bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stabilization of galactose oxidase by high hydrostatic pressure: Insights on the role of cavities size
Authors: Kang Min J. , Reyes‐De‐Corcuera José I.
Published: April 2024

High hydrostatic pressure stabilized galactose oxidase (GaOx) at 70.0–80.0°C against thermal inactivation. The pseudo‐first‐order rate constant of inactivation kinact decreased by a factor of 8 at 80°C and by a factor of 44 at 72.5°C. The most pronounced effect of pressure was at the lowest studied temperature of 70.0°C with an activation volume of inactivation ΔV‡ of 78.8 cm3 mol−1. The optimal pressure against thermal inactivation was between 200 and 300 MPa. Unlike other enzymes, as temperature increased the ΔV‡ of inactivation decreased, and as pressure increased the activation energy of inactivation Eai increased. Combining the results for GaOx with earlier research on the pressure‐induced stabilization of other enzymes suggests that ΔV‡ of inactivation correlates with the total molar volume of cavities larger than ~100 Å3 in enzyme monomers for enzymes near the optimal pH and whose thermal unfolding is not accompanied by oligomer dissociation.
Exploring young people with eating difficulties and their caregivers' experiences of person‐centred counselling
Authors: Ward Samantha , Daughtrey Nicola , Constable Chloe , Bell Judith
Published: April 2024

Background

There has been a significant increase in the number of young people with eating difficulties (EDs), and current waiting times are not meeting the standard recommended by the National Health Service. Therefore, TIC+, a mental health charity in Gloucestershire, launched an ED counselling service, TEDS. The service aimed to promptly provide young people with person‐centred counselling as an alternative option for support.

Aims

Very few studies have investigated the experience of individuals with EDs who are engaging with person‐centred counselling, and exploration of this can help us to ascertain whether the approach should be more widely deployed while also informing service development for TEDS.

Materials and Methods

This study qualitatively explored young people and their caregivers' experiences of the service using semi‐structured interviews; four young people and four caregivers took part. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

The findings revealed that the person‐centred counselling provided was valuable for young people, with improvements to their EDs evident.

Discussion

However, there were several barriers to counselling that must be addressed. Furthermore, caregivers experienced a sense of loss of control and helplessness, which may have ramifications for young people too, demonstrating a need to consider how best to support caregivers.

Conclusion

There is preliminary support for the use of person‐centred counselling for young people with eating difficulites.
Effect of Alkali Metal Cations and Trace Metal Impurities on Cathodic Corrosion of Gold Electrode Surfaces
Authors: Elnagar Mohamed M. , Kibler Ludwig A. , Jacob Timo
Published: April 2024

In this work, we comprehensively studied the cathodic corrosion of Au electrodes as a function of the identity of alkali metal hydroxides at different concentrations and various negative potentials. We reveal that the ratio of free water and water bound in hydration shells controls the overall cathodic corrosion behavior, alongside the specific adsorption of alkali metal cations. Moreover, we highlight the crucial role of electrolyte cleanliness, particularly regarding the presence of trace metal impurities. Interestingly, the presence of trace amounts of nickel and iron in as‐received CsOH suppresses cathodic corrosion by their deposition onto Au surfaces. In contrast, after purification the polarization of Au surfaces in 10 M CsOH leads to the formation of nanoporous surfaces with high electrochemically active surface area, in which the degree of porosity can be tuned by varying the polarization time at −1.6 V vs. RHE.
Thin Coatings of Polymer of Intrinsic Microporosity (PIM‐1) Enhance Nickel Electrodeposition and Nickel‐Catalyzed Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Isopi Jacopo , McKeown Neil B. , Carta Mariolino , Tuci Giulia , Giambastiani Giuliano , Marcaccio Massimo , Marken Frank
Published: April 2024

Nickel nanoparticle electrodeposition is studied on flat glassy carbon (GC) or on nitrogen‐doped reduced graphene oxide (rGO‐N) substrates. The effects of a very thin (nominally 16 nm) layer polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM‐1) are investigated (i) on enhancing nickel nanoparticle nucleation and growth during electrodeposition and (ii) on enhancing hydrogen evolution electrocatalysis. Beneficial effects are tentatively assigned to PIM‐1 suppressing blocking effects from interfacial hydrogen bubble formation. Exploratory data suggest that in aqueous 0.5 M NaCl solution (artificial seawater) nickel nanoparticles grown into a thin film of PIM‐1 could be a viable electrocatalyst with an onset of hydrogen evolution only slightly negative compared to that observed for platinum nanoparticles.
Application of Mono and Trinuclear Cyclometalated Iridium (III) Complexes in Differential Bacterial Imaging and Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Das Bishnu , Biswas Prakash , Mallick Amirul Islam , Gupta Parna
Published: April 2024

The application of transition metal complexes for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as an attractive alternative in mitigating a broad range of bacterial pathogens, including multidrug‐resistant pathogens. In view of their photostability, long excited‐state lifetimes, and tunable emission properties, transition metal complexes also contribute as bioimaging agents. In the present work, we designed mono and trinuclear cyclometalated iridium (III) complexes to explore their imaging application and antibacterial potential. For this, we used Methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA), the most prevalent of community‐associated (CA) multidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacteria (CA MDR) and Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis) as Gram‐positive while Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) and E. coli as Gram‐negative bacteria. In addition to differential bioimaging of these bacteria, we assessed the antibacterial effects of both mono and trinuclear Ir(III) complexes under exposure to 427 nm LED light. The data presented herein strongly suggest better efficacy of trinuclear Ir(III) complex over the mononuclear complex in imparting photoinduced cell death of MRSA. Based on the safety profile of these complexes, we propose that trinuclear cyclometalated iridium(III) complex holds great promise for selective recognition and targeting MDR bacteria with minimal off‐target effect.
Efficient Synthetic Access to Stable Isotope Labelled Pseudouridine Phosphoramidites for RNA NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Glänzer David , Pfeiffer Martin , Ribar Andrej , Zeindl Ricarda , Tollinger Martin , Nidetzky Bernd , Kreutz Christoph
Published: April 2024

Here we report the efficient synthetic access to 13C/15N‐labelled pseudouridine phosphoramidites, which were incorporated into a binary H/ACA box guide RNA/product complex comprising 77 nucleotides (nts) in total and into a 75 nt E. coli tRNAGly. The stable isotope (SI) labelled pseudouridines were produced via a highly efficient chemo‐enzymatic synthesis. 13C/15N labelled uracils were produced via chemical synthesis and enzymatically converted to pseudouridine 5′‐monophosphate (ΨMP) by using YeiN, a Ψ‐5′‐monophosphate C‐glycosidase. Removal of the 5′‐phosphate group yielded the desired pseudouridine nucleoside (Ψ), which was transformed into a phosphoramidite building suitable for RNA solid phase synthesis. A Ψ ‐building block carrying both a 13C and a 15N label was incorporated into a product RNA and the complex formation with a 63 nt H/ACA box RNA could be observed via NMR. Furthermore, the SI labelled pseudouridine building block was used to determine imino proton bulk water exchange rates of a 75 nt E. coli tRNAGly CCmnm5U, identifying the TΨC‐loop 5‐methyluridine as a modifier of the exchange rates. The efficient synthetic access to SI‐labelled Ψ building blocks will allow the solution and solid‐state NMR spectroscopic studies of Ψ containing RNAs and will facilitate the mass spectrometric analysis of Ψ‐modified nucleic acids.
CFD investigation of flow hydrodynamics and optimization in an industrial‐scale annular lance with swirl flow
Authors: Wan Zhanghao , Yang Shiliang , Tang Duzuo , Yuan Haibin , Xu Wanli , Wang Hua
Published: April 2024

Swirling flow has been applied in various fields due to its ability to enhance mass, heat, and momentum transfer performance. However, the generation of swirling flow occurs at the price of augmenting the pressure drop, and enhancing the friction and shear intensity of the jet with respect to the reactor wall. In the present work, the impact of geometrical configurations of the swirler on the hydrodynamics of the fluid in an industrial‐scale annular lance is investigated via the computational fluid dynamics method, with the discussion of the friction coefficient of the lance walls. It shows that the axial flow injected from the central lance is transformed into a weak swirl flow upon the introduction of swirl flow generated in the casing pipe. Within the mixing region, the interaction between axial and swirl flows results in elevated turbulent kinetic energy. Notably, under varying geometrical configuration conditions, the pressure drop between the inlet of the central pipe and the outlet is maximized. Additionally, the highest friction factor appears at a height of 1.35 m along the middle shell, with a value of 96.67.
Regioselective oxidation of recycled cellulosic fibres for enhancement in the mechanical strength of resulting papers
Authors: Satapathy Mitra , Patankar Saurabh C.
Published: April 2024

The worldwide recycling rate for paper is about 60% and there are ongoing efforts to enhance the recycling rates to 80%. The low strength of recycled paper primarily due to the contaminants in it fetches lower value to the recycled paper in the market and also limits its recyclability. The ways to circumvent the problem of contamination of paper have been addressed by adding additives. However, the use of additives increases the cost of the final recycled paper. Oxidation has been explored as an alternative to enhance the tensile strength of paper in this work as it can be used in existing paper recycling facilities without any modifications. Pulp fibres were collected from an active paper recycling mill and subjected to oxidation at various oxidation levels from 0.25 up to 1.5 mmol/g. It was found that the tensile strength of the paper increased by up to 89% with an increase in oxidation level up to 1 mmol/g and later decreased with a further increase in the oxidation level up to 1.5 mmol/g. The brightness of the paper increased by up to 3% with an increase in oxidation level up to 0.85 mmol/g and then a decrease with further enhancement in the oxidation level. The oxidized samples were also studied with infrared spectroscopy, x‐ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and optical properties to study the behaviour of the resulting material. A ring crush test and corrugating medium test were also performed on the oxidized pulp samples to establish the feasibility of the material for packaging applications.
Metallurgical slag used for efficient growth of Chlorella pyrenoidosa to achieve CO2 conversion to biodiesel
Authors: Guo Hua‐Wei , Wang Ya‐Jun , Liu Huan , Zeng Ya‐Nan , Wang Wei‐Jie , Liu Tian‐Ji , Kang Le‐Le , Ji Rui , Wang Yi‐Tong , Li Jun‐Guo , Fang Zhen
Published: April 2024

Metallurgical slag such as solid waste generated in the steel industry carries environmental pollution risks, but it is rich in nutrients required by microalgae. Metallurgical slag used for carbon capture and biomass energy conversion has multiple benefits: (i) reduction and harmless treatment of metallurgical solid waste, (ii) assisting in carbon neutrality by efficient carbon fixation, and (iii) production of biodiesel from CO2. In this study, AOD, BOF, BFS, HVS, and VTS slag were applied to culture Chlorella pyrenoidosa (C. pyrenoidosa) with the regulation of growth, carbon fixation, and lipid synthesis. An excellent fixed amount of CO2 with 94.59 mg is obtained from C. pyrenoidosa biomass at BOF slag added (mass ratio of CO2 captured/microalgae/slag with 1.99/1.00/10.53) since high Ca/Mg mass ratio of 419 (8.38 mg/L Ca and 0.02 mg/L Mg), no Cr and low concentration of Al (0.04 mg/L) contribute to regulating antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD and POD) to resist ROS and improving PEPC activity to reduce carbon flux toward lipid to promote biomass synthesis. Both metal concentrations from Ca (5.86 mg/L), Mg (0.05 mg/L), Al (0.42 mg/L), and Cr (0.006 mg/L) and suitable pH (10.53) in AOD leaching solution at solid/liquid ratio of 0.5 g/L change carbon flow toward efficient lipid synthesis (47.07 wt%) by continuously providing raw materials and energy by regulating ACC, ME, and PEPC activities. High value‐added biodiesel with high concentrations of C16 and C18 methyl esters from lipid of C. pyrenoidosa is achieved, following other ecological and economic benefits including 197 mg CO2 captured and 2198 mg AOD applied with harmless. In this study, C. pyrenoidosa is cultured with elements from metallurgical slag solid waste, which promotes C. pyrenoidosa efficient carbon fixation to assist in carbon neutrality, and provides guidance for CO2 conversion to high‐value‐added products with low cost.
Nonflammable in situ PDOL‐based gel polymer electrolyte for high‐energy‐density and high safety lithium metal batteries
Authors: Tang Wenhao , Zhou Taotao , Duan Yang , Zhou Miaomiao , Li Zhenchao , Liu Ruiping
Published: April 2024

Due to its high energy density and low interface impedance, in situ polymerized gel electrolytes were considered as a promising electrolyte candidate for lithium metal batteries (LMBs). In this work, a new flame‐retardant gel electrolyte was prepared via in situ ring‐opening polymerization of DOL and TEP. The PDOL–TEP electrolyte exhibits excellent room temperature ionic conductivity (0.38 mS cm−1), wide electrochemical window (4.4 V), high Li+ transference number (0.57), and enhanced safety. Thus, the NCM811||Li cells with PDOL–TEP electrolyte exhibit excellent cycle stability (82.7% of capacity retention rate after 300 cycles at 0.5 C) and rate performance (156 and 119 mAh g−1 at 0.5 and 1 C). Furthermore, phosphorus radicals decomposed from TEP can combine with hydrogen radicals to block the combustion reaction. This work provides an effective method for the preparation of solid‐state LMBs with high voltage, high energy density, and high safety.
Preparation of Light‐responsive Unnatural RNA Bases via a Chromogenic Morita‐Baylis‐Hillman Adduct Path
Authors: Lami Matteo , Barneschi Leonardo , Saletti Mario , Olivucci Massimo , Cappelli Andrea , Paolino Marco
Published: April 2024

RNA‐based tools for biological and pharmacological research are raising an increasing interest. Among these, RNA aptamers whose biological activity can be controlled via illumination with specific wavelengths represent an important target. Here, we report on a proof‐of‐principle study supporting the viability of a systematic use of Morita‐Baylis‐Hillman adducts (MBHAs) for the synthesis of light‐responsive RNA building blocks. Accordingly, a specific acetylated MBHA derivative was employed in the functionalization of the four natural RNA bases as well as two unnatural bases (5‐aminomethyl uracil and 5‐methylaminomethyl uracil). The results reveal a highly selective functionalization for both unnatural bases. The conjugation products were then investigated spectroscopically, photochemically and computationally. It is shown that when a single light‐responsive unit is present (i. e. when using 5‐methylaminomethyl uracil), the generated unnatural uracil behaves like a cinnamic‐framework‐based photochemical switch that isomerizes upon illumination through a biomimetic light‐induced intramolecular charge transfer mechanism driving a barrierless and, therefore, ultrafast reaction path.
Molecular markers and candidate genes of plant height traits in upland cotton identified by single‐locus and multi‐locus genome‐wide association study
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Wang Xingyi , Guan Jiaxin , Zhang Dongmei , Li Zhao , Zhang Meng , Ke Huifeng , Gu Qishen , Yang Jun , Zhang Yan , Wu Liqiang , Ma Zhiying , Wang Xingfen , Sun Zhengwen
Published: April 2024

With the increasing demands for crop yield and production mechanization, improvement of plant architecture is getting more imperative in cotton. In the present study, we investigated the plant height (PH) and the node of first fruiting branch (NFFB) of 719 upland cotton accessions in six different environments. We used the 10,511 high‐quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to perform single‐locus and multi‐locus genome‐wide association study (GWAS). As many as 278 associated SNPs were identified, 142 by the mixed linear model (MLM) in the single‐locus model and 192 by six multi‐locus models. A total of 42 SNPs were identified in at least four environment‐traits or methods, of which 28 SNPs were significantly associated with PH, 22 were significantly associated with NFFB, and eight were co‐associated with the two traits. Notably, most of loci were novel besides i33922Gh located in the reported QTL for PH. Furthermore, we identified nine promising candidate genes, among which the three genes Gh_D03G0738, Gh_D10G2028, and Gh_D05G3600 contained non‐synonymous SNP mutation. The accessions with alleles of the mutations resulted in significant phenotypic differences. The expression of these genes showed significant differences between short‐PH and high‐PH varieties. Moreover, overexpression of Gh_D03G0738 led to reduction of PH in Arabidopsis. These results provided insights into genetic basis of plant architecture in cotton.
Feeding adaptation of François' langurs (Trachypithecus francoisi) to the fragmented limestone habitats in Southwest China
Authors: Yao Wei , Huang Cheng‐Ming , Zhao Jia‐Xin , Huang Rong , Li Wen‐Hua , Fan Peng‐Lai , Zhou Qi‐Hai
Published: April 2024

Limestone forests are an unusual habitat for primates, especially fragmented limestone habitats. However, while some research has been conducted on François' langurs (Trachypithecus francois) in these habitats, there is still a need to improve the understanding of their behavioral adaptations to the fragmented limestone habitat. We collected data on the diet of François' langurs in a fragmented limestone habitat in Encheng National Nature Reserve, southwestern Guangxi, China using instantaneous scanning sampling, and their feeding adaptations to the fragmented forest were examined. The results indicated that a total of 101 species of plants were consumed by the langurs. They also fed on two non‐plant components, including cliff minerals and at least one species of insect. The langurs ate a higher number of food species in Encheng when compared with the other geographic populations, and they maintained a high level of food diversity and ate more vines. Moreover, they were highly selective in their use of vegetation in their home range, and fewer plants provided a high‐quality food source. During the season when food resources were scarce, the consumption of fruits and young leaves decreased as their availability decreased. This led to the use of other food components, such as mature leaves and seeds. The findings support that François' langurs adjust their feeding behavior to cope with seasonal and micro‐variations in their dietary requirements and to adapt to their particular environment.
Sensing in the dark: Constructive evolution of the lateral line system in blind populations of Astyanax mexicanus
Authors: Rodríguez‐Morales Roberto
Published: April 2024

Cave‐adapted animals evolve a suite of regressive and constructive traits that allow survival in the dark. Most studies aiming at understanding cave animal evolution have focused on the genetics and environmental underpinnings of regressive traits, with special emphasis on vision loss. Possibly as a result of vision loss, other non‐visual sensory systems have expanded and compensated in cave species. For instance, in many cave‐dwelling fish species, including the blind cavefish of the Mexican tetra, Astyanax mexicanus, a major non‐visual mechanosensory system called the lateral line, compensated for vision loss through morphological expansions. While substantial work has shed light on constructive adaptation of this system, there are still many open questions regarding its developmental origin, synaptic plasticity, and overall adaptive value. This review provides a snapshot of the current state of knowledge of lateral line adaption in A. mexicanus, with an emphasis on anatomy, synaptic plasticity, and behavior. Multiple open avenues for future research in this system, and how these can be leveraged as tools for both evolutionary biology and evolutionary medicine, are discussed.
Apixaban in bridge to transplant and destination LVAD ‐ rationale and study design: the ApixiVAD trial
Authors: Schnegg Bruno , Deveza Ricardo , Hayward Christopher
Published: April 2024

Aims

Use of novel anticoagulation in mechanical circulatory support is controversial. We report the rationale and design of the ApixiVad pilot trial, a pilot study testing the safety of apixaban as an anticoagulant in patients bridged to transplant (BTT) or for destination (DT) with Heartmate 3 (HM3) left ventricular assist device (LVAD).

Methods and results

Apixaban has been used in small non‐randomized cohorts in LVAD patients and shown to be effective in ex vivo studies. The ApixiVAD study examines apixaban use in a multicentre, international, open‐label, randomized, controlled trial aiming to include 50 BTT or DT HM3 patients with a 1:1 randomization ratio. This event‐driven study has a maximum follow‐up period of 24 months with interim analysis at 6 months. The primary outcome is death, thromboembolic events and major bleeding, including operative bleeding and immediate transplant outcomes. The secondary outcome focuses on patients' quality of life related to anticoagulation. This investigator‐driven pilot study is not powered to determine the non‐inferiority of apixaban. An increase in primary outcome in the apixaban group of 20% will be considered a signal of harm.

Conclusions

A positive outcome in the ApixiVAD study would provide the basis for future, larger, pivotal anticoagulation trials in LVAD patients.
Synthesis of 2‐Trifluoromethyl Pyridines through Multicomponent Kröhnke Reaction
Authors: Hong Biqiong , Teng Yun , Fang Zheng , Wu Wei , Weng Zhiqiang
Published: April 2024

A multicomponent Kröhnke reaction route toward 2‐trifluoromethyl pyridines from reaction of chalcones with easily available and stable 1‐(3,3,3‐trifluoro‐2‐oxopropyl)pyridin‐1‐ium bromide and ammonium acetate is reported. The reaction is found to be general with a range of substituted chalcones, and the applicability of the methodology in gram scale is demonstrated. Preliminary results suggest that this transformation is initiated by 1,4‐Michael addition, followed by inter‐ and intramolecular nucleophilic addition, and elimination.
A follow‐up study on respiratory outcomes, quality of life and performance perception of SARS‐CoV‐2 primary and reinfection in elite athletes: A 9‐month prospective study
Authors: Karaduman Emre , Bostancı Özgür , Bilgiç Sait
Published: April 2024

The prolonged consequences of SARS‐CoV‐2 on young elite athletes recovering from primary and reinfection are unclear. This study aimed to assess inspiratory/expiratory muscle strength and respiratory function at the time of spontaneous recovery at 3, 6, and 9 months after SARS‐CoV‐2 primary and reinfection in elite athletes. The study enrolled 25 elite male judoists, including 11 primary infection cases, five reinfection cases, and nine controls from the Türkiye Olympic Preparation Center. Inspiratory/expiratory muscle strength and respiratory function were measured, including maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, and peak expiratory flow (PEF) before and up to 9 months after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in the early pre‐competition preparation phases. The most common symptoms reported by reinfection cases were fatigue (80%), dyspnea (60%), and muscle/joint pain (60%), while primary infection cases reported fatigue (73%), muscle/joint pain (45%), and headache (45%). MIP decreased by −14% and MEP decreased by −13% following the SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in reinfection cases. Likewise, FEV1 and FVC decreased by −5% and −8%, respectively; consequently, FEV1/FVC increased by 3%. Inspiratory/expiratory muscle strength and respiratory function improved rapidly after 9 months of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in primary cases, whereas dysfunction persisted in reinfection cases. PEF was unaffected throughout the 9‐month follow‐up period. Reinfection may lead to further alterations in respiratory system relative to the primary infection, with a suspected restrictive pattern that remains dysfunctional in the third month; however, it improves significantly during a 9‐month follow‐up period.
Bioactive peptides of marine organisms: Roles in the reduction and control of cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Du Jia , Xiao Miao , Sudo Naomi , Liu Qinghua
Published: April 2024

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) affect the quality of life or are fatal in the worst cases, resulting in a significant economic and social burden. Therefore, there is an urgent need to invent functional products or drugs for improving patient health and alleviating and controlling these diseases. Marine bioactive peptides reduce and control CVDs. Many of the predisposing factors triggering CVDs can be alleviated by consuming functional foods containing marine biopeptides. Therefore, improving CVD incidence through the use of effective biopeptide foods from marine sources has attracted increasing interest and attention. This review reports information on bioactive peptides derived from various marine organisms, focusing on the process of the separation, purification, and identification of biological peptides, biological characteristics, and functional food for promoting cardiovascular health. Increasing evidence shows that the bioactivity and safety of marine peptides significantly impact their storage, purification, and processing. It is feasible to develop further strategies involving functional foods to treat CVDs through effective safety testing methods. Future work should focus on producing high‐quality marine peptides and applying them in the food and drug industry.
Music as a determinant of health among First Nations people in Australia: A scoping narrative review
Authors: Scarfe Brigitta , Apps Kristy , Sunderland Naomi , Graham Phil , Bartleet Brydie‐Leigh , Barry Glenn , Garvey Darren , Cooper Rae , Bracknell Clint
Published: April 2024

Issue Addressed

While social determinants frameworks are still popular in research about First Nations health in Australia, a growing body of research prefers cultural determinants of health models. Cultural determinants models provide a holistic, strength‐based framework to explain connections between health and contextual factors, including the potential role of music and its impact on social and emotional well‐being. Given the growing international recognition of links between music, health, and wellbeing through bodies such as the World Health Organisation, this article examines whether and how music practices are acknowledged in First Nations determinants of health literature.

Methods

We conducted a scoping narrative review of literature from five databases: Scopus, PsycInfo, CINAHL, PubMed and ProQuest Central. The search returned 60 articles published since 2017, which we analysed in NVivo for common themes.

Results

Music was only explicitly identified as a determinant of health in two studies. Yet, participants in five studies identified music and song as directly impacting their social and emotional well‐being. When we broadened our frame of analysis to include other forms of expressive cultural practice, one quarter of included studies empirically acknowledged the role of expressive cultural practice for social and emotional well‐being.

Conclusion

While many recent studies identify the impact of First Nations' expressive practices broadly, they miss important features of First Nations music as a potentially unique cultural, social, political and ecological determinant of health.

So What?

There is an opportunity for future research and health determinant modelling to explicitly examine the role of First Nations music and other creative practices for social and emotional well‐being.
Rainfall interception by urban trees: Event characteristics and tree morphological traits
Authors: Anys Markus , Weiler Markus
Published: April 2024

The rapid expansion of impermeable surfaces in cities has a major impact on urban hydrology by reducing rainwater infiltration and increasing runoff rates and peaks. The use of urban trees as stormwater management tools is gaining recognition for their potential to mitigate flood risk and provide additional ecosystem services. We conducted an in‐situ field experiment to measure throughfall on Norway maple (Acer platanoides) and small‐leaved lime (Tilia cordata) to assess the interception capacity of solitary urban trees under different degrees of surface sealing in the city of Freiburg, Germany. We examined the relationships between rainfall characteristics, tree morphological traits, and the interception behaviour, analysing eight trees per species over 76 recorded rainfall events from April to September 2021. Average interception values were higher for small‐leaved lime trees (70.3% ± 6.6%) than for Norway maple (54.8% ± 10.3%) surpassing those in typical forested environments. The average interception loss of all recorded events was 2.6 ± 0.6 mm for Norway maple and 3.7 ± 0.3 mm for small‐leaved lime. For both tree species, significant linear correlations were found between the relative interception and factors such as rainfall depths, the leaf area index (LAI), and the plant area index (PAI) (adj. R2 >0.45). Unlike Norway maple, small‐leaved lime demonstrated significant relationships between several tree morphological parameters and interception (adj. R2 >0.43). The LAI of both species significantly decreased with the increasing degree of surface sealing, which in turn affected interception rates. Our results enhance the understanding of the interception process by solitary trees in urban contexts and enables the parameterization of interception rates using measurable properties. To develop a comprehensive database for modelling parameters and aid urban planners in stormwater management, further field experiments involving various tree species are essential.
Comparison of the performance of NIPT and NIPT‐plus for fetal chromosomal aneuploidy and high Z‐score increases the positive predictive value
Authors: Liu Siping , Xu Yushuang , Chang Qingxian , Jia Bei , Li Fenxia
Published: April 2024

Objective

To evaluate non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and expanded non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT‐plus) for detecting aneuploidies at different sequencing depths and assess Z‐score accuracy in predicting trisomies 21, 18, 13, 45X, and 47XXX.

Methods

Pregnancies with positive NIPT or NIPT‐plus results detected at the prenatal diagnosis center of Nanfang Hospital were included in this retrospective study, between January 2017 and December 2022. Invasive prenatal diagnostic results were collected. Logistic regression analyses were used to study the relationship between Z‐score and positive predictive value (PPV). Optimal cut‐off values were obtained based on receiver operating characteristic analysis, and PPVs were calculated in different groups.

Results

We evaluated 1348 pregnant women with positive results, including 930 reported by NIPT and 418 reported by NIPT‐plus. NIPT reported significantly more rare chromosomal aneuploidies (RCAs), and NIPT‐plus had a significantly higher PPV for trisomy 21 (T21). Logistic regression analyses showed a significant association (P < 0.001) between Z‐score and PPVs for T21 and trisomy 18 (T18). A linear relationship was observed between fetal fraction (FF) and Z‐values in the true positive cases of T21 and T18.The high Z‐score group had significantly higher PPVs than the low Z‐score group for T21, T18, trisomy 13, and 47XXX, but not for 45X.

Conclusion

The Z‐score is helpful in assessing NIPT or NIPT‐plus results. Therefore, we suggest including the Z‐score and FF in the results. By combining the Z‐score, FF, and maternal age, clinicians can interpret NIPT results more accurately and improve personal counsel to reduce patients' anxiety.
Organization of the blood system of rhynchonellid brachiopodHemithiris psittacea(Brachiopoda: Rhynchonelliformea)
Authors: Kuzmina Tatyana , Kuzmin Vladislav , Bogomolova Ekaterina , Malakhov Vladimir
Published: April 2024

The brachiopods are sessile invertebrates with an unusual blood system, which consists of a long‐branched dorsal vessel. It is still unknown how blood circulates in this system. In the present study, for the first time we propose the circulation of blood in brachiopodHemithiris psittaceabased on morphological and experimental data. The main heart is located on the dorsal side of the stomach and divides the dorsal vessel into anterior and posterior parts. The anterior part enters the lophophore, where it gives off blind branches to each tentacle. The posterior part passes by the funnels of the nephridia and forms a blindly closed network in the gonads. We suggest that the circulation of blood includes three successive stages. During the first phase of systole of the main heart, blood flows through the anterior dorsal vessel. During the second phase of systole, blood flows through the posterior dorsal vessel. During diastole, blood flows from the anterior and posterior vessels and fills the main heart. The origin of a peculiar blood system in brachiopods can be explained by reduction of the ventral vessel, which is probably correlates with the reduction of the ventral side of the brachiopod ancestor's body. Another peculiarity of brachiopod blood system is the presence of an ampullar heart, which functions as a blood depot and allows blood to move in the vessels in two directions in an oscillatory mode. The brachiopod blood system contains vessels lacking true endothelium and can be classified as an “incompletely closed” type.
Cardiovascular MRI Reference Ranges for Heart, Aorta, and Pulmonary Artery in Healthy Chinese Children
Authors: Cao Yukun , Peng Hua , Zhang Kailu , Huang Mengting , Luo Qinyue , Li Hanting , Li Yumin , Wang Lin , Shi Heshui
Published: April 2024

Background

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (cardiac MR) reference ranges in Chinese children are lacking.

Purpose

To establish age‐ and sex‐specific reference ranges for cardiac MR parameters in a cohort of healthy Chinese children.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

One hundred ninety‐six healthy children (mean age 9.5 ± 3.6 years, 111 boys).

Field Strength/Sequence

1.5 T; balanced steady‐state free precession.

Assessment

Biventricular volume and ejection fractions (EF), left atrial (LA) volume, right atrial (RA) area, left ventricular (LV) mass and thickness, aortic root (AR), and main pulmonary artery (MPA) dimensions were measured. Parameters were compared between age groups and sex. The relationships between parameters and age, body mass index (BMI) and body surface area (BSA) were investigated.

Statistical Tests

Independent‐samples t tests; Pearson's correlation. A P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Generally, boys exhibited greater absolute measurements of LV volume (end‐diastolic: 94.4 ± 29.5 vs. 81.3 ± 31.0 mL), LA volume (end‐diastolic: 42.6 ± 13.4 vs. 38.0 ± 13.3 mL), RA area (end‐diastolic: 11.6 ± 2.5 vs. 10.8 ± 2.6 cm2), LV thickness (base: 4.4 ± 1.1 vs. 3.8 ± 0.9 mm), AR dimensions (annuls: 16.3 ± 2.7 vs. 15.0 ± 2.8 mm), and MPA dimensions (14.3 ± 2.3 vs. 13.1 ± 2.4 mm) than girls did. However, these differences were not observed when the measurements were normalized to BSA (LV volume: 75.3 ± 11.7 vs. 71.9 ± 12.3 mL/m2, P = 0.052; LA volume: 34.8 ± 8.9 vs. 34.5 ± 7.6 mL/m2, P = 0.783; RA area: 9.7 ± 2.3 vs. 10.2 ± 2.3 cm2/m2, P = 0.107; LV thickness: 3.6 ± 0.7 vs. 3.6 ± 0.9 mm/m2, P = 0.990; AR: 13.6 ± 2.7 vs. 14.3 ± 3.4 mm/m2, P = 0.108; MPA: 11.9 ± 2.3 vs. 12.4 ± 2.4 mm/m2, P = 0.118). Boys had greater RV volume (end‐diastolic: 98.7 ± 33.5 vs. 82.7 ± 33.1 mL) and LV mass (52.6 ± 20.2 vs. 41.4 ± 16.0 g) compared to girls, irrespective of whether the values were indexed or not for BSA. Additionally, there were significant associations between age, BMI, and BSA with biventricular volume, LA volume, RA area, LV mass and thickness, AR and MPA dimensions in both boys and girls.

Data Conclusion

This study suggests reference ranges at 1.5 T for Chinese children.

Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Safety, immunogenicity, and protective effective of inhaled COVID‐19 vaccines: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Song Gao , Li Rong , Cheng Meng‐qun
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to examine the safety, immunogenicity and protective effective of inhaled COVID‐19 vaccines (ICVs). Literature research was done through EMBASE, Cochrane, PubMed, and Web of Science up to 10 March 2024. Pooled estimates with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed and compared using the random effects and common effects model. Of the 15 studies, 11 analyzed safety, 13 analyzed immunogenicity, and 3 analyzed protective effective. The results showed a favorable safety profile of ICVs for primary vaccination series, however it does not always seem to produce the expected immune response and protective effective. Meta‐analysis of ICVs booster vaccinations (BVs) showed that the levels of neutralizing antibody Geometric mean titer (nAb‐GMT) with aerosolised Ad5‐nCoV (AAd5‐nCoV) were all higher than those with inactivated vaccine (INA‐nCoV) (standard mean difference (SMD) = 2.32; 95% CI: 1.96–2.69) and intramuscular Ad5‐nCoV (IMAd5‐nCoV) (SMD = 0.31; 95% CI: 0.14–0.48) against the original strain of SARS‐CoV‐2. Importantly, we also observed similar results in the omicron variant. In addition, ICV in BVs has high mucosal immunity to IgA antibodies. The risk of adverse events was comparable or lower for AAd5‐nCoV compared to INA‐nCoV or IMAd5‐nCoV. Current evidence shows that the safety profile of ICVs were well. The booster dose of AAd5‐nCoV had a high immune response (including mucosal immunity) and provided protection against COVID‐19 caused by the SARS‐CoV‐2 omicron variant. Further studies are needed to investigate the long‐term safety of intranasal vaccine booster protection and various types of ICVs.
Structure, functional and physicochemical properties of lotus seed protein under different pH environments
Authors: Zhong Xin , Li Ying‐Qiu , Sun Gui‐Jin , Wang Chen‐Ying , Liang Yan , Zhao Xiang‐Zhong , Hua Dong‐Liang , Chen Lei , Mo Hai‐Zhen
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

The present study investigated the structure, functional and physicochemical properties of lotus seed protein (LSP) under different pH environments. The structures of LSP were characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), zeta potential, particle size distributions, free sulfhydryl and rheological properties. The functional and physicochemical properties of LSP were characterized by color, foaming property, emulsification property, solubility, oil holding capacity, water holding capacity, differential scanning calorimetry analysis and surface hydrophobicity.

RESULTS

LSP was mainly composed of eight subunits (18, 25, 31, 47, 51, 56, 65 and 151 kDa), in which the richest band was 25 kDa. FTIR results showed that LSP had high total contents of α‐helix and β‐sheet (44.81–46.85%) in acidic environments. Meanwhile, there was more β‐structure and random structure in neutral and alkaline environments (pH 7.0 and 9.0). At pH 5.0, LSP had large particle size (1576.98 nm), high emulsion stability index (91.43 min), foaming stability (75.69%) and water holding capacity (2.21 g g−1), but low solubility (35.98%), free sulfhydryl content (1.95 μmol g−1) and surface hydrophobicity (780). DSC analysis showed the denaturation temperatures (82.23 °C) of LSP at pH 5.0 was higher than those (80.10, 80.52 and 71.82 °C) at pH 3.0, 7.0 and 9.0. The analysis of rheological properties showed that LSP gel had high stability and great strength in an alkaline environment.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study are anticipated to serve as a valuable reference for the implementation of LSP in the food industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Autoignition enhancement of methane by admixture of low fraction of acetaldehyde: Simulations and RCM experiments in stoichiometric and rich mixtures
Authors: Najafi Seyed B. Nourani , Gersen Sander , Hashemi Hamid , Glarborg Peter , Mokhov Anatoli V. , Levinsky Howard B.
Published: April 2024

The effect of small fractions of acetaldehyde (CH3CHO) on the ignition delay time of methane (CH4) was examined at high pressure. Measurements are reported for the ignition delay time obtained in a rapid compression machine (RCM) at a compression pressure (Pc) of ∼60 bar and temperatures after compression (Tc) in the range 750–900 K for fuel‐air equivalence ratios ϕ in the range 1–4. The results show that mixtures of 2%–5% CH3CHO in CH4 ignite under conditions at which pure methane does not ignite experimentally. The efficiency of acetaldehyde as a promoter seems to be comparable to that of other oxygenated fuels like alcohols and ethers. For comparison with the experimental results, ignition delay times are computed using an updated reaction mechanism and two mechanisms from the literature for CH3CHO oxidation. For most conditions, the simulations using the current mechanism agree with the measurements to within a factor of two. The ignition profile shows a pre‐ignition temperature rise and two‐stage ignition similar to that previously observed in low fractions of dimethyl ether in ammonia; both phenomena are captured by the simulations. Analysis of simulations at constant volume indicates that CH3CHO is oxidized much more rapidly than CH4, producing reactive species that initiate the oxidation of CH4 and generates heat that accelerates oxidation toward ignition. The low‐temperature chain‐branching reactions of CH3CHO are important in the early oxidation of the fuel mixture. Additional simulations were performed for equivalence ratios of ϕ = 1 and 4, at a compression pressure (Pc) of 100 bar and Tc = 750–1000 K. The simulations indicate that CH3CHO has a strong ignition‐enhancing effect on CH4, with small fractions reducing the ignition delay time by up to a factor of 100, depending on the temperature, as compared to pure CH4.
Distinct risk profiles for short‐term surgical complications and venous thromboembolism exist among extensor mechanism repair procedures
Authors: Baird Henry B. G. , Heffron Walker M. , Pullen W. Michael , Slone Harris S.
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Extensor mechanism injuries, which comprise patella fractures, patella tendon tears and quadriceps tendon tears, are severely debilitating injuries and a common cause of traumatic knee pathology that requires surgical intervention. Risk factors for short‐term surgical complications and venous thromboembolism (VTE) in this population have not been well characterised. The aim of this study was to identify perioperative risk factors associated with these short‐term complications.

Methods

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify patients who underwent an isolated, primary extensor mechanism repair from 2015 to 2020. Patients were stratified by injury type. Demographic data were collected and compared. A multivariate logistic regression was used to control for demographic and comorbid factors while assessing risk factors for developing short‐term complications.

Results

A total of 8355 patients were identified for inclusion in this study. Overall, 3% of patients sustained short‐term surgical complications and 1% were diagnosed with VTE within 30 days of surgery. Patella fracture fixation had a nearly twofold higher risk for surgical complications compared to quadriceps tendon repair (p = 0.004). Patella tendon repair had a twofold higher risk for VTE (p = 0.045), specifically deep vein thrombosis (p = 0.020), compared to patella fracture fixation. Increasing age, smoking and American Society of Anesthesiologists Classifications 3 and 4 were also found to be risk factors for surgical complications (p = 0.012, p = 0.004, p = 0.011 and p = 0.032, respectively).

Conclusion

This study used a nationally representative, widely validated, peer‐reviewed database to provide valuable insights into risk factors for short‐term postoperative complications associated with extensor mechanism repair procedures, revealing notable differences in risk profiles among distinct surgical procedures. The results of this study will inform surgeons and patients in enhancing risk assessment, guiding procedure‐specific decision‐making, optimising preoperative care, improving postoperative monitoring and contributing to future research of extensor mechanism injuries.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
The tibial capsular reflection and septum in posterior compartment are safe and reliable soft‐tissue landmark for tibial tunnel drilling in posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Authors: Niu Yingzhen , Li Zhikuan , Chen Zhen , Zheng Yi , Zhang Zhenfeng , Zhang Zhuangdai , Ma Jun , Dong Jiangtao
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To investigate the validity of using tibial capsular reflection and septum in the posterior compartment as landmark during posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction (PCLR).

Methods

Anatomic measurements were obtained for 12 fresh human cadaveric knee specimens to observe the spatial position of the tibial insertion of the PCL in relation to the posterior septum and the capsular reflection in the posterior compartment. Sixty patients who underwent reconstruction of the PCL between 2020 and 2023 were also retrospectively investigated. The tibial tunnel was replaced in all patients using the same method (with reference to the tibial capsular reflection and the posterior septum). The placement of the tibial tunnel was assessed using X‐ray fluoroscopy intraoperatively and computed tomography and three‐dimensional reconstruction postoperatively.

Results

All fibres in the tibial insertion of the PCL in the 12 cadaveric specimens were located in the posteromedial compartment, adjacent to the posterior septum. The inferior border of the PCL insertion is adjacent to the tibial capsular reflection, which is attached at the champagne glass drop‐off of the posterior tibia. In our previous cases, none of the patients experienced postoperative or intraoperative complications such as neurovascular injury, and the angle between the pin and the PCL facet was 93.1 ± 3.9° as measured on intraoperative radiographs. The mean distance from the centre of the tibial tunnel outlet to the inferior border of the PCL insertion was 5.6 ± 1.1 mm, and the distance from the centre of the tibial tunnel outlet to the outer border of the PCL insertion as a percentage of the length of the inferior border of PCL insertion was 42.2 ± 6.3%.

Conclusion

The tibial capsular reflection and septum in the posterior compartment are safe and reliable soft‐tissue landmark for tibial tunnel drilling in PCLR.

Level of Evidence

Level Ⅳ.