bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Passive heating process enhancement of a new structure room using porous‐covering heat‐emitting channels
Authors: Boussenah Hani , Bourouis Abderrahim , Omara Abdeslam , Kezzar Mohamed
Published: April 2023

This manuscript presents a numerical study of a passive heating process of a new structure room using porous‐covering heat‐emitting channels as small discrete radiators. The governing equations are discretized using the finite volume method and the SIMPLER algorithm is employed to handle the pressure–velocity coupling. The effect of porous‐cover to air thermal conductivity ratio (Kr), Darcy number (Da), Rayleigh number (Ra), thickness of the porous‐cover (Ep), and Biot number (Bi) on the heating process of the room is examined. The principal results of this investigation indicate that in the case with Kr > 1, numerical simulations have enabled us to find an optimal value of Ep (Epcr = 0.125) for which the average room temperature reaches a maximum value. In addition, an enhancement in the heating process in the room can reach 77.77% by increasing Ep, Ra, Da, and Kr. Also, a maximum increase in the average room temperature up to 97.77% is achieved at better thermal insulation (Bi = 10).
Differences in allergen‐specific basophil activation and T cell proliferation in atopic dermatitis patients with comorbid allergic rhinoconjunctivitis treated with a monoclonal anti‐IL‐4Rα antibody or allergen‐specific immunotherapy
Authors: Layritz Anne‐Sophie , Galicia‐Carreón Jorge , Benfadal Said , Novak Natalija
Published: April 2023

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory disorder, is often accompanied by allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC) as a co‐morbidity. The use of a monoclonal anti‐IL‐4Rα antibody has been effective in controlling moderate to severe AD symptoms. Allergen‐specific immunotherapy (AIT) is widely used for the treatment of ARC and asthma. The effects of AIT on basophil reactivity/effector functions have already been examined and used as indicators of the treatment efficacy. However, it is unclear, how an anti‐IL‐4Rα antibody can influence allergen‐specific immune responses of basophils and T cells of AD patients with comorbid ARC.

Objective

To investigate the effect of a monoclonal anti‐IL‐4Rα antibody on the in vitro allergic responses of basophils and T cells deriving from AD patients with comorbid ARC.

Methods

Blood samples of 32 AD patients were obtained before, after 4 and 16 weeks of an anti‐IL‐4Rα antibody therapy (300 mg subcutaneously/2 weeks; n = 21) or AIT (daily sublingual application; n = 11). Patients treated with an anti‐IL‐4Rα antibody were grouped according to their serum specific immunoglobulin E levels and ARC symptoms, while patients receiving an AIT were additionally grouped according to the allergen specificity of their AIT. Basophil activation test and T cell proliferation assays were undertaken after an in vitro allergen stimulation.

Results

A significant reduction of the immunoglobulin E levels and the allergen‐specific T cell proliferation was observed in AD patients treated with an anti‐IL‐4Rα ‐antibody, while the allergen‐specific basophil activation/sensitivity were found to be significantly increased. In patients receiving an AIT, the in vitro allergen‐specific basophil activation and the T cell proliferation were found to be significantly decreased in response to seasonal allergens.

Conclusions

An IL‐4Rα blockade induced by a monoclonal anti‐IL‐4Rα antibody leads to an increased activity/sensitivity of early effector cells (such as basophils), in contrast to a decreasing reactivity observed under an AIT. The late‐phase T cell reaction to allergens did not differ between the herein assessed treatments.
LncRNA TUG1 relieves renal mesangial cell injury by modulating the miR‐153‐3p/Bcl‐2 axis in lupus nephritis
Authors: Liu Lingxi , Zhang Yanxia , Zhong Liping
Published: April 2023

Background

Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most common and serious complications of systemic lupus erythematosus. Our experiments aimed to evaluate the molecular mechanisms of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) TUG1 in a human renal mesangial cell (HRMC) model of LN.

Methods

Cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammatory damage. StarBase, TargetScan, and a luciferase reporter assay were used to predict and confirm the interactions between lncRNA TUG1, miR‐153‐3p, and Bcl‐2. We determined the lncRNA TUG1 and miR‐153‐3p levels in LPS‐induced HRMCs using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT‐qPCR). MTT and flow cytometry analyses were used to detect HRMC proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. In addition, the expression of the apoptosis‐related proteins Bax and Bcl‐2 was evaluated using western blot analysis and RT‐qPCR. Lastly, the secretion of inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α) was assessed using ELISA.

Results

miR‐153‐3p directly targeted lncRNA TUG1. The level of lncRNA TUG1 was remarkably lower and miR‐153‐3p expression was markedly higher in LPS‐treated HRMCs than in untreated cells. Transfection with TUG1‐plasmid relieved LPS‐induced HRMC injury, as evidenced by increased cell viability, inhibited apoptotic cells, reduced Bax expression, increased Bcl‐2 level, and reduced secretion of inflammatory cytokines. Importantly, these findings were reversed by miR‐153‐3p mimic. We also found that miR‐153‐3p directly targeted Bcl‐2 and negatively regulated Bcl‐2 expression in HRMCs. In addition, our findings suggest that miR‐153‐3p inhibitor relieved LPS‐induced HRMC injury via the upregulation of Bcl‐2.

Conclusion

lncRNA TUG1 alleviated LPS‐induced HRMC injury through regulation of the miR‐153‐3p/Bcl‐2 axis in LN.
Mmu_circ_0000037 inhibits the progression of acute pancreatitis by miR‐92a‐3p/Pias1 axis
Authors: Chen Hua , Tu Jun , He Lei , Gao Ning , Yang Weiqiang
Published: April 2023

Background

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease with high mortality. Previous study has suggested that circular RNAs are dysregulated and involved in the regulation of inflammatory responses in AP. This study aimed to investigate the function and regulatory mechanism underlying mmu_circ_0000037 in caerulein‐induced AP cellular model.

Methods

Caerulein‐treated MPC‐83 cells were used as an in vitro cellular model for AP. The expression levels of mmu_circ_0000037, microRNA (miR)‐92a‐3p, and protein inhibitor of activated STAT1 (Pias1) were detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Cell viability, amylase activity, apoptosis, and inflammatory response were detected by 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide, Amylase Assay Kit, flow cytometry, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. The protein level was quantified by western blot analysis. The target interaction between miR‐92a‐3p and mmu_circ_0000037 or Pias1 were predicted by StarbaseV3.0 and validated by dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay.

Results

Mmu_circ_0000037 and Pias1 levels were decreased, whereas miR‐92a‐3p expression was elevated in caerulein‐induced MPC‐83 cells. Overexpression of mmu_circ_0000037 protected MPC‐83 cells from caerulein‐induced the decrease of cell viability, as well as the promotion of amylase activity, apoptosis and inflammation. MiR‐92a‐3p was targeted by mmu_circ_0000037, and miR‐92a‐3p overexpression rescued the effect of mmu_circ_0000037 on caerulein‐induced MPC‐83 cell injury. Pias1 was confirmed as a target of miR‐92a‐3p and mmu_circ_0000037 regulated the expression of Pias1 by sponging miR‐92a‐3p.

Conclusion

Mmu_circ_0000037 relieves caerulein‐induced inflammatory injury in MPC‐83 cells by targeting miR‐92a‐3p/Pias1 axis, providing a theoretical basis for the treatment of AP.
CircSmox knockdown alleviates PC12 cell apoptosis and inflammation in spinal cord injury by miR‐340‐5p/Smurf1 axis
Authors: Han Ziyin , Mou Zufang , Jing Yulong , Jiang Rong , Sun Tao
Published: April 2023

Background

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a traumatic central nervous system disorder that leads to irreversible neurological dysfunction. Emerging evidence has shown that differentially expressed circular RNAs (circRNAs) after SCI is closely associated with the pathophysiological process. Herein, the potential function of circRNA spermine oxidase (circSmox) in functional recovery after SCI was investigated.

Methods

Differentiated PC12 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were employed as an in vitro model for neurotoxicity research. Levels of genes and proteins were detected by quantitative real‐time PCR and Western blot analysis. Cell viability and apoptosis were determined by CCK‐8 assay and flow cytometry. Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein level of apoptosis‐related markers. The levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. Dual‐luciferase reporter, RIP, and pull‐down assays were used to confirm the target relationship between miR‐340‐5p and circSmox or Smurf1 (SMAD Specific E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase 1).

Results

LPS elevated the levels of circSmox and Smurf1, but decreased the levels of miR‐340‐5p in PC12 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Functionally, circSmox silencing alleviated LPS‐induced apoptosis and inflammation in PC12 cells in vitro. Mechanistically, circSmox directly sponged miR‐340‐5p, which targeted Smurf1. Rescue experiments showed that miR‐340‐5p inhibition attenuated the neuroprotective effect of circSmox siRNA in PC12 cells. Moreover, miR‐340‐5p suppressed LPS‐triggered neurotoxicity in PC12 cells, which was reversed by Smurf1 overexpression.

Conclusion

CircSmox enhances LPS‐induced apoptosis and inflammation via miR‐340‐5p/Smurf1 axis, providing an exciting view of the potential involvement of circSmox in SCI pathogenesis.
The validation of artificial anti‐monkeypox antibodies by in silico and experimental approaches
Authors: Shabani Sadeq , Rashidi Mohsen , Radgoudarzi Shakila , Jebali Ali
Published: April 2023

As a result of smallpox immunization programs that ended more than 40 years ago, a significant portion of the world's population is not immune. Moreover, due to the lack of anti‐monkeypox drugs and vaccines against monkeypox, the spread of this virus may be the beginning of another challenge. In this study, novel antibodies against monkeypox virus were modeled based on a heavy chain of human antibody and a small peptide fragment. Docking of modeled antibodies with C19L protein showed the range of docking energy, and root‐mean‐square deviation (RMSD) was from −124 to −154 kcal/mL and 4–6 angstrom, respectively. Also, docking of modeled antibodies‐C19L complex with gamma Fc receptor type I illustrated the range of docking energy, and RMSD was from −132 to −155 kcal/ml and 5–7 angstrom, respectively. Moreover, molecular dynamics simulation showed that antibody 62 had the highest stability with the lowest energy level and RMSD. Interestingly, no modeled antibodies had immunogenicity, allergenicity, and toxicity. Although all of them had good stability, only antibodies 25, 28, 54, and 62 had a half‐life of >10 h. Moreover, the interaction between C19L protein and anti‐C19L antibodies (wild‐type and synthetic) was evaluated by the SPR method. We found that KD in synthetic antibodies was lower than wild antibody. In terms of δH°, TδS°, and δG°, the results were consistent with binding parameters. Here, the lowest value of thermodynamic parameters was obtained for antibody 62. These data show that the synthetic antibodies, especially antibody 62, had a higher affinity than the wild‐type antibody.
The five connections: A human rights framework for psychologists
Authors: Huminuik Kirby
Published: April 2023

This article provides a brief introduction to human rights, describes why human rights are intrinsic to psychology, and introduces the “Five Connections Framework,” which was adopted by the American Psychological Association in 2021. This framework articulates five distinct relationships between human rights and psychology: (a) Psychologists possess rights by virtue of being human, as well as specific rights essential to their profession and discipline; (b) Psychologists apply their knowledge and methods to the greater realisation of human rights; (c) Psychologists respect human rights and oppose the misuse of psychological science; (d) Psychologists ensure access to the benefits of psychological science and practice; and, (e) Psychologists advocate for human rights. Each of the five connections is described, highlighting implications for psychological research, practice, training and advocacy, with suggestions for how these connections can guide and inspire individual psychologists and psychological associations worldwide.
The β3‐subunit modulates the effect of venom peptides ProTx‐II and OD1 on NaV1.7 gating
Authors: Salvage Samantha C. , Rahman Taufiq , Eagles David A. , Rees Johanna S. , King Glenn F. , Huang Christopher L‐H. , Jackson Antony P.
Published: April 2023

The voltage‐gated sodium channel NaV1.7 is involved in various pain phenotypes and is physiologically regulated by the NaV‐β3‐subunit. Venom toxins ProTx‐II and OD1 modulate NaV1.7 channel function and may be useful as therapeutic agents and/or research tools. Here, we use patch‐clamp recordings to investigate how the β3‐subunit can influence and modulate the toxin‐mediated effects on NaV1.7 function, and we propose a putative binding mode of OD1 on NaV1.7 to rationalise its activating effects. The inhibitor ProTx‐II slowed the rate of NaV1.7 activation, whilst the activator OD1 reduced the rate of fast inactivation and accelerated recovery from inactivation. The β3‐subunit partially abrogated these effects. OD1 induced a hyperpolarising shift in the V1/2 of steady‐state activation, which was not observed in the presence of β3. Consequently, OD1‐treated NaV1.7 exhibited an enhanced window current compared with OD1‐treated NaV1.7‐β3 complex. We identify candidate OD1 residues that are likely to prevent the upward movement of the DIV S4 helix and thus impede fast inactivation. The binding sites for each of the toxins and the predicted location of the β3‐subunit on the NaV1.7 channel are distinct. Therefore, we infer that the β3‐subunit influences the interaction of toxins with NaV1.7 via indirect allosteric mechanisms. The enhanced window current shown by OD1‐treated NaV1.7 compared with OD1‐treated NaV1.7‐β3 is discussed in the context of differing cellular expressions of NaV1.7 and the β3‐subunit in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. We propose that β3, as the native binding partner for NaV1.7 in DRG neurons, should be included during screening of molecules against NaV1.7 in relevant analgesic discovery campaigns.
Wastewater treatment risks and challenges for public health and the environment during the Covid‐19 pandemic: a review
Authors: Kokkinos Petros , Venieri Danae , Mantzavinos Dionissios
Published: April 2023

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), viral transport, fate, disinfection and environmental release in wastewater treatment plants have been issues of high importance for overall management. Although a huge number of scientific publications related to coronaviruses have been published, the number of studies on different aspects of wastewater treatment strategies to deal with SARS‐CoV‐2 abatement is still relatively limited and results are often confusing. To define real wastewater risks for public health and the environment, we have performed a systematic review and identified 96 papers from the PubMed database. We focused on SARS‐CoV‐2 wastewater treatments and how the type and level of treatments affect the virological quality of the effluents, the role of disinfectants, the treatment of medical wastewater, the role of new technologies, as well as the wastewater treatment in low‐ and middle‐income countries. It was concluded that, in general, well‐designed and well‐functioning wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and on‐site reliable sanitation systems may significantly limit the risk of SARS‐CoV‐2. The development of cost‐effective decentralized water and wastewater treatment facilities for low‐ and middle‐income countries for the abatement of coronaviruses should be enhanced. Lessons learned during the COVID‐19 pandemic with regard to wastewater treatment are expected to support an improved detection, response and containment of future viral disease outbreaks. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Nazareno Strampelli and the first Green Revolution
Authors: Tauger Mark B.
Published: April 2023

This article describes the wheat‐breeding work of the Italian agronomist Nazareno Strampelli, who was the first agronomist to cross Japanese and western wheat varieties to develop high‐yielding semidwarf wheat. The article describes the environmental and agricultural conditions that motivated Strampelli's breeding, the evolution of his varieties, their role in addressing agricultural and food supply problems in Fascist Italy, some of Strampelli's attitudes about agricultural improvement and the Fascist regime and the influence and heritage of his varieties for later agricultural improvements.
Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Seyedmirzaei Homa , Nabizadeh Fardin , Aarabi Mohammad Hadi , Pini Lorenzo
Published: April 2023

Diffusion‐weighted imaging has been applied to investigate alterations in multiple sclerosis (MS). In the last years, advanced diffusion models were used to identify subtle changes and early lesions in MS. Among these models, neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) is an emerging approach, quantifying specific neurite morphology in both grey (GM) and white matter (WM) tissue and increasing the specificity of diffusion imaging. In this systematic review, we summarized the NODDI findings in MS. A search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, which yielded a total number of 24 eligible studies. Compared to healthy tissue, these studies identified consistent alterations in NODDI metrics involving WM (neurite density index), and GM lesions (neurite density index), or normal‐appearing WM tissue (isotropic volume fraction and neurite density index). Despite some limitations, we pointed out the potential of NODDI in MS to unravel microstructural alterations. These results might pave the way to a deeper understanding of the pathophysiological mechanism of MS.

Evidence Level

2.

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3.
Prosopis juliflora: nutritional value, bioactive activity, and potential application in human nutrition
Authors: de Lemos Ana Beatriz Silva , Chaves Gabriela , Ribeiro Penha Patrícia Cabral , da Silva Chaves Damasceno Karla Suzanne Florentino
Published: April 2023

Prosopis juliflora is a xerophytic, nitrogen‐fixing plant distributed in arid and semi‐arid regions. The fruits of this plant are pods, which have seeds inside, and both pods and seeds have high nutritional value and bioactive potential. Different derivatives can be obtained from the pods and seeds: flour, starch, syrup, protein concentrate, and gums. This review aims to gather information from the literature on P. juliflora. It focuses on the nutritional value, bioactive activity, and technological application of pods, seeds, and their derivatives, highlighting their use in human nutrition and new research perspectives. The pod of P. juliflora can be used in several ways, as it has high levels of nutrients. It is used as a food supplement; it has antimicrobial effects and phytochemicals associated with other bioactive activity. Among the pod derivatives, flour is the most studied and can be widely used in bakery products. The seed of P. juliflora also has high nutritional potential and bioactive activity. Among its other derivatives, the gum stands out and can be used for various purposes in the food industry. To expand the use of pods, seeds, and their derivatives in human nutrition, further studies are needed on chemical composition, bioactive activity, toxicity, and nutritional, bioactive, technological, and sensory effects of their application in food products. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Free‐Electron‐Driven Frequency Comb
Authors: Zhang Zi‐Wen , Du Chao‐Hai , Zhu Juan‐Feng , Li Fan‐Hong , Shen Bitao , Wang Xingjun , Liu Pu‐Kun
Published: April 2023

Free‐electron radiations prompt numerous advanced applications such as particle detectors, biological imaging, and light sources from microwave to X‐ray. While their polarization, directionality, and phase could be shaped with prosperous metamaterials, their natural broad spectra have not been tailored to yield frequency combs, which are state‐of‐the‐art technology in metrology, spectroscopy, and precision frequency synthesis. Here, the frequency comb directly emitted from the free‐electron radiation is demonstrated by simultaneously exciting a series of modes with equidistant spectral lines. Both the offset and repetition frequencies are readily adapted by structural parameters, and relative spectrum intensities between the comb teeth are customizable based on selective coupling, thus permitting flexible tunability over broadband. Moreover, the repetition rate is experimentally verified at the microwave regime. The proposed methodology implies that swift electrons present a natural and versatile platform for generating frequency combs, facilitating the development of metrology and spectroscopy in the terahertz band.
Effects of Smectic Layer Deformation on Mechanical Properties of Glassy Liquid Crystal Polymer Fibers
Authors: Kawahara Katsuki , Suzuki Ryoji , Tokita Masatoshi
Published: April 2023

In this work, it is demonstrated that the stress response of glassy smectic liquid crystal (LC) polymer fibers is largely dependent on layer deformations. Fibers with smectic layers stacked along the fiber axis (fiber A), prepared by stretching a molten main‐chain LC polyester, deform the layers by tensile deformation in the LC state, yielding fibers with layers tilted from the fiber axis (fiber B) and those with divided layers (fiber C). These fibers in the glassy LC state differ in Young's modulus (E), yield stress and strain (σy, εσy), and strain at break (εb). Fiber A has εb = 30%; however, fiber B is much more ductile (εb > 290%). Fiber C has higher E = 0.97 GPa and σy = 82 MPa than fiber A (E = 0.33 MPa and σy = 33 MPa). Annealing fiber C in the LC state yields fiber D with large‐area layers, similar to fiber A. Fiber D has E = 0.74 GPa and σy = 25 MPa, comparable to those of fiber A. Thus, dividing layers improves E and σy. This strengthening of glassy smectic LC by dividing layers applies to other polymers with layered structures, including lamellar block copolymers and semi‐crystalline polymers.
Translational relevance of SOS1 targeting for KRAS‐mutant colorectal cancer
Authors: Alem Diego , Yang Xinrui , Beato Francisca , Sarcar Bhaswati , Tassielli Alexandra F. , Dai Ruifan , Hogenson Tara L. , Park Margaret A. , Jiang Kun , Cai Jianfeng , Yuan Yu , Fernandez‐Zapico Martin E. , Tan Aik Choon , Fleming Jason B. , Xie Hao
Published: April 2023

It has been challenging to target mutant KRAS (mKRAS) in colorectal cancer (CRC) and other malignancies. Recent efforts have focused on developing inhibitors blocking molecules essential for KRAS activity. In this regard, SOS1 inhibition has arisen as an attractive approach for mKRAS CRC given its essential role as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for this GTPase. Here, we demonstrated the translational value of SOS1 blockade in mKRAS CRC. We used CRC patient‐derived organoids (PDOs) as preclinical models to evaluate their sensitivity to SOS1 inhibitor BI3406. A combination of in silico analyses and wet lab techniques was utilized to define potential predictive markers for SOS1 sensitivity and potential mechanisms of resistance in CRC. RNA‐seq analysis of CRC PDOs revealed two groups of CRC PDOs with differential sensitivities to SOS1 inhibitor BI3406. The resistant group was enriched in gene sets involving cholesterol homeostasis, epithelial−mesenchymal transition, and TNF‐α/NFκB signaling. Expression analysis identified a significant correlation between SOS1 and SOS2 mRNA levels (Spearman's ρ 0.56, p < 0.001). SOS1/2 protein expression was universally present with heterogeneous patterns in CRC cells but only minimal to none in surrounding nonmalignant cells. Only SOS1 protein expression was associated with worse survival in patients with RAS/RAF mutant CRC (p = 0.04). We also found that SOS1/SOS2 protein expression ratio >1 by immunohistochemistry (p = 0.03) instead of KRAS mutation (p = 1) was a better predictive marker to BI3406 sensitivity of CRC PDOs, concordant with the significant positive correlation between SOS1/SOS2 protein expression ratio and SOS1 dependency. Finally, we showed that GTP‐bound RAS level underwent rebound even in BI3406‐sensitive PDOs with no change of KRAS downstream effector genes, thus suggesting upregulation of guanine nucleotide exchange factor as potential cellular adaptation mechanisms to SOS1 inhibition. Taken together, our results show that high SOS1/SOS2 protein expression ratio predicts sensitivity to SOS1 inhibition and support further clinical development of SOS1‐targeting agents in CRC.
Transcutaneous tibial nerve electrical stimulation versus vaginal electrical stimulation in women with overactive bladder syndrome: Is there a role for short‐term interventions?
Authors: Nunes Janaina Mayer de Oliveira , Gregório Emerson Pereira , Moreira Eliane Cristina Hilberath , Hazime Fuad Ahmad , Averbeck Marcio Augusto , de Almeida Silvio Henrique Maia
Published: April 2023

Objective

To assess the efficacy of vaginal electrical stimulation (VS) versus transcutaneous tibial nerve electrical stimulation (TTNS) in women with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB).

Material and Methods

Sixty‐nine patients were randomized to receive 12 sessions of VS versus TTNS, or no treatment (control group—CG), over 6 weeks. OAB impact according to international consultation on incontinence questionnaire overactive bladder module (ICIQ‐OAB), symptoms discomfort scores and voiding diaries were evaluated at baseline, 6 weeks and 1‐month post‐treatment.

Results

Both TTNS (mean difference = −4.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −6.5 to −1.9) and VS (−3.8; −6.0 to −1.6) were associated with significant reduction of ICIQ‐OAB scores, as well as discomfort sensation (−3.9; −6.2 to −1,7; p < 0.001 for the TTNS and −2.8; −5.0 to −0.6; p = 0.01 for the VS) at 6 weeks when compared to CG (p < 0.001). ICIQ‐OAB score remained low only in the TTNS group when compared to the CG (−3.6; −6.0 to −1.2/p = 0.00) 1 month after treatment. Discomfort symptoms improved in both active groups when compared to CG (TTNS [−3.2; −5.2 to −1.2; p < 0.001] and VS groups [−2.6; −4.7 to −0.6; p = 0.01]). No statistically differences were found in primary outcomes comparing TTNS and VS Secondary analysis showed significant improvement in urinary urgency incontinence episodes (UUI) in both TTNS and VS, but CG. UUI episodes were still reduced in the VS group and urgency in the TTNS group 1‐month post‐treatment.

Conclusion

Short‐term interventions (6 weeks) of TTNS and VS were both effective in treating women with OAB. TTNS provided residual effects at one‐month postintervention on ICIQ‐OAB score.
Contribution of social, behavioral, and contextual exposures to Black‐White disparities in incident obesity: The CARDIA study
Authors: Song Christopher , Bancks Michael P. , Whitaker Kara M. , Wong Mandy , Carson April P. , Dutton Gareth R. , Goff David C. , Gordon‐Larsen Penny , Gunderson Erica P. , Jacobs David R. , Kiefe Catarina I. , Lewis Cora E. , Lloyd‐Jones Donald M. , Shikany James M. , Kershaw Kiarri N.
Published: April 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to quantify the contributions of socioeconomic, psychosocial, behavioral, reproductive, and neighborhood exposures in young adulthood to Black‐White differences in incident obesity.

Methods

In the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, 4488 Black or White adults aged 18 to 30 years without obesity at baseline (1985‐1986) were followed over 30 years. Sex‐specific Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate Black‐White differences in incident obesity. Models were adjusted for baseline and time‐updated indicators.

Results

During follow‐up, 1777 participants developed obesity. Black women were 1.87 (95% CI: 1.63‐2.13) times more likely and Black men were 1.53 (95% CI: 1.32‐1.77) times more likely to develop obesity than their White counterparts after adjusting for age, field center, and baseline BMI. Baseline exposures explained 43% of this difference in women and 52% in men. Time‐updated exposures explained more of the racial difference in women but less for men, compared with baseline exposures.

Conclusions

Adjusting for these exposures accounted for a substantial but incomplete proportion of racial disparities in incident obesity. Remaining differences may be explained by incomplete capture of the most salient aspects of these exposures or potential variation in the impact of these exposures on obesity by race.
Model‐informed pediatric dose selection of marzeptacog alfa (activated): An exposure matching strategy
Authors: Faraj Alan , van Wijk Rob C. , Neuman Linda , Desai Shraddha , Blouse Grant E. , Knudsen Tom , Simonsson Ulrika S. H.
Published: April 2023

Marzeptacog alfa (activated) (MarzAA) is an activated recombinant human rFVII variant intended for subcutaneous (s.c.) administration to treat or prevent bleeding in individuals with hemophilia A (HA) or B (HB) with inhibitors, and other rare bleeding disorders. The s.c. administration provides benefits over i.v. injections. The objective of the study was to support the first‐in‐pediatric dose selection for s.c. MarzAA to treat episodic bleeding episodes in children up through 11 years in a registrational phase III trial. Assuming the same exposure‐response relationship as in adults, an exposure matching strategy was used with a population pharmacokinetics model. A sensitivity analysis evaluating the impact of doubling in absorption rate and age‐dependent allometric exponents on dose selection was performed. Subsequently, the probability of trial success, defined as the number of successful trials for a given pediatric dose divided by the number of simulated trials (n = 1000) was studied. A successful trial was defined as outcome where four, three, or two out of 24 pediatric subjects per trial were allowed to fall outside the adult exposures after s.c. administration of 60 μg/kg. A dose of 60 μg/kg in children with HA/HB was supported by the clinical trial simulations to match exposures in adults. The sensitivity analyses further supported selection of the 60 μg/kg dose level in all age groups. Moreover, the probability of trial success evaluations given a plausible design confirmed the potential of a 60 μg/kg dose level. Taken together, this work demonstrates the utility of model‐informed drug development and could be helpful for other pediatric development programs for rare diseases.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and Docking Studies of 4H‐[1,2,3] thiadiazolo[4,5‐b]indole Hybrids as Antifungal Agents
Authors: Rather Rafiq A. , Ara Tabassum
Published: April 2023

Herein, we report the synthesis of 4H‐[1,2,3]thiadiazolo[4,5‐b]indole derivatives along with their pharmacological activity against different Gram‐(+ve), Gram‐(−ve) and fungal strains. Structures of all the compounds were elucidated by NMR, HRMS, LC–MS and IR analysis methods. The biological studies revealed that 4H‐[1,2,3]thiadiazolo[4,5‐b]indole and 5‐nitro‐4H‐[1,2,3]thiadiazolo[4,5‐b]indole compounds possess good antifungal activity with IC50 values of 10.8±2.2, 16.0±0.9 and MIC values of 25 and 36, respectively. At the same time, compound 4H‐[1,2,3]thiadiazolo[4,5‐b]indole possesses weak antibacterial activity with an IC50 value of 34.1±1.0 and MIC >100. Molecular docking performed on the compound 4H‐[1,2,3]thiadiazolo[4,5‐b]indole showed a high affinity with binding energy −6.0 and 5.7 kcal mol‐1 and formed key interactions with the active site of transferase enzyme (6AEF) and integrin protein (3FCU).
Green and Red Luminescent Curcuma and Lawsone Herbal Amalgam as Yellow Emission Source
Authors: Sahu Bhumika , Ghosh Tanushree , Kandpal Suchita , Bansal Love , Rani Chanchal , Jha Hem Chandra , Kumar Rajesh
Published: April 2023

“Herbal electronics” is a very new term tossed for the area where optical and electrical properties of herbal materials are being studied for possible application in electronics. The optical properties of extract solutions obtained from two raw materials namely turmeric, and henna has been studied here using absorption and luminescence spectroscopies. The as‐prepared solutions appear luminescent under UV light and generate two complementary colors, red and green which when mixed together exhibits yellow emission. A careful analysis has been carried out to understand how the two solutions can be mixed to obtain a yellow emission by using a simple Blue/UV LED as excitation source. Obtained emission colors has been qualified using CIE color chart and PL quantum yield have also been calculated. The yellow emission has been demonstrated using a simple set up where a blue led (400 nm) is used as excitation and the mixture solution is used as active luminescent material which emits yellow light with a quantum yield of ∼5 %.
In situ Micro‐Arc Oxidation‐Induced Growth of Black Ceramic ZrO2 and CuO Coatings on Magnesium Alloys and their Electrochemical Analysis
Authors: Chen Hong , Zhang Jiangang , Fan Zongyi , Chen Yongnan
Published: April 2023

In this paper, a new environmentally friendly micro‐arc oxidation (MAO) colorant coating was proposed, which greatly improved the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloy. Herein, the black MAO coatings with uniform color and superior performance were successfully prepared on AZ91D alloy to expand the application of magnesium alloy. It was found that the color of the MAO coatings changes from white (80.76) to black (19.92) with the increased concentration of cupric pyrophosphate, attributed to the formation of copper compounds (CuO) in the outer layer of MAO coatings. In addition, electrochemical corrosion tests were also carried out in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. And it was found that the corrosion potential and current were −1.32 V and 1.06×10−6 A/cm2, respectively, which increased by 0.15 V and decreased by 3.16×10−6 A/cm2 compared to those without cupric pyrophosphate. In conclusion, black MAO coatings produced at a cupric pyrophosphate concentration of 6 g/L, an oxidation time of 17 min, and a termination voltage of 375 V had an excellent performance and superior corrosion resistance. Therefore, it was provided a new idea for the research of surface in‐situ treatment technology with the composite of zirconia salt electrolyte and cupric pyrophosphate.
Comparison between hydrothermal and a facile sonochemical synthesis of Mn1‐XCeXOY, at different Ce loading, towards the catalytic oxidation of toluene
Authors: Suárez‐Vázquez Santiago I. , Cruz‐López Arquímedes , Ruiz‐Gómez Miguel A.
Published: April 2023

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are harmful to human health due to their carcinogenicity and toxicity. In addition, they are responsible for the generation of secondary atmospheric pollutants. Catalytic oxidation is an effective alternative for the reduction of these types of emissions. In this context, Ce−Mn oxides have been reported as excellent catalyst because of their low cost, redox capacity, and oxygen mobility. To date, the best Ce−Mn oxide catalysts have been produced using hydrothermal synthesis. In the present work, we propose a novel, facile, environmental‐friendly, and low‐cost sonochemical method for the synthesis of Mn−Ce oxides with different Ce loadings. The new materials were characterized, and catalytic activity was measured in toluene oxidation reactions. Results demonstrated that, despite the low surface area of Mn−Ce oxides prepared by sonochemical method, these samples showed a superior catalytic activity with T90values of 266 °C. This performance was the result of the higher Mn4+content, as well as improved reducibility and activation of Olatspecies as compared to that of hydrothermally synthesized catalysts. However, the interaction between Mn2O3and MnO2in the hydrothermally synthesized catalysts resulted in a greater stability in long‐term oxidation reactions.
Safe, Green, and Efficient Synthesis of m‐Dinitrobenzene via Two‐Step Nitration in a Continuous‐Flow Microreactor
Authors: Zhao Wenyuan , Zhang Qi , Wei Wei , Xu Weichang , Sun Wenxuan , An Tingwang , Ji Lu , Wang Hande , Zhou Chuan , Yan Dongmao
Published: April 2023

In industry, m‐dinitrobenzene is mainly obtained by two‐step nitration of benzene, but still faces the problem of being heterogeneous and highly exothermic. In this work, a two‐step continuous‐flow nitration was developed in a microreactor, combining benzene nitration and mononitrobenzene nitration in series. The waste acid after the mononitrobenzene nitration stage was utilized in the benzene mononitration stage, and the waste acid in the benzene mononitration stage was treated and concentrated for reuse. The whole process consumes almost no sulfuric acid. Under optimal conditions, the yield of dinitrobenzene was more than 99.0 % and the selectivity of m‐dinitrobenzene was more than 91 % with a residence time of 4 min at 70 °C. In addition, the space‐time yield of the continuous microreactor was 800 times higher than the batch reactor. It provides a safe and efficient method for the industrial production of m‐dinitrobenzene.
Study of N‐methyl‐5‐nitroindazolylacrylonitriles as a Function of Quantum Parameters Employing Density Function Theory Methods: Comparative Theoretical Study and Nonlinear Optical Properties
Authors: Moumad Aziz , Bouhaoui Abderrazzak , Eddahmi Mohammed , Hafid Abderrafia , Domingo Luis R. , Bouissane Latifa
Published: April 2023

The synthesis of N‐methyl‐5‐nitroindazolylacrylonitriles 2 a–l by a Knoevenagel condensation reaction with a series of aldehydes in the presence of piperidine allowed the preparation of the desired products the yields are good to excellent. N‐Methyl‐5‐nitroindazolylacrylonitriles (2 a–l) were verified by 1H, 13C NMR and mass spectrometry. In this current work, the reactivity indices defined within the Conceptual DFT of the targeted molecules through DFT/B3LYP/6‐311G(d,p) calculations were studied. The 1H NMR, UV‐vis and IR spectroscopy chemical shifts of all synthesized 5‐nitroindazoles 2 a–l were calculated and the results were compared to the results of the experimental data. In this series of compounds, the 2 e has the lowest hyperpolarizability, which results being the most stable and having the least response to nonlinear optics (NLO). In contrast, the compound 2 l has the highest hyperpolarizability, which fallouts being the least stable and having a high response to NLO. Every chemical has a significant three‐dimensional p‐electronic delocalization, which is crucial for understanding NLO responses.
Construction of yolk‐shell structural polydopamine@WO3 micro/nanospheres for enhanced photocatalytic degradation
Authors: Shi Jiahui , Zhang Juan , Jia Zhixin , Zhao Ruihua , Abubakr Yasin Umsalama Abuelgasim , Du Jianping
Published: April 2023

Polydopamine‐coated tungsten oxide (PDA@WO3) nanomaterial is synthesized by the polymerization of dopamine around the surface of WO3 to form the perfect yolk‐shell structures, and the optoelectronic properties and photocatalytic performance in the wide pH range are studied. After coating of PDA around the WO3 surface, as‐obtained PDA@WO3 possesses better light absorption, lower band gap, stronger photocurrent response, and lower resistance than pristine WO3. As a result, the improved photocatalytic ability of PDA@WO3 nanocomposites, by optimizing the amount of dopamine, is achieved. Compared with pristine WO3, PDA@WO3 exhibits better photocatalytic activity, and the degradation rate of methyl blue reaches 80.2 % (pH=5.4) and 94.5 % (pH=7.2) after 150 min. Combined band energy with trapping experiments of the active substance, photocatalytic activity and degradation mechanism are discussed. Originated from the π electron conjugation system of PDA and yolk‐shell structure of PDA@WO3, the mobility of photogenerated electrons increase and the recombination of electrons‐holes reduce that result in improvement of the photocatalytic performance of pristine WO3, implying surface‐modified metal oxide with yolk‐shell is a potential photocatalytic material for degradation in wide pH range.
Progress in Surface Modification of SnO2 Electron Transport Layers for Stable Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Gong Jue , Cui Yupeng , Li Faming , Liu Mingzhen
Published: April 2023

The photovoltaic (PV) performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has rapidly advanced in the recent years; yet, the stability issue remains one of the last‐mile challenges on the road to commercialization. Charge transport layers and their interfaces with perovskites stand for critical tuning knobs that determine the device stability of PSCs. This review focuses on the effects of modification of SnO2 electron transport layers (ETLs) on the interfacial physicochemical properties and stability of PSC devices. In detail, the intrinsic defects, surface hydroxyls, and nonuniform morphology of SnO2 will negatively impact its interfacial physicochemical properties, thus degrading the device stability of PSCs. To tackle these existing issues, three modification approaches, such as surface morphology control, surface physicochemical modifications, and surface composite‐structure design, are categorized. Lastly, future perspectives in further promoting the stability of PSCs from SnO2 ETLs are raised based on the currently unresolved issues from both material and device levels.
Effects of exposure to the inhalational anaesthetic sevoflurane on the male reproductive system in rats
Authors: Qingzhen Liu , Yuping Hu , Lidong Zhang , Junfeng Zhang
Published: April 2023

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of inhalational anaesthetics on the male reproductive system in neonatal rats.

Methods

Postnatal day 6 (P6) male rat pups were assigned to 2 groups of 40 rats each. The control group did not receive anaesthesia, and the test group was exposed to air containing 3% sevoflurane in a chamber. After sevoflurane exposure, the effects on the male reproductive system in neonatal rats exposed to inhalational anaesthetics were tested. The rats were maintained to P60. The fertility, sperm and spermatid count, sperm motility, organ weights and histological changes in rats were determined.

Results

Compared with those of the control group, the sperm count and motility of the sevoflurane group were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), and there was also a decrease in the number of foetal rats from the sevoflurane group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the arrangement of the seminiferous tubule was regular in the control group, whereas the arrangement of the seminiferous tubule was distorted and the spermatocytes were detached and irregularly lined in the sevoflurane group. TUNEL analysis showed that the number of apoptotic cells in the testes of the sevoflurane group was significantly increased (p < 0.05). SOD and MDA analyses showed that SOD was decreased, while MDA expression was increased.

Conclusions

These data indicated that young rats suffered as a result of inhalation of the anaesthetic sevoflurane and had reduced reproductive system function during adolescence in males. These studies are useful as a foundation for clinical studies.
Preliminary Application of CT Technology in Non-destructive Testing of Nuclear Fuel Elements
Authors: Yang Xiaoliang , Wang Xuequan , Pan Zhe , Liu Jie , Luo Jiandong
Published: April 2023

With the emergence of various novel fuel elements, traditional X-ray test technologies refer to national standards that have gradually been unable to meet the non-destructive testing (NDT) requirements for these novel fuel elements. As a new NDT technology, industrial computed tomography (CT) has great potential for NDT of nuclear fuel elements. In this paper, through a personalized transformation of self-developed X-ray equipment, we carried out CT scanning imaging experiments up to more than 400 kV on pellet-shell gap in rod-shaped fuel elements, a high-density annular component, and a tungsten-based workpiece. Not only that, after three-dimensional reconstruction and image analysis, it was found that sub-millimeter internal void defects could be detected. Furthermore, size measurements were carried out through image analysis which achieved a relative error of 5%. A conservative conclusion can be drawn from this research: industrial CT, including but not limited to micro-CT, high-energy X-ray CT, etc., has an optimistic future in testing internal defects and measuring internal dimensions of novel fuel elements.
The Potential Force Interface Tension Model in MPS Method for Stratification Simulation
Authors: Jian Lijun , Zeng Xiao , Pei Jie
Published: April 2023

In the analysis of phenomenology of serious accident, stratification behavior is important in the late in-vessel stage of core melt. Traditional numerical methods have difficulties in analyzing stratification process accompanying with free surface, which need extra processes such as empirical correlations. The Moving Particle Semi-implicit (MPS) method has a natural advantage in calculating multiphase flows with free surface. In this paper, we apply the potential force surface tension model to the MPS program and extend the original surface tension model to the interface tension calculation of multiple flows. The improved MPS method is verified by a classical dam break problem. The surface tension model is verified by the cases of droplet oscillation, droplet on solid wall and floating droplet. Finally, the two-dimensional dam-break stratification experiment of silicone oil and salt water is simulated, and the simulation results agree with the experiment.
Wetting Behavior of LBE on 316L and T91 Surfaces with Different Roughness
Authors: Yan Tingxu , Zhu Huiping , Liu Xudong , Tu Xu , Qi Muran , Wang Yifeng , Li Xiaobo
Published: April 2023

In this paper, two typical candidate structural materials of 316L and T91 with different surface roughnesses were studied at temperatures from 200–500 ℃. The surface with different roughness was prepared by mechanical polishing on the sandpapers with particle sizes from 400 to 2000 mesh. The wetting test was carried out in a smart contact angle measuring device by using the sessile-drop method. Meanwhile, the microstructure of the liquid-solid surface was analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that the surfaces of both materials are non-wetting to LBE in the tested temperature range. The contact angles of LBE drop on material surfaces decrease with increasing temperature in general. However, it appears to increase significantly at 400 ℃ for both two materials. Besides, the decrease of surface roughness can effectively inhibit the wettability of LBE on the material surface. In addition, compared with 316L, the wetting of the LBE to T91 surface is better, indicating the higher tendency of LME for T91 in practical application. These results can provide references for the prediction of the LME behavior of structural materials.