bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case of ankylosing spondylitis presenting with fever of unknown origin diagnosed as aortitis: A case report
Authors: Mehdipour Dalivand Mahsa , Abdolazimi Rezvan , Manafi‐Farid Reyhaneh , Jamshidi Ahmadreza , Kassaee Kimia , Foolad Sara , Alikhani Majid
Published: November 2023

Key Clinical Message

Clinicians should be aware of rare manifestations of AS, while considering a low threshold for screening vascular involvement in an axial SpA/nrxSpA/AS presenting with unexplained fevers and significant constitutional symptoms and elevated markers.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease from the spondyloarthritis complex, which usually affects young men and primarily involves sacroiliac joints and the spine. It can also present with non‐joint involvement, such as cardiovascular manifestations. Aortitis is a rare yet critical cardiovascular complication associated with AS, which can lead to life‐threatening outcomes when undiagnosed. Here we report a 34‐year‐old man with intermittent fevers and significant weight loss, myalgia, and arthralgia for 1 year before being referred to our hospital due to undefinable causes despite multiple diagnostic efforts. The patient presented with elevated inflammatory markers and involvement of sacroiliac joints in favor of the AS. A positron emission tomography scan was also done to rule out underlying malignancy, which led to the detection of inflammation in ascending aorta, compatible with aortitis. The patient was treated with nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, prednisolone, and infliximab, and his signs and symptoms significantly improved. Our case reports a rare but substantial complication of AS, in a young patient without a history of prolonged disease presenting with unspecific manifestations. The implantation of a thorough examination of AS patients, including cardiac examinations, could contribute to faster and more efficient diagnosis and treatment.
Towards Sustainable H2O2 Photogeneration: Advancements, Challenges, and Future Prospects
Authors: Ruan Qiushi
Published: November 2023

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has emerged as a versatile and environmentally friendly oxidant, showing wide applications in diverse sectors such as fine chemical synthesis, waste stream treatment, precious metal extraction, and textile bleaching. With an escalating demand, H2O2 has now become one of the most essential chemicals worldwide. Efficient photocatalytic generation of H2O2 from water (H2O) and oxygen (O2) has been a long‐standing challenge, presenting a promising prospect to replace existing production methods. This review presents a framework aimed at achieving highly efficient and continuous H2O2 production via photocatalysis. The key aspects include photocatalyst design, selectivity for redox reactions, stability issue and reactor design. Through a comprehensive inspection and comparison of state‐of‐the‐art research, the most viable pathways for H2O2 photogeneration are identified, ensuring optimal solar‐to‐fuel conversion efficiency and high selectivity for target products. The ultimate goal is to establish H2O2 photogeneration as a sustainable and efficient method for producing this valuable chemical, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.
Copy number loss of KDM5D may be a predictive biomarker for ATR inhibitor treatment in male patients with pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Ura Ayako , Hayashi Takuo , Komura Kazumasa , Hosoya Masaki , Takamochi Kazuya , Sato Eiichi , Saito Satomi , Wakai Susumu , Handa Takafumi , Saito Tsuyoshi , Kato Shunsuke , Suzuki Kenji , Yao Takashi ,   the Tokyo Metropolitan Innovative Oncology Research Group (TMIG)
Published: November 2023

A limited number of patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) benefit clinically from molecular targeted drugs because of a lack of targetable driver alterations. We aimed to understand the prevalence and clinical significance of lysine‐specific demethylase 5D (KDM5D) copy number loss in SCC and explore its potential as a predictive biomarker for ataxia‐telangiectasia and Rad3‐related (ATR) inhibitor treatment. We evaluated KDM5D copy number loss in 173 surgically resected SCCs from male patients using fluorescence in situ hybridization. KDM5D copy number loss was detected in 75 of the 173 patients (43%). Genome‐wide expression profiles of the transcription start sites (TSSs) were obtained from 17 SCCs, for which the cap analysis of gene expression assay was performed, revealing that upregulated genes in tumors with the KDM5D copy number loss are associated with ‘cell cycle’, whereas downregulated genes in tumors with KDM5D copy number loss were associated with ‘immune response’. Clinicopathologically, SCCs with KDM5D copy number loss were associated with late pathological stage (p = 0.0085) and high stromal content (p = 0.0254). Multiplexed fluorescent immunohistochemistry showed that the number of tumor‐infiltrating CD8+/T‐bet+ T cells was lower in SCCs with KDM5D copy number loss than in wild‐type tumors. In conclusion, approximately 40% of the male patients with SCC exhibited KDM5D copy number loss. Tumors in patients who show this distinct phenotype can be ‘cold tumors’, which are characterized by the paucity of tumor T‐cell infiltration and usually do not respond to immunotherapy. Thus, they may be candidates for trials with ATR inhibitors.
Determinants of genetic diversity in Neotropical salamanders (Plethodontidae: Bolitoglossini)
Authors: Segovia‐Ramírez María Guadalupe , Ramírez‐Sánchez Obed , Decena Segarra Louis Paul , Rios‐Carlos Hairo , Rovito Sean M.
Published: November 2023

Genetic diversity is the raw material of evolution, yet the reasons why it varies among species remain poorly understood. While studies at deeper phylogenetic scales point to the influence of life history traits on genetic diversity, it appears to be more affected by population size but less predictable at shallower scales. We used proxies for population size, mutation rate, direct selection, and linked selection to test factors affecting genetic diversity within a diverse assemblage of Neotropical salamanders, which vary widely for these traits. We estimated genetic diversity of noncoding loci using ddRADseq and coding loci using RNAseq for an assemblage of Neotropical salamanders distributed from northern Mexico to Costa Rica. Using ddRADseq loci, we found no significant association with genetic diversity, while for RNAseq data we found that environmental heterogeneity and proxies of population size predict a substantial portion of the variance in genetic diversity across species. Our results indicate that diversity of coding loci may be more predictable than that of noncoding loci, which appears to be mostly unpredictable at shallower phylogenetic scales. Our results suggest that coding loci may be more appropriate for genetic diversity estimates used in conservation planning because of the lack of any association between the variables we used and genetic diversity of noncoding loci.
Trouble in paradise: When two species of conservation and cultural value clash, causing a management conundrum
Authors: Behrendorff Linda , King Rachel , Allen Benjamin L.
Published: November 2023

Threatened species throughout the world are in decline due to various causes. In some cases, predators of conservation or cultural value are causing the decline of threatened prey, presenting a conservation conundrum for managers. We surveyed marine turtle nests on K'gari (formally known as Fraser Island), Australia, to investigate dingo predation of green and loggerhead turtle nests, where each of these species is of conservation value. Our monitoring revealed that 84% of nests were predated by dingoes. Only 16% of nests were not consumed by dingoes, and only 5.7% of nests were confirmed to have successfully hatched. Up to 94% of nests were consumed in some areas, and predation rates were similar across different dingo packs. Information on the available numbers of nests and dingoes in the area indicated that turtle nests alone are sufficient to support extant dingoes over the summer. These results indicate that marine turtle eggs represent a previously unquantified but important food source for dingoes on K'gari, and that turtle nests at this rookery site are under serious threat from dingoes. This research should highlight the importance of prioritising the protection of turtle nests from dingoes or risk losing the entire rookery forever in the near future.
Intensity analysis of frictional heat source during core tube sampling and drilling
Authors: Xu Shiru , Wang Zhaofeng , Zhu Lin
Published: November 2023

Currently, the heat generated during coal core tube sampling causes rapid gas desorption, leading to substantial measurement errors in laboratory gas content assessments. Reducing these errors requires studying frictional heat from core tube friction against the hole wall and coal core temperature rise. Combining the independently developed device to simulate the thermal effect of coring and the COMSOL finite element analysis software, the intensity of the frictional heat source during the core tube sampling and drilling process was analyzed under different coring depth and rotational speed conditions. The research results show that: At constant speed, frictional heat intensifies as the core depth increases. However, the rate of temperature rise decreases with increasing core depth; when the coring depth is constant, the frictional heat is proportional to the rotational speed. For example, at a depth of 140 m and a rotational speed of 120 r/min, the intensity of frictional heat generated by drilling is 2.21 ∗ 10E6J. Similarly, at 180 r/min, the strength is 2.28 ∗ 10E6J, and at 240 r/min, the strength reaches 3.65 ∗ 10E6J; Under certain conditions, core tube wall temperature will not rise indefinitely but will stabilize to a certain value.
Effects of the 2011 Tohoku‐oki tsunami and human activities on long‐term coastal geomorphic development in northeastern Tohoku, Japan
Authors: Imura Haruki , Goto Kazuhisa , Minamidate Kenta , Koiwa Naoto
Published: November 2023

The 2011 Tohoku‐oki tsunami caused large‐scale topographic changes along the Pacific coast of northeastern Japan. More than 10 years have passed since the tsunami waves struck the area. Today, because of reconstruction work, very few places exist where natural post‐tsunami topographic changes can be monitored continuously. For this study, the authors investigated topographic changes caused not only by the 2011 tsunami but also by natural and artificial activities during the 50 years before and after the tsunami based on aerial photographs, excavations and subsurface explorations using ground‐penetrating radar at the Osuka coast in Aomori prefecture, Japan. The site is rare because it is a protected area with few and superficial engineering activities, making it suitable for continuous observation of pre‐tsunami, syn‐tsunami and post‐tsunami topographic changes. The findings indicate that the 2011 tsunami waves generated large topographic changes: depositional and erosional features produced by the tsunami can be recognized, respectively, as tsunami deposits and erosional channels across the sand dunes. During the post‐tsunami phase, the sand volume at the coast quickly recovered naturally. Tsunami deposits and the erosional channels were well preserved underground even at 10 years after the event. However, dynamic movement of the dunes started after the tsunami. The shifting was attributable to the artificial clearing of coastal forests rather than the tsunami effects on the coast. Our results first indicate not only that the sedimentary features of paleo‐tsunamis but also the erosional features have some probability of being preserved in the subsurface of the beach and sand dunes at tsunami‐affected areas. Also, artificial activities such as deforestation are much more crucially undermining of the stability of the coastal geomorphology than the tsunami effects: the coast is now reaching a different status from its pre‐tsunami situation.
Lactate plasma level as a potential biomarker in early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy: A case‐control survey
Authors: Abbasi Ranjbar Zahra , Sharami Seyedeh Hajar , Fakor Fereshteh , Milani Forozan , Kabodmehri Roya , Haghparast Zahra , Dalil Heirati Seyedeh Fatemeh
Published: November 2023

Introduction

A novel metabolomics survey proposed lactic acid as a diagnostic biomarker to detect ectopic pregnancy (EP). Here we investigate the plasma level of lactate for early diagnosis of EP as a potential biomarker.

Methods

In a case‐control study, the reproductive aged women with definite tubal EP (6–10 weeks' gestation), referred to our department during 2021–2022, considered as case group, and women with normal singleton pregnancy in the same gestational age as control group. After informed concept, demographic data (maternal and gestational age and parity) recorded and 5 mL venous blood samples were taken to detect the lactate plasma level. The data analyzed using SPSS software ver22.

Results

Finally, 95 participations (50 in case and 45 in control group) enrolled. The clinical results showed that the most of case group were aged more than 35 years old with had higher parity and body mass index, but, no statistically significant difference showed up. On the other hand, although the lactate level was slightly higher in women with EP, but, the plasma lactate level did not statistically differ between the two study groups. Also, the logistic regression showed no relationship between the demographic variables and the lactate plasma level.

Conclusion

It seems that the plasma level of lactate cannot be a diagnostic biomarker for EP.
The association between MMP−13 rs478927 gene polymorphism and dental caries susceptibility in children with mixed dentition from Birjand, Iran: A case‐control study
Authors: Miri‐Moghaddam Ebrahim , Mousavi Fatemeh Sadat , Salehiniya Hamid , Vafaeie Farzaneh , Abbaszadeh Hamid
Published: November 2023

Background and Aims

Gene polymorphisms are responsible for at least part of the variation in caries susceptibility despite similar environmental factors. Genes involved in enamel formation like matrix metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13) may participate in caries process. The aim was to investigate the association between MMP‐13 rs478927 polymorphism and caries susceptibility in 6‐years‐old children from Birjand, Iran.

Methods

Six‐years old children from Birjand, Iran, participated in this study. The total decayed, missing, and filled teeth were calculated and defined as caries index (CI). Based on this CI, two groups of high‐caries (case) and low‐caries (control) were taken into account. Saliva samples were collected and DNA was extracted. The allele and genotypes of MMP‐13 rs478927 polymorphism were determined by tetra‐primer amplification refractory mutation system‐polymerase chain reaction (T‐ARMS‐PCR) method. p Value was significant if p < 0.05.

Results

Three hundred sixty‐seven children consisted of 186 low‐caries children and 181 high‐caries children were included in this study. The mean CI was 6.02 ± 0.81. There was no significant association between high and low‐caries groups based on socioeconomic status, eating sweet snacks, parents' susceptibility to dental caries, duration of breastfeeding, and the brushing habit (p > 0.05). There wasn't any significant association between genotype distribution of MMP‐13 rs478927 polymorphism and CI groups (p = 0.924). This polymorphism was associated with increased caries susceptibility under all genetic models but this effect was not significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The MMP‐13 rs478927 gene polymorphism was not significantly associated with dental caries susceptibility in Birjandi children with mixed dentition. It is recommended to conduct studies on children of different dentitions to better understand the role of this polymorphism on caries susceptibility in primary and permanent teeth of children.
Antisperm Autoantibody Response After Unilateral Vas Deferens Ligation in Rats: When Does it Develop?
Authors: CHEHVAL MICHEAL J. , DOSHI RAJEN , KIDD CHARLES F. , WINKELMANN THOMAS , CHEHVAL VINCENT
Published: November 2023

Unilateral obstruction or injury to the vas deferens can result in significant injury to the contralateral testicle. Antisperm autoantibodies are thought to play a significant role in this phenomenon. It has been reported that early surgical repair of the vas, before the development of antisperm autoantibodies, will prevent any potential damage to the contralateral testicle. This led us to investigate the timing of the antisperm antibody production and to attempt to determine whether antibody production precedes histologic testicular damage in the Lewis rat model. In a controlled study, mature rats were divided into temporal groups, with the experimental animals all receiving a unilateral vasectomy. At postoperative endpoints of 1, 7, 15, or 30 days, blood samples were collected for immunologic assay, and the testicles were harvested for histologic examination. Antibody levels were measured by an immunobead test using goat anti‐rat immunoglobulin G (IgG)‐coated Sepharose beads; tissue sections were fixed in Bouin solution, embedded in paraffin, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. There was no statistically significant histologic difference between any of the groups. However, immunologic evaluation revealed a statistically significant increase in immunobead antibody binding in the 30‐day group compared to the control groups (P = .02). These data seem to indicate that in this model, antisperm antibody production is not evident until 15–30 days after unilateral injury to the vas deferens occurs, and the development of these antibodies precedes any demonstrable histologic damage to the testicle. If it is correct to infer that human antisperm antibody production will also precede histologic testicular damage, and further, that the onset of the human autoantibody response may vary from several days to weeks, then in cases of suspected or known ductal injury, the clinical monitoring of antisperm antibody levels could enable testicular damage to be predicted prior to its development and thus be avoided.
Ultrastructural Features of the Vas Deferens From Patients Undergoing Vasectomy and Vasectomy Reversal
Authors: ANDONIAN SERO , JARVI KEITH , ZINI ARMAND , HERMO LOUIS
Published: November 2023

Despite more than 30 million vasectomies, the ultrastructural features of the epithelium of the vas deferens (VD) of healthy fertile men, as well as the effects of vasectomy at both proximal (testicular) and distal (abdominal) regions of the VD relative to the initial site of incision, have yet to be fully elucidated. In the present study, the VD from 22 fertile men undergoing vasectomy and 7 vasectomized men undergoing vasectomy reversal were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. In fertile men, aside from cellular organelles involved in endocytosis and merocrine secretion, the epithelial principal cells showed protrusions of their apical cytoplasm between adjacent microvilli, referred to as “apical blebs.” The latter contained solely numerous ribosomes/polysomes and few endoplasmic reticulum (ER) cisternae, unlike the presence of lysosomes, lipofuscin granules, mitochondria, and the Golgi apparatus in the apical principal cell cytoplasm, suggesting the segregation of organelles within blebs. Many apical blebs presented a bulbous extremity with a thin stalklike attachment connecting them to the apical principal cell surface, while others appeared to be isolated and well removed from it, suggesting that blebs are capable of detaching and being liberated into the lumen. We hypothesize that apical blebs represent a type of secretion, referred to as “apocrine secretion.” In men undergoing vasectomy reversal, the VD proximal (testicular) to the vasectomy site showed a reduction in the size of principal cells and their microvilli and in the number of apical blebs. In contrast, the lumen of the VD distal (abdominal) to the vasectomy site was virtually abolished, with the epithelium reduced to a flattened layer of cells showing a paucity of organelles and no apical blebs, suggesting that these cells become undifferentiated in the absence of seminal fluids. Taken together, these data may explain, in part, the decreased pregnancy rate noted after vasectomy reversal despite a patent anastomosis.
Effects of low‐level Er:YAG laser irradiation on proliferation and gene expression in primary gingival fibroblasts isolated from mouse maxilla
Authors: Lin Peiya , Niimi Hiromi , Hirota Tomomitsu , Ohsugi Yujin , Shimohira Tsuyoshi , Toyoshima Keita , Katagiri Sayaka , Iwata Takanori , Aoki Akira
Published: November 2023

We investigated the effects of low‐level Er:YAG laser irradiation on proliferation and alternations in early gene expression of gingival fibroblasts. Mice primary gingival fibroblasts were irradiated with an Er:YAG laser (1.8, 3.9, and 5.8 J/cm2). Irradiation at 3.9 J/cm2 promoted cell proliferation without significant changes in lactate dehydrogenase or Hspa1a expression. Three hours after irradiation at 3.9 J/cm2, the Fn1 expression level was significantly increased. RNA‐seq identified 15 differentially expressed genes between irradiated and non‐irradiated cells, some of which belonged to immediate early genes (IEGs). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis indicated MAPK pathway enhancement, and gene set enrichment analysis showed enrichment in the TGF‐β signaling gene set. Enhanced proliferation via laser irradiation disappeared upon inhibition of Dusp4, Dusp5, and Tgfr1 expression. Low‐level Er:YAG laser irradiation, especially at 3.9 J/cm2 without a major temperature elevation, enhanced fibroblast proliferation, via TGF‐β and the MAPK signaling pathway following IEG expression.
Circulating extracellular vesicles in healthy and pathological pregnancies: A scoping review of methodology, rigour and results
Authors: Barnes Megan V. C. , Pantazi Paschalia , Holder Beth
Published: November 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a crucial role in pregnancy, revealed by the presence of placental‐derived EVs in maternal blood, their in vitro functionality, and their altered cargo in pregnancy pathologies. These EVs are thought to be involved in the development of pregnancy pathologies, such as pre‐eclampsia, pre‐term birth, and fetal growth restriction, and have been suggested as a source of biomarkers for gestational diseases. However, to accurately interpret their function and biomarker potential, it is necessary to critically evaluate the EV isolation and characterization methodologies used in pregnant cohorts. In this systematic scoping review, we collated the results from 152 studies that have investigated EVs in the blood of pregnant women, and provide a detailed analysis of the EV isolation and characterization methodologies used. Our findings indicate an overall increase in EV concentrations in pregnant compared to non‐pregnant individuals, an increased EV count as gestation progresses, and an increased EV count in some pregnancy pathologies. We highlight the need for improved standardization of methodology, greater focus on gestational changes in EV concentrations, and further investigations into the functionality of EVs. Our review suggests that EVs hold great promise as diagnostic and translational tools for gestational diseases. However, to fully realize their potential, it is crucial to improve the standardization and reliability of EV isolation and characterization methodologies, and to gain a better understanding of their functional roles in pregnancy pathologies.
Engineering high‐affinity dual targeting cellular nanovesicles for optimised cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Zhang Luyao , Zhao Xu , Niu Yanan , Ma Xiaoya , Yuan Wei , Ma Jie
Published: November 2023

Dual targeting to immune checkpoints has achieved a better therapeutic efficacy than single targeting due to synergistic extrication of tumour immunity. However, most dual targeting strategies are usually antibody dependent which facing drawbacks of antibodies, such as poor solid tumour penetration and unsatisfied affinity. To meet the challenges, we engineered a cell membrane displaying a fusion protein composed of SIRPα and PD‐1 variants, the high‐affinity consensus (HAC) of wild‐type molecules, and with which prepared nanovesicles (NVs). Through disabling both SIRPα/CD47 and PD‐1/PD‐L1 signalling, HAC NVs significantly preserved the phagocytosis and antitumour effect of macrophages and T cells, respectively. In vivo study revealed that HAC NVs had better tumour penetration than monoclonal antibodies and higher binding affinity to CD47 and PD‐L1 on tumour cells compared with the NVs expressing wild‐type fusion protein. Exhilaratingly, dual‐blockade of CD47 and PD‐L1 with HAC NVs exhibited excellent therapeutic efficacy and biosafety. This study provided a novel biomaterial against tumoural immune escape and more importantly an attractive biomimetic technology of protein delivery for multi‐targeting therapies.
The importance of human development in combating energy poverty
Authors: Opoku Eric Evans Osei , Dogah Kingsley E. , Kufuor Nana Kwabena , Acheampong Alex O.
Published: November 2023

Theoretically, the impact of human development on energy poverty could occur through a number of channels, for instance, through improved social mobility and employability. In this study, we elaborate on these channels and examine how human development affects energy poverty in Africa, where access to electricity is a challenge for many. We proxy human development with scores on the human development index (HDI), human capital and education levels and analyse panel data on 40 African countries from 2000 to 2018. Employing a battery of estimation methods, the results suggest that an increase in human development generally improves energy poverty.
Altered gray matter volume and functional connectivity in lung cancer patients with bone metastasis pain
Authors: Tang Yu , Shi Yumei , Xu Zhen , Hu Junlin , Zhou Xueying , Tan Yong , Lan Xiaosong , Zhou Xiaoyu , Yang Jing , Zhang Jiuquan , Deng Benmin , Liu Daihong
Published: November 2023

Bone metastasis pain (BMP) is a severe chronic pain condition. Our previous studies on BMP revealed functional brain abnormalities. However, the potential effect of BMP on brain structure and function, especially gray matter volume (GMV) and related functional networks, have not yet been clearly illustrated. Voxel‐based morphometry and functional connectivity (FC) analysis methods were used to investigate GMV and intrinsic FC differences in 45 right‐handed lung cancer patients with BMP(+), 37 lung cancer patients without BMP(−), and 45 healthy controls (HCs). Correlation analysis was performed thereafter with all clinical variables by Pearson correlation. Compared to HCs, BMP(+) group exhibited decreased GMV in medial frontal gyrus (MFG) and right middle temporal gyrus (MTG). Compared with BMP(−) group, BMP(+) group exhibited reduced GMV in cerebelum_6_L and left lingual gyrus. However, no regions with significant GMV differences were found between BMP(−) and HCs groups. Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated the potential classification power of these aberrant regions. Correlation analysis revealed that GMV in the right MTG was positively associated with anxiety in BMP(+) group. Further FC analysis demonstrated enhanced interactions between MFG/right MTG and cerebellum in BMP(+) patients compared with HCs. These results showed that BMP was closely associated with cerebral alterations, which may induce the impairment of pain moderation circuit, deficits in cognitive function, dysfunction of emotional control, and sensorimotor processing. These findings may provide a fresh perspective and further neuroimaging evidence for the possible mechanisms of BMP. Furthermore, the role of the cerebellum in pain processing needs to be further investigated.
MRI phenotypes of herniated discs associated with adjacent disc degeneration
Authors: Zehra Uruj , Ilyas Muhammad Saad , Latif Rabia , Imran Sumera , Ahmad Ijaz , Aziz Amer
Published: November 2023

Adjacent segment degeneration is commonly observed in patients after fusion surgery. Among the associated risk factors is the preoperative presence of adjacent disc degeneration (ADD). The risk factors and other spine phenotypes associated with preoperative ADD is critical to understand the pathological process and better prognosis postsurgery. Current study aims to assess and compare the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) spinal phenotype of herniated level with and without ADD. Preoperative T2W sagittal lumbar MRI images of 155 lumbar disc herniated patients were analyzed for the presence of ADD (Pfirrmann grade III and above). The herniated disc level was assessed for the presence and absence of vertebral endplate (VEP) defects, Modic changes, and high intensity zone (HIZ). Mean age of patients was 38 ± 2 years, almost 62% were males. ADD was found in 57%, VEP defects were seen in 62% of the herniated level, 24.5% showed Modic changes, 3.8% showed spondylolishthesis, and 15.5% revealed HIZ. Age and other demographic factors did not have any significant effect on the presence of ADD, the patients with extruded and sequestered discs had more ADD (p = 0.02). VEP defects were significantly higher in levels with ADD (p = 0.02). Patients with ADD had significantly VEP defect scores (p = 0.01), Modic score (p = 0.002), HIZ score (0.02), and posterior bulge score (p < 0.001). Findings suggest that affected levels with VEP defects and severe grade of disc herniation have the greater likelihood of having ADD. Once developed this ADD may also affect the other spinal levels, and also can affect postoperative prognosis.
The structural and functional properties of hemp protein isolate‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate biopolymer covalent complex during heating
Authors: Zhang Fu‐shun , Yang Yang , Bian Xin , Ma Chun‐min , Ren Li‐kun , Zhang Can , Pang Xin‐hui , Zhang Na
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

It is well known that hemp proteins have the disadvantages of poor solubility and poor emulsification. To improve these shortcomings, an alkali covalent cross‐linking method was used to prepare hemp protein isolate‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate biopolymer (HPI‐EGCG) and the effects of different heat treatment conditions on the structure and emulsifying properties of the HPI‐EGCG covalent complex were studied.

RESULTS

The secondary and tertiary structures, solubility, and emulsification ability of the HPI‐EGCG complexes were evaluated using particle size, zeta potential, circular dichroism (CD), and fluorescence spectroscopy indices. The results showed that the absolute value of zeta potential of HPI‐EGCG covalent complex was the largest, 18.6 mV, and the maximum binding amount of HPI to EGCG was 29.18 μmol g−1. Under heat treatment at 25–35 °C, the α‐helix content was reduced from 1.87% to 0%, and the β‐helix content was reduced from 82.79% to 0% after the covalent binding of HPI and EGCG. The solubility and emulsification properties of the HPI‐EGCG covalent complexes were improved significantly, and the emulsification activity index (EAI) and emulsion stability index (ESI) were increased by 2.77‐fold and 1.21‐fold, respectively.

CONCLUSION

A new HPI‐EGCG covalent complex was developed in this study to provide a theoretical basis for the application of HPI‐EGCG in food industry. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Optical Angle Barcodes Enabled by a Pixelated Metasurface for Absolute Micro‐Angle Measurement
Authors: Gu Wanghang , Zhang Xianfeng , Liu Junchen , Zheng Jihui , Huang Haozhen , Jia Linhua , Qu Xinghua , Zhang Fumin
Published: November 2023

Efficient and ultra‐sensitive measurements of micro‐angle are critical technological requirements in various fields. Traditional measurement approaches have disadvantages in terms of accuracy and system complexity. Here, a micro‐angle measurement scheme based on the pixelated metasurface is reported. By utilizing the interaction between a C‐band optical frequency comb (OFC) laser source and the plasmonic metasurface, precise angle encoding is achieved, enabling each meta‐pixel within the pixelated metasurface to exhibit ultra‐sensitive responses to angular changes. Experimental results demonstrate a resolution as low as 2.8 μrad for angle sensing. Furthermore, by controlling the dimensions of the meta‐atom structural dimensions and designing specific combinations of meta‐pixels, the unique angle response of individual pixels is manipulated, effectively creating an angle barcode. This technique allows for highly efficient acquisition of angle information, and based on this, it demonstrates absolute angle measurement with an average error at 7 μrad. The robustness and stability of the proposed scheme is also evaluated.
H2O2‐Responsive Polymeric Micelles of Biodegradable Aliphatic Poly(carbonate)s as Promising Therapeutic Agents for Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Chen Runhai , Xia Yu , Ma Zhifang , Ke Yue , Shi Qiang , Ataullakhanov Fazly I. , Panteleev Mikhail
Published: November 2023

Excessive amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause various biological damages and are involved in many diseases, such as cancer, inflammatory and thrombotic complications, and neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, ROS‐responsive polymers with inherent ROS scavenging activity and biodegradability are extremely needed for the efficient treatment of ROS‐related diseases. Here, this work fabricates the amphiphilic diblock copolymer PEG‐b‐PBC via ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of phenylboronic acid ester conjugated cyclic carbonate monomer. The copolymer easily forms micelles (BCM) and scavenges ROS rapidly. BCM not only releases the delivered drug but degrades to produce the small molecules p‐hydroxybenzyl alcohol (HBA) with anti‐inflammatory capability in the presence of H2O2. BCM can reduce the oxidative stress of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and the levels of inflammatory factors secreted by macrophages, showing antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory activity. Finally, BCM exerts a significant capability to reduce the complications of inflammation and thrombosis in vivo. The biodegradable aliphatic poly(carbonate)s have the potential to be used for drug delivery systems (DDS) for diseases induced by reactive oxygen species.
Design and analysis of efficient computational techniques for solving a temporal‐fractional partial differential equation with the weakly singular solution
Authors: Roul Pradip
Published: November 2023

This work deals with the construction of robust numerical schemes for solving a time‐fractional convection‐diffusion (TFCD) equation with variable coefficients subject to weakly singular solution. The solution of the underlying problem exhibits a weak singularity at time
. The methods are designed on both graded and adapted grids, in which the temporal derivative is approximated on the nonuniform grid, in order to tackle the singularity. In the case of adaptive mesh technique, the mesh is constructed adaptively via equidistribution of a positive monitor function. The resulting semi‐discretized equation is further discretized by a high‐order compact finite difference (CFD) scheme to obtain a fully discrete scheme. Stability and convergence of the method on graded mesh are analyzed. Numerical results for one test problem subjected to nonsmooth analytical solution are presented which shows the robustness and efficiency of the proposed numerical schemes. The elapsed computational time (CPU time) for the proposed methods are provided. Numerical results obtained from the methods on graded and adapted grids are compared with those from the scheme on uniform grid. Finally, as an application, the TFCD model and the suggested numerical techniques were employed to price options of a European butterfly spread. The effect of fractional order (FO) derivative on the option price profile is investigated.
Comparing the efficacy of synthetic Varroacides and Varroa destructor phenotypic resistance using Apiarium and Mason jar bioassay techniques
Authors: Bahreini Rassol , Docherty Cassandra , Feindel David , Muirhead Samantha
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Varroa mite, Varroa destructor, is a major threat for honey bee, Apis mellifera, colonies. Beekeepers have used synthetic Varroacides against Varroa mite for decades, but resistance to organophosphates, pyrethroids and formamidine has been reported in many locations worldwide. The goals of this study were to develop a reliable bioassay to assess efficacy and phenotypic resistance to commercial Varroacides. In this study, efficacy and Varroa resistance was evaluated using the Apiarium technique in comparison to the Mason jar method.

RESULTS

Among tested Varroacides, a high efficacy (89%) for Apivar was identified when compared to Bayvarol (58%), Apistan (44%) and CheckMite (6%), in a 24 h assessment. We also found that CheckMite was toxic to bees in the Mason jar method. In addition, the Apiarium technique revealed a case of phenotypic resistance to Bayvarol, Apistan and CheckMite in the mite population evaluated.

CONCLUSION

A laboratory protocol was developed using the Apiarium method to evaluate Apivar efficacy. Collectively, the findings indicated that the Apiarium methodology provided a reliable technique to measure Varroacide efficacy and determine the presence of phenotypic resistance in V. destructor. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Waveguide–Cavity Coupling System Based on Topological Edge States and Corner States in Kagome Photonic Crystals
Authors: Gao Yong‐Feng , He Yue , Si Jing‐Qi , Rouzi Subinuer , Jin Meng‐Cheng , He Yi‐Han , Yang Ming
Published: November 2023

In recent years, the topological edge states (TESs) and topological corner states (TCSs) based on high‐order topological photonic insulators have been researched and applied in various fields. Among them, the combination of topological photonics and waveguide–cavity coupling system has attracted much attention of researchers. In this paper, TESs and TCSs based on Kagome lattice photonic crystals (PCs) with rectangular dielectric columns are obtained. In addition, a topological waveguide–cavity coupling system is proposed, realizing the energy coupling between the TES waveguide and the TCS cavity. To further improve the performance of the system, a sandwich‐like waveguide and an extended waveguide are used to replace the original TES waveguide. Interestingly, the proposed extended waveguide–cavity coupling system cannot only achieve the excitation of two TCSs at different frequencies, but also has stronger electric field intensity, narrower resonance bandwidth, and higher quality factor than the other structures. This work provides a new path to design high‐performance micro‐nanointegrated optical devices such as filters, lasers, and resonators.
Preparation and Characterization of Porous High‐Amylose Corn Starch
Authors: Li Zetong , Qiu Dan , Wang Yajuan , Zhang Yifan , Mo Yeting , Zuo Raozhen
Published: November 2023

Porous starch has been applied in numerous fields as a novel adsorbent because of its excellent adsorption capacity, safe properties, and abundant sources. In this study, high‐amylose corn starch, as a particular native starch, is used to prepare porous starch. α‐Amylase and glucoamylase are used for enzymolysis. The influence of five single factors on the adsorption capacity and loss ratio of porous high‐amylose corn starch are analyzed. Differences in enzymolysis reactions due to high amylose content are found. Response surface methodology (RSM) is used to optimize the preparation conditions and establish a prediction model for adsorption ratio. The optimum preparation conditions are determined: Activity = 1550 U g−1, pH value = 5.0, proportion of glucoamylase = 44%. At the optimum preparation conditions, the water absorption ratio reaches 123.60%, and the oil absorption ratio reaches 120.82%. The optimized samples are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and apparent amylose content (AAC) and compared to existing porous corn starch. The results show that the optimized porous starch has better adsorption capacity, higher thermal stability, different crystal type, and complete particle structure than porous corn starch. These superior properties can be applied to many areas.
High‐pressure/high‐temperature synthesis of Nd3B5O11(OH)2
Authors: Teichtmeister Tobias A. , Bernhart Alexander Hugo , Schwarzmüller Stefan , Wurst Klaus , Huppertz Hubert
Published: November 2023

The neodymium borate Nd3B5O11(OH)2 was obtained from Nd2O3, B2O3, and H3BO3 by high‐pressure/high‐temperature synthesis at 13 GPa and 850 °C. Based on single‐crystal diffraction data, a crystal structure in the orthorhombic space group Pnna (no. 52) with the unit cell parameters a=4.5128(1) Å, b=13.3264(3) Å, c=14.1882(4) Å, and four formula units per cell was found. The crystal structure is built up by a framework of corner‐sharing [BO4]5− tetrahedra forming corrugated eight‐, ten‐, and fourteen‐membered rings. Furthermore, the powder X‐ray diffraction pattern and the infrared spectrum of the title compound are reported.
Grid Disaster Information Fusion and Integrated Prediction Technology
Authors: Yu Zhen , Feng Jie , Tang Shiyang , Liu Zeyu , Yan Yiran , Luo Na
Published: November 2023

In terms of earthquake disaster loss modeling research, the main international research lies in disaster loss risk assessment, which studies the risk of damage outcomes and their impacts with an indicator system model.
Real-Time Interaction Technologies for Grid Emergency Information
Authors: Yu Zhen , Feng Jie , Tang Shiyang , Liu Zeyu , Yan Yiran , Luo Na
Published: November 2023

As an island nation, Japan experiences many large and small earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis, and other natural disaster events every year, prompting Japan to become one of the countries that place the greatest emphasis on emergency management.
Intelligent Sensing and Emergency Command System for Power Grid Disasters
Authors: Yu Zhen , Feng Jie , Tang Shiyang , Liu Zeyu , Yan Yiran , Luo Na
Published: November 2023

Based on the multiple information collection technology for power grid disaster losses, remote real-time information interaction technology, and disaster information analysis and prediction technology, a prototype system for intelligent perception and emergency command of power grid disaster situations is developed.
Semiclassical geometry in double-scaled SYK
Authors: Goel Akash , Narovlansky Vladimir , Verlinde Herman
Published: November 2023

Abstract

We argue that at finite energies, double-scaled SYK has a semiclassical approximation controlled by a coupling λ in which all observables are governed by a non-trivial saddle point. The Liouville description of double-scaled SYK suggests that the correlation functions define a geometry in a two-dimensional bulk, with the 2-point function describing the metric. For small coupling, the fluctuations are highly suppressed, and the bulk describes a rigid (A)dS spacetime. As the coupling increases, the fluctuations become stronger. We study the correction to the curvature of the bulk geometry induced by these fluctuations. We find that as we go deeper into the bulk the curvature increases and that the theory eventually becomes strongly coupled. In general, the curvature is related to energy fluctuations in light operators. We also compute the entanglement entropy of partially entangled thermal states in the semiclassical limit.
An integrated group fuzzy inference and best–worst method for supplier selection in intelligent circular supply chains
Authors: Tavana Madjid , Sorooshian Shahryar , Mina Hassan
Published: November 2023

Circular supplier evaluation aims at selecting the most suitable suppliers with zero waste. Sustainable circular supplier selection also considers socio-economic and environmental factors in the decision process. This study proposes an integrated method for evaluating sustainable suppliers in intelligent circular supply chains using fuzzy inference and multi-criteria decision-making. In the first stage of the proposed method, supplier evaluation sub-criteria are identified and weighted from economic, social, circular, and Industry 4.0 perspectives using a fuzzy group best–worst method followed by scoring the suppliers on each criterion. In the second stage, the suppliers are ranked and selected according to an overall score determined by a fuzzy inference system. Finally, the applicability of the proposed method is demonstrated using data from a public–private partnership project at an offshore wind farm in Southeast Asia.
The Effect of a Physically Active Academic Intervention on the Physical Fitness and Mathematical Performance of Grade 1 Learners in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Fisher Carynne Alison , Africa Eileen
Published: November 2023

Combining physical fitness (PF) and academic content can be a beneficial way to improve PF and mathematics performance of learners. The purpose of the current study was to establish whether a physically active academic intervention had an effect on the PF and mathematics performance of Grade 1 learners over 16 weeks. This intervention is based on an educational approach that combines physical activity into the academic environment. The goal is to enhance learning by learning through movement. Grade 1 learners [N = 119] from two schools in the southern suburbs of Cape Town, South Africa, volunteered to participate in this study. They were assigned randomly to an attentional control [n = 51] and an experimental group [n = 68]. Pre- and post-test data were collected with the Fitnessgram which measured their PF and the VASSI Mathematics Proficiency Test which measured their mathematical performance. The intervention included age-appropriate PF components that were incorporated into learners’ academic lessons. The results indicated that the experimental group performed significantly better (p < 0.01) in mathematics and upper body strength after the intervention. It could be assumed that these improvements can be attributed to the physically active academic intervention programme. These findings suggest that these types of interventions could encourage physical activity (PA) and enhance the PF and mathematical performance of young learners. The current study adds to South African Sport Science literature because it is one of few studies performed in this field that have produced significant results.
Assessing the impacts of commercializing medicinal plants on livelihood outcomes: evidence from indigenous knowledge holders in South Africa
Authors: Ndhlovu Peter Tshepiso , Omotayo Abiodun Olusola , Olagunju Kehinde Oluseyi , Otang-Mbeng Wilfred , Aremu Adeyemi Oladapo
Published: November 2023

Globally, botanicals and associated by-products often provide income that is recognized as an important contributor to livelihoods particularly in rural areas. However, limited data currently exists on the impact of commercializing medicinal plants on livelihoods. Using a dataset collected from 101 indigenous knowledge holders (IKHs) with interest in childhood diseases, we assessed the factors influencing their decisions to commercialize medicinal plants, and how the commercialization impacts livelihood outcomes measured by net returns and per capita total expenditure. We used the Propensity Score Matching as the analytical technique to correct for endogeneity bias resulting from the observed characteristics. The results revealed that commercializing medicinal plants significantly increased net returns and per capital total expenditure by 3.60% and 1.42%, respectively. Furthermore, factors such as age, education, access to water and membership of association significantly influenced the decision of IKHs to commercialize medicinal plants. Policy efforts that seek to provide support for formal and vocational training, access to irrigation technology and participation in farmer groups, particularly among the experienced IKHs may encourage the commercialization of medicinal plants.