bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity in Mission Statements and Among Students at US Medical Schools Accredited Since 2000
Authors: West Kelsey , Oyoun Alsoud Leen , Andolsek Kathryn , Sorrell Sara , Al Hageh Cynthia , Ibrahim Halah
Published: December 2023

Importance

Diversity in the physician workforce improves patient care and decreases health disparities. Recent calls for social justice have highlighted the importance of medical school commitment to diversity and social justice, and newly established medical schools are uniquely positioned to actively fulfill the social mission of medicine.

Objective

To identify diversity language in the mission statements of all medical schools accredited since 2000 and to determine whether the presence of diversity language was associated with increased diversity in the student body.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Cross-sectional study of public websites conducted between January 6, 2023, and March 31, 2023. Qualitative content analysis of mission statements was conducted using a deductive approach. Eligible schools were identified from the 2021-2022 Medical School Admission Requirements and American Medical Colleges and American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine websites. Each school’s publicly available website was also reviewed for its mission and student body demographics. All United States allopathic and osteopathic medical schools that have been accredited and have enrolled students since 2000.

Exposure

Content analysis of medical school mission statements.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Prevalence of diversity language in medical school mission statements and its association with student body racial diversity. Data were analyzed in 5-year groupings: 2001 to 2005, 2006 to 2010, 2011 to 2015, and 2016 to 2020).

Results

Among the 60 new medical schools (33 [55%] allopathic and 27 [45%] osteopathic; 6927 total students), 33 (55%) incorporated diversity language into their mission statements. In 2022, American Indian or Alaska Native individuals accounted for 0.26% of students (n = 18), Black or African American students constituted 5% (n = 368), and Hispanic or Latinx individuals made up 12% (n = 840). The percentage of schools with diversity language in their mission statements did not change significantly in schools accredited across time frames (60% in 2001: mean [SE], 0.60 [0.24] vs 50% in 2020: mean [SE], 0.50 [0.11]). The percentage of White students decreased significantly over the time period (26% vs 15% students in 2001-2005 and 2016-2020, respectively; P < .001). No significant differences were observed in student body racial or ethnic composition between schools with mission statements that included diversity language and those without.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study of US medical schools accredited since 2000, diversity language was present in approximately half of the schools’ mission statements and was not associated with student body diversity. Future studies are needed to identify the barriers to increasing diversity in all medical schools.
Anterior Chamber Snowflake After Keratoplasty
Authors: Lin Lixia , Xu Xiaoyu , Gu Jianjun
Published: December 2023

A 62-year-old woman presented with painless vision reduction and eye redness in the right eye for a week. Nine months after keratoplasty, she presented with diffuse tiny nodules all over the iris and a dense opacity in the anterior vitreous body. What would you do next?
Risk of Cervical Dizziness in Patients With Cervical Spondylosis
Authors: Chang Tzu-Pu , Wang Zheyu , Lee Xin-Xian , Kuo Yu-Hung , Schubert Michael C.
Published: December 2023

Importance

The dizziness associated with cervical spondylosis is a controversial topic given that many experts believe that cervical spondylosis is a common cause of dizziness, whereas others do not believe it exists.

Objective

To compare the risk of dizziness between patients with cervical spondylosis and matched controls (ie, patients with lumbar spondylosis after propensity score matching [PSM]).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used medical claims data from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan for patients 60 years or older with cervical or lumbar spondylosis newly diagnosed in any outpatient department between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2015. Patients diagnosed with cervical spondylosis were included as the study cohort, and those diagnosed with lumbar spondylosis who were matched to the study cohort via PSM were selected as the control cohort. Both cohorts were followed up for 1 year unless they were diagnosed with dizziness, censored by death, or withdrew from the health insurance program. Data analysis was performed from August 9 to September 20, 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcome was the date of outpatient diagnosis of dizziness. The risks of dizziness were compared between groups. The relative risk and incidence rate difference were calculated.

Results

A total of 3638 patients with cervical spondylosis (mean [SD] age, 67.9 [7.1] years; 2024 [55.6%] male) and 3638 patients with lumbar spondylosis (mean [SD] age, 68.0 [7.1] years; 2024 [55.6%] male) after PSM were selected as the study and control cohorts, respectively. The patients with cervical spondylosis had higher risk of dizziness than matched controls, with a 1-year relative risk of 1.20 (95% CI, 1.03-1.39). The 1-year incidence of dizziness was 10.2% (95% CI, 9.2%-11.2%) in patients with cervical spondylosis and 8.6% (95% CI, 7.7%-9.5%) in the matched group of lumbar spondylosis. The incidence rate difference between the groups was 1.6% (95% CI, 0.3%-3.0%).

Conclusions and Relevance

These data support the association between dizziness and cervical spondylosis, but the small difference between groups reveals that dizziness associated with cervical spondylosis is uncommon. Clinicians should be wary of diagnosing a cervical cause for dizziness based on an actual history of cervical spondylosis.
Peeling–Stiffening Self‐Adhesive Ionogel with Superhigh Interfacial Toughness
Authors: Shi Yingkun , Wu Baohu , Sun Shengtong , Wu Peiyi
Published: December 2023

Self‐adhesive materials that can directly adhere to diverse solid surfaces are indispensable in modern life and technologies. However, it remains a challenge to develop self‐adhesive materials with strong adhesion while maintaining its intrinsic softness for efficient tackiness. Here, a peeling–stiffening self‐adhesive ionogel that reconciles the seemingly contradictory properties of softness and strong adhesion is reported. The ionogel contains two ionophilic repeating units with distinct associating affinities, which allows to adaptively wet rough surface in the soft dissipating state for adhering, and to dramatically stiffen to the glassy state upon peeling. The corresponding modulus increases by 117 times driven by strain‐rate‐induced phase separation, which greatly suppresses crack propagation and results in a super high interfacial toughness of 8046 J m−2. The self‐adhesive ionogel is also transparent, self‐healable, recyclable, and can be easily removed by simple moisture treatment. This strategy provides a new way to design high‐performance self‐adhesive materials for intelligent soft devices.
Photocatalytic Functionalization of Heptacyclo[6.6.0.02,6.03,13.04,11.05,9.010,14]Tetradecane
Authors: Recort‐Fornals Martí , Marset Xavier , Simon Martin , Golz Christopher , Ramón Diego J. , Alcarazo Manuel
Published: December 2023

The regioselective functionalization of heptacyclo[6.6.0.02,6.03,13.04,11.05,9.010,14]tetradecane (HCTD) under photocatalytic conditions is described. The protocols developed share an initial photo‐triggered hydrogen atom abstraction that regioselectively generates the necessary HCTD‐radical preferentially at position 1‐, they employ no excess of the precious cage carbocycle, and enable the straightforward access to a broad variety of 1‐(alkyl, aryl, or sulfinyl) HCTDs in moderate but still synthetically useful yields. The scope and limitations of each transformation are also discussed.
Sniffing Like a Wine Taster: Multiple Overlapping Sniffs (MOSS) Strategy Enhances Electronic Nose Odor Recognition Capability
Authors: Liu Luzheng , Na Na , Yu Jichuan , Zhao Wenxiang , Wang Ze , Zhu Yu , Hu Chuxiong
Published: December 2023

As highly promising devices for odor recognition, current electronic noses are still not comparable to human olfaction due to the significant disparity in the number of gas sensors versus human olfactory receptors. Inspired by the sniffing skills of wine tasters to achieve better odor perception, a multiple overlapping sniffs (MOSS) strategy is proposed in this study. The MOSS strategy involves rapid and continuous inhalation of odorants to stimulate the sensor array to generate feature‐rich temporal signals. Computational fluid dynamics simulations are performed to reveal the mechanism of complex dynamic flows affecting transient responses. The proposed strategy shows over 95% accuracy in the recognition experiments of three gaseous alkanes and six liquors. Results demonstrate that the MOSS strategy can accurately and easily recognize odors with a limited sensor number. The proposed strategy has potential applications in various odor recognition scenarios, such as medical diagnosis, food quality assessment, and environmental surveillance.
Swelling of Ti3C2Tx MXene in Water and Methanol at Extreme Pressure Conditions
Authors: Iakunkov Artem , Lienert Ulrich , Sun Jinhua , Talyzin Alexandr V.
Published: December 2023

Pressure‐induced swelling has been reported earlier for several hydrophilic layered materials. MXene Ti3C2Tx is also a hydrophilic layered material composed by 2D sheets but so far pressure‐induced swelling is reported for this material only under conditions of shear stress at MPa pressures. Here, high‐pressure experiments are performed with MXenes prepared by two methods known to provide “clay‐like” materials. MXene synthesized by etching MAX phase with HCl+LiF demonstrates the effect of pressure‐induced swelling at 0.2 GPa with the insertion of additional water layer. The transition is incomplete with two swollen phases (ambient with d(001) = 16.7Å and pressure‐induced with d(001) = 19.2Å at 0.2 GPa) co‐existing up to the pressure point of water solidification. Therefore, the swelling transition corresponds to change from two‐layer water intercalation (2L‐phase) to a never previously observed three‐layer water intercalation (3L‐phase) of MXene. Experiments with MXene prepared by LiCl+HF etching have not revealed pressure‐induced swelling in liquid water. Both MXenes also show no anomalous compressibility in liquid methanol. The presence of pressure‐induced swelling only in one of the MXenes indicates that the HCl+LiF synthesis method is likely to result in higher abundance of hydrophilic functional groups terminating 2D titanium carbide.
A Fully Amorphous, Dynamic Cross‐Linked Polymer Electrolyte for Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries Operating at Subzero‐Temperatures
Authors: Zhang Juan , Chou Jia , Luo Xiao‐Xi , Yang Yi‐Ming , Yan Ming‐Yan , Jia Di , Zhang Chao‐Hui , Wang Ya‐Hui , Wang Wen‐Peng , Tan Shuang‐Jie , Guo Jun‐Chen , Zhao Yao , Wang Fuyi , Xin Sen , Wan Li‐Jun , Guo Yu‐Guo
Published: December 2023

Solid‐state lithium‐sulfur batteries have shown prospects as safe, high‐energy electrochemical storage technology for powering regional electrified transportation. Owing to limited ion mobility in crystalline polymer electrolytes, the battery is incapable of operating at subzero temperature. Addition of liquid plasticizer into the polymer electrolyte improves the Li‐ion conductivity yet sacrifices the mechanical strength and interfacial stability with both electrodes. In this work, we showed that by introducing a spherical hyperbranched solid polymer plasticizer into a Li+‐conductive linear polymer matrix, an integrated dynamic cross‐linked polymer network was built to maintain fully amorphous in a wide temperature range down to subzero. A quasi‐solid polymer electrolyte with a solid mass content >90 % was prepared from the cross‐linked polymer network, and demonstrated fast Li+ conduction at a low temperature, high mechanical strength, and stable interfacial chemistry. As a result, solid‐state lithium‐sulfur batteries employing the new electrolyte delivered high reversible capacity and long cycle life at 25 °C, 0 °C and −10 °C to serve energy storage at complex environmental conditions.
Thermo‐mechanical properties of polyethylene composites filled with soapstone waste
Authors: de Sousa Giulia Simão , Kalantar Mehrjerdi Adib , Skrifvars Mikael , d'Almeida José Roberto Moraes
Published: December 2023

In this study, soapstone waste originated from craftsmanship activities was used as an alternative filler (0–30 wt%) for a high‐density polyethylene (PE) matrix. The aim of this paper is to understand the effect of the filler particles on crystallinity, thermal stability and thermo‐mechanical properties of this newly developed composite material. Physico‐chemical characterization was performed by x‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), oxidation induction time (OIT) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMA) were performed to assess the effect of the filler on the themo‐mechanical properties of PE. Thermal stability, measured by TGA, was enhanced, while OIT values reduced with filler content. A significant increase on the storage modulus of the composites (up to 148% in comparison with unfilled PE) was observed and this reinforcing effect was even more prominent at higher temperatures. XRD analysis revealed that the degree of crystallinity improved significantly with soapstone loading, which explains the substantial increase in stiffness observed. Increased crystallinity is also associated with higher strength, reduced residual stress, and better dimensional stability of end products, which can be particularly attractive for pressure pipe applications.
Noncommutative branch‐cut quantum gravity with a self‐coupling inflaton scalar field: The wave function of the Universe
Authors: Hess Peter O. , Weber Fridolin , Bodmann Benno , de Freitas Pacheco José , Hadjimichef Dimiter , Netz‐Marzola Marcelo , Naysinger Geovane , Razeira Moisés , Zen Vasconcellos César A.
Published: December 2023

This article focuses on the implications of a noncommutative formulation of branch‐cut quantum gravity. Based on a mini‐superspace structure that obeys the noncommutative Poisson algebra, combined with the Wheeler–DeWitt equation and Hořava–Lifshitz quantum gravity, we explore the impact of a scalar field of the inflaton‐type in the evolution of the Universe's wave function. Taking as a starting point the Hořava–Lifshitz action, which depends on the scalar curvature of the branched Universe and its derivatives, the corresponding wave equations are derived and solved. The noncommutative quantum gravity approach adopted preserves the diffeomorphism property of General Relativity, maintaining compatibility with the Arnowitt–Deser–Misner Formalism. In this work we delve deeper into a mini‐superspace of noncommutative variables, incorporating scalar inflaton fields and exploring inflationary models, particularly chaotic and nonchaotic scenarios. We obtained solutions to the wave equations without resorting to numerical approximations. The results indicate that the noncommutative algebraic space captures low and high spacetime scales, driving the exponential acceleration of the Universe.
Sustainability assurance and corporate environmental accountability
Authors: Lemma Tesfaye T. , Negash Minga , Lulseged Ayalew , Maroun Warren
Published: December 2023

This study explores the institutional field of sustainability assurance in South Africa to explain how this emerging practice, largely embedded in the mature field of auditing, operates. Employing the institutional pillars approach to analyze data obtained from in‐depth interviews, archival sources, and documentary reviews, the study shows mechanisms by which governing norms of the sustainability assurance field in South Africa are maintained despite a conspicuous gap between the desired purpose of sustainability assurance and its actual practice. Building on prior research on capture of sustainability assurance field, we identify an institutional outcome of total—that is, managerial and professional—capture conditioned by (1) malleability of the objective and scope of sustainability assurance engagements and (2) inadequate regulative pillars that failed to manage the multiple and competing interests in the sustainability assurance field. We show that total capture enabled maintaining field norms of sustainability assurance that cater for the interests of assurors and clients with limited regard to enhancing corporate environmental sustainability. The study contributes to the literature by highlighting the institutional outcome of embedding the emerging practice of sustainability assurance in an established field of auditing in a setting with weak regulative pillars.
The impact of green entrepreneurial orientation on sustainability performance through the effects of green product and process innovation: The moderating role of ambidexterity
Authors: Coelho Arnaldo , Ferreira Jorge , Proença Catarina
Published: December 2023

Drawing on the dynamic capability perspective, this study examines the impact of green entrepreneurial orientation (GEO) on sustainability performance through green innovation, considering the moderation of ambidexterity. Data were collected through a 26‐item questionnaire administered in two stages to key respondents from the operations and administrative/commercial departments, resulting in 369 valid responses from industrial small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in 13 Portuguese industrial districts. The findings reveal that GEO positively influences green processes and product innovation. This suggests that companies with this orientation prioritize environmental protection and business growth through green innovation. Consequently, these innovations enhance sustainability performance across the triple bottom line dimensions, highlighting the link between GEO and the mitigation of negative environmental impacts. The study argues that sustainability can drive competitiveness and stresses the need to balance exploration and exploitation to maximize the benefits of GEO on green innovation and sustainability.
Advances in β‐Diketocyclisation of Curcumin Derivatives and their Antitumor Activity
Authors: Dai Hailong , Zhang Si , Zheng Xing , Luo Zhongqin , Chen Hongfei , Yao Xu
Published: December 2023

Curcumin, derived from the popular spice turmeric, is a pharmacologically active polyphenol. Curcumin's therapeutic activity has been extensively studied in recent decades, with reports implicating curcumin in many biological activities, particularly, its significant anticancer activity. However, its potential as an oral administration product is hampered by poor bioavailability, which is associated with a variety of factors, including low water solubility, poor intestinal permeability, instability, and degradation at alkaline pH. To improve its bioavailability, modifying β‐diketone curcumin with heterocycles, such as pyrazole, isoxazole and triazole is a powerful strategy. Derivatives are synthesized while maintaining the basic skeleton of curcumin. The β‐diketone cyclized curcumin derivatives are regulators of multiple molecular targets, which play vital roles in a variety of cellular pathways. In some literatures, structurally modified curcumin derivatives have been compared with curcumin, and the former has enhanced biological activity, improved water solubility and stability. Therefore, the scope of this review is to report the most recently synthesized heterocyclic derivatives and to classify them according to their chemical structures. Several of the most important and effective compounds are reviewed by introducing different active groups into the β‐diketone position to achieve better therapeutic efficacy and bioavailability.
Trustworthiness assessment as an inclusion criterion for systematic reviews—What is the impact on results?
Authors: Weeks Jo , Cuthbert Anna , Alfirevic Zarko
Published: December 2023

Background

There is increasing concern that a significant proportion of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included in Cochrane reviews may not be trustworthy. Applying the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Trustworthiness Screening Tool (CPC‐TST) has already had a clinically important effect on several reviews published by the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group.

Objectives

We wanted to assess the impact of removing untrustworthy RCTs from already‐published Cochrane reviews on a defined clinical area (antenatal and postnatal nutritional interventions).

Methods

We applied the tool to 18 Cochrane reviews (374 RCTs). The tool had four domains: (i) is the research governance trustworthy; (ii) are the baseline characteristics trustworthy; (iii) is the study feasible; (iv) are the results plausible? When additional information was needed, authors were contacted using a standard template. At least two attempts were made to contact the authors. At the end of the evaluation process each study was classified as: (i) included (YES to all questions); (ii) excluded (retracted study); or (iii) awaiting classification (any NO to the questions).

Results

Ninety‐three out of 374 included studies (25%) were reclassified as “excluded” or “awaiting classification.” The number of included RCTs was reduced in 14 out of 18 reviews. Six reviews (33%) were judged to require updating because of important differences in the Summary of Findings tables (direction and size of effects and/or GRADE ratings), conclusions, implication for practice, and/or implication for research.

Conclusions

Formal assessment of trustworthiness, and inclusion only of studies that satisfy prespecified criteria for trustworthiness, affect conclusions in a relatively large number of Cochrane reviews, with potentially important clinical implications for practice and research.
Copper‐Catalyzed C−H (Phenylsulfonyl)difluoromethylation of Acrylamides: Scope, Mechanism, and Critical Role of Additives
Authors: Nobile Enzo , Doche Floriane , Castanheiro Thomas , Musaev Djamaladdin G. , Besset Tatiana
Published: December 2023

Herein, we report the Cu‐complex catalyzed, native functional group‐assisted, and TFA/NMF additives promoted (phenylsulfonyl)difluoromethylation of vinylic C(sp2)−H bond of acrylamides. Using our in‐home designed reagent, this reaction enables the construction of the C(sp2)−CF2SO2Ph bond from simple C−H bond activation by copper catalysis under mild reaction conditions with total Z‐selectivity. The versatility of utilized fluorinated group was illustrated by its conversion into value‐added CF2 moieties as well as the remarkable =CHF residue. The performed experimental and computational mechanistic studies enabled to identify the true nature of active catalyst and substrate, as well as establish critical roles of TFA and NMF additives. In this reaction, the TFA acts as a promoter of the much‐needed CuII/CuII→CuIII/CuI disproportionation, while the NMF facilitates the following ligand exchange and C−C coupling processes. We ruled out the generation of radical intermediates and established the C−H activation to be irreversible and the rate‐determining step of the entire process.
Research progress on moisture resistance of gas sensors
Authors: Sun Xiaofeng , Shi Yu , Wang Huiyu , Shao Xiang , Yang Liu , Li Xue , Wang Minghao
Published: December 2023

Sensors used to detect explosive, flammable, toxic, and harmful gases are in focus of research. The gas sensor can be affected by many factors in the process of use, and among the many adverse elements affecting the function of the gas sensor, humidity is the most common. With the rapid development of gas sensors, the influence of humidity on gas sensors has been paid more and more attention. To reduce the impact of humidity, many methods have been proposed. In this review, the specific impact of humidity on the function of metal‐oxide semiconductors and solid electrolyte gas sensors is summarized. Practical techniques are proposed to reduce the effect of humidity on device performance, which is of great help in improving the detection efficiency and quality of gas sensors in high‐humidity environment. The information may be valuable for expanding the application field of gas sensors.
Implications of Incorporating Plasma Lipoprotein Binding into a Physiologically‐Based Pharmacokinetic Model: A Simulation Study with Amiodarone
Authors: Doki Kosuke , Hashimoto Naoaki , Yoshida Keigo , Homma Masato
Published: December 2023

Although various lipophilic drugs are bound to lipoproteins, lipoprotein binding in plasma is not usually considered in current physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models. Amiodarone is extensively bound to serum triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins. Total plasma amiodarone concentration, which is the sum of both unbound and bound concentrations, increases with increasing serum triglyceride levels. We investigated the impact of lipoprotein binding on amiodarone pharmacokinetics using PBPK modeling and simulations. An amiodarone PBPK model that incorporates plasma lipoprotein binding (LPP model) was developed based on the correlation between serum triglyceride levels and lipoprotein‐bound amiodarone. The predicted unbound fraction of amiodarone in plasma and systemic clearance in the LPP and base models (with albumin binding only) were similar, but the coefficients of variation for the LPP model were greater than those for the base model and were closer to the observed data. The total plasma amiodarone concentration predicted using the LPP model increased with higher levels of plasma lipoprotein binding and serum albumin. In contrast, changes in plasma lipoprotein binding and serum albumin levels did not influence the predicted unbound plasma amiodarone concentration at steady‐state. This study demonstrates that incorporating plasma lipoprotein binding into a PBPK model improves the accuracy of predicting interindividual variabilities in amiodarone clearance by more reliably predicting the interindividual variability in the plasma unbound fraction of amiodarone. Plasma lipoprotein binding should be considered in PBPK modeling and simulations for lipoprotein‐associated drugs if there is available information on the relationship between plasma lipoprotein binding and hyperlipidemia.
Subcutaneous Administration of Monoclonal Antibodies: Pharmacology, Delivery, Immunogenicity, and Learnings From Applications to Clinical Development
Authors: Davis John D. , Bravo Padros Marçal , Conrado Daniela J. , Ganguly Samit , Guan Xiaowen , Hassan Hazem E. , Hazra Anasuya , Irvin Susan C. , Jayachandran Priya , Kosloski Matthew P. , Lin Kuan‐Ju , Mukherjee Kamalika , Paccaly Anne , Papachristos Apostolos , Partridge Michael A. , Prabhu Saileta , Visich Jennifer , Welf Erik S. , Xu Xiaoying , Zhao An , Zhu Min
Published: December 2023

Subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can reduce treatment burden for patients and healthcare systems compared with intravenous (i.v.) infusion through shorter administration times, made possible by convenient, patient‐centric devices. A deeper understanding of clinical pharmacology principles related to efficacy and safety of s.c.‐administered mAbs over the past decade has streamlined s.c. product development. This review presents learnings from key constituents of the s.c. mAb development pathway, including pharmacology, administration variables, immunogenicity, and delivery devices. Restricted mAb transportation through the hypodermis explains their incomplete absorption at a relatively slow rate (pharmacokinetic (PK)) and may impact mAb‐cellular interactions and/or onset and magnitude of physiological responses (pharmacodynamic). Injection volumes, formulation, rate and site of injection, and needle attributes may affect PKs and the occurrence/severity of adverse events like injection‐site reactions or pain, with important consequences for treatment adherence. A review of immunogenicity data for numerous compounds reveals that incidence of anti‐drug antibodies (ADAs) is generally comparable across i.v. and s.c. routes, and complementary factors including response magnitude (ADA titer), persistence over time, and neutralizing antibody presence are needed to assess clinical impact. Finally, four case studies showcase how s.c. biologics have been clinically developed: (i) by implementation of i.v./s.c. bridging strategies to streamline PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitor development, (ii) through co‐development with i.v. presentations for anti‐severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 antibodies to support rapid deployment of both formulations, (iii) as the lead route for bispecific T cell engagers (BTCEs) to mitigate BTCE‐mediated cytokine release syndrome, and (iv) for pediatric patients in the case of dupilumab.
Presence and detection of endogenous steroids in the horse—A review
Authors: Viljanto Marjaana , Gray Bobby , Scarth James
Published: December 2023

Detection of doping with steroids that are also endogenous in the horse can be challenging, and a variety of approaches to distinguish exogenous administration from their natural presence are employed. Knowledge of endogenous concentrations of various steroids in different genders of horses (intact male, castrated male and female) and factors that could naturally affect them is beneficial for establishing ways for detection of their use. The current internationally adopted approaches include concentration‐based thresholds in urine and plasma, steroid ratios in urine and targeting the administered intact steroid esters in plasma and hair. However, these have their limitations, and therefore, other strategies, such as additional biomarkers and steroid profiling based on longitudinal testing and multivariate analysis, have been investigated and could potentially improve detection of the use of endogenous steroids in horses. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the steroids (androgens, oestrogens and progestogens) that have been reported to be endogenous to horses in literature, their concentration ranges in different genders and factors potentially affecting them as well as current and possible future approaches to detect their use.
Causal relationship between aspirin consumption and heart failure: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Cai Wenyi , Fang Zhang , Tian Zhiqiang , Li Dianfu , Tang Kangting
Published: December 2023

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the causal association of aspirin consumption with the risk of heart failure.

Methods

Our study included a total of 218 208 individuals, with 23 397 cases of heart failure. Genetic summary data on the association between single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and aspirin consumption were obtained from a large‐scale genome‐wide association study involving 462 933 individuals, of which 61 702 people were taking aspirin. After the exclusion of critical confounding factors, we assessed the final and independent association between the aspirin consumption and the risk of heart failure using 3 two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) methods‐inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted‐median, and MR‐Egger regression. Sensitivity analyses and directionality test were employed to further validate the stability of the results.

Results

After excluding the SNPs that exhibited associations with potential confounders and harmonizing the data, a total of 32 SNPs were finally selected for MR analysis from the initially identified 60 SNPs that displayed strong associations with the exposure. The results of the main method (IVW) showed a significant positive association between aspirin use and the occurrence of heart failure (OR [odds ratio]: 1.085; 95% CI [confidence interval]: 1.015–1.161; P = 0.017), although other methods did not showed statistically significant results (MR‐Egger, OR: 1.211, 95% CI: 0.842–1.21, P = 0.896; weighted‐median, OR: 1.087, 95% CI: 0.983–1.202, P = 0.105). Heterogeneity test, the MR‐Egger intercept, and the funnel plot did not reveal any evidence of heterogeneity (Cochran's Q statistic = 29.263; P = 0.556) or horizontal pleiotropy (intercept = 0.007; P = 0.319). The ‘leave‐one‐out’ analysis indicated that no individual SNP exerted a dominant influence on the main estimate. Directionality test confirmed the accuracy of the causal relationship between exposure and outcome direction in our data.

Conclusions

Our results support a potential positive causal relationship between aspirin consumption and the occurrence of heart failure.
Synthesis and Applications of Trifluoromethylphosphines
Authors: Zhang Shouzhi , Fan Wu , Li Suhua
Published: December 2023

Trifluoromethylphosphines (TFMPhos) represent a rare kind of phosphine with unique electronic properties that result in unusual reactivities, such as the ability to promote a reductive elimination step or as a trifluoromethylation reagent. This concept article summarizes current developments in methods for synthesizing this tertiary phosphine, as well as their practical applications.
Thermoelectric Transport of a Novel Zr‐Based Half‐Heusler High‐Entropy Alloy
Authors: Adamo Chalchisa Getachew , Srivastava Ashutosh , Legese Surafel Shiferaw , Kawamura Yoshihito , Serbesa Ayansa Tolesa , Punathil Raman Sreeram , Olu Femi Emmanuel , Tiwary Chandra Sekhar , Singh Abhishek Kumar , Chattopadhyay Kamanio
Published: December 2023

The high‐entropy concept, extensively studied in alloys and ceramics, has produced intriguing results, but its use in thermoelectric materials is still in its infancy. This study introduces a pioneering high‐entropy half‐Heusler (hH) alloy, ZrTiNiFeSnSb, synthesized via arc melting and heat treatment. Phonon scattering from multiple elements significantly reduces the lattice thermal conductivity of the alloy, which decreases to a minimum of 3.5 Wm−1 K−1 (700 K) in this material. The experimental thermal data matches the density functional theory calculations for phonon dispersion, phonon group velocity, and Grüneisen parameters. This demonstrates that crystal distortion induced anharmonicity slows the alloy's phonon heat transport, which is suitable for thermoelectric applications. Notably possessing elevated electrical conductivity and a moderate Seebeck coefficient, this high‐entropy hH alloy emerges as a promising thermoelectric material for energy harvesting.
Chemical Process Design and Simulation of the Production of Gamma‐Valerolactone: A Green Solvent for Halide Perovskites
Authors: Bisri Muhammad M. , Widharyanti Ika D. , Adhyaksa Gede W. P.
Published: December 2023

Enabling large‐scale perovskite photovoltaic production requires understanding the integrated chemical process flow of precursor ink. Herein, a chemical process design is proposed for producing halide perovskite ink using biomass‐derived gamma‐valerolactone (GVL) as a green solvent for the first time. The proposed design has a perovskite ink production capacity of 154 kg h−1 (at 1 m concentration), which is roughly equivalent to a peak power generation of 300 GW year−1 from perovskite modules. Process simulations in ASPEN Plus showed that the reactor temperature, feedstock flow rate, and precursor colloidal size greatly impact the final ink quality. Under optimum conditions, 98.4% purity of GVL can be achieved through a catalyzed reaction between levulinic acid and isopropyl alcohol with acetone (99.98%) and water (99.99%) as by‐products. Providing a realistic chemical reaction scheme for halide perovskite ink formation as well as understanding the changes in its chemical properties over time are paramount to further improving the proposed process.
Comprehensive analysis of Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim. fruits based on UPLC–MS/MS and GC–MS: A rapid qualitative analysis
Authors: Chang Yaodan , Jiang Yong , Chen Jingnan , Li Sen , Wang Yimeng , Chai Linlin , Ma Jingwen , Wang Zhibin
Published: December 2023

Eleutherococcus senticosus (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim. fruits (ESF), as a natural edible fruit, has long been popularized. However, few studies have conducted comprehensive chemical analyses of it. This study aimed to assess nonvolatile, volatile, and fatty oil components of ESF and to preliminarily explore the antioxidant activities. The qualitative and quantitative analyses of volatile and fatty oil components of ESF from 15 different regions were performed by the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Totally, 37 and 28 compounds were identified from volatile oil and fatty oil, respectively. The ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC–QTOF–MS/MS) was used to accurately detect 43 compounds of nonvolatile components. The volatile and fatty oil components and nonvolatile components of ESF were used as samples to determine the antioxidant activity of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) in vitro. The components of ESF had antioxidant activity, and the nonvolatile components had stronger antioxidant activity. The results revealed that the proposed method, which is of great significance for the screening of new active ingredients, is valuable for the identification of pharmaceutical component and further development of food industry.
Extended orbital exenteration, epithetic restoration, and patient supply: A cross‐sectional study of a historic cohort
Authors: Ritschl Lucas M. , Schwarz Matthias , Klinger Franziska , Wolff Klaus‐Dietrich , Niu Minli , Weitz Jochen
Published: December 2023

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical course and to redefine an optimized algorithm for OE cases until epithetic restoration.

Methods

Indication, defect type according to Kesting, reconstructive technique, incidence of postoperative complications and peri‐implantitis, patients' quality of life, timing of periorbital implant insertion, incidence of and interval to implant loss, and time until epithetic restoration were analyzed in 43 patients.

Results

A significant correlation was detected between wound dehiscence and defect type. Out of 24 patients, 7 were implanted secondarily with a median time interval of 399 days (270–2015) after OE. Eleven out of 83 placed implants were lost in 8 patients with a median time interval of 586 days (264–4485) after insertion. The majority of epithesis carriers had no or few restrictions in their quality of life.

Conclusions

We recommend our modified treatment algorithm to further improve and shorten the clinical course.
Peri‐weaning cholera toxin consumption suppresses chemically‐induced carcinogenesis in mice
Authors: Afaloniati Hara , Aindelis Georgios , Spyridopoulou Katerina , Lagou Maria K. , Tsingotjidou Anastasia , Chlichlia Katerina , Erdman Suzan E. , Poutahidis Theofilos , Angelopoulou Katerina
Published: December 2023

Gastrointestinal bacteria are known to have an impact on local and systemic immunity, and consequently either promote or suppress cancer development. Following the notion that perinatal bacterial exposure might confer immune system competency for life, we investigated whether early‐life administration of cholera‐toxin (CT), a protein exotoxin of the small intestine pathogenic bacterium Vibrio cholerae, may shape local and systemic immunity to impart a protective effect against tumor development in epithelia distantly located from the gut. For that, newborn mice were orally treated with low non‐pathogenic doses of CT and later challenged with the carcinogen 7,12‐dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA), known to cause mainly mammary, but also skin, lung and stomach cancer. Our results revealed that CT suppressed the overall incidence and multiplicity of tumors, with varying efficiencies among cancer types, and promoted survival. Harvesting mouse tissues at an earlier time‐point (105 instead of 294 days), showed that CT does not prevent preneoplastic lesions per se but it rather hinders their evolution into tumors. CT pretreatment universally increased apoptosis in the cancer‐prone mammary, lung and nonglandular stomach, and altered the expression of several cancer‐related molecules. Moreover, CT had a long‐term effect on immune system cells and factors, the most prominent being the systemic neutrophil decrease. Finally, CT treatment significantly affected gut bacterial flora composition, leading among others to a major shift from Clostridia to Bacilli class abundance. Overall, these results support the notion that early‐life CT consumption is able to affect host's immune, microbiome and gene expression profiles toward the prevention of cancer.
Associations between the severity of menopausal symptoms and musculoskeletal pain in postmenopausal Portuguese women
Authors: Santo João Espírito , Lavilla‐Lerma María Leyre , del Carmen Carcelén‐Fraile María , de Loureiro Nuno Eduardo Marques , Brandão‐Loureiro Vânia , Alzar‐Teruel María , Ortiz‐Quesada Raúl
Published: December 2023

Objective

To analyze the association of the severity of the menopausal symptoms with musculoskeletal pain in Portuguese postmenopausal women.

Methods

A cross‐sectional, observational study was conducted on 167 women (63.85 ± 9.36 years). The Menopause Rating Scale was used to evaluate the menopausal symptoms severity, while the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was employed to assess the localization of the musculoskeletal pain, and multi‐located pain was determined if two or more body regions were affected. Depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), age, body mass index (BMI) and physical activity level were considered as potential confounders.

Results

A greater severity of the somato‐vegetative menopausal symptoms was related to the prevention from usual activities because of pain in the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists/hands and knees (R2 of Nagelkerke = 0.064, 0.043, 0.074, 0.045 and 0.045, respectively). Associations were also observed between greater age and pain in the knees, ankles and feet (R2 of Nagelkerke = 0.036 and 0.034, respectively), and being physically inactive with upper back pain (R2 of Nagelkerke = 0.060). Higher depressive symptoms were linked to pain in the hip/thighs and knees (R2 of Nagelkerke = 0.067 and 0.085, respectively), as well as being physically inactive was related ton in the neck (R2 of Nagelkerke = 0.053). Only a greater BMI was related to multi‐located pain in the last 7 days (R2 of Nagelkerke = 0.041).

Conclusions

The findings of our study showed that, taking into account possible confounders, greater severity of the menopausal symptoms at a somatic‐vegetative level was associated with more anatomical regions with musculoskeletal pain.
Lactation failure following therapeutic steroid treatment in a mother with postpartum depression and spinal‐dural arteriovenous fistula: Case report and literature review
Authors: Das Nabagata , Dave Stuti , Dangaich Radha , Ganjekar Sundarnag , Guddanti Venkata Naga Pradeep , Hanumanthapura Ramalingaiah Arvinda , Thippeswamy Harish , Chandra Prabha S.
Published: December 2023

Synopsis

Therapeutic steroid use among lactating mothers may cause lactation failure. Animal studies have shown impairment in secretary activity of lactocytes by exogenous steroid treatment.
Sample selection in linear panel data models with heterogeneous coefficients
Authors: Carlson Alyssa , Joshi Riju
Published: December 2023

We propose a parametric estimation procedure for linear panel data models with sample selection and heterogeneous coefficients that are present in both outcome model and selection model. Our two‐step estimation procedure accounts for endogeneity from the selection process and endogeneity from correlation between the individual unobserved heterogeneity and the observed covariates using control function like methods. Conditional linear projections are used to establish a tractable approach that builds upon the original Heckman correction to sample selection. Monte Carlo simulations illustrate the finite sample properties of our estimator and demonstrate that our proposed estimator outperforms standard estimators. We apply the proposed approach to estimate gender differences in high‐stakes time‐constrained decisions using Elo ratings data from the World Chess Federation. When addressing both sources of endogeneity, we find a much larger gender skill gap and substantial differences across the genders in strategically selecting into time‐constrained matches.
Band gap, Jahn‐Teller deformation, octahedra rotation in transition metal perovskites LaTiO3
Authors: Pascale F. , Gueddida S. , Doll K. , Dovesi R.
Published: December 2023

The LaTiO perovskite (where Ti is in a d1 state) is investigated by using an all electron Gaussian basis and many functionals, ranging from pure GGA (PBE), to hybrids (full range, B3LYP and PBE0, and range separated, HSE06) to Hartree Fock. Recently, Varignon et al. (Phys. Rev. Res 1, 033131, 2019), showed that, when GGA+U or HSE06 are used, a metallic solution and fractional occupancy of the t subshell are obtained. Here, it is shown that when a full range hybrid functional is used, an integer occupancy is obtained, as suggested by the Jahn‐Teller theorem. When the exact exchange percentage varies from 0 to 100, the system is insulating when it exceeds 20. By reducing progressively the symmetry from cubic down to orthorhombic, the relative importance of the Jahn‐Teller deformation and of the rotation of the octahedra is explored.
A novel image processing procedure for the quantitative evaluation of dental enamel prism arrangement
Authors: Hegedűs Máté , Kis Viktória K. , Rózsa Noémi , Kovács Zsolt
Published: December 2023

Enamel prism is the main microstructural unit of mammalian enamel which composed of hundreds of bioapatite nanocrystals. Prism structure plays a key role in the excellent mechanical performance of dental enamel during millions of chewing cycles without significant remodeling. Thus, quantitative understanding of prism architecture is of utmost importance for biomechanical materials design. To characterize enamel prism orientation quantitatively, a novel image processing method has been developed. Our method is based on scanning electron microscopy images of etched enamel surface and consists of an ellipse fitting procedure, which provides a numerical approximation of prism shape and orientation in the studied cross section. The obtained analytical data allow to construct color coded orientation maps, which provide quick and useful insight into the microstructure of enamel. Besides striking visualization, orientation maps allow to extract and plot the rich information on the azimuthal and inclination angles of the prisms as function of location. Numerical data on prism arrangement can be analyzed using statistical tools over large areas, which paves the way towards quantifying comparative investigation of prism arrangement either in dentistry research or evolution biology. The application of the method is demonstrated for a distal–mesial cross‐section of sound human tooth enamel.

Highlights

Scanning electron microscopy images of etched enamel surface are analyzed using ellipse fitting.

Geometrical parameters of the fitted ellipses provide numerical data of thousands of prisms.

Prism arrangement is visualized on color coded orientation maps and analyzed using statistical tools.