bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Contribution of Celebrity Endorsement on Customer Decision
Authors: Sudjawoto Eko , Andriansyah Agussalim , Sugiharto Didik Priyo , Arifin Zainul
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of the determinants of celebrity endorser toward the purchase decision of a product of the students of Malangkucecwara College of Economic, Malang, East Jawa, Indonesia. The determinants in this study are trustworthiness, expertise, attractiveness, respect, and similarity. Population of this study is all the students of Malangkucecwara College of Economic. This research uses accidental sampling with the total sample is 72 students. This sample can be calculated by 4 times total of indicators (18 indicators for all variables). Data of this study is analyzed using multiple linear regressions. This research found that based on the perspective of Malangkucecwara College of Economics’ students, trustworthiness, expertise, attractiveness, respect, and similarity have a significant influence toward purchase decision. The result of this study is expected to be useful for the companies which want to sell its products in Malangkucecwara College of Economics’ students. The companis should consider the characteristics of the celebrities that they want to use as celebrity endorsers. The trustworthiness of the star should give more attention, because this characteristic has the most influence on purchase decision. The trustworthiness of this study consist of honesty, consistency, and sincerity.
Clinical, Endoscopic and Histopathological Patterns among Patients with Dyspepsia
Authors: Chukwurah Shirley Nneka , Menkiti Felix Emeka , Ufoaroh Chinyelu Uchenna , Ofiaeli Ogochukwu Chioma , Chigbo Chisom God’swill , Okoye A. O. Aloysius Odili
Published: July 2023

Aim: Dyspepsia is a term differently understood, and associated with various upper gastro-intestinal endoscopic and histopathologic patterns. Most patients have regarded upper abdominal pain as ‘peptic ulcer disease’ with resultant late presentation of upper gastro-intestinal malignancies in some cases. This study examined the clinical presentation, endoscopic and histopathological patterns among patients with dyspeptic symptoms in Nnewi, South-East Nigeria.

Methods: This hospital based descriptive cross-sectional study examined 352 patients presenting with dyspepsia. Abdominal ultrasound was used to exclude patients with dyspepsia of biliary or pancreatic origin. An interviewer administered questionnaire (using the short form Leeds dyspepsia questionnaire) was used to describe dyspepsia patterns, and gastroscopy done on the included patients following an overnight fast. Samples obtained from endoscopy were assessed histologically for morphology and presence of H. pylori organism.

Results: Most participants belonged to 55 to 74 years age group with a mean age of 52.27±2.59 years. Epigastric discomfort (96.9%), heart burn (63.1%) and belching (55.4%) were the commonest symptoms. The commonest endoscopy and histopathologic findings was chronic gastritis (63.06% and 51.99% respectively), although there was poor agreement between the two modalities.

Conclusion: Histology remains the goal standard for diagnosis. However, we recommend endoscopy for dyspeptic patients especially in the elderly to enhance early detection of cancers, which were significant in this study.
Optimization of Curcumin Method and Usage of Natural Curcumin in Determination of Boron in Steel
Authors: Silva R. C. L. De , Walpita W. K. D. L. K.
Published: July 2023

Boron containing alloy steels are mainly used in constructional, automotive and many other applications. The presence of even trace amounts of boron affects greatly on the properties of steel such as hardness and machinability. Therefore, it is important to determine it accurately and precisely in the manufacture of these alloys. Due to the drawbacks of common advanced techniques such as Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES), the universally accepted method for determination of boron in steel is the spectrophotometric method using curcumin as an auxiliary agent.

Although curcumin is the most sensitive spectrophotometric reagent for the above analysis, synthetic curcumin is relatively expensive and it tends to degrade rapidly once it is exposed to air. Furthermore this method is time consuming. Therefore, this study was carried out in order to improve and optimize the available spectroscopic method and to investigate the possibility of using natural curcumin extracted from turmeric in the above analysis.

The results of the study implied that natural curcumin extracted and purified from turmeric can be used as accurately and precisely as synthetic curcumin in the analysis of boron in steel. A boron-steel alloy sample found to be containing 0.26±0.01 percent of boron with synthetic curcumin gave a concentration of 0.25±0.00 percent of boron with natural curcumin, indicating no significant difference in the determination. A steel sample found to be containing 0.27±0.01 percent of boron with filter paper ashing step gave a concentration of 0.26±0.01 percent of boron without filter paper ashing step indicating no significant difference. Altering the refluxing step of current procedure significantly changes the concentration of boron indicating that the refluxing step cannot be optimized further.
Soil Fertility Reclamation of Abandoned Mining Sites through Organic Intervention
Authors: Bathrobas Dakagan, J.
Published: July 2023

Tin mining in the period of its boom left large areas of land unsuitable for crop production. The financial benefits of tin mining were short-lived and cannot be quantified with the consequences of its devastation, which is still negatively impacting on the environment. Many of the devastated lands were abandoned due to soil infertility. Smallholder farmers are battling with restoring soil fertility for crop production. This study was conducted on smallholder farms in a devastated and abandoned area due to tin mining of the Bukuru-Rayfield, Sabon-Gida mining zone of Jos Plateau where contrasting organic interventions by farmers were observed. This was also confirmed by laboratory and geostatic spatial variation. A total of 35 soil samples were taken at a depth of 0-20cm, prepared and analyzed in the laboratory.  Continuous surfaces were later generated through geostatistics. Results indicated that organic matter had significant negative correlations with exchangeable acidity (-0.879), clay (-0.633) and silt (-0.616) but significant positive correlations with potential hydrogen (pH) (0.885), nitrogen (N) (0.991), phosphorus (P) (0.954), potassium (K) (0.911), calcium (Ca) (0.920), magnesium (Mg) (0.911) and sand (0.824). Most of these correlations were done at 0.01 level of significance. High concentration of pH, organic matter (OM), N, K, Ca, Mg and sand occurred in the north western part of the study area (Farm A). In contrast, exchangeable acidity, silt and clay had less concentration in the north western part of the study area (Farm A), with highest concentration in the W and SW parts (Farm C). Spatial variability from geostatistics indicated that all the soil variables had strong spatial dependency. The results of this study unveiled that nutrients needed for higher productivity were made available by the smallholder farmer of farm A through dumping of households’ domestic wastes for ten years. These abandoned mining sites later became agriculturally productive. This study will serve as advisory to smallholder farmers as a way of improving soil productivity in tin-devastated farmlands.
Influence of Biofertilizers and Nitrogen on Yield and Economics of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Authors: Vishal  , Singh Rajesh , Pradhan Akankhya
Published: July 2023

The field experiment entitled “Influence of Biofertilizers and Nitrogen on  Yield and Economics of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)" was conducted during Rabi season, 2022 at Crop Research Farm in the Department of agronomy, Naini Agriculture Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh.  The treatment consisted of three level of Biofertilizers [Azotobacter, Azospirillum and Azotobacter + Azospirillum], Nitrogen (60, 80 and 100 kg/ha) and control. The experiment was layout in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 10 treatments and replicated thrice. The soil in the experimental area was sandy loam with pH (8.0), EC (0.56 dS/m), Organic Carbon (0.62%), Available N (225 kg/ha), Available P (38.2 kg/ha), and Available K (240.7 kg/ha). Application of Azotobacter + Azospirillum and N 100 kg/ha produces higher Grain yield (4.34 t/ha), Straw yield (5.34 t/ha), Gross return (101977.56 INR/ha), Net return (74074.56 INR/ha) and B:C (2.65).
Optimizing P and Zn Levels for Greengram Growth: Insights into P-Zn Interaction and Rhizospheric Soil pH
Authors: Asif Sk. Md. , Sen Arup , Biswas Preetam , Parvin S. A. , Sarkar Surajit , Pal Soubhik
Published: July 2023

Aims: Phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) are essential nutrients for plant growth, and their interaction can significantly influence nutrient uptake and crop productivity. Understanding the optimal balance between P and Zn is crucial for efficient fertilization strategies, especially in soils with low P status. This study aimed to investigate the impact of P-Zn interaction on greengram growth and its relationship with rhizospheric soil pH.

Materials and Methods: A pot experiment was conducted using red and lateritic soil, with 21 treatments consisting of different levels of P and Zn. Greengram (Vigna radiata L.) plants were subjected to these treatments, and after 28 days, measurements were taken for dry weight, P and Zn content in shoots, and rhizospheric soil pH.

Results: After 28 days of seeding, strong P-Zn interactions were observed in the soil-plant system, significantly affecting greengram growth, as well as Zn and P accumulation, and rhizospheric soil pH. High P addition resulted in a significant decrease in Zn content, while the dosage of Zn had minimal impact on P content. Interestingly, Zn treatment without P addition did not enhance dry matter. However, increasing Zn levels with P addition up to 200 mg kg-1 soil improved crop growth. Beyond this threshold, yields started to decline, potentially due to P toxicity and/or Zn deficiency. Surprisingly, excessive inorganic P addition increased the rhizospheric soil pH, which could potentially reduce Zn uptake and subsequently elevate the P-Zn molar ratio in the shoot.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that understanding the optimal doses of P and Zn and their influence on nutrient absorption and rhizospheric soil pH is crucial for sustainable crop production. The findings provide valuable insights for designing effective fertilization strategies in P-deficient acid soils to improve greengram productivity while maintaining nutrient balance.
Preserving Conjunctiva, the ‘Real Estate’ of Glaucoma Surgeons
Authors: Nathaniel G. I. , Eze U. A.
Published: July 2023

Glaucoma management is as challenging as diagnosing it. Achieving sustained intraocular pressure that will retard the progression of the disease is the principal objective of its management. Many a times, this requires a combination of antiglaucoma medications, Lasers and surgery. No doubt, medical therapy is usually the mainstay of glaucoma management but in some cases, it fails to adequately control the intraocular pressure. The very effective surgical interventions for glaucoma depend on the health of the conjunctiva to achieve their success. So, meticulous evaluation of the conjunctiva is one of the indispensable preoperative considerations before deciding on any conjunctiva-dependent surgery. In addition, in managing any patient with ocular problem who also has glaucoma, it is imperative that the possibility of future surgery involving the conjunctiva must be considered. Therefore, the conjunctiva of all glaucoma patients must be handled with care.
This Fall’s COVID-19 Vaccines Will Target Omicron XBB Subvariants, but Who Needs Them Remains to Be Seen
Authors: Rubin Rita
Published: July 2023

This Medical News story discusses the updated COVID-19 vaccines expected in the US this fall.
In Vivo Ultrasound Molecular Imaging in the Evaluation of Complex Ovarian Masses: A Practical Guide to Correlation with Ex Vivo Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Antil Neha , Wang Huaijun , Kaffas Ahmed El , Desser Terry S. , Folkins Ann , Longacre Teri , Berek Jonathan , Lutz Amelie M.
Published: July 2023

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer‐related deaths in women and the most lethal gynecologic cancer. It is curable when discovered at an early stage, but usually remains asymptomatic until advanced stages. It is crucial to diagnose the disease before it metastasizes to distant organs for optimal patient management. Conventional transvaginal ultrasound imaging offers limited sensitivity and specificity in the ovarian cancer detection. With molecularly targeted ligands addressing targets, such as kinase insert domain receptor (KDR), attached to contrast microbubbles, ultrasound molecular imaging (USMI) can be used to detect, characterize and monitor ovarian cancer at a molecular level. In this article, the authors propose a standardized protocol is proposed for the accurate correlation between in‐ vivo transvaginal KDR‐targeted USMI and ex vivo histology and immunohistochemistry in clinical translational studies. The detailed procedures of in vivo USMI and ex vivo immunohistochemistry are described for four molecular markers, CD31 and KDR with a focus on how to enable the accurate correlation between in vivo imaging findings and ex vivo expression of the molecular markers, even if not the entire tumor could can be imaged by USMI, which is not an uncommon scenario in clinical translational studies. This work aims to enhance the workflow and the accuracy of characterization of ovarian masses on transvaginal USMI using histology and immunohistochemistry as reference standards, which involves sonographers, radiologists, surgeons, and pathologists in a highly collaborative research effort of USMI in cancer.
Elimination of Domain Boundaries Accelerates Diffusion in MOFs by an Order of Magnitude: Monolithic Metal‐Organic Framework Thin Films Epitaxially Grown on Si(111) Substrates
Authors: Thissen Peter , Wohlgemuth Jonas , Weidler Peter , Smilgies Detlef , Heinke Lars , Schewe Nils , Koenig Meike , Krolla Peter , Wöll Christof
Published: July 2023

Many properties of the emerging class of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) depend crucially on defect concentrations, as in case of other solids. In order to provide reference systems with nearly perfect structure and low defect density, a procedure to grow MOFs epitaxially on cm‐sized Si(111) single crystals is developed. The crystalline metal‐organic thin films are in high registry with the substrate's crystal lattice, as demonstrated by synchrotron‐based grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction (GI‐XRD) experiments. The corresponding reduction of MOF defect density is shown to have striking effects on the properties of these porous frameworks. The most pronounced difference concerns mass transport. An increase in the diffusion coefficient of guest molecules by one order of magnitude relative to the same MOF materials with normal defect densities is observed.
Promising Perspectives on the Use of Fullerenes as Efficient Containers for Beryllium Atoms
Authors: Bodrenko Igor , Satta Alessandra , Caddeo Claudia , Cozzolino Giacomo , Milenkovic Stefan , Ceccarelli Matteo , Mattoni Alessandro
Published: July 2023

The possibility of using fullerenes as containers for toxic beryllium atoms is studied by a multi‐scale approach in which first‐principles and classical molecular dynamics simulations are combined. By studying the energetics, electronic and spectroscopic properties of Be‐fullerene systems and by simulating their interaction at finite temperature in vacuo and in representative biological environments it is concluded that: i) Be endohedral complexes can be obtained by implanting Be atoms at energies >2.3 eV that is consistent with laser implantation technologies; ii) it is in principle possible to distinguish stable endohedral complexes from metastable exohedral ones by optical absorption, suggesting that optical spectroscopy can be a valuable a non‐destructive technique to assist the synthesis and the control of implanted films iii) the Be‐endohedral complexes are long‐lived and thermodynamically stable and can confine beryllium both in vacuo and in aqueous solution; iv) Be@C60 complexes are likely unable to penetrate the selectivity filters of a prototypical protein showing that fullerene prevents undesired interactions with biomolecules and toxicity effects of Be2+ related to replacement of the Ca2+. Overall, these results provide an assessment on the possibility to encapsulate Be atoms into fullerenes by ion implantation to synthesize inert and highly stable and safe molecular containers for toxic beryllium radionuclides. Great opportunities are expected for the realization and application of Be‐C60 complexes to nanotechnology and nanomedicine with particularly appealing perspectives in the field of neutron capture therapy of cancer.
Investigation and Band Gap Analysis of Pulsed Dc Magnetron Sputtered Diamond‐Like Carbon to Enhance Contact‐Electrification and Durability of Triboelectric Nanogenerators
Authors: Ejaz Ammara , McKinlay Michael , Ahmadzadeh Sam , Garcia Manuel Pelayo , Fleming Lewis , Mazur Piotr , Mazur Michal , Gibson Des , Garcia Nuñez Carlos
Published: July 2023

This work details the triboelectric characteristics of diamond‐like carbon (DLC) film where a proportioned sp3:sp2 bond ratio is engineered through a patented pulsed DC magnetron sputtering process to achieve a durable commercial energy harvesting material. A triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is fabricated by creating the triboelectric interface between DLC and PTFE. The presence and synchronization of σ – σ and σ – π bonds between DLC‐PFTE contact surface amplify the electronic cloud overlap between their atoms leading to an enhancement of the triboelectric surface charge density. The inherent hardness and reduced friction achieved through DLC and PTFE respectively prevent the mass transfer, and consequent power loss upon consecutive mechanical contact and achieves a stable electric power output of 141 mW m−2. The DLC durability achieved with PTFE in TENG demonstrates its significant potential as low frequency (1 – 10 Hz) energy harvesting devices and self‐/low‐power electronic devices and sensors. The paper uniquely contributes to a better understanding of the triboelectrification mechanism by insightfully detailing the band‐to‐band transition of electrons between the PTFE and DLC tribo‐interface, as well as discussing gap and frequency limitation of the tribo‐pair on the triboelectric charge yield, storage, transfer, and on the friction layer electric field.
Phase‐Coherent Optical Frequency Up‐Conversion with Millimeter‐Size Zn(3‐ptz)2 Metal‐Organic Framework Single Crystals
Authors: Hidalgo‐Rojas Diego , García‐Garfido Juan , Enríquez Javier , Rojas‐Aedo Ricardo , Wheatley Robert Alastair , Fritz Rubén A. , Singh Dinesh P. , Herrera Felipe , Seifert Birger
Published: July 2023

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as candidate materials for nonlinear optics due to their enhanced optical and chemical stability in comparison with conventional organic crystals. However, producing large single crystals that support perfect phase matching conditions for frequency conversion is a long‐standing challenge due to the highly metastable conditions in which MOF crystals tend to self‐assemble in solution. By modulating the synthesis and growth conditions, this limitation is overcome to produce millimeter–sized Zn(3‐ptz)2 uniaxial MOF single crystals. Optimized MOF crystals with large birefringence in the visible Δn ≈ −0.3 and high transparency allow for the observation of strong second‐harmonic (SHG) and third‐harmonic generation (THG) signals for the first time, using femtosecond near‐infrared pump pulses. For conditions of type‐I SHG phase‐matching, the measured effective nonlinear coefficient of Zn(3‐ptz)2 is deff ≈ 0.10 pm V−1, the largest measured nonlinearity for MOF materials to date. The experiments quantitatively agree with first‐principles simulations based on the crystal lattice structure. The damage threshold is estimated on the order of 0.2 TW cm−2 for raw single crystals, which can be further increased with additional crystal engineering steps. The demonstration of efficient frequency up‐conversion of light with long‐range phase coherence establishes MOF single crystals as promising materials for nonlinear optical devices.
Device Simulation on GaN‐LED Operating in Noncarrier Injection Mode for Performance Improvement by Enhancing the Tunneling Effect in Multiquantum Wells
Authors: Li Wenhao , Wang Kun , Liao Yitao , Guo Jiawei , Shen Yiwei , Li Junlong , Su Hao , Zhou Xiongtu , Zhang Yongai , Yang Lan , Guo Tailiang , Wu Chaoxing
Published: July 2023

Noncarrier injection (NCI) operation mode is an emerging driving mode for nanoscale light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) for application in nanopixel light‐emitting displays. However, the luminescence intensity of the NCI‐LED with traditional epitaxial structure is relatively low because of the absence of external carrier injection. Therefore, improving the luminescence intensity by optimizing the epitaxial structure of the LED is an important technical measure. In this work, the tunneling behavior of the NCI‐LED under reverse bias, which plays a key role in increasing the luminescence intensity, is studied through modeling and simulation. The dynamic variation of carrier concentration in each voltage cycle is studied to explore the working process of the NCI‐LED. Results show that the luminescence output of the NCI‐LED is highly sensitive to doping concentrations, and reducing the number of multiquantum wells can increase the probability of interband tunneling so as to improve dramatically the carrier number contributing to luminescence. This simulation work can deepen the understanding of the NCI mode and serve as an important guidance for the rational design of the NCI‐LEDs.
Overall Water Splitting on The NiS/NiS2 Heterostructures Featuring Self‐Equilibrium Orbital Occupancy
Authors: Xu Wenli , Zhao Rong , Li Qiqi , Sun Bing , Wu Jing , Zhong Wenda , Gao Yinhong , Nan Xu , Huang Qiang , Yang Yao , Li Xuanke , Yang Nianjun , Zhang Qin
Published: July 2023

Efficient electrochemical overall water splitting requires bi‐functional catalysts that work for both hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER/OER). A heterostructure is thus proposed to maintain its optimal interactions with H/O‐containing intermediates. A so‐called “orbital occupancy self‐equilibrium” strategy is employed theoretically and experimentally to design such bi‐functional catalysts, namely the incorporation of the V species into a NiS/NiS2 heterostructure. Owing to the variable valences of both Ni and V species, the electrons are controllably reoriented over the interfacial V─S─Ni bond. The as‐generated dynamic and self‐equilibrium of the electron environment modify an optimal adsorption harmony toward various H/O‐containing intermediates on this heterointerface, enhancing intrinsic activity and reaction kinetics for the HER, the OER, and overall water splitting. This V‐NiS/NiS2 catalyst exhibits an overpotential of only 94 and 220 mV at a current density of 10 mV cm–2 for the HER and the OER, respectively. This proposed strategy is expected to be workable for other catalysts with variable metal valences and provide insights for an agile interfacial electron allocation on heterostructure catalysts.
Determining cardinal temperatures for eight cover crop species
Authors: Pessotto Mila V. , Roberts Trenton L. , Bertucci Matthew , Santos Caio dos , Ross Jeremy , Savin Mary
Published: July 2023

Growing degree days (GDD) is a tool to predict plant growth and can be adapted for use in any plant species, including cover crops. A limitation of the GDD calculation is accurate temperature parameters used to predict plant development. For most cover crop species, the cardinal temperatures are not well defined in the literature, leading to a less accurate calculation of GDD. The objective of this study was to determine the cardinal temperatures of eight cover crop species, including Austrian winter pea (Pisum sativum), balansa clover (Trifolium michelianum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), black‐seeded oats (Avena sativa), common vetch (Vicia sativa), cereal rye (Secale cereale), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum), and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), using a growth chamber experiment. Seven different temperature regimes from 4 to 34°C were implemented, and the number of leaves was counted from day 0 to 21. As a result, the data were regressed to estimate the cardinal temperatures for each species. The results of this research identified base (2), optimum (3), and maximum (8) temperatures for cover crops that were not previously reported. Five cardinal temperatures determined in this study were different from what was previously recorded; base and optimum temperatures were −4.5 and 24.8°C for cereal rye, 3.9 and 26.6°C for crimson clover, and the base temperature was 3.4°C for balansa clover. The successful identification of these cardinal temperatures for cover crops will allow the development of plant growth and biomass prediction models to aid in cover crop termination decision support tools.
Grain yield stability of soybean (Glycine Max (L.) Merrill) for different stability models across diverse environments of Ethiopia
Authors: Habtegebriel Mesfin Hailemariam , Abebe Abush Tesfaye
Published: July 2023

For grain yield stability analysis, genotype by environment interactions are crucial in properly identifying and discriminating between varieties and locations. Hence, this experiment was conducted with the objectives to evaluate the stability of soybean using additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), multi‐trait stability index (MTSI), weighted average absolute scores biplot (WAASB), Eberhart and Russell regression model, and genotype plus genotype by environment interaction (GGE) biplot analysis for grain yield of soybean genotypes and identified stable genotypes in the different soybean agroecologies of Ethiopia. Twenty‐four soybean genotypes were planted at six soybean environments with RCBD in three replications in the 2015/2016 cropping season. Stability measures, namely, AMMI, AMMI stability value, and GGE biplot analysis were used to identify the high‐yielding and stable genotypes across the testing environments. AMMI‐1 biplot showed Pawe as the ideal environment; Bako as a favorable environment; Asosa an average environment; and the rest namely, Dimtu, Jimma, and Metu as unfavorable environments. On the other hand, AMMI‐2 biplot analysis certain genotypes like Prichard, Spry, Delsoy 4710, and Croton 3.9 were identified as stable genotypes. Bako and Metu were identified as the most discriminating environments. Mega environments and the best yielding soybean genotypes on each mega environment were revealed by the GGE biplot analysis model. For other multivariate statistics used for this study, MTSI, WAASB, and regression models, stable and superior varieties for grain yield were revealed. Through the MTSI, the four genotypes, namely, Liu yue mang, SCS‐1, Clarck‐63k, and AFGAT, were found to be stable and superior over the rest tested genotypes. Overall, the genotypes SCS‐1 and AGS‐7‐1 were stable across soybean growing environments and are recommended for mega environment production.
Amino acids foliar spraying palliate the negative effects of low irrigation on greenhouse sweet Cayenne pepper
Authors: Salmani Davood , Rezaei Mehdi
Published: July 2023

Sweet Cayenne pepper is a nutrient‐dense, sweet‐tasting greenhouse vegetable that often faces water stress in dry areas, and optimizing growth with minimum water consumption is crucial. In this study, we investigated the impacts of amino acids (AAs) foliar application on reducing water stress losses in sweet Cayenne pepper cv. “Lombard” under greenhouse conditions. The pepper bushes were irrigated in 3‐day and 6‐day intervals and simultaneously sprayed with an AA fertilizer (0, 150, and 300 mg/L). Vegetative growth, reproductive traits, and yield parameters were measured. Results showed significant decreases in the plant height, the roots length, SPAD, leaf greenness index, and the pepper leaves turn yellow under brief drought stress. The number of flowers was reduced by up to 50%, and the 3‐month yield decreased significantly from 7 to 5.05 kg/m2. However, with AAs foliar application, vegetative growth, fruit number, and yield increased significantly. The highest yield, 2.93 kg/plant, was observed in 300 mg/L AAs, while the minimum yield, with an average of 1.83 kg/plant recorded under water stress treatment without AAs application. The spray of AAs fertilizer remarkably improves the yield and quality of pepper fruit and reverses the destructive effects of low irrigation. The future direction could focus on the mechanism of the positive impact of AA foliar application on growth, yield, and quality of the fruit, particularly in water stress conditions, to further optimize growth and minimize water consumption.
Incidence and factors associated with newly implemented do‐not‐attempt‐resuscitation orders among deteriorating patients after rapid response system activation: A retrospective observational study using a Japanese multicenter database
Authors: Tsuji Tatsuya , Sento Yoshiki , Nakanishi Toshiyuki , Tamura Tetsuya , Kako Eisuke , Sato Izumi , Kawakami Koji , Kawasaki Tatsuya , Naito Takaki , Fujitani Shigeki , Sobue Kazuya
Published: July 2023

Aim

The rapid response system (RRS) was initially aimed to improve patient outcomes. Recently, some studies have implicated that RRS might facilitate do‐not‐attempt‐resuscitation (DNAR) orders among patients, their families, and healthcare providers. This study aimed to examine the incidence and factors independently associated with DNAR orders newly implemented after RRS activation among deteriorating patients.

Methods

This observational study assessed patients who required RRS activation between 2012 and 2021 in Japan. We investigated patients’ characteristics and the incidence of new DNAR orders after RRS activation. Furthermore, we used multivariable hierarchical logistic regression models to explore independent predictors of new DNAR orders.

Results

We identified 7904 patients (median age, 72 years; 59% male) who required RRS activation at 29 facilities. Of the 7066 patients without pre‐existing DNAR orders before RRS activation, 394 (5.6%) had new DNAR orders. Multivariable hierarchical logistic regression analyses revealed that new DNAR orders were associated with age category (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.12–2.17 [65–74 years old reference to 20–64 years old], aOR, 2.56; 1.92–3.42 [75–89 years old], and aOR, 6.58; 4.17–10.4 [90 years old]), malignancy (aOR, 1.82; 1.42–2.32), postoperative status (aOR, 0.45; 0.30–0.71), and National Early Warning Score 2 (aOR, 1.07; 1.02–1.12 [per 1 score]).

Conclusion

The incidence of new DNAR orders was one in 18 patients after RRS activation. The factors associated with new DNAR orders were age, malignancy, postoperative status, and National Early Warning Score 2.
The development of a framework for the selection of optimal sites for the location of municipal solid waste to value‐added facilities through the integration of a geographical information system and a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Islam Mohammad Shafiqul , Sebastian Roshni Mary , Kurian Vinoj , Billal Md Mashum , Kumar Amit
Published: July 2023

This study develops a framework for quantification of the available municipal solid waste (MSW), defines the geographical point source locations for the MSW feedstock, and determines optimal locations for potential waste‐to‐value‐added (W2VA) facility sites. The framework developed here is applied to Canada. To determine optimal sites for W2VA facilities, a three‐stage decision‐making model comprising exclusion analysis, preference analysis, and network analysis was developed. The fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and geographic information systems (GIS) were used in an integrated decision‐making network to prioritize the preference factors and facility locations; with these, a land suitability map (LSM) was developed and suitable candidate sites for W2VA facilities were obtained for Canada. The identified candidate sites were then used in a network analysis to select optimal sites with minimal travel distances. This study was used to determine 10 and 15 optimal sites for W2VA facilities in Western Canada and Eastern Canada, respectively. This study prioritized optimal sites based on the minimization of transportation distances. The highest priority site in Western Canada is Site 1, located in Lethbridge County, Alberta. It is connected with 74 TSs and can receive 2.42 million tonnes of MSW. The highest priority site in Eastern Canada is Site 11, which is located in West Nipissing, Ontario, and is connected with 42 transport stations (TSs) and can receive 1 million tonnes of MSW. The adaptability of the applied decision‐making model, competency of the developed LSM, and flexibility of the network analysis provide a competent supporting tool for authorities to identify optimal locations for W2VA facilities.
Prenatal immobility stress: Relationship with oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and intrauterine growth restriction in rats
Authors: Kaya Sinem Albayrak , Okuyan Hamza Malik , Erboğa Zeynep Fidanol , Güzel Savaş , Yılmaz Ahsen , Karaboğa İhsan
Published: July 2023

Background

Prenatal stress is a significant risk factor affecting pregnant women and fetal health. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effect of immobility stress at different periods of pregnancy on oxidative stress, inflammation, placental apoptosis and intrauterine growth retardation in rats.

Methods

Fifty adult virgin female Wistar albino rats were used. Pregnant rats were exposed to 6 h/day immobilization stress in a wire cage at different stages of pregnancy. Groups I and II (Day 1–10 stress group) were sacrificed on the 10th day of pregnancy, and Group III, Group IV (10–19th‐day stress group), and Group V (1–19th‐day stress group) were sacrificed on the 19th day of pregnancy. Inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), serum corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH), and corticosterone levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) levels in the placenta were spectrophotometrically measured. Histopathological analyses of the placenta were evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and caspase‐3 immunoreactivity in placenta tissues were determined by the indirect immunohistochemical method. Placental apoptosis was determined by the TUNEL staining method.

Results

We found that the immobility stress during pregnancy significantly increased serum corticosterone levels. Our results showed that the immobility stress diminished the number and weight of fetuses in rats compared to the non‐stress group. The immobility stress caused significant histopathological changes in the connection zone and labyrinth zone and increased placental TNF‐α and caspase‐3 immunoreactivity and placental apoptosis. In addition, immobility stress significantly increased the levels of pro‐inflammatory IL‐6 and MDA and caused a significant decrease in the levels of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT, and anti‐inflammatory IL‐10.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that immobility stress causes intrauterine growth retardation by activating the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis and deteriorating placental histomorphology and deregulating inflammatory and oxidative processes.
The effect of different decontamination processes on the residues of fipronil and its metabolites in chili fruits (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Dudwal Ramgopal , Jakhar Bhanwar Lal , Pathan Abdul Rashid Khan , Kataria Alka , Jan Ishrat , Kakralya Bajrang Lal , Dhaka Shish Ram , Hussain Akhter , Bana Jugal Kishor , Babu S. Ramesh , Yadav Amit Kumar , Rashied Fehmida
Published: July 2023

Fipronil is a broad‐spectrum phenyl pyrazole insecticide that has a high degree of environmental toxicity. Commonly available chilies in the market are treated with fipronil insecticides. Demand for insecticide‐free chili has thus been increasing globally. This needs various sustainable and economical methods to remove insecticides from chilies. The present study examined the effectiveness of several cleaning methods to remove pesticide residues in chili fruits. A supervised field trial was conducted in randomized block design at Rajasthan Agricultural Research Institute, Durgapura, Jaipur, India. Chili samples were subjected to seven different household methods. The samples were extracted using the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) method. The residues were analyzed using a gas chromatograph–electron capture detector and confirmed by GC–MS. Of the seven methods, the acetic acid treatment removes the maximum residue effect of fipronil and its metabolites (desulfinyl [MB046513]), sulfide (MB045950), and sulfone (MB046136) on chili fruits. By contrast, the tap water treatment was the least effective. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) have set the maximum residue limit value of 0.001 mg kg−1 for fipronil on green chili.
Positron emission tomography‐adapted therapy in low‐risk diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: results of a randomized, phase III, non‐inferiority trial
Authors: Shi Qing , He Yang , Yi Hong‐Mei , Mu Rong‐Ji , Jiang Xu‐Feng , Fu Di , Dong Lei , Qin Wei , Xu Peng‐Peng , Cheng Shu , Song Qi , Chen Sai‐Juan , Wang Li , Zhao Wei‐Li
Published: July 2023

Background

The current standard of care for non‐bulky diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients with an International Prognostic Index (IPI) of 0 is four cycles of rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (R‐CHOP) but whether the same efficacy can be achieved with reduced chemotherapy regimen of four cycles for non‐bulky DLBCL patients with an IPI of 1 remains unclear. This study compared four cycles versus six cycles of chemotherapy in non‐bulky low‐risk DLBCL patients with negative interim positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET‐CT, Deauville 1‐3), irrespective of age and other IPI risk factors (IPI 0‐1).

Methods

This was an open‐label, randomized, phase III, non‐inferiority trial. Patients aged 14‐75 years with newly diagnosed low‐risk DLBCL, according to IPI, achieving PET‐CT confirmed complete response (CR) after four cycles of R‐CHOP were randomized (1:1) between four cycles of rituximab (4R‐CHOP+4R arm) or two cycles of R‐CHOP plus two cycles of rituximab (6R‐CHOP+2R arm). The primary endpoint was 2‐year progression‐free survival (PFS), conducted in the intention‐to‐treat population. Safety was assessed in patients with at least one cycle of assigned treatment. The non‐inferiority margin was ‐8%.

Results

A total of 287 patients were included in the intention‐to‐treat analysis, the median follow‐up was 47.3 months, and the 2‐year PFS rate was 95% (95% confidence interval [CI], 92% to 99%) and 94% (95% CI, 91% to 98%) for the 4R‐CHOP+4R and 6R‐CHOP+2R arm. The absolute difference in 2‐year PFS between the two arms was 1% (95% CI, ‐5% to 7%), supporting the non‐inferiority of 4R‐CHOP+4R. Grade 3‐4 neutropenia was lower in the last four cycles of rituximab alone in the 4R‐CHOP+4R arm (16.7% versus 76.9%), with decreased risk of febrile neutropenia (0.0% versus 8.4%) and infection (2.1% versus 14.0%).

Conclusions

For newly diagnosed low‐risk DLBCL patients, interim PET‐CT after four cycles of R‐CHOP was effective in identifying patients with Deauville 1‐3 who would have a good response and Deauville 4‐5 patients who might have high‐risk biological features or develop resistance. Reducing the standard six cycles to four cycles of chemotherapy had comparable clinical efficacy and fewer adverse events in low‐risk, non‐bulky DLBCL with interim PET‐CT confirmed CR.
Delayed epiphyseal closure in an adult with panhypopituitarism detected by 99mTc‐MDP bone SPECT/CT
Authors: Ning Yu , Liu Xiaoji , Chen Yao , Cai Min , Li Sijin
Published: July 2023

Key Clinical Message

We reported a 23‐year‐old male patient with panhypopituitarism who underwent two resections for craniopharyngioma and received postoperative hormone replacement therapy. The 99mTc‐MDP bone scan revealed focal high uptake of radioactive nuclide in multiple large joints. The SPECT/CT demonstrated the focal high uptake in their metaphysis. Thus, delayed epiphyseal closure was considered.
Anesthetic considerations in an infant with femoral hypoplasia‐unusual facies syndrome and Pierre Robin sequence: A case report
Authors: Partyka Lauren M.
Published: July 2023

Key Clinical Message

Femoral hypoplasia‐unusual facies syndrome is a rare condition of unknown etiology. The phenotype consists of significant femoral hypoplasia with characteristic facial malformations that often overlap with findings seen in patients with Pierre Robin sequence. Anesthesia providers must prepare for difficult intravenous access, difficult airway management, and uncertainties with regional anesthesia.

Femoral hypoplasia‐unusual facies syndrome (FHUFS) or femoral facial syndrome is a rare and sporadic condition of unknown etiology. The phenotype consists of significant femoral hypoplasia with characteristic facial malformations that often overlap with findings seen in patients with Pierre Robin sequence. FHUFS is known to cause challenges with anesthesia, including difficulty with endotracheal intubation. Anesthesia providers must be aware of the possible coexistence of FHUFS and Pierre Robin sequence. They need to prepare for difficult intravenous access, difficult airway management, and uncertainties with regional anesthesia.
Pemigatinib treatment for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with FGFR2 fusion detected by a liquid comprehensive genomic profiling test
Authors: Ishido Shun , Tamaki Nobuharu , Inada Kento , Itakura Jun , Takahashi Yuka , Uchihara Naoki , Suzuki Keito , Tanaka Yuki , Miyamoto Haruka , Yamada Michiko , Matsumoto Hiroaki , Nobusawa Tsubasa , Keitoku Taisei , Takaura Kenta , Tanaka Shohei , Maeyashiki Chiaki , Yasui Yutaka , Tsuchiya Kaoru , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Kurosaki Masayuki , Izumi Namiki
Published: July 2023

Key Clinical Message

The liquid CGP was useful for detecting FGFR2 fusion and the patient experienced typical side effects (nail disorders, hyperphosphatemia, and taste disorders) of pemigatinib that required treatment.
Controllability and Energy‐Saving Ability of the Dividing‐Wall Column for Batch Distillation
Authors: Qian Xing , Xu Wentao , Yuan Yang , Li Qiang , Ding Huidian , Chen Haisheng , Huang Kejin
Published: July 2023

The batch distillation is significant and flexible to separate liquid mixtures. However, it is usually energy intensive. The dividing‐wall column (DWC) is a promising and practical energy‐saving process intensification technology. The DWC for batch distillation (batch DWC) to separate benzene, toluene, and xylene mixtures was examined with composition and temperature control structures to verify its controllability. Besides, the batch DWC outperforms the conventional single‐column batch distillation and middle‐vessel batch distillation in terms of distillation time and energy consumption under the same conditions. In terms of more practical temperature control results, the batch DWC saves 63 % of energy compared with the conventional single‐column batch distillation and 47 % of energy compared with the middle‐vessel batch distillation.
Addition of Multi‐walled Carbon Nanotubes to Fe‐ and Ru‐Metallopolymer Electrodes Enhances Response Time and Cycling Stability in Electrochromic Cells
Authors: Niklaus Lukas , Schott Marco , Giffin Guinevere A.
Published: July 2023

Metallopolymers (MEPEs) show a strong absorption band attributed to a metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MLCT) transition. Fe‐MEPE and Ru‐MEPE thin films switch reversibly from blue‐purple (λmax=584 nm, Fe2+) to colorless (Fe3+) or orange (λmax=518 nm, Ru2+) to pale green (Ru3+). The addition of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) enhances the electrochromic (EC) properties of Fe‐ and Ru‐MEPE electrodes in several ways: (1) faster response for bleaching/coloring; (2) enhanced Coulombic efficiency; and (3) improved cycling stability, particularly for Ru‐MEPE. Moreover, the charge density of the thin film electrodes can be increased upon the addition of the MWCNTs. This performance improvement is demonstrated in electrochromic devices (ECDs) with titanium‐doped vanadium oxide (TiVOx) as the optically‐passive ion storage layer. The visible light transmittance τv values of the ECDs are improved by the addition of the MWCNTs from 20 %/56 % to 17 %/56 % and from 31 %/47 % and 34 %/55 % in the dark/bright state, for Fe‐MEPE and Ru‐MEPE, respectively. Thus, the addition of MWCNTs to Fe‐ or Ru‐MEPE is a very promising route for future fast‐switching EC applications, e. g., displays, sunroofs, and rear‐view mirrors.
Regiocontrol via Electronics: Insights into a Ru‐Catalyzed, Cu‐Mediated Site‐Selective Alkylation of Isoquinolones via a C−C Bond Activation of Cyclopropanols
Authors: Jha Neha , Guo Wentao , Kong Wang‐Yeuk , Tantillo Dean J. , Kapur Manmohan
Published: July 2023

A site‐selective C(3)/C(4)‐alkylation of N‐pyridylisoquinolones is achieved by employing C−C bond activation of cyclopropanols under Ru(II)‐catalyzed/Cu(II)‐mediated conditions. The regioisomeric ratios of the products follow directly from the electronic nature of the cyclopropanols and isoquinolones used, with electron‐withdrawing groups yielding predominantly the C(3)‐alkylated products, whereas the electron‐donating groups primarily generate the C(4)‐alkylated isomers. Density functional theory calculations and detailed mechanistic investigations suggest the simultaneous existence of the singlet and triplet pathways for the C(3)‐ and C(4)‐product formation. Further transformations of the products evolve the utility of the methodology thereby yielding scaffolds of synthetic relevance.
An approach to study recruitment/derecruitment dynamics in a patient‐specific computational model of an injured human lung
Authors: Geitner Carolin M. , Becher Tobias , Frerichs Inéz , Weiler Norbert , Bates Jason H. T. , Wall Wolfgang A.
Published: July 2023

We present a new approach for physics‐based computational modeling of diseased human lungs. Our main object is the development of a model that takes the novel step of incorporating the dynamics of airway recruitment/derecruitment into an anatomically accurate, spatially resolved model of respiratory system mechanics, and the relation of these dynamics to airway dimensions and the biophysical properties of the lining fluid. The importance of our approach is that it potentially allows for more accurate predictions of where mechanical stress foci arise in the lungs, since it is at these locations that injury is thought to arise and propagate from. We match the model to data from a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) to demonstrate the potential of the model for revealing the underlying derangements in ARDS in a patient‐specific manner. To achieve this, the specific geometry of the lung and its heterogeneous pattern of injury are extracted from medical CT images. The mechanical behavior of the model is tailored to the patient's respiratory mechanics using measured ventilation data. In retrospective simulations of various clinically performed, pressure‐driven ventilation profiles, the model adequately reproduces clinical quantities measured in the patient such as tidal volume and change in pleural pressure. The model also exhibits physiologically reasonable lung recruitment dynamics and has the spatial resolution to allow the study of local mechanical quantities such as alveolar strains. This modeling approach advances our ability to perform patient‐specific studies in silico, opening the way to personalized therapies that will optimize patient outcomes.