bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life cycle safety issues of lithium metal batteries: A perspective
Authors: Yang Shi‐Jie , Jiang Feng‐Ni , Hu Jiang‐Kui , Yuan Hong , Cheng Xin‐Bing , Kaskel Stefan , Zhang Qiang , Huang Jia‐Qi
Published: October 2023

The rising lithium metal batteries (LMBs) demonstrate a huge potential for improving the utilization duration of energy storage devices due to high theoretical energy density. Benefiting from the designs in the electrolyte, interface, and lithium host, several attempts have been made in the commercial application of LMBs. However, the application of lithium anode introduces additional safety risks and potential catastrophic accidents due to the high activity of lithium metal and dendrite during the electrochemical cycles. A comprehensive understanding of challenges and design issues on the safety hazards of LMBs in life cycle management is imperative for safe and commercial applications of LMBs. This paper first reviews emerging key safety issues and promising corresponding enhancements of LMBs during their production, utilization, and recycling. The wet air instability of lithium metal anode and gas production during activation have undoubtedly become the most intractable problems in LMBs production. It is necessary to use spraying technology to build a good protection layer upon lithium metal anode. Then, the growth of lithium dendrites poses a higher challenge to the utilization of LMBs, which requires the design of better electrolyte, anode skeleton, and other strategies as well as the prediction of LMBs life through big data and other methods. As for LMBs recovery, it is of great significance to choose the solvent to effectively control the consumption rate and temperature of highly reactive lithium metal powder. At last, further appeals and improvements are proposed for inspiring more related research to push forward the commercial use of LMBs.
Computing the stress intensity factor range for fatigue crack growth testing at 20 kHz
Authors: Sadek Mohamed , Bergström Jens , Hallbäck Nils
Published: October 2023

Inertia and damping influence the values of the stress intensity factors (SIFs) at high‐frequency loading and they must be included in computations. In the present study, different dynamic simulation procedures were carried out for two types of specimen geometries and the achieved SIF values were compared. Fast computation procedures such as harmonic modal analysis and direct steady‐state analysis were compared to the computationally expensive transient dynamic analysis. Two different methods for calculating the SIF, the J‐integral and the crack tip opening displacement (CTOD) methods, were applied and compared and the results showed a near perfect agreement in calculation of the mode I SIF. The Rayleigh damping model was introduced into the dynamic computation to investigate its effect and the results revealed a clear effect on the SIF at 20 kHz frequency. The fast direct steady‐state analysis showed good agreement to both harmonic modal and transient analysis with the different damping values used and is, after this study, the recommended procedure.
Experimental and 3D numerical analysis of the impact of a tower shape on the performances of a solar chimney power plant
Authors: Djimli Samir , Boukelia Taqiy Eddine , Chaker Abla , Ghellab Amel
Published: October 2023

This article presents both numerical and experimental analyses investigating the impact of tower shape on the performance of a solar chimney power plant (SCPP). The study explores several cases through experiments and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling. Specifically, variations in the tower's outlet section and overall shape were examined under different solar radiation conditions. The shape of the tower was found to have a significant influence on various performance parameters of the studied SCPP. These include the mass flow rate, velocity, temperature rise in the collector, pressure in the tower, as well as power production, and overall efficiency. The obtained results indicate that when the tower's outlet section is twice the size of the inlet section, all of these parameters experience substantial improvements. For a configuration similar to that of the Manzanares prototype, the generated power increased from 50 to 56 kW, representing an enhancement of about 12%. The findings underscore the importance of considering the tower shape when designing SCPPs. Optimizing the tower's geometry can lead to significant improvements in key performance metrics, resulting in enhanced power generation and overall efficiency.
Improvement of the photovoltaic panel cooling by natural air ventilation
Authors: Lebbi Mohamed , Boutina Lyes , Hassani Samir , Touafek Khaled , Khelifa Abdelkrim , Kherrour Sofiane , Benchatti Ahmed
Published: October 2023

The operating temperature increase in solar photovoltaic modules is a major problem, which affects their performance negatively. This numerical study introduces the effect of natural convection air‐cooling on the performance a novel hybrid photovoltaic/thermal collector. The standard k‐ε turbulence model is implemented for describing the turbulent natural convection. For improving the heat transfer rate of a novel photovoltaic/thermal collector system (PV/T), a sloped entrance channel (SEC) and an aluminum flat plate (AFP) were installed. The effects of SEC geometry parameters, the number of AFP and their distance to the photovoltaic module (PV) on the average Nusselt number are investigated. In addition, the effect of the PV/T system tilt angle and Rayleigh number on the thermo‐hydrodynamic flow behavior has been discussed. The results indicated that the heat transfer rate of the new hybrid PV/T system was improved by up to 20%, compared to the reference case without an aluminum flat plate. In addition, increasing the tilt angle of the PV/T system boosts airflow velocity, particularly for high Rayleigh number values (with and without AFP). Furthermore, several correlations, as functions of Rayleigh numbers and inlet channel dimensions, have been developed to predict the average Nusselt number.
Evaluating investment risks in overseas renewable energy projects: A WSR and D‐AHP based approach
Authors: Xu Nanjie , Wan Anxia , Elahi Ehsan , Peng Benhong
Published: October 2023

Investing in renewable energy is vital for reducing carbon emissions, yet it also poses significant risks and uncertainties. This study proposes a novel approach to evaluate investment risks in overseas renewable energy projects. First, we apply the Wuli–Shili–Renli (WSR) methodology to develop an evaluation index system for investment risks at three levels—Wuli, Shili, and Renli. Second, a risk assessment framework combining D‐AHP and TOPSIS method is constructed to solve the problem of uncertainty in evaluation information resulting from variations in expert experience. Then we can obtain the risk value. Finally, we apply our approach to evaluate the ADAMA Wind Power Phase I Project in Ethiopia. Our findings reveal a medium risk value for the project, with the highest risk at the Shili level. The management risk is the most significant risk factor, consistent with reality. Our proposed method can effectively address information uncertainty in assessing investment risks of renewable energy projects and is applicable to other similar projects.
Self potent antimicrobial and antifouling properties of zinc nanoparticles derived from lichen symbionts
Authors: Subbaiyan Rubavathi , Ganesan Ayyappadasan , Muthusamy Bhuvaneshwaran , Ramasubramanian Brindha
Published: October 2023

Biofouling poses a significant economic challenge for marine transportation. The use of chemical compounds to eliminate fouling layers beneath the ship's surface, albeit effective, raises concerns due to its potential harm to the aquatic ecosystem. Lichen symbiotic associations, an underexplored research area, show promise in producing antimicrobial and antifouling compounds. These lichen‐associated bacteria engage in various functional activities and have multiple bacterial counterparts. The optimal conditions for cultivating lichen‐associated bacteria for maximum growth were identified as a pH of 7, a temperature of 30°C, and an incubation period of 8 days. Glucose served as the carbon source, while yeast extract served as the nitrogen source. Additionally, zinc nanoparticles were successfully synthesized from the thriving lichen‐associated bacteria. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis indicated distinctive bands at 3890 and 3103 cm−1, corresponding to the OH stretching of alcohol and acid stretch bands, respectively. Furthermore, the presence of amide in NH banding in the synthesized zinc nanoparticles was represented by a band at 1636 cm−1. SEM images of the produced zinc NPs displayed a spherical shape, ranging in size from 40 to 70 nm. To assess the impact of these nanoparticles from lichen‐associated bacteria on biofouling activity in marine transportation, zebrafish results were analyzed.
Role of promoters over yttria‐zirconia supported Ni catalyst for dry reforming of methane
Authors: Fakeeha Anis H. , Acharya Kenit , Ibrahim Ahmed A. , Almutairi Ghzzai , Abu‐Dahrieh Jehad K. , Abasaeed Ahmed E. , Kumar Rawesh , Al‐Fatesh Ahmed S.
Published: October 2023

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) bears great hope for the catalytic community as well as environmentalists for its potential to convert two greenhouse gases, CH4 and CO2, together into synthetic feedstock “syngas”. The stable tetragonal zirconium yttrium oxide phase over the “Yttria‐zirconia supported Ni” catalyst (Ni/YZr) brings >70% CH4 conversion against 50% CH4 conversion over zirconia supported Ni catalyst) in 7 h time‐on‐stream (TOS). The use of the second metal oxide (MOx; M = Ho, Ga, Gd, Ba, Cs) in a small amount (4 wt%) over Ni/YZ catalyst is found to promote the catalytic activity further. Herein, we have prepared such metal‐promoted yttria‐zirconia supported Ni catalyst, employed them for DRM and characterized them with surface area porosity, X‐ray diffraction, spectroscopic techniques, temperature programmed techniques and transmission electron microscopy. A fine correlation of characterization results with catalytic activity brings out various useful information that would be useful for establishing yttria‐zirconia supported Ni catalyst for DRM. Ni stabilized over cubic zirconium holmium oxide phase in 5Ni4Ho/YZr catalyst, cubic zirconium gadolinium oxide phase in 5Ni4Gd/YZr catalyst and cubic zirconium barium oxide phase in 5Ni4Ba/YZr catalyst perform excellent toward DRM. Catalytically, 5Ni4Ho/YZr catalyst achieves CH4 conversion as high as ~85% whereas 5Ni4Ba/YZr and 5Ni4Gd/YZr show CH4 conversions of about ~80%. Even in 30 h TOS study, 5Ni4Ho/YZr catalyst showed >81% CH4 conversion with retaining highest H2/CO (0.97).
A new species of Gomphostemma (Lamiaceae) from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India
Authors: Singh Lal Ji , Naik Mudavath Chennakesavulu , Ekka Gautam Anuj
Published: October 2023

Gomphostemma andamanensis, L.J. Singh, M.C. Naik, & G.A. Ekka sp.nov., is described and illustrated from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. This new species is superficially similar to G. pedunculatum Bentham ex J.D. Hook. and G. strobilinum Wall. ex Benth., but differs markedly by a combination of vegetative morphological, inflorescence architectural, and floral characters. The Onge tribe, the inhabitants of type locality use the species for ethno‐medicinal purposes. The conservation status of the species is assessed as Critically Endangered. A key to the species of Gomphostemma from India is provided.
How to pay for ecosystem services
Authors: Plantinga Andrew J , Millage Katherine , O'Reilly Erin , Bieri Tamaki , Holmes Nick , Wilson Jono , Bradley Darcy
Published: October 2023

New investments in conservation are needed to halt and reverse the rapid and extensive changes to ecosystems driven by growing human demands for natural resources. A major barrier is matching viable financing solutions to conservation projects. Recent conservation finance studies catalog available financing options but do not provide adequate guidance on which financing pathways are suitable for a particular conservation project. Studies in the natural capital literature identify activities that best serve the conservator's objectives but typically fail to address the question of how to pay for them. We attempt to bridge these literature sources by providing a framework for identifying the specific conditions that must be satisfied by a project in order for an existing financing mechanism to be viable. Notably, our framework quickly reveals financing approaches that can be eliminated. We demonstrate the utility of this approach through conservation case studies on establishment of native forests, coral reef restoration, oyster restoration, and island biosecurity.
Construction of aroma association network of cooked rice based on gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and sensory analysis
Authors: Guan Lina , Mi Yongjie , Zhang Min , Li Sixuan , Ye Guodong
Published: October 2023

The aroma of cooked rice is a key factor in the evaluation of taste quality for rice grading, which greatly affects consumer acceptance. Combining the results of instrumental analysis and sensory evaluation to comprehensively analyse the aroma of cooked rice is a new strategy. The aroma characteristics of fifteen cooked rice varieties were analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and descriptive sensory analysis. Based on the aroma descriptors obtained by gas chromatography‐olfactometry (GC‐O) analysis and the odour activity value (OAV) of aroma compounds, the aroma profiles of cooked rice were preliminarily explained by bipartite network and aroma fingerprint. The Pearson correlation coefficients between the OAV results of aroma compounds and sensory data were calculated to construct the aroma association network. The results showed that the aroma attributes of cooked rice were significantly correlated with certain aroma compounds identified by GC–MS, such as aldehydes and heterocycles. The aroma attributes of cooked grain, popcorn, grassy, nutty, and fruity could be well explained by the results of GC–MS analysis. The purpose of the study is to better understand the relationship between aroma characteristics and chemical composition, as well as to provide a theoretical basis for evaluating and predicting the aroma of cooked rice using GC–MS analysis.
Association between quantitative morphological traits and RAPD molecular markers in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)
Authors: Khadivi Ali , Hosseini Akram‐Sadat , Kashi Fatemeh
Published: October 2023

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is very important in terms of horticulture and food around the world. The present research aimed to identify the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers associated with morphological traits in pomegranate genotypes. Significant differences were observed among the studied genotypes based on the recorded traits. The 18 RAPD primers produced a total of 154 polymorphic fragments among genotypes. Using multiple regression analysis between each of the morphological traits and 154 RAPD polymorphic bands, RAPD markers associated with each of the morphological traits were identified. In total, 11 markers showed significant correlations with fruit weight, 9 markers with 100‐aril weight, 11 markers with anthocyanin, and 8 markers with total soluble solids. Some markers were associated with more than one morphological trait, showing that the association of a marker with more than one trait can be caused by the pleiotropic effects of quantitative trait loci related to each other in different traits. For instance, the BA6‐1 marker showed positive correlations with fruit weight, fruit crown width, and leaf length. Also, OPG13‐3 and BA6‐10 markers showed positive correlations with total soluble solids and anthocyanin content. The informative markers identified related to morphological characteristics in pomegranate can be a suitable guide to identify the genotypes with valuable fruit traits. Also, these markers can be used in selecting suitable parents for population generation for mapping purposes.
The effects of additives as a marinade producer on nutritional quality parameters of Oncorhynchus mykiss fish during storage at 4°C
Authors: Aberoumand Ali , Aminimehr Abolfazl
Published: October 2023

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the utilization of additive ingredients on the proximate composition, energy value, yield percentage, and pH value of cold and cooked Rainbow trout marinade. In this study, the effect of the marinating solution with different concentrations of lemon juice and salt on various quality properties in the processed muscle was determined. Results showed the pH value of the cold marinade in treatments 2, 3, and 4 decreased to 5.57, 5.15, and 5.14 with significant differences, respectively. The results showed that the marinade yield range (27.1%–19.28%) was found as a result of the marinating process. There was a significant difference between the cold and cooked fish marinades in terms of water content, pH, proximate contents, and yield percentage. The protein content in cold marinade was highest at 16.43%, while in treatments 2, 3, and 4, it decreased to 16.42%, 14.00%, and 14.56%, respectively with a significant difference. The lipid content in cold marinade (2.31%) for treatment 4 was highest, while in treatments 3 and 4, it increased significantly. The cold marinade treatment 4 found the highest energy and nutrient values, while the yield of marinade was 61.21%. The treatment T2 in cooked marinade found the highest energy value and the lowest weight loss (89.7%). Moisture retention in fish‐cooked marinade treatments was found to be 13.5%, 5.52%, and 9.77%. It can be concluded that treatment 2 was the best option for both cold and cooked marinades.
A review of the impact of social disruptions on food security and food choice
Authors: Munialo Claire D. , Mellor Duane D.
Published: October 2023

At times of severe social disruption, be that war, conflict, pandemic, or economic downturn, both the availability and consumption of healthy dietary patterns can be adversely affected with any effects often outlasting the initial social disruption. For instance, when the COVID‐19 pandemic hit and lockdown restrictions followed, households were reported to consume unhealthy diets. In some cases, this seemed to be a response to the situation and a coping mechanism. In contrast, in other cases, it was a consequence of limited food availability or access, with some communities finding that fresh foods became difficult to source due to the disruption in global supply chains. The example presented by the impact of conflict in Ukraine, which has also disrupted global food supply chains, at a macrolevel, food systems and at a microlevel, individual and community shows that food choices may respond to different global events in similar ways. Therefore, in this review, a range of events/disruptions are considered, beyond pandemics and wars, including climate disasters (e.g., fire, famine, and floods) that have been shown to impact food supply and consequently, food security. The importance of this can be seen as inadequate and nutritionally poor diets have a concomitant effect on health, which extends beyond the initial period of societal stress and disruption of food supply chains. Hence, the impact of such disruptions on consumer behavior which includes food choice needs to be corroborated. Therefore, this review aims to discuss the impact of such disruptions on consumer behavior and food choices. Additionally, this review provides some practical strategies that can be used to ensure the availability of healthy diets.
Cichoric acid improves isoproterenol‐induced myocardial fibrosis via inhibition of HK1/NLRP3 inflammasome‐mediated signaling pathways by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis
Authors: Cheng Xizhen , Zhang Yuling , Guo Haochuan , Li Xinnong , Wang Yanan , Song Yongxing , Wang Hongfang , Ma Donglai
Published: October 2023

Cichoric acid (CA), a natural phenolic compound found in many plants, has been reported to have antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and other effects. The aim of this study was to determine the potential role and underlying mechanisms of CA in isoproterenol (ISO)‐induced myocardial fibrosis (MF). The MF model was induced by subcutaneous ISO injection in mice. Blood and heart tissue were collected for examination. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson's trichrome staining were used to evaluate the histopathological changes and collagen deposition. The production of reactive oxygen species markers was observed by fluorescence microscopy, the degree of cardiomyocyte microstructure injury was observed by transmission electron microscope, and oxidative stress factors were detected by kit method, and the effect of CA on inflammatory factors was detected by ELISA. The expression levels of collagen proteins and signaling pathways were further investigated by western blotting. The results showed that CA inhibited the expression of ISO‐induced proinflammatory factors (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐18) and proteins (HK1, NLRP3, caspase‐1, cleaved‐caspase‐1, and ASC), and regulated the expression of apoptotic factors (caspase‐3, cleaved‐caspase‐3, Bax, and Bcl‐2). The results indicated that CA may regulate the HK1/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway by inhibiting HK1 expression and play a protective role in MF.
The Chief Wellness Officer: A long overdue catalyst for systemic change in Emergency Medicine
Authors: Walia Shabana , Nordenholz Kristen E. , Krywko Diann , Norvell Jeffrey G. , Hewitt Keia VR , Parmele Katerina Tsapos , Levin Randall M. , Kennedy Joseph , Manfredi Rita A.
Published: October 2023

Goals

The American healthcare system is amid a burnout epidemic, worsened by COVID, that must be addressed expeditiously and with high priority. The burden Emergency Physicians encountered before and during the pandemic is well known, with countless healthcare workers exiting the work force. A Chief Wellness Officer (CWO) is a senior leader who works primarily to cultivate organisational wellness and to foster and promote a culture of well‐being throughout an institution. Specifically, the CWO assists the health system leadership promote clinician engagement and address clinician burnout. This paper explores the status of existing CWOs, and cites the benefits, impacts, and barriers to implementation of a CWO, with focus on the field of Emergency Medicine (EM).

Methods

A steering committee of wellness experts was formed from a national EM organisation. A purposive search and literature review using search terms relating to CWOs was completed. Publications were examined for relevance and recency. The committee created an online questionnaire surveying current US CWOs, conducted personal interviews, and met through regular focused meetings. A framework delineating the role of a CWO as an organisation evolves from instituting novice wellness interventions to expert organisational innovations was created.

Principle Findings

Despite their title, CWOs are not regularly included in c‐suite decisions. Barriers to instituting a CWO include perceived financial cost, the medical system itself, and physician resistance. Defining and measuring objective return on investment may be a solution to overcoming barriers. CWOs who create comprehensive institutional wellness innovations bring organisations to the highest proficient and expert levels of wellness practices, positively affecting physician engagement and deflecting burnout. CWOs instituting novice and beginner levels of wellness interventions, especially in EM, only modestly impact individual wellness practices.

Practical Applications

A CWO and team with an organisational voice and a C‐suite stakeholder's seat are essential to centralising and leading effective wellness efforts and innovations in EM and other specialities. This team will improve the work environment and culture and begin to fix our broken healthcare system and providers.
Advanced wound management approaches in Hidradenitis Suppurativa postsurgical lesions
Authors: Michelucci Alessandra , Janowska Agata , Granieri Giammarco , Margiotta Flavia M. , Morganti Riccardo , Romanelli Marco , Dini Valentina
Published: October 2023

Key messages

The most appropriate management of recurrent Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) lesions consists of wide surgical removal of the lesions with subsequent healing by second intention. Successful wound healing depends on the choice of an adequate wound dressing, targeted to the features of the wound.

We enrolled 25 patients randomized into three groups according to the advanced dressing used in second intention healing of postsurgical wounds (standard therapy, an oxygen‐enriched oil‐based medical device with prolonged release of reactive oxygen species [ROS], ultra‐portable negative pressure therapy). Data on wound size, clinical appearance of the wound bed, and pain experienced by the patient were collected twice a week for 4 weeks

No statistically significant differences were observed between the different groups evaluated. Oxygen‐enriched oil‐based medical device with prolonged release of ROS can be included in the principle of HS—tissue, inflammation, moisture, and epithelium (TIME).
Neonatal mortality and its predictors among neonates in Jabitehnan district, Northwest Ethiopia: A single‐arm retrospective cohort study
Authors: Dessie Anteneh Mengist , Nigatu Dabere , Yadita Zemenu Shiferaw , Yimer Yalemwork Anteneh , Yalew Anteneh Kassa , Aychew Eden Workneh , Feleke Sefineh Fenta
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims

Neonatal period is the most vulnerable time in which children face the greatest risk of death. Worldwide, each year, millions of newborns died in the first month of life. Sub‐Saharan Africa, Ethiopia, in particular, is largely affected. However, there is a dearth of information regarding the survival status of neonates and determinants of their mortality in the study area. Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating neonatal mortality and its predictors in Jabitehnan district, Northwest Ethiopia.

Method

A single‐arm community‐based retrospective cohort study was conducted in March 2021 among 952 neonates born between August 2020 and February 2021. Data were collected by a semi‐structured questionnaire, and a multistage stratified sampling technique was employed to select one urban and 10 rural kebeles from the district. Then, the total sample size was proportionally allocated to these selected kebeles. Neonatal death was ascertained by community diagnosis. Kaplan–Meier curve was used to estimate survival time. Cox regression was used to identify factors, the hazard ratio was estimated, and a p‐value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The neonatal mortality rate was 44 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 33–60) per 1000 live births; and the incidence rate was 1.64 (95% CI: 1.21–2.23) per 1000 neonate days. Three‐quarters of deaths occurred in the first week of life. Medium household wealth index (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] = 3.54; 95 CI: 1.21–10.35), increased number of pregnancies (AHR = 1.22; 95%CI: 1.01–1.47), being male (AHR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.12–5.35) and not starting breastfeeding in the first hour of life (AHR = 4.00; 95% CI: 1.52–11.10) were found to be predictors of neonatal mortality.

Conclusion

Neonatal mortality was high compared to the national target. Wealth, number of pregnancies, sex of the neonate, and breastfeeding initiation were factors associated with neonatal death. Hence, strengthening interventions such as providing sexual education in the population, considering households with a medium wealth index in the exemption service, and counseling mothers about early breastfeeding initiation would improve neonatal survival.
Identification of ferroptosis‐related genes in type 2 diabetes mellitus based on machine learning
Authors: Wang Sen , Lu Yongpan , Chi Tingting , Zhang Yixin , Zhao Yuli , Guo Huimin , Feng Li
Published: October 2023

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which has a high incidence and several harmful consequences, poses a severe danger to human health. Research on the function of ferroptosis in T2DM is increasing. This study uses bioinformatics techniques identify new diagnostic T2DM biomarkers associated with ferroptosis.

Methods

To identify ferroptosis‐related genes (FRGs) that are differentially expressed between T2DM patients and healthy individuals, we first obtained T2DM sequencing data and FRGs from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and FerrDb database. Then, drug‐gene interaction networks and competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks linked to the marker genes were built after marker genes were filtered by two machine learning algorithms (LASSO and SVM‐RFE algorithms). Finally, to confirm the expression of marker genes, the GSE76895 dataset was utilized. The protein and RNA expression of some marker genes in T2DM and nondiabetic tissues was also examined by Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF) and quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR).

Results

We obtained 58 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with ferroptosis. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that these DEGs were significantly enriched in hypoxia and ferroptosis. Subsequently, eight marker genes (SCD, CD44, HIF1A, BCAT2, MTF1, HILPDA, NR1D2, and MYCN) were screened by LASSO and SVM‐RFE machine learning algorithms, and a model was constructed based on these eight genes. This model also has high diagnostic power. In addition, based on these eight genes, we obtained 48 drugs and constructed a complex ceRNA network map. Finally, Western blotting, IHC, IF, and qRT‐PCR results of clinical samples further confirmed the results of public databases.

Conclusions

The diagnosis and aetiology of T2DM can be greatly aided by eight FRGs, providing novel therapeutic avenues.
Visceral and ectopic fat are more predictively associated with primary liver cancer than overall obesity from genetic sights: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Xu Fei‐Qi , Xu Qing‐Yun , Zhu Zhang‐Ji , Jin Lei , Ye Tai‐Wei , Du Cheng‐Fei , Gao Zhen‐Yu , Huang Xiao‐Kun , Zhang Zhe , Jin Li‐Ming , Yao Wei‐Feng
Published: October 2023

Several observational studies have reported an association between obesity and primary liver cancer (PLC), while the causality behind this association and the comparison of the risk effects of different obesity indicators on PLC remain unclear. In this study, we performed two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to assess the associations of genetically determined liver fat, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and body mass index (BMI) with the risk of PLC. The summary statistics of exposures were obtained from two genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) based on the UK Biobank (UKB) imaging cohort and the Genetic Epidemiology Research on Adult Health and Aging (GERA) cohort. GWAS summary statistics for PLC were obtained from FinnGen consortium R7 release data, including 304 PLC cases and 218 488 controls. Inverse‐variance weighted (IVW) was used as the primary analysis, and a series of sensitivity analyses were performed to further verify the robustness of these findings. IVW analysis highlighted a significant association of genetically determined liver fat (OR per SD increase: 7.14; 95% CI: 5.10‐9.99;P = 2.35E‐30) and VAT (OR per SD increase: 5.70; 95% CI: 1.32‐24.72;P = .020) with PLC but not of BMI with PLC. The findings were further confirmed by a series of MR methods. No evidence of horizontal pleiotropy between these associations existed. Our study suggested that genetically determined liver fat and VAT rather than BMI were associated with an increased risk of PLC, which suggested that visceral fat distribution is more predictive of the clinical risk of PLC than common in vitro measures.
Advances in non‐clear cell renal cell carcinoma management: From heterogeneous biology to treatment options
Authors: Wilson Nathaniel R. , Acikgoz Yusuf , Hasanov Elshad
Published: October 2023

Non‐clear cell renal cell carcinoma (nccRCC) makes up nearly one quarter of all RCC subtypes, commonly impacts younger patients, and is often metastatic at presentation. Compared to clear‐cell RCC (ccRCC), nccRCC typically has a worse prognosis in the metastatic setting, with overall survival durations that are ~10 months shorter. The nccRCC consists of a wide range of different histological subtypes, the majority of which are composed of papillary, chromophobe, renal medullary carcinoma, translocation RCC, collecting duct carcinoma and unclassified RCC. Most clinical trials have either excluded or only included small numbers of patients with nccRCC; owing to the lack of prospective studies focusing on this population, data on response rates and survival outcomes are lacking. NccRCC treatment is a nascent field with various therapeutic modalities and combinations under investigation, often based on data extrapolated from therapeutic studies in ccRCC. We herein review the use and outcomes of cytotoxic chemotherapy, various combination modalities of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors, and targeted agents. We discuss active ongoing clinical trials for patients with nccRCC and future directions in the treatment of this rare disease. Historically, treatment for nccRCC has been adopted from the standard of care for patients with ccRCC, although these treatments are less effective in the nccRCC population. As we begin to understand the underlying biology of these tumors, clinical trials have been able to slowly accrue and include more patients with various subtypes of nccRCC. There remains much room for improvement in this area of need, but there is hope on the horizon.
Successful pregnancy and delivery in a female with pituitary stalk interruption syndrome following in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer: A case report and literature review
Authors: Zhang Jun , Liu Xiao‐Tong , Zhou Xing‐Yu , Liu Yu‐Dong , Wang Zhe , Chen Shi‐Ling
Published: October 2023

Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) in female patients is mainly characterized by short stature, primary amenorrhea, absent or incomplete sexual maturation, and infertility. Successful pregnancies among these patients are rare. In this report, we describe a successful pregnancy and delivery in a 28‐year‐old Chinese woman with PSIS following in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. The patient exhibited typical symptoms, including multiple pituitary hormone deficiency, typical triad signs in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), undetectable serum gonadotropins and estradiol levels, and invisible antral follicles in both ovaries. During the first attempted controlled ovarian hyperstimulation cycle, 14 oocytes were retrieved and six embryos were acquired. Artificial endometrial preparation and frozen–thawed embryo transfer were performed, resulting in a clinical pregnancy after the transfer of a day 5 blastocyst. The patient was closely monitored throughout the pregnancy and multiple hormone dosages were modulated accordingly. She delivered a healthy boy by elective cesarean section, and the newborn developed normally during a 1‐year follow‐up period. This is the first report of a successful live birth in a woman with PSIS achieved through in vitro fertilization and frozen–thawed embryo transfer. A literature review on this topic is also presented.
Artificial intelligence for cervical cancer screening: Scoping review, 2009–2022
Authors: Vargas‐Cardona Hernán Darío , Rodriguez‐Lopez Mérida , Arrivillaga Marcela , Vergara‐Sanchez Carlos , García‐Cifuentes Juan P. , Bermúdez Paula C. , Jaramillo‐Botero Andres
Published: October 2023

Background

The intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) with cancer research is increasing, and many of the advances have focused on the analysis of cancer images.

Objectives

To describe and synthesize the literature on the diagnostic accuracy of AI in early imaging diagnosis of cervical cancer following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR).

Search Strategy

Arksey and O'Malley methodology was used and PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched using a combination of English and Spanish keywords.

Selection Criteria

Identified titles and abstracts were screened to select original reports and cross‐checked for overlap of cases.

Data Collection and Analysis

A descriptive summary was organized by the AI algorithm used, total of images analyzed, data source, clinical comparison criteria, and diagnosis performance.

Main Results

We identified 32 studies published between 2009 and 2022. The primary sources of images were digital colposcopy, cervicography, and mobile devices. The machine learning/deep learning (DL) algorithms applied in the articles included support vector machine (SVM), random forest classifier, k‐nearest neighbors, multilayer perceptron, C4.5, Naïve Bayes, AdaBoost, XGboots, conditional random fields, Bayes classifier, convolutional neural network (CNN; and variations), ResNet (several versions), YOLO+EfficientNetB0, and visual geometry group (VGG; several versions). SVM and DL methods (CNN, ResNet, VGG) showed the best diagnostic performances, with an accuracy of over 97%.

Conclusion

We concluded that the use of AI for cervical cancer screening has increased over the years, and some results (mainly from DL) are very promising. However, further research is necessary to validate these findings.
An experiment on the link between risk preferences and the willingness to become a farmer
Authors: Nainggolan Lukas B. , Rommel Jens
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the link between risk preferences of agricultural students and their willingness to become a farmer. We conducted an incentivized experiment with 577 students of an agricultural university in Indonesia. Discriminating between alternative theories of decision‐making under risk, we find that students' risk preferences behave in accordance with cumulative prospect theory, but risk preferences are not predictive of students' willingness to become a farmer. Framing the experimental lottery task in either an agricultural or a general entrepreneurship context does not alter the predictive power for the willingness to become a farmer. Our results contribute to the debates on risk and farm generational renewal, as well as the (lack of) parallelism in behavioral field experiments.
Species differences in small intestinal exposure‐related epithelial vacuolation in rats and dogs treated with a heteroaryldihydropyrimidine molecule
Authors: Dai Jieyu , Chen Tao , Meng Ryan , Jardi Ferran , Kourula Stephanie , Pham Ly , De Jonghe Sandra , De Smedt Ann , Frisk Anna‐Lena , Xie Jianxun
Published: October 2023

Small intestinal epithelial vacuolation induced by a heteroaryldihydropyrimidine compound (HAP‐1) was observed in rats but not in dogs at termination in screening toxicity studies, despite the plasma exposure being higher in dogs. To understand the species differences, investigational studies with multiple time points following single dose (SD) and 7‐day repeated dose (RD) were conducted in both species at doses resulting in comparable plasma exposures. In rats, epithelial vacuolation in the duodenum and jejunum were observed at all time points. In dogs, transient vacuolation was noted at 8 h post‐SD (SD_8h) and 4 h post‐RD (RD_4 h), but not at termination (RD_24 h). Special stains demonstrated lipid accumulation within enterocytes in both species and intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies in rats. Transmission electron microscopy identified these inclusion bodies as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranous structures. Transcriptomic analysis on jejunal mucosa at SD_8 h and RD_24 h revealed perturbations of lipid metabolism‐related genes at SD_8 h in both species, but not at RD_24 h in dogs. ER stress‐related gene changes at both time points were observed in rats only. Despite comparable HAP‐1 plasma exposures, the duodenum and jejunum tissue concentrations of HAP‐1 and acyl glucuronide metabolite were >5‐ and >30‐fold higher in rats than in dogs, respectively. In vitro, similar cytotoxicity was observed in rat and dog duodenal organoids treated with HAP‐1. In conclusion, HAP‐1‐induced intestinal epithelial vacuolation was related to lipid metabolism dysregulation in both species and ER‐related injuries in rats only. The species differences were likely related to the difference in intestinal exposure to HAP‐1 and its reactive metabolite.
Demonstrating drug treatment efficacies by monitoring superoxide dynamics in human lung cancer cells with time‐lapse fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Konjalwar Shalaka , Ceyhan Busenur , Rivera Oscar , Nategh Parisa , Neghabi Mehrnoosh , Pavlovic Mirjana , Allani Shailaja , Ranji Mahsa
Published: October 2023

Metformin hydrochloride, an antihyperglycemic agent, and sulindac, a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug, are FDA‐approved drugs known to exert anticancer effects. Previous studies demonstrated sulindac and metformin's anticancer properties through mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibition of mitochondrial electron transport chain complex I and key signaling pathways. In this study, various drugs were administered to A549 lung cancer cells, and results revealed that a combination of sulindac and metformin enhanced cell death compared to the administration of the drugs separately. To measure superoxide production over time, we employed a time‐lapse fluorescence imaging technique using mitochondrial‐targeted hydroethidine. Fluorescence microscopy data showed the most significant increases in superoxide production in the combination treatment of metformin and sulindac. Results showed significant differences between the combined drug treatment and control groups and between the positive control and control groups. This approach can be utilized to quantify the anticancer efficacy of drugs, creating possibilities for additional therapeutic options.
JNK2 silencing lipid nanoparticles for elastic matrix repair
Authors: Dahal Shataakshi , Bastola Suraj , Ramamurthi Anand
Published: October 2023

The over‐expression of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK2), a stress activated mitogen kinase, in the aortic wall plays a critical role in the formation and progression of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). This triggers chronic downstream upregulation of elastolytic matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), MMPs2 and 9 to cause progressive proteolytic breakdown of the wall elastic matrix. We have previously shown that siNRA knockdown of JNK2 gene expression in an AAA culture model stimulates downstream elastin gene expression, elastic fiber formation, crosslinking and reduces elastolytic MMPs2 and 9. Since naked siRNA poorly routes to intracellular targets, has poor stability in blood, and could be potentially toxic and immunogenic, this project is aimed to develop PEGylated lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for delivery of JNK siRNA and to generate evidence of successful JNK2 knockdown and downstream attenuation of MMP2 gene and protein expressions. LNPs were formulated using thin‐film hydration technique and had the size of 100–200 nm with zeta‐potential ranging between 30 and 40 mV. JNK siRNA loaded PEGylated LNPs successfully knocked down JNK2 in cytokine‐activated rat aneurysmal smooth muscle (EaRASMC) cultures. This resulted in a downstream decrease in MMP2 gene and protein expression and an upward trend in expression of genes for proteins critical for elastic fiber assembly such as elastin (ELN) and lysyl oxidase (LOX). Our result indicates cationic LNPs to be potential carriers for JNK siRNA delivery improving potency for elastin homeostasis required for AAA repair which could possibly provide benefits in preventing the progression of small AAAs.
The timeliness of 10‐K filings, financial performance, and stock returns
Authors: Brooks Li (Lily) Z. , Cheng Yun , Liu Linxiao , Yu Michael D.
Published: October 2023

Using a dataset constructed from the EDGAR database, this study investigates whether the timing of filing 10‐Ks contains useful information to investors. We argue and find that firms with better earnings news are more likely to file their 10‐Ks early. We further show that firms experience earnings increase would accelerate the filing of their 10‐Ks. We explore whether the timeliness measure is useful for predicting future financial performance and stock returns. We find that firms filing 10‐Ks early in the current year are more likely to have better earnings and higher stock returns in future years. Our results are robust to different measures of timeliness, before and after the statutory filing deadline changes, and subsamples of firms with large or small market capitalization.
The paradise fish, an advanced animal model for behavioral genetics and evolutionary developmental biology
Authors: Szabó Nóra , Fodor Erika , Varga Zoltán , Tarján‐Rácz Anita , Szabó Kata , Miklósi Ádám , Varga Máté
Published: October 2023

Paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis) is an air‐breathing freshwater fish species with a signature labyrinth organ capable of extracting oxygen from the air that helps these fish to survive in hypoxic environments. The appearance of this evolutionary innovation in anabantoids resulted in a rewired circulatory system, but also in the emergence of species‐specific behaviors, such as territorial display, courtship and parental care in the case of the paradise fish. Early zoologists were intrigued by the structure and function of the labyrinth apparatus and a series of detailed descriptive histological studies at the beginning of the 20th century revealed the ontogenesis and function of this specialized system. A few decades later, these fish became the subject of numerous ethological studies, and detailed ethograms of their behavior were constructed. These latter studies also demonstrated a strong genetic component underlying their behavior, but due to lack of adequate molecular tools, the fine genetic dissection of the behavior was not possible at the time. The technological breakthroughs that transformed developmental biology and behavioral genetics in the past decades, however, give us now a unique opportunity to revisit these old questions. Building on the classic descriptive studies, the new methodologies will allow us to follow the development of the labyrinth apparatus at a cellular resolution, reveal the genes involved in this process and also the genetic architecture behind the complex behaviors that we can observe in this species.