bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Aryl and Alkenyl Halides from Fluorosulfonates
Authors: Plaçais Clotilde , Kaldas Sherif J. , Donnard Morgan , Panossian Armen , Bernier David , Pazenok Sergii , Leroux Frédéric R.
Published: May 2023

Aryl and alkenyl halides are widely used as key intermediates in organic synthesis, particularly for the formation of organometallic reagents or as radical precursors. They are also found in pharmaceutical and agrochemical ingredients. In this work, the synthesis of aryl and alkenyl halides from the corresponding fluorosulfonates using commercially available ruthenium catalysts is reported. Notably, this is the first conversion of phenols to aryl halides that is efficient with chloride, bromide, and iodide. Fluorosulfonates are readily prepared using sulfuryl fluoride (SO2F2) and less expensive substitutes for triflates. Although aryl fluorosulfonates and their reactions are well known, this is the first report of an efficient coupling of alkenyl fluorosulfonates. To finish, it was demonstrated, by means of representative examples, that the reaction is possible in a one‐pot process, starting directly from phenol or aldehyde.
Quality of life with cemiplimab plus chemotherapy for first‐line treatment of advanced non–small cell lung cancer: Patient‐reported outcomes from phase 3 EMPOWER‐Lung 3
Authors: Makharadze Tamta , Quek Ruben G. W. , Melkadze Tamar , Gogishvili Miranda , Ivanescu Cristina , Giorgadze Davit , Dvorkin Mikhail , Penkov Konstantin , Laktionov Konstantin , Nemsadze Gia , Nechaeva Marina , Rozhkova Irina , Kalinka Ewa , Gessner Christian , Moreno‐Jaime Brizio , Passalacqua Rodolfo , Konidaris Gerasimos , Rietschel Petra , Gullo Giuseppe
Published: May 2023

Background

EMPOWER‐Lung 3, a randomized 2:1 phase 3 trial, showed clinically meaningful and statistically significant overall survival improvement with cemiplimab plus platinum‐doublet chemotherapy versus placebo plus chemotherapy for first‐line treatment of advanced non–small cell lung cancer. This study evaluated patient‐reported outcomes (PROs).

Methods

PROs were assessed at day 1 (baseline), the start of each treatment cycle (every 3 weeks) for the first six doses, and then at start of every three cycles, using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life‐Core 30 (QLQ‐C30) and Quality of Life‐Lung Cancer Module (QLQ‐LC13) questionnaires. Prespecified analyses included a longitudinal mixed‐effect model comparing treatment arms and a time to definitive clinically meaningful deterioration (TTD) analysis performed for global health status/quality of life (GHS/QoL) and all scales from the questionnaires. Between‐arm TTD comparisons were made using a stratified log‐rank test and proportional hazards model.

Results

A total of 312 patients were assigned to receive cemiplimab plus platinum‐doublet chemotherapy and 154 to receive placebo plus chemotherapy; 391 (83.9%) were male and the median age was 63.0 years (range, 25–84). For pain symptoms (EORTC QLQ‐C30), a statistically significant overall improvement from baseline (−4.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] −8.36 to −1.60, p = .004) and a statistically significant delay in TTD (hazard ratio, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.26–0.60, p < .0001) favoring cemiplimab plus chemotherapy were observed. Statistically significant delays in TTD, all favoring cemiplimab plus chemotherapy, were also observed in functioning and symptom scales. A significant overall improvement from baseline in GHS/QoL was seen for cemiplimab plus chemotherapy compared with nonsignificant overall change from baseline for placebo plus chemotherapy (1.69, 95% CI, 0.20–3.19 vs. 1.08, 95% CI, –1.34 to 3.51; between arms, p = .673). No analyses yielded statistically significant PRO results favoring placebo plus chemotherapy for any QLQ‐C30 or QLQ‐LC13 scale.

Conclusion

Cemiplimab plus chemotherapy resulted in significant overall improvement in pain symptoms and delayed TTD in cancer‐related and lung cancer–specific symptoms and functions.
How Chemical Bonding Impacts Halide Perovskite Nanocrystals Growth to Bulk Films: Implication of Pb−X Bond on Growth Kinetics
Authors: Min Seonhong , Choe Hyejin , Hyun Jung Seo , Cho Junsang
Published: May 2023

Lead halide perovskites nanocrystals have emerged as a leading candidate in perovskite solar cells and light‐emitting diodes. Given their favorable, tunable optoelectronic properties through modifying the size of nanocrystals, it is imperative to understand and control the growth of lead halide perovskite nanocrystals. However, during the nanocrystal growth into bulk films, the effect of halide bonding on growth kinetics remains elusive. To understand how a chemical bonding of Pb−X (covalency and ionicity) impact on growth of nanocrystals, we have examined two different halide perovskite nanocrystals of CsPbCl3 (more ionic) and CsPbI3 (more covalent) derived from the same parent CsPbBr3 nanocrystals. Tracking the growth of nanocrystals by monitoring the spectral features of bulk peaks (at 445 nm for Cl and at 650 nm for I) enables us to determine the growth activation energy to be 92 kJ/mol (for CsPbCl3) versus 71 kJ/mol (for CsPbI3). The electronegativity of halides in Pb−X bonds governs the bond strength (150–240 kJ/mol), characteristics of bonding (ionic versus covalent), and growth kinetics and resulting activation energies. A fundamental understanding of Pb−X bonding provides a significant insight into controlling the size of the perovskite nanocrystals with more desired optoelectronic properties.
The Effect of Trimethoprim on Thiamine Absorption: A Transporter‐Mediated Drug‐Nutrient Interaction
Authors: Vora Bianca , Wen Anita , Yee Sook Wah , Trinh Kim , Azimi Mina , Green Elizabeth A. E. , Sirota Marina , Greenberg Andrew S. , Newman John W. , Giacomini Kathleen M.
Published: May 2023

Trimethoprim is predicted to inhibit several thiamine transporters, including the primary thiamine intestinal absorptive transporter, ThTR‐2, and the hepatic and renal organic cation transporters, OCT1, OCT2, and MATEs. To investigate the effect of trimethoprim on thiamine absorption, studies were conducted in cells, mice, and healthy volunteers and supported by use of real‐world data. In a randomized, crossover clinical study, seven healthy volunteers were given a single oral dose of thiamine or thiamine plus trimethoprim, followed by blood sampling. The thiamine area under the curve (AUC) increased with trimethoprim co‐administration (P value = 0.031). Similar results were seen in mice. Trimethoprim appeared to act on thiamine absorption through inhibition of hepatic OCT1 as evidenced from its ability to modulate levels of isobutyrylcarnitine and propionylcarnitine, OCT1 biomarkers identified from metabolomic analyses. Real‐world data further supported this finding, showing an association between trimethoprim use and higher levels of triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol, consistent with OCT1 inhibition (P values: 2.2 × 10−16, 5.75 × 10−7, and 5.82 × 10−7, respectively). These findings suggest that trimethoprim increases plasma levels of thiamine by inhibiting hepatic OCT1. Trimethoprim reduced urinary excretion and clearance of biomarkers for OCT2 and MATEs, consistent with inhibition of renal organic cation transporters. This inhibition did not appear to play a role in the observed increases in thiamine levels. This study highlights the potential for drug‐nutrient interactions involving transporters, in addition to transporters' established role in drug–drug interactions.
Isolation, Culture, and Transfection of Melanocytes
Authors: Goff Philip S. , Castle Joanna T. , Kohli Jaskaren S. , Sviderskaya Elena V. , Bennett Dorothy C.
Published: May 2023

Located in the basal epidermis and hair follicles, melanocytes of the integument are responsible for its coloration through production of melanin pigments. Melanin is produced in a type of lysosome‐related‐organelle (LRO) called the melanosome. In humans, this skin pigmentation acts as an ultraviolet radiation filter. Abnormalities in the division of melanocytes are quite common, with potentially oncogenic growth usually followed by cell senescence producing benign naevi (moles), or occasionally, melanoma. Therefore, melanocytes are a useful model for studying both cellular senescence and melanoma, as well as many other aspects of biology such as pigmentation, organelle biogenesis and transport, and the diseases affecting these mechanisms. Melanocytes for use in basic research can be obtained from a range of sources, including surplus postoperative skin or from congenic murine skin. Here we describe methods to isolate and culture melanocytes from both human and murine skin (including the preparation of mitotically inactive keratinocytes for use as feeder cells). We also describe a high‐throughput transfection protocol for human melanocytes and melanoma cells. © 2023 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Primary explantation of human melanocytic cells

Basic Protocol 2: Preparation of keratinocyte feeder cells for use in the primary culture of mouse melanocytes

Basic Protocol 3: Primary culture of melanocytes from mouse skin

Basic Protocol 4: Transfection of human melanocytes and melanoma cells
Tailored Properties of Carbon for Supercapacitors by Blending Lignin and Cellulose to Mimic Biomass as Carbonaceous Precursor
Authors: Tang Yinan , Lu Lu , Zang Xiaoxian , Wang Buhuan , Ye Xiangrong
Published: May 2023

KOH‐activated carbon materials prepared from biomass‐derived carbon source, cellulose and lignin, were compared. Mixtures of different ratios of cellulose and lignin were used to partially mimic biomass as carbon source. This allows tailoring and optimizing of the KOH activated carbon materials by getting rid of the restriction of the intrinsic proportion of cellulose and lignin in specific biomass. The results indicate that cellulose use results in a more porous structure, whereas lignin use leads to more partially activated graphite structure. The activated carbon material (CL1) prepared from blend of cellulose with lignin in mass ratio of 1 : 1 exhibits a high specific surface area of 2000.39 m2 g−1, and in TEABF4/ACN (tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate dissolved in acetonitrile) electrolyte it showed a maximum specific capacitance of 136.10 F g−1, a maximum energy density of 18.11 Wh kg−1, and a capacitance retention of 85.04 % under current density as high as 15 A g−1.
Macrophage metabolic reprogramming and atherosclerotic plaque microenvironment: Fostering each other?
Authors: Xiao Qi , Hou Rongyao , Xie Linlin , Niu Mengying , Pan Xudong , Zhu Xiaoyan
Published: May 2023

Macrophages are the central immune cells in atherosclerosis (AS) and play a critical role in the initiation, progression and invasion of atherosclerotic plaques. Metabolic reprogramming is a crucial feature that determines macrophage function and is driven by a combination of intrinsic alterations in macrophages and extrinsic factors such as cytokines acting in the plaque microenvironment. Intrinsic macrophage mechanisms activate signal transduction pathways that change metabolic enzyme activity, and the expression of metabolic regulators. Extrinsic signalling mechanisms involve lipids and cytokines in the microenvironment, promoting and amplifying macrophage metabolic reprogramming. This review describes the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms driving macrophage metabolic reprogramming in the AS microenvironment and the interplay of these metabolic rewires in the microenvironment. Moreover, we discuss whether targeting these different pathways to treat macrophage microenvironmental changes can alter the fate of the vulnerable plaques.
Primary gastric inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor treated with non‐exposed endoscopic wall‐inversion surgery (NEWS): A case report and literature review
Authors: Masuda Yuka , Kanazawa Yoshikazu , Goto Osamu , Kakinuma Daisuke , Higuchi Kazutoshi , Koizumi Eriko , Nakata Ryosuke , Sakurazawa Nobuyuki , Ando Fumihiko , Suzuki Mikito , Yoshiyuki Toshiro , Kato Shunji , Ohashi Ryuji , Kaise Mitsuru , Iwakiri Katsuhiko , Yoshida Hiroshi
Published: May 2023

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is an intermediate malignancy with myofibroblast proliferation and inflammatory cell infiltration with malignant potential. Primary IMTs are predominantly reported in the lungs, while gastric IMTs are very rare. Therefore, no guidelines exist for the diagnosis and treatment of gastric IMTs. The present case is a 39‐year‐old man diagnosed with an asymptomatic gastric submucosal tumor. Considering the malignancy of the tumor, we selected non‐exposed endoscopic wall‐inversion surgery as the resection method and successfully performed local resection. Histopathological analysis showed myofibroblast proliferation and inflammatory cell infiltration, with a diagnosis of primary gastric IMT and negative resection margins. Immunohistochemical staining was negative for anaplastic lymphoma kinase. To the best of our knowledge, including our case, there have been 52 reported cases of primary gastric IMTs that have been treated, with several recurrent cases. In this study, we report the first case of local resection of gastric IMT using non‐exposed endoscopic wall‐inversion surgery, with a literature review.
Hair testing applied to the assessment of in utero exposure to drugs: Critical analysis of 51 cases of the University Hospital of Verona
Authors: Bertaso Anna , Gottardo Rossella , Murari Matilde , Mazzola Mara , Porpiglia Nadia Maria , Taus Francesco , Beghini Renzo , Gandini Fabio , Bortolotti Federica
Published: May 2023

The work discusses the results of hair and urine testing performed in 51 cases of suspected in utero drug exposure handled at the University Hospital of Verona from 2016 to 2022. On the day of birth or the day after birth, urine from mother and newborn (UM and UN) and hair from mother (HM), newborn (HN) and father (HF), if possible, were collected. Urine underwent immunoassay and GC–MS analysis, whereas hair underwent LC–MS/MS and GC–MS/MS analysis. In 50 out of 51 cases, HM and/or HN were available. In 92% of them, hair testing resulted in a positive, often (>50% cases) for more than one class of substance. The most detected substances were cocaine, opiates, methadone and cannabinoids. Maternal segmental analysis showed a prevalent decreasing concentration trend during pregnancy in case of positivity for one class of substances, whereas, as expected, a neatly prevalent increasing trend in the case of positivity for more than one class of substances. In nine cases, HF was also available, resulting in all being positive, usually for the same classes of substances identified in HM, thus questioning parental responsibility. In 33 cases, urine samples from the mother or newborn were also collected. Of them, 27 cases (82%) tested positive, showing peri‐partum drug consumption and then confirming the severity of the addiction. Hair testing showed to be a reliable diagnostic tool to investigate in utero drug exposure because of the possibility of obtaining a complete picture of maternal addictive behaviour and family background, thanks to segmental maternal hair analysis and father hair testing.
Experimental disturbance and productivity gradients drive community diversity in aquatic mesocosms
Authors: Hart Jacob D. , Jenkins David G.
Published: May 2023

Combined effects of disturbance and productivity on ecological diversity have been considered for decades as the dynamic equilibrium model (DEM) but are rarely tested together. Instead, most studies focus on either the intermediate disturbance hypothesis or sometimes the intermediate productivity hypothesis. In addition, most analyses of disturbance and productivity effects have relied on nonexperimental patterns, limited sample sizes, inaccurate proxies for productivity, and/or simple measures of diversity. The DEM operates at regional and local scales; here, we conducted a year‐long experiment at local scales using submersed aquatic vegetation in outdoor mesocosms with a factorial combination of physical disturbance and productivity treatments. We evaluated diversity in several ways, directly measured productivity, and compared alternative hypotheses using model selection. The DEM was supported for effective diversity; both productivity and disturbance effects were clear, though productivity effects were stronger. Other diversity measures for the simple communities in the mesocosms did not clearly reflect treatments. The DEM is a valuable general framework for understanding disturbance and productivity effects on ecological systems and is made more general by minor conceptual adjustments here.
Leaf phenology as an indicator of ecological integrity
Authors: Spafford Lynsay , MacDougall Andrew H. , Vitasse Yann , Filippa Gianluca , Richardson Andrew , Steenberg James , Lever J. Jelle
Published: May 2023

Climate change leads to an increased frequency of severe weather events as well as stressful growing conditions. Together these changes may impact the resilience of ecosystems. To keep track of such effects, conservation managers monitor the “ecological integrity” or coherence of ecosystem processes, such as the cycling of carbon and water. Networked phenocams can produce near‐continuous observations of leaf function in the context of climate change, capturing declines due to disturbance or stress. Here we explore the application of phenocams to detect responses to disturbance and stress using 14 examples from the PhenoCam Network. We selected these previously published and new examples to include a variety of disturbances in the form of hurricanes, a windstorm, frost, insect defoliation, and stress due to drought. Frost and herbivory disturbances led to both reductions and extensions in the duration of the rising section of the greenness curve, while hurricanes generally led to reductions in the duration of the plateau section and entire leaf‐on period. We found that changes of at least ±20% in the duration of the rising section in the seasonal greenness curve, ±20% in the duration of the plateau section following the seasonal greenness peak, and ±10% in the duration of the entire leaf‐on period were a reliable signal of leaf functional declines due to disturbance or stress. If such declines become increasingly frequent and severe as a consequence of climate change, this could impact ecological integrity through interruptions to ecosystem processes. Comparing the duration of these periods in a given year to the average for other years with these thresholds resulted in average true detection rates of 86% and false‐positive detection rates of 11% when sampling from probability density functions of 344 broadleaf and needleleaf PhenoCam site‐years. Here we show that phenocams are powerful ecological integrity monitoring tools, which can be efficiently applied to quantify dynamic responses to disturbance or stress.
Base‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Spiropyrazoloaminonitriles with Arylidene Pyrazolone and Vinylogous Malononitriles through a Cascade Michael Addition and Cyclization
Authors: Ittamalla Chaitanya , Chintha Saikrishna , Medishetti Nagaraju , Nanubolu Jagadeesh Babu , Atmakur Krishnaiah
Published: May 2023

Synthesis of title compounds were accomplished by a reaction of vinyl malononitriles and arylidene pyrazolones catalyzed by base. This protocol proceeds via Michael addition followed by intramolecular cyclization leading to the formation of two new C−C bonds. Further the same reaction was also conducted with α,α‐dicyano olefins and vinyl malononitriles to furnish 1,6‐dihydro biphenyl compounds. Simple reaction conditions, high yields and compatibility are the advantages of this protocol.
Effects and distribution of semi‐active resettable springs on the seismic response of asymmetric structures
Authors: Danielian Shant Aram , Jabbari Faryar , Zareian Farzin
Published: May 2023

The feasibility of incorporating semi‐active resettable springs (SRSs) to mitigate torsional response of structures is investigated. The effectiveness and robustness of the SRSs in reducing seismic demand was demonstrated on a spectrum of building properties idealized with one‐story asymmetric structures. The effects of the SRSs on the edge displacements were analyzed and several system parameters were identified that significantly effect the edge displacements. Two approaches based on geometric constraints and modal analysis are proposed to determine the proper distribution of the SRSs to minimize edge displacements. Limitations and guidelines on implementation are also provided.
Distinct element modeling of the in‐plane response of a steel‐framed retrofit solution for URM structures
Authors: Damiani Nicolò , DeJong Matthew J. , Albanesi Luca , Penna Andrea , Morandi Paolo
Published: May 2023

This paper presents the results of a numerical study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of an innovative steel modular retrofit system on improving the in‐plane lateral capacity of unreinforced masonry (URM) load‐bearing structures. The investigated retrofit solution consists of modular steel frames fastened to the external surface of masonry piers through chemical anchors. Distinct element models are built and calibrated against experimental data coming from a series of in‐plane quasi‐static tests performed on piers in both bare and retrofitted conditions. Two different masonry typologies are considered herein: one made up with solid clay bricks and lime mortar, assembled in a header bond pattern, and the other with typical Italian hollow clay units and cement‐lime mortar, arranged in a Flemish bond pattern. A simplified microscale approach, combined with a mesh‐refinement strategy, is adopted to decrease computational demand without losing numerical accuracy. All in‐plane failure mechanisms, such as mortar and unit tensile failures, as well as masonry crushing for high compressive stresses, are included in the developed numerical models. Moreover, a methodology to explicitly account for the contribution of the investigated retrofit in the distinct element method (DEM) framework is presented and discussed. The proposed modeling strategy yielded a good prediction in terms of lateral stiffness, lateral strength, hysteretic response, and crack pattern for unreinforced and strengthened specimens. A novel set of metrics is proposed to quantitatively assess the retrofit performance benefits.
Parametric, response surface, and adjoint optimizations of the underbody diffuser of a generic ground vehicle
Authors: Akar Mustafa Atakan , Baş Oğuz
Published: May 2023

It is a known fact in the literature that diffusers improve vehicle aerodynamics in terms of lift and drag forces. However, their effectiveness and efficiencies are quite sensitive to the design parameters. In this article, the underbody diffuser of a generic ground vehicle, Ahmed body, was optimized via CFD software of Ansys Fluent, step by step with parametric, response surface, and discrete adjoint techniques, respectively. Three numerical models (parametric, response surface, and adjoint models) have been created considering optimum force output for each optimization method, and qualitative and quantitative assessments were made on these models to compare flow characteristics and force coefficients with the base model. As a result, force coefficients are lower by 48.6, 49.3, and 52.8 counts for CD, 499.6, 547.4, and 528.2 counts for CL at parametric, response surface, and adjoint optimization phases compared with the base model, respectively. It is observed that diffusers help to improve flow transition and relief underbody and reduce the airflow over the upperbody zone by directing it to the underbody. However, detailed quantitative assessments show that it comes out that the contribution of the underbody to total CD may increase due to lower pressure distribution diffuser upsweep caused by higher mass flow beneath the model. These results demonstrate the importance of effective utilization and further controlling of underbody flow when using an underbody diffuser.
Egg shelf life can be extended using varied proportions of polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan composite coatings
Authors: Shurmasti Dariush Khademi , Kermani Pezhman Riazi , Sarvarian Maryam , Awuchi Chinaza Godswill
Published: May 2023

Using biopolymers in the form of edible coating as egg eco‐friendly packaging is a progressive approach. The blending of biopolymers is one of the procedures for overcoming mechanical weakness and benefiting from their maximum synergistic effect. Aiming to determine the relative ratios of chitosan (CH 4 w/v%) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA 5 w/v%) in the composition of blended coatings, an experiment was conducted with six treatments (r = 3) including different ratios of CH/PVA (0:0; control, 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100) wt% in a period of 4 weeks of egg storage at ambient temperature, emphasizing eggshell barrier properties. Based on the eggshell analysis result, SEM images and FTIR spectra demonstrated that the components were firmly integrated into the blended coatings as well as had more intertwined than their pure ones, which was also reflected in the evaluation results of their internal quality parameters. In addition, the results showed that by enhancing the ratio of polyvinyl alcohol from 25 to 75 wt%, the blended coating barrier efficiency was relatively improved (p < .05). Meanwhile, the lowest percentage of weight loss (0.57 ± 0.08%), pH value of albumin (8.30 ± 0.04), the highest values of Haugh unit (61.00 ± 0.07), yolk index (0.37 ± 0.02) were observed in eggs coated with CH/PVA 25:75 wt%. But there was no difference in 50 or 70 wt% PVA significantly. Therefore, the CH/PVA blended coatings containing around 50–75 wt% PVA, as egg biodegradable packaging, can be used to extend the shelf life for 2–3 weeks at ambient temperature.
Pioneering excellence or fleeing mediocracy? Why venture capital firms internationalize
Authors: Kollmann Harald , Müllner Jakob , Puck Jonas
Published: May 2023

Research Summary

Theories and empirical evidence on the competitive motives for VC internationalization are unclear and contradictory. In our study, we adopt a performance feedback perspective to explain VC firms' motives to venture abroad. We leverage unique peer‐performance data on 295 VC funds and 2954 VC investments and find support for our hypotheses that performance below (a) peer, (b) historical, or (c) market aspiration levels drives VCs exodus to (a) foreign and (b) more distant markets. Our study complements theories on internationalization with an organization ecology perspective that acknowledges internationalization as an attempt at adaptation triggered by poor performance.

Managerial Summary

Venture capitalists (VC) are not just owners, but take an active role in shaping their portfolio companies' strategies. This causes them to favor investments in their geographic and psychic proximity to allow hands‐on business development. Nevertheless, the share of cross‐border investments by VCs has risen steadily in past years. Our research shows that this internationalization is not solely driven by pioneering and successful VCs but oftentimes by VCs struggling to achieve performance levels. This notion of internationalization by the weakest has important firm‐level consequences.
Dental caries in Rwanda: A scoping review
Authors: Kanmodi Kehinde K. , Uwambaye Peace , Amzat Jimoh , Salami Afeez A.
Published: May 2023

Background and Aims

Dental caries is an infectious disease affecting virtually all nations, including Rwanda. In Rwanda, the burden of dental caries is an issue of public health concern. To ensure the progressive eradication of the current dental caries burden in Rwanda through an evidence‐based approach, it is imperative to have an overview of the scientific research landscape of dental caries in the country. This study—a scoping review—aims to review the available evidence and gaps on dental caries in Rwanda.

Methods

This scoping review was reported based on the Preferred Reporting Items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. A systematic search of 11 databases was done to scoop out all literature relevant to the topic. Based on the review's selection criteria, a total of eight peer‐reviewed journal articles were included in the review. The extracted data were collated, summarized, and presented as results.

Results

The analysis of the data extracted from the included articles revealed a high prevalence of dental caries (ranging from 42.42% to 71.5%) in Rwanda. Also, the major pathogens causing dental caries in Rwanda as well as the impact of dental caries on the physical health and quality of life of Rwandans were identified in this review. Furthermore, the reported operative treatment options for dental caries in Rwanda were predominantly nonconservative. Also, no intervention study has been conducted on dental caries in Rwanda.

Conclusion

The findings in this review identify the need for massive public health interventions on dental caries in Rwanda.
Galectin‐9 and myeloid‐derived suppressor cell as prognostic indicators for chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Alimu Xierenguli , Zhang Juan , Pang Nannan , Zhang Rui , Chen Rong , Zeng Xuejiao , Tudahong Shabaaiti , Chen Gang , Muhashi Maliya , Zhao Fang , Ding Jianbing , Qu Jianhua
Published: May 2023

Background

Galectin‐9 and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have an important role in tumors, but their clinical values in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to analyze the prognosis values of Galectin‐9 and MDSCs in CLL.

Methods

The concentrations of Galectin‐9, argininase‐1, and inducible nitric oxide synthase in serum were detected by enzyme‐linked immune sorbent assay. The expression of Tim‐3 protein in peripheral blood mononuclear cell was detected by Western blot. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the percentages of Tim‐3 on T‐cells (CD3+T, CD4+T, and CD8+T cells) and MDSCs.

Results

Our results showed that Galectin‐9 and MDSCs significantly increased in CLL patients and were closely related to the disease progression. Patient's receiver operating characteristic, progression‐free survival, and Cox regression analysis showed that Galectin9 and MDSCs were poor prognostic factors of CLL.

Conclusion

Galectin‐9 and MDSCs were associated with clinical progression and could be important prognostic indicators for CLL.
A COX‐2 Inhibitor Does Not Interfere With the Bone‐Protective Effects of Loading in Male Mice With Arthritis
Authors: Desai Suchita , Wu Jianyao , Horkeby Karin , Norgård Maria , Ohlsson Claes , Windahl Sara H , Engdahl Cecilia
Published: May 2023

Mechanical loading enhances bone strength and counteracts arthritis‐induced inflammation‐mediated bone loss in female mice. It is unknown whether nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; eg, COX‐2 inhibitors) can reduce inflammation without affecting the loading‐associated bone formation in male mice. The aim of this study was to investigate if loading combined with a COX‐2 inhibitor (NS‐398) could prevent arthritis‐induced bone loss and inflammation in male mice. Four‐month‐old male C57BL/6J mice were subjected to axial tibial mechanical loading three times/week for 2 weeks. Local mono‐arthritis was induced with a systemic injection of methylated bovine serum albumin on the first day of loading, followed by a local injection in one knee 1 week later. The arthritis induction, knee swelling, bone architecture, and osteoclast number were evaluated in the hind limbs. C‐terminal cross‐links as a marker for osteoclast activity was measured in serum. Compared with loading and arthritis alone, loading of the arthritic joint enhanced swelling that was partly counteracted by NS‐398. Loading of the arthritic joint enhanced synovitis and articular cartilage damage compared with loading alone. Loading increased cortical bone and counteracted the arthritis‐induced decrease in epiphyseal bone. NS‐398 did not alter the bone‐protective effects of loading. C‐terminal cross‐links, a bone resorption marker, was increased by arthritis but not loading. In conclusion, loading prevented arthritis‐induced epiphyseal and metaphyseal bone loss, and NS‐398 reduced knee swelling without affecting the bone‐protective effects of loading. If our results can be extrapolated to the human situation, specific COX‐2 inhibitors could be used in combination with loading exercise to prevent pain and swelling of the joint without influencing the bone‐protective effects of loading. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Synthesis of the Eating Disorder Inventory‐Third Edition (EDI‐3) psychometric characteristics: Implications for counseling practice and research
Authors: Barstack Samantha , Karkhanis Sailee , Erford Bradley T. , Bennett Elisabeth , Buchanan Emma , Sharpe Claire , Wissel Addy
Published: May 2023

Authors reviewed 129 studies published between 2004 and 2020 using the Eating Disorder Inventory‐Third Edition (EDI‐3). Internal consistency (α) for the total score was 0.888 and 0.693–0.947 across all subscales. Convergent validity yielded robust, mostly large correlations for the three main scales, spanning five eating disorder instruments. Structural validity studies supported important EDI‐3 components for White women, but not for racial/ethnic minorities. Only one diagnostic validity study was located, and given that the EDI‐3 is used to help screen for and identify eating disorders, more diagnostic validity studies are needed. Implications for client outcome assessment, screening, and treatment planning were discussed.
Metadynamics simulations with Bohmian‐style bias potential
Authors: Tikhonov Denis S.
Published: May 2023

Here, we present a parametrization of the metadynamics simulations for reactions involving breaking the chemical bonds along a single collective variable coordinate. The parameterization is based on the similarity between the bias potential in metadynamics and the quantum potential in the de Broglie–Bohm formalism. We derive the method and test it on two prototypical reaction types: proton transfer and breaking of the cyclohexene cycle (reversed Diels–Alder reaction).
Concerted stereodynamics of chemical changes: The branching selectivity in the photodissociation of asymmetric‐top molecules, formic acid, and the cold reactivity of the H + H2 exchange reaction
Authors: Che Dock‐Chil , Kawamata Hiroshi , Nakamura Masaaki , Tso Cheng‐Jui , Muthiah Balaganesh , Kasai Toshio
Published: May 2023

This review article presents our recent examples of the branching selectivity in the photodissociation of asymmetric‐top molecules, halothane CF3CHBrCl and isohaloethane CF2BrCHFCl. The former gave the unexpected branching ratio of ([Cl] + [Cl*])/([Br] + [Br*])2 for the Br, Br* and Cl, Cl* atom fragmentations, meaning that the strongly bounded Cl‐C bond gave twice favorable fragmentation, while the later isohaloethane gave almost the same value for all‐atom fragmentations. We interpret this result due to the curve crossing of electronically excited states and the non‐adiabatic interaction on the excited states. The bimodal vibrational distribution of the product CO fragment in the formic acid photodissociation at 193 nm evidenced a roaming signature by using the μs time‐resolved Fourier‐transform infrared emission spectra for the first time. We find the characteristic propensity rule in the time‐dependent interaction potential to judge reactivity in the H + H2 exchange reaction and the roaming‐type of trajectory at temperature 3 K, by use of the impact‐parameter dependent quasi‐classical trajectory simulation, based on the present results, we conclude that reaction dynamics proceeds not only by the prerequisite of energy conservation but also by the timing of the time‐dependent interaction potential which is very sensitive to the steric configuration of reaction intermediate, thus it may be called as the concerted stereodynamics.
Bridging the health gap: Measuring the unmet social needs of patients within a dental school clinic
Authors: Mays Keith A. , Cooper Antea , Wang Qi
Published: May 2023

Objectives

As safety‐net clinics, dental school clinics are uniquely positioned to evaluate the unmet social need. There is evidence that patients treated in a safety‐net type clinic, such as dental schools, report experiencing one or more of the determinants of health. However, there is limited evidence describing screening for Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) in dental clinics. The purpose of this study is to gain knowledge of the types of social determinants of health that exist in a dental school clinic and how it is reflected in the geographic region of the school.

Methods

This cross‐sectional prospective study used a 20‐item questionnaire assessed unmet social needs in a predoctoral clinic. The questionnaire contained multiple choice and binary yes/no questions, organized under SDOH domains: housing, food, transportation, utilities, childcare, employment, education, finances, and personal safety. Socioeconomic and demographic information was captured. The questionnaire was administered via iPad using Qualtrics XM. The data were descriptively and quantitatively analyzed at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05.

Results

There were 175 respondents with a 93.6% response rate, males (49.7%), females (49.1%), and 1.1% nonbinary. Overall, 135 (77.1%) respondents reported having at least one unmet social need. The greatest number of unmet needs was in the domains of employment and finances, with 44% and 41.7% respectively. Respondents who were unable to work stated they often or sometimes worried about running out of food before getting money to buy more, (p = 0.0002), and or the food didn't last before there was money to get more (p = 0.00007). A comparison of annual incomes of respondents earning less than $40K with those earning $40K or more, demonstrated statistically significant differences in unmet social needs for housing (p < 0.0001), food (p = 0.0003, p < 0.0001), utilities (p = 0.0484), employment (p = 0.0016), education (p < 0.0001), and finances (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Screening patients in the dental clinic was an efficient way to uncover the level of unmet social needs. Annual household income was a predominant driver of unmet social needs: with the greatest number of unmet needs existing in the domains of employment and finances. The results suggest that screening for social determinants of health dental school clinics could be incorporated into routine patient data collection.
Benefits of virtual externships with a pediatric dentistry program for potential residents
Authors: Gahm Meghan , Wells Martha H. , Scarbecz Mark , DeSchepper Edward J. , Dormois Larry D. , Smith Toddrick
Published: May 2023

Purpose

To determine if a virtual externship (VE) is beneficial to potential applicants regarding their perceived knowledge of a pediatric dentistry residency program. Secondarily, this study identified general program characteristics that influence resident ranking decisions.

Methods

All applicants who applied to a pediatric dentistry residency program in the Southeast were invited to participate in a VE. Those who participated in the externship (n = 65) were asked to voluntarily complete Pre‐ and Post‐VE surveys. Participants were asked 22 questions about their level of knowledge of both tangible and intangible aspects of the program such as stipend, patient volume, faculty‐resident interaction, and resident comradery. Participants were also asked to rank 9 general characteristics that influence ranking decisions such as geography, cost to attend, and reputation of the program and were asked to rate their satisfaction with the VE. Post‐VE data were compared to pre‐VE data to determine level of knowledge gained via Wilcoxin matched pairs signed rank test (significance set at p < 0.05).

Results

When comparing Pre‐ and Post‐VE ratings of level of knowledge about each category, all 22 categories assessed showed statistically significant mean differences indicating perceived knowledge gain with the most knowledge gained for “resident satisfaction in the program.” Of the nine program characteristics, clinical experience was the most important factor to participants. Participants (100%) were satisfied with the VE experience and indicated the VE gave them the opportunity to get to know the program.

Conclusions

A virtual externship is a satisfactory option for increasing applicant knowledge of the tangible and intangible aspects of a residency program.
Synthesis and characterization of dicarboxamide derivative: Cu+2 selective turn‐on fluorometric and colorimetric chemosensor
Authors: Gülbaş Hülya Elmalı , Bozkurt Selahattin , Halay Erkan
Published: May 2023

The detection of Cu+2 ion chemically is crucial for both the biological and environmental systems. In this study, fluorescent active pyridine‐based diamide thiazole derivative chemosensor N2,N6‐bis(2‐(benzothiazol‐2‐yl)phenyl)pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxamide (3) was synthesized and characterized successfully. Fluorometric and colorimetric chemosensor properties and the fluorescent selectivity and sensitivity of different metal ions were determined in DMSO/H2O (50:50) medium by using fluorescence spectroscopy. The chemosensor 3 exhibited turn on fluorometric and colorimetric selectivity toward Cu+2 metal.
A UHPLC–MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of vancomycin, norvancomycin, meropenem, and moxalactam in human plasma and its clinical application
Authors: Huo Jiping , Guo Yangyang , Zhang Bo , Zhao Zhigang , Shi Guangzhi , Mei Shenghui
Published: May 2023

We developed an ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) method to determine four antibacterial drugs in human plasma for clinical usage. Samples were prepared using protein precipitation with methanol. Chromatographic separation was accomplished in 4.5 min on a BEH C18 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.7 μm) using a gradient elution of methanol and water (containing 7.71 g/L concentrated ammonium acetate, adjusted to pH 6.5 with acetic acid) at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. Positive electrospray was used for ionization. The method was linear in the concentration range 1–100 μg/mL for vancomycin, norvoncomycin, and meropenem; and 0.5–50 μg/mL for R‐isomer of moxalactam and S‐isomer of moxalactam. For all analytes, the intra‐ and inter‐day accuracies and precisions were −8.47%–10.13% and less than 12%, respectively. The internal standard normalized recoveries and matrix effect were 62.72%–105.78% and 96.67%–114.20%, respectively. All analytes were stable at six storage conditions, with variations of less than 15.0%. The method was applied in three patients with central nervous system infection. The validated method might be useful for routine therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacokinetic study.
Relative sea‐level changes in southeastern Australia during the 19th and 20th centuries
Authors: Williams S. L. , Garrett E. , Moss P. T. , Dangendorf S. , Hibbert F. D. , Atkinson N. R. , Pashley V. , Millar I. L. , Garnett M. H. , Zawadzki A. , Gehrels W. R.
Published: May 2023

Rates of global and regional sea‐level rise between ~1850 and 1950 were high compared to those in preceding centuries. The cause of this sea‐level acceleration remains uncertain, but it appears to be pronounced in a small set of relative sea‐level proxy records from the Southern Hemisphere. Here we generate three new proxy‐based relative sea‐level reconstructions for southeastern Australia to investigate spatial patterns and causes of historical sea‐level changes in the Tasman Sea. Palaeo sea‐level estimates were determined using salt‐marsh foraminifera as sea‐level indicators. Records are underpinned by chronologies based on accelerator mass spectrometry 14C, radiogenic lead (210Pb), stable lead isotopes and palynological analyses. Our reconstructions show that relative sea level rose by ~0.2–0.3 m over the last 200 years in southeastern Australia, and rates of sea‐level rise were especially high over the first half of the 20th century. Based on modelled estimates of the contributing components to sea‐level rise, we suggest that the episode of rapid sea‐level rise was driven by barystatic contributions, but sterodynamic contributions were dominant by the mid‐20th century. Significant spatial variability in relative sea level indicates that local to sub‐regional drivers of sea level are also prominent. Our reconstructions significantly enhance our understanding of the spatiotemporal pattern of early 20th century sea‐level rise in the region.
Rational design enabling aptamer‐based sensors for surface‐enhanced Raman detection of small molecules
Authors: Kissell Lyndsay N. , Sheokand Manisha , Strobbia Pietro
Published: May 2023

Homogeneous surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensors could have a significant impact in environmental analysis. The reagentless mechanism of these sensors makes them capable for in situ analysis and continuous monitoring of environmental pollutants, without having to collect environmental samples for laboratory analysis. Homogeneous SERS sensors take advantage of functional DNA strands on the surface of a SERS‐active particle. These sensors are commonly used for the detection of genomic targets. A clear path to adapt these homogeneous sensors to detect small molecules is to employ aptamer sequences. In particular, the use of duplex aptamer can make these sensors highly adaptable to different target molecules. Although there have been examples of SERS duplex aptamer sensors to detect small molecules, the design rules for this type of sensors have not been elucidated. Without design rules or a design protocol, we would not be able to fully take advantage of the adaptability of this approach to focus on new targets and applications (e.g., environmental analysis). Herein, we aim to define a protocol for the design of aptamer‐based homogeneous SERS sensors. First, we demonstrate their nonequilibrium character and the necessary length for the complementary element for the sensors to work. We demonstrate the design protocol on a well‐characterized aptamer sequence for ATP binding and then transfer the knowledge gained on an aptamer for estradiol, a common water contaminant. In this work, we establish the design protocol for a short aptamer (i.e., ATP) and analyze the issues and remedies associated with extending this protocol to longer aptamer sequences (e.g., E2).
Coherent Raman scattering microscopy of lipid droplets in cells and tissues
Authors: Zhang Chi
Published: May 2023

Lipid droplets (LDs) play a key role as the hub for lipid metabolism to maintain cellular metabolic homeostasis. Understanding the functions and changes of LDs in different pathological conditions is crucial for identifying new markers for diagnosis and discovering new targets for treatment. In recent years, coherent Raman scattering (CRS) microscopy has been popularized for the imaging and quantification of LDs in live cells. Compared with spontaneous Raman scattering microscopy, CRS microscopy offers a much higher imaging speed while maintaining similar chemical information. Due to the high lipid density, LDs usually have strong CRS signals and therefore are the most widely studied organelle in the CRS field. In this review, we discuss recent achievements using CRS to study the quantity, distribution, composition, and dynamics of LDs in various systems.