bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post‐harvest drone flights to measure weed growth and yield associations
Authors: Miller Jarrod O. , Shober Amy L. , VanGessel Mark J.
Published: June 2022

Drone flights are often only performed during the growing season, with no data collected once harvest has been completed, although they could be used to measure winter annual weed growth. Using a drone mounted with a multispectral sensor, we flew small plot corn (Zea mays L.) fertility, cover crop, and population studies at black layer and 0–14 d after harvest (DAH). Yields had positive correlations to normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) at black layer but often had negative correlations to corn yields 0–14 DAH. After harvest, NDVI could be associated with weed growth, and negative correlations to yield could point to reduced corn canopy allowing light to reach late‐season weeds. In fertility studies, excess nitrogen appears to increase weed biomass after harvest, which can be easily identified through drone imagery. Flights should be performed after corn harvest as weed growth may provide additional insight into management decisions.
Modulation of Analytical Performance of a Bifunctional Optical Probe at the Micelle‐Water Interface: Selective Sensing of Histidine in Biological Fluid
Authors: Fernandes Rikitha S , Dey Nilanjan
Published: June 2022

Bifunctional bis(indolyl)methane (BIM) derivatives with free carboxylic acid groups have been synthesized for the detection of heavy metal pollutants in the aqueous medium. Unlike in water, compounds in the presence of anionic micelle, showed color change from red to yellow specifically in the presence of Cu2+ ions. The incorporation of ionic surfactants could selectively block one of the binding sites, thereby improved the selectivity. In addition, large local concentration of metal ions (Cu2+) at micelle‐water interface of anionic surfactant improved the sensitivity. Metal ion binding at carboxylic acid (donor site) end not only alter the charge transfer state of the molecules, but also modify the self‐assembly property of probe molecules in the aqueous medium. The sensitivity as well as selectivity of the probes towards Cu2+ was found to be dependent on the number of carboxylic acid units on the central aryl ring. Further, the in‐situ formed Cu2+‐complex was involved for the ppb level recognition of histidine, an amino acid essential for protein biosynthesis and enzymatic activities. Finally, the present system was involved in the analysis of residual Cu2+ contents in natural water samples and histidine in the human urine sample.
N‐Alkoxyphtalimides as Versatile Alkoxy Radical Precursors in Modern Organic Synthesis
Authors: Budnikov Alexander S. , Krylov Igor B. , Lastovko Andrey V. , Yu Bing , Terent'ev Alexander O.
Published: June 2022

O‐substituted derivatives of N‐hydroxyphthalimide (NHPI) have attracted much attention recently as synthetically available, stable, and convenient reagents for the generation of free radicals under mild conditions. The single‐electron reduction by a photoredox catalyst or another reagent results in the N−O bond cleavage of an NHPI derivative with the release of free radicals that undergo selective synthetic transformations. Whereas N‐acyloxyphtalimides (NHPI esters) are well known as a convenient C‐radical source due to the facile one‐electron reduction followed by the decarboxylation, N‐alkoxyphtalimides are much less studied as radical precursors. The present review shows that N‐alkoxyphtalimides are effective reagents for free‐radical transformations starting from the generation of alkoxy free radicals. Visible light induced reactions are discussed first, these processes are classified according to the way how intermediate alkoxy radicals transformed to C‐centered radicals: via hydrogen atom transfer to oxygen atom (HAT, including 1,5‐HAT, 1,2‐HAT, and intermolecular HAT) or via β‐scission. Other photochemical radical reactions of alkoxyphthalimides and non‐photochemical tin‐mediated processes are discussed separately.
A structural reassessment of the Late Pleistocene femur from Maludong, southwestern China
Authors: Wei Pianpian , Ma Shiwu , Carlson Kristian J. , Ji Xueping , Zhang Quanchao , Liu Wu , Jin Li
Published: June 2022

Objective

The Late Pleistocene partial right femur from Maludong in southwestern China has been attributed characteristics of early Homo, especially from the Early Pleistocene, putatively representing a late surviving archaic population in the region. Assessment of additional traits is warranted given newly described postcrania from the Late Pleistocene of southwestern China and characterized by relatively modern features.

Materials and methods

We used micro computed tomography (μCT) to extract and evaluate cross‐sectional diaphyseal structure. New predictions of Maludong femoral length were generated from a regression analysis of Holocene modern humans. Robusticity and shape at multiple, standard diaphyseal regions of interest (ROI) were compared to those of Pleistocene and Holocene humans from East Asia and beyond.

Results

Standardized torsional rigidities at mid‐proximal and subtrochanteric Maludong ROIs fell within ranges of variation exhibited by multiple comparative groups, and closest to medians of Early and Middle Upper Paleolithic modern humans (E/MUP). For Ix/Iy diaphyseal ratios, Maludong was higher than comparative groups at both ROIs, falling closest to the upper end of the E/MUP range. For Imax/Imin shape ratios, Maludong fell well above group medians at the mid‐proximal ROI and nearest E/MUP and Middle Pleistocene group medians at the subtrochanteric ROI.

Discussion and conclusions

In diaphyseal robusticity and rigidity ratios, Maludong fits within variation exhibited by other Late Pleistocene modern humans. While we did not re‐analyze external features described as archaic‐like, internal structure of the Maludong femur contradicts this characterization and instead supports expanding intrapopulation variability expressed by Late Pleistocene modern humans in East Asia.
Electrochemical Reactors for Continuous Decentralized H2O2 Production
Authors: Wen Yichan , Zhang Ting , Wang Jianying , Pan Zhelun , Wang Tianfu , Yamashita Hiromi , Qian Xufang , Zhao Yixin
Published: June 2022

The global utilization of H2O2 is currently around 4 million tons per year and is expected to continue to increase in the future. H2O2 is mainly produced by the anthraquinone process, which involves multiple steps in terms of alkylanthraquinone hydrogenation/oxidation in organic solvents and liquid–liquid extraction of H2O2. The energy‐intensive and environmentally unfriendly anthraquinone process does not meet the requirements of sustainable and low‐carbon development. The electrocatalytic two‐electron (2 e−) oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) driven by renewable energy (e.g. solar and wind power) offers a more economical, low‐carbon, and greener route to produce H2O2. However, continuous and decentralized H2O2 electrosynthesis still poses many challenges. This Minireview first summarizes the development of devices for H2O2 electrosynthesis, and then introduces each component, the assembly process, and some optimization strategies.
Synthesis of an Acidochromic and Nitroaromatic Responsive Hydrazone‐Linked Pillararene Framework by a Macrocycle‐To‐Framework Strategy
Authors: Li Zheng , Yang Zhiqiang , Zhang Yinan , Yang Bing , Yang Ying‐Wei
Published: June 2022

Tailoring the properties of solid‐state organic luminescent materials using a bottom‐up design principle is highly desirable for many applications. Herein, we present a “macrocycle‐to‐framework” strategy to construct macrocycle‐functionalized and hydrazone‐linked functional organic polymers with bright yellowish‐green luminescence and unique solvatochromism behaviors by the condensation of a diacylhydrazine‐functionalized pillar[5]arene with tris(4‐formylbiphenyl)amine. Outperforming their non‐macrocycle‐incorporated counterparts, the pillar[5]arene‐containing materials display amplified sensitivity to acidic conditions with luminescent and colorimetric dual‐modal patterns assisted by the enhanced intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), and exhibit satisfactory responsiveness to nitrobenzene compounds through rapid luminescence quenching with high selectivity and a low detection limit, where the sensing process proceeds through multiple dynamic quenching pathways.
Heavy‐Atom Quantum Tunnelling in Spin Crossovers of Nitrenes**
Authors: Heller Eric R. , Richardson Jeremy O.
Published: June 2022

We simulate two recent matrix‐isolation experiments at cryogenic temperatures, in which a nitrene undergoes spin crossover from its triplet state to a singlet state via quantum tunnelling. We detail the failure of the commonly applied weak‐coupling method (based on a linear approximation of the potentials) in describing these deep‐tunnelling reactions. The more rigorous approach of semiclassical golden‐rule instanton theory in conjunction with double‐hybrid density‐functional theory and multireference perturbation theory does, however, provide rate constants and kinetic isotope effects in good agreement with experiment. In addition, these calculations locate the optimal tunnelling pathways, which provide a molecular picture of the reaction mechanism. The reactions involve substantial heavy‐atom quantum tunnelling of carbon, nitrogen and oxygen atoms, which unexpectedly even continues to play a role at room temperature.
Active solution heating and cooling in electrospinning enabling spinnability from various solvents
Authors: Abbas Dunia , Mu'min Muhammad S. , Bonanno Marco , Thiele Simon , Böhm Thomas
Published: June 2022

Solution electrospinning is a facile method for the production of nanofibrous meshes. Here, we present a syringe‐jacket heat exchanger as a simple add‐on for solution electrospinning, which enables spinning from various solvents by a direct and precise solution temperature control between −20 °C and 100 °C. An effective manipulation of the solvent evaporation rate is enabled by adjusting the temperature. Exemplarily, we investigated the spinning of poly(vinylidene fluoride)‐co‐hexafluoropropylene (PVDF‐HFP) in pure dimethylacetamide (DMAc) or acetone as representatives of low and highly volatile solvents. Electrospinning of these solutions is not possible at ambient conditions, either due to a too low or too high evaporation rate. However, we find that PVDF‐HFP nanofibers can be successfully electrospun from DMAc at a solution temperature of 75 °C and from acetone at −19 °C. We show for the first time the use of an active solution cooling for electrospinning from a highly volatile solvent such as acetone. The ability to precisely adjust the solution temperature during electrospinning offers an improved process control and broadens the spectrum of spinnable solution compositions. Especially the prospect of replacing highly toxic solvents with less‐toxic solvents such as acetone opens up a wide field of application for the produced fibers.
Erkenntnisse zum Tragverhalten von Fertigschraubpfählen unter axialer Belastung
Authors: Höppner Robert , Boley Conrad
Published: June 2022

Fertigschraubpfähle werden mit hydraulischen Geräten drehend in den Boden eingebracht. Die Herstellungsart bietet Zeit‐ und Kostenvorteile gegenüber Ortbeton‐ und Verbundbauweisen. Zur Untersuchung der bodenmechanischen Vorgänge beim Abtrag von axialen Lasten durch Fertigschraubpfähle wurden kleinmaßstäbliche 1g‐Versuche unter Anwendung der PIV‐Methode durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse werden vorgestellt und mit Ansätzen zur analytischen Berechnung der Tragfähigkeit aus der Literatur verglichen. Den Erkenntnissen aus den Modellversuchen werden Beobachtungen aus großmaßstäblichen Laborversuchen und Feldversuchen gegenübergestellt. Abschließend werden Empfehlungen für die Bemessung und Qualitätssicherung gegeben.
The moderating effect of innovation on the relationship between environmental and financial performance: Evidence from high emitters in Australia
Authors: Wedari Linda Kusumaning , Moradi‐Motlagh Amir , Jubb Christine
Published: June 2022

This study examines whether environmental‐related innovation moderates the association between environmental and financial performance measured respectively as carbon emissions and return on assets (ROA). The sample comprises 119 companies subject to Australia's National Greenhouse Energy Reporting Act (NGER) for the period 2009–2017. The results show that environmental innovation positively moderates the relationship between environmental performance and financial performance. The findings also imply that the impact of environmental innovation in improving environmental performance is observable with a 1‐year lag. The results are robust to the alternative financial performance measures of Tobin's Q and Altman's Z score. The findings have important implications for company managers and policymakers and provide useful information on innovation's role in enhancing environmental and financial performance.
Real‐world data of atezolizumab plus carboplatin and etoposide in elderly patients with extensive‐disease small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Shiono Ayako , Imai Hisao , Wasamoto Satoshi , Tsuda Takeshi , Nagai Yoshiaki , Minemura Hiroyuki , Yamada Yutaka , Kishikawa Takayuki , Umeda Yukihiro , Takechi Hiroki , Yamaguchi Ou , Mouri Atsuto , Kaira Kyoichi , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Minato Koichi , Kagamu Hiroshi
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of atezolizumab plus carboplatin and etoposide combination chemotherapy in elderly patients with extensive‐disease (ED) small‐cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated 65 SCLC patients who received atezolizumab, carboplatin, and etoposide for ED‐SCLC in nine study institutions between August 2019 and September 2020. Clinical efficacy, assessed according to response rate and survival, and toxicity were compared between the elderly (n = 36 patients; median age: 74 years [range: 70–89 years]) and the non‐elderly group (n = 29 patients; median age: 67 years [range: 43–69 years]).

Results

The response rate was 73.8% (80.5% in the elderly group and 65.5% in the non‐elderly group). There was no significant difference in both the median progression‐free survival (5.5 months vs. 4.9 months, p = 0.18) and the median overall survival (15.4 months vs. 15.9 months, p = 0.24) between the elderly group and the non‐elderly group. The frequencies of grade ≥3 hematological adverse events in the elderly patients were as follows: decreased white blood cells, 36.1%; decreased neutrophil count, 61.1%; decreased platelet count, 8.3%; and febrile neutropenia, 8.3%. One treatment‐related death due to lung infection occurred in the elderly group.

Conclusion

Despite hematologic toxicities, especially decreased neutrophil count, atezolizumab, carboplatin, and etoposide combination chemotherapy demonstrates favorable effectiveness and acceptable toxicity in elderly patients. Thus, atezolizumab plus carboplatin and etoposide could be the preferred standard treatment modality for elderly patients with ED‐SCLC.
SCANET: Improving multimodal representation and fusion with sparse‐ and cross‐attention for multimodal sentiment analysis
Authors: Wang Hao , Yang Mingchuan , Li Zheng , Liu Zhenhua , Hu Jie , Fu Ziwang , Liu Feng
Published: June 2022

Learning unimodal representations and improving multimodal fusion are two cores of multimodal sentiment analysis (MSA). However, previous methods ignore the information differences between different modalities: Text modality has high‐order semantic features than other modalities. In this article, we propose a sparse‐ and cross‐attention (SCANET) framework which has asymmetric architecture to improve performance of multimodal representation and fusion. Specifically, in the unimodal representation stage, we use sparse attention to improve the representation efficiency of two modalities and reduce the low‐order redundant features of audio and visual modalities. In the multimodal fusion stage, we design an innovative asymmetric fusion module, which utilizes audio and visual modality information matrix as weights to strengthen the target text modality. We also introduce contrastive learning to effectively enhance complementary features between modalities. We apply SCANET on the CMU‐MOSI and CMU‐MOSEI datasets, and experimental results show that our proposed method achieves state‐of‐the‐art performance.
Anti‐Dengue Screening on Several Vietnamese Medicinal Plants: Experimental Evidences and Computational Analyses
Authors: Thao Tran Thi Phuong , Co Nguyen Quang , Anh Ho Ngoc , Luu Nguyen Thi , Hau Vu Thi Bich , Thuy Nguyen Thi Thu , Chien Tran Van , Anh Nguyen The , Bui Thanh Q. , Cuong To Dao , Quy Phan Tu , Triet Nguyen Thanh , Sung Tran Van , Nhung Nguyen Thi Ai
Published: June 2022

Worldwide, medicinal plants have been known for economic and geographical advantages, thus possibly holding potentiality against dengue hemorrhagic fever. The methanol/water extracts from different parts of fourteen Vietnam‐based plant species were subjected for experimental screening on anti‐dengue activity using baby hamster kidney cells (BHK21) and plaque reduction neutralisation test (PRNT). Firstly, the methanol/water extracts were tested against serotype dengue virus DENV‐1. Seven out from nineteen extracts show the PRNT50 values less than 31.25 μg/mL. Four of the above extracts namely from Euphorbia hirta, Cordyline terminalis, Carica papaya, and Elaeagnus latifolia were chosen for testing against the serotype DENV‐2. All of them exhibit good activity with the PRNT50 values less than 31.25 μg/ml, which were further fractionated to obtain hexane, ethyl acetate and butanol fractions. Anti‐dengue virus activity of the fractions against four serotypes DENV‐1, −2, −3 and −4 was evaluated. As results, the ethyl acetate fraction of Elaeagnus latifolia is highly active against all four serotype viruses. The structural formulae of its nine constituents were input for molecular docking simulation. The docking‐based order for static inhibitability is 6‐3L6P>7‐3L6P>9‐3L6P>2‐3L6P>3‐3L6P≈5‐3L6P>9‐3L6P>1‐3L6P>8‐3L6P; QSARIS‐based analysis reveals the biocompatibility of the most promising ligands (4–7); ADMET‐based analysis expects their pharmacological suitability. Exceptional finding on 2‐3LKW hydrophilic interaction at Lys43 (with the associated Gibbs free energy of −10.3 kcal mol−1) raises an open explanation for inhibitory effects. The results encourage further investigations for more in‐depth mechanisms and drug development, such as in vitro enzyme assays or in vitro clinical trials with natural substances from E. latifolia.
A unique case of tachycardia‐mediated cardiomyopathy in a patient misusing anabolic steroids
Authors: Adhikari Govinda , Khan Ashiya , Shams Nasheed , Hassan Mustafa H. , Kunadi Arvind
Published: June 2022

A 54‐year‐old male patient with history of anabolic androgenic steroid (AAS) misuse presented to the emergency department with new‐onset atrial fibrillation and severely reduced ejection fraction. Cardiac catheterization revealed normal coronaries. He underwent cryo‐balloon ablation with subsequent conversion to sinus rhythm. After appropriate guideline‐directed medical management, ejection fraction improved on follow‐up.
Platinum‐Rare Earth Alloy Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction: A Brief Overview
Authors: Campos‐Roldán Carlos A. , Jones Deborah J. , Rozière Jacques , Cavaliere Sara
Published: June 2022

The development of highly active and long‐term stable electrocatalysts for the cathode of proton‐exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) is a paramount requirement for high performance and durable PEMFC stacks. In this regard, alloying Pt with rare earth metals (REM) has emerged as a promising approach. This short review summarizes and discusses the most relevant advances on Pt‐REM alloy electrocatalysts, from bulk polycrystalline surfaces to carbon supported nanostructures, for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and their implementation in PEMFCs, and is a starting point to establish the challenges in synthesis and design and properties goals for novel Pt‐REM alloys.
Improving the Glucose to Fructose Isomerization via Epitaxial‐Grafting of Niobium in UIO‐66 Framework
Authors: Kumar Kar Ashish , Srivastava Rajendra
Published: June 2022

Glucose to fructose transformation is an essential transformation for the success of biorefinery. Herein, the epitaxial‐grafting of Nb in UIO‐66 significantly improved the fructose yield. Post‐synthesis incorporating Nb in the UIO‐66 phenomenally improved the glucose conversion from 31.1 % to 71.8 % and fructose selectivity from 38.2 % to 71.2 %. The incorporation of Nb was confirmed from the FTIR, HR‐TEM investigation, EDX analysis, and elemental mapping. The XPS analysis distinctly stated the successful incorporation of Nb and generation of Zr−O−Nb oxo clusters in the UIO‐66 framework. The NH3‐TPD provided distinguishable information about the chemical interaction of Nb with the UIO‐66 framework that resulted in the increase of the acid strength after the Nb incorporation in the UIO‐66 catalyst. The content of Nb and reaction parameters, especially temperature and duration, control the glucose to fructose isomerization over glucose to mannose epimerization. The structure‐activity relationship was established, and a reaction mechanism was proposed. The catalyst was recycled five times with only a lower decrease in the fructose yield (47.3 % to 42.2 %) than several reported MOFs catalysts. The activity of the developed catalyst was higher or similar to the reported catalysts. The successful grafting of Nb demonstrates that by swiftly modifying the acidity of the catalyst, a superior activity can be achieved.
Impact of Fluoroalkyl Substituents on the Physicochemical Properties of Saturated Heterocyclic Amines
Authors: Melnykov Kostiantyn P. , Tavlui Olha , Skreminskiy Artem , Kuchkovska Yuliya O. , Grygorenko Oleksandr O.
Published: June 2022

The physicochemical properties (pKa(H), log P, and aqueous solubility) of fluoroalkyl‐substituted heterocyclic amines were profiled to facilitate the amines’ rational application in medicinal chemistry research. The features of fluorine‐containing compounds were compared to those of the corresponding parent non‐fluorinated heterocycles and the corresponding fluorinated n‐alkylamines. Amine basicity was observed to change in a monotonic fashion depending on the fluorination pattern. Although the introduction of fluoroalkyl groups had complex effects on the lipophilicity and aqueous solubility of the compounds, possible contributions of the fluorination pattern, ring size, and conformation of the substituent in the ring were addressed for a series of derivatives. The summarized data provide a useful guideline for the application of fluorinated motifs for fine‐tuning a compound's properties related to drug discovery.
Selective Iron Catalyzed Synthesis of N‐Alkylated Indolines and Indoles
Authors: Wu Jiajun , Tongdee Satawat , Cordier Marie , Darcel Christophe
Published: June 2022

Whereas iron catalysts usually promote catalyzed C3‐alkylation of indole derivatives via a borrowing‐hydrogen methodology using alcohols as the electrophilic partners, this contribution shows how to switch the selectivity towards N‐alkylation. Thus, starting from indoline derivatives, N‐alkylation was efficiently performed using a tricarbonyl(cyclopentadienone) iron complex as the catalyst in trifluoroethanol in the presence of alcohols leading to the corresponding N‐alkylated indoline derivatives in 31–99 % yields (28 examples). The one‐pot, two‐step strategy for the selective N‐alkylation of indolines is completed by an oxidation to give the corresponding N‐alkylated indoles in 31–90 % yields (15 examples). This unprecedented oxidation methodology involves an iron salt catalyst associated with (2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐yl)oxyl (TEMPO) and a stoichiometric amount oft‐BuOOH at room temperature.
A Gas Generating System for Complex Gas Mixtures – Multifunctional Application in PTR Method Optimization and Downstream Methanol Synthesis
Authors: Pollok Corina Helene , Göbel Christoph , Gómez Jorge Iván Salazar , Schlögl Robert , Ruland Holger
Published: June 2022

The multifunctional applicability of a gas mixing system is presented within the scope of Carbon2Chem® for the simulation of steel mill flue gases and their application in downstream processes. A special focus is set on the parallel operation of the gas mixing system to enable PTR‐MS method optimization and methanol synthesis with simulated real gas matrices. Information is gathered for the design of downstream processes and their application, where methanol synthesis is chosen as a model reaction. A proof‐of‐principle study is presented where operation of a catalytic reactor setup in combination with the gas mixing system and a compressor generate reproducible results. The addition of potential trace components in methanol synthesis is exemplarily demonstrated using ammonia. With respect to the PTR‐MS application, the dosing of two calibration gas standards, toluene and carbonyl sulfide, via the gas mixing system were analyzed in detail. The obtained results give insight into its applicability to simulate traces and enables the further development of analytical methods for the analysis of trace impurities in the ppb and ppt range in complex gas mixtures.
Barriers and opportunities to measuring oncology patient navigation impact: Results from the National Navigation Roundtable survey
Authors: Battaglia Tracy A. , Fleisher Linda , Dwyer Andrea J. , Wiatrek Dawn E. , Wells Kristen J. , Wightman Patrick , Strusowski Tricia , Calhoun Elizabeth ,   the National Navigation Roundtable Evidence‐Based Task Group
Published: June 2022

Background

Patient navigation improves cancer care delivery for those most at risk for poor outcomes. Lack of sustainable funding threatens the full integration of navigation services into health care delivery systems. Standardized navigation metrics that document impact and identify best practices are necessary to support sustainability.

Methods

The National Navigation Roundtable administered a web‐based, cross‐sectional survey to oncology patient navigation programs to identify barriers and facilitators to the use of navigation metrics. The 38‐item survey asked about data‐collection practices and specific navigation metrics used by the program. Exploratory and descriptive statistics were used to identify factors associated with data collection and reporting.

Results

Seven hundred fifty respondents from across the country represented navigation programs across the continuum of care. Although 538 respondents (72%) reported participating in routine data collection, only one‐half of them used data for reporting purposes. For the 374 programs that used electronic health records, only 40% had discrete, reportable navigation fields, and 25% had an identifier for navigated patients. Program funding was identified as the only characteristic associated with data collection, whereas the type of data collected was associated with work setting, participation in alternative payment models, and where on the continuum navigation services are provided. Respondents participating in an oncology accreditation program were more likely to collect specific outcome metrics across the continuum and to use those data for reporting purposes. The most common barriers to data collection were time (55%) and lack of support for complex data systems and/or platforms (50%).

Conclusions

Inconsistent data collection and reporting of oncology navigation programs remain a threat to sustainability. Aligning data collection with oncology accreditation, funding, and reimbursement is a viable path forward.
Exploring classes of cancer patient navigators and determinants of navigator role retention
Authors: Garcia‐Alcaraz Cristian , Roesch Scott C. , Calhoun Elizabeth , Wightman Patrick , Mohan Prashanthinie , Battaglia Tracy A. , Cobian Aguilar Rosa , Valverde Patricia A. , Wells Kristen J. ,   the National Navigation Roundtable Evidence‐Based Task Group
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

In the current nationwide study, the authors used latent class analysis (LCA) to identify classes of cancer patient navigators (CPNs) and examined whether class membership and 12 indicators were related to navigator role retention.

METHODS

By using data from 460 CPNs in the United States, LCA identified classes (ie, homogenous subgroups) of CPNs with the following indicators: type of CPN (clinical vs nonclinical), education level, area(s) of the cancer care continuum in which the CPN provided patient navigation, region and urbanity where the CPN provided services, organizational work setting, and patient navigation program funding source. The associations of navigator retention with class membership and each indicator were examined using χ2 tests.

RESULTS

LCA identified 3 classes of CPNs. Classes 1 and 3 were conceptualized as distinct, homogeneous subgroups of clinical CPNs that appeared to differ mainly on their likelihood of engagement in outreach, survivorship, palliative care, and end‐of‐life patient navigation. Class 2 was conceptualized as a nonclinical CPN subgroup that was distinct primarily based on their high endorsement of employment in programs, which are at least partially funded by grants and engagement in earlier stages of patient navigation (eg, early detection). The provision of survivorship and treatment patient navigation was related to navigator role retention, with senior CPNs providing these patient navigation services more than novice CPNs.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study highlights 3 distinct classes of CPNs, provides initial information regarding determinants of navigator retention, and makes several recommendations for future patient navigation research.
Flexibility, adaptation, and roles of patient navigators in oncology during COVID‐19
Authors: Valverde Patricia A. , Kennedy Sheldon Lisa , Gentry Sharon , Dwyer Andrea J. , Saavedra Ferrer Elba L. , Wightman Patrick D. ,   the National Navigation Roundtable Workforce Development Task Group
Published: June 2022

Background

The impact of COVID‐19 on cancer care during the first 6 months of the pandemic has been significant. The National Navigation Roundtable Workforce Development Task Group conducted a national survey to highlight the role of patient navigators (PNs).

Methods

An anonymous online survey captured how cancer care navigation changed during 2 phases: 1) March 13 to May 31, 2020; and 2) June 1 to September 4, 2020. Differences between the 2 time periods for categorical variables were assessed using χ2 tests, and 1‐way analyses of variance were used for ordinal variables.

Results

Almost one‐half of PNs expected changes in duties (49%) during phase 1. By phase 2, PNs showed greater confidence in retaining PN work (P < .001) and reduced changes to duties (P < .01). PNs reported new training on COVID‐19 and telehealth during phase 1 (64% and 27%, respectively) and phase 2 (54% and 19%, respectively). Significant decreases in service delays were identified by phase 2 for cancer screening (P < .001), preventive care (P < .001), medical treatment (P < .01), cancer treatment (P < .001), and cancer survivorship services (P < .01). PNs reported that the top patient issues were COVID‐19 concerns, medical care disruptions, and finances, and there were decreases in medical care disruptions (P < .01) during phase 2. PNs addressed myths related to mask use, COVID‐19 spread, disbelief, risk, clinical changes, transmission prevention, and finances/politics.

Conclusions

The PN role demonstrated resiliency and adaptability. Both clinical and nonclinical oncology PNs identified key patient needs and can provide connections with patient populations that have been economically and socially marginalized, which is necessary to build trust throughout the pandemic.
An Amphiphilic Double‐Brush Polymer Hydrogel for Sustained Release of Small Molecules and Biologics: Insulin Delivering‐Hydrogel to Control Hyperglycemia
Authors: Dhayani Ashish , Bej Sujoy , Mudnakudu‐Nagaraju Kiran K. , Chakraborty Saheli , Srinath Preethem , Kumar Ashok H. , PS Ann Maria , Khristi Anand , Ramakrishnan S. , Vemula Praveen Kumar
Published: June 2022

Diabetic patients need to take multiple insulin injections in a day to achieve efficient glycemic control. However, repeated injections can cause pain and discomfort for patients. Therefore, we have developed an amphiphilic double‐brush polymer‐based hydrogel (DBP‐hydrogel) that can encapsulate insulin and can be injected subcutaneously. Additionally, we have demonstrated the robust nature of DBP‐hydrogel by encapsulating small molecular drugs and large biological agents. Using a streptozotocin‐induced type 1 diabetic mouse model, we have demonstrated that a single injection of the insulin‐loaded hydrogel can efficiently control hyperglycemia for 24 hours, whereas 5 repeated injections of free‐insulin (commercial formulations) are required to achieve a similar level of glycemic control. This novel DBP‐hydrogel can stabilize encapsulated insulin without losing its activity for at least 90 days, which may have a huge impact in avoiding cold chain supply. Furthermore, a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments suggest that newly developed DBP‐hydrogel is highly biocompatible and does not cause immune response and inflammation.
First‐in‐Human Single‐Ascending‐Dose, Multiple‐Dose, and Food Interaction Studies of NRD.E1, an Innovative Nonopioid Therapy for Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Tiecke Eva , Rainisio Maurizio , Guentert Theodor , Müller Stephan , Hochman Liat , Kaplan Eli , Mangialaio Sara
Published: June 2022

Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy is characterized by burning, stabbing, or electric shock–type pain, which severely impacts day‐to‐day functioning and quality of life. Here, we report the results of 3 phase I studies with NRD135S.E1 (referred to as NRD.E1), a new, orally available chemical entity, presently developed for the treatment of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The first study was a first‐in‐human, randomized, placebo‐controlled, single‐ascending‐dose study, where NRD.E1 was administered to healthy male subjects in single dosages ranging from 300 to 1200 mg. The second study was a randomized, placebo‐controlled multiple‐dose study, where healthy male subjects received 300 mg of NRD.E1 once daily for 5 consecutive days. The third study was an open‐label food interaction study in healthy men and women following a crossover design, where NRD.E1 was administered under fed and fasted conditions at 40 mg. The studies revealed dose‐dependent absorption, increased exposure to NRD.E1 when administered with food, and no relevant accumulation after once‐daily administration. All 3 phase I studies consistently showed rapid absorption of orally administered NRD.E1 followed by fast elimination, mainly via metabolization (glucuronidation), and small secondary increases in plasma concentrations. NRD.E1 was well tolerated, with no subject discontinuation due to treatment‐emergent adverse events in any study.
Periapical status in patients affected by osteoporosis: A retrospective clinical study
Authors: Cadoni Erika , Ideo Francesca , Marongiu Giuseppe , Mezzena Silvia , Frigau Luca , Mela Quirico , Capone Antonio , Duncan Henry F. , Cotti Elisabetta
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To assess the periapical status in patients with osteoporosis (OP) treated with denosumab (D), bisphosphonates (BPs), or not on medication, and to understand if these conditions influence the prevalence and the progression of apical periodontitis (AP).

Material and Methods

Seventy‐six patients with OP alone or treated with D, or BPs, formed the study group (O), and those from 76 patients matched for age and sex, without diseases, and not taking medications, constituted the control (C) in this retrospective case−control study. The data from the complete clinical and radiographic examination, medical history, decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT), and periapical index score (PAI) were recorded for each patient. Wilcoxon rank test, χ2, and Student's t test were used as appropriate.

Results

The prevalence of AP was similar in O and C. Furthermore, AP was significantly more frequent in root canal‐treated teeth in O patients (p = .03).

Conclusions

OP does not appear to be associated with the development of AP. Moreover, the increased prevalence of AP in root canal‐treated teeth in O patients highlights a possible relationship between the healing dynamics of the disease post‐therapy and the patients' medication. A larger sample is needed to confirm these findings.
Spring snowmelt affects changes of alpine tundra vegetation in Changbai Mountains
Authors: Li Yan , He Hong S. , Zong Shengwei , Sun Hang
Published: June 2022

Climate and environmental changes have caused changes in alpine tundra worldwide in recent decades. However, the roles of snow cover on tundra vegetation change remain less studied. There were obvious changes of alpine tundra vegetation, such as herbaceous encroachment and shrub expansion reported in Changbai Mountains in recent decades. This study investigates the relationship between snow cover and vegetation change (1988–2017) in alpine tundra of the Changbai Mountains by analysing the hydrological distribution of spring snowmelt in the tundra. We mapped the wet snow extent using Sentinel‐1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) spaceborne data and estimated the snow water equivalent (SWE). We proposed a measure of relative water accumulation (RWA), which was determined by both rainfall and SWE, to represent water flowing through each pixel. We found strong correlations between RWA and vegetation change in different mountain aspects. Spring snowmelt leads to inter‐mountain aspect differences in hydrological distribution, with the western aspect showing a significant higher RWA than the eastern and northern aspects, which could attribute to the greater vegetation change in the western mountain aspect. Our results suggest that the distribution of snow in alpine tundra and the different mountain aspects hydrological conditions have important implications for the study of vegetation change in alpine tundra.
Characterization and Interpolation of Sediment Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Resident Killer Whale Habitat along the Coast of British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Kim Joseph J. , Delisle Kelsey , Brown Tanya M. , Bishay Farida , Ross Peter S. , Noël Marie
Published: June 2022

The northeastern Pacific northern and southern resident killer whale (Orcinus orca) populations are listed as threatened and endangered in Canada, respectively, with persistent, bioaccumulative contaminants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), posing threats to their recovery. Concentrations of PCBs and PBDEs in subtidal surface sediments collected from 97 sites along the British Columbia (BC) coast were used to identify their distribution and profiles, and to assess killer whale habitat quality. Victoria Harbour (VH3(site ID: 1)) sediments exhibited the highest PCB and PBDE concentrations. For PCBs, PCB-138 was found at the highest concentration, followed by PCB-153, PCB-110, PCB-149, PCB-101, and PCB-118. For PBDEs, individual congeners were ranked as follows: BDE-209 > BDE-207 > BDE-206 > BDE-208 > BDE-47 > BDE-99. Principal component analyses (PCA) illustrated the variations in contaminant profiles, with PC1 for PCBs and PBDEs correlated with the octanol-water partition coefficient (log KOW, p < 0.003). Based on the PCA, sediment particle size, total organic carbon (TOC), and water depth at collection were other factors associated with the distribution of PBDEs, while PCB profiles were associated with TOC. Total PCB and PBDE concentrations at 100% and 34% of the sites, respectively, exceeded the recently adopted British Columbia's Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy Working Sediment Quality Guidelines (PCBs 3.7 pg/g dry wt and PBDEs 1000 pg/g dry wt), considered protective of killer whales. Our findings suggest that the legacy of banned PCBs and PBDEs has the potential to constrain the recovery of killer whales as a result of their mobilization from sediments and consequent uptake by marine food webs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2139–2151. © 2022 SETAC
Uptake Mechanisms of a Novel, Activated Carbon-Based Equilibrium Passive Sampler for Estimating Porewater Methylmercury
Authors: Washburn Spencer J. , Damond Jada , Sanders James P. , Gilmour Cynthia C. , Ghosh Upal
Published: June 2022

We describe the validation of a novel polymeric equilibrium passive sampler comprised of agarose gel with embedded activated carbon particles (ag+AC), to estimate aqueous monomethylmercury (MeHg) concentrations. Sampler behavior was tested using a combination of idealized media and realistic sediment microcosms. Isotherm bottle experiments with ag+AC polymers were conducted to constrain partitioning to these materials by various environmentally relevant species of MeHg bound to dissolved organic matter (MeHgDOM) across a range of sizes and character. Log of partitioning coefficients for passive samplers (Kps) ranged from 1.98 ± 0.09 for MeHg bound to Suwannee River humic acid to 3.15 ± 0.05 for MeHg complexed with Upper Mississippi River natural organic matter. Reversible equilibrium exchange of environmentally relevant MeHg species was demonstrated through a series of dual isotope–labeled exchange experiments. Isotopically labeled MeHgDOM species approached equilibrium in the samplers over 14 days, while mass balance was maintained, providing strong evidence that the ag+AC polymer material is capable of equilibrium measurements of environmentally relevant MeHg species within a reasonable deployment time frame. Samplers deployed across the sediment–water interface of sediment microcosms estimated both overlying water and porewater MeHg concentrations within a factor of 2 to 4 of measured values, based on the average measured Kps values for species of MeHg bound to natural organic matter in the isotherm experiments. Taken together, our results indicate that ag+AC polymers, used as equilibrium samplers, can provide accurate MeHg estimations across many site chemistries, with a simple back-calculation based on a standardized Kps.  Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2052–2064. © 2022 SETAC

Abstract

An equilibrium passive sampler made of agarose film embedded with activated carbon placed across the sediment-water interface captures difference in aqueous methylmercury concentrations between overlying water and porewater.
Management strategies emphasizing advanced food processing approaches to mitigate food borne zoonotic pathogens in food system
Authors: Sahoo Monalisa , Panigrahi Chirasmita , Aradwad Pramod
Published: June 2022

Foodborne zoonoses are the most neglected discipline due to a lack of awareness of potential health hazards, standardized detection methods, and identification of infectious host reservoirs. Food is the major carriage vehicle for the transmission of zoonotic pathogens and many outbreaks globally. Resilient surveillance and holistic intervention of effective mitigation strategies at both preharvest (bacteriophages, probiotics, vaccination, micronutrients, breeding, culling), postharvest (advanced food processing, biofilm removal, and disinfectant), retailer and consumer levels can reduce or prevent pathogens and cross‐contamination. Rapid tracking of contamination sources and identification of the route of infection should be implemented using analytical techniques for targeted detection of causative organisms and microbiological risk assessment. An overview elaborating various farm‐to‐fork pathogenic mitigation strategies at different stages of the food chain is presented. However, special emphasis is placed on the application of advanced novel food processing and preservation techniques, such as high‐pressure processing, pulsed light, ultrasound, ultraviolet light, ozone treatment, irradiation and other hurdle technologies for pathogen reduction and food quality assurance. This review will provide an overview of the overall scenario regarding foodborne pathogen–human health interactions and the possible prevention measures that would be helpful for producers, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers for the safer and sustainable development of food products.
Source characterisation of the residual lherzolite and harzburgite ultramafics of Manipur Ophiolite Belt in the Indo–Myanmar Hill ranges, NE India
Authors: Khuman Chabungbam Mangi , Ibotombi Soibam
Published: June 2022

An attempt for the calculation of primordial mineralogy of the source rock of the ultramafics of Manipur ophiolite, north‐east India is made with the use of an established schematic ternary phase diagram of the anhydrous system Forsterite‐Diopside‐Enstatite at 20 kb pressure for a hypothetical upper mantle rock (X). For the case of batch partial melting, if the proportions of the phases entering the melt (Pα) are different from their initial proportion in the rock (X0α), then the weight fraction of the melt (F) at which each phase in question is consumed is given by F = X0α/Pα. From the phase diagram, the bulk composition of the source rock X can be expressed as 0.4 Di, 0.2 En, and 0.4 Fo (these are the X0α values). The proportion (Pα) in which the various phases entered the melt is initially given by the proportion in the eutectic composition E, that is, 0.7 Di, 0.2 En, 0.1 Fo. With the value of Fcpx = 0.4/0.7 = 0.57, it is found that the diopside is the only phase to be completely consumed into the partial melt, which occurs at 57% partial melting. The least serpentinized group of ultramafics of the Ophiolite Belt in Manipur is considered to be the residue of those which have suffered the least percent of partial melting (about 5%), and the average proportions of the three main phases of such rocks are taken as yardsticks for necessary calculation of the primordial mineralogy of the upper source rock. From the computed value of Fcpx (Mo) = 0.14, it is inferred that the diopside in the original source rock of Manipur Ophiolite must be completely melted at about 15% partial melting as against 57% of the hypothetical mantle rock discussed in the phase diagram. Thus, at about 15% partial melting of the source rock of Manipur Ophiolite, the levels of melting of the three main phases, as derived from the phase diagram, is calculated to be, Diopside = 100%, Enstatite = 57%, and Olivine = 14%. From these values of levels of melting, the different degrees of melting of the three main phases have been computed separately for 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% bulk partial melting. From the modal proportions of the main phases of the least serpentinized ultramafics of Manipur Ophiolite (considered to be a residue of 5% partial melting), the mineralogical proportions of the original source rock are computed and these are found to correspond to Spinel Lherzolite composition.