bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the inclusion of anatomical variation in medical education
Authors: Nzenwa Ikemsinachi C. , Iqbal Hassan A. , Bazira Peter J.
Published: January 2023

The role of anatomical variability in safe clinical practice is underappreciated. A lack of familiarity of anatomical variations is at the center of a multitude of medical and surgical errors. The recent rise in litigation due to such errors suggests that patient care may be compromised. This makes the knowledge of anatomical variation essential to medical education. Empirical studies were identified by searching several databases and repositories, and the Medical Education Research Quality Instrument (MERSQI) was used to assess study quality. Eight studies were eligible for this systematic review; three of which were conference abstracts. Thematic summary of these studies yielded six themes namely: (1)importance of anatomical variation in medical education; (2)the ideal time to introduce anatomical variation in medical education; (3)important anatomical variations to include in medical education; (4)approaches to teaching anatomical variation; (5)assessing knowledge on anatomical variation; (6)barriers to including anatomical variation in medical education. Including anatomical variations in medical education would improve clinical reasoning and surgical outcomes. Following the completion of this review, three recommendations were made: (1) increasing the emphasis of anatomical variation in medical education; (2) developing more resources for anatomical variation education; (3) investigating the implications of lack of knowledge of anatomical variation in medical education through further research.
Papilla reconstruction for an iatrogenic RT3 gingival defect using a tuberosity soft tissue graft: A case report
Authors: Chacón Gerardo , Saleh Muhammad H. A. , Fleming Christina , Leon Nelson , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: January 2023

Background

Orthognathic surgery is a reliable and safe method to improve maxillo‐mandibular malformations. However, it is a complex procedure that can affect deeper structures and the terminal blood supply of specific areas, thereby affecting the results. Occasionally, despite careful digital planning and diagnosis, esthetic complications may occur, such as scarring or mucogingival alterations, including localized aseptic necrosis with associated recessions. In more severe cases, larger fragments of necrosis may be involved.

Methods and Results

The aim of this case report was to present a case, including diagnosis, treatment plan, periodontal plastic surgical technique, and follow‐up for a recession type 3 (RT3) defect. This RT3 gingival defect was associated with necrotic crestal bone exposure in the anterior esthetic area resulting from a complication after orthognathic surgery.

Conclusions

Partial reconstruction of the interdental papilla can be possible through consideration of the defect characteristics, use of microsurgical principles, and utilization of a suitable connective tissue grafting technique.

Key points

Why is this case new information?

To the authors’ knowledge, there is very limited clinical and scientific evidence regarding the management of esthetic complications associated with ischemic necrosis resulting from orthognathic surgeries. This case study identified the management of papillary reconstructions of these mucogingival defects.

What are the keys to the successful management of this case?

For an ideal case management, adequate plaque and infection control and timely notice of the defect appearance are critical. Additionally, proper surgical soft tissue management of the affected papillae and surrounding area is required. Finally, the type of connective tissue graft to be used, its management and fixation, and proper postoperative protocols are needed for case success.

What are the primary limitations to success in this case?

Despite the limitations of this study, the authors consider that the treatment of mucogingival complications related to orthognathic surgeries is possible, using microsurgical concepts and connective tissue grafts to reconstruct papillae.
Molecular Cloning and Functional Characterization of Oxidosqualene Cyclases from Panax vietnamensis
Authors: Wang Yibo , Wang Baojie , Xu Furong , Ma Xiaohui
Published: January 2023

Panax vietnamensis is a valuable medicinal resource with promising preclinical applications. Ginsenosides, which are triterpenoids, are the primary active components in P. vietnamensis. Oxidosqualene cyclases (OSCs) catalyze the formation of the basic skeleton of triterpenes from 2,3‐oxidosqualene, which is a crucial step in the biosynthesis of triterpenoids. The OSCs involved in triterpenoid biosynthesis in P. vietnamensis have not yet been characterized. Four OSC genes (PvOSC1–4) were cloned from P. vietnamensis and functionally characterized via heterologous expression in yeast. Transgenic yeast expressing PvOSC1, PvOSC3, and PvOSC4 produced the corresponding products β‐amyrin, cycloartenol, and dammarenediol‐II, respectively. PvOSC1, PvOSC3, and PvOSC4 are monofunctional OSCs. In this study, we characterized three PvOSC genes, providing a better understanding of the biosynthesis of triterpenoids in P. vietnamensis and the multiple choices of plant OSCs for metabolic engineering in yeast and other hosts.
CO2 or Carbonates – What is the Active Species in Electrochemical CO2 Reduction over Fe‐Porphyrin?
Authors: Khakpour Reza , Lindberg Daniel , Laasonen Kari , Busch Michael
Published: January 2023

CO2 reduction is typically performed at neutral pH. Under these conditions CO2 is in equilibrium with H2CO3, HCO3− and CO32−. However, despite their presence so far most studies solely focus on the contribution of CO2 while carbonate species as alternative reactants are generally neglected. Using density functional theory (DFT) modelling we explore the possible contribution of these carbonate species to the overall CO2 reduction activity for a Fe porphyrin model catalyst. Considering only reaction Gibbs free energies, we find the reduction of carbonic acid (H2CO3), bicarbonate (HCO3−) and CO2 to be equally likely. However, owing to a very high activation barrier for the initial adsorption of CO2 onto the catalyst, bicarbonate and carbonic acid reduction are found to be several orders of magnitude faster. These data are used to model the pH dependence of the reaction rates of the different reactants. These results confirm that carbonic acid and bicarbonate are the most likely reactants independent of the pH and reactor setup.
Improving the Selectivity to Liquefied Petroleum Gas by Combining Fischer‐Tropsch Synthesis with Zeolite Cracking
Authors: Oppmann Nicolas , Jess Andreas
Published: January 2023

The Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis (FTS) is a heterogeneously catalyzed surface polymerization reaction with a wide spectrum of hydrocarbons as products, following the Anderson‐Schulz‐Flory distribution. Subsequent cracking of the unwanted long‐chain products can increase the desired product fraction of shorter hydrocarbons (HCs). In this work, a Co/Mn‐catalyzed FTS with additional cracking by a Pt/H‐ZSM‐5 zeolite was investigated to increase the selectivity of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). At lower zeolite temperatures, no cracking but isomerization and the conversion of alcohols took place. Raising the temperature of the cracking process resulted in cracking of long‐chain HCs and increased the total LPG selectivity. Additional experiments by cracking of n‐hexadecane as model substance were conducted.
Self‐Supporting and Shell‐Core Pd−Ni@Ni Nanowire Arrays Electrode as Anode of Direct Carbohydrazide Fuel Cell
Authors: Peng Chao , Hou Shuai , Yuan Lan , Liu Yi , Guo Fen
Published: January 2023

Considering the excessively high onset potential on pure Ni catalyst and the generation of gaseous products in carbohydrazide (CHZ) electrooxidation, a self‐supporting and shell‐core Pd−Ni@Ni nanowire arrays (NAs) catalytic electrode is prepared by the first templating electrodeposition of Ni and the subsequent galvanic replacement of Pd. The introduction of Pd with minute mass loadings of 2.7–5.3 μg cm−2enables a negative shift of onset potential of CHZ electrooxidation by 320 mV regardless of Ni supports. Pd in Ni@Pd−Ni NAs electrode can facilitate the chemical dissociation of CHZ into N2H4and/or H2and then provoke the occurrence of side reactions, i. e., N2H4and/or H2electrooxidation. The direct CHZ fuel cell made of Ni@Pd−Ni NAs anode delivers an open circuit voltage of 1.05 V and a peak power density of 22.90 mV cm−2at the operating temperature of 303 K.
Mass Transport Influence in the SO2 Oxidation Reaction on Au Electrodes
Authors: De Angelis Leonardo D. , Córdoba de Torresi Susana I. , Dourado André H. B.
Published: January 2023

The use of fossil fuels as energy source is unsustainable in the long term and net‐zero carbon processes need to be implemented to maintain environmental balance. One could make use of assisted water electrolysis to produce clean hydrogen and avoid high overpotentials observed for the oxygen evolution reaction by switching to the SO2 oxidation reaction (SO2OR). This process exhibits a complex mechanism on Au electrodes, which is strongly affected by convection, exhibiting an anti‐Levich behavior, in which the limiting current linearly decreases with the square root of the rotation rate. Likewise, the bi‐stability region observed in the j/E profiles narrows in a sigmoidal profile with the rotation rate, leading to a non‐linear phenomenon with two controlling parameters, mass transport and potential applied. These events were understood to be related to the changing in the reaction mechanism by controlling the electrode rotation, much related to the decrease in the current aforementioned.
Divergent growth‐differentiation balance strategies and resource competition shape mortality patterns in ponderosa pine
Authors: Ferrenberg Scott , Vázquez‐González Carla , Lee Steven R. , Kristupaitis Milda
Published: January 2023

Dynamic resource availability leads to trade‐offs among functions in plants. The growth‐differentiation balance hypothesis (GDBH) predicts greater allocation of carbon to defense than growth when resources are scarce, with optimum defense production occurring at a point between the minimum and maximum growth rates. While the GDBH has been widely tested, consideration of phenotypic variation in rates for which defense is traded for growth and what this variation means for plant resistance remains rare. For defense, pines produce and store oleoresin in “resin ducts.” Retrospective comparisons of resin ducts in pines have revealed that trees with greater numbers, sizes, or areas of xylem resin ducts are more likely to avoid or survive insect attack. We used tree ring chronologies to quantify phenotypic variation in growth and resin duct defenses in pairs of living and bark beetle‐killed Pinus ponderosa trees in southern New Mexico, USA, and to test the utility of the GDBH for explaining tree mortality. We also assessed the sensitivity of annual growth to climate and competitor density in years preceding mortality in each pair. Survivors had greater growth rates and total cross‐sectional areas of resin ducts than trees killed by bark beetles. We did not observe a difference in climate–growth relationships among the groups; however, trees killed by bark beetles suffered negative effects of competition while survivors did not. Growth‐defense trade‐offs conformed to the GDBH's prediction of a quadratic relationship; however, the two groups significantly differed in the rate at which defense was traded for increasing levels of annual growth. Our results demonstrate that phenotypic variation in the trade‐off between growth and defense could be used to characterize trees that were killed by or survived recent natural enemy epidemics. We hypothesize that the GDBH could be integrated with the characterization of phenotypic variation in growth‐differentiation strategies—along with parsing of gene versus environment influences on phenotypes—at both local and landscape scales to increase our understanding of patterns of natural enemy impacts in plant populations.
Alcohol septal ablation in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: For which patients?
Authors: Achim Alexandru , Serban Adela Mihaela , Mot Stefan Dan Cezar , Leibundgut Gregor , Marc Madalin , Sigwart Ulrich
Published: January 2023

Percutaneous and surgical therapies for septal reduction for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have been going head‐to‐head for the past 20 years with similar outcomes and mortality rates, although contemporary myectomy seems to materialize its superiority. However, on closer analysis, the external validity of studies advocating myectomy does not translate to all centres. The aim of this review was to examine the most recent data on septal reduction therapy and to attempt to phenotype the appropriate patient for each of the two treatments. The key to similar low mortality rates between ventricular septal myectomy and alcohol septal ablation appears to be proper patient selection performed in high volume clinical environments. Furthermore, we analyse the role of mavacampten (the recently approved cardiac myosin inhibitor) in replacing or complementing the two septal reduction therapies.
Double‐Bond Isomerization of Rapeseed Oil Methyl Esters in a Continuous Flow Reactor Efficiently Catalyzed by H‐Mordenite
Authors: Kondratiuk Mykhailo , Gopinath Dhyanesh , Elrrays Asmaa , Gooßen Lukas J.
Published: January 2023

Unsaturated fatty acids are attractive alternatives to fossil‐based materials as a source of hydrocarbons, but potential applications are limited by the preset chain length of 16–20 carbon atoms. However, if the double bond can be randomly moved along the chain, subsequent bond‐breaking operations such as ethenolysis or oxidative cleavage will give rise to products with chain lengths ranging from 2 to 18 carbon atoms. A process for the double bond isomerization of rapeseed oil methyl esters in a flow‐through reactor using zeolites as the catalyst is herein disclosed. Using H‐mordenite as the catalyst at a flow of 0.125 mL min−1 at 290 °C, near equilibrium isomerization is reached with up to 49% recovery of linear monomeric products after 5 h and up to 44% after 48 h. The main side products are oligomers (3%–15%) and skeletal isomerization products (10%–23%).

Practical applications: With a suitable follow‐up modification addressing the double bond (metathesis, ozonolysis, oxidative cleavage), the product mixtures of double‐bond positional isomers can be used in the production of short‐chain base chemicals. In repetitive combination with metathesis catalysis, biofuels with customized chain length distributions can be generated.
B(C6F5)3‐Catalyzed 1,4‐Allylation of Azadienes with Allyltrimethylsilanes
Authors: Sun Manman , Zhong Rong , Li Jinshan , Ma Yongmin , Yang Jianguo , Wang Zhiming
Published: January 2023

A metal‐free 1,4‐allylation of azadienes with allyltrimethylsilanes catalyzed by B(C6F5)3 has been developed. The high Lewis acidity, good thermal stability, and good hydrolytic stability of the catalyst make this reaction efficient and operationally simple. In contrast to the previously reported 1,2‐allylation of α,β‐unsaturated imines, the 1,4‐allylation of azadienes is described here for the first time. Benzofuran‐, indene‐, dihydronaphthalene‐, chromene‐, and benzothiophene‐based allyl arylmethanes have been obtained in up to 95 % yield.
Utilizing Toray Paper as a Metal‐Free, High Surface Area Electrode for Photosystem I–Driven Mediated Electron Transfer
Authors: Stachurski Christopher D. , Williams John M. , Tabaquin Pamela M. , Wood Elisabeth D. , Phambu Nsoki , Jennings G. Kane , Cliffel David E.
Published: January 2023

One challenge in capitalizing on the affordability, sustainability, and accessibility of biohybrid solar energy conversion, including devices based on Photosystem I (PSI), is the identification of metal‐free electrode materials to replace the inorganic substrates commonly found in solar cell development. Herein, commercially available Toray carbon paper (CP) is investigated as a high surface area, carbon electrode for the development of photoactive bioelectrodes consisting of PSI and poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). Mediated anodic photocurrent is achieved at both PSI multilayer and PSI–polymer composite films on CP electrodes subjected to flame pretreatment. Film preparation is optimized by utilizing potential sweep voltammetry in place of potentiostatic conditions for polymerization. The optimized PSI–PEDOT:PSS films achieve a threefold increase in polymer growth under potential sweep conditions, quantified through net charge consumed during electropolymerization, resulting in a fourfold increase in photocurrent density (−53 vs −196 nA cm−2). The ability to prepare photoactive PSI‐polymer films on metal‐free CP electrodes opens the door to a rapidly scalable system for biohybrid energy production ultimately leading to more affordable, sustainable, and accessible energy.
Detrital zircon geochronology of Jurassic strata in the Jianggalesayi–Washixia Basin, northwestern Tibet Plateau: Implications for the uplift history of the Altyn Tagh Orogen
Authors: Zhao Zhigang , Shen Tianyi , Zhang Xionghua , Feng Yongcai , Chen Yongling , Xie Zhiyuan , Yang Yuanzhen , Li Lulu
Published: January 2023

Jurassic terrestrial sediments of the Jianggalesayi–Washixia Basin in the northwestern Altyn Tagh Orogen record abundant information regarding the evolution and uplift of the orogen. Investigation of this orogen is critical to establishing whether the Tarim and Qaidam basins were connected during the Jurassic. In this study, we present 474 single‐grain laser‐ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry detrital zircon U–Pb ages obtained from five Jurassic sandstone samples collected from four sections in the basin. Detrital zircons from the Lower Jurassic strata yield age populations of 997–726 and 551–509 Ma, indicating that the zircons were derived mainly from the southern–central Central Altyn Tagh Massif. Zircon age populations from the lower Middle Jurassic strata are 1024–838, 778–643, and 543–357 Ma, which suggest that the sediments were derived predominantly from the northern Central Altyn Tagh Massif and the southern South Altyn Tagh subduction–collision complex belt (SATSB). Zircon age populations from the upper Middle Jurassic strata are 980–830, 556–424, and 277–245, suggesting that these sediments were derived from the central SATSB. Detrital zircons from the Upper Jurassic strata display age groups of 515–387 and 325–226 Ma, indicating that these sediments originated from the northern SATSB. Uplift of the Altyn Tagh Orogen was initiated during the Middle to Late Triassic as a synchronous far‐field response to the collision of the Qiangtang Block with the Eurasian Plate. By the Early Jurassic, the Qaidam Basin was no longer connected with the Tarim Basin. During the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous, the collision of the Lhasa Block with the southern margin of the Eurasia Plate led to further uplift of the Altyn Tagh Orogen.
Skeletal Editing: Interconversion of Arenes and Heteroarenes
Authors: Joynson Ben W. , Ball Liam T.
Published: January 2023

Skeletal editing involves making specific point‐changes to the core of a molecule through the selective insertion, deletion or exchange of atoms. It thus represents a potentially powerful strategy for the step‐economic modification of complex substrates and is a perfect complement to methods such as C−H functionalization that target the molecular periphery. Given their ubiquity in biologically active compounds, the ability to perform skeletal editing on – and therefore interconvert between – aromatic heterocycles is especially valuable. This review summarizes both recent and key historical examples of skeletal editing as applied to interconversion of aromatic rings; we anticipate that it will serve to highlight not only the innovative and enabling nature of current skeletal editing methods, but also the tremendous opportunities that still exist in the field.
Impact of an AI app‐based exercise program for people with low back pain compared to standard care: A longitudinal cohort‐study
Authors: Hartmann Rica , Avermann Florian , Zalpour Christoff , Griefahn Annika
Published: January 2023

Background

Low Back Pain (LBP) is a common health problem worldwide. In recent years, the use of mobile applications for the treatment of various diseases has increased, due to the Corona pandemic.

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate the extent to which artificial intelligence (AI)‐assisted exercise recommendations can reduce pain and pain‐related impairments in daily life for patients with LBP, compared to standard care.

Methods

To answer the research question, an 8‐week app‐based exercise program was conducted in the intervention group. To measure the influence of the exercise program, pain development and pain‐related impairment in daily life have been evaluated. A so‐called rehabilitation sports group served as the control group. The main factors for statistical analysis were factor time and group comparison. For statistical calculations, a mixed analysis of variance for pain development was conducted. A separate check for confounders was made. For pain impairment in daily life nonparametric tests with the mean of change between the time points are conducted.

Results

The intervention group showed a reduction in pain development of 1.4 points compared to an increase of 0.1 points in the control group on the numeric rating scale. There is a significant interaction of time and group for pain development. Regarding pain‐related impairments in daily life, the intervention group has a reduction of the oswestry disability index scores by 3.8 points compared to an increase of 2.3 in the control group. The biggest differences become apparent 8 weeks after the start of treatment. The significant results have a medium to strong effect.

Conclusion

The results shown here suggest that the use of digital AI‐based exercise recommendations in patients with LBP leads to pain reduction and a reduction in pain‐related impairments in daily living compared to traditional group exercise therapy.
Knockdown of SEMA7A alleviates MPP+‐induced apoptosis and inflammation in BV2 microglia via PPAR‐γ activation and MAPK inactivation
Authors: Qi Weinan , Zeng Dan , Xiong Xiaoshuan , Hu Qun
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The inflammation mediated by microglial cells plays an important role in the process of neurodegenerative diseases. Recent evidence indicates that semaphorin 7A (SEMA7A) is implicated in various neurodegenerative diseases, but whether it plays a role in Parkinson's disease (PD) remains unclear.

Methods

In this study, 1.0 mmol/L 1‐methyl‐4‐phenylpyridinium (MPP+)‐stimulated mouse microglia (BV2) cells were used as an in vitro model of PD. The expression of SEMA7A was detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Cell Counting Kit‐8 and apoptosis kits were used to analyze the viability and apoptosis of BV‐2 cells. The content of IL‐6, IL‐β, and tumor necrosis factor‐α was determined by ELISA (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay) kit. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression level of the inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase‐2.

Results

Our findings indicated that SEMA7A expression in BV2 cells was upregulated after MPP+ stimulation. Knockdown of SEMA7A promoted cell viability while it inhibited apoptosis and the expression of proinflammatory enzymes and proinflammatory cytokines. Silencing SEMA7A‐induced peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma (PPAR‐γ) activation and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway inactivation. Furthermore, a PPAR‐γ inhibitor and an MAPK activator promoted the effect of MPP+ on cell viability, apoptosis, and inflammation of BV2 cells; what is more, the PPAR‐γ inhibitor and MAPK activator blocked the inhibitory effect of SEMA7A downregulation on MPP+‐induced injury.

Conclusion

In general, knockdown of SEMA7A inhibits MPP+‐induced BV2 cell apoptosis and inflammation via PPAR‐γ activation and MAPK inactivation, which may provide a new therapy target for PD.
UsingFIGONutrition Checklist counselling in pregnancy: A review to support healthcare professionals
Authors: Killeen Sarah Louise , Donnellan Niamh , O'Reilly Sharleen L. , Hanson Mark A. , Rosser Mary L. , Medina Virna P. , Jacob Chandni Maria , Divakar Hema , Hod Moshe , Poon Liona C. , Bergman Lina , O'Brien Patrick , Kapur Anil , Jacobsson Bo , Maxwell Cynthia V. , McIntyre Harold David , Regan Lesley , Algurjia Esraa , Ma Ronald C. , Adam Sumaiya , McAuliffe Fionnuala M. ,   the FIGO Committee on Impact of Pregnancy on Long‐term Health and the FIGO Division of Maternal and Newborn Health
Published: January 2023

The period before and during pregnancy is increasingly recognized as an important stage for addressing malnutrition. This can help to reduce the risk of noncommunicable diseases in mothers and passage of risk to their infants. The FIGO Nutrition Checklist is a tool designed to address these issues. The checklist contains questions on specific dietary requirements, body mass index, diet quality, and micronutrients. Through answering these questions, awareness is generated, potential risks are identified, and information is collected that can inform health‐promoting conversations between women and their healthcare professionals. The tool can be used across a range of health settings, regions, and life stages. The aim of this review is to summarize nutritional recommendations related to the FIGO Nutrition Checklist to support healthcare providers using it in practice. Included is a selection of global dietary recommendations for each of the components of the checklist and practical insights from countries that have used it. Implementation of the FIGO Nutrition Checklist will help identify potential nutritional deficiencies in women so that they can be addressed by healthcare providers. This has potential longstanding benefits for mothers and their children, across generations.
Resveratrol attenuates chronic social isolation stress‐induced affective disorders: Involvement of NF‐κB/NLRP3 axis
Authors: Zarebavani Mitra , Baghaei Naeini Farinaz , Farahvash Amirali , Moradi Fatemeh , Dashti Nasrin
Published: January 2023

Social isolation stress (SIS) is associated with affective disorders (i.e., anxiety and depression) in adults. In a preclinical study, we aimed to investigate the effects of resveratrol (RV) on the mood swings of rats exposed to SIS. Animals were randomized into six different groups, including control: healthy animals received normal saline (NS) as a vehicle; SIS + NS: SIS animals received NS; SIS + FL: SIS animals received fluoxetine (10 mg/kg/i.p.); SIS + RV20, SIS + RV40, and SIS + RV80: SIS animals received RV (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg/i.p). SIS was induced for 4 weeks, then animals were treated with NS, FL, and RV for 4 weeks. Rats were evaluated by the behavioral tests, including the elevated plus‐maze, tail suspension test, the open field test, and forced‐swimming test, for mood alterations and nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) levels, along with NLRP3, apoptosis‐associated speck‐like (ASC), and proCaspase‐1 were determined in the hippocampus. Behavioral tests confirmed that exposing the animals to SIS caused anxiety and depression. The highest concentrations of NLRP3, proCaspase‐1, ASC, and NF‐κB, were confirmed in the SIS + NS group. Compared to FL, RV showed antidepressant potential according to the behavioral tests. In particular, the administration of RV (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) revered the NF‐κB/NLRP3 axis cascade in rats exposed to chronic SIS. Our findings revealed that RV attenuated anxiety and depression of SIS‐exposed rats via regulation of NF‐κB/NLRP3 signaling pathways. RV can be used as a potential anxiolytic agent and antidepressant.
Concomitant pharmacologic medications influence the clinical outcomes of granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis in patients with ulcerative colitis: A multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ueno Nobuhiro , Sugiyama Yuya , Kobayashi Yu , Murakami Yuki , Iwama Takuya , Sasaki Takahiro , Kunogi Takehito , Sakatani Aki , Takahashi Keitaro , Tanaka Kazuyuki , Serikawa Shinya , Ando Katsuyoshi , Kashima Shin , Muto Momotaro , Inaba Yuhei , Moriichi Kentaro , Tanabe Hiroki , Okumura Toshikatsu , Fujiya Mikihiro
Published: January 2023

Background

Granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis (GMA) with Adacolumn has been used as a remission induction therapy for patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC). Herein, we investigated the influence of concomitant medications in the remission induction of GMA in patients with active UC.

Methods

This multicenter retrospective cohort study included patients with UC underwent GMA in five independent institutions in Japan from January 2011 to July 2021. Factors including concomitant medications associated with clinical remission (CR) were analyzed statistically.

Result

A total of 133 patients were included. Seventy‐four patients achieved a CR after GMA. The multivariable analysis revealed that concomitant medication with 5‐aminosalicylic acid, Mayo endoscopic subscore (MES), and concomitant medication with immunosuppressors (IMs) remained as predictors of CR after GMA. In the subgroup analysis in patients with MES of 2, concomitant medication with IMs was demonstrated as a significant negative factor of CR after GMA (P = .042, OR 0.354). Seventy‐four patients who achieved CR after GMA were followed up for 52 weeks. In the multivariable analysis, the maintenance therapy with IMs was demonstrated as a significant positive factor of sustained CR up to 52 weeks (P = .038, OR 2.214). Furthermore, the rate of sustained CR in patients with biologics and IMs was significantly higher than that in patients with biologics only (P = .002).

Conclusion

GMA was more effective for patients with active UC that relapsed under treatment without IMs. Furthermore, the addition of IMs should be considered in patients on maintenance therapy with biologics after GMA.
Soaring rates of alcohol‐related hepatitis in the latter phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic: A new normal?
Authors: Sohal Aalam , Khalid Sameeha , Green Victoria , Hagino Jeffrey , Chaudhry Hunza , Gulati Alakh , Roytman Marina
Published: January 2023

Background

Studies have reported that the COVID‐19 pandemic has led to an increase in alcohol consumption and alcohol‐associated health problems in the general population. Our previous study documented a rise in severe alcohol‐related hepatitis cases requiring inpatient admission in our hospital system in the early pandemic (2019 vs. 2020). This study assesses the rates of severe alcohol‐related hepatitis in the latter part of the pandemic (2021).

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review via an electronic medical record to evaluate the number of cases of alcohol‐related hepatitis in patients presenting to three community hospitals in Fresno, California, between 2019 (pre‐pandemic) and 2021. A total of 547 patients were included in the study. We compared the demographics, clinical course, and outcomes of patients with alcohol‐related hepatitis pre‐pandemic (2019), early pandemic (2020), and during the later phase of the pandemic (2021).

Results

The number of cases increased from 131 in 2019 to 201 in 2020 and 215 in 2021 (53% and 64% increase, respectively). The number of young patients (age <40 years) increased from 30 in 2019 to 61 in 2020 and 71 in 2021 (103% and 136% increase, respectively) (p = 0.13). The number of admissions of women increased from 24 in 2019 to 55 in 2020 and 67 in 2021 (129% and 179% increase, respectively) (p = 0.026). Deaths during hospitalization increased from 20 in 2019 to 26 in 2021 (p = 0.674). The number of rehospitalizations within 3 months increased 4.5 times from 18 in 2019 to 80 in 2021 (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our study revealed that the admissions for alcohol‐related hepatitis remained significantly above the pre‐pandemic levels through the end of 2021. We believe this sustained increase in cases of alcohol‐related hepatitis in our hospital system reflects a much larger national problem. Alcohol‐related hepatitis is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and societal cost. Urgent public health interventions are needed at a national level to prevent this rise in cases from becoming a new normal.
Lower bounds on the Erdős–Gyárfás problem via color energy graphs
Authors: Balogh József , English Sean , Heath Emily , Krueger Robert A.
Published: January 2023

Given positive integers and , a ‐coloring of the complete graph is an edge‐coloring in which every ‐clique receives at least colors. Erdős and Shelah posed the question of determining , the minimum number of colors needed for a ‐coloring of . In this paper, we expand on the color energy technique introduced by Pohoata and Sheffer to prove new lower bounds on this function, making explicit the connection between bounds on extremal numbers and . Using results on the extremal numbers of subdivided complete graphs, theta graphs, and subdivided complete bipartite graphs, we generalize results of Fish, Pohoata, and Sheffer, giving the first nontrivial lower bounds on for some pairs and improving previous lower bounds for other pairs.
Shifted excitation Raman difference spectroscopy for soil component identification and soil carbonate determination in the presence of strong fluorescence interference
Authors: Sowoidnich Kay , Maiwald Martin , Ostermann Markus , Sumpf Bernd
Published: January 2023

Detailed knowledge about soil composition is an important prerequisite for many applications, for example precision agriculture. Current standard laboratory methods are complex and time‐consuming but could be complemented by non‐invasive optical techniques. Its capability to provide a molecular fingerprint of individual soil components makes Raman spectroscopy a very promising candidate. A major challenge is strong fluorescence interference inherent to soil, but this issue can be overcome effectively using shifted excitation Raman difference spectroscopy (SERDS). A customized dual‐wavelength diode laser emitting at 785.2 and 784.6 nm was used to investigate 117 soil samples collected from an agricultural field along a distance of 624 m and down to depths of 1 m. To address soil spatial heterogeneity, a raster scan approach comprising 100 measurement spots per sample was applied. Based on the Raman spectroscopic fingerprint extracted from intense fluorescence interference by SERDS, 13 mineral soil constituents were identified, and even closely related molecular species could be discriminated, for example polymorphs of titanium dioxide and calcium carbonate. For the first time, the capability of SERDS is demonstrated to predict the calcium carbonate content as an important soil parameter using partial least squares regression (R2 = 0.94, root mean square error of cross‐validation RMSECV = 2.1%). Our findings demonstrate that SERDS can extract a wealth of spectroscopic information from disturbing backgrounds enabling qualitative and quantitative soil analysis. This highlights the large potential of SERDS for precision agriculture but also in further application areas, for example geology, cultural heritage and planetary exploration.
Use of Sound Touch Elastography and Sound Touch Quantification for the Noninvasive Evaluation of Portal Hypertension in a Rat Model
Authors: Dong Bingtian , Lyu Guorong , Wang Huaming , Chen Yongjian , Wei Kaipeng
Published: January 2023

Objectives

In this study, we used the recently developed ultrasound elastography techniques sound touch elastography (STE) and sound touch quantification (STQ) to quantify portal hypertension (PHT) severity in a rat model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced cirrhotic PHT.

Methods

In total, 60 rats were used. Various degrees of PHT were established. Liver and spleen stiffness were measured by STE (L‐STE and S‐STE, respectively) and STQ (L‐STQ and S‐STQ, respectively). We measured portal pressure (PP) after ultrasonographic examination. The performance of the STE and STQ parameters in the identification of PHT was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses.

Results

Liver and spleen stiffness measurements obtained with STE and STQ correlated positively with the PP (r = 0.566–0.882, all P < .001). The areas under ROC curves for L‐STE, S‐STE, L‐STQ, and S‐STQ values were 0.931 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.847–1.000), 0.982 (95% CI, 0.956–1.000), 0.796 (95% CI, 0.680–0.912), and 0.925 (95% CI, 0.858–0.993), respectively, for PP ≥5 mmHg; 0.937 (95% CI, 0.865–1.000), 0.938 (95% CI, 0.864–1.000), 0.967 (95% CI, 0.923–1.000), and 0.960 (95% CI, 0.897–1.000), respectively, for PP ≥10 mmHg; and 0.954 (95% CI, 0.897–1.000), 0.790 (95% CI, 0.652–0.928), 0.808 (95% CI, 0.680–0.935), and 0.740 (95% CI, 0.595–0.885), respectively, for PP ≥12 mmHg.

Conclusions

STE and STQ are reliable noninvasive tools for the assessment of PHT severity, especially for PP ≥10 mmHg, in a rat model of CCl4‐induced cirrhotic PHT.
Capturing of organic carbon and nitrogen in eelgrass sediments of southern Scandinavia
Authors: Leiva‐Dueñas Carmen , Graversen Anna Elizabeth Løvgren , Banta Gary T. , Holmer Marianne , Masque Pere , Stæhr Peter Anton Upadhyay , Krause‐Jensen Dorte
Published: January 2023

The ability of seagrass meadows to filter nutrients and capture and store CO2 and nutrients in the form of organic carbon (OC) and nitrogen (N) in their sediments may help to mitigate local eutrophication as well as climate change via meadow restoration and protection. This study assesses OC and N sediment stocks (top 50 cm) and sequestration rates within Danish eelgrass meadows. At four locations, eelgrass‐vegetated and nearby unvegetated plots were studied in protected and exposed areas. The average OC and N sediment 50 cm stocks were 2.6 ± 0.3 kg OC m−2 and 0.23 ± 0.01 kg N m−2, including vegetated and unvegetated plots. In general, OC and N stocks did not differ significantly between eelgrass meadows and unvegetated sediments. Lack of accumulation of excess 210Pb suggested sediment erosion or low rates of sediment accumulation at most sites. OC accumulation rates ranged from 6 to 134 g m−2 yr−1 and N from 0.7 to 14 g m−2 yr−1. Generalized additive models showed that ≥ 80% of the variation in sediment OC and N stocks was explained by sediment grain size, organic matter source, and hydrodynamic exposure. Long cores, dated with 210Pb, showed declining OC and N densities toward present time, suggesting long‐term declines in eelgrass OC and N pools. Estimates of potential nation‐wide OC and N accumulation in eelgrass sediments show that they could annually capture up to 0.7% ± 0.5% of CO2 emissions and 6.9% ± 5.2% of the total terrestrial N load.
Price competition and joint energy‐consumption reduction technology investment of new energy and fuel vehicles under the double‐points policy
Authors: Wang Yangyang , Yi Yongxi , Fu Chunyan , Li Yuqiong
Published: January 2023

This paper explores for the first time the manufacturers' joint energy reduction strategies for both new energy and fuel vehicles. Assume there is a Cournot car market with differentiated products consisting of one manufacturer producing fuel cars and one manufacturer producing fuel and new energy cars, and a double‐points policy governs them. It shows that the double‐points policy does not necessarily result in a contraction in the fuel vehicle market while leading to a boom in the new energy vehicle market; market competition and consumers' preference for low energy consumption can help incentive manufacturers to reduce vehicle energy consumption.
Global sensitivity study for irreversible electroporation: Towards treatment planning under uncertainty
Authors: Lakshmi Narasimhan Prashanth , Tokoutsi Zoi , Baroli Davide , Baragona Marco , Veroy Karen , Maessen Ralph , Ritter Andreas
Published: January 2023

Background

Electroporation‐based cancer treatments are minimally invasive, nonthermal interventional techniques that leverage cell permeabilization to ablate the target tumor. However, the amount of permeabilization is susceptible to the numerous uncertainties during treatment, such as patient‐specific variations in the tissue, type of the tumor, and the resolution of imaging equipment. These uncertainties can reduce the extent of ablation in the tissue, thereby affecting the effectiveness of the treatment.

Purpose

The aim of this work is to understand the effect of these treatment uncertainties on the treatment outcome for irreversible electroporation (IRE) in the case of colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM). Understanding the nature and extent of these effects can help us identify the influential treatment parameters and build better models for predicting the treatment outcome.

Methods

This is an in silico study using a static computational model with a custom applicator design, spherical tissue, and tumor geometry. A nonlinear electrical conductivity, dependent on the local electric field, is considered. Morris analysis is used to identify the influential treatment parameters on the treatment outcome. Seven treatment parameters pertaining to the relative tumor location with respect to the applicator, the tumor growth pattern, and the electrical conductivity of tissue are analyzed. The treatment outcome is measured in terms of the relative tumor ablation with respect to the target ablation volume and total ablation volume.

Results

The Morris analysis was performed with 800 model evaluations, sampled from the seven dimensional input parameter space. Electrical properties of the tissue, especially the electrical conductivity of the tumor before ablation, were found to be the most influential parameter for relative tumor ablation and total ablation volume. This parameter was found to be about 4–15 times more influential than the least influential parameter, depending on the tumor size. The tumor border configuration was identified as the least important parameter for treatment effectiveness. The most desired treatment outcome is obtained by a combination of high healthy liver conductivity and low tumor conductivity. This information can be used to tackle worst‐case scenarios in treatment planning. Finally, when the safety margins used in the clinical applications are accounted for, the effects of uncertainties in the treatment parameters reduce drastically.

Conclusions

The results of this work can be used to create an efficient surrogate estimator for uncertainty quantification in the treatment outcome, that can be utilized in optimal real‐time treatment planning solutions.
Influence of Neutron Irradiation Conditions on Maximal Frequency of IR Absorption Spectra of LiF:OH Single Crystal
Authors: Akhvlediani Zaira , Dauletbekova Alma , Baubekova Guldar , Malikova Zhadra , Sokhadze Victor , Akilbekov Abdirash , Abdrakhmetova Ainash
Published: January 2023

For many solids operating under irradiation conditions, the study of their behavior at the neutron irradiation is of importance. Herein, the influence of neutron irradiation conditions on the infrared (IR) absorption spectra of LiF crystals containing different amounts of hydroxyl and metallic impurities is considered. The investigations are carried out for discovering new peculiarities under the extreme irradiation conditions of LiF—being a very important material for practical applications. In the crystals with OH− impurity after the action of neutron irradiation, quite clear bands are appeared in the region of 1900–2200 cm−1. The delivered doses vary from 1014 to 3 × 1017nnvt. LiF crystals are investigated by differing both in qualitative and quantitative contents of OH− ions. With the increase in irradiation dose, the maximum IR absorption of all investigated groups of crystals shifts to the region of low energies. The appearance of a new band in the IR spectrum and its shift as a function of dose is associated with the radiolysis of OH− molecule.
Electrical Characteristics of Metal–Insulator Diamond Semiconductor Schottky Barrier Diode Grown on Heteroepitaxial Diamond Substrate
Authors: Han Sanghun , Kwak Taemyung , Choi Uiho , Kang Hyeonu , Yoo Geunho , Kim Seong-woo , Nam Okhyun
Published: January 2023

Herein, the growth of lateral‐structure p‐type diamond Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) on a heteroepitaxial diamond substrate using a thin atomic‐layer‐deposited hafnium oxide () interfacial layer is demonstrated. The diamond SBD is grown using the microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) with 1 kW microwave power at 2.45 GHz. Two kinds of samples are grown on heteroepitaxial diamond substrates under the same growth conditions for identical epi structures. And the 10 nm thickness of is used as an insulator for MIS SBD. The effects of the interlayer on the electrical properties of the SBDs are investigated using current–voltage (I–V curve) and capacitance–voltage (C–V curve) characteristics at room temperature. Compared with the metal–semiconductor (MS) SBD, the metal–insulator–semiconductor (MIS) SBD exhibited a lower reverse leakage current. The Schottky barrier height in the MIS SBD is almost 0.2 eV higher than in the MS SBD. The insertion of the interlayer reduces the inhomogeneous Schottky barrier height and enhances the barrier height because of the reduction in the interface state density.
Nanopatterned SiNx Broadband Antireflection Coating for Planar Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Cordaro Andrea , Tabernig Stefan Wil , Pollard Michael , Yi Chuqi , Alarcon-Llado Esther , Hoex Bram , Polman Albert
Published: January 2023

Crystalline Si solar cells based on thin wafers, with thicknesses in the range of 5–50 μm, can find applications in a wide range of markets where flexibility and bendability are important. For these cells, avoiding standard macroscopic texture is desirable to increase structural integrity. Herein, a nanopatterned SiN
x
antireflection (AR) coating that consists of 174 nm‐radius and 118 nm‐high SiN
x
nanodisks arranged in a square lattice on a thin (59 nm) SiN
x
layer is introduced. This geometry combines Fabry–Pérot AR and forward scattering by a resonant Mie mode to achieve high transmission into the Si absorber over a broad spectral band. The nanostructured coating is patterned on a commercial interdigitated‐back‐contact (IBC) Si solar cell, experimentally demonstrating a short‐circuit current density (J
sc) of 36.9 mA cm−2, 2.3 mA cm−2 higher than for a single‐layer AR coated cell, and an efficiency of 16.3% at a thickness of around 100 μm. It is shown that light incoupling efficiency is comparable to that of pyramidal texturing, while the absorption in the infrared is lower, due to less‐effective light trapping. Overall, nanopatterned SiN
x
broadband AR coatings are an appealing option for improving light management in ultrathin solar cells and other optoelectronic devices.
Hysteresis and Double‐Spin Compensation Behaviors in a Ferro‐Ferrimagnetic Model of High Half‐Integer Spins
Authors: Madera Julio Cesar , De La Espriella Nicolás , Burgos Rhonald
Published: January 2023

Herein, thermomagnetic properties of a ferro‐ferrimagnetic system with magnetic moments of values , and alternating on a square lattice, are investigated. These properties are framed in hysteresis, double‐spin compensation, and discontinuous behavior of the system. Through Monte Carlo simulations, the temperature dependence of the magnetization and magnetic susceptibility of the system for zero and nonzero values of an applied external magnetic field are analyzed. The hysteresis behavior of the model for different temperature values is also studied. It is found that the system experiences double‐spin compensation and multiple hysteresis loops when it is subjected to different values of single‐ion anisotropy and magnetic fields. The increase in the strength of the magnetic field generates discontinuities in the magnetization, and the inversion of its polarity destroys the compensation points. Finally, a phase diagram is presented with the critical, spin compensation, and discontinuous temperatures in terms of the magnetic and anisotropic fields for the ferri‐ and ferromagnetic cases. The results are compared with a recent investigation of this system that does not include the antiferromagnetic next‐nearest‐neighbor interactions, which influences the magnetic behavior of the model.