bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary Mucormycosis and hydatid cyst: A case report
Authors: Akbarieh Samira , Naghili Behrooz , Valizade Hamed , Beheshtirouy Samad , Sajedi Behnam , Haramshahi Morteza
Published: November 2022

Mucormycosis is a group of life‐threatening diseases caused by a fungus of the Mucoraceae family and has a higher mortality rate compared with other known fungal infections. Hydatid cyst, caused by Echinococcus, is a crucial health concern in endemic areas and the disease is characterized by slow‐growing cysts in the liver, lungs, or other organs. In this report, a woman with coexistence of hydatid cyst and Mucormycosis is introduced. The patient was a 52‐year‐old woman with approximately 6 years' history of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism, who presented with cough, sputum, and dyspnea 2 months ago. On the initial auscultation of the lungs, there was a decreased sound at the base of the left lung, and she had a fever. In blood tests, she had a high titer of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and 3+ C‐Reactive Protein. The symptoms in favor of hydatid cyst were observed in lung computed tomography and in pleural needle biopsy, hydatid cyst was confirmed. With this indication, she underwent wedge resection, and resection of the left lower lung cyst. Two samples are taken from the cyst side and the pathology report was consistent with Mucormycosis (wide filaments with a 90‐degree angle). The patient was immediately treated with liposomal amphotericin for 4 weeks. The Lung CT scan was performed before and after treatment. Albendazole was treated to treat hydatid cyst. After discharge, the treatment of the patient continued with oral Posaconazole, and after the treatment finalization, the general condition of the patient was good, and she did not have any complaints. In pulmonary diseases that do not respond significantly to surgical treatment (such as hydatid cyst), fungal disease (mucor) must be considered simultaneously. Mucormycosis is more prevalent in patients with uncontrolled diabetes, and it is necessary to be considered if these patients were infected with pneumonia and their symptoms did not improve with usual treatments.
Identifying putative key metabolites from fingerprinting metabolomics for the authentication of rice origin: A case study of Sengcu rice
Authors: Nguyen Hoa Quynh , Tran‐Lam Thanh‐Thien , Nguyen Tung Ngoc , Quan Thuy Cam , Dao Yen Hai , Le Giang Truong
Published: November 2022

The expanding scale and nature of rice fraud in the global food system has caused major economic and human health concerns. Herein, an untargeted metabolomics approach was utilized for the discrimination between authentic and commercial Sengcu rice, a local specialty cultivated by terraced farming in northern Vietnam. A total of 8398 positive and 5250 negative mode compounds were introduced to multivariate analyses for the construction of classification models. Both principal component analysis and partial least squares‐discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) clearly distinguished between authentic and commercial Sengcu rice. The optimized PLS‐DA models indicated that five positive (DMG, RSA, RCA, PAL, and BOSe) and six negative mode variables (PXP, RXP, TDHP, ISS, MXP, and RGB) was sufficient for validated model discrimination with a classification error rate less than 1.13 × 10−4 determined from repeated k‐fold cross validation. These putative signature metabolites clearly separated authentic and commercial Sengcu rice in the hierarchical clustering models. In addition, the isolated metabolite TDHP also reflected the difference in cultivation practices between authentic and commercial Sengcu rice. Overall, we have proposed an effective method for the identification of key metabolites from fingerprinting metabolomics, and it could serve as a fundamental approach for other in‐depth food authentication studies.
Kinetic modelling of 1, 3, 5‐triisopropylbenzene catalytic cracking using a CREC Riser Simulator emulating FCC operation: The C/O ratio effect
Authors: Medina‐Pedraza Cesar , Alkhlel Abdualkaber , de Lasa Hugo
Published: November 2022

The present study establishes the suitability of a kinetic model for the catalytic cracking of 1, 3, 5‐triisopropylbenze (TIPB) using the data obtained in the Chemical Reactor Engineering Centre (CREC) Riser Simulator. The postulated kinetic model accounts for both the TIPB and the various major products formed experimentally, such as: 1, 3‐diisopropylbenzene, isopropylbenzene, benzene, propylene, and coke. It is proven that the proposed kinetics is suitable to describe the chemical concentration changes in a CREC Riser Simulator at various reaction times, partial pressures, temperatures, and C/O (catalyst/feedstock) ratios. It is demonstrated that the proposed kinetics simulates well the experimental data from the CREC Riser Simulator, including an experimentally observed C/O optimum ratio. It is anticipated that this type of kinetic model, accounting for intrinsic kinetics, coke deactivation, and diffusional phenomena, could have significant value in establishing the influence of catalyst solid fluxes, at set hydrocarbon feed fluxes, in both industrial riser and downer fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) units.
The efficacy of nitroglycerin to prevent radial artery spasm and occlusion during and after transradial catheterization: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Abdelazeem Basel , Abuelazm Mohamed T. , Swed Sarya , Gamal Mohamed , Atef Mostafa , Al‐Zeftawy Mohamed A. , Noori Muhammad A. , Lutz Anthony , Volgman Annabelle S.
Published: November 2022

Radial artery spasm (RAS) is the most common cause of transradial access site crossover and is a common intra‐procedural complication. RAS incidence can lead to radial artery occlusion (RAO) postprocedure, preventing the radial artery as a future access site. We evaluated the efficacy of nitroglycerin preventing RAS and RAO during transradial catheterization discussing the different routes of administration, including topical, subcutaneous, and intra‐arterial. A systematic review and meta‐analysis included all relevant articles until April 23, 2022. We searched six databases Google Scholar, Web of Science, SCOPUS, EMBASE, PubMed (MEDLINE), and CENTRAL. We registered our review protocol in PROSPERO with ID: CRD42022330356. We included 11 trials with 5814 patients. Compared to placebo, the pooled analysis favored subcutaneous nitroglycerin in preventing RAS (risk ratio [RR]: 0.57 with 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.43–0.77], p = .0003) and RAO (RR: 0.39 with 95% CI [0.16–0.98], p = .05). In contrast to the intra‐arterial nitroglycerin that showed nonstatistically significant results in preventing RAS and RAO (RR: 0.8 with 95% CI [0.63–1.02], p = .07)‐ (RR: 0.78 with 95% CI [0.6–1.01], p = .06)), respectively. Also, topical nitroglycerin did not prevent RAS (RR: 0.73 with 95% CI [0.42–1.24], p = .24). Compared with placebo, subcutaneous nitroglycerin during transradial catheterization reduced the incidence of RAS and RAO. Meanwhile, Intra‐arterial and topical nitroglycerin did not show statistically significant outcomes. Subcutaneous nitroglycerin may be a practical and cost‐effective technique to facilitate transradial catheterization; however, more RCTs are needed to evaluate the subcutaneous versus intra‐arterial nitroglycerin administration.
FOXD1 is required for 3D patterning of the kidney interstitial matrix
Authors: Lipp Sarah N. , Jacobson Kathryn R. , Schwaderer Andrew L. , Hains David S. , Calve Sarah
Published: November 2022

Background

The interstitial extracellular matrix (ECM) is comprised of proteins and glycosaminoglycans and provides structural and biochemical information during development. Our previous work revealed the presence of transient ECM‐based structures in the interstitial matrix of developing kidneys. Stromal cells are the main contributors to interstitial ECM synthesis, and the transcription factor Forkhead Box D1 (Foxd1) is critical for stromal cell function. To investigate the role of Foxd1 in interstitial ECM patterning, we combined 3D imaging and proteomics to explore how the matrix changes in the murine developing kidney when Foxd1 is knocked out.

Results

We found that COL26A1, FBN2, EMILIN1, and TNC, interstitial ECM proteins that are transiently upregulated during development, had a similar distribution perinatally but then diverged in patterning in the adult. Abnormally clustered cortical vertical fibers and fused glomeruli were observed when Foxd1 was knocked out. The changes in the interstitial ECM of Foxd1 knockout kidneys corresponded to disrupted Foxd1+ cell patterning but did not precede branching dysmorphogenesis.

Conclusions

The transient ECM networks affected by Foxd1 knockout may provide support for later‐stage nephrogenic structures.
Isolation controls reestablishment mechanisms and post‐drying community structure in an intermittent stream
Authors: Fournier Robert J. , de Mendoza Guillermo , Sarremejane Romain , Ruhi Albert
Published: November 2022

Biota in disturbance‐prone landscapes have evolved a variety of strategies to persist long term, either locally (resistance) or by regional recolonization (resilience). Habitat fragmentation and isolation can limit the availability of recolonization pathways, and thus the dynamics of post‐disturbance community reestablishment. However, empirical studies on how isolation may control the mechanisms that enable community recovery remain scarce. Here, we studied a pristine intermittent stream (Chalone Creek, Pinnacles National Park, California) to understand how isolation (distance from a perennial pool) alters invertebrate community recolonization after drying. We monitored benthic invertebrate reestablishment during the rewetting phase along a ~2‐km gradient of isolation, using mesh traps that selected for specific recolonization pathways (i.e., drift, flying, swimming/crawling, and vertical migration from the hyporheic). We collected daily emigration samples, surveyed the reestablished benthic community after 6 weeks, and compared assemblages across trap types and sites. We found that isolation mediated migration dynamics by delaying peak vertical migration from the hyporheic by ca. 1 day on average per 250 m of dry streambed. The relative importance of reestablishment mechanisms varied longitudinally–with more resistance strategists (up to 99.3% of encountered individuals) in the upstream reaches, and increased drift and aerial dispersers in the more fragmented habitats (up to 17.2% and 18%, respectively). Resistance strategists persisting in the hyporheic dominated overall (88.2% of individuals, ranging 52.9%–99.3% across sites), but notably most of these organisms subsequently outmigrated downstream (85.6% on average, ranging 52.1%–96% across sites). Thus, contrary to conventional wisdom, resistance strategists largely contributed to downstream resilience as well as to local community recovery. Finally, increased isolation was associated with a general decrease in benthic invertebrate diversity, and up to a 3‐fold increase in the relative abundance of drought‐resistant stoneflies. Our results advance the notion that understanding spatial context is key to predicting post‐disturbance community dynamics. Considering the interaction between disturbance and fragmentation may help inform conservation in ecosystems that are subject to novel environmental regimes.
Predator dispersal influences predator distribution but not prey diversity in pitcher plant microbial metacommunities
Authors: Cuellar‐Gempeler Catalina , terHorst Casey P. , Mason Olivia U. , Miller Thomas
Published: November 2022

The spatial distribution of predators can affect both the distribution and diversity of their prey. Therefore, differences in predator dispersal ability that affect their spatial distribution, could also affect prey communities. Here, we use the microbial communities within pitcher plant leaves as a model system to test the relationship between predator (protozoa) dispersal ability and distribution, and its consequences for prey (bacteria) diversity and composition. We hypothesized that limited predator dispersal results in clustered distributions and heterogeneous patches for prey species, whereas wide predator dispersal and distribution could homogenize prey metacommunities. We analyzed the distribution of two prominent bacterivore protozoans from a 2‐year survey of an intact field of Sarracenia purpurea pitcher plants, and found a clustered distribution of Tetrahymena and homogeneous distribution of Poterioochromonas. We manipulated the sources of protozoan colonists and recorded protozoan recruitment and bacterial diversity in target leaves in a field experiment. We found the large ciliate, Tetrahymena, was dispersal limited and occupied few leaves, whereas the small flagellate Poterioochromonas was widely dispersed. However, the bacterial communities these protozoans feed on was unaffected by clustering of Tetrahymena, but likely influenced by Poterioochromonas and other bacterivores dispersing in the field. We propose that bacterial communities in this system are structured by a combination of well dispersed bacterivores, bacterial dispersal, and bottom‐up mechanisms. Clustered predators could become strong drivers of prey communities if they were specialists or keystone predators, or if they exerted a dominant influence on other predators in top‐down controlled systems. Linking dispersal ability within trophic levels and its consequences for trophic dynamics can lead to a more robust perspective on trophic metacommunities.
Association of post‐vaccination adverse reactions after influenza vaccine with mortality and cardiopulmonary outcomes in patients with high‐risk cardiovascular disease: the INVESTED trial
Authors: Peikert Alexander , Claggett Brian L. , Kim KyungMann , Udell Jacob A. , Joseph Jacob , Desai Akshay S. , Farkouh Michael E. , Hegde Sheila M. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Gaziano J. Michael , Talbot H. Keipp , Yancy Clyde , Anand Inder , Mao Lu , Cooper Lawton S. , Solomon Scott D. , Vardeny Orly
Published: November 2022

Aims

Influenza vaccination is associated with reduced cardiopulmonary morbidity and mortality among patients with heart failure or recent myocardial infarction. The immune response to vaccination frequently results in mild adverse reactions (AR), which leads to vaccine hesitancy. This post hoc analysis explored the association between vaccine‐related AR and morbidity and mortality in patients with high‐risk cardiovascular disease.

Methods and results

The INVESTED trial randomized 5260 patients with recent heart failure hospitalization or acute myocardial infarction to high‐dose trivalent or standard‐dose quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine. We examined the association between vaccine‐related AR and adverse clinical outcomes across both treatment groups in propensity‐adjusted models. Among 5210 participants with available information on post‐vaccination symptoms, 1968 participants (37.8%) experienced a vaccine‐related AR. Compared to those without AR, post‐vaccination AR, most commonly injection site pain (60.3%), were associated with lower risk for the composite of all‐cause death or cardiopulmonary hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR] 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.75–0.92, p < 0.001), cardiopulmonary hospitalizations (HR 0.85 [95% CI 0.76–0.95], p = 0.003), all‐cause death (HR 0.77 [95% CI 0.62–0.96], p = 0.02), cardiovascular hospitalizations (HR 0.88 [95% CI 0.78–0.99], p = 0.03) and non‐cardiopulmonary hospitalizations (HR 0.80 [95% CI 0.69–0.92], p = 0.003). While mild (76.4%) and moderate (20.6%) AR were most common and together associated with lower risk for the primary outcome (HR 0.81 [95% CI 0.74–0.90], p < 0.001), severe AR (2.9%) were related to increased risk (HR 1.68 [95% CI 1.17–2.42], p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Mild to moderate post‐vaccination reactions after influenza vaccine were associated with reduced risk of cardiopulmonary hospitalizations and all‐cause mortality in patients with high‐risk cardiovascular disease, while severe reactions may indicate increased risk. Mild to moderate AR to influenza vaccination may be a marker of immune response and should not deter future vaccinations.
Modeling multiphase fluid flow, mass transfer, and chemical reactions in bioreactors using large‐eddy simulation
Authors: Hanspal Navraj , DeVincentis Brian , Thomas John A.
Published: November 2022

We present a transient large eddy simulation (LES) modeling approach for simulating the interlinked physics describing free surface hydrodynamics, multiphase mixing, reaction kinetics, and mass transport in bioreactor systems. Presented case‐studies include non‐reacting and reacting bioreactor systems, modeled through the inclusion of uniform reaction rates and more complex biochemical reactions described using Contois type kinetics. It is shown that the presence of reactions can result in a non‐uniform spatially varying species concentration field, the magnitude and extent of which is directly related to the reaction rates and the underlying variations in the local volumetric mass transfer coefficient.
Preannealing Process Improves the Efficiency of CsPbIBr2 Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Sheng Guizhang , Zhao Yajie , Zheng Jieyuan , Chen Lirong , Qiu Baotian , Zhong Liuwen , Zhu Yanqing , Xu Gang , Xiao Xiudi
Published: November 2022

CsPbIBr2 has shown great potential in the optoelectronics field due to its well‐balanced relationship between bandgap and durability among all‐inorganic perovskites materials. However, the CsPbIBr2 thin films prepared by the traditional one‐step spin coating method suffer from unsatisfactory morphology, poor crystallinity, and high defect density, which lead to the degradation of device performance. Herein, a simple preannealing method is used to form unstable transition films which are then annealed at high temperature to obtain CsPbIBr2 perovskite films with uniform morphology, free pinholes, and strong crystallinity. The performance of the device can be effectively improved due to the reduction of defects and the optimization of the contact between functional layers. Therefore, the power conversion efficiency of 9.6% is obtained, which is nearly 100% improvement compared with that of the control device.
Laser‐Based Joining of Electrode Stacks for Automated Large‐Scale Production of Li‐Ion Battery Cells
Authors: Olowinsky Alexander , Spurk Christoph , Helm Johanna , Gillner Arnold
Published: November 2022

Battery technology is the basis for the electrification of mobility and the key to a sustainable future. Herein, lithium‐ion battery (LIB) cells are experiencing increasing demand, especially in the automotive industry. To meet the rising needs, highly productive and cost‐efficient processes in battery cell production need to be available. Within the joint project HoLiB—High Throughput Processes in Lithium Ion Battery Manufacturing, a continuous manufacturing process for battery cell production is developed, set up, and evaluated. The aim is to separate, batch, and contact a cell stack within a cycle time of two seconds. The joining of the individual battery electrodes to each other is of particular importance. The process should enable contacting of both electrodes within the specified cycle time, while joining both aluminum and copper in a process‐reliable manner. These requirements are met by laser beam welding. The energy input is localized and the fast processing enables the contacting of both materials in a very short time. This article describes the development of laser‐based contacting of the electrode stacks with the arrester tabs. For this purpose, three beam sources with “blue”, “green,” and near‐infrared wavelengths are tested and evaluated for the joining requirements.
The association between sexual orientation and eating disorders‐related eating behaviours in adolescents: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cao Zhangqi , Cini Erica , Pellegrini Dario , Fragkos Kostantinos C.
Published: November 2022

Background

Sexual orientation is usually developed during the adolescence, which coincides with the eating disorders peak onset. This paper aims to explore existing literature to identify whether there is an association between sexual orientation and eating disorder‐related eating behaviours (EDrEBs) in this age‐group.

Methods

This review was based on the PRISMA guidelines, covering the published articles between 1990 and 2021. A meta‐analysis of the proportion of sexual orientation and the adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confident intervals was reported.

Results

Ten studies (412,601 participants) were included in this review. The results demonstrated adolescents identified as minority sexual orientation, particularly homosexual males were with higher OR of EDrEBs, as follows: Homosexual (binge eating: M = 7.20, F = 2.14; purging: M = 5.40, F = 2.41; diet pills use: M = 3.50, F = 2.59; dieting: M = 3.10, F = 1.75); Bisexual (binge eating: M = 4.60, F = 2.26; purging: M = 4.44, F = 2.37; diet pills use: M = 3.42, F = 2.30; dieting: M = 2.36, F = 1.86).

Conclusions

Adolescents who were of a minority sexual orientation were more vulnerable to EDrEBs than their heterosexual peers. Healthcare professionals and sexual minority communities should be primed to facilitate earlier recognition and access to services in these vulnerable groups.
Comprehensive assessment of heat pump dryers for drying agricultural products
Authors: Loemba Aldé B. T. , Kichonge Baraka , Kivevele Thomas
Published: November 2022

Fruits and vegetables are agricultural products that require preservation to enhance and protect shelf life, encapsulate natural flavour, and retain nutritional content. Globally, agricultural products are preserved by a range of means, the most prevalent of which is the heat pump dryer, which produces the best results even in unfavourable climatic conditions. Heat pump dryers come in different types and their performance varies depending on the type. This study aims to evaluate recently developed heat pump dryers based on key performance indicators, impacts on food colour and nutritional content, techno‐economic, exergoeconomic, and environmental issues associated with the development of heat pump dryers, which are underrepresented in most of the existing heat pump dryers' reviews. This study also discusses mathematical drying kinetic models, and regulation or policy aspects related to the development of heat pump dryers. In the present study, the results on performance analysis indicate that heat pump dryers examined were effective in reducing drying time and obtaining high coefficients of performance ranging from 1.94 to 5.338 and specific moisture extraction rate ranging from 0.156 to 9.25 kg/kWh, as well as significantly reducing energy consumption by up to 80%. The nutritional composition and colour results show that heat pump dryers maintain the maximum nutrient content while also improving colour. The expansion valve has the lowest exergoeconomic factor of all heat pump dryer components, whereas the compressor has the highest cost of exergy destruction in general, according to the results of exergoeconomic analysis. Techno‐economic analysis results demonstrated that most developed heat pump dryers have short payback periods ranging from 1.6 to 3.6 years. However, due to a lack of research in this field, the environmental implications of heat pump dryers are unknown. As per the findings of this study, future research in this field should focus on the design of simple and low‐energy heat pump dryers, life cycle, techno‐economic, and exergoeconomic assessments.
Investigation of a vertical closed‐loop geothermal system for heating an educational building
Authors: Dhaundiyal Alok , Bercesi Gabor , Toth Laszlo
Published: November 2022

This article is related to the thermal engineering aspect of the hybrid heating unit that can be operated either by shallow geothermal heat or natural gas. The thermal investigation is related to determining the fluctuation in the energy requirement if the unit is coupled with the gas boilers. Therefore, the given system was independently driven by both sources, and the conclusion was based on the comparative merit/demerit of renewable energy over the conventional power supply. The analysis assumed the steady‐state energy flow processes. The heat capacity of the source and sink was assumed to be infinitely large as compared to the working fluid. The leastangle regression algorithm was adopted to establish a mathematical relationship between thermodynamic parameters. The average COP of the closed‐loop geothermal unit was estimated to be 2.07. The overall exergy efficiency of the installed geothermal facility is 3%, whereas it is 33.55% for the gas boilers operated by natural gas. A square meter of the area of the building will get 26.25 W·h of useful convective heat energy from an installed geothermal unit and 28.59% of the total received will be dissipated through the structure. Similarly, the system driven by natural gas provided 21.88 W·h of the net useful convective heat energy, while the convective loss amounted to 23.06%. The net annual energy saving of 502.99 kW·h was expected from the geothermal site.
Propagation characteristics and quantification analysis of harmonic current in large‐scale wind farms
Authors: Shi Jinhui , Chen Wei , Wei Zhanhong , Pei Xiping , Sun Xuebo
Published: November 2022

These days, the harmonic problem of wind power grid‐connected systems is becoming increasingly prominent due to the increase in the number of large‐scale centralized grid‐connected wind farms and the gradual trend of high‐proportion power electronics for source‐grid loads. The harmonic oscillation caused by power electronic equipment provides large‐scale propagating in the system, and the harmonic interaction makes the harmonic propagation more complex. First, the harmonic interaction of the system is simplified into the radiation relationship between the wind farm and each branch to solve the harmonic current propagation problem caused by the interaction in the multiple wind farms. Then, the branch harmonic current propagation analysis method is used to transfer harmonic impedance and generate the branch harmonic current decoupling. Second, a harmonic current propagation coefficient is proposed to quantitatively analyze the relationship between the harmonic current of the wind farm and the branch. Thereby, the quantitative analysis of the propagation characteristics for the wind farm harmonic current in the system branch is obtained. Finally, abundant simulations verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.
Sensitivity analysis of avoidable and unavoidable exergy destructions in a parallel double‐effect LiBr–water absorption cooling system
Authors: Zendehnam Arman , Pourfayaz Fathollah
Published: November 2022

A parametric study has been carried out based on advanced exergy assessment for a parallel double‐effect LiBr–water absorption chiller. The advanced exergy method provides the real potential of the equipment for improvement in the system by recognizing the avoidable irreversibilities. The sensitivity analysis of various parts of the exergy destruction (endogenous avoidable, endogenous unavoidable, exogenous avoidable, and exogenous unavoidable) in system components and the overall performance (coefficient of performance, exergy efficiency, and modified exergy efficiency) of the system has been done to identify the actual potential of different components of the system to improve the overall performance of the system relative to operational parameters. Operational parameters include the heat source temperature, heat sink temperature, and the difference between the absorption and condensation temperature. The results showed that by modifying and improving the performance of components, 18.5% of the total exergy destruction of the system could be reduced. The modified exergy efficiency reduces sharply (nearly 40%) with the rising heat sink temperature. The endogenous exergy destruction increases in all system components except the condenser and evaporator by the heat source temperature increase. With the increase in the heat sink temperature, the avoidable part of the total exergy destruction in the system increases due to the significant rise in the avoidable exogenous exergy destruction in the components, and the unavoidable endogenous exergy destruction decreases (more than 200%) in the absorber. Increasing the condensation temperature reduces the unavoidable endogenous exergy destruction in the components except for the low‐temperature heat exchanger.
Guest editorial
Authors: Declercq Peter J.M.
Published: November 2022

Against the broad background of existing “Earth law”, this article aims to provide an initial assessment of existing “Space law” to start the conversation about what is still needed from a legal perspective to best facilitate the ongoing “commercialisation of Outer Space”. This article considers the ongoing commercialisation of Outer Space primarily from a legal perspective, investigating the rol law (Earth law as well as Space law) and so‐called “space lawyers” may be able to play in it. The focus of the article is to, first and foremost, raise some key questions that need (legal) consideration, without attempting to already provide answers to any of those questions. The article starts by addressing the relevance now of commercialisation of Outer Space and therefore the question asked in the title. It then goes on to briefly explore the existing Space law, highlighting separately the most relevant Space Treaties and Space Principles. Against that background, the article then reflects on what (if any) guidance this provides on the key concept of Space Property. In addition, the article also briefly addresses the 2001 Cape Town Convention on international interests in mobile equipment and explains why this convention, and in particular its Space Protocol, are also very relevant to consider in the context of the commercialisation of Outer Space. Finally, the article provides its initial assessment and ends with a number of concluding remarks.
The link between technological innovation and financial development: Evidence from selected OECD countries
Authors: Çeştepe Hamza , Çetin Murat , Avcı Pınar , Bahtiyar Bersu
Published: November 2022

Financial development is a main goal for developing and developed countries. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of technological innovation on financial development over the period 1990–2018 for 21 OECD countries. The study integrates economic growth, natural resources and financial globalisation into the financial development equation as other explanatory variables. To estimate the long‐run coefficients, the Driscoll‐Kraay standard errors, panel corrected standard errors and feasible generalised least squares estimators are applied. The Dumitrescu‐Hurlin bootstrap causality test is used to examine the causal linkages among the variables. It is found that there exists cointegration between the variables. It is also found that technological innovation, economic growth and financial globalisation positively affect financial development while natural resources decrease it in the long run. The findings reveal that technological innovation and financial development cause each other. The study will present some policy recommendations to accelerate financial sector development in OECD countries.
The optimization of PLGA knitted mesh reinforced‐collagen/chitosan scaffold for the healing of full‐thickness skin defects
Authors: Pan Xuanliang , You Chuangang , Wu Pan , Wang Xingang , Han Chunmao
Published: November 2022

Collagen‐based scaffolds reveals promising to repair severe skin defects. The mechanical strength of collagen‐based scaffold (CCS) limited its clinical application. Embedding poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid (PLGA) knitted mesh into CCS improves the mechanical strength of the scaffold. This study was conducted to optimize the configuration of PLGA knitted mesh‐collagen‐chitosan scaffold (PCCS), and explore possible mechanisms. PLGA knitted mesh was embedded in CCS through freeze‐drying method. With the PLGA knitted mesh located at the bottom, middle, or both bottom and top layers of the CCS, three kinds of PCCS were developed. A full‐thickness skin wound model was established in Sprague Dawley rats to evaluate the therapeutic effects of different PCCS against CCS. The properties and healing effect of the scaffolds were investigated. Several growth factors and chemotactic factors, that is, VEGF, PDGF, CD31, α‐SMA, TGF‐β1, and TGF‐β3 were analyzed and evaluated. Re‐epithelialization and angiogenesis were observed in all animal groups with the treatment of three kinds of PCCS scaffolds and the CCS scaffold (control). The protein and gene expression of VEGF, PDGF, CD31, α‐SMA, TGF‐β1, and TGF‐β3 showed different dynamics at different time points. Based on the healing effects and the expression of growth factors and chemotactic factors, scaffold with the PLGA knitted mesh located at the bottom layer of the CCS demonstrated the best healing effect and accelerated re‐epithelialization and angiogenesis among all the scaffolds evaluated. PCCS with the PLGA mesh located in the bottom layer of the scaffold accelerated wound healing by creating a more supportive environment for re‐epithelialization and angiogenesis.
Teriparatide Followed by Denosumab in Premenopausal Idiopathic Osteoporosis: Bone Microstructure and Strength by HR-pQCT
Authors: Agarwal Sanchita , Shiau Stephanie , Kamanda-Kosseh Mafo , Bucovsky Mariana , Kil Nayoung , Lappe Joan M. , Stubby Julie , Recker Robert R. , Guo X. Edward , Shane Elizabeth , Cohen Adi
Published: November 2022

Premenopausal women with idiopathic osteoporosis (PreMenIOP) have marked deficits in skeletal microstructure. We have reported that sequential treatment with teriparatide and denosumab improves central skeletal bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and central QCT in PreMenIOP. We conducted preplanned analyses of high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) scans from teriparatide and denosumab extension studies to measure effects on volumetric BMD (vBMD), microarchitecture, and estimated strength at the distal radius and tibia. Of 41 women enrolled in the parent teriparatide study (20 mcg daily), 34 enrolled in the HR-pQCT study. HR-pQCT participants initially received teriparatide (N = 24) or placebo (N = 10) for 6 months; all then received teriparatide for 24 months. After teriparatide, 26 enrolled in the phase 2B denosumab extension (60 mg q6M) for 24 months. Primary outcomes were percentage change in vBMD, microstructure, and stiffness after teriparatide and after denosumab. Changes after sequential teriparatide and denosumab were secondary outcomes. After teriparatide, significant improvements were seen in tibial trabecular number (3.3%, p = 0.01), cortical area and thickness (both 2.7%, p < 0.001), and radial trabecular microarchitecture (number: 6.8%, thickness: 2.2%, separation: −5.1%, all p < 0.02). Despite increases in cortical porosity and decreases in cortical density, whole-bone stiffness and failure load increased at both sites. After denosumab, increases in total (3.5%, p < 0.001 and 3.3%, p = 0.02) and cortical vBMD (1.7% and 3.2%; both p < 0.01), and failure load (1.1% and 3.6%; both p < 0.05) were seen at tibia and radius, respectively. Trabecular density (3.5%, p < 0.001) and number (2.4%, p = 0.03) increased at the tibia, while thickness (3.0%, p = 0.02) increased at the radius. After 48 months of sequential treatment, significant increases in total vBMD (tibia: p < 0.001; radius: p = 0.01), trabecular microstructure (p < 0.05), cortical thickness (tibia: p < 0.001; radius: p = 0.02), and whole bone strength (p < 0.02) were seen at both sites. Significant increases in total vBMD and bone strength parameters after sequential treatment with teriparatide followed by denosumab support the use of this regimen in PreMenIOP. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Predicting factors of echocardiographic super‐response to cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Zand Sara , Sadeghian Hakimeh , Kazemisaied Ali , Ashraf Haleh , Lotfi‐Tokaldany Masoumeh , Jalali Arash
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To investigate the clinical and echocardiographic predictors of echocardiographic super‐response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in heart failure patients.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data from 97 patients, who underwent CRT and were followed up (median time = 20.33 months). All had left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤35%, New‐York‐Heart‐Association class 3 or 4, and Q wave, R wave and S wave (QRS) duration >120 ms. Time‐to‐peak systolic velocity was measured for individual LV segments by tissue Doppler imaging prior to CRT. Two‐dimensional echocardiography was carried out before and at follow‐up, and ≥12.5% increase in LVEF was defined as super‐response.

Results

From the 97 patients, 23 (23.7%) were super‐responders. Super‐responders were more frequently female (52.2% vs. 24.3%, respectively; p value = 0.012). Among super‐responders, the mean of LV end‐diastolic and end‐systolic volumes were significantly lower. According to dyssynchrony indices, time delay between anteroseptal and posterior wall and SD of all LV segments timing showed significantly higher values in super‐responders. By multivariate analysis, LV end‐systolic volume and anteroseptal‐to‐posterior wall delay remained independently associated with echocardiographic super‐response to CRT.

Conclusion

About one‐fourth of our patients with CRT were super‐responder in that they had ≥12.5% increase in LVEF by echocardiography. Among all the clinical and echocardiographic measures, only lower LV end‐systolic volume and higher anteroseptal‐to‐posterior wall delay predicted super‐response.
Chronic steroid use: An overlooked impact on patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Farraj Kristen L , Pellegrini James R , Munshi Rezwan F , Russe‐Russe Jose , Kaliounji Aboud , Tiwana Muhammad S , Srivastava Pranay , Subramani Krishnayer
Published: November 2022

Background and Aim

Steroids have long been used in inducing remission of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Chronic use, defined as therapy greater than 3 months, has been implicated in complications including increased hospital length of stay (LOS), infections, and even death. In our retrospective study, we aim to identify the complications of chronic steroid use in patients with IBD.

Methods

The fourth quarter of 2015–2019 National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was used in this study. International Classification of Diseases (ICD‐10) codes were used to identify patients with a diagnosis of IBD and chronic steroid use. Adverse outcomes of chronic steroid use in IBD patients were analyzed, such as osteoporosis, opportunistic infections, mortality rate, and LOS. Cohorts were weighted using an algorithm provided by the NIS allowing for accurate national estimates.

Results

A total of 283 970 patients had a diagnosis of IBD. Of those, 18 030 patients had concurrent chronic steroid use. Racial disparities existed, with 77.4% White, 12.7% Black, and 6.0% Hispanic. Patients with a history of IBD and chronic steroid use were found to have higher odds of developing osteoporosis, opportunistic infections, and acute thromboembolic events but did not have higher odds of mortality.

Conclusion

There is much controversy about whether IBD patients should be on chronic steroids for maintenance therapy and this study highlights the importance of this decision as patients on chronic steroid use had higher odds of developing adverse effects. These results stress the importance of monitoring patients on steroids and avoiding chronic use.
Iron‐catalyzed construction of cyanomethylated thiohydantoins by cross‐dehydrogenative C(sp3)‐C(sp3) coupling
Authors: Morja Mayur I. , Moradiya Riddhi B. , Makwana Bhavik S. , Chikhalia Kishor H.
Published: November 2022

The efficient and novel approach for synthesizing cyanomethylated thiohydantoin from readily obtainable acetonitrile and 1,3‐dibenzyl‐2‐thiohydantoin through iron(II)‐catalyzed cross dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) protocol is documented here. The strategy displays extensive substrate scope, and provides an effectual construction of cyanomethylated thiohydantoins in moderate to good yield. Prominently, this new methodology represents hitherto unobserved reactivity pattern for the thiohydantoin.
Carbon balance and controlling factors in a summer maize agroecosystem in the Guanzhong Plain, China
Authors: Peng Xiongbiao , Ma Jing , Cai Huanjie , Wang Yunfei
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Quantifying the carbon balance of agroecosystems and clarifying the factors controlling it are essential for estimating the regional carbon cycle and global carbon balance.

RESULTS

Based on the eddy covariance (EC) technique and soil respiration observations during the 2017 and 2019 summer maize growing seasons, this study analyzed the carbon balance and revealed the factors controlling carbon fluxes in the summer maize agroecosystem. Green leaf area index was the most important factor affecting net ecosystem exchange (NEE), total primary productivity, and total ecosystem respiration (TER) in the rapid development stage during the growing season, followed by soil water content. However, precipitation, air temperature, relative humidity, saturated vapor pressure difference, and photosynthetically active radiation were the main factors that influenced carbon balance at the middle stage. The cumulative TER in 2019 was 40% (320.9 g C m−2) higher than that in 2017. The NEE estimates of summer maize agroecosystems in 2017 and 2019 were −71.7 and 160.4 g C m−2, respectively. Accounting for the carbon input at sowing (10 g C m−2) and the similar carbon output at harvest owing to grain removal, the net biome productivity in 2019 was 1.75 times that in 2017, at −636 and −363 g C m−2, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The carbon balance of the summer maize agroecosystem in the Guanzhong Plain was determined to be a net carbon source that could export carbon at an average rate of 499.5 g C m−2 yr−1. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Identification of allergenic epitopes destroyed by two processing technologies of glycinin A2 from soybean
Authors: Xi Jun , Li Yingying , Cheng Huibin , Wang Yichao
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Glycinin is one of the most highly allergenic proteins in soybeans, and G2 is one of the five allergenic subunits of glycinin. Compared with the alkaline chain, the acidic chain A2 of the G2 subunit has strong allergenicity. However, the precise epitopes of A2 and the epitopes destroyed during processing are still unknown.

RESULTS

In the present study, preparation of two specific antibodies damaged by processing and phage display techniques were applied to locate the antigenic epitopes of glycinin A2 polypeptide chains disrupted by two processing techniques (thermal processing and ultra‐high pressure combined thermal processing). Bioinformatics methods were used to predict the possible epitopes of the A2 chain. The A2 chain and its overlapping segments were introduced into T7 phages and expressed on phage shell by phage display. An indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to screen for antigenic epitopes that had been disrupted by the two processing technologies. The results showed that the dominant antigenic region disrupted by processing was located mainly in the A2‐3‐B fragment. The reacting experiment with the serum of allergic patients showed that the A2‐3‐B fragment protein was not only an antigenic region, but also an allergenic region. The two processing technologies destroyed the allergenic epitopes of A2 chain, thereby reducing the allergenicity of protein. The amino acids where the dominant allergenic region disrupted by processing was located were: 233AIVTVKGGLRVTAPAMRKPQQEEDDDDEEEQPQCVE268.

CONCLUSION

Precise epitopes of the acidic chain A2 in glycinin were identified and epitopes destroyed in two common processing methods were also obtained. The application products of rapid detection of de‐allergenicity effect of processed food can be developed according to the location of processed destruction allergenic region, which is of great significance with respect to preventing the occurrence of soybean allergenic diseases. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Investigation of some bioactive compounds, in vitro bioaccessibility, and sensory acceptability of couscous produced by pre‐gelatinized rice flour
Authors: Aydin Emine
Published: November 2022

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the sensory properties, antioxidant capacities, total phenolic content, and their bioaccessibility in gluten‐free rice couscous that is produced without additives. Since rice does not contain gluten, pre‐gelatinized rice flour (GRF) was added instead of gum and enzymes in order to provide the desired structure in the couscous samples.

Results

According to the results, the total phenolic content of couscous samples was increased with GRF addition. The highest extractable and hydrolyzable antioxidant capacity values were observed in the couscous samples supplemented with 30% GRF using the 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) radical cation, cupric‐reducing antioxidant capacity, and ferric reducing antioxidant capacity methods. The bioaccessibility of antioxidant capacity was found to be significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the control sample in all methods except the 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl free radical method in the couscous samples.

Conclusion

According to the data obtained, it has been determined that couscous, which has a very small round shape, can be produced with GRF without additives. In this context, gluten‐free rice couscous could be used as an alternative valuable food in terms of nutrition and can be an alternative traditional food for celiac diseases as well as for individuals preferring the consumption of gluten‐free products. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Temperature‐related factors are the better determinants of belowground bud density, while moisture‐related factors are the better determinants of belowground bud diversity at the regional scale
Authors: Ma Qun , Qian Jianqiang , Shi Xiaoyu , Qin Xuanping , Tian Liang , Liu Zhimin
Published: November 2022

Belowground bud banks mediate several critical processes in grassland ecosystems under global climate change. However, the functions of belowground bud bank along large‐scale climatic gradients have rarely been reported. This study focused on the temperature and moisture transects at the regional scale to study the spatial pattern of belowground bud banks in grasslands of northern China, with purpose of examining: (1) whether the effects of temperature and moisture factors on belowground bud banks were similar; and (2) whether the effects of climate factors on bud density and diversity were similar. Results showed that bud banks had stronger linear relationships with factors in the zonal transect than those in the meridional transect; for bud densities, temperature‐related factors along the zonal transect were major determinants, and the maximum annual snow depth (MAS) contributed the most to the total bud density, whereas bud bank diversity was significantly related to moisture factors along the meridional transect, but showed no significant relationships with any factors along the zonal transect. Our study demonstrated that temperature factors were better determinants of bud density, while moisture factors were better determinants of bud diversity at the regional scale. The MAS was the major factor in determining bud bank density, with a higher density in the colder region. These results are crucial for understanding the mechanisms underlying population regeneration and community dynamics under global climate change.