bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A topic modeling analysis for Korean online newspapers: Focusing on the social perceptions of nurses during the COVID-19 epidemic period
Authors: Chang Soo Jung , Park Sunah , Son Yedong
Published: December 2022

Purpose: This study explored the meaning of the social perceptions of nurses in online news articles during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Methods: A total of 339 nurse-related articles published in Korean online newspapers from January 1 to December 31, 2020, were extracted by entering various combinations of OR and AND with the four words “Corona,” “COVID,” “Nursing,” and “Nurse” as search keywords using BIGKinds, a news database provided by the Korea Press Foundation. The collected data were analyzed with a keyword network analysis and topic modeling using NetMiner 4.Results: The top keywords extracted from the nurse-related news articles were, in the following order, “metropolitan area,” “protective clothing,” “government,” “task,” and “admission.” Four topics representing keywords were identified: “encouragement for dedicated nurses,” “poor work environment,” “front-line nurses working with obligation during the COVID-19 pandemic,” and “nurses' efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”Conclusion: The media’s attention to the dedication of nurses, the shortage of nursing resources, and the need for government support is encouraging in that it forms the public opinion necessary to lead to substantial improvements in treating nurses. The nursing community should actively promote policy proposals to improve treatment toward nurses by utilizing the net function of the media and proactively seek and apply strategies to improve the image of nurses working in various fields.
Inclusion of Racial and Ethnic Minorities in Cancer Clinical Trials: 30 Years After the NIH Revitalization Act, Where Are We?
Authors: Mutale, DNP, CRNP Faith
Published: December 2022

The lack of diversity in cancer trials is a multifaceted, decades-old problem that has remained persistent despite efforts to increase the number of participants from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds. This lack of meaningful improvement is a problem that continues to perpetuate inequities in cancer care. For optimal generalizability of clinical trial results, populations that are likely to be treated must be adequately represented. Beyond consensus statements, policy enactments, and federal mandates, strategic collaboration with at-risk underrepresented communities is critically necessary to improve the accrual of minorities to cancer clinical trials. As such, the clarion call is for advanced practitioners in oncology to take a keen interest in this issue and seek to develop population-specific strategies to bridge and eliminate the disparity gap and improve outcomes in these groups.
A Rare Event of Liver Dysfunction on Sotorasib and Management Strategy
Authors: Kinahan, MSN, ANP-C, AOCNP Holly
Published: December 2022

KRAS mutations are the most common alteration in human cancers, accounting for approximately 30% of mutations in multiple cancer types, including colorectal, pancreatic, non–small lung cancer, and ovarian. Of these, the KRAS p.G12C mutation occurs in 13% of non–small lung cancers and 1% to 3% of colorectal and other cancers (Hong et al., 2020). With the approval of the direct KRAS p.G12C inhibitor sotorasib in early 2021, this first-in-class small-molecule agent has increased progression-free survival by 6.3 months in patients with p.G12C non–small cell lung cancer. Side effects associated with sotorasib have been mild, with the most frequent being diarrhea and nausea, but grade 3 to 4 toxicity has also been observed, which is clinically significant. Grade 3 toxicity related to aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase is defined as an increase of more than 5 to 20 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), while grade 4 is more than 20 times the ULN. This is significant and requires withholding treatment as it can be life-threatening in some cases. The following case study outlines a patient who developed abnormal liver enzyme elevation while on the phase I clinical trial of sotorasib, and the management of this event.
une vraie transversalité de l’enseignement de l’écologie en classe de FLE
Authors: Ori Julia
Published: December 2022

Si la urgencia ecológica es cada vez más evidente y, por lo tanto, la adopción de una perspectiva ecológica en la enseñanza a todos los niveles se reconoce como necesaria, en general ésta se realiza de manera insatisfactoria en la clase de francés como lengua extranjera. Para demostrarlo, en este artículo se analiza el índice de sesenta manuales de francés desde el punto de vista de la presencia de temas ecológicos. Se demuestra que se trata menos de un problema de cantidad que de calidad: los manuales proponen estudiar la ecología de manera aislada, en unidades didácticas separadas, para poder olvidarse del tema en el resto de las páginas. Frente a este fenómeno que podemos llamar una especie de greenwashing, se propone adoptar la enseñanza de la ecología en la clase de francés de manera transversal: no tanto como un tema que estudiar sino como una visión del mundo.
Análisis comparativo de dos traducciones de Une femme de Annie Ernaux
Authors: Pérez López Patricia , Sánchez Hernández Ángeles
Published: December 2022

This article deals with the study of literary translation and, in particular, the process of retranslation, carrying out a research based on a balance between the theoretical and the empirical. Our work has been done on the basis of the observation of two Spanish translations of Annie Ernaux's Une femme(1987). The first one is carried out by Enrique Sordo (1988) shortly after its publication in France; the second one by Lydia Vázquez in 2020. The aim of which is based on looking for significant changes between these two translations, finding out what they are due to and verifying whether they correctly show the writer's idiolect. We analyze whether the variations may be due to gender issues of the translators, or whether they are due to the deepening of the knowledge that exists today of the French writer's work. We also seek to identify the different translational strategies adopted in the two target texts.

El presente artículo aborda el estudio de la traducción literaria y, en particular, observamos el proceso de retraducción, efectuando una investigación basada en el equilibrio entre lo teórico y lo empírico. Nuestro trabajo se fundamenta en la observación de dos traducciones en español de la obra Une femme(1987) de Annie Ernaux. La primera de ellas la lleva a cabo Enrique Sordo (1988) poco después de su publicación en Francia; la segunda traducción la realiza Lydia Vázquez en 2020. Revisamos las teorías sobre la traducción literaria y la retraducción para aplicarlas a nuestro estudio, cuyo objetivo se basa en buscar los cambios significativos entre estas dos traducciones, indagar a qué son debidos y verificar si muestran correctamente el idiolecto de la escritora. Analizamos si las variaciones pueden obedecer a cuestiones de género de los traductores, o son debidas a la profundización del conocimiento que existe hoy de la obra de la escritora francesa. Se busca, asimismo, identificar las diferentes estrategias traslativas adoptadas en los dos textos metas.

Cet article porte sur l'étude de la traduction littéraire et, en particulier, nous observons le processus de retraduction, en realisantune recherche basée sur un équilibre entre la théorie et l'empirique. Notre travail se fait sur l'observation de deux traductions espagnoles d'Une femme(1987) d'Annie Ernaux. La première est réalisée par Enrique Sordo (1988) peu après sa publication en France ; la seconde par Lydia Vázquez, en 2020. Le but est de rechercher des changements significatifs entre ces deux traductions, de trouver les raisons de ces changements et de vérifier s'ils montrent correctement l'idiolecte de l'auteur. Nous analysons si les variations peuvent être dues à des questions de genre des traducteurs ou bien à l'approfondissement de la connaissance qui existe aujourd'hui de l'œuvre de l'écrivaine française. Nous cherchons également à identifier les différentes stratégies de traduction adoptées dans les deux textes cibles.
Uso estratégico de los ‘social media’ en un conflicto bélico (I)
Authors: Martínez Martínez Silvia
Published: December 2022

En los últimos años, la irrupción y popularización de los social media ha producido un alto impacto en el ecosistema comunicativo. Sus usos y su consumo se han ido ampliando para cubrir desde las propias necesidades sociales hasta otras tan variadas como las informativas, de ocio y entretenimiento, formativas... También han dado cuenta de su importancia en hitos clave de la historia reciente, como en situaciones de catástrofe y emergencias, así como en campañas propagandísticas y en la difusión de las conocidas como fake news. De ahí el interés por reflexionar sobre el uso estratégico que están ahora adquiriendo en el conflicto bélico de Ucrania.
CD47 cross-dressing by extracellular vesicles expressing CD47 inhibits phagocytosis without transmitting cell death signals
Authors: Li Yang , Wu Yan , Federzoni Elena A , Wang Xiaodan , Dharmawan Andre , Hu Xiaoyi , Wang Hui , Hawley Robert J , Stevens Sean , Sykes Megan , Yang Yong-Guang
Published: December 2022

Transgenic CD47 overexpression is an encouraging approach to ameliorating xenograft rejection and alloresponses to pluripotent stem cells, and the efficacy correlates with the level of CD47 expression. However, CD47, upon ligation, also transmits signals leading to cell dysfunction or death, raising a concern that overexpressing CD47 could be harmful. Here, we unveiled an alternative source of cell surface CD47. We showed that extracellular vesicles, including exosomes, released from normal or tumor cells overexpressing CD47 (transgenic or native) can induce efficient CD47 cross-dressing on pig or human cells. Like the autogenous CD47, CD47 cross-dressed on cell surfaces is capable of interacting with SIRPα to inhibit phagocytosis. However, ligation of the autogenous, but not cross-dressed, CD47 induced cell death. Thus, CD47 cross-dressing provides an alternative source of cell surface CD47 that may elicit its anti-phagocytic function without transmitting harmful signals to the cells. CD47 cross-dressing also suggests a previously unidentified mechanism for tumor-induced immunosuppression. Our findings should help to further optimize the CD47 transgenic approach that may improve outcomes by minimizing the harmful effects of CD47 overexpression.
Human hippocampal responses to network intracranial stimulation vary with theta phase
Authors: Lurie Sarah M , Kragel James E , Schuele Stephan U , Voss Joel L
Published: December 2022

Hippocampal-dependent memory is thought to be supported by distinct connectivity states, with strong input to the hippocampus benefitting encoding and weak input benefitting retrieval. Previous research in rodents suggests that the hippocampal theta oscillation orchestrates the transition between these states, with opposite phase angles predicting minimal versus maximal input. We investigated whether this phase dependence exists in humans using network-targeted intracranial stimulation. Intracranial local field potentials were recorded from individuals with epilepsy undergoing medically necessary stereotactic electroencephalographic recording. In each subject, biphasic bipolar direct electrical stimulation was delivered to lateral temporal sites with demonstrated connectivity to hippocampus. Lateral temporal stimulation evoked ipsilateral hippocampal potentials with distinct early and late components. Using evoked component amplitude to measure functional connectivity, we assessed whether the phase of hippocampal theta predicted relatively high versus low connectivity. We observed an increase in the continuous phase–amplitude relationship selective to the early and late components of the response evoked by lateral temporal stimulation. The maximal difference in these evoked component amplitudes occurred across 180 degrees of separation in the hippocampal theta rhythm; that is, the greatest difference in component amplitude was observed when stimulation was delivered at theta peak versus trough. The pattern of theta-phase dependence observed for hippocampus was not identified for control locations. These findings demonstrate that hippocampal receptivity to input varies with theta phase, suggesting that theta phase reflects connectivity states of human hippocampal networks. These findings confirm a putative mechanism by which neural oscillations modulate human hippocampal function.
Urotensin II-related peptides, Urp1 and Urp2, control zebrafish spine morphology
Authors: Bearce Elizabeth A , Irons Zoe H , O'Hara-Smith Johnathan R , Kuhns Colin J , Fisher Sophie I , Crow William E , Grimes Daniel T
Published: December 2022

The spine provides structure and support to the body, yet how it develops its characteristic morphology as the organism grows is little understood. This is underscored by the commonality of conditions in which the spine curves abnormally such as scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis. Understanding the origin of these spinal curves has been challenging in part due to the lack of appropriate animal models. Recently, zebrafish have emerged as promising tools with which to understand the origin of spinal curves. Using zebrafish, we demonstrate that the urotensin II-related peptides (URPs), Urp1 and Urp2, are essential for maintaining spine morphology. Urp1 and Urp2 are 10-amino acid cyclic peptides expressed by neurons lining the central canal of the spinal cord. Upon combined genetic loss of Urp1 and Urp2, adolescent-onset planar curves manifested in the caudal region of the spine. Highly similar curves were caused by mutation of Uts2r3, an URP receptor. Quantitative comparisons revealed that urotensin-associated curves were distinct from other zebrafish spinal curve mutants in curve position and direction. Last, we found that the Reissner fiber, a proteinaceous thread that sits in the central canal and has been implicated in the control of spine morphology, breaks down prior to curve formation in mutants with perturbed cilia motility but was unaffected by loss of Uts2r3. This suggests a Reissner fiber-independent mechanism of curvature in urotensin-deficient mutants. Overall, our results show that Urp1 and Urp2 control zebrafish spine morphology and establish new animal models of spine deformity.
Age Estimation through Molar Attrition in Korean Population
Authors: Choi Seo-Young , Jeon Hye-Mi , Kim Kyung-Hee , Ju Hye-Min , Ok Soo-Min , Jeong Sung-Hee , Ahn Yong-Woo
Published: December 2022

Methods available for estimating the age of a living body are somewhat limited when there is shortage of teeth. This study aimed to determine whether the average stage of attrition (ASA) method published in 1995 by Li and Ji is practical among Koreans in their 50s and 60s. A total of 173 cases using 265 molars from 92 patients in their 50s and 60s who underwent age assessment at the Department of Oral Medicine at Pusan National University Dental Hospital from 2012 to 2022 were analyzed through clinical photographs and diagnostic casts. ASA method was used to determine the average attrition of cusps and calculate the estimated age. There was a moderate correlation between the average attrition of molars and the patients’ actual age. In patients in their 50s and 60s, the error range between the estimated age and the actual age was less than 10 years in 139 of 173 cases (74.56%), and age was underestimated in 147 cases (84.98%). The tendency for age to be underestimated was higher in women than in men. Regression analysis using both the first and second molars showed that the influence of the first molar was greater than that of the second molar. Although the correlation is not very high, considering the limitations of age estimation in the living body, this method may be useful if coupled with another method such as dental radiograph analysis when there is an absolute shortage of available teeth.
Birth Year Estimation of Skeletal Remains by Radiocarbon Dating for Teeth
Authors: Park Jong-Pil , Choi Seung Gyu
Published: December 2022

Identifying remains is an important role of forensic medicine. For identification, dating, i.e., estimating the birth year and death year, is expected as useful, however has not yet been practically applied. A dating method using radiocarbon analysis was recently introduced and related studies have been reported. In this study, we conducted radiocarbon analysis on teeth and aimed to develop a formula to estimate the birth year. Fifteen autopsy cases from the National Forensic Service, from December 2014 to December 2020, with known birth year were selected for inclusion. For each case, dentin of the first molar in mandible was taken, radiocarbon analysis was carried out and the corresponding estimated birth year were calculated using the bomb peak curve. The differences between the birth year and the teeth year were determined and analyzed on the influence of variables. A formula for estimating the birth year was developed and the applicability of the formula was determined. The difference between the birth year and the teeth year was 2.6 years on average for cases born before 1963, and 5.7 years for those born after 1963. The estimation formula of birth year was as follows: (Before 1963) Birth year=0.565×(Tooth year)–0.446×(Age)+875.001, (After 1963) Birth year=Tooth year–5.7. This study is meaningful in that it reduced the error by using only the first molars of the lower jaw as a sample, and presented an estimation formula of birth year that can be applied in practice through radiocarbon analysis of teeth.
A Graves' Disease Patient Diagnosed as Autoimmune Gastritis with Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Ahn Yong Hwan , Hwang Kyo Bum
Published: December 2022

Autoimmune gastritis (AIG) is a type of atrophic gastritis characterized by destruction of parietal cells in the gastric fundus and body. These changes may be attributable to immune-mediated chronic inflammatory responses. AIG is characterized by extensive atrophy of the gastric body; therefore, endoscopic findings offer useful diagnostic clues. AIG is diagnosed based on serological and histopathological evaluation of endoscopic biopsy specimens; however, this condition may be accompanied by autoimmune diseases including autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD), and the opposite can be suspected. Diagnostic delays and misdiagnosis are common in patients with AIG owing to the nonspecific clinical presentation and accompanying autoimmune diseases. Additionally, confirmation of AIG based on serological atrophy or endoscopic findings is challenging in cases of active Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. We report a case of Graves’ disease (an ATD) in a patient diagnosed with AIG and concomitant H. pylori-induced gastritis based on the rapid urease and serological test results and endoscopic biopsy findings.
METTL16-mediated translation of CIDEA promotes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease progression via m6A-dependent manner
Authors: Tang Jinhong , Zhao Xiangyun , Wei Wei , Liu Weiwei , Fan Huining , Liu Xiu ping , Li Yungai , Wang Long , Guo Jinghui
Published: December 2022

Background

As the most prevalent chemical modifications on eukaryotic mRNAs, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation was reported to participate in the regulation of various metabolic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the roles of m6A methylation and methyltransferase-like16 (METTL16) in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods

In this study, we used a model of diet-induced NAFLD, maintaining six male C57BL/6J mice on high-fat diet (HFD) to generate hepatic steatosis. The high-throughput sequencing and RNA sequencing were performed to identify the m6A methylation patterns and differentially expressed mRNAs in HFD mice livers. Furthermore, we detected the expression levels of m6A modify enzymes by qRT-PCR in liver tissues, and further investigated the potential role of METTL16 in NAFLD through constructing overexpression and a knockdown model of METTL16 in HepG2 cells.

Results

In total, we confirmed 15,999 m6A recurrent peaks in HFD mice and 12,322 in the control. Genes with differentially methylated m6A peaks were significantly associated with the dysregulated glucolipid metabolism and aggravated hepatic inflammatory response. In addition, we identified five genes (CIDEA, THRSP, OSBPL3, GDF15 and LGALS1) that played important roles in NAFLD progression after analyzing the differentially expressed genes containing differentially methylated m6A peaks. Intriguingly, we found that the expression levels of METTL16 were substantially increased in the NAFLD model in vivo and in vitro, and further confirmed that METTL16 upregulated the expression level of lipogenic genes CIDEA in HepG2 cells.

Conclusions

These results indicate the critical roles of m6A methylation and METTL16 in HFD-induced mice and cell NAFLD models, which broaden people’s perspectives on potential m6A-related treatments and biomarkers for NAFLD.
Factors Influencing Nursing Professionalism on the Nursing Performance in Intensive Care Unit Nurses
Authors: Jung Sunyoung , Park Hyojung
Published: December 2022

Purpose: This study examined the degree of self-leadership, emotional intelligence, nursing professionalism, and nursing performance of intensive care unit (ICU) nurses, and aimed to identify factors influencing nursing performance.Methods: In this descriptive study, the study participants were 121 nurses with over 6 months of experience working at a tertiary general hospital in Seoul. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the independent t-test and one-way analysis of variance, the Scheffé test, Pearson correlation coefficients, and stepwise multiple regression analysis.Results: The average scores for self-leadership, emotional intelligence, nursing professionalism, and nursing performance were 3.66±0.40, 5.06±0.62, 3.59±0.37, and 3.11±0.29, respectively. In this study nursing performance showed statistically significant differences according to gender (t=2.39, p=.018), age (F=20.62, p<.001), marital status (t=-2.94, p=.004), educational background (t=-4.05, p<.001), total experience (F=11.95, p<.001), ICU experience (F=12.44, p<.001), and work department (F=3.33, p=.026). Self-leadership (r=.41, p<.001), emotional intelligence (r=.31, p<.001), and nursing professionalism (r=.24, p=.007) were positively correlated with nursing performance. Factors affecting nursing performance were ICU experience (β=-.42, p<.001), self-leadership (β=.30, p=.001), and emotional intelligence (β=.17, p=.046), with a total explanatory power of approximately 35%.Conclusion: ICU career experience, self-leadership, and emotional intelligence predicted higher nursing performance among ICU nurses.
Priority Analysis of Needs for COVID-19 Infection Control Education for Nurses at a Medium-Sized Hospital
Authors: Kang Hee , Im Jin , Kang Hee-Young
Published: December 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the educational needs and analyze the priorities of infection control education content related to COVID-19 among nurses at a medium-sized hospital.Methods: In total, 110 nurses at a general hospital in G metropolitan city participated in the survey. Data were collected using structured questionnaires from February 14 to 21, 2022. The priorities of COVID-19 infection control education content were identified using a three-step analysis method, including the paired t-test, Borich priority formula, and the Locus for Focus model.Results: Seven content items with high educational needs were identified using the Locus for Focus model and the Borich priority formula. These included “use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when conducting a COVID-19 test”, “criteria and methods for ventilation of the test space”, “method of disinfecting the test space”, “facility management”, “isolated patient management”, “how to transfer patients within medical institutions”, and “how to transfer patients to other medical institutions”. These content items, as educational needs, should be considered as priorities among the 31 content items of COVID-19 infection control education.Conclusion: The results are significant in that this study investigated the educational needs for responding to and preparing for COVID-19 in nurses, who are directly engaged in conducting COVID-19 infection control activities at a small and medium-sized hospital. Furthermore, a priority analysis of needs for COVID-19 infection control education content was performed to realistically reflect the educational needs. These findings can be used for the development of infection control education programs for nurses.
Influence of the Risk for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Social Stigma and Social Support on Quality of Life of COVID-19 Survivors
Authors: Ji Hyung-ae , Choi Dongwon
Published: December 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD risk), social stigma, and social support on the quality of life of COVID-19 survivors.Methods: Data were collected from 180 survivors who were discharged from hospital for COVID-19 from September 1 to December 31, 2021. Structured questionnaires were used to assess variables. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS/WIN 27.0, with independent t-test, one way analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation, and hierarchial multiple regression.Results: Subjects' quality of life was correlated with PTSD risk (r=-.52, p<.001), social stigma (r=-.16, p=.029), and social support (r=.26, p=.001). The Factors influencing the quality of life were gender (β=.26, p=.001), occupation (β=-.24, p=.001), PTSD risk (β=-.48, p<.001), social support (β=.19, p=.004), and explanatory power were approximately 37% (F=14.03, p<.001).Conclusion: This study found that PTSD risk in COVID-19 survivors lowered their quality of life, and social support increased their quality of life. Therefore, it is necessary to develop various intervention programs to improve the quality of life of COVID-19 survivors by reducing PTSD risk and provide a social support system.
Development and Evaluation of an Online Self-Management Program in Patients with Chronic Kidney Failure Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Yang Jinhyang
Published: December 2022

Purpose: This study was performed to develop and evaluate an online self-management program for enhancing hemodialysis-related knowledge, self-efficacy, ways of coping, self-management behavior, physical and mental health-related quality of life in patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis.Methods: The research used a quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent control group pre-post test design with convenience sampling. The participants were 53 patients (27 in the experimental group and 26 in the control group). A pretest and posttest were conducted to measure the main variables. For the experimental group, the online self-management program, consisting of counseling-centered activities in small groups, was administered for 8 weeks. Data were analyzed using the x2 test, t-test and independent/paired t-test with the SPSS 27 statistics program.Results: Statistically significant increases were found in hemodialysis-related knowledge, self-efficacy, active ways of coping, self-management behavior, physical and mental health-related quality of life but not in passive ways of coping in the experimental group compared to the control group.Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the online self-management program was effective in increasing hemodialysis-related knowledge, self-efficacy, active ways of coping, self-management behavior, physical and mental health-related quality of life among patients with hemodialysis. Therefore, it can be safely utilized as a nursing intervention for patients with chronic kidney failure undergoing hemodialysis in pandemic situations with high risk of infection.
Assessment of Oxidative Stress Indicators among Patients with Sickle Cell Anaemia versus Non Sickle Cell Iron Deficiency Anaemia: A Case-control Study
Authors: Wasnik Rina Raibhan , Mundra Mahavir Raghunath , Paunipagar Prashant Vishram , Dhok Archana , Anjankar Ashish , Akarte Nilkanth
Published: December 2022

Introduction: In sickle cell anaemia, haemolysed iron is reutilised, moreover, iron stores are increased owing to the blood transfusions, hence, iron deficiency is less common in sickle cell anaemia. But iron decompartmentalisation, due to unstable haemoglobin, is thought to be the cause for oxidative stress. Hence, iron deficiency anaemia and sickle cell anaemia need to be compared and studied to provide better treatment and awareness. Aim: To compare the oxidative stress, antioxidants and iron indices among patients with Sickle Cell Anaemia (SCA) and Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA). Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Wardha, Maharashtra, India, from January 2016 to December 2018. Total 240 SCA patients {120 SS (homozygous disease) and 120 AS (heterozygous trait)}, 120 patients with IDA and 120 age-matched and sexmatched controls were included in present study. Oxidative stress markers Malondialdehyde (MDA), Catalase, Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), vitamin C and vitamin E, zinc and iron indices {Iron, Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) and serum ferritin} were analysed. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results: The mean age of SS patients was 19.01±11.43, AS was 22.01±11.78 years, control was 22.63±12.17 years, and IDA was 18.50±11.46. There was an equal distribution of both males and females in all groups. The mean of haemoglobin in SS was 7.40 g/dL, AS was 10.31 g/dL, IDA was 8.63 g/dL, and control was 14.81 g/dL. The mean value of mean corpuscular volume for SS was 65.71 fL, AS was 65.64 fL, IDA was 72.38 fL, and control was 87.68 fL. Zinc for SS was 82.65 μg/dL, AS was 82.13 μg/dL, IDA was 43.33 μg/dL, and control was 103.99 μg/dL. Conclusion: There is impairment in the oxidant and antioxidant status among patients with sickle cell anaemia with and without IDA.
Quality Improvement Initiative for Neonates: Use of In-line Endotoxin Filters in Central Venous Catheters: A Prospective Interventional Study
Authors: Mirle Nikhita , Rajan Aswathy , Shriyan Ashvij , Soans Santosh
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Sick newborns often require central venous catheters for prolonged periods of time when admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). These central lines, hence, raise the problems of sepsis, thrombus and other potential linerelated complications. In-line endotoxin filters are found to be an effective intervention to remove potential sepsis causing bacteria, endotoxins and other particulates there by reducing the mortality and morbidity of these newborns. Aim: To determine the effect of in-line endotoxin filters on mortality and occurrence of venous thrombosis, sepsis and Necrotising Enterocolitis (NEC) in sick newborns with central venous catheters. Materials and Methods: This single-centre, prospective interventional study was conducted over a period of 12 months, where, all sick babies admitted to the NICU for more than 24 hours with a central venous catheter were eligible for the study. They were grouped into those which received the in-line filters (study group) and those with standard care without filters (control group). The primary outcome variables studied were sepsis, thrombus formation, NEC, ventilator days and death. Secondary outcomes were days of hospital stay, line days, and length of ICU stay. Results: Out of 137 eligible neonates, 127 were finally included in the study; 66 were in the control group while 61 in the study group, seven were excluded and a total of 54 in the study group were included. A total of 20 cases developed NEC in the control group while only six in the study group (p-value=0.03). Thrombus formation was lesser in the study group 3 (5.6%) compared to the control group 14 (21.2%). Thrombus formation was also found to be less likely to occur when an in-line filter is attached as compared to not using one (OR 0.232; 95% CI 0.628-0.858; p-value=0.02). The odds of occurrence of NEC (OR: 0.307 95 % CI: 0.113 - 0.834) also were found to be significantly less in the study group. Conclusion: A simple intervention like addition of in-line endotoxin filters to the central venous catheters in sick newborns in NICU decreases the risk of thrombosis, risk of NEC and overall complications in critically ill NICU patients.
Influence of Irrigation Schedules on Economics of Winter Wheat in Eastern Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Mishra Vipin , Denis D. M. , Singh Rajesh , Paul Anupriya
Published: December 2022

This research was aimed to investigate the influence of irrigation schedules on the economic return of winter wheat during the Rabi season of years 2020-21 and 2021-22 for two consecutive years in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. Irrigation was scheduled as influenced by limiting soil water conditions, climatological factors and factors of energy balance. Irrigation was scheduled as influenced by limiting soil water conditions; the maximum cost of wheat production 46702.14 Rs/ha was found with 396 mm of total water applied at irrigation level 0 % soil moisture depletion and maximum benefit cost ratio 1.93 was found with 316.8 mm of total water applied at irrigation level 20 % soil moisture depletion, while a minimum benefit cost ratio 1.30 was found with 79.2 mm of total water applied at irrigation level 80% soil moisture depletion. Irrigation was scheduled as influenced by climatological factors, the maximum cost of wheat production 46702.14 Rs/ha was found with 396 mm of total water applied at irrigation level (IW/CPE=1.75) and maximum benefit cost ratio 2.07 was found with 330 mm of total water applied at irrigation level (IW/CPE=1.5) while minimum benefit cost ratio 1.44 was found with 132 mm of total water applied at irrigation level (IW/CPE= 0.50). Irrigation was scheduled as influenced by factors of energy balance, the maximum cost of wheat production 50306.08 Rs/ha was found with 528 mm of total water applied at irrigation level (EB=0.50) and maximum benefit cost ratio 2.19 was found with 396 mm of total water applied at irrigation level (EB=0.75) while the minimum benefit cost ratio 1.72 was found with 198 mm of total water applied at irrigation level (EB=1.75). Total water applied and B:C ratio of wheat as influenced by limiting soil water conditions, climatological factors and factors of energy balance showed a quadratic relationship R2=0.90, 0.85, and 0.65, respectively.
Prevalence of Extended-spectrum Beta-lactamase Mediated Urinary Tract Infections in a Tertiary Hospital in Enugu, South East, Nigeria
Authors: Ugwu Luke Jideofor , Ogbuabor Alphonsus Ogbonna , Anyamene Chris Okwudilichukwu
Published: December 2022

Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) are a class of plasmid-mediated diverse, complex and rapidly evolving enzymes which hydrolyzes penicillins, monobactams and broad-spectrum cephalosporins. There is increasing prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria globally with higher prevalence reported in developing countries. The present study was designed to determine the prevalence and antimicrobial sensitivity pattern of ESBL producing bacteria isolates in patients with Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Enugu. Urine samples were collected from a total of 284 subjects with self-reported UTI In the Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital, Enugu State, Nigeria between the periods of April to May,2019.Samples were analyzed for the presence of UTI and antimicrobial resistance pattern of ESBL-producing bacteria using standard methods.  Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics using SPSS version 23 (IBM Corp Armok, NY). A total of 145 strains of Staphylococcus aureus (n= 19). Escherichia coli (n=52), Klebsiella pneumonia (n=45), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n =12), Enterococcus faecalis (n=9) and Proteus mirabilis (n=8), were isolated from 132 subjects giving a UTI prevalence rate of 34.6%.  Forty-nine (49) ESBL-producing strains comprising Staphylococcus aureus (n=5), Escherichia coli (n=15), Klebsiella pneumonia (n=16), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=13), Enterococcus faecalis (n=8) and Proteus mirabilis (n=7) were implicated in UTI accounting for 46.8%ESBL-producing bacteria mediated UTI.  There is a high prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria induced UTI. This portends a great danger to the management of bacterial infections.
Ending the HIV Epidemic
Authors: Haddad Marwan , Person Anna K. , Tookes Hansel E.
Published: December 2022

This Viewpoint identifies several barriers to ending the HIV epidemic and urges increasing expertise in HIV medicine in underserved areas like the South challenging legislation designed to keep students ignorant.
Acquired Nonpigmented Vitreous Cyst Associated With Regressed Diabetic Neovascularization
Authors: Garcia-Davidson Diego , Wyhinny George J. , Valenzuela Enrique G.
Published: December 2022

This case report describes a 48-year-old man with acquired nonpigmented vitreous cyst associated with regressed diabetic neovascularization.
Ensuring image integrity in the digital age
Authors: Wright Duncan E. , De la Rosa Miguel A.
Published: December 2022

FEBS Open Bio and our fellow FEBS Press journals have a strong commitment to maintaining the integrity of the scientific literature. The life sciences, in particular, are suffering from an ongoing reproducibility crisis, and this may in part be fuelled by mistakes, manipulation or outright fabrication of the presented data. We were recently made aware of several articles published in FEBS Open Bio that appear to contain full or partial duplications of images from other published articles in a different scientific context. In most of these cases, the duplications were taken from previously published papers. After thorough investigation and subsequent discussion within FEBS Press and with Wiley's Integrity in Publishing Group, we have retracted most of these articles.
A Universal Size Design Principle for Stretchable Inorganic Electronics to Work Consistently under Different Interface Conditions
Authors: Li Shuang , Lan Yuqun , Huang YongAn , Chen Yuli , Su Yewang
Published: December 2022

Stretchable inorganic electronics are usually designed and calibrated under free interface condition, while the interface conditions between the devices and skins/organs in practical applications are rather complex (free, slidable, or bonded) and may switch among them. In the ideal situation, the mechanical and electrical performances have to be consistent under different interface conditions, to ensure the accuracy and robustness of the devices. Here, the effect of interface conditions on the mechanical and electrical performances is studied for stretchable inorganic electronics with different configurations by theoretical analysis, finite element analysis and experiment. A universal size design principle is proposed for stretchable inorganic electronics to work consistently under different interface conditions, i.e., the period length of the devices/interconnects has to be the same order of magnitude as the encapsulation thickness or less. To ensure the comfort of human skin/organs, micron‐scale geometrical design is necessary for epidermal electronics according to the above designed principle. This finding is of great significance for ensuring the accuracy and robustness of stretchable inorganic electronics in practical applications.
Completely Anisotropic Ultrafast Optical Switching and Direction‐Dependent Photocarrier Diffusion in Layered ZrTe5
Authors: Seo Sung Bok , Nah Sanghee , Sajjad Muhammad , Song Jiacheng , Singh Nirpendra , Suk Sang Ho , Baik Hionsuck , Kim Sanghoon , Kim Geun‐Ju , Kim Jung‐Il , Sim Sangwan
Published: December 2022

Layered nanomaterials with in‐plane anisotropy exhibit unique orientation‐dependent responses to external stimuli, enabling the development of novel devices with additional degrees of freedom. In particular, their anisotropic optical properties enable ultrafast nanophotonic modulators to be controlled by light polarization. However, achieving high controllability is still challenging due to incomplete optical anisotropy in most materials. Here, this work presents a completely anisotropic, ultrafast optical modulation in zirconium pentatelluride (ZrTe5), a layered nanomaterial that has recently attracted renewed attention. The transient absorption (TA) microscopy reveals anisotropic ultrafast picosecond optical modulation in a broad range of 1.2–2.2 eV. In particular, at a certain photon‐energy of 1.62 eV, complete on/off switching with a near‐unity degree of anisotropy is achieved solely by changing the light polarization, suggesting that ZrTe5 is a promising material for polarization‐selective high‐speed optical modulators. The theoretical analysis of the transition dipole moments attributes this sharp anisotropy to strongly polarization‐dependent excited‐state absorption. Furthermore, this work directly observes direction‐dependent photocarrier transport using scanning TA microscopy. It yields the anisotropic diffusivity, mobility, and diffusion lengths of the photocarriers, which are essential parameters for designing devices. Therefore, this work provides a comprehensive understanding of the anisotropic optical characteristics of ZrTe5 on ultrafast timescales.
Novel, Green, and Scalable Aqueous Synthesis of Yellow–Green Emitting Cs3Cu2Cl5 Scintillator and its Application in High‐Resolution TFT Panel for X‐Ray Imaging Detector
Authors: Wang Zhicheng , Guo Jiale , Lin Qi‐Sheng , Rao Guanghui , Zhao Jingtai , Yang Chengzhang , He Weixiang , Wang Chujie , Zhang Zhijun
Published: December 2022

Copper‐based metal halide scintillators have received increasing attention due to their high light yield and nontoxicity. However, the synthetic methods are still not feasible for actual commercialization for the difficulty in scaling up and the absence of green chemical footprint. Herein, we report a new, simple, aqueous synthetic method for the mass production of highly purified and crystallized Cs3Cu2Cl5 powder by a room‐temperature reaction between a saturated aqueous solution of CsCl and a saturated hydrochloric acid solution of CuCl. The product exhibits a photoluminence peak centering at 527 nm (FWHM = 106.7 nm) and a quantum yield (PLQY) of 97%. A prototype X‐ray imaging detector is fabricated by coupling a large area scintillation screen prepared by blade coating of Cs3Cu2Cl5 powder and a commercial thin‐film transistor (TFT) panel (16 cm × 13 cm, 125 µm pixel size) with readout circuit. The device exhibits a high spatial resolution of 4 lp mm−1, exceeding the theoretical limit of the TFT panel, and an excellent dynamic imaging ability. In short, this work demonstrates an efficient novel synthetic method of Cs3Cu2Cl5 and its application as X‐ray imaging device, providing an applicable solution for its future commercialization.
Halide Perovskite: A Promising Candidate for Next‐Generation X‐Ray Detectors
Authors: Wu Ya , Feng Jiangshan , Yang Zhou , Liu Yucheng , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: December 2022

In the past decade, metal halide perovskite (HP) has become a superstar semiconductor material due to its great application potential in the photovoltaic and photoelectric fields. In fact, HP initially attracted worldwide attention because of its excellent photovoltaic efficiency. However, HP and its derivatives also show great promise in X‐ray detection due to their strong X‐ray absorption, high bulk resistivity, suitable optical bandgap, and compatibility with integrated circuits. In this review, the basic working principles and modes of both the direct‐type and the indirect‐type X‐ray detectors are first summarized before discussing the applicability of HP for these two types of detection based on the pros and cons of different perovskites. Furthermore, the authors expand their view to different preparation methods developed for HP including single crystals and polycrystalline materials. Upon systematically analyzing their potential for X‐ray detection and photoelectronic characteristics on the basis of different structures and dimensions (0D, 2D, and 3D), recent progress of HPs (mainly polycrystalline) applied to flexible X‐ray detection are reviewed, and their practicability and feasibility are discussed. Finally, by reviewing the current research on HP‐based X‐ray detection, the challenges in this field are identified, and the main directions and prospects of future research are suggested.
Light‐Emitting Diode Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalytic Redox Reactions in Nitrogen Oxide Removal Using β‐Bi2O3/Bi/g‐C3N4 Prepared by One‐Step In Situ Thermal Reduction Synthesis
Authors: Qin Xing , Tan Huaqiao , Zhao Yingnan , Cheng Sihang , Zhou Min , Lin Jinliang , Ho Wing-Kei , Li Haiwei , Lee Shun-Cheng
Published: December 2022

Traditional photocatalytic oxidation of nitrogen oxide (NO) may cause the more toxic NO2 generation after longtime reaction, and even the ideal final production nitrate may also inevitably cause the poisoning of photocatalysts. Thus, utilizing photocatalytic reduction to remove NO into N2 should be considered more practical but is still challenging currently. Herein, a novel S‐scheme β‐Bi2O3/Bi/g‐C3N4 heterojunction photocatalyst is developed via a one‐step in situ thermal reduction method. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency over this S‐scheme photocatalyst exhibits around 88.7% degradation rate for NO with little NO2 generation under light‐emitting diode light irradiation, which is significantly higher than that of the pristine g‐C3N4 (60%). Interestingly, both reduction of NO into N2 and oxidation of NO into NO3− exist synchronously in the system. The increased degradation efficiency and the efficient reduction pathway occurring should be ascribed to the enhanced generation, separation, and transfer of the photogenerated carriers through the Bi‐bridge S‐scheme heterojunction. This study has provided a new route for regulating the photocatalytic reaction pathway for NO removal through a simple synthesis method.
Defoliation at seedling stage enhances maize yield by reducing lodging
Authors: Xu Jiayi , Zou Xiaojin , Xu Huasen , Gong Liang , Sun Zhanxiang , Zhang Lizhen , Niu Shiwei , Feng Liangshan , Han Lei , Wang Ruigang
Published: December 2022

Lodging greatly reduces maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield and harvest efficiency. We conducted a 3‐year (2018–2020) field experiment in Fengcheng city, Liaoning, China to investigate the effects of maize seedling defoliation on lodging resistance and grain yield. Two cultivars, Liangyu99 and Hongshuo, were tested without (control treatment) and with defoliation at seedling stage (V4 stage: DS treatment). Compared with the control, DS significantly (p < 0.05) decreased stalk lodging by 63.2%–77.9% and 51.0%–75.1%, contributing to the increase in grain yield by 4.94%–7.76% and 9.75%–19.6% for Liangyu99 and Hongshuo, respectively, during 2018–2020. The improvement of maize lodging resistance by seeding defoliation was mainly due to changes in plant morphology. On average, 12.0% and 21.9% declines in plant and ear heights, respectively, were observed and the number of internodes below the ear was reduced by 1–2 units for both cultivars with DS. A comparison of cultivars revealed that the increase in grain yield with defoliation was approximately twofold greater for Hongshuo than for Liangyu99. The greatest yield increase due to seedling defoliation was observed in 2018, when the yield was lowest with the nontreated control. However, in environments where lodging is less common, suppression of early vegetative growth would probably make little, if any, contribution to maize yield. These results suggest that defoliation of maize seedlings could be a profitable agronomic practice for maize grown in areas that experience frequent lodging.