bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Potential Drug-drug Interactions among Ischaemic Stroke Patients in a Charitable Hospital
Authors: Johnson Amala , Thomas Akshay Abraham , Jose Shanty Mary , Mateti Uday Venkat , Kellarai Adithi , Shetty Shraddha , Chaudhary Raushan Kumar , Rawal Kala Bahadur
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Incidence of stroke is more frequently found among the elderly who are mostly dealing with co-morbidities and polypharmacy, were found to be significant in high risk of potential Drug-drug Interactions (pDDIs). Aim: To identify potential drug-drug interactions in ischaemic stroke patients. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the General Medicine Department at Justice KS Hegde Charitable Hospital, Mangaluru, Karnataka, India, from January 2018 to August 2020. All the stroke patient’s data were collected based on the inclusion criterion. Prescriptions were obtained from the case sheets and the pDDIs were identified using UpToDate software. Results: The mean age of the study population (N=350) was found to be 61.07±11.460 years, The incidence of stroke was high in males (66%) than in females (34%) from the total of 350 patients. The prescribing patterns were antiplatelet single (69.4%) and fixed-dose combination (1.42%), anticoagulants (11.14%), antihypertensive agents (63.42%), followed by lipidlowering agents (65.14%) as single and fixed dose combinations (0.85%), gastrointestinal agents (70.57%). The class prescribed the most was antiplatelet agents (aspirin 61.4%). The total number of 402 pDDIs were found among 350 patients. Based on the Lexi-Interact® severity scale moderate interactions were the most commonly found then followed by the major and minor with 301 (74.87%), 66 (16.41%) and 35 (8.70%) respectively. The most frequent interaction found were clopidogrel with pantoprazole, and atorvastatin with clopidogrel with same incidence of in 44 (12.57%) patients. Conclusion: The majority of the interaction was found to be moderate interactions which were followed by major and minor interactions. The pDDIs mostly occurred among the antiplatelet agents, gastro-intestinal agents and antihypertensives.
Clinical and Echocardiographic Predictor of Atrial Fibrillation in Patient with Rheumatic Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Ashmawy Medhat Mohammed , El-Gendy Ehab Abdellatif , Allaithy Amany Mohamed , Zarad Ahmed E. I. Abu
Published: July 2022

Background: Rheumatic fever principally influences kids in developing states, particularly where deficiency is common. Atrial fibrosis is a mutual characteristic of clinical atrial fibrillation (AF) and is accompanying with AF in a diversity of experiment sittings,

Aim and Objectives: The current work aimed to assess whether there are any clinical or echo-cardiographic parameters that expect the existence of AF among cases with rheumatic mitral valve disorder (RMVD),

Subjects and Methods: The current study was a comparative cross-sectional was conducted on 100 RMVD cases at cardio-vascular medicine department Tanta university hospitals within 6-mths starting from September 2019. Cases have been allocated into 2 groups: Group-I: 50 cases with sinus rhythm. Group-II: 50 cases with AF,

Results: A significant change was found among study groups regarding Fibrosis characteristics, There is a highly significant difference between the three different types regarding mitral valve area (MVA), LA-diameter, LA volume, LA-diameter/BSA and LA volume index, Age, area of mitral valve, LA-diameter and LA volume were found to be significant predictors for AF,

Conclusion: Echo-cardiography factors could recognize cases at higher danger of advancing AF among RMVD cases who may benefit from preventive measures.
Mapping of DTPA Extractable Micronutrients in Sugarcane Soils of Sudhalagunta Sugar Factory, Andhra Pradesh, India – A GIS Approach
Authors: Vajantha B. , Nagamadhuri K. V. , Prasunarani P. , Hemalatha T. M. , Sarala N. V. , Kumar M. Hemanth
Published: July 2022

Sugarcane is the most important commercial crop grown in India and plays vital role in agricultural and industrial economy. In Andhra Pradesh, more than 50% of sugarcane is produced from Chittoor district for sugar and jaggery production. Sugarcane is heavy nutrient requirement crop and also removes considerable amount of nutrients through biomass. Continuous application of straight fertilizers, limited use of organic manures as well as non recycling of crop residues causes micronutrient deficiencies in soil. Keeping this in view, the present study was taken up to study the physico-chemical   properties and DTPA extractable micronutrients and mapping of these nutrients. Soil samples along with geo reference coordinates were collected and analyzed for physico-chemical properties and DTPA extractable micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu). The digital soil maps for DTPA extractable micronutrients were generated with geo reference coordinates by using GIS approach. The analytical data of soils in Sudhalagunta sugar factory zone, Chittoor district showed that 80% of samples were slightly alkaline in reaction followed by 13% of samples were neutral in reaction. Regarding electrical conductivity, 16% of soils were slightly saline in nature. Among micronutrients, except DTPA-Zn, all cationic micronutrients were existed in above critical limit in this factory zone, 11% of soils showed Zn deficiency. Similar trend was noticed in plant Zn content. 18.4% of plant samples showed Zn deficiency. Remaining micronutrients were in sufficient range. Digital maps for DTPA - Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu have prepared.
Estimation of Marketing Cost, Marketing Efficiency and Constraints in Cauliflower Cultivation in Purnia District of Bihar, India
Authors: Anand Supriya , Maurya Mukesh , Kumari Suman , Shimpy Shivangi
Published: July 2022

India is the 2nd largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world leading in several horticulture crops Mango, Litchi, Banana, Papaya, potato, tomato, brinjal, lady finger. Cauliflower is one of the veggies in the species of Brassica, its edible part is curd. It has inviting taste and rich source of minerals like potassium, sodium, phosphorous, iron, calcium and magnesium, Vitamin B and C, protein, carbohydrate and dietary fibers. With this view a study was conducted in Purnia district of Bihar. The three channels are there channel I-Producer-Consumer where marketing efficiency is 25.33%, channel II-Producer-wholesaler-retailer-consumer where marketing efficiency is 3.64%, channel III – Producer-village trader-wholesaler-retailer-consumer where marketing efficiency is 3.51%, the main constraints of marketing was market was far from production point. The objective of the study is to estimate marketing cost, marketing efficiency and constraints in cauliflower cultivation.
The Impact of Transformational Leadership Practices in Sustainable Marketing (Applied Research in the General Company for Dairy Products)
Authors: Khaleel Saad Abdulwahid , Ahmed Mohammad Dari
Published: July 2022

This research is an intellectual and applied journey in identifying the extent of the impact of transformational leadership in sustainable marketing within the General Company for Dairy Products in Baghdad. It also aims to measure and test the relationships and influence between transformational leadership and sustainable marketing. The research community was the employees of the General Company for Dairy Products, represented by the employees of (175) individuals distributed at the upper, middle and lower levels, the distributed questionnaires were relied on as a main tool for collecting data and information through their viewpoint on transformational leadership and the extent of its impact on sustainable marketing in the organization. The researcher relied on the dimensions (ideal influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual arousal, individual considerations) of the independent variable, while the dependent variable relied on the dimensions (environmental dimension, economic dimension, social dimension). The statistical analysis of the collected data was carried out using the SPSSv.24 program, and the results showed a significant and positive impact relationship for transformational leadership in sustainable marketing. The researcher reached a set of conclusions, the most important of which is that transformational leadership works to create a sense of creativity and responsibility among individual subordinates by granting them more powers and responsibility centers and their participation in decision-making processes. The researcher recommends that the company under study works to enhance its focus on achieving sustainable marketing in order to confront all external competitive initiatives aimed at reducing its role in the market.
The Impact of Carbon Dioxide Emissions on the Growth of GDP in Iraq and its Implications for Development
Authors: Al-Zarkoshi Dr. Alyaa Hussein Khalaf , Razzaq Diaa Abdel
Published: July 2022

The relationship of energy sources to environmental pollution is controversial and the focus of many studies, as climate changes have proven that energy consumption has a clear impact on the changes that have occurred on the environment in general. Others advocate environmental protection and aim to limit growth in order to help the ecosystem regenerate itself . Economic growth may be incomplete as long as it is based on ideas, and ideas do not admit of depletion, in which case the economy shifts from an economy based on materials to an economy based on information or goods - information, an intangible good, thus keeping the environment safe from pollution . The research problem comes in the main question: How can carbon dioxide emission affect the gross domestic product in Iraq? The research problem can be identified in light of the main questions addressed, namely: Q1: What are the philosophical and intellectual foundations for the concept of pollution ? Q2: What effects can environmental pollution have on sustainable development ? Q3: What is the reality of the availability of the foundations for building renewable energy and its sustainable development impact ? The research is divided into three axes that include the first axis theoretical rooting of the concepts, and the second axis measured the relationship between carbon dioxide emissions and growth in the gross domestic product in Iraq (characterization and estimation of the standard model), and the third axis dealt with reality analysis and building a forward-looking vision, and conclusions were reached and recommendations.
Cardiovascular and Venous Thromboembolic Risk With Janus Kinase Inhibitors in Immune‐Mediated Inflammatory Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Trials
Authors: Maqsood Muhammad Haisum , Weber Brittany N. , Haberman Rebecca H. , Lo Sicco Kristen I. , Bangalore Sripal , Garshick Michael S.
Published: July 2022

Objective

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibition effectively treats immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs); however, concern over the risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains. We aimed to evaluate the safety (VTE and MACE outcomes) of JAK inhibitors in the treatment of IMIDs.

Methods

A search in PubMed, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases was conducted for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of JAK inhibitors across IMIDs. Primary outcomes were VTE and MACE with JAK inhibitors compared with placebo and active comparator arms stratified by follow‐up time.

Results

Sixty‐six RCTs enrolled 38,574 patients with a mean age of 48.8 years and a mean follow‐up of 10.5 months. JAK inhibitors had a numerically higher rate of VTE when compared with controls (odds ratio [OR] 1.65; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.97‐2.79), driven by trials with a follow‐up duration of 12 or more months (OR 2.17; 95% CI: 1.16‐4.05; Pinteraction = 0.05). When compared with active comparators, JAK inhibitors increased VTE in clinical trials with 12 or more months’ versus less than 12 months’ follow‐up time (OR 2.38 [95% CI: 1.24‐4.57] vs 0.30 [95% CI: 0.07‐1.26], respectively; Pinteraction = 0.01). No increased risk of VTE was seen when comparing JAK inhibitors with placebo arms. For the outcome of MACE, the results were largely similar but did not reach statistical significance (OR 1.19; 95% CI: 0.86‐1.64).

Conclusion

JAK inhibitors when compared with active comparator arms increased the risk of VTE, which was dependent on duration of exposure. Future clinical trials with extended follow‐up are needed to clarify the safety profiles of JAK inhibitors.
California awards almost $10 million to EDs for SUD/MI ‘navigators’
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: July 2022

Last week the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) awarded $9.6 million to 81 emergency departments (EDs) to establish and train behavioral health navigators to expand access to substance use and mental health services. The CalBridge Behavioral Health Navigator Program will award up to $120,000 to each ED.
Terminal velocity of fern and lycopod spores is affected more by mass and ornamentation than by size
Authors: Gómez‐Noguez Felipe , Domínguez‐Ugalde César , Flores‐Galván Catalina , León‐Rossano Luis Manuel , García Blanca Pérez , Mendoza‐Ruiz Aniceto , Rosas‐Pérez Irma , Mehltreter Klaus
Published: July 2022

Premise

Terminal velocity (Vt) is an important factor for the dispersal of biological particles but has scarcely been studied for anemochorous fern spores, and the influence of spore characteristics on Vt has not been evaluated. Here, we measured the Vt of 1234 spores of 18 fern species and two Selaginella microspores using videoimaging analysis and evaluated the effects of mass, size, and ornamentation on Vt.

Methods

We designed a sedimentation tower with a graduated microtelescope attached to a high‐speed video camera to record falling particles and measure the Vt of fern spores using video‐image processing software. Spores were measured for each species and their size correlated with Vt.

Results

The Vt of fern spores ranged from 4.7 cm·s−1 (Cyathea costaricensis) to 18.85 cm·s−1 (Acrostichum danaeifolium). The method is accurate and reliable as predicted by Stokes model for glass beads of known density and size. In addition, Vt had a higher correlation coefficient with mass (ρ = 0.72) than size (ρ = 0.20), and ornamental appendages reduced Vt.

Conclusions

The reported values of Vt of fern spores are within the range of different biological airborne particles such as moss spores and pollen grains of seed plants. The results showed that spore ornamentation is directly related to Vt rather than spore size and may increase or decrease the drag. This method will aid future aerobiological research on biological particles.
Recent decrease in western North Pacific tropical cyclone rapid intensification during June
Authors: Song Jinjie , Klotzbach Philip J. , Jiang Sulin , Duan Yihong
Published: July 2022

This study investigates the long‐term tendency in the ratio of rapid intensification (RI) cases to the total number of tropical cyclone cases over the western North Pacific (WNP) during June between 1982 and 2021. There is a significant decreasing trend in RI ratio during June, which is opposite to the increasing trend in RI ratio during July–November. From 1982–2005 to 2006–2021, the June RI ratio significantly decreases over the region of 5°–20°N and 120°–150°N, while showing weak changes over other parts of the WNP. Over the region with a significant RI ratio reduction, significantly reduced 850‐hPa relative vorticity and 200‐hPa divergence and significantly enhanced 850 to 200‐hPa vertical wind shear are the likely primary drivers. The RI‐suppressing effect of the above changes in dynamical variables exceeds the RI‐favoring effect of the warming ocean, for example, significantly increased sea surface temperature and tropical cyclone heat potential, over this same region. Moreover, the changes in dynamic conditions can be related to an anomalous low‐level anticyclonic circulation, anomalous upper‐level convergent flow and a greater enhancement of upper‐level easterlies than lower‐level easterlies. Our study highlights the importance of changes in dynamic variables (e.g., vertical wind shear) in modulating WNP RI activity.
A graphical alternative for multiple group comparisons in analysis of covariance
Authors: Jayalath Kalanka P. , Ng Hon Keung Tony
Published: July 2022

Analysis of means (ANOM) is a graphical alternative for the analysis of variance (ANOVA) that was primarily developed for multiple mean comparisons. The ANOM is a simple graphical display that provides a visualization of statistically significant results and it allows validating their practical significance without deep statistics knowledge. The classical ANOM has been developed to analyze fixed mean effects, and its recent developments allow testing random and mixed effects. On the other hand, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) is an extension of ANOVA that applies to test means in the presence of uncontrollable concomitant/nuisance variables. To effectively communicate the statistical findings from ANCOVA to a general audience on some public interest issue areas such as COVID‐19, visualization of statistically significant results is a practical approach. This paper provides a graphical alternative for multiple group comparisons in ANCOVA as an extension of the ANOM. The proposed graphical alternative is validated and compared with the ANCOVA using a Monte Carlo simulation study. The simulation results indicated that the proposed method stands strong for practical ANCOVA problems. In addition, a COVID‐19 application and two additional applications related to toxicology and business are used to exhibit the value of the proposed graphical procedure in practice.
Metabolic profiling of emodin drug‐induced liver injury and silybin treatment in rats using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight‐mass spectrometry: A metabolomic and mechanistic approach
Authors: Chen Chang , Qian Jiahui , Zhao Xinyu , Han Xuyang , Tang Xu , Gao Junfeng , Liu Yan , Jiang Jinzhu , Wen Binyu
Published: July 2022

Silybin, an active component in the plant Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., is commonly used to protect against liver disease. We investigated silybin's protective potential in rat liver against emodin‐induced liver injury 4 weeks. It was found that aspartate aminotransferase and direct bilirubin serum biomarkers for liver toxicity significantly increased, and liver histopathology revealed cholestasis and necrosis in rats administered emodin alone, whereas aspartate aminotransferase and total bile acid levels in rats administered emodin and silybin simultaneously were changed compared to rats administered emodin alone. Liver mRNA and protein levels of Cyp7a1—which plays roles in cholesterol metabolism and bile acid synthesis—and Abcb11 (Bsep)—which facilitates bile salt secretion in hepatocyte canaliculi—were significantly altered with emodin, whereas cotreatment with silybin attenuated emodin's adverse effect. Metabolomic analysis using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight‐mass spectrometry determined eight potential metabolite biomarkers in serum, urine, and liver tissue. Network analysis was conducted to conceptualize the interplay of genes, metabolites, and metabolic pathways for cholesterol metabolism and bile acid synthesis for liver injury. Overall, rats administered only emodin were shown to be a sound model to investigate fat‐associated drug‐induced hepatoxicity or liver injury and cotreatment of emodin with silybin prevents fatty liver injury. This metabolomic study revealed that emodin‐induced fatty liver injury disrupted bile acid synthesis, vitamin B6, and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathways and that silybin ameliorates liver injury on these compromised pathways.
Development and validation of an LC–ESI–QTOF–MS method to measure cefepime in the plasma and peritoneal fluid of rats using microdialysis: Application in a pilot pharmacokinetic study
Authors: dos Anjos Michele Vaz , Possa Eduarda , da Silva Fonseca Gisele , Bergoza Larissa , dos Santos Paulo Roberto , Moura e Silva Sidnei , Tasso Leandro
Published: July 2022

Cefepime (CEF) is a cephalosporin and can be administered in secondary peritonitis together with metronidazole to treat sepsis. This study aimed to develop and validate an LC–ESI–QTOF–MS method for the quantification of cefepime in the plasma and peritoneal microdialysate of healthy Wistar rats. Chromatographic separation was performed using a CLC‐ODS C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm), a C18 pre‐column (4 mm, 5 μm) and isocratic elution. Gallic acid was used as the internal standard. The mobile phase consisted of (A) ultrapure water (pH adjusted to 3.5) and (B) acetonitrile (80:20, v/v) at 0.8 ml/min. Quantification was performed using a mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization in positive mode to monitor ions with m/z 481.1322 (CEF) and m/z 171.0288 (IS). The method was validated for selectivity, precision, accuracy, linearity, stability, lower limit of quantification, carryover, recovery and matrix effect. Calibration was done in the ranges 1–40 and 1–100 μg/ml for the peritoneal microdialysate and plasma, respectively. Plasma extraction recovery ranged from 93.9 to 99.9%. The technique was validated and successfully applied in a pilot pharmacokinetic study for estimating the free concentration of CEF in the peritoneal microdialysate of rats for the first time.
ε‐poly‐L‐lysine‐modified polydopamine nanoparticles for targeted photothermal therapy of drug‐resistant bacterial keratitis
Authors: Fan Wenjie , Han Haijie , Lu Zhouyu , Huang Yue , Zhang Yin , Chen Yaoyao , Zhang Xiaobo , Ji Jian , Yao Ke
Published: July 2022

Bacterial keratitis can lead to intraocular infection and even blindness without prompt and potent treatments. Currently, clinical abuse of antibiotics encouraged the evolution of resistant bacteria. Conventional antibiotic eye drops based keratitis treatment has been heavily restricted due to the lack of bactericidal efficiency and easy induction of bacterial resistance. Hence, developing an effective treatment strategy for bacterial keratitis is of great significance. In this work, we investigated ε‐poly‐l‐lysine (EPL)‐modified polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles (EPL@PDA NPs)‐mediated antibacterial photothermal therapy (aPTT), to cope with methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)‐induced keratitis. The surface modification of cationic peptide EPL enables EPL@PDA NPs to specifically target negatively charged MRSA and induces local hyperthermia to kill the bacteria under low ambient temperature. Under near‐infrared (NIR) irradiation, the sterilization efficiency of EPL@PDA NPs suspension for MRSA in vitro was up to 99.96%. The EPL@PDA‐mediated aPTT presented potent antibacterial efficacy in treating MRSA‐induced keratitis with little corneal epithelial cytotoxicity and good biocompatibility. In conclusion, the bacterial‐targeting aPTT platform in this work provides a prospective method for the management of MRSA‐induced refractory bacterial keratitis.
Chemosensitivity‐Gene Expression Correlations and Functional Enrichment Analysis Provide Insight into the Mechanism of Action of a Platinum‐Acridine Anticancer Agent
Authors: Wu Haoqing , Bierbach Ulrich
Published: July 2022

NCI‐60 growth inhibition and gene expression profiles were analyzed using Pearson correlation and functional enrichment computational tools to demonstrate critical mechanistic differences between a nucleolus‐targeting platinum‐acridine anticancer agent (PA) and other DNA‐directed chemotherapies. The results support prior experimental data and are consistent with DNA being a major target of the hybrid agent based on the negative correlations observed between its potency and expression levels of genes implicated in DNA double‐strand break (DSB) repair. Gene ontology terms related to RNA processing, including ribosome biogenesis, are also negatively enriched, suggesting a mechanism by which these processes render cancer cells more resistant to the highly cytotoxic agent. The opposite trend is observed for oxaliplatin and other DNA‐targeted drugs. Significant functional interactions exist between genes/gene products involved in ribosome biogenesis and DSB repair, including the ribosomal protein (RPL5)‐MDM2‐p53 surveillance pathway, as a response to the nucleolar stress produced by PAs.
Aerobic/Room‐Temperature‐Compatible s‐Block Organometallic Chemistry in Neat Conditions: A Missing Synthetic Tool for the Selective Conversion of Nitriles into Asymmetric Alcohols
Authors: Elorriaga David , Carrillo‐Hermosilla Fernando , Parra‐Cadenas Blanca , Antiñolo Antonio , García‐Álvarez Joaquín
Published: July 2022

Highly‐efficient and selective one‐pot/two‐step modular double addition of different highly polar organometallic reagents (RLi/RMgX) to nitriles en route to asymmetric tertiary alcohols (without the need for isolation/purification of any halfway reaction intermediate) has been studied, for the first time, in the absence of external/additional organic solvents (neat conditions), at room temperature and under air/moisture (no protecting atmosphere is required), which are generally forbidden reaction conditions in the field of highly‐reactive organolithium/organomagnesium reagents. The one‐pot modular tandem protocol demonstrated high chemoselectivity with a broad range of nitriles, as no side reactions (Li/halogen exchange, ortho‐lithiations or benzylic metalations) were detected. Finally, this protocol could be scaled up, thus proving that this environmentally friendly methodology is amenable for a possible applied synthesis of asymmetric tertiary alcohols under bench type reaction conditions and in the absence of external organic solvents.
Bioinspired materials for droplet manipulation: Principles, methods and applications
Authors: Xu Jinkai , Xiu Siyu , Lian Zhongxu , Yu Huadong , Cao Jiaji
Published: July 2022

Droplet manipulation techniques such as transport and merging have been widely used in many fields including biology, chemistry, material and energy applications. Moreover, droplet manipulation strategies have been extensively investigated and reviewed in terms of droplet placement on solid surfaces. However, less attention has been paid to the practice of droplet manipulation technology in other environments, limiting our understanding and the broadening of technology application. In this article, we provided an overview of the recent progress in controlling droplets in various situations, including droplet manipulation on a surface mediated by the passive strategy (Laplace pressure and wettability gradients) and active strategy (electric field, magnetic field, light and heat). We also presented the principle of droplet manipulation and detailed the application of bionic surfaces in droplet manipulation, and the applications and prospects of droplet manipulation technology were summarized.
Bio‐inspired spontaneous splitting of underwater bubbles along a superhydrophobic open pathway without perturbation
Authors: Li Xin , Zhang Jianqiang , Wang Xuejiao , Lv Dong , Cao Chunyan , Ai Liqing , Yao Xi
Published: July 2022

Bubbles are pervasive in aqueous media, and on account of numerous advantages of tiny bubbles, efficient bubble splitting is favorable in a wide range of applications. However, underwater bubble splitting faces a lot of challenges because bubbles tend to coalesce during the rising due to the action of buoyancy and surface energy, and the consumption of considerable external energy is needed. Inspired by the bubble bursting phenomenon on the feathers of high‐speed swimming penguins, we proposed a new bubble splitting strategy based on the energy conversion of bubble transportation on superhydrophobic open pathways. A porous superhydrophobic coating was first developed via a bubble‐template assisted fabrication method, which provides hierarchical micro/nanostructures and robust air plastron. Gas bubbles can transport along the superhydrophobic open pathways without perturbation, and split into smaller ones by taking advantage of the potential energy contributed by buoyancy. By controlling the superhydrophobic pathway, the size of the split bubbles can be controlled precisely. We also demonstrated that a bubble splitting device could be applied in underwater reactions where an enhanced gas−liquid mass transfer is desired. This bubble splitting strategy may offer new prospects for underwater bubble manipulation and unfold a potential in many bubble‐involved fields.
Numerical study on the thermal energy storage employing phase change material with honeycomb structure: The effect of heat transfer fluid configuration and honeycomb cell angles
Authors: Mahdi Mustafa S. , Hasan Ahmed F.
Published: July 2022

Considerable literature has studied different techniques to improve the thermal performance of latent heat thermal energy systems (LHTES) that utilize phase change materials (PCMs). This study aims to contribute to this growing area of research by using honeycomb structure and exploring the effect of heat transfer fluid (HTF) configuration and honeycomb cell angle on the thermal performance of the LHTES during melting and solidification processes. In this work, five cases were designed: case (a) was regarded as reference case; cases (b) and (c) were related to HTF configuration; cases (d) and (e) were used to study the effect of honeycomb cell angle. A numerical study was conducted using ANSYS FLUENT R19.3, followed by experimental validation. In this study, a good agreement is obtained from the validation process. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model results show symmetrical melting and solidification behavior when using a honeycomb structure. The results of the HTF configuration show a significant effect. For case (c) with a multiple water block, significant melting and solidification enhancements are obtained with 56% and 50%, respectively. Thus, the HTF configuration can improve the thermal performance of the storage. However, considering different honeycomb cell angles show an insignificant effect on the melting and solidification rates.
Association of changes in histologic severity of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and changes in patient‐reported quality of life
Authors: Heath Laura , Aveyard Paul , Tomlinson Jeremy W. , Cobbold Jeremy F. , Koutoukidis Dimitrios A.
Published: July 2022

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a prevalent chronic disease that is associated with a spectrum of liver fibrosis and can lead to cirrhosis. Patients with NASH report lower health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) than the general population. It remains uncertain how changes in histologic severity are associated with changes in HRQoL. This is a secondary analysis of the Farnesoid X Receptor Ligand Obeticholic Acid in NASH Treatment (FLINT) and Pioglitazone, Vitamin E, or Placebo for Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (PIVENS) randomized controlled trials in patients with biopsy‐proven NASH. HRQoL was assessed using short form‐36 at baseline and at follow‐up biopsy (at 72 and 96 weeks, respectively). Adjusted linear regression models were used to examine the association between changes in liver fibrosis (primary analysis), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) activity score (secondary analysis), and changes in HRQoL scores. Compared with stable fibrosis, improvement of fibrosis by at least one stage was significantly associated with improvements only in the physical function component by 1.8 points (95% confidence interval, 0.1, 3.5). Worsening of fibrosis by at least one stage was not associated with statistically significant changes in any HRQoL domain compared with stable fibrosis. Associations between HRQoL and NAFLD disease activity score in the secondary analysis were of similar magnitude. Weight loss was associated with small improvements in physical function, general health, and energy levels. Conclusion: Improvements in fibrosis stage were associated with improvements in the physical component of HRQoL, but the clinical impact was modest. As improving fibrosis may not meaningfully improve well‐being, treatment for NASH will be cost effective only if it prevents long‐term hepatic and cardiovascular disease.
The causal association between smoking, alcohol consumption and risk of bladder cancer: A univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Xiong Jie , Yang Lan , Deng Yu‐Qing , Yan Si‐Yu , Gu Jia‐Min , Li Bing‐Hui , Zi Hao , Ming Dao‐Jing , Zeng Xian‐Tao , Wang Yong‐Bo
Published: July 2022

Smoking and alcohol consumption are associated with bladder cancer risk in observational studies. We conducted a two‐sample univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to determine whether those associations are causal. We used 21, 126, 360, 39 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables for number of cigarettes per day, lifetime smoking index, smoking initiation, and drinks per week, respectively. A total of 1115 cases with bladder cancer and 174 006 noncases from FinnGen consortium and 2883 cases with bladder cancer and 417 955 noncases from UK Biobank study were obtained. Genetic predisposition to cigarettes per day, lifetime smoking index and smoking initiation were positively associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer in both the FinnGen and UK Biobank consortium. The summary odds ratio (OR) of bladder cancer was 1.79 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.31‐2.45; P = .0002), 2.38 (95% CI, 1.45‐3.88; P = .0005) and 1.91 (95% CI, 1.46‐2.50; P = 1.59 × 10−06) for one SD increase in the number of cigarettes per day, lifetime smoking index and smoking initiation, respectively. The genetically instrumented number of drinks per week was not associated with bladder cancer (OR = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.44‐1.10; P = .1237). Estimates were consistent in multivariable MR analyses by the adjustments of body mass index and education. Our study suggests a causal potential of the association of smoking but not alcohol consumption with bladder cancer according to current evidence.
Surfactant‐assisted extraction of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil by hydrodistillation and its application in microemulsion
Authors: Vo Thuy‐Vi , Truong Thi‐Huyen , Chen Bing‐Hung
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

The surfactant‐assisted extraction of essential oils from Melaleuca alternifolia foliage, also known as tea tree oil (TTO), was systematically studied with the design of experiments (DoE) aiming to improve the extraction of TTO. Specifically, the optimal parameters of hydrodistillation process were obtained with the response surface methodology (RSM) based on a central composite design (CCD).

RESULTS

The concept of enhanced TTO extraction with the renewable nonionic Triton CG‐110 surfactant was proven. An optimal extraction yield of TTO was predicted by the RSM model at 6.71 wt% under the following conditions: (i) 597 mg L−1 Triton CG‐110 as liquid extractant, (ii) a ratio of liquid extractant/desiccated leaf at 25.4 mL g−1, and (iii) 140 min for the extraction time. The presence of 650 mg L−1 Triton CG‐110 in the extractant could increase the extraction rate of TTO by 17.5%, compared to that without surfactant. The forecast of the DPPH antioxidant activity of TTO by RSM was in good accordance with the measured values. Various microemulsion formulations of TTO with Triton CG‐110 were developed and reported.

CONCLUSION

The presence of a proper surfactant in the liquid extractant can improve the extraction of essential oils, not only in the form of yield but also in the rate of extraction. No trace of surfactant could be found in the produced essential oil because of the relatively higher boiling point and the lower volatility of the surfactant. The RSM was successfully applied to obtain the optimal extraction parameters for tea tree oil by the surfactant‐enhanced hydrodistillation process. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Twenty years of Colombian experience with enzymatic screening in patients with features of mucopolysaccharidosis
Authors: Uribe‐Ardila Alfredo , Ramirez‐Borda Johana , Ayala Adis
Published: July 2022

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are a group of genetic alterations whose effect is the progressive intralysosomal accumulation of glycosaminoglycans. Affected individuals are deficient in one or more lysosomal enzymes which, depending on the MPS, may cause coarse facial features, short stature, multiple skeletal dysplasia, joint stiffness, or developmental delay. Their diagnosis is mostly performed late or incorrectly, and it represents a challenge since it requires specialized tests only performed in major cities. This makes it difficult for patients to have access to physicians since their geographical location is distant and therefore, the use of samples collected in solid‐phase represents an advantage for the study of high‐risk populations. In addition, epidemiological information about rare diseases, especially in Latin America, is scarce or inconsistent. Our aim was to report the experience of 20 years of selective screening by assessing enzyme activity and reporting incidence values of MPS in Colombia. This study validated a group of fluorometric endpoint techniques in 8239 patients. The samples were dried blood spots (DBS) collected on filter paper and leukocyte extracts. Reference values in the Colombian population for α‐l‐iduronidase, iduronate 2‐sulfatase, α‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase, N‐acetylglucosamine‐6‐sulfate sulfatase, β‐galactosidase, arylsulfatase B, and β‐glucuronidase were established in leukocyte extracts, and patients reference ranges were updated in the case of DBS samples. Incidence values were calculated for each MPS and the distribution of cases across the country is also shown. This study offers very useful information for the health system, the scientific community, and it facilitates the diagnosis of these disorders. This is indispensable when seeking to develop new diagnostic or treatment approaches for patients.
Analysis of the fungicidal efficacy, environmental fate, and safety of the application of a mefentrifluconazole and pyraclostrobin mixture to control mango anthracnose
Authors: Wang Siwei , Wang Xiaonan , He Qiang , Lin Haidan , Chang Hong , Liu Yanping , Sun Haibin , Song Xiaobing
Published: July 2022

BACKGROUND

Mango anthracnose is among the most severe diseases impacting mango yields and quality. While this disease can be effectively controlled through chemical means, it is vital that appropriate field efficacy and fate determination studies be conducted when applying pesticides to crops in order to appropriately gauge the ecological and health risks associated with the use of these agents.

RESULTS

GAP field trials were conducted to explore the efficacy, dissipation, and terminal residues associated with the application of mefentrifluconazole and pyraclostrobin to mango crops in six locations throughout China. These analyses revealed that three applications of mefentrifluconazole [160 mg active ingredient (a.i.) kg−1] in combination with pyraclostrobin mixture achieved satisfactory disease control efficacy. To simultaneously detect mefentrifluconazole and pyraclostrobin residues on mangoes, a ‘quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe’ (QuEChERS) high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS)‐based approach was established. The initial mefentrifluconazole and pyraclostrobin concentrations ranged from 0.18 to 0.34 mg kg−1, and these two compounds exhibited respective half‐lives of 5.6 to 10.8 days and 5.5 to 9.0 days. At 21 days following foliage application, the terminal mefentrifluconazole and pyraclostrobin residue concentrations were 0.02–0.04 and 0.01–0.04 mg kg−1, with these concentrations being below the maximum residue limit (MRL) established for pyraclostrobin. Both short‐term [acute reference dose percent (ARfD%) 0.78–2.36% and 2.0–6.08%] and chronic [acceptable daily intake percent (ADI%) 0.08–0.47% and 0.09–0.55%] dietary intake risk assessments for mefentrifluconazole and pyraclostrobin indicated that these terminal residue concentrations are acceptable for the general population.

CONCLUSION

Mefentrifluconazole and pyraclostrobin in mango was rapidly degraded following first‐order kinetics models. The dietary risk of mefentrifluconazole and pyraclostrobin through mango was negligible to consumers. The application of a 400 g L−1 mefentrifluconazole–pyraclostrobin suspension concentrate mixture represents a highly efficacious fungicidal approach to controlling mango anthracnose that exhibits significant potential for development as it is easily degraded and associated with low residual concentrations after application. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Ultrasonography for Determining Endotracheal Tube Tip Position in Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Dincer Emre , Topçuoğlu Sevilay , Karatekin Güner
Published: July 2022

Objective

This study aims to investigate the feasibility of USG in confirming the endotracheal tube site and compare it with chest X‐rays in very low birth weight infants.

Methods

A chest X‐ray and thorax ultrasonography processes are started as soon as the infant is intubated. Endotracheal tube place is evaluated with ultrasonography and noted, and with chest X‐ray and time elapsed in these two processes are noted. The correlation between these two methods was calculated.

Results

While endotracheal tubes are visualized with 100% success, there was a significant correlation between the measures of endotracheal tube‐carina distances (r = .979, P > .001). In addition, ultrasonography was six times faster than chest X‐ray interpretation (USG; 4.6 ± 1.8 min vs CXR; 29.6 ± 9.0 min, P < .001).

Conclusions

Ultrasonography is a feasible and faster method for determining endotracheal tube place in very low birth weight infants and may prevent radiation exposure in neonatal intensive care units.
Spatially Resolving Polymer Brush Conformation: Opportunities Ahead
Authors: Besford Quinn A. , Uhlmann Petra , Fery Andreas
Published: July 2022

Surfaces that respond to local environmental stimuli offer intriguing possibilities for new surface‐based sensing concepts to emerge. An attractive concept is to push beyond the milli‐ to micrometer lateral resolution limit in sensing, toward the ultimate surface‐sensitive device; one capable of real‐time sensing of the nanoscopic, or molecular “touch.” This sensing needs an approach that is capable of spatially transducing information on nanotouch. Polymer brushes are a class of surface that provides dramatic changes in surface properties depending on stimuli that affect the conformation of end‐tethered polymer chains. However, the brush response is typically quantified by measuring changes in polymer brush “height”. That is, the ensemble average distance over which polymer density exists away from the anchoring surface (i.e., a single parameter to describe the surface). Moving beyond this conceptual paradigm of quantifying the ensemble average height in a single dimension over the entire surface under applied stimuli, developing methods for spatially resolving chain conformation has the very real potential to lead to extraordinary possibilities in the applied sciences. In this perspective, the current paradigms and methods forward for extracting rich details on polymer brush conformational dynamics that is spatially resolved, which can lead to new understandings of surface contact, are discussed and pointed out.
Role of Toll‐like receptor 4 in intravascular hemolysis‐mediated injury
Authors: Vázquez‐Carballo Cristina , Herencia Carmen , Guerrero‐Hue Melania , García‐Caballero Cristina , Rayego‐Mateos Sandra , Morgado‐Pascual José Luis , Opazo‐Rios Lucas , González‐Guerrero Cristian , Vallejo‐Mudarra Mercedes , Cortegano Isabel , Gaspar María Luisa , de Andrés Belén , Egido Jesús , Moreno Juan Antonio
Published: July 2022

Massive intravascular hemolysis is a common characteristic of several pathologies. It is associated with the release of large quantities of heme into the circulation, promoting injury in vulnerable organs, mainly kidney, liver, and spleen. Heme activates Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4), a key regulator of the inflammatory response; however, the role of TLR4 in hemolysis and whether inhibition of this receptor may protect from heme‐mediated injury are unknown. We induced intravascular hemolysis by injection of phenylhydrazine in wildtype and Tlr4‐knockout mice. In this model, we analyzed physiological parameters, histological damage, inflammation and cell death in kidney, liver, and spleen. We also evaluated whether heme‐mediated‐inflammatory effects were prevented by TLR4 inhibition with the compound TAK‐242, both in vivo and in vitro. Induction of massive hemolysis elicited acute kidney injury characterized by loss of renal function, morphological alterations of the tubular epithelium, cell death, and inflammation. These pathological effects were significantly ameliorated in the TLR4‐deficient mice and in wildtype mice treated with TAK‐242. In vitro studies showed that TAK‐242 pretreatment reduced heme‐mediated inflammation by inhibiting the TLR4/NF‐κB (nuclear factor kappa B) axis. However, analysis in liver and spleen indicated that TLR4 deficiency did not protect against the toxic accumulation of heme in these organs. In conclusion, TLR4 is a key molecule involved in the renal inflammatory response triggered by massive intravascular hemolysis. TLR4 inhibition may be a potential therapeutic approach to prevent renal damage in patients suffering from hemolysis. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Proteomic profiling of impaired excitation–contraction coupling and abnormal calcium handling in muscular dystrophy
Authors: Dowling Paul , Gargan Stephen , Swandulla Dieter , Ohlendieck Kay
Published: July 2022

The X‐linked inherited neuromuscular disorder Duchenne muscular dystrophy is characterised by primary abnormalities in the membrane cytoskeletal component dystrophin. The almost complete absence of the Dp427‐M isoform of dystrophin in skeletal muscles renders contractile fibres more susceptible to progressive degeneration and a leaky sarcolemma membrane. This in turn results in abnormal calcium homeostasis, enhanced proteolysis and impaired excitation–contraction coupling. Biochemical and mass spectrometry‐based proteomic studies of both patient biopsy specimens and genetic animal models of dystrophinopathy have demonstrated significant changes in the concentration and/or physiological function of essential calcium‐regulatory proteins in dystrophin‐lacking voluntary muscles. Abnormalities include dystrophinopathy‐associated changes in voltage sensing receptors, calcium release channels, calcium pumps and calcium binding proteins. This review article provides an overview of the importance of the sarcolemmal dystrophin‐glycoprotein complex and the wider dystrophin complexome in skeletal muscle and its linkage to depolarisation‐induced calcium‐release mechanisms and the excitation–contraction–relaxation cycle. Besides chronic inflammation, fat substitution and reactive myofibrosis, a major pathobiochemical hallmark of X‐linked muscular dystrophy is represented by the chronic influx of calcium ions through the damaged plasmalemma in conjunction with abnormal intracellular calcium fluxes and buffering. Impaired calcium handling proteins should therefore be included in an improved biomarker signature of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.