bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bibliometric Analysis of Educational Researches on Bilingualism
Authors: Kayadibi Nuray
Published: September 2022

The aim of this research is to perform a bibliometric analysis of published academic studies on “bilingualism” in the category of educational research in the Web of Science (WoS) database. Research titles were searched using the keyword “bilingualism” in all WoS data bases on the Web of Knowledge Web page. In order to reach a holistic interpretation, the study was done to cover the 51-year time period between the years 1970-2021 by starting from the oldest date available in the database. As a result of the search, the bibliometric data of the 1975 academic study was used as the data set of the study. The bibliometric analysis was used as the data analysis technique in the study. The research topics and orientations of the academic publications examined within the scope of the study were visually mapped through the keywords in the publications. Within this direction, WordArt online word cloud software was preferred. The social network analysis of the keywords of the 1975 academic study on bilingualism that is one of the bibliometric analysis tools, was visualized by using the VOSviewer (Version 1.6.16) package program. As a result of the analysis done, the year 2020 was the year with the most publications on bilingualism in the WoS database. In the field, mostly English publications were made. Most of the detected publications are of the article type. The California State University System – USA ranks first as the institution in which the authors publish on bilingualism. Most publications on bilingualism were done in the International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism. The country with the most publications and the country with the most cooperation network is the USA. It has been determined that concepts such as bilingualism, multilingualism, bilingual education, language policy, language switching, dual literacy, identity, language ideologies, second language acquisition, code change and literacy are used in scientific publications. It is thought that the study draws a broad framework for researchers in the field and contributes to the field.
16S-FASAS: an integrated pipeline for synthetic full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing data analysis
Authors: Zhang Ke , Lin Rongnan , Chang Yujun , Zhou Qing , Zhang Zhi
Published: September 2022

Background

The full-length 16S rRNA sequencing can better improve the taxonomic and phylogenetic resolution compared to the partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The 16S-FAS-NGS (16S rRNA full-length amplicon sequencing based on a next-generation sequencing platform) technology can generate high-quality, full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences using short-read sequencers, together with assembly procedures. However there is a lack of a data analysis suite that can help process and analyze the synthetic long read data.

Results

Herein, we developed software named 16S-FASAS (16S full-length amplicon sequencing data analysis software) for 16S-FAS-NGS data analysis, which provided high-fidelity species-level microbiome data. 16S-FASAS consists of data quality control, de novo assembly, annotation, and visualization modules. We verified the performance of 16S-FASAS on both mock and fecal samples. In mock communities, we proved that taxonomy assignment by MegaBLAST had fewer misclassifications and tended to find more low abundance species than the USEARCH-UNOISE3-based classifier, resulting in species-level classification of 85.71% (6/7), 85.71% (6/7), 72.72% (8/11), and 70% (7/10) of the target bacteria. When applied to fecal samples, we found that the 16S-FAS-NGS datasets generated contigs grouped into 60 and 56 species, from which 71.62% (43/60) and 76.79% (43/56) were shared with the Pacbio datasets.

Conclusions

16S-FASAS is a valuable tool that helps researchers process and interpret the results of full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Depending on the full-length amplicon sequencing technology, the 16S-FASAS pipeline enables a more accurate report on the bacterial complexity of microbiome samples. 16S-FASAS is freely available for use at https://github.com/capitalbio-bioinfo/FASAS.
The positive and negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the European Council on Chiropractic Education accredited programs: A mixed methods audit and thematic analysis
Authors: Yelverton Christopher , Peterson Cynthia K. , Humphreys B. Kim , Vall Kenneth
Published: September 2022

Objective

The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine the impact of COVID-19 on the operations within the 9 sections of the European Council on Chiropractic Education (ECCE) ‘Standards'; (2) identify specific rapid changes to the programs; and (3) identify positive changes that will continue post-pandemic.

Methods

This was a mixed methods audit and thematic analysis of data from interviews conducted via a cloud-based video conferencing tool with program leaders of the ECCE accredited institutions. A validated questionnaire designed around ECCE's “Standards” was used, consisting of 3 sections: (1) Severity of the COVID-19 impact on each ECCE Standard section; (2) Description of program changes made for each section; (3) Identification of positive changes continuing post-pandemic. Descriptive statistics were calculated for Part 1 and compared for significant differences via the Kruskal-Wallis test. Verbal responses to Parts 2 and 3 were evaluated independently by 3 researchers using a modified “thematic analysis” approach. Final thematic categories and themes were agreed upon by the researchers.

Results

There was a 100% response rate. Outpatient teaching clinics were most severely affected, followed by teaching chiropractic technique courses. Curricular structure and duration and program management were least affected (p =.033). Four thematic categories were identified: Extreme Stress, Courses Most Severely Affected, Integrity of Examinations and Assessments, and Positive Changes That Will Continue.

Conclusion

Final-year students were most negatively impacted due to restricted opportunities in outpatient clinics. Integrity of examinations was also a problem. Positive, innovative teaching materials and methods were quickly developed and should continue.
Perceived Economic Empowerment of Registered Women Entrepreneurs in Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu
Authors: Suganthi N. , Asokhan M.
Published: September 2022

To achieve the purpose of the study, 105 registered women entrepreneurs in Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) were identified in Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu. Key informant method was adopted for the selection of sample. In this study registered women entrepreneurs in Micro, Small and Medium enterprises-MSME were selected for the study. it was decided to select 35 respondents randomly from each sector/unit (Food and Allied Products, Manufacturing Products and Service) among registered using Simple Random Sampling. Series of questions were asked through well structured interview schedule. A little less than three -fourths (73.33%) of the registered women entrepreneurs had medium level perceived economic empowerment. Nearly one-fifth (18.10%) and few (8.57%) of the registered women entrepreneurs had high to low level perceived economic empowerment respectively. Among the registered women entrepreneurs majority (86.67%) of registered women entrepreneurs had increased standard of living followed by more than three fourth (77.14%) inferred that, they had developed saving habits.
Study of Genetic Variability, Character Association and Path Analysis in Greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]
Authors: Reddy Punyaswi , Lal Gaibriyal M. , Lavanya G. R. , Reddy Indla Rama Prudhvi
Published: September 2022

A set of 21 of greengram were evaluated for studying of “Study of Genetic Variability, Character Association and Path Analysis in Greengram [Vigna radiata (L.)Wilczek]”. The experiment was conducted in a Randomized Block Design with three replications during the kharif season, 2021 in the crop research farm of Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. For all 13 characters, the analysis of variance revealed a significant difference between genotypes. A favourable and very significant link between seed yield per plant and Days to maturity and Harvest Index was found in the current study using both phenotypic and genotypic correlation coefficients. Maximum positive direct effects was depicted by Harvest Index (%), Number of seeds per pod and Plant height (cm) at both phenotypic and genotypic levels. Path analysis further revealed that direct effect of Harvest Index (%), No. of seeds per pod and Plant Height (cm) was of high magnitude. The significant indirect effect through these features also contributed to the high positive relationship of other characters with grain yield per plant (g). This suggested that the above three traits' direct and indirect effects accounted for the majority of the seed yield. As a result, these genotypes may be encouraged for cultivation as well as in next breeding programmes to create better cultivars for  sustainable agricultural production.
Molecular Characterization of Early Maturing Sugarcane Clones Using Microsatellite Markers
Authors: Singh Rajvinder , Kamat D. N. , Kumari Pooja , Suman Sandeep Kumar , Singh Digvijay
Published: September 2022

Sugarcane is an important cash crop of the entire world including India. It alone contributes to 75% of the worldwide sugar trade. Molecular markers are powerful tools and provide the basis for the estimation of genetic variability to start reasonable breeding program. Microsatellite markers have unique ability to determine the extent of genetic divergence among sugarcane genotypes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic divergence of 12 early maturing sugarcane clones using 11 SSR markers. A total 55 alleles were found during the amplification of the primers out of which 21 alleles were found unique and 34 alleles were shared. The number of shared alleles per locus ranged from two out of five alleles in the case of primer NKS 1 and nine out of ten alleles in NKS 34. Similarly no. of unique alleles per locus ranged from one out of ten alleles in NKS 34, three out of six alleles in NKS 57. The primer pairs NKS 1 and NKS 8 generated considerably greater percentage of unique alleles. The PIC values revealing allelic diversity and frequency among the genotypes varied from 0.034 in case of NKS 48 to 0.778 in case of NKS 9 with an average of 0.549. Pair-wise combinations of CoSe15451 and CoSe15452 showed the highest similarity with the value of similarity coefficient (0.890). The lowest value of similarity coefficient was found to be 0.490 in the pair CoBln15501 and CoSe01421. The dendogram based on SSR marker analysis grouped the 12 sugarcane clones into four clusters which shows the CoSe15451 and CoSe15452 clones had maximum similarity and CoBln15501 and CoSe15452 clones had maximum diversity between each other.
Foreign Bodies of Airway: Our Experience at a Tertiary Care Center in Gujarat
Authors: Shah Ishita , Bhatt Chandni , Modi Niral
Published: September 2022

Background: Foreign bodies of airway are a common cause of mortality in pediatric age group. The management of these requires multi-departmental approach. In our study we share our experience of foreign body management over a period of 3 years at a tertiary care center in Gujarat.

Aims: To study incidence, age and gender distribution of foreign bodies in airway; To establish the methods for managing foreign bodies of airway, to study the complications of foreign bodies.

Methods and Management: A prospective study was performed in the department of Otorhinolaryngology in GG. Hospital, Jamnagar, from the year 2018 to 2021. Data was collected for patients with foreign body aspiration.

Results: The most common age group being between 1-2 years of age (48.27%). The mean age in our study was 25.6 months. There was a slight male predilection of 51.72% (n=30), and 48.27% (n= 28) being females. Choking and paroxysmal coughing were the most common symptoms, seen in 68.96% and 77.58% of the patients respectively. Right main bronchus was more commonly affected, 51.72% cases. Peanuts were the most commonly encountered foreign bodies, 58.62%. Laryngeal spasm was the commonest intra operative complication. Post operatively pneumonia was the commonest complication, treated with antibiotics and steroids.

Conclusion: Foreign bodies in the airway are associated with a significantly higher morbidity and mortality. The difficulty in removal of the foreign bodies depends on their location and type, the instruments and the anesthesia available. It continues to pose a challenge even for experienced endoscopists, however, a pre-operative CT scan is extremely helpful.
Application of Attribute-Based Costing Approach (ABC11) in Companies listed on the Iraq Stock Exchange: A field study
Authors: Mousa Thaer Umran
Published: September 2022

Most entities in developed countries tend to use the attribute-based costing approach instead of using the traditional systems applied, because of the advantages of this approach in use and accuracy in the results. Therefore, this research came to identify the extent to which the attribute-based costing approach (ABC11) can be applied in Iraqi commercial banks. This research was divided into two sections. Section One: It addresses the definition of attribute-based costing approach and the steps of applying this approach, importance, advantages and criticisms of this approach and finally, the conditions of applying this approach. Section Two: The field research represented by the questionnaire directed to the Iraqi commercial banks to determine the extent to which this approach can be applied, the difficulties faced by the banks in applying this approach, the possible benefits upon application. Finally, the results reached by the researcher through this research and recommendations, the most important of which is the necessity of helping auditors being acquainted with the importance and benefits of applying the attribute-based costing approach in order to help the entities’ management being acquainted with the importance of applying this approach. The researcher also recommends conducting an applied study through the actual comparison between the results according to the traditional systems and according to the attribute method to verify the accuracy of determining the cost and the benefits of the entrance and its advantages.
Influence of Smoking on Disease Activity and Quality of Life in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results From a Swedish Case–Control Study With Longitudinal Follow‐Up
Authors: Alfredsson Lars , Klareskog Lars , Hedström Anna Karin
Published: September 2022

Objective

Inconclusive findings have been reported regarding the influence of smoking on disease outcomes in established rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was undertaken to investigate the influence of smoking habits on disease activity and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in RA patients.

Methods

Patients with newly diagnosed RA (n = 1,531) from the population‐based case–control Epidemiological Investigation of Rheumatoid Arthritis study were followed up for up to 3 years after recruitment. Using logistic regression models, the risks of unfavorable outcomes in patients with different smoking habits were compared using self‐reported swollen and tender joint counts, the Short Form 36 health survey, the Health Assessment Questionnaire, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale by calculating odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

At 1‐year and 3‐year follow‐up, current smokers reported higher disease activity and lower HRQoL life compared to non‐smokers, regarding both physical and mental aspects. Patients who stopped smoking within 1‐year post‐baseline had less disease activity measured as swollen joint counts at 1‐year follow‐up compared to those who continued smoking. Patients who stopped smoking after the 1‐year follow‐up had higher disease activity and lower HRQoL at baseline than smokers who did not quit, and late smoking cessation was not associated with more favorable outcomes compared to continued smoking.

Conclusion

Current smoking is associated with increased disease activity and lower HRQoL among RA patients. Smoking cessation within the first year after baseline appears to have a favorable effect on disease activity.
SAMHSA to ask for rulemaking on take‐home methadone doses
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2022

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is planning a rulemaking on extended take‐home criteria for methadone patients in opioid treatment programs (OTPs). SAMHSA, along with the Drug Enforcement Administration, regulates OTPs. And OTPs, in their turn, not only are in favor of the proposed changes, but have also advocated for them. ADAW learned about the plan earlier this month (see “SAMHSA chief medical officer on methadone THs and ODs,” ADAW Sept. 12, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.33547).
The Synergy of Tensile Strain and Ligand Effect in PtBi Nanorings for Boosting Electrocatalytic Alcohol Oxidation
Authors: Han Sumei , Ma Yuan , Yun Qinbai , Wang An‐Liang , Zhu Qisi , Zhang Hao , He Caihong , Xia Jing , Meng Xiangmin , Gao Lei , Cao Wenbin , Lu Qipeng
Published: September 2022

As the best electrocatalysts for alcohol oxidation reactions in direct alcohol fuel cells (DAFCs), Pt‐based nanomaterials still face the challenges of low utilization efficiency of Pt atoms and poor reaction kinetics. To address these issues, a self‐etching strategy is developed to prepare PtBi nanorings (NRs) with abundant low‐coordinated atoms and inhomogeneous tensile strain (≈4%). The obtained PtBi NRs exhibit superior activity toward methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) and ethanol oxidation reaction (EOR) in alkaline media. Particularly, the mass activities of PtBi NRs for MOR and EOR are 9.4 and 8.5 times higher than those of commercial Pt/C, respectively, which are among the best in the reported Pt‐based catalysts. The highly open structure of PtBi NRs is believed to provide plentiful catalytic active sites and increase the utilization of Pt atoms. Theoretical calculations show that the two important factors, i.e., adsorption energy with the key reaction intermediates and the energy barrier for the potential‐determining step, are significantly optimized owing to the synergy of tensile strain and the ligand effect in PtBi NRs. This study offers a promising strategy for the rational design and preparation of highly efficient catalysts for DAFCs.
Hydrogen‐Bond Reinforced Superstructural Manganese Oxide As the Cathode for Ultra‐Stable Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Jianwei , Luo Ningjing , Kang Liqun , Zhao Fangjia , Jiao Yiding , Macdonald Thomas J. , Wang Min , Parkin Ivan P. , Shearing Paul R. , Brett Dan J.L. , Chai Guoliang , He Guanjie
Published: September 2022

Layered manganese oxides adopting pre‐accommodated cations have drawn tremendous interest for the application as cathodes in aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) owing to their open 2D channels for fast ion‐diffusion and mild phase transition upon topochemical (de)intercalation processes. However, it is inevitable to see these “pillar” cations leaching from the hosts owing to the loose interaction with negatively charged Helmholtz planes within the hosts and shearing/bulking effects in 2D structures upon guest species (de)intercalation, which implies a limited modulation to prevent them from rapid performance decay. Herein, a new class of layered manganese oxides, Mg0.9Mn3O7·2.7H2O, is proposed for the first time, aims to achieve a robust cathode for high‐performance AZIBs. The cathode can deliver a high capacity of 312 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 and exceptional cycling stability with 92% capacity retention after 5 000 cycles at 5 A g−1. The comprehensive characterizations elucidate its peculiar motif of pined Mg‐□Mn‐Mg dumbbell configuration along with interstratified hydrogen bond responsible for less Mn migration/dissolution and quasi‐zero‐strain characters. The revealed new structure‐function insights can open up an avenue toward the rational design of superstructural cathodes for reversible AZIBs.
Impact of edaphoclimatic conditions and crop season on olive oil's fatty acids
Authors: Lechhab Touria , Lechhab Wafae , Trovato Emanuela , Salmoun Farida , Mondello Luigi , Cacciola Francesco
Published: September 2022

The olive tree (Olea europaea L.) fruit oil attracts widespread interest because of its high content of monounsaturated fatty acids. However, a neglected area in the field is the edaphoclimatic factors impact, which is poorly understood. Bearing this in mind, the purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the impact of the edaphoclimatic conditions on the fatty acids’ composition. Therefore, we have investigated the fatty acids methyl ester (FAME) profile in 38 monovarietal Moroccan ‘Picholine Marocaine’ extra‐virgin olive oils (EVOOs) from two successive crop years (2018–2019 and 2019–2020). Significant differences were detected in olive oils from distinct geographical origins with about 10 and 4% of the difference in oleic and palmitic acid amounts in both seasons; however, linoleic acid showed 5 and 8% in 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 oils, respectively. Furthermore, regions of high altitude and low temperature resulted in olive oils rich in oleic acid and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). This study also revealed the negative impact of rainfall, sand percentage, and nitrogen on saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and of pH and conductivity on the major MUFAs.
Aharonov–Bohm‐Like Flux Effects on the Landauer Conductance in Graphene Wormholes
Authors: Huamaní Jonathan Acuña , Vicente Andrés G. Jirón , Obispo Angel E. , Montero Raul Carita , Castro Luis B.
Published: September 2022

In this work, the graphene wormhole in two cases, i) free case and ii) in the presence of an Aharonov–Bohm (AB)‐like magnetic field are studied. To achieve the objective, the massless Dirac equation is solved in the background of a catenoid metric. As this system does not support exact solutions due to the considered background, the scattering‐state solutions are obtained by means of the Born approximation. In both cases, the Landauer formalism is used to obtain approximate expressions for the conductance. For the free case, a minimum conductance, which is independent of system parameters is found. For the case with an AB‐like magnetic field, the results show that the conductance can be modulated by means of the parameter related to magnetic flux. In addition, a special case where a null magnetic flux generates an oscillatory conductance is analyzed.
On the influence of the amorphous phase on the stability of crystals in poly(cis‐1,4‐isoprene) networks
Authors: Segiet Dominik , Weckes Sebastian , Austermuehl Juergen , Tiller Joerg C. , Katzenberg Frank
Published: September 2022

Crosslinked natural rubber and synthetic rubber samples are additivated with up to 9 wt% stearic acid (StA) to better understand the influence of StA on the melting temperature Tm of strain‐induced crystallized poly(cis‐1,4‐isoprene) crystals. To this end, lamellae thicknesses are determined from wide‐angle x‐ray patterns and used to calculate the crystal size dependent melting temperature Tm,calc. Comparing the measured Tm with Tm,calc reveals that Tm deviates downward from Tm,calc and converges Tm,calc with increasing StA concentration until it is identical to Tm,calc, in case of room temperature strain‐induced crystallization. In case of strain‐induced crystallization at 80°C, it was found that Tm is identical with Tm,calc without added StA and deviates upward from Tm,calc with increasing amount of added StA. We suggest that this is due to internal stress onto the polymer crystals exerted by highly strained macromolecules in the surrounding amorphous phase. Whether this stress has a stabilizing or destabilizing effect on the crystals is assumed to depend on its intensity and direction, which can be efficiently altered by the amount and the location of StA crystals in the amorphous phase.
The relationship between formative assessment and reading achievement: A multilevel analysis of students in 19 countries/regions
Authors: Yan Zi , Chiu Ming Ming
Published: September 2022

Despite the general consensus on the positive impact of formative assessment on student learning, researchers have not shown the underlying mechanisms between specific formative assessment strategies and academic performance on an international sample. This study examines the link between student and teacher reports of teachers’ formative assessment strategies (i.e. clarifying goals and monitoring progress, providing feedback, and instructional adjustments) and students’ reading achievement, based on data from 151,969 fifteen‐year‐olds in 5,225 schools in 19 countries/regions in PISA 2018 via multilevel analysis of plausible values. The results show that clarifying goals and monitoring progress, and instruction adjustments are positively linked to reading achievement, but providing feedback alone has no significant impact. These findings highlight the complexity of formative assessment as a multifaceted concept and the different impacts of formative assessment strategies on student learning. Implications for researchers and practitioners are discussed.
Synthesis and Characterization of Copper‐Nanoflowers with the Utilization of Medicinal Plant Extracts for Enhanced Various Enzyme Inhibitory Activities
Authors: Koca‐Caliskan Ufuk , Donmez Ceylan , Eruygur Nuraniye , Ayaz Fatma , Altinkaynak Cevahir , Ozdemir Nalan
Published: September 2022

In this study, organic‐inorganic hybrid nanoflowers were synthesized using methanolic extracts of the medicinal plants Ajuga chamaepitys subsp. chia var. chia, Achillea wilhelmsii, Bongardia chrysogonum, Malva sylvestris, Phlomis grandiflora var. grandiflora, Verbascum sp. together with copper ions (Cu2+). The synthesized plant extract based‐inorganic hybrid nanoflowers (PE‐ihNFs) of A. chamaepitys subsp. chia var. chia (Ac‐ihNFs), A. wilhelmsii (Aw‐ihNfs), B. chrysogonum (Bc‐ihNFs), M. sylvestris (Ms‐ihNFs) P. grandiflora var. grandiflora (Pg‐ihNFs), and Verbascum sp. (Vs‐ihNFs) were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy‐Dispersive X‐ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), and X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD). Also, several enzymes were selected to evaluate the enzyme inhibition activities of the synthesized PE‐ihNFs. For the first‐time, enzymes, tyrosinase, α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase, acetyl and butyryl cholinesterase inhibition activities of the PE‐ihNFs with comparison to their plain plant extracts were evaluated in vitro. Results show that the among all the analyzed PE‐ihNFs, demonstrated better α‐glucosidase & α‐amylase enzyme inhibition activity compared to the plain extracts. These initial studies are promising for the synthesis of these hybrid nanoflowers containing medicinal plant extracts, which might have commercial applications in the pharmaceutical and dermo‐cosmetics industries.
Diagnosis and treatment of flurbiprofen‐induced Stevens–Johnson syndrome: A rare case report
Authors: Khan Asad Ali , Rashid Farhana , Khan Farhat Ullah , Tahmina Tahmina , Amin Said , Anand Ayush
Published: September 2022

Our case highlights the occurrence of severe cutaneous adverse reactions with flurbiprofen use and alerts physicians to its odds with safer drugs.
COVID‐19 co‐infection in a patient with brucellosis
Authors: Shabani Shiva , Ghadimi Saleh
Published: September 2022

An 89‐year‐old male case was hospitalized in the COVID‐19 department. His CT scan showed nodular opacities, also a variable low P O2, elevated transaminases, and a high D‐dimer concentration. The patient diagnosed with active brucellosis. Finally, he treated by combination of doxycycline and rifampicin in addition to anti‐COVID‐19 treatment.
Complete response to intravesical gemcitabine in non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer patient after BCG failure: A case report and literature review
Authors: Nahhat Fouad , Doyya Modar , Ksiri Hazem
Published: September 2022

Bladder cancer treatment remains a challenge to every oncologist. We report the case of a 57‐year‐old man with BCG‐refractory bladder cancer who had a complete response to intravesical gemcitabine to highlight the role of gemcitabine as a bladder sparing treatment in BCG‐failure patients.
The Role of PD Biomarkers in Biosimilar Development – To Get the Right Answer One Must First Ask the Right Question
Authors: Woollett Gillian R. , Park Joseph P. , Han Jihyun , Jung Byoungin
Published: September 2022

The potential for pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarkers to improve the efficiency of biosimilar product development and regulatory approval formed the premise for the virtual workshop Pharmacodynamic Biomarkers for Biosimilar Development and Approval hosted by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Duke Margolis, September 2021. Although the possibility of PD biomarkers replacing the to‐date routine comparative phase III confirmatory study currently expected by the FDA was discussed, the motivation and feasibility for biosimilar sponsors developing such markers and the regulatory risks entailed largely were not. Even more fundamental is the already established greater comparative value of the pharmacokinetic (PK) study as the most sensitive clinical assay for detecting subtle differences between two products. Consequently, the comparative analytical assessment and the head‐to‐head PKs will have already answered the core questions as to the biosimilarity of the candidate product to its reference. No further actionable information is obtained with either a PD study or a comparative clinical phase III study even as they may provide some reassurance of what is already known. When a suitable PD biomarker is available for the originator reference product they have already been used for biosimilar development. We must carefully consider the core requirements and timelines inherent in biosimilar development and how they occur in parallel rather than in the series we see for originator products. In order to improve the efficiency of biosimilar development, we need to ask the right questions based on a full understanding of how biosimilars have been developed to date and can be in the future.
In‐depth proteomic analysis reveals unique subtype‐specific signatures in human small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Szeitz Beáta , Megyesfalvi Zsolt , Woldmar Nicole , Valkó Zsuzsanna , Schwendenwein Anna , Bárány Nándor , Paku Sándor , László Viktória , Kiss Helga , Bugyik Edina , Lang Christian , Szász Attila Marcell , Pizzatti Luciana , Bogos Krisztina , Hoda Mir Alireza , Hoetzenecker Konrad , Marko‐Varga György , Horvatovich Peter , Döme Balázs , Schelch Karin , Rezeli Melinda
Published: September 2022

Background

Small‐cell lung cancer (SCLC) molecular subtypes have been primarily characterized based on the expression pattern of the following key transcription regulators: ASCL1 (SCLC‐A), NEUROD1 (SCLC‐N), POU2F3 (SCLC‐P) and YAP1 (SCLC‐Y). Here, we investigated the proteomic landscape of these molecular subsets with the aim to identify novel subtype‐specific proteins of diagnostic and therapeutic relevance.

Methods

Pellets and cell media of 26 human SCLC cell lines were subjected to label‐free shotgun proteomics for large‐scale protein identification and quantitation, followed by in‐depth bioinformatic analyses. Proteomic data were correlated with the cell lines’ phenotypic characteristics and with public transcriptomic data of SCLC cell lines and tissues.

Results

Our quantitative proteomic data highlighted that four molecular subtypes are clearly distinguishable at the protein level. The cell lines exhibited diverse neuroendocrine and epithelial–mesenchymal characteristics that varied by subtype. A total of 367 proteins were identified in the cell pellet and 34 in the culture media that showed significant up‐ or downregulation in one subtype, including known druggable proteins and potential blood‐based markers. Pathway enrichment analysis and parallel investigation of transcriptomics from SCLC cell lines outlined unique signatures for each subtype, such as upregulated oxidative phosphorylation in SCLC‐A, DNA replication in SCLC‐N, neurotrophin signalling in SCLC‐P and epithelial–mesenchymal transition in SCLC‐Y. Importantly, we identified the YAP1‐driven subtype as the most distinct SCLC subgroup. Using sparse partial least squares discriminant analysis, we identified proteins that clearly distinguish four SCLC subtypes based on their expression pattern, including potential diagnostic markers for SCLC‐Y (e.g. GPX8, PKD2 and UFO).

Conclusions

We report for the first time, the protein expression differences among SCLC subtypes. By shedding light on potential subtype‐specific therapeutic vulnerabilities and diagnostic biomarkers, our results may contribute to a better understanding of SCLC biology and the development of novel therapies.
Pleural metastasis from parotid secretory carcinoma: First report of morphology on effusion cytology, and role of pan‐TRK immunohistochemistry
Authors: Mahendru Ria , Kakkar Aanchal , Cipriani Nicole Anne , Sarma Chetna , Ghosh Vivek , Kaur Kavneet , Gupta Subhash , Mohan Anant
Published: September 2022

Distant metastasis from salivary gland secretory carcinoma (SC) is rare, with lung and pleura being the most frequent site. While cytological features of SC on fine needle aspirates are well documented, its morphology in serous effusions has not been described. We describe the cytomorphological features on effusion cytology of two patients with ETV6::NTRK3 fusion‐positive SC, who subsequently developed pleural metastases. Cytospin preparations of pleural fluid showed tightly cohesive, irregularly shaped and ball‐like clusters of large tumor cells with scant to abundant uni‐ and multi‐vacuolated cytoplasm. Nuclei were eccentrically placed, round to oval, vesicular, with finely granular chromatin, irregular nuclear membranes and conspicuous to prominent nucleoli. With these features, the tumors resembled an adenocarcinoma, indistinguishable from a lung primary. Cell blocks from both cases showed tumor fragments, some of which had the hollow appearance of transversely sectioned cell spheres as seen in lung and breast adenocarcinomas. Immunohistochemistry on cell blocks revealed nuclear pan‐TRK positivity in both cases. Case 1 also showed focal mammaglobin staining, and TTF1 negativity. Pleural metastases from SC may mimic other adenocarcinomas. As targeted therapy, that is, selective TRK inhibitors are available for treatment of metastatic disease, NTRK3 fusion status is not only diagnostic, but also required to plan treatment. Pan‐TRK immunohistochemistry serves as a viable cost‐effective, easy to apply surrogate marker for NTRK3 fusion, particularly in diagnostic laboratories lacking easy access to molecular testing on cytological material.
Darcy–Forchheimer MHD radiative flow through a porous space incorporating viscous dissipation, heat source, and chemical reaction effect across an exponentially stretched surface
Authors: Paul Ashish , Das Tusar Kanti
Published: September 2022

The impacts of viscous dissipation, Brownian motion, and the thermophoresis caused by temperature gradient on the steady two‐dimensional incompressible chemically reactive and radiative flow of traditional fluid through an exponentially stretched sheet embedded in a Darcy porous media are explored by approaching boundary layer analysis. A magnetic field effect is also addressed along the transverse direction of the horizontal stretched sheet. With the implementation of some suitable nondimensional quantities, the regulating nonlinear partial differential equations, which represent the flow geometry, are transformed into coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations. To acquire the numerical findings from this set of equations, a three‐stage Lobatto IIIa, in‐built MATLAB scheme named, Bvp4c is used. The effects of the dimensionless physical factors on the flow, heat, and concentration profile, as well as on the coefficient of drag force and the rate of thermal and mass transit at the surface, are graphically and numerically depicted. The thermal profile, as well as the magnitude of the coefficient of the drag force and the Sherwood number, is found to be escalated with the Darcy–Forchheimer factor, but the depreciation in the value of temperature gradient at the wall is noticed for the same.
The impact of zirconium‐89 solution formulation on the efficiency of [89Zr]Zr‐deferoxamine synthesis
Authors: Bubenshchikov Viktor , Makichyan Artur , Larenkov Anton
Published: September 2022

In recent years, clinical imaging with 89Zr‐based radiopharmaceuticals has been gaining significant importance in nuclear medicine. This article provides the results of a comparative study of methods for obtaining 89Zr solutions using ZR, Chelex‐100, and TBP resins in the form of [89Zr]Zr‐oxalate, [89Zr]Zr‐chloride, and [89Zr]Zr‐citrate in terms of purification and labeling efficiency. All evaluated methods allowed us to obtain 89Zr with high yield (>90% in 1 ml). The chemical form of 89Zr has a significant influence on the radiolabeling efficiency of the deferoxamine (DFO) chelator and its derivatives. Compared with [89Zr]Zr‐oxalate, the application of [89Zr]Zr‐chloride and [89Zr]Zr‐citrate solutions leads to a higher efficacy of [89Zr]Zr‐DFO complex formation. It should be noted that the sequence of mixing of the reagents during the radiolabeling reaction and the residual concentration of oxalic acid appeared to be crucial in the case of [89Zr]Zr‐chloride. According to the experimental data, radiolabeling of DFO and its derivatives is preferable to use more stable chemical forms of 89Zr, such as [89Zr]Zr‐citrate. The concept will be applied in the further studies involving antibody‐based bioconjugates.
Feasibility and safety of interventional electrophysiology and catheter ablation in the South African public sector: Challenges and opportunities for comprehensive cardiac electrophysiology in South Africa
Authors: Mkoko Philasande , Barole Nthabiseng , Solomon Kayla , Chin Ashley
Published: September 2022

Aims

The spectrum and outcomes of catheter ablation procedures performed in South Africa are unknown, and therefore, the feasibility of interventional electrophysiology in the South African public sector is undetermined.

Methods and Results

This study was a retrospective review of all patients that underwent invasive electrophysiology procedures and catheter ablation at Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH) and the University of Cape Town Private Academic Hospital (UCTPAH) between 01 January 2013 and 31 December 2020.

One thousand one hundred eighty‐six invasive electrophysiology procedures were performed during the study period. Of these were 1102 catheter ablation procedures. There were 76 redo catheter ablation procedures, predominantly for atrial fibrillation (AF), which accounted for 39% (30/76) of the repeat procedures. There were only 0.8% (9/1102) catheter ablation related complications which were mostly access related. Atrial fibrillation accounted for most of the ablation procedures, 28.9% (318/1102); these were mainly performed at UCTPAH than at GSH, 300 vs 18 p < .0001. Cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) dependent atrial flutter ablation was the second most commonly performed catheter ablation procedure, accounting for 21.6% (238/1102) of the catheter ablation procedures. More CTI dependent atrial flutter ablations were performed at GSH than a UCTPAH, 156 vs 82 p < .0001. The overall success rate of catheter ablation was 92%.

Conclusion

A broad spectrum of catheter ablation procedures was performed with a high success rate and limited complications, thus demonstrating the feasibility of safe cardiac electrophysiology and catheter ablation in the South African public sector.
Effect of sugar beet fiber and different hydrocolloids on rheological properties and quality of gluten‐free muffins
Authors: Saeidy Sima , Nasirpour Ali , Barekat Sorour
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Extraction of pectin from sugar beet pulp is a side production line to recover value‐added by‐products in a sugar refining company. We aimed to evaluate the influence of depectinized and non‐treated fiber on the quality of food. Pectin was removed from sugar beet pulp, and sugar beet fiber with and without pectin extraction (F and FP respectively) were replaced with rice flour in gluten‐free muffins. To achieve a consistent texture, different hydrocolloids (carrageenan, xanthan gum, guar gum, locust bean gum (LBG), and tara gum) were added to the batter formula.

RESULTS

The maximum batter viscosity was observed for the xanthan‐containing formulation, followed by guar, tara, LBG, and carrageenan formulations. The highest hardness was recorded for baked muffins formulated with guar, followed by xanthan, carrageenan, tara, and LBG formula. Moisture retention was considerably increased in the presence of FP and LBG compared with muffins prepared by F and/or other hydrocolloids. However, muffins containing F showed the least hardness and highest cohesiveness, gumminess, springiness, and chewiness. The samples containing F represented lighter color, lower energy, and less porous in appearance compared with the FP formula. From a sensorial aspect, there was no significant difference between the F and FP formulas, but the control and sample with higher fiber content were not acceptable.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that depectinized sugar beet fiber a by‐product of sugar factories, has the possible use in formulation of gluten‐free muffins with no adverse effects on its quality. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Treatment of moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis with tildrakizumab in the real‐life setting
Authors: Gambardella Alessio , Licata Gaetano , De Rosa Alina , Calabrese Giulia , Alfano Roberto , Argenziano Giuseppe
Published: September 2022

Background

Information is lacking from real‐life studies evaluating the efficacy of tildrakizumab in moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analysed a database of 30 patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis (PsO) that were treated with tildrakizumab (100 mg, s.c.) and followed for 36 weeks. Clinical efficacy (disease severity and treatment response) was evaluated by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) at baseline and after 4, 12, 24, and 36 weeks. The quality of life (QoL) of PsO patients was measured using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).

Results

A PASI score of <3 was achieved after 12, 24, and 36 weeks in 86.7%, 100%, and 100% patients, respectively (aged 46.3 ± 13.3 years) treated with tildrakizumab. PASI score significantly decreased from 17.6 ± 4.7 at baseline to 4.7 ± 4.7 and 1.1 ± 3.9 at 4 and 12 weeks remaining <1 up to 36 weeks (p < 0.001 vs. baseline), and PASI −75–90 and −100 response was achieved in 100%, 96.7%, and 60% of patients respectively at 36 weeks. DLQI also significantly decreased from baseline (13.8 ± 2.9) to 3.6 ± 1.6 at 4 weeks, 1.4 ± 0.6 at 12 weeks and 0 at Week 24 and 36 (p < 0.001 vs. baseline). Multivariate regression revealed that the effect of tildrakizumab on PASI score or DLQI at 4 weeks was independent from the predictor variables age, gender, BMI, disease duration, previous biologic, or presence of comorbidities. No adverse event was reported during treatment with tildrakizumab.

Conclusion

This retrospective study shows that patients with moderate‐to‐severe PsO treated with tildrakizumab in the real world‐setting was effective and safe up to 36 weeks.
The Impact of Including Carbonyl Iron Particles on the Melt Electrowriting Process
Authors: Kade Juliane C. , Bakirci Ezgi , Tandon Biranche , Gorgol Danila , Mrlik Miroslav , Luxenhofer Robert , Dalton Paul D.
Published: September 2022

Melt electrowriting, a high‐resolution additive manufacturing technique, is used in this study to process a magnetic polymer‐based blend for the first time. Carbonyl iron (CI) particles homogenously distribute into poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) melts to result in well‐defined, highly porous structures or scaffolds comprised of fibers ranging from 30 to 50 µm in diameter. This study observes that CI particle incorporation is possible up to 30 wt% without nozzle clogging, albeit that the highest concentration results in heterogeneous fiber morphologies. In contrast, the direct writing of homogeneous PVDF fibers with up to 15 wt% CI is possible. The fibers can be readily displaced using magnets at concentrations of 1 wt% and above. Combined with good viability of L929 CC1 cells using Live/Dead imaging on scaffolds for all CI concentrations indicates that these formulations have potential for the usage in stimuli‐responsive applications such as 4D printing.
Assessing global fungal threats to humans
Authors: Xu Jianping
Published: September 2022

Fungi are an integral part of the earth's biosphere. They are broadly distributed in all continents and ecosystems and play a diversity of roles. Here, I review our current understanding of fungal threats to humans and describe the major factors that contribute to various threats. Among the 140,000 or so known species out of the estimated six million fungal species on Earth, about 10% directly or indirectly threaten human health and welfare. Major threats include mushroom poisoning, fungal allergies, infections of crop plants, food contamination by mycotoxins, and mycoses in humans. A growing number of factors have been identified to impact various fungal threats, including human demographics, crop distributions, anthropogenic activities, pathogen dispersals, global climate change, and/or the applications of antifungal drugs and agricultural fungicides. However, while models have been developed for analyzing various processes of individual threats and threat managements, current data are primarily descriptive and incomplete, and there are significant obstacles to integration of the diverse factors into accurate quantitative assessments of fungal threats. With increasing technological advances and concerted efforts to track the spatial and temporal data on climate and environmental variables; mycotoxins in the feed and food supply chains; fungal population dynamics in crop fields, human and animal populations, and the environment; human population demographics; and the prevalence and severities of fungal allergies and diseases, our ability to accurately assess fungal threats will improve. Such improvements should help us develop holistic strategies to manage fungal threats in the future.
Extraction of the gravitational potential and high‐frequency wave perturbation properties of nonlinear (3 + 1)‐dimensional Vakhnenko–Parkes equation via novel approach
Authors: Yan Li , Mehmet Baskonus Haci , Cattani Carlo , Gao Wei
Published: September 2022

The (3 + 1)‐dimensional Vakhnenko–Parkes mathematical model has a wide range of applications in science and engineering. In this paper, the model studied is investigated and analyzed by using two effective schemes such as sine‐Gordon expansion method and its newly developed version, rational SGEM. Moreover, many novel properties of model studied are extracted in detail. Furthermore, their wave distributions properties and graphs are also plotted under the strain conditions. Interactions of the gravitational potential and high‐frequency wave perturbation properties are also reported in a detailed manner.