bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macroscopic, microscopic, and immunofluorescent characterization of the Greek tortoise (Testudo graeca graeca) oropharyngeal floor with concern to its feed adaptation as a herbivorous land reptile
Authors: Alsafy Mohamed A. M. , El‐sharnobey Nermin K. A. , El‐Gendy Samir A. A. , Abumandour Mohamed A. , Ez Elarab Samar M. , Rashwan Ahmed M. , Hanafy Basma G.
Published: May 2024

The current investigation focuses on gross anatomy, light, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the Testudo graeca oropharyngeal floor, with particular reference to the immunofluorescence technique to examine its tongue. The T. graeca oropharyngeal floor showed many anatomical structures: the lower rhamphotheca, paralingual ridge, lower alveolar ridge, tongue, laryngeal mound, and glottis. The lower rhamphotheca appeared as a V‐shaped jaw line with a highly serrated edge and a median tomium (beak). SEM observations of the lingual apex and the lingual body showed rectangular and conical filiform papillae with porous surfaces and taste pores. Meanwhile, the lingual root had two wings that carried papillae with different shapes: dagger‐shaped, conical, bifurcated, and leaf‐like papillae, and these papillae lacked taste pores. The laryngeal mound had openings for the laryngeal mucus gland and its secretions. Light microscopy findings showed mucous glands in the propria submucosa and near the mucosal surface of the lingual apex. The lingual root had lingual papillae and two hyaline cartilaginous skeletons between skeletal muscles, and the lingual papillae were elongated filiform, rectangular filiform papillae, and fungiform papillae. The lamina propria constituted the core of the lingual papillae and the mucous gland, they had a positive reaction with the periodic acid schiff (PAS) reagent. The apical surface of the fungiform papillae had taste pores. Under immunofluorescence, the vimentin was detected in taste bud cells, and synaptophysin reacted to the taste buds and nerve bundles. The current study of the Greek tortoise oropharyngeal floor investigated its herbivorous eating habits using its serrated lower rhamphotheca, a large tongue with differently shaped papillae, and numerous mucous glands.

Research Highlights

The Greek tortoise (T. graeca graeca) oropharyngeal floor showed many anatomical structures: lower rhamphotheca, paralingual ridge, lower alveolar ridge, tongue, laryngeal mound, and glottis.

SEM and light microscopy observations of the tongue revealed varied types and shapes of lingual papillae with a porous surface on the tongue apex (rectangular or conical filiform papillae), on the tongue body (filiform and fungiform papillae), and on the tongue root (dagger‐shaped, conical, bifurcated, and leaf‐like papillae).

Light microscopy findings: the lamina propria constituted the core of the lingual papillae and had numerous mucous glands that had a slightly magenta‐red color with PAS reagent.

The apical surface of the fungiform papillae had taste pores. Vimentin and synaptophysin gave a reaction to the taste buds.
Clinical differences between drug‐induced type 1 Brugada pattern and syndrome
Authors: Sabbag Avi , Amoroso Gisella , Tomer Orr , Conte Giulio , Beinart Roy , Nof Eyal , Özkartal Tardu , Ollitrault Pierre , Laredo Mikael , Tovia‐Brodie Oholi , Gandjbakhch Estelle , de Benedictis Michele , ter Bekke Rachel M. A. , Milman Anat
Published: May 2024

Background

Diagnosis of Brugada syndrome (BrS) may be established by exposing a Type 1 Brugada pattern using a sodium channel blocker. Data on the outcomes of different patient populations with drug‐induced Type 1 Brugada pattern are limited. The present study reports on the characteristics and outcome of subjects with ajmaline induced Type 1 Brugada pattern.

Methods

A multicenter retrospective study including all consecutive cases of ajmaline‐induced Type 1 Brugada pattern from seven centers.

Results

A total of 260 patients (69.9% males, mean age 43.4 ± 13.5) were included. Additional characteristics included history of syncope (n = 56, 21.5%), family history of BrS (n = 58, 22.3%) or sudden cardiac death (n = 47, 18.1%) and ventricular fibrillation (n = 3, 1.2%). Patients were divided into those meeting current diagnostic criteria for drug‐induced BrS (DIBrS) and compared to the drug‐induced Brugada pattern (DIBrECG). Females were significantly overrepresented in the DIBrS group (n = 50, 40% vs. n = 29, 21.5%, p = .001). A significantly higher prevalence of type 2/3 Brugada ECG at baseline was found in the DIBrECG group (n = 108, 80.8% vs. n = 75, 60% in the DIBrS, p = .026). During a median follow up of three (IQR 1.50–5.32) years, a single event of significant arrhythmia occurred in the DIBrS group.

Conclusion

Less than half of subjects with ajmaline‐induced Brugada pattern met current criteria for BrS. These individuals had very low rate of adverse outcomes during a follow up of 3 years, irrespective of the indication for the test or eligibility for the BrS diagnosis.
Suppression of TNF‐α activity by immobilization rescues Mkx expression and attenuates tendon ossification in a mouse Achilles tenotomy model
Authors: Isaji Masashi , Horiuchi Keisuke , Kondo Shinya , Nakagawa Takahiro , Ishizaka Takahiro , Amako Masatoshi , Chiba Kazuhiro
Published: May 2024

Traumatic heterotopic ossification is a condition in which extraskeletal bone formation occurs in soft tissues after injury. It most commonly occurs in patients who had major orthopedic surgery and in those with severe extremity injuries. The lesion causes local pain and can impair motor function of the affected limb, but there is currently no established prophylaxis or treatment for this condition. In this study, we show that immobilization at an early stage of the inflammatory response after injury can attenuate ossification formation in a murine Achilles tenotomy model. Gene expression analysis revealed a decrease in the expression of Tnf and an increase in the expression of Mkx, which encodes one of the master regulators of tendon differentiation, Mohawk. Notably, we found that TNF‐α suppressed the expression of Mkx transcripts and accelerated the osteogenic differentiation of tendon‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), suggesting that TNF‐α acts as a negative regulator of Mkx transcription. Consistent with these findings, pharmaceutical inhibition of TNF‐α increased the expression of Mkx transcripts and suppressed bone formation in this mouse model. These findings reveal the previously unrecognized involvement of TNF‐α in regulating tendon MSC fate through suppression of Mkx expression and suggest that TNF‐α is a potential target for preventing traumatic heterotopic ossification.
Blind versus endoscopy‐guided postpyloric feeding tube placement in adults with ischemic stroke: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sun Chun , Yuan Kangyi , Gao Qiyuan , Liu Fang , Long Yuanxi , Wang Li
Published: May 2024

Background

This study compared the one‐time success rate of blind and endoscopy‐guided postpyloric feeding tube placement after implementing a comprehensive nursing scheme of intestinal blind placement for patients with ischemic stroke.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 179 patients with blind bedside placement and 118 with endoscopy‐guided placement. The primary outcome was the one‐time success rate of radiologically confirmed postpyloric placement. The secondary endpoints included the position of the tube tip, length of insertion, time of placement, and expenses. The safety endpoints were the incidence of complications caused by placement.

Results

The results showed that the method of tube placement did not significantly affect the outcome of the first tube placement (odds ratio [OR] = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.137–1.207; P = 0.105). Compared with endoscopy‐guided placement, blind placement was half the cost. We also found that a history of abdominal surgery (OR = 0.003; 95% CI  = 0.000–0.059; P < 0.001) and longer intensive care unit (ICU) days (OR = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.903–0.981; P = 0.004) were inversely associated with the one‐time success rate.

Conclusion

Our study suggested that blind intestinal feeding tube placement has an equivalent one‐time success rate compared with endoscopy‐guided placement in hospitalized patients with ischemic stroke if operators can be trained well. However, the expenses of endoscopy‐guided placement were twice those of blind bedside methods. We also found that patients with abdominal surgery history and longer ICU stay were more likely to fail at the first placement. Further research is needed to replicate our single‐center observations in a larger population of patients.
Detection of cystic and alveolar echinococcosis based on tissue surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy combined with deep learning
Authors: Du Yu , Zheng Xiangxiang , Lv Guodong , Yin Longfei , Wu Guohua , You Zhaonan
Published: May 2024

Echinococcosis chiefly includes cystic and alveolar echinococcosis, which is a parasitic disease. It is very important to find a quick and non‐staining method to determine whether a tissue sample has echinococcosis lesions; it is not only conducive to the diagnosis of echinococcosis but also conducive to the judgment after surgery. In the study, tissue surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) in combination with deep learning was used to classify cystic and alveolar echinococcosis and healthy controls. Silver nanoparticles served as SERS‐enhanced substrates, and a large amount of tissue SERS spectra was collected. There were 24 cases of cystic echinococcosis tissue, 14 cases of alveolar echinococcosis tissue, and 21 cases of healthy control tissues, and the numbers of SERS spectra collected were 594, 410, and 990, respectively, for a total of 1994 spectra. The convolutional neural network (CNN) was used to categorize SERS spectra into three types. Four other common machine learning classification algorithms were compared with the CNN model to highlight the classification effect of the CNN model. The results show that the model with the best effect is the CNN model, whose accuracy reaches 95%. Therefore, SERS combined with the CNN model has great potential for distinguishing the tissues of cystic and alveolar echinococcosis.
Modulation on structure and electric properties by tantalum of lead‐free NaNbO3 ceramics
Authors: Wang Liguang , Huang Xiaoxia , Zhu Changming , Su Xiaofei , Yu Guibo , Zeng Pinyi , Jiang Changhao , Wang Yishuang
Published: May 2024

The variation of structural and electric properties is investigated via different characterization methods for NaNbO3 ceramics modified with Ta5+ ions. At room temperature, substitution of Ta5+ ions can effectively induce the phase coexistence and transition between orthorhombic antiferroelectric P and orthorhombic ferroelectric Q phase in NaNb1‐xTaxO3 ceramics. Thus, the ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties could be regulated with the maximum value of d33 (~37.3) at x = 0.05. Besides, with increasing temperature, multiple phase transitions are demonstrated through dielectric, XRD, and in situ Raman results. Moreover, the temperature of various phase transitions gradually shifts toward lower temperature with increasing Ta5+ ions. Correspondingly, the modulation mechanism is also discussed based on the evolution of Raman vibration. This work is instructive for regulatable applications of NaNbO3‐based materials.
Strategies for social venture growth: Governing the means‐ends dynamics of social impact
Authors: Roche Olivier P. , Siebold Nicole
Published: May 2024

Governing the growth strategies of social ventures is one of the most significant challenges social entrepreneurs face. While social entrepreneurs strive for growth mainly to increase the social venture's impact on its key stakeholders, pursuing growth may result in mission drift with a detrimental neglect of dual mission objectives and stakeholder needs. In this conceptual article, we aim to contribute to an enhanced understanding of how growth unfolds in social ventures and how the governance of growth can prevent divergence from the venture's raison d'être in tackling stakeholder needs. Building upon the literature on organizational and social impact growth, we theorize four distinct growth strategies: benevolence‐driven, collaboration‐driven, skills‐driven, and consumption‐driven social venture growth. For each strategy, we identify underlying growth dynamics and derive principles for the governance of social venture growth. This way, we add to the emergent literature on social venture growth and dual mission management.
Interfacial properties and foam performance of alpha olefin sulfonate and CO2 switchable aminopropyl methyl siloxane surfactant mixtures
Authors: Zhao Yujie , Qiu Jun , Zhu Xuedong , He Xiujuan , Li Yingcheng
Published: May 2024

CO2‐in‐water (C/W) foams have attracted much attention given their eco‐friendliness in recent years. However, limited surfactants were able to effectively adsorb at the supercritical CO2–water (C–W) interface considering the weak solvent strength of CO2, especially at high temperatures. Herein, attempts have been made to design suitable CO2 foaming agents by evaluating the influence of proportions of anionic and cationic surfactants and the affinity between aminopropyl methyl siloxane (APSi) and CO2. Through systematical foamability and foam stability experiments, together with the measurements of C–W equilibrium and dynamic interfacial tensions, the adsorption and stabilization mechanisms of sodium alpha olefin sulfonate (AOS)‐APSi aqueous dispersions on the CO2 foam films are revealed. Excellent foam properties were observed at AOS/APSi mass ratio of 9:1, in which initial foam height (h0) and half‐life period (t1/2) first increased and then decreased with increasing pressure, whereas the interfacial tension decreased with increasing pressure. The results indicate that the interaction of anionic and cationic head‐groups contributes to accelerating the surfactant adsorption rate from bulk to the C–W interface, enhancing foamability and stabilizing foam. Besides, the AOS/APSi mass ratio of 8:2 shows a good affinity for CO2 at 15 MPa, of which h0 is 26% higher and t1/2 is 60% slower than AOS alone. Furthermore, the initial mean bubble area of both 9:1 and 8:2 AOS/APSi mixtures was around half that of AOS alone. This work broadens the design of novel surfactant methodologies including CO2 foam, providing a theoretical guidance for the application of CO2 on enhanced‐oil‐recovery technologies.
Lipids and Statin Medication With Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Wu Haoyang , Deng Wenting , Luo Yuelian , Xu Yaodong , Xiong Hao
Published: May 2024

Background

Recent insights suggest that lipids and statin medication play a role in the development of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), yet the exact role remains controversial. This research applied Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess whether lipids and statin medication are associated with an increased risk of SNHL.

Methods

A two‐sample MR was used in this study. Genetic instruments were constructed from variants associated with risk factors. Data for lipids and statin medication were obtained from the IEU OpenGWAS project, and for SNHL from the Finngen research project, which comprises 32,487 individuals with SNHL and 331,736 control individuals.

Results

Genetically predicted higher levels of triglycerides were associated with an increased risk of SNHL. The use of genetically predicted atorvastatin was associated with a lower risk of SNHL. Rosuvastatin has demonstrated potential in treating SNHL, yet further investigations are warranted to elucidate its relationship with SNHL. Insufficient evidence was available to suggest that the genetically predicted level of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol or low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol or the use of simvastatin were associated with SNHL.

Conclusions

The study provides genetic evidence suggesting that increased levels of triglycerides in the blood could be a risk factor for SNHL and that the use of certain statin medications, including atorvastatin and rosuvastatin, could reduce the risk of SNHL. These results align with findings from previous observational studies that have linked hyperlipidemia with the risk of SNHL.

Level of Evidence

According to the Oxford Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine 2011 levels of Evidence, the study has a third level of Evidence Laryngoscope, 134:4366–4373, 2024
Airway and Voice Outcomes After Thyroarytenoid Myomectomy for Bilateral Vocal Fold Immobility
Authors: Yang Zao M. , Malka Ronit , Erwin Dylan Z. , Postma Gregory
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Type 4 posterior glottic stenosis and bilateral vocal fold paralysis are clinically challenging causes of bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI) that result in glottic airway obstruction. Established procedures for BVFI typically worsen dysphonia. We hypothesize the use of thyroarytenoid myomectomy (TAM) in the setting of BVFI will improve dyspnea with decreased detriment to voice.

Methods

Eleven unilateral TAM procedures were performed between April 2021 and June 2023 at a single institution. Pre‐ and postoperative patient reported outcomes were compared. Representative images of maximal glottic opening were analyzed in ImageJ to calculate ipsilateral bowing index (BI), total BI, maximum glottic surface area (MGSA), and maximum opening angle (MOA). Statistical comparisons were performed with paired t‐tests when normality was confirmed with Shapiro–Wilk test and otherwise with Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests, with threshold for significance of α = 0.05. Interrater reliability for objective glottal measures was compared with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

Dyspnea Index improved from mean (standard error) of 24.1 (3.8) to 9.1 (3.3), p = 0.004. Voice Handicap Index‐10 improved from 20.0 (4) to 10.3 (3.8), p = 0.011. Glottal Function Index improved from 9.6 (1.4) to 6.3 (1.3), p = 0.017. There was no significant difference in ipsilateral BI, total BI, MOA, and median MGSA. There was good to excellent ICCs for all comparisons (0.83–0.95).

Conclusions

TAM demonstrated significant improvement in symptoms from BVFI while not significantly altering glottal structure. These data suggest TAM improves dyspnea in patients with BVFI without significantly impairing voice.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:4307–4312, 2024
Crop pest identification using deep network based extracted features and MobileENet in smart agriculture
Authors: K S Guruprakash , P Siva Karthik , A Ramachandran , K Gayathri
Published: May 2024

Agriculture has been considered an important source of food for humans throughout history. Plant pests cause significant damage to crops and reduce the productivity of global crop yields. Therefore, it is important to identify the plant pest at an earlier stage in order to minimize crop losses and use pesticides optimally. This paper develops the MobileENet deep learning architecture for accurate plant pest identification with less computational effort. The input images are pre‐processed, and the features are extracted using a deep convolutional encoder–decoder network (DCEDN). The proposed classification approach solves the problems of over‐fitting regularization, batch normalization, and dropout layers. Due to the minimum computing size and factorization process, the classification performance is increased. It extracts discriminatory feature information by eliminating redundant background information. The performance of the proposed approach is evaluated on the IP102 dataset, and the performance is compared with existing deep learning‐based approaches. The performance metrics, such as accuracy, precision, recall, and so forth, are considered to evaluate the performance of the proposed plant pest identification approach. The accuracy performance of the proposed approach is improved to 98.83% with less information loss.
Andean Lima Bean Ecology and Its Potential Contribution to Food Security
Authors: Gavilan‐Figari Isabel Milagros , Inga Marianela , Betalleluz‐Pallardel Indira , Espinoza de Arenas Luz Marina , Comettant‐Rabanal Raúl
Published: May 2024

The Andean lima bean (ALB) (Phaseolus lunatus L.), also known as “Pallar” in Peru, is a large, semi‐flat, kidney‐shaped rarely investigated legume. This ancestral legume lacks in‐depth scientific reports and is mainly cultivated in the coastal region of the Ica valley. Its consumption dates back to ancient times, as evidenced by archaeological finds from pre‐Columbian civilizations in Peru, and it is still part of the Peruvian diet today. ALB has been domesticated and adapted to climate change in arid territories and under peculiar agronomic conditions in Peru, making the crop tolerant to various stresses, including drought. Like the common bean, ALB is an important source of protein, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and micronutrients that are essential for a nutritious diet. However, the information on its diversity, particularly the native varieties that are the ancestors of the commercial lima bean “Pallar de Ica,” is scarce. Therefore, this review consisted of synthesizing and analyzing important aspects of the little known ALB, such as its morphological description, domestication, response to climate change, nutritional composition, and relevance to food security and potential for cultivation to address food shortages.
Healthy lifestyle scales to assess general and clinical population: A systematic review with narrative synthesis
Authors: Dehghani Elaheh , Karimi Keyvan , Sokke Hananeh Ghelichi‐Moghaddam , Khadembashiri Mohammad Amin , Ghavidel Fatemeh , Memari Amir Hossein
Published: May 2024

Background

Adopting a healthy lifestyle and improvements in medical care have led to an increase in life expectancy. Thus, the development and implementation of techniques for assessing healthy lifestyles have garnered more attention recently. Finding and evaluating healthy lifestyle assessment tools across all demographics is the goal of this systematic review.

Method

Using online databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and APA PsycINFO, a systematic literature review was carried out in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐analyses. Registration DOIhttps://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/ZD9XKfor the review has been set on Open Science Framework (OSF). Using the quality standards proposed for measuring features of health status surveys, two independent reviewers evaluated the methodological quality ratings of the eligible studies.

Results

From 7480 studies, 47 eligible instruments were identified and included in the review. Most of the studies followed the World Health Organization's definition of healthy lifestyle to develop the scales. The instruments are categorized into those used to assess general lifestyle or healthy lifestyle in general as well as in the clinical population. Physical activity, nutrition, tobacco use, alcohol use, and stress management were the most assessed modules of healthy lifestyle. Furthermore, validity, reliability, responsiveness, floor and ceiling effects, and interpretability were among the psychometric qualities that were frequently assessed.

Conclusion

Lifestyle questionnaires can be used to identify specific risk factors in a variety of populations, as well as to plan community‐based intervention programs, by acting as a predictive diagnostic tool and preventive measure. The majority of the assessments of healthy lifestyles that are currently accessible require improvements.
Determination of the flexural properties of additively manufactured polyamide 12 components with antimicrobial titanium dioxide additives
Authors: du Maire P. , Friebertshäuser M. , Deckert M. , Johlitz M. , Öchsner A.
Published: May 2024

Antibacterial properties of components are increasingly becoming an important challenge in material development especially in polymer technology. A well‐known additive with which an antibacterial effect can be achieved is the metal oxide titanium dioxide. The aim of this research work was to investigate possible influences on the flexural properties of additively manufactured components resulting from the addition of titanium dioxide as an antimicrobial additive. Compounds with 5 %, 10 % and 15 % titanium dioxide and polyamide 12 as matrix material were produced. Three‐point bending test specimens were fabricated out of these compounds, anaylsed and the results were compared with specimens made of virgin polyamide 12. The investigations show a general loss in ductility compared to the virgin polyamide 12. A comparison of the different titanium dioxide contents shows no clear change in the flexural stress at conventional bending. The flexural strain at break seems to decrease for higher titanium dioxide contents.
Properties degradation of 3D printed insulators in maritime and indoor environments
Authors: Kuzmanić I. , Vujović I. , Petković M. , Šoda J.
Published: May 2024

With the advances in additive manufacturing, there is the idea of using 3D printers to produce spare parts in isolated systems such as ships, oceangoing vessels, warships, spacecraft, isolated stations, and so on. However, it raises the question of the reliability of such spare parts. One area that has not been explored much is the aging of electrical and dielectric properties, which could reveal weaknesses of 3D‐printed spare parts for use in electrical and automation systems. Therefore, the paper aims to investigate the change in resistance and dielectric constant. The results show that these changes could increase the probability of discharge and have serious consequences for electrical and automation systems.
Reverse engineering of geometric design parameters using shape information of non‐standard spur gear
Authors: Kim S.‐Y. , Jun Y.‐D. , Park S.‐Y. , Go B.‐C.
Published: May 2024

In this study, we conducted research on a method to reverse engineer geometric design parameters from the shape information of gears. The module and normal pressure angle were tracked using the bisection method, and the profile shift coefficient was extracted from the relationship between the working pitch circle diameter, center distance modification coefficient, and working pressure angle. It was confirmed that there are limitations to reverse engineering the shape using only a coordinate measuring machine or 3D scanner because various geometric information is additionally required to trace back the design requirements for gear strength. Finally, the gear tooth bending strength was calculated using finite element analysis and theoretical formula, and through this, the required level of gear strength design was inferred, and the verification of the gear reverse engineering method presented in this study was attempted.
Advances in drug design and therapeutic potential of selective or multitarget 5‐HT1A receptor ligands
Authors: Giorgioni Gianfabio , Bonifazi Alessandro , Botticelli Luca , Cifani Carlo , Matteucci Federica , Micioni Di Bonaventura Emanuela , Micioni Di Bonaventura Maria Vittoria , Giannella Mario , Piergentili Alessandro , Piergentili Alessia , Quaglia Wilma , Del Bello Fabio
Published: May 2024

5‐HT1A receptor (5‐HT1A‐R) is a serotoninergic G‐protein coupled receptor subtype which contributes to several physiological processes in both central nervous system and periphery. Despite being the first 5‐HT‐R identified, cloned and studied, it still represents a very attractive target in drug discovery and continues to be the focus of a myriad of drug discovery campaigns due to its involvement in numerous neuropsychiatric disorders. The structure‐activity relationship studies (SAR) performed over the last years have been devoted to three main goals: (i) design and synthesis of 5‐HT1A‐R selective/preferential ligands; (ii) identification of 5‐HT1A‐R biased agonists, differentiating pre‐ versus post‐synaptic agonism and signaling cellular mechanisms; (iii) development of multitarget compounds endowed with well‐defined poly‐pharmacological profiles targeting 5‐HT1A‐R along with other serotonin receptors, serotonin transporter (SERT), D2‐like receptors and/or enzymes, such as acetylcholinesterase and phosphodiesterase, as a promising strategy for the management of complex psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, medicinal chemistry aspects of ligands acting as selective/preferential or multitarget 5‐HT1A‐R agonists and antagonists belonging to different chemotypes and developed in the last 7 years (2017–2023) have been discussed. The development of chemical and pharmacological 5‐HT1A‐R tools for molecular imaging have also been described. Finally, the pharmacological interest of 5‐HT1A‐R and the therapeutic potential of ligands targeting this receptor have been considered.
Counter‐intuitive discovery in the formulation of poorly water‐soluble drugs: Amorphous small‐molecule gels
Authors: Shu Yecheng , Zhao Peixu , Li Xin , Shi Xianbao , Fu Qiang
Published: May 2024

Amorphous strategies have been extensively used in improving the dissolution of insoluble drugs for decades due to their high free energy. However, the formation of amorphous small‐molecule gels (ASMGs) presents a counter‐intuitive discovery that significantly limits their practical application. Recently, ASMGs have garnered attention because of their noncovalent structures, excellent biodegradability, and significant potential in various drug delivery systems in the pharmaceutical field. Hence, a comprehensive review is necessary to contribute to a better understanding of recent advances in ASMGs. This review aimed to introduce the main formation mechanisms, summarize possible influencing factors, generalize unique properties, outline elimination strategies, and discuss clinical application potential with preclinical cases of ASMGs. Moreover, few ASMGs are advanced to clinical stages. Intensive clinical research is needed for further development. We hope that this review can provide more efficient and rational guidance for exploring further clinical applications of ASMGs.
Almond gum‐chitosan nanocomposite as edible formulation for advancing postharvest longevity of fruits and vegetables
Authors: Suresh Siva Nandhini , SenthilKumar Praveetha , Pushparaj Charumathi , Sarangi Prakash Kumar , Regina Viduthalai Rasheedkhan , Subramani Ramesh
Published: May 2024

Postharvest produces including fruits and vegetables are perishable and require preservation for prolonged shelf life. Edible coatings are emerging as a safe and value‐added alternative for traditional preservation methods such as refrigeration and chemical treatments. In this article, we have developed almond gum/chitosan (AC)‐based edible coating/formulation and investigated the effectiveness of coating on improving the shelf life of tomatoes and blueberries. The coated tomatoes and blueberries, after a shelf life of 25 and 20 days, respectively exhibited a significant improvement in weight loss (5%–20%), reduced acidity (1–3 folds), and kept the ascorbic acid content lower when compared to the uncoated tomatoes and blueberries. Both the coated tomatoes and blueberries did not exhibit spoilage indicating antimicrobial activity of the coating. Direct testing of the coating formulations exhibited significant anti‐microbial activity against Staphyococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeroginosa. The polymer films, prepared using the coating formulation, exhibited low moisture content (34.8 ± 2.02% and 41.5 ± 1.34%), low solubility (42.56 ± 2.3% and 31.31 ± 3.1%), low tensile strength (0.34 ± 0.05 N m−2 and 0.75 ± 0.07 N m−2) and high elongation (63.2 ± 4.12% and 71.5 ± 3.8%). These measured film properties confirm that the polymer film has good flexibility and is suitable for edible packaging. Overall, the newly developed AC edible coating exhibits significant potential for a wide range of applications within the food processing industry, offering a viable substitute for conventional wax and lipid‐based coatings.
Sustained increase in annual transcranial Doppler screening rates in children with sickle cell disease: A quality improvement project
Authors: Edwards Jeffrey G. , Yan Adam P. , Yim Ramy , Oni Mo , Heeney Matthew M. , Johnson Dave , Wong Chris I. , Ilowite Maya , Archer Natasha M.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) at increased risk for stroke should undergo annual stroke risk assessment using transcranial Doppler (TCD) screening between the ages of 2 and 16. Though this screening can significantly reduce morbidity associated with SCD, screening rates at Boston Children's Hospital (and nationwide) remain below the recommended 100% screening adherence rates.

Methods

Three plan–do–study–act (PDSA) cycles were designed and implemented. The Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time‐Bound (SMART) aim of our quality improvement (QI) initiative was to sustainably increase the proportion of eligible patients receiving a TCD within 15 months of their last TCD to greater than 95%. An interrupted time series (ITS) analysis was performed, comparing TCD adherence rates from PDSA Cycle 1 to those from PDSA Cycles 2 and 3.

Results

Mean TCD adherence increased across all three PDSA cycles, from a baseline of 67% in the first cycle (January 2015 to September 2020) to 92% in the third cycle (May 2021 to March 2023). In the ITS analysis of TCD adherence rates, there was a significant difference in the final TCD adherence rate achieved compared to the rate predicted, with a total estimated increase in adherence of 17.9% being attributable to the interventions from PDSA Cycles 2 and 3.

Discussion

Although other QI initiatives had demonstrated ability to increase adherence to TCD screening for patients with SCD, this is the first QI project to collect data over such a prolonged period of time to demonstrate a sustained increase in screening rates throughout the intervention (an 8‐year period).
Current surgical approaches to pediatric renal tumors
Authors: Glick Richard D. , Romao Rodrigo L. P. , Pachl Max , Kotagal Meera , Buchanan Amanda F. , Murphy Andrew J. , Tracy Elisabeth T. , Pio Luca , Cost Nicholas G. , Godzinski Jan , Ehrlich Peter F.
Published: May 2024

Pediatric renal tumors are among the most common pediatric solid malignancies. Surgical resection is a key component in the multidisciplinary therapy for children with kidney tumors. Therefore, it is imperative that surgeons caring for children with renal tumors fully understand the current standards of care in order to provide appropriate surgical expertise within this multimodal framework. Fortunately, the last 60 years of international, multidisciplinary pediatric cancer cooperative group studies have enabled high rates of cure for these patients. This review will highlight the international surgical approaches to pediatric patients with kidney cancer to help surgeons understand the key differences and similarities between the European (International Society of Pediatric Oncology) and North American (Children's Oncology Group) recommendations.
Synthesis and properties of transparent PMMA/cellulose nanocomposites prepared by in situ polymerization in green solvent
Authors: Sušac Kristina , Vidović Elvira , Vrsaljko Domagoj , Jukić Ante
Published: May 2024

In order to contribute to the demanded sustainability transparent poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composites with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) up to high shares of 50 wt% were prepared by in situ radical polymerization in green solvent Cyrene. The weight average molecular weights of PMMA were in the range from 144,000 to 160,000 g mol−1 and the dispersity was in the range of 1.49 to 1.89 with high conversion of monomer to polymer. The DSC thermal analysis showed that the glass transition temperature of pure PMMA was at 99°C while in composites increased from 103°C up to 129°C with the increase of CNC from 1 wt% to 50 wt%. TGA shows that the addition of CNC does not have a significant effect on the thermal stability of PMMA. In composites Young's modulus increases with the increasing CNC ratio and composites with 50 wt% of CNC showed more than twice the modulus of the PMMA matrix. The SEM images indicate uniform distribution of CNC in polymer matrix. The transparent and semitransparent PMMA/cellulose composites of improved sustainability with higher modulus of elasticity and glass transition temperature can be used as lightweight materials for a wide range of technical and everyday applications as well as optical lenses or acoustic lenses for ultrasound transducers and other devices.

Highlights

Cellulose nanocrystals/PMMA composites fabricated by a green in situ process.

Synthesized PMMA matrices have high molecular weights.

Improved elastic modulus and glass transition temperature were achieved.

Prioritizing eco‐friendly chemicals for a greener production approach.
High strength and high damping CFRP composites with co‐curing viscoelastic sandwich film
Authors: Zheng Changsheng , Zhou Yuesong , Yan Shengyu , Duan Fenghai
Published: May 2024

The high temperature co‐curing damping composite was investigated by co‐curing technology to improve the mechanical property and damping performance of the traditional fiber reinforced resin matrix composite. Fluororubber with stable chemical properties and high‐temperature resistance was used as the core layer of novel carbon fiber reinforced bismaleimide resin matrix High‐temperature Co‐curing Damping Sandwich Composites (HCDSC). The curing temperature and curing time of fluororubber were consistent with that of bismaleimide resin by adjusting the formula. The viscoelastic damping properties and thermal stability of zinc methacrylate reinforced fluororubber were investigated in detail. Static mechanical tests, modal tests and interfacial shear tests prove that HCDSC display excellent mechanical and damping properties. The interfacial microscopic analysis reveals that viscoelastic sandwich materials are closely bonded with the composites. The dynamic characteristics of damping sandwich composite plate with fixed support on four sides is analyzed theoretically, and the vibration equilibrium equation of composite plate is derived by combining first‐order shear deformation theory, variational principle, and Hamilton principle. The damping performance of the composite plate are discussed through modal tests to verify the accuracy of theoretical derivation. This research is of great significance to solve the problem of structural dynamics, and provides a new idea for the design of structural and functional composite materials.

Highlights

A viscoelastic damping material with large damping and high strength was prepared.

The dynamic performance of co‐curing sandwich composite structures was studied.

The free vibration of composite structures was explored via experiment and theory.
Construction of 3D nanostructures on carbon fiber surfaces by sizing for preparing high‐performance composites
Authors: Li Weiwen , Quan Guipeng , Li Xumin , Wu Yunhuan , Feng Hengyu , Li Jun , Gong Bao , Ao Yuhui , Xiao Linghan , Liu Yujing
Published: May 2024

Poor interfacial adhesion between carbon fibers (CF) and the resin matrix has been a limiting factor in advancing the properties of composites. To address this challenge, this study employs the sizing method to coat carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (h‐BN) onto the CF surface. The 3D structures formed by strategic of combination 1D and 2D nanomaterials, markedly enhances the mechanical, thermal and frictional properties of CF composites. The results reveal a significant boost in the flexural strength, flexural modulus, interlaminar shear strength and interfacial shear strength of the prepared CF composites, registering increases of 53.96%, 60.41%, 55.58% and 55.35%, respectively. These advancements stem from the heightened surface reactivity and roughness of the fibers, facilitated by the synergistic interactions between CNTs and BN. Furthermore, the thermal conductivity of the composites exhibits a remarkable increase of 63.56%, attributed to the synergistic coupling between CF and BN, establishing an efficient thermal conductivity pathway within the composites. This research provides a highly effective approach for crafting high‐performance CF composites.

Highlights

Construction of 3D network structures on CF surfaces by the sizing method.

Synergistic coupling between BN and CNT enhances composite properties.

Synergistic enhancement of friction and thermal properties of CF composites.
Effects of sisal fiber and fly ash on the mechanical and tribological performances of brake friction composites
Authors: Wang Nan , Yin Zixin , Liu Hao , Guo Huanyin
Published: May 2024

Industrial development has led to an increase in demand for friction materials, resulting in increasingly prominent environmental issues throughout their entire life cycle, and developing green and eco‐friendly brake friction materials has become a focus in the braking field. This paper explores the mechanical and tribological properties of fly ash (industrial waste) and sisal fiber (natural fiber) as eco‐friendly components to enhance brake friction materials. Four samples containing different ratios of fly ash and sisal fiber were prepared and tested with a variable‐speed friction testing machine. The results show that the eco‐friendly alternative combination can effectively improve the friction coefficient, and reduce friction fluctuations and thermal degradation, but the wear rate will also increase accordingly. In addition, the worn morphology reveals the formation of the contact platform and wear mechanism. A hybrid integration of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and multi‐objective optimization by ratio analysis (MOORA) was used to weigh various evaluation indicators objectively and rank the samples. The sample with 8% fly ash and 6% sisal fiber exhibited the best comprehensive tribological performance.

Highlights

Development of eco‐friendly brake friction composites with natural and waste additives.

Investigation of the effect of the natural wastes' ratio on prepared composites' physical, mechanical, and tribological properties.

Evaluation of brake friction composites with AHP‐MOORA.

Sample S6F8 exhibits the best comprehensive tribological performance.
Discrimination between raw and ginger juice processed Fructus Gardeniae based on UHPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS and Heracles NEO ultra‐fast gas phase electronic nose
Authors: Fan Xingchen , Zhang Kewei , Wang Sichen , Qi Yufang , Dai Guiyu , Lu Tulin , Mao Chunqin
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Fructus Gardeniae (ZZ), a traditional Chinese herb, has been used in treating patients with jaundice, inflammation, etc. When mixed with ginger juice and stir‐baked, ginger juice‐processed Fructus Gardeniae (JZZ) is produced, and the chemical compositions in ZZ would be changed by adding the ginger juice.

Objective

To illuminate the differential components between ZZ and JZZ.

Methods

HPLC, UHPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS, and Heracles NEO ultra‐fast gas phase electronic nose were applied to identify the differential components between ZZ and JZZ.

Results

HPLC fingerprints of ZZ and JZZ were established, and 24 common peaks were found. The content determination results showed that the contents of shanzhiside, geniposidic acid, genipin‐1‐β‐D‐gentiobioside and geniposide increased, while the contents of crocin I and crocin II decreased in JZZ. By UHPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS, twenty‐six possible common components were inferred, among which 11 components were different. In further investigation, eight components were identified as the possible distinctive non‐volatile compounds between ZZ and JZZ. By Heracles NEO ultra‐fast gas phase electronic nose, four substances were inferred as the possible distinctive volatile compounds in JZZ.

Conclusion

Shanzhiside, caffeic acid, genipin‐1‐β‐D‐gentiobioside, geniposide, rutin, crocin I, crocin II, and 4‐Sinapoyl‐5‐caffeoylquinic acid were identified as the possible differential non‐volatile components between ZZ and JZZ. Aniline, 3‐methyl‐3‐sulfanylbutanol‐1‐ol, E‐3‐octen‐2‐one, and decyl propaonate were inferred as the possible distinctive volatile compounds in JZZ. This experiment explored a simple approach with objective and stable results, which would provide new ideas for studying decoction pieces with similar morphological appearance, especially those with different odors.
Bridging additive and subtractive manufacturing
Authors: Holder Daniel , Henn Manuel , Buser Matthias , Hagenlocher Christian , Onuseit Volkher , Graf Thomas
Published: May 2024

Additive manufacturing with laser powder‐bed fusion (PBF‐LB/M) can generate complex metal parts with a high degree of design freedom, which are already being used in various industries. However, the PBF‐LB/M process faces some limitations in achievable surface quality and feature size. To address these challenges, we have developed a novel hybrid manufacturing approach that combines additive manufacturing via PBF‐LB/M with subtractive manufacturing via ultrafast laser machining. By alternating between additive and subtractive processes, it is possible to not only mitigate the limitations of each process but also to introduce new functionality. This synergistic combination enables the creation of parts with superior surface finishes and deep and narrow internal features that are not possible with a single method alone.
Quantitative entropy–enthalpy compensation in intraprotein interactions from model compound data
Authors: Redvanly Thomas W. , Pielak Gary J.
Published: May 2024

Many small globular proteins exist in only two states—the physiologically relevant folded state and an inactive unfolded state. The active state is stabilized by numerous weak attractive contacts, including hydrogen bonds, other polar interactions, and the hydrophobic effect. Knowledge of these interactions is key to understanding the fundamental equilibrium thermodynamics of protein folding and stability. We focus on one such interaction, that between amide and aromatic groups. We provide a statistically convincing case for quantitative, linear entropy–enthalpy compensation in forming aromatic–amide interactions using published model compound transfer‐free energy data.
TSAF‐Net: a rotated two‐stage Cnaphalocrocis medinalis damage detection method based on anchor‐free arbitrary‐oriented proposal network
Authors: Chen Tianjiao , Chen Hongbo , Du Jianming , Wang Rujing , Zhang Meng , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (C.medinalis) is an agricultural pest with recurrent outbreaks. The investigation into automated pest and disease detection technology holds significant value for in‐field surveys. Current generic detection methods are inadequate due to arbitrary orientations and a wide range of aspect ratios in damage symptoms. To tackle these issues, we put forward a rotated two‐stage detection method for in‐field C.medinalis surveys. This method relies on an anchor‐free rotated region proposal network (AF‐R2PN), bypassing the need for hyper‐parameter optimization induced by predefined anchor boxes. An in‐field C.medinalis dataset is constructed during on‐site pest surveys to validate the effectiveness of our method.

RESULTS

The experimental results show that our method can accomplish 80% average precision (AP), surpassing the corresponding horizontal detector by 2.3%. The visualization results of our work showcase its exceptional localization capability over generic detection methods, facilitating inspection by plant protectors. Meanwhile, our proposed method outperforms other state‐of‐the‐art rotated detection algorithms. The AF‐R2PN module can generate superior arbitrary‐oriented proposals even with a decreased number of proposals, balancing inference speed and detection performance among other rotated two‐stage methods.

CONCLUSION

The proposed method exhibits superiority in detecting C. medinalis damage under complex field conditions. It provides greater practical applicability during in‐field surveys, enhancing their efficiency and coverage. The findings hold significance for pest and disease monitoring, providing important technical support for agricultural production. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.