bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of genital hygiene behaviors and vaginal douching of pregnant women on preterm labor
Authors: Arikan Melisa , Kocaöz Semra , Kizilirmak Aynur
Published: December 2023

Objective

To determine the effect of genital hygiene behavior (GHB) and vaginal douching (VD) of pregnant women on preterm labor (PTL).

Methods

This study, which was conducted with 365 pregnant women, is a cross‐sectional study. Data were collected using a questionnaire and the Genital Hygiene Behavior Inventory (GHBI) was applied.

Results

The ratios of PTL diagnosis and VD practice, and mean GHBI scores of the pregnant women were 35.1%, 9.6%, and 64.42 ± 10.44, respectively. The prevalence of receiving a diagnosis of PTL was significantly higher in those who changed their underwear two to three times a week, took baths while sitting, cleansed their perineum with water using their hands, removed pubic hair at intervals of 2 months or longer, and performed VD. It was found that poor GHB and VD practices increased the rate of PTL and, in particular, VD was found to increase the risk of PTL around eight‐fold.

Conclusion

These results can help pregnant women to understand the relationship between genital hygiene and PTL and show the importance of being educated by health professionals about this issue.
Viral infection and host immune response in diabetes
Authors: Joshi Garima , Das Anushka , Verma Garima , Guchhait Prasenjit
Published: December 2023

Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disorder disrupting blood sugar regulation, has emerged as a prominent silent pandemic. Uncontrolled diabetes predisposes an individual to develop fatal complications like cardiovascular disorders, kidney damage, and neuropathies and aggravates the severity of treatable infections. Escalating cases of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes correlate with a global upswing in diabetes‐linked mortality. As a growing global concern with limited preventive interventions, diabetes necessitates extensive research to mitigate its healthcare burden and assist ailing patients. An altered immune system exacerbated by chronic hyperinflammation heightens the susceptibility of diabetic individuals to microbial infections, including notable viruses like SARS‐CoV‐2, dengue, and influenza. Given such a scenario, we scrutinized the literature and compiled molecular pathways and signaling cascades related to immune compartments in diabetics that escalate the severity associated with the above‐mentioned viral infections in them as compared to healthy individuals. The pathogenesis of these viral infections that trigger diabetes compromises both innate and adaptive immune functions and pre‐existing diabetes also leads to heightened disease severity. Lastly, this review succinctly outlines available treatments for diabetics, which may hold promise as preventive or supportive measures to effectively combat these viral infections in the former.
Identifying oil price shocks with global, developed, and emerging latent real economy activity factors
Authors: Djogbenou Antoine A.
Published: December 2023

This paper proposes an identification strategy for international oil price shocks while accounting for the heterogeneous sources of oil demand from global, developed, and emerging economies. Unlike existing works, we isolate global oil demand shocks, associated with a global real economic activity factor, from oil demand shocks originating specifically from developed and emerging economies, associated with real economic activity factors within these two groups of economies. The paper uses a structural factor‐augmented vector autoregression (FAVAR) model with latent global and specific factors to model crude oil demand and supply. To identify the shocks, we extract real economic activity factors from a large panel of emerging and developed economies' real activity variables using a two‐level factor model. The paper shows how structural shocks can be identified by solving equations that arise from economically meaningful zero restrictions on the impact matrix of the reduced‐form FAVAR model innovations. The empirical application shows that identifying the international oil demand shocks based on the global and specific latent factors is essential to appropriately quantify their heterogeneous impacts on these factors, the crude oil production, and the real oil price.
Ajmalicine induces the pyroptosis of hepatoma cells to exert the antitumor effect
Authors: Sun Zhangchi , Ma Chenfang , Zhan Xiaolan
Published: December 2023

Ajmalicine (AJM) is an alkaloid extracted from the root of Yunan Rauvolfia verticillata. At present, little research has reported the antitumor pharmacological action and mechanism of AJM. Therefore, this work aimed to conduct relevant research. The mouse hepatoma cell line H22 was intervened with a gradient concentration of AJM. Subsequently, the pyroptosis level was detected by flow cytometry. The expression of inflammatory factors and lactate dehydrogenase was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression was detected by dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate probe. In addition, the tumor‐bearing model mice were also treated with AJM to analyze tumor growth as well as the expression levels of tissue inflammatory factors and proteins. According to our results, AJM promoted the pyroptosis of H22 cells, increased the pyroptosis rate, and upregulated the expression of inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin‐1β, and interleukin‐6. At the same time, it enhanced the openness of membrane pores and increased the expression of ROS. Moreover, AJM promoted the expression of Caspase‐3 and N‐terminal gasdermin E (GSDME). The AJM‐induced pyroptosis was suppressed after N‐acetylcysteine treatment to inhibit ROS, while Caspase‐3 knockdown also inhibited the AJM‐induced pyroptosis. In animals, AJM suppressed tumor growth. AJM can activate ROS to induce pyroptosis and exert the antitumor effect via the noncanonical Caspase‐3‐GSDME pyroptosis pathway.
Hormone profiles of the African pygmy mouse Mus minutoides, a species with XY female sex reversal
Authors: Veyrunes Frederic , Perez Julie , Heitzmann Louise D. , Saunders Paul A. , Givalois Laurent
Published: December 2023

In mammals, most sex differences in phenotype are controlled by gonadal hormones, but recent work on transgenic mice has shown that sex chromosomes can have a direct influence on sex‐specific behaviors. In this study, we take advantage of the naturally occurring sex reversal in a mouse species, Mus minutoides, to investigate for the first time the relationship between sex chromosomes, hormones, and behaviors in a wild species. In this model, a feminizing variant of the X chromosome, named X*, produces three types of females with different sex chromosome complements (XX, XX*, and X*Y), associated with alternative behavioral phenotypes, while all males are XY. We thus compared the levels of three major circulating steroid hormones (testosterone, corticosterone, and estradiol) in the four sex genotypes to disentangle the influence of sex chromosomes and sex hormones on behavior. First, we did not find any difference in testosterone levels in the three female genotypes, although X*Y females are notoriously more aggressive. Second, in agreement with their lower anxiety‐related behaviors, X*Y females and XY males display lower baseline corticosterone concentration than XX and XX* females. Instead of a direct hormonal influence, this result rather suggests that sex chromosomes may have an impact on the baseline corticosterone level, which in turn may influence behaviors. Third, estradiol concentrations do not explain the enhanced reproductive performance and maternal care behavior of the X*Y females compared to the XX and XX* females. Overall, this study highlights that most of the behaviors varying along with sex chromosome complement of this species are more likely driven by genetic factors rather than steroid hormone concentrations.
Antibody responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron infection in patients with hematological malignancies: A multicenter, prospective cohort study
Authors: Li Jun , Liu Yi , Wei Xia , Liu Zhanshu , Yang Zailiang , Liu Ling , Zhou Meiyu , Xu Guofa , Chen Lanting , Ding Yao , Lei Haike , Yang Zailin , Chen Shuang , Zhang Xiaomei , Tang Yifeng , Fu Huihui , He Sanxiu , Guo Bingling , Liang Xiping , Zhang Lingqian , Zhang Wenjun , Wu Jing , Wang Chaoyu , Hu Chongling , Hu Renzhi , Luo Xin , Quan Xi , Zeng Chensi , Liang Shunsi , Liu Tingting , Lv Jing , Luo Qin , Qi Qin , Xu Luxiang , Xiong Yan , Liu Jueyin , Huang Dehong , Xiao Chunyan , Liu Jun , Yang Tao , Xiang Ying , Li Qiying , Nan Yingyu , Li Jieping , Zhang Yong , Wu Yongzhong , Liu Yao
Published: December 2023

Little is known about antibody responses to natural Omicron infection and the risk factors for poor responders in patients with hematological malignancies (HM). We conducted a multicenter, prospective cohort study during the latest Omicron wave in Chongqing, China, aiming to compare the antibody responses, as assessed by IgG levels of anti‐receptor binding domain of spike protein (anti‐S‐RBD), to Omicron infection in the HM cohort (HMC) with healthy control cohort (HCC), and solid cancer cohort (SCC). In addition, we intend to explore the risk factors for poor responders in the HMC. Among the 466 HM patients in this cohort, the seroconversion rate was 92.7%, no statistically difference compared with HCC (98.2%, p = 0.0513) or SCC (100%, p = 0.1363). The median anti‐S‐RBD IgG titer was 29.9 ng/mL, significantly lower than that of HCC (46.9 ng/mL, p < 0.0001) or SCC (46.2 ng/mL, p < 0.0001). Risk factors associated with nonseroconversion included no COVID‐19 vaccination history (odds ratio [OR] = 4.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.75–12.00, p = 0.002), clinical course of COVID‐19 ≤ 7 days (OR = 2.86, 95% CI: 1.31–6.25, p = 0.008) and severe B‐cell reduction (0–10/μL) (OR = 3.22, 95% CI: 1.32–7.88, p = 0.010). Risk factors associated with low anti‐S‐RBD IgG titer were clinical course of COVID‐19 ≤ 7 days (OR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.59–4.18, p < 0.001) and severe B‐cell reduction (0–10/μL) (OR = 2.87, 95% CI: 1.57–5.24, p < 0.001). This study reveals a poor antibody responses to Omicron (BA.5.2.48) infection in HM patients and identified risk factors for poor responders. Highlights that HM patients, especially those with these risk factors, may be susceptible to SARS‐CoV‐2 reinfection, and the postinfection vaccination strategies for these patients should be tailored. Clinical trial: ChiCTR2300071830.
Cellular dormancy: A widespread phenomenon that perpetuates infectious diseases
Authors: da Silva Claudio V. , Velikkakam Teresiama , de Oliveira Elida C. M. , Silveira Anna C. A. , de Lima Júnior Joed P. , Uombe Nelsa P. I. , da Silva Paulo H. R. , Borges Bruna C.
Published: December 2023

Under adverse environmental conditions, microorganisms are able to enter a state of cellular dormancy which consists of cell cycle arrest and interruption of multiplication. This process ensures their perpetuation in the infected host organism and enables the spread of disease. Throughout biological evolution, dormancy allowed microorganisms to persist in a harsh niche until favorable conditions for their reactivation were re‐established. Here, we propose to discuss the dormancy of bacteria and protozoa pathogens focusing on the potential mechanisms and components associated with dormancy.
Derivation of threshold values for the sulfur nutritional status of European silver fir from a cumulative concentration distribution
Authors: Göttlein Axel
Published: December 2023

For European silver fir (Abies alba (Mill)), reliable threshold values for the sulfur nutritional status are not available. Because European silver fir is an important coniferous tree species in Central Europe and due to the fact that by reduced S emissions, S is becoming a more and more critical nutrient this knowledge gap should be closed. From the interpretation of the cumulative distribution of sulfur concentrations in first‐year needles, the respective threshold values for the range of normal nutrition as well as the threshold for deficiency could be derived. When knowing these thresholds also the range of harmonic nutrition, which is the range for the optimal relation of two nutrients, could be calculated. As compared to the very few literature data available and compared to the respective values of the two most important European conifers Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), the values derived for S nutrition of European silver fir are very reasonable. With respect to the S nutritional thresholds, European silver fir is very close to the values of the other two conifers, whereas the harmonic range of S in relation to N is a bit shifted to higher values indicating that European silver fir has a slightly higher demand for S (in relation to N). There is a certain time lag between the reduction of SO2 emissions in Europe and the reduction of S concentrations in needles, suggesting that S stored in the soil during periods of high emissions is relevant for S nutrition of trees for a longer period of time.
Cancer surgery on the global stage: Updates and progress
Authors: Murthy Shilpa S. , Are Chandrakanth
Published: December 2023

Over 5 billion people lack access to basic surgical procedures, and it is estimated, the number of surgical procedures needed for cancer care will increase by 5 million from 2018 to 2040. The greatest increase in demand will occur in low‐ and middle‐income countries. In this article, we highlight progress made in surgical cancer care globally and gaps that still needs to be addressed. We highlight political support, workforce progress and shortages, impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic, and the importance of high value cancer care
Evaluating the caregiver experience during neoadjuvant therapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ruff Samantha M. , Stevens Lena , Bressler Luke , Khatri Rakhsha , Sarna Angela , Ejaz Aslam M. , Dillhoff Mary , Pawlik Timothy M. , Rose Karen , Cloyd Jordan M.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Neoadjuvant therapy (NT) is increasingly recommended for patients with localized pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Recent research has highlighted the significant treatment burden that patients experience during NT, but caregiver well‐being during NT is poorly understood.

Methods

A cross‐sectional mixed‐methods analysis of primary caregivers of patients with localized PDAC receiving NT was undertaken. All patients completed the Caregiver Quality of Life Index‐Cancer (CQOLC) survey, while semi‐structured interviews were conducted among a convenience sample of participants.

Results

Among 28 caregivers, the mean age was 60.1 years, and most were patient spouses/significant others (71.4%). Patients had resectable (18%), borderline resectable (46%), or locally advanced (36%) PDAC with a mean treatment duration of 2.9 months at the time of their caregiver's enrollment. Most caregivers felt that they received adequate emotional/psychosocial support (80%) and understood the rationale for NT (93%). A majority (60%) reported that caregiving responsibilities impacted their daily lives and required a decrease in their work hours, leading to financial challenges (47%). While overall QOL was moderate (mean 83 ± 21.1, range 0–140), “emotional burden” (47.3 ± 20.9), and “positive adaption” (57.3 ± 13.9) were the lowest ranked CQOLC subsection scores.

Discussion

Caregivers of patients with PDAC undergoing NT experience significant emotional symptoms and impact on their daily lives. Assessing caregiver needs and providing resources during NT should be a priority.
Singular limit problem for the Keller–Segel–Navier–Stokes system on torus
Authors: Xiao Shuofa , Xu Haiyan
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we consider the singular limit problem of a new Keller–Segel–Navier–Stokes system with two nonlinear terms on the torus
. By using the properties of the heat kernel, we derive the generalized maximal regularity estimates and solve this singular limit problem with combining the Banach fixed‐point theorem.
Sobolev‐type existence results for impulsive nonlocal fractional stochastic integrodifferential inclusions of order ϱ∈(1,2) with infinite delay via sectorial operator
Authors: Dineshkumar Chendrayan , Hoon Jeong Jae , Hoon Joo Young
Published: December 2023

The impulsive effect on the fractional stochastic integrodifferential system of order
with infinite delay via sectorial operator is investigated in this work. The primary findings of this study are tested by referring to multivalued functions, sectorial operators, fractional derivatives, and the fixed point approach. Initially, the presence of a mild solution for the systems class was introduced. The existence outcomes of semilinear control problems were then established. Eventually, an application is given for deriving the theory of the key findings.
Akkermansia muciniphila and Alcohol‐Related Liver Diseases. A Systematic Review
Authors: Sparfel Lydie , Ratodiarivony Sandy , Boutet‐Robinet Elisa , Ellero‐Simatos Sandrine , Jolivet‐Gougeon Anne
Published: December 2023

Scope

Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) are Gram negative commensal bacteria, degrading mucin in the intestinal mucosa, modulating intestinal permeability and inflammation in the digestive tract, liver, and blood. Some components can promote the relative abundance of A. muciniphila in the gut microbiota, but lower levels of A. muciniphila are more commonly found in people with obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndromes, or inflammatory digestive diseases. Over‐intake of ethanol can also induce a decrease of A. muciniphila, associated with dysregulation of microbial metabolite production, impaired intestinal permeability, induction of chronic inflammation, and production of cytokines.

Methods and results

Using a PRISMA search strategy, a review is performed on the bacteriological characteristics of A. muciniphila, the factors capable of modulating its relative abundance in the digestive tract and its probiotic use in alcohol‐related liver diseases (alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatic transplantation, partial hepatectomy).

Conclusion

Several studies have shown that supplementation with A. muciniphila can improve ethanol‐related hepatic pathologies, and highlight the interest in using this bacterial species as a probiotic.
Intraprocedural C‐arm dual‐phase cone‐beam enhancement patterns correlate with tumor absorbed dose after radioembolization
Authors: Bastiaannet Remco , Lin MingDe , Frey Eric C. , de Jong Hugo W. A. M.
Published: December 2023

Background

Recent studies have shown a clear relationship between absorbed dose and tumor response to treatment after hepatic radioembolization. These findings help to create more personalized treatment planning and dosimetry. However, crucial to this goal is the ability to predict the dose distribution prior to treatment. The microsphere distribution is ultimately determined by (i) the hepatic vasculature and the resulting blood flow dynamics and (ii) the catheter position.

Purpose

To show that pretreatment, intra‐procedural imaging of blood flow patterns, as quantified by catheter‐directed intra‐arterial contrast enhancement, correlate with posttreatment microsphere accumulation and, consequently, absorbed dose.

Materials and methods

Patients who participated in a clinical trial (NCT01177007) and for whom both a pretreatment dual‐phase contrast‐enhanced cone‐beam CT (CBCT) and a posttreatment 90Y PET/CT scan were available were included in this retrospective study. Tumors and perfused volumes were manually delineated on the CBCT by an experienced radiologist. The mean, sum, and standard deviation of the voxels in each volume were recorded. The delineations were transferred to the PET‐based absorbed dose maps by coregistration of the corresponding CTs. Linear multiple regression was used to correlate pretreatment CBCT enhancement to posttreatment 90Y PET/CT‐based absorbed dose in each region. Leave‐one‐out cross‐validation and Bland–Altman analyses were performed on the predicted versus measured absorbed doses.

Results

Nine patients, with a total of 23 tumors were included. All presented with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Visually, all patients had a clear correspondence between CBCT enhancement and absorbed dose. The correlation between CBCT enhancement and posttherapy absorbed tumor dose based was strong (R2 = 0.91), and moderate for the non‐tumor liver tissue (R2 = 0.61). Limits of agreement were approximately ±55 Gray for tumor tissue.

Conclusion

There is a linear relationship between pretreatment blood dynamics in HCC tumors and posttreatment absorbed dose, which, if shown to be generalizable, allows for pretreatment tumor absorbed dose prediction.
Improving model–data mismatch for photon‐counting detector model using global and local model parameters
Authors: Lee Donghyeon , Zhan Xiaohui , Tai W. Yang , Zbijewski Wojciech , Taguchi Katsuyuki
Published: December 2023

Background

An energy‐discriminating capability of a photon counting detector (PCD) can provide many clinical advantages, but several factors, such as charge sharing (CS) and pulse pileup (PP), degrade the capability by distorting the measured x‐ray spectrum. To fully exploit the merits of PCDs, it is important to characterize the output of PCDs. Previously proposed PCD output models showed decent agreement with physical PCDs; however, there were still scopes to be improved: a global model–data mismatch and pixel‐to‐pixel variations.

Purposes

In this study, we improve a PCD model by using count‐rate‐dependent model parameters to address the issues and evaluate agreement against physical PCDs.

Methods

The proposed model is based on the cascaded model, and we made model parameters condition‐dependent and pixel‐specific to deal with the global model–data mismatch and the pixel‐to‐pixel variation. The parameters are determined by a procedure for model parameter estimation with data acquired from different thicknesses of water or aluminum at different x‐ray tube currents. To analyze the effects of having proposed model parameters, we compared three setups of our model: a model with default parameters, a model with global parameters, and a model with global‐and‐local parameters. For experimental validation, we used CdZnTe‐based PCDs, and assessed the performance of the models by calculating the mean absolute percentage errors (MAPEs) between the model outputs and the actual measurements from low count‐rates to high count‐rates, which have deadtime losses of up to 24%.

Results

The outputs of the proposed model visually matched well with the PCD measurements for all test data. For the test data, the MAPEs averaged over all the bins were 49.2–51.1% for a model with default parameters, 8.0–9.8% for a model with the global parameters, and 1.2–2.7% for a model with the global‐and‐local parameters.

Conclusion

The proposed model can estimate the outputs of physical PCDs with high accuracy from low to high count‐rates. We expect that our model will be actively utilized in applications where the pixel‐by‐pixel accuracy of a PCD model is important.
Intramolecular CH‐Hydrogen Bonding During the Dissociation of the Oxaphosphetane Intermediate Facilitates Z/E‐Selectivity in Wittig Olefination
Authors: Sreenivas Kukkamudi , Rao Chintada Nageswara , Khan Faiz Ahmed
Published: December 2023

Herein, DFT studies corroborating experimental results revealed that the shortest intramolecular hydrogen bonding distance of cis/trans‐oxaphosphetane (OPA) oxygen with the CH‐hydrogen of a triphenylphosphine phenyl ring provides good evidence for the attained olefin Z/E‐selectivity in Wittig olefination of the studied examples. 2‐Nitrobenzaldehyde, 3‐nitrobenzaldehyde, 2‐nitro‐3‐bromobenzaldehyde, 2‐nitro‐5‐bromobenzaldehyde and 2‐nitro‐5‐arylbenzaldehydes provided Z‐nitrostilbenes with (2‐chloro‐4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxy‐5‐(methoxycarbonyl)benzyl) triphenylphosphonium chloride as the major products. However, 4‐nitrobenzaldehyde and 2‐nitro‐6‐bromobenzaldehydes furnished E‐nitrostilbenes as the major products in high yields. Furthermore, the DFT computed intramolecular CH1/CH2‐hydrogen bond distances with Cl/NO2 of selected stilbene derivatives were in good agreement with intramolecular hydrogen bond distances measured from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction measurements.
Development of green composites from bio‐benzoxazine and epoxy copolymer reinforced with alkali‐treated pine nut shell particles
Authors: Gorar Athar Ali Khan , Zhiyi Guo , Wang Zhicheng , Daham Abbas , Wang Jun , Liu Wen‐Bin , Wang Jun‐yi , Derradji Mehdi
Published: December 2023

In the current study, an isothermal compression molding process was used to develop enhanced green composites made from alkali‐treated pine nut shell particles (TPS) reinforced in fully bio‐driven benzoxazine (VB) and epoxy (EP) copolymer. Reinforcement with varying weight percent (wt%) of bio‐filler enhanced the properties of composites. Composites showed a rise of 75.9 MPa, 5.8 GPa, and 5.1 kJ/m2 in flexural strength, modulus, and impact strength, respectively. Thermal stability shows that composites can endure higher temperatures and hence be classified as flame‐retardant materials. The dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) confirms that composites exhibit higher storage modulus, which was elevated to 77.6% compared to the unfilled copolymer. FTIR spectroscopy analyzed the structure of copolymerized composites. Further, finite element analysis (FEA) was observed for the prepared composites. A transversely isotropic composite material model was created with the properties of composites, and stress analysis was observed. FEA outcomes are in good agreement with experimental findings.
Evaluation of inherent properties of the carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) for potential application in tissue engineering focusing on bone regeneration
Authors: Mehrabi Arezou , Jalise Saeedeh Zare , Hivechi Ahmad , Habibi Sina , Kebria Maziar Malekzadeh , Haramshahi Mohammad Amin , Latifi Noorahmad , Karimi Afzal , Milan Peiman Brouki
Published: December 2023

Biomaterials are essential in medicine because these biological macromolecules have appropriately replaced classical tissue grafting techniques for their valuable features. Bone tissue engineering has persistently developed since “tissue engineering” was suggested. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is the first FDA‐approved water‐soluble derivative of cellulose that could be targeted for desired bone tissue graft. Numerous studies on CMC as a component created for bone tissue have recently been published. Because of its carboxylate groups, CMC is hydrophilic. CMC can crosslink with varied materials, such as synthetic and natural polymers, enabling innovative bone structure biomaterials. These carboxylate groups are responsible for in situ gelations and bio‐adhesion characteristics. In this review, the current progress and inherent characteristics of CMC‐based bone scaffold materials are discussed.
Gaps in diagnosing suspected infection in immunocompromised children with cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Park Sarah Y. , Coufal Nicole G. , Dominguez Samuel R. , Farnaes Lauge , Messacar Kevin , Goldman Frederick D.
Published: December 2023

While the survival of children with cancer has improved over time, infection remains a major morbidity and mortality risk. We conducted a systematic literature review to determine the unmet needs in diagnosing infection in immunocompromised children with cancer. The comprehensive search strategy followed the guidelines established by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement, and spanned multiple bibliographic databases and other public sources from January 1, 2012 to June 23, 2022. From 5188 records, 34 unique pediatric‐focused studies met inclusion criteria. This review highlights the lack of published data on infectious disease testing in pediatric oncology patients, and the need for well‐designed clinical impact and cost‐effectiveness studies of both existing and novel diagnostic platforms. Such studies are necessary to optimize diagnostic and antimicrobial stewardship, leading to improvement in patient outcomes.
The influence of thickness and recycled milled glass fiber fillers on the delamination resistance of polymer composite angle brackets
Authors: Venkatesan Dinesh Babu , Vellayaraj Arumugam , Chelliah Suresh Kumar
Published: December 2023

Composite structures with L, C, and T shape geometries are commonly used in the design of aerospace structural components. These complex structures are prone to delamination failure at the curved region. This study investigates the effect of thickness and recycled milled glass fiber fillers to improve the strength properties and delamination resistance of glass/epoxy composite angle brackets. Different thicknesses of 3.5 mm (16 layers), 5 mm (24 layers), and 6.5 mm (32 layers) specimens were subjected to four‐point bending test with acoustic emission (AE) monitoring for evaluating damage resistance. Mechanical results reveal that the specimen with a higher thickness of 6.5 mm has better damage tolerance, followed by 3.5 and 5 mm angle brackets. Moreover, the location of AE signals and % of AE hits noticed the initiation and propagation of delamination in 5 mm thickness specimen at the earlier stage of loading. However, the curved beam strength and interlaminar tensile strength (ILTS) of 5 mm thickness specimen were improved by 31.02% and 19.2% respectively, through the incorporation of 2 wt% of fillers. Further, the interfacial adhesion between the fillers and epoxy matrix was studied using Fourier‐transform infrared analysis to confirm the improvement of delamination resistance in 5 mm thickness specimen. Finally, the mechanical and AE results were well correlated with field emission scanning electron microscope images to characterize the damage mechanisms in composite angle brackets.

Highlights

Effect of thickness on the delamination resistance of composites was studied.

Interlaminar properties of composite angle brackets were assessed.

Acoustic emission parameters were used to study the damage mechanisms.

Recycled milled glass fillers were employed to improve delamination resistance.

Mechanical and acoustic emission results were correlated with field emission scanning electron microscope images.
Human cord plasma proteomic analysis reveals sexually dimorphic proteins associated with intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Akinyemi Ayodele Jacob , Du Xiu Quan , Aguilan Jennifer , Sidoli Simone , Hirsch David , Wang Tao , Reznik Sandra , Fuloria Mamta , Charron Maureen J.
Published: December 2023

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with increased risk of cardiometabolic disease later in life and has been shown to affect female and male offspring differently, but the mechanisms remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify proteomic differences and metabolic risk markers in IUGR male and female neonates when compared to appropriate for gestational age (AGA) babies that will provide a better understanding of IUGR pathogenesis and its associated risks. Our results revealed alterations in IUGR cord plasma proteomes with most of the differentially abundant proteins implicated in peroxisome pathways. This effect was evident in females but not in males. Furthermore, we observed that catalase activity, a peroxisomal enzyme, was significantly increased in females (p < 0.05) but unchanged in males. Finally, we identified risk proteins associated with obesity, type‐2 diabetes, and glucose intolerance such as EGF containing fibulin extracellular matrix protein 1 (EFEMP1), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and transforming growth factor beta receptor 3 (TGFBR3) proteins unique to females while coagulation factor IX (C9) and retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) are unique in males. In conclusion, IUGR may display sexual dimorphism which may be associated with differences in lifelong risk for cardiometabolic disease between males and females.
From Mysore to Cambridge and back: The education of a groundnut breeder
Authors: Brown Tad
Published: December 2023

Societal Impact Statement

Studies that show how empire influenced the development of plant genetics add to the established history of genetics and 20th‐century agricultural science. One approach to broadening this history is to consider the contributions of students studying abroad and their greater careers back home. Research agendas differed between and within institutions, much as they do today. This article explores the postgraduate education of an Indian groundnut breeder. It highlights the structural challenges faced by researchers at agricultural departments who sought promotion through education and examines the consequences for plant breeding and for farmers.

Through the biography of V.K. Badami, this article contributes to debates about genetics and plant breeding in the history of science. Badami, an accomplished breeder in the Mysore Department of Agriculture, took a leave to study genetics at the University of Cambridge. His professors nearly failed him, yet Badami's groundnut breeding experiments proved influential for Indian farmers as well as advances in crop science. This history adds to the thesis that academic genetics varied in support of professional plant breeding by comparing institutional expections between Mysore and Cambridge.

The argument is developed by reading Badami's student records along with his groundnut breeding experiments in South India.

The study connects the disciplinary history of genetics to plant breeding for the British empire.

Badami's experience at Cambridge is indicative of the power relationship between academic genetics and imperial plant breeding in the early 20th century. In this case, his commitments as an Indian agricultural officer conflicted with the discipline's devotion to quantitative analysis.
Biophysical characterization of the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein's N‐terminal domain
Authors: Geens Rob , Stanisich Jessica , Beyens Olivier , D'Hondt Stijn , Thiberge Jean‐Michel , Ryckebosch Amber , De Groot Anke , Magez Stefan , Vertommen Didier , Amino Rogerio , De Winter Hans , Volkov Alexander N. , Tompa Peter , Sterckx Yann G.‐J.
Published: December 2023

The circumsporozoite protein (CSP) is the main surface antigen of the Plasmodium sporozoite (SPZ) and forms the basis of the currently only licensed anti‐malarial vaccine (RTS,S/AS01). CSP uniformly coats the SPZ and plays a pivotal role in its immunobiology, in both the insect and the vertebrate hosts. Although CSP's N‐terminal domain (CSPN) has been reported to play an important role in multiple CSP functions, a thorough biophysical and structural characterization of CSPN is currently lacking. Here, we present an alternative method for the recombinant production and purification of CSPN from Plasmodium falciparum (PfCSPN), which provides pure, high‐quality protein preparations with high yields. Through an interdisciplinary approach combining in‐solution experimental methods and in silico analyses, we provide strong evidence that PfCSPN is an intrinsically disordered region displaying some degree of compaction.
Transmembrane proteins—Different anchoring systems
Authors: Roterman Irena , Stapor Katarzyna , Konieczny Leszek
Published: December 2023

Transmembrane proteins are active in amphipathic environments. To stabilize the protein in such surrounding the exposure of hydrophobic residues on the protein surface is required. Transmembrane proteins are responsible for the transport of various molecules. Therefore, they often represent structures in the form of channels. This analysis focused on the stability and local flexibility of transmembrane proteins, particularly those related to their biological activity. Different forms of anchorage were identified using the fuzzy oil‐drop model (FOD) and its modified form, FOD‐M. The mainly helical as well as β‐barrel structural forms are compared with respect to the mechanism of stabilization in the cell membrane. The different anchoring system was found to stabilize protein molecules with possible local fluctuation.
Risk assessment of liquid ammonia tanks based on Bayesian network and Probit model
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Wang Ziyun , Chen Xingbai , Xiang Yue
Published: December 2023

This paper presents a quantitative risk assessment method to predict the potential risks of liquid ammonia tanks. The method combines probabilistic prediction and consequence assessment: the former is predicted by Bayesian networks derived from bow‐tie mapping, in which the conditional probabilities are determined by analytic hierarchy process, the latter is calculated based on numerical simulation of accident consequences and Probit probability model. The application results show that the method can be used for quantitative risk assessment of liquid ammonia storage tank, and the Bayesian network model is efficient and stable, which can realize risk prediction, accident causes analysis and risk mitigation analysis. Human errors during production or maintenance and corrosion are the main causes of liquid ammonia leakage. Toxicity has the greatest effect on the risk of liquid ammonia tanks. Risk mitigation measures can significantly reduce individual risk and societal risk. The obtained results provide meaningful guidance for the prevention and risk mitigation strategies of liquid ammonia leakage accidents, so as to improve the safety level of liquid ammonia during storage.
Eliciting the antitumor immune response with a conditionally activated PD‐L1 targeting antibody analyzed with a quantitative systems pharmacology model
Authors: Ippolito Alberto , Wang Hanwen , Zhang Yu , Vakil Vahideh , Bazzazi Hojjat , Popel Aleksander S.
Published: December 2023

Conditionally activated molecules, such as Probody therapeutics (PbTx), have recently been investigated to improve antitumoral response while reducing systemic toxicity. PbTx are engineered to be proteolytically activated by proteases that are preferentially active locally in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, we perform an exploratory study using our recently published quantitative systems pharmacology model, previously validated for other drugs, to evaluate the effectiveness and targeting specificity of an anti‐PD‐L1 PbTx compared to the non‐modified antibody. We have informed the model using the PbTx dynamics and pharmacokinetics published in the literature for anti‐PD‐L1 in patients with triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC). Our results suggest masking of the antibody slightly decreases its efficacy, while increasing the localization of active therapeutic component in the TME. We also perform a parameter optimization for the PbTx design and drug dosing regimens to maximize the response rate. Although our results are specific to the case of TNBC, our findings are generalizable to any conditionally activated PbTx molecule in solid tumors and suggest that design of a highly effective and selective PbTx is feasible.
Identification, characterisation and in silico ADMET prediction of ozenoxacin and its degradation products using high‐performance liquid chromatography‐photodiode array and liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Matta Ashwinkumar , Sundararajan Raja
Published: December 2023

Rationale

Ozenoxacin (OXC) is an antibiotic used topically to treat impetigo. This study aimed to evaluate the degradation products (DP) of OXC drug substance under different stress conditions, including hydrolysis, oxidation, thermal and photolysis, in accordance with the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) guidelines Q1A(R2) and Q1B. The analytical technique was validated in compliance with ICH Q2(R1) requirements.

Methods

The drug substance underwent degradation under various forced degradation conditions, including thermal, oxidative, photolytic and hydrolytic (neutral, acidic and basic) degradation. Overall, four DPs were formed under oxidative stress conditions with AIBN. The formed DPs were identified and separated using a Shimadzu LC system with a reversed‐phase Phenomenex Kinetex C18 column (4.6 × 250 mm, 5 μm), using 10 mM NH4CH3COOH buffer (pH −5.0) as mobile phase A and acetonitrile as mobile phase B at a detection wavelength of 254 nm.

Results and Conclusion

The drug was found to be stable in neutral, acidic, basic and oxidative degradation conditions with hydrogen peroxide. Liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionisation‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight‐tandem mass spectrometry‐ was employed in positive ionisation mode to analyse both the drug and the mass of the identified DP. The mechanism and the pathway of mass fragmentation have been proposed. The developed method was accurate, repeatable, linear and selective for further research. The ADMET Predictor software was applied to predict the in silico toxicity of the drugs and its DPs as well as their physicochemical characteristics.
Ecological traits of Saliceae and the species replacing them on the active floodplain
Authors: Edwards Peter J.
Published: December 2023

The dominant woody plants of active floodplains in the northern temperate zone are various species of Salix (willows) and Populus (poplars and cottonwoods) in the tribe Saliceae of the family Salicaceae. In this review, I consider the traits that enable these species to thrive in the dynamic floodplain environment and ask why they are now declining in the northern hemisphere, yet spreading rapidly in the southern hemisphere. I reach four main conclusions. First, floodplain Saliceae exhibit traits, notably huge numbers of minute, wind‐ and water‐dispersed seeds and an exceptional capacity for vegetative propagation, that uniquely fit them for life on the active floodplain. Second, there are no functional equivalents to floodplain Salix and Populus in the southern hemisphere, which accounts for their remarkable success in invading riparian ecosystems. Third, the replacement of Saliceae by other species in the northern hemisphere has been caused mainly by changes in flow through dam construction, regulation and abstraction. The species that replace Saliceae vary according to site conditions: fertile sites in humid climates become occupied by various broadleaved trees (e.g., Acer negundo, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, Ailanthus altissima); nitrogen‐fixing shrubs dominate in areas where nitrogen is limiting but phosphorus is adequate (Amorpha fruticosa, Robinia pseudoacacia, Elaeagnus angustifolia); sites in more arid regions are occupied by various Tamarix spp. The different ecological groups of woody species are associated with contrasting changes to the floodplain ecosystem.
High Thermoelectric Performance Related to PVDF Ferroelectric Domains in P‐Type Flexible PVDF‐Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 Composite Film
Authors: Jiang Qinghui , Pan Deng , Wang Yunfan , Liu Yong , Luo Yubo , Yang Junyou , Li Baowen , Dunn Steve , Yan Haixue
Published: December 2023

There is increasing demand to power Internet of Things devices using ambient energy sources. Flexible, low‐temperature, organic/inorganic thermoelectric devices are a breakthrough next‐generation approach to meet this challenge. However, these systems suffer from poor performance and expensive processing preventing wide application of the technology. In this study, by combining a ferroelectric polymer (Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF, β phase)) with p‐type Bi0.5Sb1.5Te3 (BST) a thermoelectric composite film with maximum is produced power factor. Energy filter from ferroelectric‐thermoelectric junction also leads to high Seebeck voltage ≈242 µV K−1. For the first time, compelling evidence is provided that the dipole of a ferroelectric material is helping decouple electron transport related to carrier mobility and the Seebeck coefficient, to provide 5× or more improvement in thermoelectric power factor. The best composition, PVDF/BST film with BST 95 wt.% has a power factor of 712 µW•m−1 K−2. A thermoelectric generator fabricated from a PVDF/BST film demonstrated PmaxT 12.02 µW and Pdensity 40.8 W m−2 under 50 K temperature difference. This development also provides a new insight into a physical technique, applicable to both flexible and non‐flexible thermoelectrics, to obtain comprehensive thermoelectric performance.
Liquid Crystalline Network Microstructures for Stimuli Responsive Labels with Multi‐Level Encryption
Authors: Donato Simone , Nocentini Sara , Martella Daniele , Kolagatla Srikanth , Wiersma Diederik S. , Parmeggiani Camilla , Delaney Colm , Florea Larisa
Published: December 2023

Two‐photon direct laser writing enables the fabrication of shape‐changing microstructures that can be exploited in stimuli responsive micro‐robotics and photonics. The use of Liquid Crystalline Networks (LCN) allows to realize 3D micrometric objects that can contract along a specific direction in response to stimuli, such as temperature or light. In this paper, the fabrication of free‐standing LCN microstructures is demonstrated as graphical units of a smart tag for simple physical and optical encryption. Using an array of identical pixels, information can be hidden to the observer and revealed only upon application of a specific stimulus. The reading mechanism is based on the shape‐change of each pixel under stimuli and their color that combine together in a two‐level encryption label. Once the stimulus is removed, the pixels recover their original shape and the message remains completely hidden. Therefore, an opto‐mechanical equivalent of an “invisible ink” is realized. This new concept paves the way for introducing enhanced functionalities in smart micro‐systems within a single lithography step, spanning from storage devices with physical encryption to complex motion actuators.
Hierarchical‐Pore‐Stabilization Strategy for Fabricating 18.3 wt% High‐Loading Single‐Atom Catalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: He Tianxi , Zhang Xiaoyuan , Li Dan , Qin Yanyang , Zhao Hongyang , Wei Yuantao , Wang Yang , Chen Shenghua , Ding Shujiang , Xiao Chunhui
Published: December 2023

Metal single‐atom catalysts (M‐SACs) attract extraordinary attention for promoting oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with 100% atomic utilization. However, low metal loading (usually less than 2 wt%) limits their overall catalytic performance. Herein, a hierarchical‐structure‐stabilization strategy for fabricating high‐loading (18.3%) M‐SACs with efficient ORR activity is reported. Hierarchical pores structure generated with high N content by SiO2 can provide more coordination sites and facilitate the adsorption of Fe3+ through mesoporous and confinement effect of it stabilizes Fe atoms in micropores on it during pyrolysis. High N content on hierarchical pores structure could provide more anchor sites of Fe atoms during the subsequent secondary pyrolysis and synthesize the dense and accessible Fe‐N4 sites after subsequent pyrolysis. In addition, Se power is introduced to modulate the electronic structure of Fe‐N4 sites and further decrease the energy barrier of the ORR rate‐determining step. As a result, the Fe single atom catalyst delivers unprecedentedly high ORR activity with a half‐wave potential of 0.895 V in 0.1 M KOH aqueous solution and 0.791 V in 0.1 M HClO4 aqueous solution. Therefore, a hierarchical‐pore‐stabilization strategy for boosting the density and accessibility of Fe‐N4 species paves a new avenue toward high‐loading M‐SACs for various applications such as thermocatalysis and photocatalysis.