonadota abundance and decreased Bacteroidota abundance caused by ETEC infection. Furthermore, the composition of the intestinal microbiota could maintain a stable state similar to that in healthy mice.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that Lm. reuteri‐fermented yogurt could alleviate intestinal barrier damage, inhibit ETEC growth and maintain the stability of the intestinal microbiota during ETEC infection. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Development of deep eutectic solvent–based microwave‐assisted extraction combined with temperature controlled ionic liquid–based liquid phase microextraction for extraction of aflatoxins from cheese samples
Authors: Kaboodi Aso , Mirzaei Hamid , Katiraee Farzad , Javadi Afshin , Afshar Mogaddam Mohammad Reza
Published: July 2023

In this study, for the first time, a deep eutectic solvent‐based microwave‐assisted extraction was combined with ionic liquid–based temperature controlled liquid phase microextraction for the extraction of several aflatoxins from cheese samples. Briefly, the analytes are extracted from cheese sample (3 g) into a mixture of 1.5 mL choline chloride:ethylene glycol deep eutectic solvent and 3.5 mL deionized water by exposing to microwave irradiations for 60 s at 180 W. The liquid phase was taken and mixed with 55 μL 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate. By cooling the solution in the refrigerator centrifuge, a turbid state was obtained and the analytes were extracted into the ionic liquid droplets. The analytes were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography equipped with fluorescence detector. Low limits of detection (9–23 ng kg–1) and quantification (30–77 ng kg–1), high extraction recovery (66%–83%), acceptable enrichment factor (40–50), and good precision (relative standard deviations ≤ 5.2%) were obtained using the offered approach. These results reveal the high extraction capability of the method for determination of aflatoxins in the cheese samples. In this method, there was no need for organic solvents and it can be considered as green extraction method.
Cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis following COVID‐19 vaccination
Authors: Zoppi Manuel , Gandara Victoria , Zoppi Jorge
Published: July 2023

Although vaccination against COVID‐19 has been proven generally safe, rare but potentially serious adverse reactions do occur. Cutaneous leukocytoclastic vasculitis is the vasculitis of small vessels. We reported two patients with leukocytoclastic vasculitis who were vaccinated with the ChAdOx1‐S/nCoV‐19 and mRNA‐1273. Both cases were confirmed with a skin biopsy. There was a complete recovery with corticosteroids and both were followed up without any recurrence.
Nasal Packing Materials and Placement Duration on Wound Healing in Nasal Mucosa: An Animal Study
Authors: Tochigi Kosuke , Ebihara Teru , Omura Kazuhiro , Aoki Satoshi , Takeda Teppei , Otori Nobuyoshi , Tanaka Yasuhiro
Published: July 2023

Objective

The histological findings of wound healing depending on different nasal packing materials and replacement periods were lacking.

Methods

Mucosal defects were created in the nasal septum of rabbits and covered with Spongel®, Algoderm®, or Nasopore®, which were cleaned on Day 14. To investigate the effect of replacement durations, Spongel® was removed on Days 3 and 7. All nasal septal specimens were collected on Day 28. Samples without packing material were prepared as controls. Depending on residual packing materials in the regenerated tissue, specimens were classified into the remnant and non‐remnant groups, and morphology was compared using epithelium grade score and subepithelial thickness.

Results

The epithelium grade score in the Spongel‐14d group was lower than that in the other groups (p < 0.05). Subepithelial thickness was higher in the Algoderm‐14d and Spongel‐14d groups (p < 0.05). Epithelium grade scores were higher and subepithelial thicknesses were lower in the Spongel‐3d and ‐7d groups than in the Spongel‐14d group. Epithelium grade score was lower and subepithelial thickness was higher in the remnant group (n = 10) than in the non‐remnant group (n = 15; p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Differences in packing materials and placement durations affected wound healing of nasal mucosa. The selection of appropriate packing materials and replacement duration was considered essential for ideal wound healing.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 134:562–568, 2024
Calderón–Zygmund theory in Lorentz mixed‐norm spaces and its application to compressible fluids
Authors: Wei Wei , Wang Yanqing , Ye Yulin
Published: July 2023

In this paper, it is shown that the general Calderón–Zygmund singular integral operators including Riesz transforms are bounded on anisotropic Lorentz spaces with and . As an application, we establish some new blowup criteria involving temperature in its scaling‐invariant anisotropic Lorentz space for the 3D full compressible Navier–Stokes equations allowing vacuum and without additional conditions on viscosity coefficients except physical restrictions, which improve the previous corresponding results.
Asymptotic behavior for textiles with loose contact
Authors: Orlik Julia , Falconi Riccardo , Griso Georges , Wackerle Stephan
Published: July 2023

The paper is dedicated to the modeling of the elasticity problem for a textile structure. The textile is made of long and thin fibers, crossing each other in a periodic pattern, forming a woven canvas of a square domain. The textile is partially clamped. The fibers cannot penetrate each other but can slide with respect to each other in the in‐plane directions. The sliding is bounded by a contact function, which is chosen loose. The partial clamp and the loose contact lead to a domain partitioning, with different expected behaviors on each of the four subdomains. The homogenization is made via the periodic unfolding method, with an additional dimension reduction. The macroscopic limit problem results in a Leray–Lions problem with only macroconstraints in the plane.
On the stability of a time‐varying single‐species harvesting model with Allee effect
Authors: Naser Mohammad F. M.
Published: July 2023

This work brings a one‐dimensional logistic harvesting model with Allee effect to the time‐varying framework. This new framework is more sober than the autonomous version of the system because it, the framework, permits all environment‐dependent coefficients to depend on time. Based on these coefficients, we derive sets of conditions that drive population to “mathematical” extinction. More precisely, we investigate various local and global stability notions including uniform stability, attractivity, asymptotic stability, and the uniform exponential stability.