bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The presence of peat and variation in tree species composition are under different hydrological controls in Amazonian wetland forests
Authors: Flores Llampazo Gerardo , Honorio Coronado Eurídice N. , del Aguila‐Pasquel Jhon , Cordova Oroche César J. , Díaz Narvaez Antenor , Reyna Huaymacari José , Grandez Ríos Julio , Lawson Ian T. , Hastie Adam , Baird Andy J. , Baker Timothy R.
Published: September 2022

The peat‐forming wetland forests of Amazonia are characterized by high below‐carbon stocks and supply fruit, fibres and timber to local communities. Predicting the future of these ecosystem services requires understanding how hydrological conditions are related to tree species composition and the presence, or absence, of peat. Here, we use continuous measurements of water table depth over 2.5 years and manual measurements of pore‐water pH and electrical conductivity to understand the ecohydrological controls of these variables across the large peatland complex in northern Peruvian Amazonia. Measurements were taken in permanent forest plots in four palm swamps, four seasonally flooded forests and four peatland pole forests. All trees ≥10 cm diameter were also measured and identified in the plots to assess floristic composition. Peat occurs in eight of these twelve sites; three seasonally flooded forests and one palm swamp are not associated with peat. Variation in tree species composition among forest types was linked to high flood levels (maximum flooding height) and pH: seasonally flooded forests experience high flood levels (up to 3.66 m from the ground surface) and have high pH values (6–7), palm swamps have intermediate flood levels (up to 1.34 m) and peatland pole forests experience shallow flooding (up to 0.28 m) and have low pH (4). In contrast, the presence of peat was linked to variation in maximum water table depth (i.e. the depth to which the water table drops below the ground surface). Surface peat is found in all forest types where maximum water table depth does not fall >0.55 m below the ground surface at any time. Peat formation and variation in tree species composition therefore have different ecohydrological controls. Predicted increases in the frequency and strength of flooding events may alter patterns of tree species composition, whereas increases in drought severity and declines in minimum river levels may pose a greater risk to the belowground carbon stores of these peatland ecosystems.
Green autofluorescence of the index fingernails is a novel biomarker for noninvasive determinations on the status of tobacco smoking
Authors: Zhang Mingchao , Tao Yue , Yu Haibo , Wu Danhong , Liao Binhong , Qiu Jian‐Ge , Jiang Bing‐Hua , Ying Weihai
Published: September 2022

It is critical to discover novel biomarkers for tobacco smoking. Our study has indicated the green autofluorescence (AF) of Index Fingernails as a novel biomarker for rapid and noninvasive determinations on the status of tobacco smoking: The green AF intensity of the Index Fingernails of the smokers was remarkably higher than that of the nonsmokers in the natural populations. When the AF intensity of the Fingernails was used as the variable, the area under curve (AUC) for differentiating the smokers from the nonsmokers was 0.91. Similar results were obtained by analyzing the green AF of the Index Fingernails of the healthy populations and the patients of acute ischemic stroke. Collectively, our study has indicated the green AF of the Index Fingernails as a novel biomarker for tobacco smoking, based on which the first method for noninvasive, rapid and economical determinations on the status of tobacco smoking may be established.
Cell division cycle 42 reflects disease risk, symptoms, Th1/Th2 disproportion, and its short‐term variation indicates symptom amelioration after treatment in allergic rhinitis patients
Authors: Zhang Xiaote , Xie Lujie , Fang Xiaoyun
Published: September 2022

Background

Cell division cycle 42 (CDC42) modulates the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis (AR) through regulating immunity, allergic response, and T‐helper (Th)1/Th2 imbalance. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of CDC42 to reflect disease risk, symptom scores, and Th1/Th2 axis of AR and the correlation of its vertical change with symptom amelioration after treatment.

Methods

CDC42, Th1 cells, and Th2 cells in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and interferon‐γ and interleukin‐4 in the serum were determined in 200 AR patients. Simultaneously, PBMC CDC42 was detected in 50 non‐atopic obstructive snoring patients [as disease controls (DCs)] and 50 healthy controls (HCs).

Results

CDC42 was increased in AR patients compared with DCs and HCs (both p < 0.001) but showed no difference between DCs and HCs (p = 0.054). In AR patients, CDC42 was positively linked to rhinorrhea, itching, sneezing, and total nasal symptom scores (TNSS) (all p < 0.05), but not congestion score (p = 0.052). Meanwhile, CDC42 showed positive correlations with Th2 cells (p < 0.001) and interleukin‐4 (p = 0.005), a negative correlation with Th1/Th2 axis (p = 0.001), but no correlation with Th1 cells (p = 0.095) or interferon‐γ (p = 0.174). Notably, CDC42 at week 4 after treatment (W4) was reduced compared with that at enrollment (W0) (p < 0.001) and positively correlated with TNSS at W4 (p < 0.001); from W0 to W4, CDC42 change also positively correlated with TNSS change (p = 0.004).

Conclusion

CDC42 is elevated and positively correlates with symptom scores and Th2 cells, whose short‐term reduction reflects symptom alleviation in AR patients.
Carfilzomib usage patterns and outcomes in patients with relapsed multiple myeloma: A multi‐institutional report from the Canadian Myeloma Research Group (CMRG) Database
Authors: McCurdy Arleigh , Louzada Martha , Venner Christopher P. , Visram Alissa , Masih‐Khan Esther , Kardjadj Moustafa , Jimenez‐Zepeda Victor H. , LeBlanc Richard , Sebag Michael , Song Kevin , White Darrell , Mian Hira , Stakiw Julie , Reiman Anthony , Aslam Muhammad , Kotb Rami , Gul Engin , Reece Donna
Published: September 2022

Carfilzomib is an active and commonly used treatment in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Using the Canadian Myeloma Research Group Database, we performed a retrospective observational study of patients treated with carfilzomib for relapse of MM in a real‐world setting in Canada between years 2007 and 2020. A total of 445 patients were included in this study: the doublet (Kd/p, n = 218) and triplets (KCd, n = 88; KRd, n = 99; KPd/p, n = 40). One hundred and twenty‐two (27%) received carfilzomib‐based treatment in line 2, 133 (30%) in line 3, 90 (20%) in line 4, and 100 (23%) in line 5 or higher. Carfilzomib was dosed weekly in 40% of patients and twice weekly in 60%. The overall response rate of the entire cohort was 57.7%, with 33.6% of patients achieving very good partial response or better. Median progression‐free survival for the overall cohort was 6.3 months with overall survival 19.7 months. This study provides a benchmark for carfilzomib‐based regimens in the real world, demonstrating that these regimens are effective in treating patients with relapsed MM.
Laparoscopic bile duct plasty for hilar bile duct stenosis (HBDS) in patients with congenital biliary dilatation: Diagnosis of HBDS by preoperative MRCP and laparoscopic strategy to relieve HBDS
Authors: Nakagawa Yoichi , Uchida Hiroo , Hinoki Akinari , Shirota Chiyoe , Tainaka Takahisa , Sumida Wataru , Makita Satoshi , Yasui Akihiro , Takimoto Aitaro , Guo Yaohui
Published: September 2022

Background/Purpose

Congenital biliary dilatation (CBD) is a disease associated with pancreaticobiliary maljunction. The most frequent postoperative complication is intrahepatic stones, which are caused by hilar bile duct stenosis (HBDS).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent primary surgery for CBD between 2013 and 2021. We evaluated images and videos of HBDS, the laparoscopic technique of releasing the stenosis, and its occurrence rate and compared intraoperative bile duct findings with those of preoperative magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).

Results

There were 87 CBD cases in this study. HBDS occurred in 52% and preoperative MRCP for HBDS showed a 96% sensitivity and 74% specificity in this study. Bile duct plasty was performed in 45% of the cases and videos demonstrated typical methods of laparoscopic bile duct plasty. The mid‐ to long‐term complications were hepatolithiasis in three patients, anastomotic site stricture in three, and postoperative obstruction in two.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that preoperative imaging studies are useful for the prediction of HBDS. Our laparoscopic meticulous probing method for finding BDS reveals more intrahepatic BDS through magnification. Therefore, this may reduce the incidence of intrahepatic stones. Preoperative imaging and intraoperative findings can be complemented to plan management that reduces long‐term complications.
保存的加療で軽快した孤立性内臓動脈解離の4症例(Four cases of isolated dissection of visceral artery relieved by conservative therapy)
Authors: 剛 野上 , 輝真 田邊 , 一暢 宇根 , 裕司 児玉 , 克敏 佐藤
Published: September 2022

孤立性内臓動脈解離は比較的稀な疾患であるが，近年はmulti detector–row computed tomography（MDCT）などの診断デバイスの性能向上もあり報告例が増加している。今回，突然発症の強い腹痛を初発症状とし，造影CTで診断に至った孤立性内臓動脈解離を4例経験したので報告する。症例はいずれも40歳台の男性で，背景因子として高血圧が3例，喫煙歴ありが2例であった。初診時，腹痛の訴えは強いが腹膜刺激徴候は明らかでなく，嘔気下痢などの消化器症状を認めなかった。採血では，大動脈解離では感度が高いとされるD–dimerの陰性例が3例であった。腹部造影CTの撮影を行い，2例を上腸間膜動脈解離，2例を腹腔動脈解離と診断した。いずれの症例も腸管虚血は認めなかったため，厳密な血圧管理および抗血栓薬による保存的治療を選択した。治療開始後，疼痛症状は第3病日までに全症例で消失し，第7病日以降に行った経過観察の造影CTでは，すべての症例で解離血管の血流の改善を認めるという良好な経過をたどった。以上のように孤立性内臓動脈解離は稀な疾患であるが，腸管虚血を伴わない症例では保存的治療のみで良好な経過を得ることができる可能性が示された。中年男性に突然発症の激しい腹痛を生じた場合には本疾患を鑑別の一つとし，遅滞なく造影CTにて評価診断を行うことが必要と考える。
A Phase 2 open label study of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir for 12 weeks in subjects with hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Price Angie S. , Nelson Amy K. , Ghosh Alip , Kottilil Shyamasundaran , Chua Joel V.
Published: September 2022

Retrospective data showed that when we administered ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) to patients with hepatitis B and C coinfection, there was a modest reduction in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Therefore, we hypothesize that similar HBsAg reduction can be seen in hepatitis B virus (HBV) monoinfected subjects. Primary and secondary efficacy endpoints are the decline in HBsAg and HBV DNA at Week 12 from baseline, respectively. We conducted an open‐label Phase 2 pilot study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and antiviral activity of LDV and/or SOF for HBV. Eligible subjects were either suppressed on antivirals (Group B) or inactive chronic HBV (Group A, C, D). Group A and B received LDV/SOF. Group C and D received SOF 400 mg and LDV 90 mg, respectively. All subjects completed the study, and all related adverse events (AEs) were mild. No discontinuations due to AEs or hepatitis flare occurred. At Week 12, HBsAg decline (log10 IU/ml) was similar between Group A (0.399) and B (0.400), less in Group C (0.207), and none in Group D, and there was HBV DNA decline in the inactive chronic HBV groups. LDV and SOF are safe and well tolerated when given to chronic hepatitis B subjects and have modest antiviral activity, particularly when given in combination.
Acibenzolar‐S‐methyl activates phenylpropanoid pathway to enhance resistance against Alternaria alternata in pear fruit
Authors: Guo Yan , Li Xue , Li Canying , Jinyue Ruxin , Xu Hengping , Ge Yonghong
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Alternaria alternata is a causal agent of black spot rot of pear fruit after harvest. Acibenzolar‐S‐methyl (ASM) has been shown to be a potential elicitor of tolerance in several horticultural products. This work was performed to research the influence of ASM on black spot rot of Docteur Jules Guyot pears and vital enzyme activity and gene expression in the phenylpropanoid pathway.

RESULTS

ASM remarkably decreased the lesion diameter of A. alternata‐inoculated pears. ASM also increased phenylalanine ammonialyase, cinnamate 4‐hydroxylase, cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase activities and gene expression, and enhanced 4‐coumarate/coenzyme A ligase activity in pears. Moreover, ASM improved the content of phenylalanine, total phenolic compounds, caffeic acid, flavonoids, anthocyanin and lignin in pears.

CONCLUSION

ASM could modulate vital enzyme activity and gene expression in the phenylpropanoid pathway to accelerate metabolite synthesis, thereby enhancing resistance against A. alternata in pears. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Feasibility analysis using a porous media model to simulate the wind protection effect of windbreak forests
Authors: Zhuo Chunxiang , Tong Xin , Hao Baoer , Chen Zhi , Liu Haiyang
Published: September 2022

The porous media model theory has been applied to the study of soil wind erosion, and the accuracy of simulation test results using the resistance source term instead of the windbreak geometry model has received much attention. A common shrub windbreak was used as the research object, and a porous media model with a similar shape was established to synthetically compare the wind tunnel experimental data with the results of computational fluid dynamics numerical simulations, analyze its feasibility for windbreak research instead of wind tunnel experiments, and try to elaborate the causes of errors arising from numerical simulations. The relative standard deviation of more than 80% of the sampling points in the porous media model and wind tunnel experimental results was less than 5%, and the wind speed difference at the maximum relative standard deviation was only 0.257 m s−1; the difference in wind speed variation was most obvious on the leeward side of the lower part of the vegetation canopy, but this error does not affect the wind speed recovery trend of the Caragana shrub/forest belt array. The combination of numerical simulations and wind tunnel experiments gives a reference for the accuracy of porous media models used to simulate plant wind protection.
Field performance of selected and landrace tepary bean varieties in diverse southwestern USA irrigated production environments
Authors: Pratt Richard C. , Grant Lois , Velasco‐Cruz Ciro , Lauriault Leonard
Published: September 2022

The desert Southwest is the oldest area of continuous crop production in the continental USA. Tepary beans (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray) were a part of the ancient, irrigated cropping systems, but they were nearly lost during the twentieth century. They are now the subject of heightened research and breeding activity. We wished to ascertain the field performance of varieties improved by selection within the region with those selected outside the region. In one study, the selected varieties were evaluated in two locations across two seasons, and in another, they were evaluated at three locations in the Rio Grande Valley, the principal agricultural production region in New Mexico. A collection of 21 tepary landraces was also examined at the same three locations in the Rio Grande River Valley of New Mexico. Both selected and landrace varieties demonstrated a production capacity above 2000 kg ha−1 under irrigated conditions. Seed size (as determined by 100‐seed weights) was also examined in the selected varieties. Two varieties (TARS Tep32 and CSU148) displayed seed size at the lower range of the small market class of common beans. The developmental phenology of the selected varieties was similar across two seasons. One selected variety, CSU148, also displayed a high level of resistance to powdery mildew during one season favorable for disease development. The other selected varieties exhibited intermediate host‐resistance responses to infection.
Manufacture of Soft‐Hard Implants from Electrospun Filaments Embedded in 3D Printed Structures
Authors: Alkaissy Rand , Richard Michael , Morris Hayley , Snelling Sarah , Pinchbeck Henry , Carr Andrew , Mouthuy Pierre‐Alexis
Published: September 2022

Rotator cuff tendon tears are common injuries of the musculoskeletal system that often require surgical repair. However, re‐tearing following repair is a significant clinical problem, with a failure rate of up to 40%, notably at the transition from bone to tendon. The development of biphasic materials consisting of soft and hard components, which can mimic this interface, is therefore promising. Here, a simple manufacturing approach is proposed that combines electrospun filaments and 3D printing to achieve scaffolds made of a soft polydioxanone cuff embedded in a porous polycaprolactone block. The insertion area of the cuff is based on the supraspinatus tendon footprint and the size of the cuff is scaled up from 9 to 270 electrospun filaments to reach a clinically relevant strength of 227N on average. The biological evaluation shows that the biphasic scaffold components are noncytotoxic, and that tendon and bone cells can be grown on the cuff and block, respectively. Overall, these results indicate that combining electrospinning and 3D printing is a feasible and promising approach to create soft‐to‐hard biphasic scaffolds that can improve the outcomes of rotator cuff repair.
Preparation and Properties of Biodegradable Shape Memory Polylactic Acid/Poly(ε‐caprolactone) Blends under Volume Elongational Deformation
Authors: Yang Zhitao , Yang Zhao , Zeng Jiajing , Yang Juxin , Cao Xianwu
Published: September 2022

In this work, a novel eccentric rotor mixer (ERM), which can generate circulating volume elongational deformation, is employed to prepare biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA)/poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) thermo‐responsive shape‐memory blends without a compatibilizer. The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) show that the ERM has more efficient dispersion and compatibilization for blends than conventional Banbury mixers, which is beneficial for shape‐memory performance. The results of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) also confirm the consequences. Then, morphological and mechanical properties and shape memory behaviors of the blends are investigated in detail. Co‐continuous morphology is found on EF‐PLA50. The blends exhibit remarkable shape‐memory performance. The bending shape fixing ratio and recovery ratio of the blends are more than 94% and are still more than 90% after five shape memory cycles. With the increase of PLA content, the shape fixing ratio of blends decreases, while the shape recovery ratio increases and the shape recovery time becomes shorter. All the blends show good mechanical properties.
Bi‐Allelic COQ4 Variants Cause Adult‐Onset Ataxia‐Spasticity Spectrum Disease
Authors: Cordts Isabell , Semmler Luisa , Prasuhn Jannik , Seibt Annette , Herebian Diran , Navaratnarajah Tharsini , Park Joohyun , Deininger Natalie , Laugwitz Lucia , Göricke Sophia L. , Lingor Paul , Brüggemann Norbert , Münchau Alexander , Synofzik Matthis , Timmann Dagmar , Mayr Johannes A. , Haack Tobias B. , Distelmaier Felix , Deschauer Marcus
Published: September 2022

Background

COQ4 codes for a mitochondrial protein required for coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) biosynthesis. Autosomal recessive COQ4‐associated CoQ10 deficiency leads to an early‐onset mitochondrial multi‐organ disorder.

Methods

In‐house exome and genome datasets (n = 14,303) were screened for patients with bi‐allelic variants in COQ4. Work‐up included clinical characterization and functional studies in patient‐derived cell lines.

Results

Six different COQ4 variants, three of them novel, were identified in six adult patients from four different families. Three patients had a phenotype of hereditary spastic paraparesis, two sisters showed a predominant cerebellar ataxia, and one patient had mild signs of both. Studies in patient‐derived fibroblast lines revealed significantly reduced amounts of COQ4 protein, decreased CoQ10 concentrations, and elevated levels of the metabolic intermediate 6‐demethoxyubiquinone.

Conclusion

We report bi‐allelic variants in COQ4 causing an adult‐onset ataxia‐spasticity spectrum phenotype and a disease course much milder than previously reported. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Branched‐Chain Amino Acids and Mitochondrial Biogenesis: An Overview and Mechanistic Summary
Authors: Hinkle Jason S. , Rivera Caroline N. , Vaughan Roger A.
Published: September 2022

Branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA) are essential in the diet and promote several vital cell responses which may have benefits for health and athletic performance, as well as disease prevention. While BCAA are well‐known for their ability to stimulate muscle protein synthesis, their effects on cell energetics are also becoming well‐documented, but these receive less attention. In this review, much of the current evidence demonstrating BCAA ability (as individual amino acids or as part of dietary mixtures) to alter regulators of cellular energetics with an emphasis on mitochondrial biogenesis and related signaling is highlighted. Several studies have shown, both in vitro and in vivo, that BCAA (either individual or as a mixture) may promote signaling associated with increased mitochondrial biogenesis including the upregulation of master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1‐alpha (PGC‐1α), as well as numerous downstream targets and related function. However, sparse data in humans and the difficulty of controlling variables associated with feeding studies leave the physiological relevance of these findings unclear. Future well‐controlled diet studies will be needed to assess if BCAA consumption is associated with increased mitochondrial biogenesis and improved metabolic outcomes in healthy and/or diseased human populations.
Radiomics analysis of T2‐weighted images for differentiating invasive placentas in women at high risks
Authors: Lu Tao , Zhang Tianyue , Wang Yishuang , Guo Aiwen , Deng Yan , Song Bin , Liu Siyun
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To develop and validate an MRI‐based radiomics model for differentiating invasive placentas in patients with high risks.

Methods

A total of 181 pregnant women suspected of placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders and who underwent MRI for placenta evaluation were retrospectively enrolled. The data set was randomly divided into the training (n = 125; invasive = 63, noninvasive = 62) and test (n = 56; invasive = 28, noninvasive = 28) groups. Radiomics features were extracted from half‐Fourier acquisition single‐shot turbo spin echo (HASTE) and sagittal true fast imaging in steady‐state precession (TRUFISP) sequences independently and mainly selected based on their correlations with invasive placentas to construct two radiomics signatures including HASTE‐Radscore and TRUFISP‐Radscore. Then, the predictive performance of radiomic signatures, clinical features, radiographic features, and their combination were evaluated. The model with the best predictive performance was validated with its discrimination ability, calibration, and clinical usefulness.

Results

Five radiomics features from HASTE and three radiomics features from TRUFISP were retained, respectively, for predicting invasive placentas. The combination of radiomics signatures and clinical features including prior cesarean delivery, placenta previa, and radiographic feature, the placental thickness resulted in the best discrimination ability, with area under the curve of 0.898 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.844–0.9522) and 0.858 (95% confidence interval 0.7514–0.9655) in the training and test cohort, respectively. The combined model showed a significantly better area under the curve performance and clinical usefulness than independent clinical or radiographic model according to DeLong test (p < .05), net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement analysis (positive improvement) and decision curve analysis (higher net benefit).

Conclusions

The T2‐weighted imaging MRI radiomics model could serve as a potential prenatal diagnosis tool for identifying invasive placentas in patients with high risks.
Development of smoothed particle hydrodynamics method for modeling active nematics
Authors: Saghatchi Roozbeh , Kolukisa Deniz Can , Yildiz Mehmet
Published: September 2022

This article proposes a novel graphics processing unit‐based active nematic flow solver based on the smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method. Nematohydrodynamics equations are discretized using the SPH algorithm. Flow behavior, nematic ordering, topological defects, and vorticity correlation are calculated and discussed in detail. The spectrum of the kinetic energy with respect to the wavenumber is calculated at high particle resolution, and its slope at the different length scales is discussed. To exploit the SPH capabilities, pathlines of nematic particles are evaluated during the simulation. Finally, the mixing behavior of the active nematics is calculated as well and described qualitatively. The effects of two important parameters, namely, activity and elastic constant are investigated. It is shown that the activity intensifies the chaotic mixing nature of the active nematics, while the elastic constant behaves oppositely.
Simulation of the interaction of light with 3‐D metallic nanostructures using a proper orthogonal decomposition‐Galerkin reduced‐order discontinuous Galerkin time‐domain method
Authors: Li Kun , Huang Ting‐Zhu , Li Liang , Lanteri Stéphane
Published: September 2022

In this artice, we report on a reduced‐order model (ROM) based on the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) technique for the system of 3‐D time‐domain Maxwell's equations coupled to a Drude dispersion model, which is employed to describe the interaction of light with nanometer scale metallic structures. By using the singular value decomposition (SVD) method, the POD basis vectors are extracted offline from the snapshots produced by a high order discontinuous Galerkin time‐domain (DGTD) solver. With a Galerkin projection and a second order leap‐frog (LF2) time discretization, a discrete ROM is constructed. The stability condition of the ROM is then analyzed. In particular, when the boundary is a perfect electric conductor condition, the global energy of the ROM is bounded, which is consistent with the characteristics of global energy in the DGTD method. It is shown that the ROM based on Galerkin projection can maintain the stability characteristics of the original high dimensional model. Numerical experiments are presented to verify the accuracy, demonstrate the capabilities of the POD‐based ROM and assess its efficiency for 3‐D nanophotonic problems.
BMI and lipidomic biomarkers with risk of gestational diabetes in pregnant women
Authors: Wang Yi , Wu Ping , Huang Yichao , Ye Yi , Yang Xue , Sun Fengjiang , Ye Yi‐Xiang , Lai Yuwei , Ouyang Jing , Wu Linjing , Li Yue , Li Yanqin , Zhao Bin , Wang Yixin , Liu Gang , Pan Xiong‐Fei , Chen Da , Pan An
Published: September 2022

Objective

The study aimed to identify BMI‐related lipids and to explore the role of lipids linking BMI and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

Plasma lipidome, height, and weight were measured in early pregnancy among 1008 women. Pearson correlation analyses and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression (LASSO) were performed to identify BMI‐associated lipids. Based on these lipids, a lipid score was created using LASSO, and its association with GDM risk was evaluated by conditional logistic regression. The causal relationships between BMI and lipids were tested by Mendelian randomization analysis with genotyping data. Mediation analysis was conducted to evaluate the mediating effect of lipids on the association of BMI with GDM.

Results

Of 366 measured lipids, BMI was correlated with 28 lipids, which mainly belong to glycerophospholipids and glycerolipids. A total of 10 lipid species were associated with BMI, and a lipid score was established. A causal relationship between BMI and lysophosphatidylcholine 14:0 was observed. The lipid score was associated with a 1.69‐fold increased risk of GDM per 1‐point increment (95% CI: 1.33‐2.15). Furthermore, BMI‐associated lipids might explain 66.4% of the relationship between BMI and GDM.

Conclusions

Higher BMI in early pregnancy was associated with altered lipid metabolism that may contribute to the increased risk of GDM.
Preparation and properties of carboxylated cellulose nanofibers/monomer casting nylon composites
Authors: He Xiaofeng , Guo Fuqiang , Ge Tiejun , Tang Kaihong , Shi Shengnan , Geng Maofu
Published: September 2022

Polyisocyanate was used to chemically functionalize carboxylated cellulose nanofibers (CNF‐C). Composites of CNF‐C/ monomer casting nylon (MC nylon) and modified CNF‐C/MC nylon were fabricated by anionic ring‐opening polymerization. The mechanical characteristics of the MC nylon composites and the dispersion of the CNF‐C in the MC nylon were studied. The tensile strength and impact strength of composites were first increased with CNF‐C addition, but then decreased as further CNF‐C was added. The composites had good mechanical properties when CNF‐C was added to MC nylon at 1.0 wt%, and the tensile strength and impact strength were increased by 21.2% and 34.9%, respectively, compared to MC nylon. When modified CNF‐C was added at 1.5 wt%, the tensile strength of composites was increased by 47.90%. The addition of CNF‐C causes an increase in the melting point, crystallinity, and crystallization temperature, which was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The modified CNF‐C had better dispersibility in MC nylon which was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Direct oral to parenteral anticoagulant transitions: Role of factor Xa inhibitor‐specific anti‐Xa concentrations
Authors: Dinunno Corey V. , Lopez Chelsea N. , Succar Luma , Nguyen Duc T. , Graviss Edward A. , Salazar Eric , Donahue Kevin R.
Published: September 2022

Objectives

The increasing use of oral factor Xa inhibitors (FXaI) has led to a growing interest in the clinical utility of laboratory monitoring to enhance safety and effectiveness. Particularly, the use of FXaI‐specific anti‐Xa concentrations has gained traction and been advocated for several indications, but limited studies have explored the role of anti‐Xa concentrations in guiding inpatient transitions from oral to parenteral anticoagulants. Therefore, additional data on such approaches are warranted to help balance bleeding and thrombotic risks in the higher acuity inpatient setting. This study sought to compare two strategies for oral‐to‐parenteral anticoagulant transitions: FXaI anti‐Xa concentration‐guided versus standard of care (i.e., per‐package insert).

Study Design

This was an observational, single‐center, retrospective cohort study conducted from May 2016 to May 2021. Hospitalized patients converted from an oral FXaI (apixaban or rivaroxaban) to therapeutic parenteral anticoagulation with or without FXaI anti‐Xa concentration guidance were reviewed. The primary outcome of major bleeding, according to the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis criteria, was compared between groups. Cox proportional hazard modeling was used to evaluate patient characteristics associated with major bleeding events.

Results

A total of 845 patients (388 in the concentration‐guided group and 457 in the non‐concentration‐guided group) met the inclusion criteria. Major bleeding was significantly lower in the concentration‐guided versus the non‐concentration‐guided group (2.2% vs. 11.3%; p < 0.001, respectively). There were no differences between the groups in thromboembolic complications (1.8% concentration guided vs. 1.5% non‐concentration guided; p = 0.72) despite a significantly longer time from last oral FXaI dose to parenteral anticoagulant initiation in the concentration‐guided group (27.9 h vs. 15.1 h; p < 0.01). The concentration‐guided group had an 80% lower risk of major bleeding compared with the non‐concentration‐guided group (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10–0.39; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

This analysis suggests using FXaI anti‐Xa concentrations to guide the transition from oral to parenteral anticoagulants may be beneficial in reducing major bleeds in select patient populations.
Harnessing the power of single photons
Authors: Vergyris Panagiotis
Published: September 2022

The concept of photon counting is already a century old. However, we have only managed to harness its power over the last few decades. Generating and detecting these single quanta of light energy is essential for many applications and disruptive technologies that will solve many of today's global challenges, from super‐efficient photonic quantum processors and ultrasecure communication to highly accurate sensors for biomedical imaging. Single‐photon generation and detection technologies are redesigning the map of photonics applications.
Toward a big picture of COVID‐19
Authors: Tretter Felix , McIntyre‐Mills Janet J. , Smith Gary R.
Published: September 2022

The paper aims to illustrate and explain the problems and opportunities for improvement in Covid management that become evident when taking a systems perspective. Critical time delays occurred in the regulation of the pandemic that themanagement cycle of political cyberneticsmakes explicit. In general, the executive management of the pandemic in global, regional, and national organizations was unprepared in detecting and responding to the onset of the waves and making appropriate decisions towards differential instead of general lockdowns based on available data. This was further complicated by the mutants of SARS‐CoV2 that perpetuated the high dynamics of the pandemic. In addition, the diversity of medical specialisms, without appropriate big picture thinking, led to an imbalanced response that failed to appreciate the role of virology and epidemiology compared to clinical and public health‐related issues. In consequence, laboratory experts suggested everyday regulations for the citizens without taking into account wider considerations for empirical research. There was an insufficient effort made for proposed treatment studies using existing agents based on the established understanding of essential physiology and the role of local and systemic chronic inflammation. In contrast, driven by media popularization, drugs that later proved beneficial were put in doubt and other drugs that lacked benefit and potentially caused harm were driven to clinical trials and utilization. Person‐centered systems view backed by scientific knowledge and established data would have set better priorities. Finally, we need to take a step back and consider the Corona crisis pandemic in the context of the unidimensional utility‐driven handling of natural ecosystems by the culture of industrialized countries. This ever‐accelerating destruction of life spaces for species drives adaptations are the basis of zoonoses. There is strong evidence that future pandemics should be faced with a more systemic socio‐ecological conceptual framework that also reflects the fatal impact of human civilization on natural ecosystems, no matter if SARS CoV2 is a zoonosis or a laboratory accident. It is critical for the future of our species that we collectively learn from this experience, address limitations in our perspectives, enhance our system‐based science and bolster global, regional, and national crisis management. The impact of climate change and biodiversity loss has crossed the horizon and is now clearly in full sight.
Investigation of the Electron–Phonon Coupling in Dirac Semimetal PdTe2 via Temperature‐Dependent Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: AL-Makeen Mansour M. , Guo Xiao , Wang Yongsong , Yang Dingbang , You Siwen , Yassine Madoune , Jiang Junjie , Song Peng-Bo , Shi You-Guo , Xie Haipeng , Meng Jian-Qiao , Huang Han
Published: September 2022

Layered Palladium ditelluride (PdTe2) is an interesting noble‐transition‐metal dichalcogenide with high electrical and thermal conductivity, exhibiting superconductivity and a type‐II Dirac semimetallic phase due to the increased electron–phonon (e–ph) coupling. Herein, the e–ph coupling constant λ of E
g (in‐plane) and A
1g (out‐of‐plane) modes in the exfoliated PdTe2 nanoflakes via temperature‐dependent Raman spectroscopy within the temperature range from 80 to 580 K is determined. Both E
g mode with a Gaussian line shape and A
1g mode with a Breit–Wigner–Fano line shape show nonlinear frequency redshift and linewidth broadening with temperature. The extracted e–ph coupling constants are  = 1.54 and  = 0.55, respectively. The Raman results confirm that PdTe2 is a phonon‐mediated Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer superconductor.
Effects of Porous Media on Foam Properties
Authors: Tao Ye , Wang Yazhou , Meng Qingchun , Li Huabin , Guo Fajun , Guo Chengfei , Zhang Xiao , Deng Jinpin , Dong Hua
Published: September 2022

Foam flooding is an important pathway for enhanced oil recovery. However, the evaluation of foam properties is usually carried out in free space, which can not accurately reflect the performance of foam in porous oil formation. In the present work, by investigating the foamability and stability of foam systems in sand‐pack models with average pore throat radius from 1.24 μm to 4.28 μm, the effects of porous media on foam properties are studied. Compared with foam systems in free space, foam systems in porous media have longer foam half‐life, longer drainage half‐life, and higher foam comprehensive index. The foam volume of foam systems in porous media could be higher or lower than that in free space, depending on the average pore throat radius of the porous media. Generally, in porous media, with the decreasing of pore throat radius, the foamability of the foam systems gradually decreases while the foam stability gradually increases. Moreover, the bubble size and liquid film thickness also decrease with the decreasing of pore throat radius of the porous media. Above all, the behaviors of foams are significantly affected by porous media. When investigating a foam system to evaluate its performance for foam flooding in oil recovery or other applications in porous media, porous models which could reflect the target conditions should be considered to obtain more trustable results.
Greenly Reduced CoFe‐PBA/Nickel Foam: A Robust Dual Electrocatalyst for Solar‐Driven Alkaline Water Electrolysis with a Low Cell Voltage
Authors: Vishnu Bakthavachalam , Mathi Selvam , Sriram Sundarraj , Jayabharathi Jayaraman
Published: September 2022

Development of eco‐friendly efficient dual electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) gaining increased attention for renewable energy production. Here, the greenly synthesized rCoFe‐PBA was established as durable and effective bifunctional electrocatalyst for HER and OER process. The rCoFe‐PBA coated Nickel foam electrode exhibit overpotential of 311 mV (OER) and 100 mV (HER) @ 10 mA cm−2 significantly lower than commercial IrO2 (381 mV) and near to Pt/C (36 mV). The rCoFe‐PBA show smaller Tafel slope (OER: 57 mV dec−1) than IrO2 (78 mV dec−1) and exhibit Tafel slope of 131 mV dec−1 (HER) which is near to Pt (90 mV dec−1). Turnover frequency (TOF) was estimated as 0.22 s−1 (OER) and 0.26 s−1 (HER) was found to be 5 and 10 times higher than IrO2 catalyst (0.040 s−1) and Pt/C catalyst (0.025 s−1), respectively. For solar water electrolysis, rCoFe‐PBA/NF shows overpotential of 411 mV and durability over 180 h in 1.0 m KOH (4.1 % potential loss). The combination of non‐precious electrolyzer, rCoFe‐PBA with commercial solar cell produced H2 gas in alkaline water under sunlight. This methodology proves that the greenly synthesized rCoFe‐PBA electrolyzer can outperform the precious electrocatalysts, implying that the cost‐effective large scale H2 production without artificial current is possible with commercial solar cells.
K2S2O8‐Promoted Haloamination of Non‐Functionalized Olefins for the Synthesis of 2‐Halomethyl Indolines and 2‐Halomethyl Dihydrobenzofuran
Authors: Liu Ruyan , Wang Yan , Hu Zhouman , Wu Jianglong , Gong Chengwei , Jiang Zishuo , Li Dianjun , Wang Fuqiang , Yang Jinhui
Published: September 2022

A metal‐free, economical and effective method for intramolecular haloamination/cyclization of non‐functionalized olefins was developed. In the presence of K2S2O8 and sodium halide, 2‐allyl aniline can be converted into corresponding 2‐iodo, bromo and chloromethyl indolines skeleton compounds in good to excellent yields. Mechanism research suggested that the reaction didn't involve radical addition pathway. Introduction
Co‐delivery of Doxycycline, Florfenicol and Silver Nanoparticles using Alginate/Chitosan Nanocarriers
Authors: Son Phan Ke , Thu Huong Le Thi , Minh Nguyen Thi , Thu Trang Mai Thi , Ha Hoang Phuong , Thang To Xuan , Trung Nguyen Thanh , Dang Pham Kim , Thu Ha Phuong
Published: September 2022

The overuse of antibiotics has led to the sharp increase of antibiotic‐resistant bacteria that can consequently transmit and cause hard‐to‐cure human diseases. To deal with this problem, nano drug delivery systems have been widely researched. This report focuses on developing an Alginate/Chitosan‐based nanosystem that carried simultaneously Doxycycline (DOX), Florfenicol (FLO), and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The optimal Alginate/Chitosan ratio of 3 : 2 (w/w) created the most stable nanocarrier system. The fabricated DOX‐FLO@AgNPs had a spherical shape with a small size of about 20 nm and could release slowly DOX and FLO at pH of 7.4 and 5.0.In vitrodrug release kinetics of DOX and FLO from DOX‐FLO@AgNPs fitted best to the Weibull or Higuchi model by the mechanism of the Fickian or non‐Fickian diffusion. The nanosystem of DOX‐FLO@AgNPs had much lower IC50of 0.012±0.001 and 0.08±0.005 μg/mL against E.coliandB.subtilis, respectively, than the conventional form. The FIC50value of smaller than 0.5 μg/mL for 5 out of 6 tested bacteria also indicated the synergistic effect of each component in this antibiotic combination. Moreover, the cytotoxicity assay confirmed the viability of 96.4±2.3 % for vero cell line that exposured to the treatment dose. Therefore, these findings strongly suggest that the DOX‐FLO@AgNPs formulation is promising for combined antibiotic drug delivery and silver nanoparticles, and will be worth investigating for furtherin vivopotential.
Lotus Root‐Derived Porous Carbon as an Anode Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Li Hao , Luo Huan , Teng Jinhan , Yuan Shengxu , Li Jinchao , Zhang Yaping , Duan Hao , Li Jing
Published: September 2022

When being used as anodes for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), environmental friendly and easily available biomass‐derived carbon materials often suffer from complex preparation conditions, underdeveloped pore structures and relatively low circulation capacities. In this context, three novel biomass‐derived porous carbon materials including LRK‐6, LRK‐7 and LRK‐8 sourced from lotus roots are activated and carbonized by a simple method. The prepared material has a three‐dimensional honeycomb structure. The effects of carbonization temperature on the structure, morphology and electrochemical properties of the material are investigated in detail. Owing to its high specific surface area (831.017 m2 g−1), appropriate microporous content (0.217 cm3 g−1) and the highest mesopore capacity (0.325 cm3 g−1) together with suitable doping of N and O atoms, the as‐optimized LRK‐7 material shows a reversible specific capacity of 725.25 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g−1 and 614.60 mAh g−1 after 223 cycles at 0.3 A g−1. Besides, LRK‐7 material also exhibits high rate performance, achieving a capacity of 153.5 mAh g−1 at 9.0 A g−1. The results verify that the application of LRK‐7 as a potential anode material in the LIB will embrace a bright future.
DCC Mediated Direct Amidation of NSAID Naproxen, Ibuprofen and Ketoprofen with Secondary Amines
Authors: Mart Mehmet , Karakaya Idris , Jurczak Janusz
Published: September 2022

Direct and atom‐economical amidation of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs naproxen ibuprofen and ketoprofen with a variety of secondary amines was effected using commercially available DCC under mild and open‐air conditions. These prodrug amides were obtained in good to moderate yields ranging between 30–90 %.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Regioselective C−H Heteroarylation of Pyridotriazoles
Authors: Rawat Deepa , Semwal Rashmi , Adimurthy Subbarayappa
Published: September 2022

An efficient and regioselective palladium‐catalyzed C−H heteroarylation of [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyridines with benzo[b]thiophenes and benzothiazoles is described. A series of C‐7 arylated [1,2,3]triazolo[1,5‐a]pyridines were obtained in moderate to good yields with exclusive regioselectivity and good functional group tolerance. DBU (1,8‐Diazabicyclo(5.4.0)undec‐7‐ene) as a base and Ag2CO3 as oxidant are the best combination for the present transformation and avoids the pre‐functionalized substrates. Control experiments suggest that the reaction proceeds through ionic pathway.
Dual‐Use of Seawater Batteries for Energy Storage and Water Desalination
Authors: Arnold Stefanie , Wang Lei , Presser Volker
Published: September 2022

Seawater batteries are unique energy storage systems for sustainable renewable energy storage by directly utilizing seawater as a source for converting electrical energy and chemical energy. This technology is a sustainable and cost‐effective alternative to lithium‐ion batteries, benefitting from seawater‐abundant sodium as the charge‐transfer ions. Research has significantly improved and revised the performance of this type of battery over the last few years. However, fundamental limitations of the technology remain to be overcome in future studies to make this method even more viable. Disadvantages include degradation of the anode materials or limited membrane stability in aqueous saltwater resulting in low electrochemical performance and low Coulombic efficiency. The use of seawater batteries exceeds the application for energy storage. The electrochemical immobilization of ions intrinsic to the operation of seawater batteries is also an effective mechanism for direct seawater desalination. The high charge/discharge efficiency and energy recovery make seawater batteries an attractive water remediation technology. Here, the seawater battery components and the parameters used to evaluate their energy storage and water desalination performances are reviewed. Approaches to overcoming stability issues and low voltage efficiency are also introduced. Finally, an overview of potential applications, particularly in desalination technology, is provided.