bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural Analyses of DP‐1, a Protein with the Ability To Bind Gold Nanoparticles, by Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Futagawa Kei , Tang Donglin , Kato Yugo , Nagata Koji , Suzuki Muchio
Published: October 2023

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), consisting of metallic gold, are applied in various fields owing to their characteristic physical properties. Collimonas sp. D‐25 (D‐25) is a Gram‐negative bacterium obtained from soil, compost, and other environmental materials in the Akita Prefecture. DP‐1 is a water‐soluble protein found in D‐25 that binds specifically to AuNPs and retains them with high stability. This study aimed to identify the part of DP‐1 that interacts with AuNPs and determine its 3D structure in solution using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Peptide fragments obtained by trypsin digestion were examined for their AuNP‐binding capacity to determine the key Au‐binding domain of DP‐1. A fragment consisting of 16 amino acid residues (GHAATPEQYGVVTANK) was identified as the peptide with the highest binding activity. Structural analyses of this peptide indicated that the main chain was elongated, and negatively charged residues in the side chain were exposed on the surface by incorporating AuNPs. These results suggest that DP‐1 interacts with AuNPs through negatively charged residues and extended hydrophobic residues for protein–protein interactions. The structural data also provide new insights into biomimetic technologies.
Heart rate‐dependent mitral regurgitation
Authors: Farandzha Dzhem , Lyoskova Irina , Shikerova Petranka , Hazarbasanov Dobri
Published: October 2023

Key Clinical Message

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a particularly dynamic valvular disorder. Extreme bradycardia can lead to prolonged left ventricular filling time and mitral annular dilatation, hence causing secondary MR in a structurally normal mitral valve.
Parallel pathogens: Coexistence of chickenpox and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura—A case report
Authors: Shrestha Abhigan Babu , Yadav Anuj , Sharma Sadish , Sapkota Unnat Hamal , Farho Mohamad Ali , Islam Md. Moududul , Abu Sayem Md. Ibn , Nuruzzaman Md.
Published: October 2023

Key Clinical Message

This case report documents the unusual co‐occurrence of immune thrombocytopena (ITP) and chickenpox in a 15‐year‐old girl. Initial symptoms included shortness of breath, chest pain, and heavy menstrual bleeding. Laboratory results revealed significant anemia and thrombocytopenia. Treatment involved blood transfusions, prednisolone, and iron supplementation. The patient's vesicular skin rash emerged 8 weeks later, prompting the combined diagnosis of ITP and chickenpox. Antiviral treatments, blood transfusions, and supportive care were used in the course of treatment, leading to full recovery. This case emphasizes the importance of prompt diagnosis, appropriate management, and regular follow‐up for patients with both chickenpox and ITP. The coexistence of chickenpox and ITP poses a clinical challenge due to the complex interaction between the viral infection and the immune system. The exact mechanism linking these two conditions remains unclear, making it a baffling case that warrants investigation and further understanding. As low is the occurrence of hemorrhagic chickenpox, the presentation of simultaneous chicken pox with or following ITP was found to be rarer, and thus is this enigmatic case presented. Healthcare providers should remain vigilant about such co‐occurrences to prevent complications. In order to improve treatment for instances with comparable clinical presentations and advance our collective knowledge, further study is required to better understand the mechanisms relating viral infections and ITP.
Heteroatom tuning in agarose derived carbon aerogel for enhanced potassium ion multiple energy storage
Authors: Xie Kaijun , Liu Xin , Li Haolin , Fang Long , Xia Kai , Yang Dongjiang , Zou Yihui , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: October 2023

The incorporation of heteroatoms into carbon aerogels (CAs) can lead to structural distortions and changes in active sites due to their smaller size and electronegativity compared to pure carbon. However, the evolution of the electronic structure from single‐atom doping to heteroatom codoping in CAs has not yet been thoroughly investigated, and the impact of codoping on potassium ion (K+) storage and diffusion pathways as electrode material remains unclear. In this study, experimental and theoretical simulations were conducted to demonstrate that heteroatom codoping, composed of multiple heteroatoms (O/N/B) with different properties, has the potential to improve the electrical properties and stability of CAs compared to single‐atom doping. Electronic states near the Fermi level have revealed that doping with O/N/B generates a greater number of active centers on adjacent carbon atoms than doping with O and O/N atoms. As a result of synergy with enhanced wetting ability (contact angle of 9.26°) derived from amino groups and hierarchical porous structure, ON‐CA has the most optimized adsorption capacity (−1.62 eV) and diffusion barrier (0.12 eV) of K+. The optimal pathway of K+ in ON‐CA is along the carbon ring with N or O doping. As K+ storage material for supercapacitors and ion batteries, it shows an outstanding specific capacity and capacitance, electrochemical stability, and rate performance. Especially, the assembled symmetrical K+ supercapacitor demonstrates an energy density of 51.8 Wh kg−1, an ultrahigh power density of 443 W kg−1, and outstanding cycling stability (maintaining 83.3% after 10,000 cycles in 1 M KPF6 organic electrolyte). This research provides valuable insights into the design of high‐performance potassium ion storage materials.
A Prato Tour on Carbon Nanotubes: Raman Insights
Authors: Isabel Lucío María , Giacalone Francesco , La Parola Valeria , Gámez‐Valenzuela Sergio , Muñoz‐Alba Fernando , Ruiz Delgado M. Carmen , Herrero M. Antonia , Vázquez Ester
Published: October 2023

The functionalisation of carbon nanotubes has been instrumental in broadening its application field, allowing especially its use in biological studies. Although numerous covalent and non‐covalent functionalisation methods have been described, the characterisation of the final materials has always been an added challenge. Among the various techniques available, Raman spectroscopy is one of the most widely used to determine the covalent functionalisation of these species. However, Raman spectroscopy is not a quantitative technique, and no studies are reported comparing its performance when the same number of functional groups are added but using completely different reactions. In this work, we have experimentally and theoretically studied the functionalisation of carbon nanotubes using two of the most commonly used reactions: 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of azomethylene ylides and diazonium‐based radical addition. The number of groups introduced onto the tubes by these reactions has been determined by different characterisation techniques. The results of this study support the idea that data obtained by Raman spectra are only helpful for comparing functionalisations produced using the same type of reaction. However, they should be carefully analysed when comparing functionalisations produced using different reaction types.
Generation and Application of Homoallylic α,α‐Diboryl Radicals via Diboron‐Promoted Ring‐Opening of Vinyl Cyclopropanes: cis‐Diastereoselective Borylative Cycloaddition**
Authors: Vyas Het , Gangani Ashvin J. , Mini Aiswarya , Lin Shengjia , Chu Jia‐Min , Agee Caitlyn O. , Gabriel Justin , Williamson R. Thomas , Zhang Yong , Sharma Abhishek
Published: October 2023

Carbon‐centered radicals stabilized by adjacent boron atoms are underexplored reaction intermediates in organic synthesis. This study reports the development of vinyl cyclopropyl diborons (VCPDBs) as a versatile source of previously unknown homoallylic α,α‐diboryl radicals via thiyl radical catalyzed diboron‐directed ring opening. These diboryl stabilized radicals underwent smooth [3+2] cycloaddition with a variety of olefins to provide diboryl cyclopentanes in good to excellent diastereoselectivity. In contrast to the trans‐diastereoselectivity observed with most of the dicarbonyl activated VCPs, the cycloaddition of VCPDBs showed a remarkable preference for formation of cis‐cyclopentane diastereomer which was confirmed by quantitative NOE and 2D NOESY studies. The cis‐stereochemistry of cyclopentane products enabled a concise intramolecular Heck reaction approach to rare tricyclic cyclopentanoid framework containing the diboron group. The mild reaction conditions also allowed a one‐pot VCP ring‐opening, cycloaddition‐oxidation sequence to afford disubstituted cyclopentanones. Control experiments and DFT analysis of reaction mechanism support a radical mediated pathway and provide a rationale for the observed diastereoselectivity. To the authors’ knowledge, these are the first examples of the use of geminal diboryl group as an activator of VCP ring opening and cycloaddition reaction of α‐boryl radicals.
Kostengünstige Batterietechnologie für die Energiewende
Authors: Putsykina Olga
Published: October 2023

Ein deutsches Forschungskonsortium unter der Leitung des Fraunhofer IZM entwickelt eine neuartige und kostengünstige Zink‐Batterie, die nicht nur als Langzeitspeicher von Energie, sondern auch zur Wasserstoffproduktion genutzt werden kann. Erste Tests weisen einen Wirkungsgrad von 50 % zur Stromspeicherung und 80 % zur Wasserstofferzeugung bei einer prognostizierten Lebensdauer von zehn Jahren aus.
Die Wasserstoffproduktion optimieren
Authors: Kirner Gerhard
Published: October 2023

Um Elektrolyseure stabil, verlässlich und vorhersehbar betreiben zu können, sind verschiedene Analysetechniken eine Grundlage: Von der Güte der eingesetzten Chemikalien und Rohstoffe bis hin zur kontinuierlichen überwachung des Energiebedarfes. Die Zellspannungsüberwachung (CVM) ist dabei eines der Schlüsselthemen, wenn es um Effizienzsteigerung und Ausfallvermeidung geht.
Synthesis of Pyrrole‐2‐Carboxylic Acid from Cellulose‐ and Chitin‐Based Feedstocks Discovered by the Automated Route Search
Authors: Pham Thuy Trang , Guo Zhen , Li Bing , Lapkin Alexei A. , Yan Ning
Published: October 2023

The shift towards sustainable feedstocks for platform chemicals requires new routes to access functional molecules that contain heteroatoms, but there are limited bio‐derived feedstocks that lead to heteroatoms in platform chemicals. Combining renewable molecules of different origins could be a solution to optimize the use of atoms from renewable sources. However, the lack of retrosynthetic tools makes it challenging to examine the extensive reaction networks of various platform molecules focusing on multiple bio‐based feedstocks. In this study, a protocol was developed to identify potential transformation pathways that allow for the use of feedstocks from different origins. By analyzing existing knowledge on chemical reactions in large databases, several promising synthetic routes were shortlisted, with the reaction of D‐glucosamine and pyruvic acid being the most interesting to make pyrrole‐2‐carboxylic acid (PCA). The optimized synthetic conditions resulted in 50 % yield of PCA, with insights gained from temperature variant NMR studies. The use of substrates obtained from two different bio‐feedstock bases, namely cellulose and chitin, allowed for the establishment of a PCA‐based chemical space.
Phenotyping obesity: A focus on metabolically healthy obesity and metabolically unhealthy normal weight
Authors: Agius Rachel , Pace Nikolai P. , Fava Stephen
Published: October 2023

Over the past 4 decades, research has shown that having a normal body weight does not automatically imply preserved metabolic health and a considerable number of lean individuals harbour metabolic abnormalities typically associated with obesity. Conversely, excess adiposity does not always equate with an abnormal metabolic profile. In fact, evidence exists for the presence of a metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUHNW) and a metabolically healthy obese (MHO) phenotype. It has become increasingly recognised that different fat depots exert different effects on the metabolic profile of each individual by virtue of their location, structure and function, giving rise to these different body composition phenotypes. Furthermore, other factors have been implicated in the aetiopathogenesis of the body composition phenotypes, including genetics, ethnicity, age and lifestyle/behavioural factors. Even though to date both MHO and MUHNW have been widely investigated and documented in the literature, studies report different outcomes on long‐term cardiometabolic morbidity and mortality. Future large‐scale, observational and population‐based studies are required for better profiling of these phenotypes as well as to further elucidate the pathophysiological role of the adipocyte in the onset of metabolic disorders to allow for better risk stratification and a personalised treatment paradigm.
Interpopulation differences and temporal synchrony in rates of adult survival between two seabird colonies that differ in population size and distance to foraging grounds
Authors: Horswill C. , Warwick‐Evans V. , Esmonde N. P. G. , Reid N. , Kirk H. , Siddiqi‐Davies K. R. , Josey S. A. , Wood M. J.
Published: October 2023

Understanding the processes that drive interpopulation differences in demography and population dynamics is central to metapopulation ecology. In colonial species, populations are limited by local resource availability. However, individuals from larger colonies will travel greater distances to overcome density‐dependent competition. Consequently, these individuals may also experience greater carry‐over effects and interpopulation differences in demography. To test this prediction, we use mark‐recapture data collected over four decades from two breeding colonies of a seabird, the Manx shearwater (Puffinus puffinus), that exhibit strong spatial overlap throughout the annual cycle but differ in population size and maximum foraging distances. We quantify interpopulation differences and synchrony in rates of survival and assess whether local mean wind speeds act to strengthen or disrupt synchrony. In addition, we examine whether the imputed interpopulation differences in survival can generate population‐level consequences. The colony where individuals travel further during the breeding season had slightly lower and more variable rates of survival, indicative of individuals experiencing greater carry‐over effects. Fluctuations in survival were highly synchronous between the colonies, but neither synchronous, nor asynchronous, variation could be strongly attributed to fluctuations in local mean wind speeds. Finally, we demonstrate that the imputed interpopulation differences in rates of survival could lead to considerable differences in population growth. We hypothesise that the observed interpopulation differences in rates of adult survival reflect carry‐over effects associated with foraging distances during the breeding season. More broadly, our results highlight that breeding season processes can be important for understanding interpopulation differences in the demographic rates and population dynamics of long‐lived species, such as seabirds.
Investigation of physicochemical drivers directing ionic liquid assembly on polymeric nanoparticles
Authors: Edgecomb Sara X. , Hamadani Christine M. , Roberts Angela , Taylor George , Merrell Anya , Suh Ember , Yaddehige Mahesh Loku , Chandrasiri Indika , Watkins Davita L. , Tanner Eden E. L.
Published: October 2023

Ionic liquids (ILs) have emerged as promising biomaterials for enhancing drug delivery by functionalizing polymeric nanoparticles (NPs). Despite the biocompatibility and biofunctionalization they confer upon the NPs, little is understood regarding the degree in which non‐covalent interactions, particularly hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions, govern IL‐NP supramolecular assembly. Herein, we use salt (0‐1 M sodium sulfate) and acid (0.25 M hydrochloric acid at pH 4.8) titrations to disrupt IL‐functionalized nanoassembly for four different polymeric platforms during synthesis. Through quantitative 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering, we demonstrate that the driving force of choline trans‐2‐hexenoate (CA2HA 1:1) IL assembly varies with either hydrogen bonding or electrostatics dominating, depending on the structure of the polymeric platform. In particular, the covalently bound or branched 50:50 block co‐polymer systems (diblock PEG‐PLGA [DPP] and polycaprolactone [PCl]‐poly[amidoamine] amine‐based linear‐dendritic block co‐polymer) are predominantly affected by hydrogen bonding disruption. In contrast, a purely linear block co‐polymer system (carboxylic acid terminated poly[lactic‐co‐glycolic acid]) necessitates both electrostatics and hydrogen bonding to assemble with IL and a two‐component electrostatically bound system (electrostatic PEG‐PLGA [EPP]) favors hydrogen‐bonding with electrostatics serving as a secondary role.
Preparation, characterization, and application of stable naphthalenediimide‐based metal–organic framework for cooperative capture low concentration uranium from wastewater
Authors: Zhao Wan‐Wan , Li Li‐Hong , Liao Jian‐Zhen , Ke Hua , Liang Ru‐Ping , Qiu Jian‐Ding
Published: October 2023

Extracting uranium from real water samples remains a great challenge due to low uranium concentration, concentrated competing ions and volumes of water. The design and preparation of uranium adsorbents with high efficiency and affinity are still difficult. Herein, we presented a facile one‐pot strategy to obtain a novel metal organic framework (denoted as Mn‐NDISA) for stable and efficient trapping of low concentration uranium. Mn‐NDISA with a built‐in hydrophobic cavity can boost the absorption affinity to 1.99 × 106 mL g−1 through the cooperative capture composed of electrostatic interaction, coordination force and hydrogen binding. Owing to the coordination‐available oxygen sites in flexible framework, a rapid kinetic equilibrium was achieved in just 25 min. Moreover, these exceptional adsorption features enabled Mn‐NDISA to successfully capture the naturally occurring uranium traces (~ppb) in wastewater samples, making it one of the most influential absorbents toward UO22+ ever reported. The experimental and theoretical studies revealed that the electrostatic attraction came from the surface negatively charged Mn‐NDISA and the positively charged UO22+. The coordination originated from Lewis basic hydroxyl, carbonyl groups, and Lewis acid UO22+, while hydrogen bonds further reinforced the as‐formed uranium binding complex. This research offered a promising cooperative capture strategy to improve the uranium affinity of the pristine MOF for trace contaminants removal in environmental remediation fields.
Multiobjective optimization of heat recovery steam generator in a combined cycle power using genetic algorithm
Authors: Mehrpanahi Abdollah , Akbari Vakilabadi Moslem , Nikbakht Naserabad Sadegh , Ahmadi M. H.
Published: October 2023

Due to the increasing demand for electrical energy, efforts to increase the thermal efficiency of the steam and gas power plants have led to extensive reform in these cycles. One of these common reforms is employing a conventional combined gas‐steam cycle. In combined cycle power plants that are built to produce power, a significant portion of the input energy is lost. In this research to achieve the thermodynamic properties of a combined cycle power plant after modeling the cycle and determining the cycle potential independent variables, multiobjective optimization by imposing restrictions on cost functions and changing them concerning exergy efficiency has been analyzed. The results show that increasing the parameters of superheated temperature, pinch point temperature difference, pump exhaust pressure, and condenser inlet flow rate improves the system performance and increases exergy efficiency. It is shown by two‐objective optimization that when costs are increased up to 40%, exergy efficiency is increased, and when an increase is more than 40% repeated results would be obtained. Applying costs lower than 5% is not considered according to software limitations. Also, the results show that it is possible to increase exergy efficiency up to 79.7% with a 40% investment cost.
Noise‐robust gas path fault detection and isolation for a power generation gas turbine based on deep residual compensation extreme learning machine
Authors: Nekoonam Ali , Montazeri‐Gh Morteza
Published: October 2023

One of the major challenges facing fault diagnosis tools is their exposure to noise. The presence of noise may cause false alarms or the inability to detect a progressive fault in the early stages of its occurrence. Continuing previous efforts to address such a problem, in this paper, a noise‐robust diagnosis system for an industrial gas turbine is presented. The proposed structure employs a set of deep residual compensation extreme learning machines (DRCELMs). In this model, an optimal number of compensating blocks are trained to recover some of the lost useful information in the face of noise. Training and testing data required to develop the fault diagnosis model are generated by a performance model of the studied gas turbine. The t‐distributed stochastic neighbor embedding algorithm is employed for visualizing the gas path faults. Furthermore, the performance of the DRCELM is evaluated by comparing it with six other diagnosis models. The results indicate higher robustness of the DRCELM compared to other fault diagnosis systems. The proposed model presents a classification accuracy of >97% in noisy data and an accuracy of >98% in noise‐free data and combined data, while the average of fault positive rate and fault negative rate in noisy data is less than 2.5%.
Felsbauplanung mit dem geotechnischen Werkzeugkasten von morgen: Eurocode 7 – Baugrundeigenschaften (EN 1997‐2:2024)
Authors: Estaire José , Muralha José , Segalini Andrea , Johansson Erik , Nuijten Guido , Heintz Robert
Published: October 2023

This paper presents an overview of the contents of 2nd Generation Eurocode 7 Part 2, highlighting two of the major changes introduced, being the Ground Model and the Rock Engineering implementation. The document is organized from a ground property perspective so that the role of Part 2 and the links with the geotechnical design are much clearer than in the previous edition. Its new title is a clear indication of this idea: ”Ground properties“ including both soil and rock properties. The need to have representative values for the ground properties is the objective of this new Part 2, which is intended to guide designers on the path to obtain those values by means of the Desk Study, Site Inspection, Field Investigation and Laboratory Testing. Given this framework, the paper explains the concepts behind the Ground Model, the main output of the Ground Investigation, which includes the ground profile, the geometric properties of the ground and its layers, groundwater, and the derived values of the ground properties, paying attention of the role of discontinuities in such ground profile. The tasks that form the Ground Investigation and the minimum number of activities to be performed are described. This new version of EN 1997 will include a Rock Engineering perspective for all above items. And finally, the ground properties of the rock material and the rock mass are listed and discussed.
Identification of aggressive driving behavior of online car‐hailing drivers based on association classification
Authors: Wu Ying , Chen Shuyan , Ma Yongfeng , Cheng Wen , Zhang Fangwei , Xing Guanyang
Published: October 2023

With the rapid development of online car‐hailing, the related crashes have become a key issue with public concern. Identifying and predicting aggressive driving behaviors is critical to reduce traffic crashes. In this study, we propose a method to recognize aggressive driving behavior based on association classification, with multisource features being employed, including driver emotion, vehicle kinematic characteristics, and road environment. The model performs best in a 10‐fold cross‐test when the minimum support and minimum confidence are set as 0.01 and 0.8, respectively. Besides, we also compare the performance of aggressive driving behavior recognition classifiers constructed using association classification with other rule‐based classification methods, including ID3, C4.5, CART, and Random Forest. The results show that association classification performs better than other classification competitors. Thirty‐six if–then rules generated by the association classification are used to analyze the influencing factors and associated mechanisms of aggressive driving behavior. It is found that aggressive driving behavior is highly correlated with driver anger and disgust emotions. Aggressive driving behavior is more likely to occur when no passengers are in the car than the case with passengers. Driver entertainment behavior and passenger interference also affect driving behavior. Moreover, drivers are prone to aggressive driving when making a U‐turn. This research not only proposed a new identification method for aggressive driving behavior but also provided a comprehensive understanding of the associated influencing factors which thus benefit the further research and development of safety assistance driving devices.
The role of synbiotics as adjunctive agents in the treatment of allergic rhinitis: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Faridzadeh Arezoo , Yadegari Yaser , Bakhshaee Mahdi , Kabiri Mona , Mohammadi Mozhgan , Khoshkhui Maryam , Jabbari Azad Farahzad
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent chronic disease affecting a significant portion of the global population. The substantial economic burden associated with treating AR necessitates the exploration of alternative therapies. Probiotics have gained attention due to their availability, minimal adverse effects, and cost‐effectiveness. The present study aims to investigate the role of synbiotics as adjunctive agents in the treatment of AR when added to standard treatment.

Method

Thirty patients with persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR) were randomly assigned to receive routine diet therapy plus synbiotics or routine diet therapy plus placebo per day for 4 months. The data analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 20.

Result

This study revealed a notable difference in immunoglobulin (Ig)E levels between the placebo and synbiotics groups (p = 0.035) following the intervention. Although a statistically significant difference (p = 0.039) was observed in the changes before and after the intervention (synbiotics and placebo) in the SNOT22 questionnaire, this finding was not observed for the MiniRQLQ questionnaire. For the MiniRQLQ questionnaire, the within‐group analysis showed significant changes in activity variables (p = 0.023), ocular symptoms (p = 0.036), and practical problems (p = 0.043) exclusively in the synbiotics group. Additionally, changes in nasal symptoms were observed in both synbiotics (p = 0.006) and placebo (p = 0.007) groups.

Conclusion

This study suggests that synbiotics supplementation for 4 months can impact IgE levels compared with placebo in individuals with PAR, while also exhibiting positive effects on symptomology.
Experimental and computational study of convective heat fluxes in swirling two‐phase flows
Authors: Hassan Aitazaz , Sanaullah Khairuddin , Taranenko Pavel Alexandrovich , Sinitsin Vladimir Vladimirovich , Ullah Atta , Khan Afrasyab
Published: October 2023

The convective mode of heat transfer is mainly due to the bulk motion of the fluid. Its turbulent nature and enhanced heat transfer coefficients have always attracted the academic, scientific community, and industrialists for many decades. The current research is based on the experimental and theoretical investigations on the turbulent convective heat transfer in swirling (60–300 rpm) steam (1–3 bars) injection into cocurrently flowing water. An exponential increase in the convective heat transfers up till the most swollen part of the swirling steam‐water volume of fluids has been observed. However, the convective heat transfer of the remaining part of the steam's plume shows an almost stagnant decreasing trend. The range of Rayleigh number that supports the transition in trends of the convective heat fluxes is 2.84 × 1011–3.71 × 1011. This transition affects the magnitude of the convective heat fluxes and the extent of the effective momentum fluxes, which is evident in the dominant role of the flow instabilities acting across the length of the steam's plume. Computational Fluid Dynamic analysis also has supported the exhibition of the heat fluxes magnitudes under the influence of the interacting Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities and inertial instabilities across and along with the cocurrently acting shear layer.
Neuroprotective mechanism of salvianolic acid B against cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury in mice through downregulation of TLR4, p‐p38MAPK, p‐JNK, NF‐κB, and IL‐1β
Authors: Zheng Xiu‐fen , Zhang Xiang‐jian , Dong Li‐peng , Zhao Jing‐ru , Zhang Cong , Chen Rong
Published: October 2023

Objective

Tissue injury and inflammation are two potential outcomes of cerebral ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury. Salvianolic acid B (Sal B), isolated from the roots ofSalvia miltiorrhiza, is one of the major water‐soluble compounds with a wide range of pharmacological effects including antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antiproliferative, and neuroprotective effects. In the present study, we explored the neuroprotective effects and potential mechanisms of Sal B after I/R injury.

Methods

We induced cerebral ischemia in male CD‐1 mice through transient (60 min) middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO), and then injected Sal B (30 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Neurological deficits, infarct volumes, and brain edema were assessed at 24 and 72 h after tMCAO. We detected the expression of Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), phosphorylated‐p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (P‐p38 MAPK), phosphorylated c‐Jun amino (N)‐terminal kinases (p‐JNK), nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) in the brain tissue.

Results

Compared with the tMCAO group, Sal B significantly improved neurological deficits, reduced infarct size, attenuated cerebral edema, and downregulated the expression of pro‐inflammatory mediators TLR4, p‐p38MAPK, p‐JNK, nuclear NF‐κB, and IL‐1β in brain tissue after I/R injury.

Conclusion

We found that Sal B protects brain tissues from I/R injury by activating its anti‐inflammatory properties.
Surface Reactivity of the Au‐Si‐Ho Quasicrystalline 1/1 Approximant
Authors: Mbajoun Wilfried Bajoun , Huang Yu‐Chin , Gebresenbut Girma Hailu , Gómez Cesar Pay , Fournée Vincent , Ledieu Julian
Published: October 2023

The oxidation of the (100) surface of Au‐Si‐Ho quasicrystalline approximant was studied using low‐energy electron diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The combination of these two techniques provides evidence for a Ho and Si surface segregation induced by O2 adsorption, resulting in the loss of surface long‐range order.
Development and validation of a clinical model to predict preconception risk of gestational diabetes mellitus in nulliparous women: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jin Fengzhen , Sun Junjie , Yang Yuanpei , Li Ruiyue , Luo Mi , Huang Qiao , Liu Xiaoli
Published: October 2023

Objective

To develop and validate a model to predict the preconception risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in nulliparous women.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study. A total of 1565 women in early pregnancy who underwent preconception health examinations in the Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between January 2020 and June 2021 were invited to participate in a questionnaire survey. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the preconception risk factors for GDM. These factors were used to construct a model to predict GDM risk in nulliparous women. Then, the model was used to assess the preconception risk of GDM in 1060 nulliparous women.

Results

Independent preconception risk factors for GDM included the following: age 35 years or greater, diastolic blood pressure 80 mm Hg or greater, fasting plasma glucose 5.1 mmol/L or greater, body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) 24 or greater, weight gain 10 kg or greater in the year before pregnancy, age of menarche 15 years or greater, three or more previous pregnancies, daily staple food intake 300 g or greater, fondness for sweets, and family history of diabetes. BMI less than 18.5, daily physical activity duration 1 h or greater, and high‐intensity physical activity were protective factors. These factors were used to construct a model to predict GDM risk in nulliparous women, and the incidence of GDM significantly increased as the risk score increased. The area under the curve of the prediction model was 0.82 (95% confidence interval 0.80–0.85).

Conclusion

The preconception GDM risk prediction model demonstrated good predictive efficacy and can be used to identify populations at high risk of GDM before pregnancy, which provides the possibility for preconception intervention.
Effects of different fractions of inspired oxygen on gas embolization during hysteroscopic surgery: A double‐blind, randomized, controlled trial
Authors: Deng Xi , Zhou Jieshu , Diao Min , Li Hao , Lin Xuemei
Published: October 2023

Objective

Gas embolism is a common complication of hysteroscopic surgery that causes serious concern among gynecologists and anesthesiologists due to the potential risk to patients. The factors influencing gas embolism in hysteroscopic surgery have been extensively studied. However, the effect of the oxygen concentration inhaled by patients on gas embolism during hysteroscopic surgery remains elusive. Therefore, we designed a double‐blind, randomized, controlled trial to determine whether different inhaled oxygen concentrations influence the occurrence of gas embolism during hysteroscopic surgery.

Methods

This trial enrolled 162 adult patients undergoing elective hysteroscopic surgery who were randomly divided into three groups with inspired oxygen fractions of 30%, 50%, and 100%. Transthoracic echocardiography (four‐chamber view) was used to evaluate whether gas embolism occurred. Before the start of surgery, the four‐chamber view was continuously monitored.

Results

The number of gas embolisms in the 30%, 50%, and 100% groups was 36 (69.2%), 30 (55.6%), and 24 (44.4%), respectively. The incidence of gas embolism gradually decreased with increasing inhaled oxygen concentration (P = 0.031).

Conclusion

In hysteroscopic surgery, a higher oxygen concentration inhaled by patients may reduce the incidence of gas embolism, indicating that a higher inhaled oxygen concentration, especially 100%, could be recommended for patients during hysteroscopic surgery.

Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=53779, Registration number: ChiCTR2000033202).
Longitudinal relationships among sociocultural pressure for body image, self‐concept clarity, and emotional well‐being in adolescents
Authors: Xiang Guangcan , Teng Zhaojun , Yang Linchuan , He Yanyan
Published: October 2023

Introduction

This study examined the longitudinal relationships among sociocultural pressure for body image (SPBI), self‐concept clarity (SCC), and emotional well‐being (EWB) at both the between‐ and within‐person levels.

Methods

The participants were 2001 Chinese adolescents (age range 11−24, 42.9% males). Recruitment of participants occurred for 1 year across three waves (i.e., 6 months apart across three cohorts). The baseline and follow‐up questionnaire surveys were utilized to assess SPBI, SCC, EWB, and background variables. Longitudinal associations between the above main variables were tested using a cross‐lagged panel model (CLPM) and multilevel regression analysis.

Results

The CLPM and multilevel‐model analysis showed that SCC longitudinally mediated the relationships between SPBI and EWB. Besides, gender and age were considered moderators in the associations among SPBI, SCC, and EWB.

Conclusions

SCC could be an underlying mechanism for the longitudinal relationship between SPBI and EWB among Chinese adolescents, which provides a potential intervention target for improving adolescents' well‐being from a sociocultural framework.
The impact of CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 genetic variations on tacrolimus treatment of living‐donor Egyptian kidney transplanted patients
Authors: Wanas Hanaa , Kamel Mai Hamed , William Emad Adel , Fayad Tarek , Abdelfattah Mohamed Essmat , Elbadawy Hossein Mostafa , Mikhael Emily Samir
Published: October 2023

Background

Tacrolimus (TAC) is the mainstay of immunosuppressive regimen for kidney transplantations. Its clinical use is complex due to high inter‐individual variations which can be partially attributed to genetic variations at the metabolizing enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP3A5. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), CYP3A4*22 and CYP3A5*3, have been reported as important causes of differences in pharmacokinetics that can affect efficacy and/or toxicity of TAC.

Objective

Investigating the effect of CYP3A4*22 and CYP3A5*3 SNPs individually and in combination on the TAC concentration in Egyptian renal recipients.

Methods

Overall, 72 Egyptian kidney transplant recipients were genotyped for CYP3A4*22 G>A and CYP3A5*3 T>C. According to the functional defect associated with CYP3A variants, patients were clustered into: poor (PM) and non‐poor metabolizers (Non‐PM). The impact on dose adjusted through TAC concentrations (C0) and daily doses at different time points after transplantation was evaluated.

Results

Cyp3A4*1/*22 and PM groups require significantly lower dose of TAC (mg/kg) at different time points with significantly higher concentration/dose (C0/D) ratio at day 10 in comparison to Cyp3A4*1/*1 and Non‐PM groups respectively. However, CyP3A5*3 heterozygous individuals did not show any significant difference in comparison to CyP3A5*1/*3 individuals. By comparing between PM and Non‐PM, the PM group had a significantly lower rate of recipients not reaching target C0 at day 14.

Conclusion

This is the first study on Egyptian population to investigate the impact of CYP3A4*22 and CYP3A5*3 SNPs individually and in combination on the TAC concentration. This study and future multicenter studies can contribute to the individualization of TAC dosing in Egyptian patients.
HPV16 infection promotes the malignant transformation of the esophagus and progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Hongzhou , Wei Yuxuan , Zhang Jiaying , Zhang Kun , Tian Liming , Liu Yongpan , Zhang Shihui , Zhou Yijian , Wang Zhuo , Shi Songlin , Fu Zhichao , Fu Jianqian , Zhao Jing , Li Xinxin , Zhang Lijia , Zhao Liran , Liu Kuancan
Published: October 2023

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) may be correlated with HPV infection, and the mechanism underlying the ESCC formation induced by HPV16 infection remains elusive. Here, we overexpressed HPV16 E6 and E7 and coordinated the overexpression of these two genes in EPC2 and ESCC cells. We found that E7 and coordinated expression of E6 and E7 promoted the proliferation of EPC2 cells, and upregulation of shh was responsible for cell proliferation since the use of vismodegib led to the failure of organoid formation. Meanwhile, overexpression of E6 and E7 in ESCC cells promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Importantly, E6 and E7 coordinately increased the capability of tumor growth in nude mice, while vismodegib slowed the growth of tumors in NCG mice. Moreover, a series of genes and proteins changed in cell lines after overexpression of the E6 and E7 genes, the potential biological processes and pathways were systematically analyzed using a bioinformatics assay. Together, these findings suggest that the activation of the hedgehog pathway induced by HPV16 infection may initially transform basal cells in the esophagus and promote following malignant processes in ESCC cells. The application of hedgehog inhibitors may represent a therapeutic avenue for ESCC treatment.
Landiolol, an intravenous β1‐selective blocker, is useful for dissociating a fusion of atrial activation via accessory pathway and atrioventricular node
Authors: Kinjo Takahiko , Kimura Masaomi , Kaname Noriyoshi , Horiuchi Daisuke , Itoh Taihei , Ishida Yuji , Nishizaki Kimitaka , Toyama Yuichi , Sasaki Shingo , Tomita Hirofumi
Published: October 2023

Introduction

During ventricular pacing, a fusion of atrial activation may occur owing to the simultaneous retrograde conduction of the atrioventricular (AV) node and accessory pathway (AP), potentially leading to an inaccurate mapping of the atrial AP insertion site.

Objective

We tested the hypothesis that landiolol, an ultra‐short‐acting intravenous β1‐blocker, could dissociate a fusion of atrial activation.

Methods

We conducted a prospective before‐and‐after study to investigate the effect of landiolol on retrograde conduction via the AV node and AP. We enrolled 21 consecutive patients with orthodromic AV reciprocating tachycardia who underwent electrophysiological studies at our hospital between January 1, 2018, and August 31, 2020.

Results

Six patients exhibited a fusion of atrial activation. After landiolol administration (10 μg/kg/min), the effective refractory period was unchanged in AP (280 [240–290] ms vs. 280 [245–295] ms, p = .91), whereas that of the AV node was prolonged (275 [215–380] ms vs. 332 [278–445] ms, p = .03). The Wenckebach pacing rate via retrograde AV node decreased after landiolol administration (180 [140–200] beats per minute [bpm] vs. 140 [120–180] bpm, p = .02). Thus, landiolol decreased the minimum ventricular pacing rate required to dissociate a fusion of atrial activation (180 [160–200] bpm vs. 140 [128–155] bpm, p = .007). Radiofrequency catheter ablation under landiolol administration successfully eliminated AP in all patients during ventricular pacing without complications or recurrence.

Conclusion

Landiolol inhibited the AV node without affecting the AP and helped dissociate a fusion of atrial activation at a lower ventricular pacing rate.
Association between antihyperlipidemic agents and the risk of chronic periodontitis in patients with hyperlipidemia: A population‐based retrospective cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Wang An‐Yi , Lin Guan‐Ling , Keller Joseph Jordan , Wang Li‐Hsuan
Published: October 2023

Background

The lipid‐lowering and anti‐inflammatory effects of statins and fibrates may ameliorate periodontitis. Patients with hyperlipidemia tend to have a worse periodontal status. This study assessed the association between the use of statins/fibrates and the incidence of chronic periodontitis in patients with hyperlipidemia in Taiwan.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study enrolled patients newly diagnosed with hyperlipidemia between 2001 and 2012 from the 2000 Longitudinal Generation Tracking Database and followed them for 5 years. The study population was divided into four groups: statin monotherapy, fibrate monotherapy, combination therapy (both statins and fibrates), and control (neither statins nor fibrates). Each patient in the treatment group was matched at a ratio of 1:1 with a control. Chronic periodontitis risk was compared in the three study arms by using a Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

Chronic periodontitis risk was reduced by 25.7% in the combination therapy group compared with the control group (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.743; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.678–0.815). Low dose (<360 cumulative defined daily dose [cDDD]) and shorter duration (<2 years) of statin monotherapy seem to be associated with an increased risk of chronic periodontitis; high dose (≥720 cDDD/≥1080 cDDD) and longer duration (≥3 years) of statin/fibrate monotherapy may be correlated with a lower risk of periodontitis. Hydrophobic statin users had a lower chronic periodontitis risk than hydrophilic statin users.

Conclusion

Chronic periodontitis risk was lower in patients with hyperlipidemia on combination treatment with statins and fibrates, and the risk decreased when patients used statins or fibrates for >3 years.
Short‐course radiation with consolidation chemotherapy does not increase operative morbidity compared to long‐course chemoradiation: A retrospective study of the US rectal cancer consortium
Authors: Bauer Philip S. , Gamboa Adriana C. , Otegbeye Ebunoluwa E. , Chapman William C. , Rivard Samantha , Regenbogen Scott , Mohammed Maryam , Holder‐Murray Jennifer , Wiseman Jason T. , Ejaz Aslam , Edwards‐Hollingsworth Kamren , Hawkins Alexander T. , Hunt Steven R. , Balch Glen , Silviera Matthew L.
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives

Neoadjuvant short‐course radiation and consolidation chemotherapy (SC TNT) remains less widely used for rectal cancer in the United States than long‐course chemoradiation (LCRT). SC TNT may improve compliance and downstaging; however, a longer radiation‐to‐surgery interval may worsen pelvic fibrosis and morbidity with total mesorectal excision (TME). A single, US‐center retrospective analysis has shown comparable risk of morbidity after neoadjuvant short‐course radiation with consolidation chemotherapy (SC TNT) and long‐course chemoradiation (LCRT). Validation by a multi‐institutional study is needed.

Methods

The US Rectal Cancer Consortium database (2010–2018) was retrospectively reviewed for patients with nonmetastatic, rectal adenocarcinoma treated with neoadjuvant LCRT or SC TNT before TME. The primary endpoint was severe postoperative morbidity. Cohorts were compared by univariate analysis. Multivariable logistic regression modeled the odds of severe complication.

Results

Of 788 included patients, 151 (19%) received SC TNT and 637 (81%) LCRT. The SC TNT group had fewer distal tumors (33.8% vs. 50.2%, p < 0.0001) and more clinical node‐positive disease (74.2% vs. 47.6%, p < 0.0001). The intraoperative complication rate was similar (SC TNT 5.3% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.65). There was no difference in overall postoperative morbidity (38.4% vs. 46.3%, p = 0.08). Severe morbidity was similar with low anterior resection (9.1% vs. 15.3%, p = 0.10) and abdominoperineal resection (24.4% vs. 29.7%, p = 0.49). SC TNT did not increase the odds of severe morbidity relative to LCRT on multivariable analysis (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.37–1.10).

Conclusions

SC TNT does not increase morbidity after TME for rectal cancer relative to LCRT. Concern for surgical complications should not discourage the use of SC TNT when aiming to increase the likelihood of complete clinical response.
The relationship between prebiotic intake and allergic rhinitis
Authors: Chang Chao , Wang Qiuyang , Li Xiaodan , Tan Huazhang , Huang Guoxin
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Exploring the relationship between intake of probiotics and the prevalence of allergic rhinitis.

Methods

Based on data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, dietary supplement labels were examined to identify products containing probiotics and prebiotics. Statistical methods were used to analyze the factors influencing the prevalence of allergic rhinitis, and further stratified analysis was conducted to control for confounding factors.

Results

The proportion of individuals not consuming probiotics was significantly higher in the allergic rhinitis (AR) group than in those consuming them, suggesting a correlation between probiotics and AR. In the male subgroup with probiotic intake, the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) was 0.28 (0.10–0.75), p = .02, indicating that probiotic intake was a protective factor for AR in the male population. In the probiotic‐intake group, the odds ratio for age < 65 was 0.26 (0.07–0.94), p = .04, and for age ≥ 80 was less than 1 with p < .0001, suggesting that probiotic intake was a protective factor for AR in age < 65 and age ≥ 80 populations, both with statistical significance.

Conclusion

Intake of probiotics is associated with a reduced prevalence of allergic rhinitis, particularly in the male population and individuals aged <65 years and ≥ 80 years.

Level of Evidence

Level 4.