bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exciting Advances in Sustainable Spectrophotometric Micro-Quantitation of an Innovative Painkiller “Tramadol and Celecoxib” Mixture in the Presence of a Toxic Impurity, Promoting Greenness and Whiteness Studies
Authors: Bahgat Eman A , Hashem Hisham , Saleh Hanaa , Kamel Ebraam B , Eissa Maya S 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Tramadol (TRM) and celecoxib (CLX) form a novel mixture that helps relieve acute pain when other painkillers have no action. It is also reported that these drugs, TRM and CLX, are used to control COVID-19 symptoms.

Objective
The current work highlights three important pillars of modern pharmaceutical analysis, which are as follows; impurity profiling, greenness/whiteness studies and simplicity accompanied by sensitivity. Since 4-methyl acetophenone inhibits the human carbonyl reductase enzyme (type I) and since this compound may pose a health risk, it is crucial to regulate its concentration in all dosage forms of CLX.

Methods
Two simple and green spectrophotometric methods were developed, namely third derivative (D3) and Fourier self- deconvulation (FSD), for resolving severely overlapped spectra of TRM and CLX in the presence of 4-methyl acetophenone (4-MAP) as a process-related impurity in their novel tablet combination.

Results
The two approaches showed acceptable linearity with an excellent correlation coefficient. In both methods, TRM was measured when CLX and 4-methyl acetophenone were zero-crossing. The same procedure was applied for measuring CLX and its process-related impurity 4-MAP.

Conclusion
The methodologies developed were thoroughly validated in compliance with ICH (International Council on Harmonisation) guidelines. Student t- and F-tests revealed no statistically significant variation among the current methods and the reported method.

Highlights
No spectrophotometric methods have been published previously for the simultaneous analysis of TRM and CLX along with 4-MAP. As a result, the newly developed spectrophotometric approaches have great relevance and originality in the field of pharmaceutical analysis.
Quality Evaluation of Gentamicin Sulfate Reference Standards in Japanese Pharmacopoeia Using Hydrophilic Interaction Chromatography Combined With Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Maekawa Keiko , Sawa Ryuichi , Matsui Mari , Konda Toshifumi , Kubota Yumiko , Matsuo Ayaka , Maeda Akiho , Takahashi Chisato , Tanimoto Tsuyoshi , Nakagawa Yukari , Yoneda Sachiyo , Mori Yuri , Suzuki Satowa 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Through the recent development of analytical technology, antibiotics quantification in the Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP) has changed from traditional microbiological assays to physicochemical methods with high specificity and precision. However, for several multicomponent antibiotics without typical UV absorption, potency cannot be directly determined using instrumental methods such as high-performance liquid chromatography; therefore, traditional microbiological assays are still used. Gentamicin sulfate (GmS), which consists of three major components, C1, C1a, and C2, is such a typical antibiotic, and its antimicrobial potency continues to be assayed using microbiological methods in JP monographs. Introduction of a physicochemical assay for GmS is needed to help ensure its quality and quantity.

Objective
This study aimed to develop quality control measures for GmS that could be complementary to quantitative assays and purity tests specified in the JP.

Methods
For each gentamicin C component (C1, C2, and C1a), theoretical potencies were determined based on the quantitative relationship between purity and potency, as measured by quantitative 1H NMR and microbiological assays, respectively. Two lots of the JP reference standard (RS) were used as test samples, with the contents of each component and impurity (sisomicin and garamine) being determined using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS).

Results
The ratios of theoretical potency for C1, C2, and C1a were 1.00, 1.21, and 1.80, respectively. The potencies of the GmS JP RSs, which were estimated based on the contents and theoretical potency of each C component, corresponded well with those determined through microbiological assays. Marked differences in impurities (%) between the two RS lots were highlighted by quantifying sisomicin and garamine.

Conclusions
The developed analytical procedure enabled the characterization of two different JP RSs in terms of content ratio, potencies, and impurities.

Highlights
Novel analytical procedures useful for routine quality control of GmS were developed using HILIC-MS/MS.
Effects of a novel direct-fed microbial on growth performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and ruminal morphology of beef feedlot steers
Authors: Opheim Tosha S , Sarturi Jhones O , Rodrigues Barbara M , Nightingale Kendra K , Brashears Mindy , Reis Beatriz Q , Ballou Michael A , Miller Markus , Casas Diego E 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The effects of a novel direct-fed microbial (DFM) on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, digestibility, ruminal morphology, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) profile of finishing steers were evaluated. Single-source Angus-crossbred yearling steers (n = 144; initial body weight (BW) = 371 ± 19 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design. Steers were blocked by initial BW and randomly assigned to treatments (12 pens/treatment; 4 steers/pen). Treatments included (A) CONTROL (no DFM, tylosin, or monensin, (B) MONTY (monensin sodium [330 mg/animal-daily] and tylosin phosphate [90 mg/animal-daily]), and (C) MONPRO (monensin sodium [same as previous] and Lactobacillus salivarius L28 [1 × 106 CFU/animal-daily]). Treatments were included in a steam-flaked corn-based finisher diet offered once daily using a clean-bunk management for ~149 d. The digestibility assessment was performed from days 70 to 74. Ruminal fluid and rumen tissue samples were collected at the slaughter for VFA profile and papillae morphology analyses, respectively. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with pen serving as the experimental unit, treatment as fixed effect, and BW block as random effect. Steers offered MONPRO had on average 5.3% less (P &lt; 0.01) dry matter intake (9.56 kg/d) compared with either CONTROL (10.16 kg/d) or MONTY (9.96 kg/d). The carcass-adjusted final BW (613 kg; P = 0.23), overall average daily gain (1.64 kg/d; P = 0.23), and gain-efficiency (0.165; P = 0.61) were not affected by treatments. Steers offered CONTROL had greater (P &lt; 0.01) marbling score and tended (P = 0.06) to have less carcasses grading Select and tended (P = 0.10) to have more carcasses grading Upper-Choice, while other carcass characteristics and liver-abscesses were not affected (P ≥ 0.23) by treatments. The digestibility of nutrients (P ≥ 0.13) and the ruminal VFA profile (P ≥ 0.12) were not affected by treatments. Steers offered MONPRO tended (P = 0.09) to have 16% greater average papillae number compared to other treatments. Yearlings offered finishing diets containing L. salivarius L28 plus monensin did not affect growth performance, digestibility, or ruminal VFA, but reduced feed intake. Carcass quality was negatively affected by treatments, while animals consuming L. salivarius L28 and monensin tended to improve ruminal morphology. Current findings in ruminal morphology and feed intake may warrant further assessment of diets containing L. salivarius L28 on beef cattle food safety aspects.
Unified Magnifying Endoscopic Classification (UMEC) of Gastrointestinal Lesions: A North American Validation Study
Authors: Fujiyoshi Mary Raina Angeli , Fujiyoshi Yusuke , Gimpaya Nikko , Bechara Robert , Jeyalingam Thurarshen , Calo Natalia Causada , Forbes Nauzer , Pawlak Katarzyna Monika , Khalaf Kareem , Khan Rishad , Atalla Michael , Toshimori Akiko , Shimamura Yuto , Tanabe Mayo , Teshima Christopher , Mosko Jeffrey D , May Gary , Inoue Haruhiro , Grover Samir C 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background and study aim
Magnifying endoscopy enables the diagnosis of advanced neoplasia throughout the gastrointestinal tract. The unified magnifying endoscopic classification (UMEC) framework unifies optical diagnosis criteria in the esophagus, stomach, and colon, dividing lesions into three categories: non-neoplastic, intramucosal neoplasia, and deep submucosal invasive cancer. This study aims to ascertain the performance of North American endoscopists when using the UMEC.

Methods
In this retrospective cohort study, five North American endoscopists without prior training in magnifying endoscopy independently diagnosed images of gastrointestinal tract lesions using UMEC. All endoscopists were blinded to endoscopic findings and histopathological diagnosis. Using histopathology as the gold standard, the endoscopists’ diagnostic performances using UMEC were evaluated.

Results
A total of 299 lesions (77 esophagus, 92 stomach, and 130 colon) were assessed. For esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy ranged from 65.2% (95%CI: 50.9–77.9) to 87.0% (95%CI: 75.3–94.6), 77.4% (95%CI: 60.9–89.6) to 96.8% (95%CI: 86.8–99.8), and 75.3% to 87.0%, respectively. For gastric adenocarcinoma, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy ranged from 94.9% (95%CI: 85.0–99.1) to 100%, 52.9% (95%CI: 39.4–66.2) to 92.2% (95%CI: 82.7–97.5), and 73.3% to 93.3%. For colorectal adenocarcinoma, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy ranged from 76.2% (95%CI: 62.0–87.3) to 83.3% (95%CI: 70.3–92.5), 89.7% (95%CI: 82.1–94.9) to 97.7% (95%CI: 93.1–99.6), and 86.8% to 90.7%. Intraclass correlation coefficients indicated good to excellent reliability.

Conclusion
UMEC is a simple classification that may be used to introduce endoscopists to magnifying narrow-band imaging and optical diagnosis, yielding satisfactory diagnostic accuracy.
Distribution of invasive Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) (Decapoda: Astacidea: Cambaridae) in South Korea, with a study of the spatial variation of benthic macroinvertebrate taxa
Authors: Woo Jung Sang , Bae Mi-Jung , Kim SuHwan , Kawai Tadashi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The introduction and spread of non-native species pose major threats to biodiversity and ecosystem stability. We conducted a study to assess the spread, growth rate, and interactions of the exotic crayfish Procambarus clarkii (Girard, 1852) throughout South Korea. A total of 343 individuals (223 from reservoirs, 120 from streams) were studied in four provinces. This species has expanded its distribution to 24 regions in South Korea. The length-weight relationship indicated positive allometric growth, expressed as W = 2.855L3.0073. The highest number of adult P. clarkii individuals eradicated was 11,438 in 2022. Using the MaxEnt model and environmental variables related to the climate, a highly accurate forecast was generated for the potential distribution of P. clarkii in South Korea. The factors influencing the current distribution probability were identified as the highest temperature of the warmest month, mean temperature of the wettest quarter, and mean temperature of the warmest quarter, which contributed the most to the present distribution probability. The predicted distribution indicated a rapid increase in P. clarkii density in the southwestern region, extending towards the southeastern and central regions, including the brackish zone. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis (stress = 0.07) was conducted based on benthic macroinvertebrates, revealing distinct variations among the four sampling sites. The distribution of benthic macroinvertebrates was significantly influenced by the proportion of sand in the substrate (R = 0.39, P &lt; 0.05) and water quality as estimated by the electrical conductivity (R = 0.51, P &lt; 0.05).
Biology and ecology of insect pests in macadamia: a review of the current status of IPM strategies in Australia
Authors: Ellis Kirsten L , Anderson Jay M , Yonow Tania , Kriticos Darren J , Andrew Nigel R 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Macadamia spp. are native to Australia and have significant commercial value worldwide for their edible nuts. Integrated pest management (IPM) can be challenging in Australia because macadamia is a native plant cultivated commercially in its native range alongside its native insect pests and their natural enemies. Attaining viable commercial yields of macadamia in Australia has historically relied heavily upon the use of chemical insecticides, including organophosphates, and a shift away from reliance on these practices has not yet happened. Amblypelta spp. have historically been the pests of greatest concern to the Australian macadamia industry and that has not changed, but the make-up of the other major and minor pests has changed over time. More recently, the more southern-growing regions have experienced increases in Cercotingis decoris, Proteatingis howardi, and Kuschelorhynchus macadamiae, and there are currently no long-term viable control options for these species. The Australian macadamia pests, Cryptophlebia ombrodelta and Acanthococcus ironsidei, not necessarily of major concern in Australia, have spread to macadamias in other countries and have become significant pests as they do not have the corresponding native natural enemies. There are critical gaps in the identification of macadamia pest species and their natural enemies, as well as an understanding of their biology and ecology, distribution, host preferences, and movement. The identified knowledge gaps need to be addressed to support IPM in macadamia, both in Australia and internationally.
The AI cycle of health inequity and digital ageism: mitigating biases through the EU regulatory framework on medical devices
Authors: van Kolfschooten Hannah 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) medical devices is rapidly growing. Although AI may benefit the quality and safety of healthcare for older adults, it simultaneously introduces new ethical and legal issues. Many AI medical devices exhibit age-related biases. The first part of this paper explains how ‘digital ageism’ is produced throughout the entire lifecycle of medical AI and may lead to health inequity for older people: systemic, avoidable differences in the health status of different population groups. This paper takes digital ageism as a use case to show the potential inequitable effects of AI, conceptualized as the ‘AI cycle of health inequity’. The second part of this paper explores how the European Union (EU) regulatory framework addresses the issue of digital ageism. It argues that the negative effects of age-related bias in AI medical devices are insufficiently recognized within the regulatory framework of the EU Medical Devices Regulation and the new AI Act. It concludes that while the EU framework does address some of the key issues related to technical biases in AI medical devices by stipulating rules for performance and data quality, it does not account for contextual biases, therefore neglecting part of the AI cycle of health inequity.
Enhancing the efficacy of vaccinia-based oncolytic virotherapy by inhibiting CXCR2-mediated MDSC trafficking
Authors: Tan Zhiwu , Chiu Mei Sum , Yue Ming , Kwok Hau Yee , Tse Man Ho , Wen Yang , Chen Bohao , Yang Dawei , Zhou Dongyan , Song You-Qiang , Man Kwan , Chen Zhiwei 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Oncolytic virotherapy is an innovative approach for cancer treatment. However, recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) into the tumor microenvironment (TME) after oncolysis-mediated local inflammation leads to tumor resistance to the therapy. Using the murine malignant mesothelioma model, we demonstrated that the in situ vaccinia virotherapy recruited primarily polymorphonuclear MDSCs (PMN-MDSCs) into the TME, where they exhibited strong suppression of cytotoxic T lymphocytes in a reactive oxygen species–dependent way. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis confirmed the suppressive profile of PMN-MDSCs at the transcriptomic level and identified CXCR2 as a therapeutic target expressed on PMN-MDSCs. Abrogating PMN-MDSC trafficking by CXCR2-specific small molecule inhibitor during the vaccinia virotherapy exhibited enhanced antitumor efficacy in 3 syngeneic cancer models, through increasing CD8+/MDSC ratios in the TME, activating cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and skewing suppressive TME into an antitumor environment. Our results warrant clinical development of CXCR2 inhibitor in combination with oncolytic virotherapy.
Leadership and Teamwork During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences of Music Therapy Business Leaders
Authors: Meadows Anthony , Shoemark Helen , Magee Wendy L 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study investigated the experiences of music therapy private practice business leaders providing services in school, healthcare, and community settings, including clients’ homes, during the first 12 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative content analysis was utilized to analyze semi-structured interview data collected from 10 business leaders (5 CEOs and 5 clinical directors) recruited from 5 businesses. 8 themes were revealed: (1) significant impact shaped by uncertainty and values, (2) temporal dimensions of change, (3) changing dynamics of relationships, (4) issues leading to burnout, (5) unexpected opportunities for all stakeholders, (6) the weight of being responsive, (7) the ambiguity of role changes, and (8) the collective functioning of the clinical team. In the context of leadership and teamwork, these themes illuminated the challenges these business leaders encountered while also providing insights into the importance of collaborative structures, transparent communication, and flexibility integral to leading organizational change. Further, resilience, robustness, and antifragility provide theoretical constructs through which to consider change processes, providing music therapy professionals with the opportunity to consider core leadership, teamwork, and organizational characteristics essential to music therapy teams.
Asymmetric and uncertain interactions within mutualisms
Authors: Wang Rui-Wu , Shi An-Na , Zhang Xiao-Wei , Liu Min , Jandér K Charlotte , Dunn Derek W 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Although understanding mutualism stability has advanced over the last few decades, two fundamental problems still remain in explaining how mutualisms maintain stable. (i) How does resolve conflict between mutualists over resources? (ii) In the presence of less cooperative and/or uncooperative symbionts, how does prevent symbiont populations from becoming dominated by uncooperative individuals? Many past explanations of mutualism stability have assumed that interactions between mutualists are symmetrical. However, in most mutualisms, interactions between hosts and symbionts show varying degrees of asymmetry at different levels. Here, we review three major types of asymmetric interactions within obligate mutualisms: (i) asymmetric payoffs, which is also defined as individual power differences, (ii) asymmetric potential rates of evolutionary change, and (iii) asymmetric information states between hosts and symbionts. We suggest that these asymmetries between mutualists help explain why cooperation and conflict are inherent in the evolution of mutualisms, and why both hosts and symbionts present diversified phenotypes while cooperation predominates.
Leaf stoichiometry of common species along altitude gradients in the Qilian Mountains, China
Authors: Hong Shuyan , Chen Jie , Biswas Asim , Cao Jianjun , Dong Xiaogang 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Investigating the variations in leaf stoichiometry among plant common species at different altitudes, along with the factors that influence these variations and the adaptative strategies employed, is of significant importance for understanding biogeochemical cycles amidst global environmental changes. In this research, we measured soil organic carbon and nutrient concentrations, as well as leaf stoichiometry for plant common species at five altitudes (2400–3200 m with an interval of 200 m) within the Qilian Mountains of Northwest China. This study aims to enhance our understanding of how plant common species in mountainous regions exhibit adaptable responses to altitude variations and how potential environmental changes in the future may influence their leaf functions. Results showed that the leaf C:N:P stoichiometry of plant common species varied with increasing altitude. Across altitudes, mean annual temperature (MAT), soil total phosphorus, mean annual precipitation (MAP), soil water content, and soil nitrate nitrogen were the main factors influencing leaf element concentrations of plant common species. However, leaf stoichiometric ratios were mainly determined by MAT, MAP, and soil total nitrogen. The effects of MAT and MAP on both leaf element concentrations and leaf stoichiometric ratios of plant common species were found to be significant. Plant growth in the study area was mainly limited by P. The results not only highlight the adaptive strategies employed by plants, but also contribute to understanding of leaf stoichiometry, and establishing connections between individual plant species and broader plant community composed of these common species.
Online Intervention Targeting Postnatal Depression and Anxiety in Chilean First-Time Mothers: Feasibility Trial
Authors: Coo Soledad , García María Ignacia , Pérez J Carola , Aldoney Daniela , Olhaberry Marcia , Fernández Olga , Alamo Nicolle , Franco Pamela , Pérez Francisca , Fernández Sofía , Fisher Jane , Rowe Heather 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objective
Internet-based interventions may positively impact maternal symptoms of postnatal depression and anxiety. This study assessed the feasibility, acceptability, perceived usefulness, and preliminary effectiveness of an m-Health version of “What Were We Thinking?” (m-WWWT).

Methods
A mixed-methods with a 2-arm randomized parallel design was used. From a total of 477 women, 157 met the inclusion criteria. 128 first-time mothers of full-term infants, aged 4–10 weeks, who received health care at primary public health centers in Chile, were randomly assigned to the experimental (EG, n = 65) or control (CG, n = 63) groups; data of 104 of them (53 and 51, respectively) was analyzed. We used percentages and rates to measure feasibility outcomes and mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) and latent class analyses (LCA) to assess preliminary effectiveness. Participants completed questionnaires on mental health, social support, and maternal self-efficacy upon recruitment and 3 months after completing the intervention. For the qualitative component, 12 women from the EG were interviewed.

Results
Quantitative results show good feasibility outcomes, such as high recruitment (82%), low attrition (EG = 12% and CG = 17%), and high follow-up (EG = 97% and CG = 91%) rates. Qualitative results indicate high acceptability and perceived usefulness of m-WWWT. Mixed ANOVA did not show significant differences between the groups (all p &gt;.05). However, multinomial regression analysis in LCA showed that women with low baseline symptoms of depression and anxiety benefit from the intervention (B = 0.43, 95% confidence interval 1.09–2.16).

Conclusion
m-WWWT is feasible to be implemented in Chile; future studies are needed to assess the intervention’s effectiveness.
International law as shibboleth: the continued appeal of heroic narratives in support of military intervention
Authors: Mitchell Lynsey 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Political debates on the use of force draw on Manichean narratives which are legitimated by legalistic language. Overreliance on such narratives devalues international law as a safeguard against the illegal use of force, silences criticism that militarism is not the solution to international crises, and blurs legal and non-legal justifications for intervention.