bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual Centrifugation‐Based Screening for pH‐Responsive Liposomes
Authors: Gleue Lukas , Graefen Barbara , Voigt Matthias , Schupp Jonathan , Schneider Dirk , Fichter Michael , Kuske Michael , Mailaender Volker , Tuettenberg Andrea , Helm Mark
Published: September 2024

In liposomal drug delivery development, the delicate balance of membrane stability is a major challenge to prevent leakage (during shelf‐life and blood circulation), and to ensure efficient payload release at the therapeutic destination. Our composite screening approach uses the processing by dual centrifugation technique to speed up the identification of de novo formulations of intermediate membrane stability. By screening binary lipid combinations at systemically varied ratios we highlight liposomal formulations of intermediate stability, what we termed „the edge of stability“, requiring moderate stimuli for destabilization. Supplementation with a pH‐sensitive cholesterol derivative (to obtain acid labile liposomes) and renewed assessment with cargo load led to the discovery of three formulations with sufficient shelf‐life stability, acceptable cargo retention and efficient pH‐responsive cargo release in vitro. The “lead candidates” exhibited promising in cellulo uptake with increased intracellular cargo release and revealed in vivo performance advantages compared to a control liposome. Our approach filters lipid compositions on “the edge of stability” that were introduced with a pH‐sensitive cholesterol derivate leading pH‐responsive liposomes, out of a multidimensional parameter space. Their discovery by rational approaches would have been highly unlikely, thus highlighting the potential of our screening approach.
Infrequent Resolution of Vaso‐Occlusive Crises in Routine Clinical Care Among Patients Mimicking the Exa‐Cel Trial Population: A Cohort Study of Medicaid Enrollees
Authors: Mahesri Mufaddal , Lee Su Been , Levin Raisa , Imren Suzan , Zhang Lanju , Beukelman Timothy , Titievsky Lina , Desai Rishi J.
Published: September 2024

The CRISPR‐based gene editing therapy exagamglogene autotemcel (exa‐cel) recently received FDA approval for patients with severe sickle cell disease (SCD). The approval was based on a phase III trial (CLIMB SCD 121), which showed 97% efficacy of this treatment in eliminating vaso occlusive crises (VOCs) for 12 consecutive months. To help contextualize results from this trial, we aimed to investigate the proportion of patients with severe SCD who remain VOC‐free for a 1‐year period in routine clinical care. Using Medicaid claims data (2000–2018), we identified a cohort of patients, 12–35 years old with severe SCD, defined by ≥ 2 VOCs per year for 2 consecutive years, who met other exa‐cel trial inclusion criteria to mimic a trial‐like population. A VOC was identified using ICD diagnosis codes during hospitalization and ER visits. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with no VOCs during a 1‐year follow‐up. A total of 7,425 patients with severe SCD [mean (SD) age: 20.5 (6.0) years, 54.6% females, 84% African Americans], had a mean of 5.2 VOCs, 5.1 ER visits and 3.5 hospitalizations per year during the baseline period. The proportion of patients with no VOCs during the 1‐year follow‐up was 7.7% (95% confidence interval: 7.1%–8.3%). In conclusion, less than one in 12 patients with severe SCD achieved VOC‐free status within 1 year in routine clinical care. These findings suggest that the high efficacy observed for exa‐cel in the trial, if replicated in routine clinical care, could translate into a significant public health impact.
Mode identification method of long span steel bridge based on CEEMDAN and SSI algorithm
Authors: Zhang Dan , Wang Yunfei , Zhu Tianhao , Ma Guowei
Published: September 2024

Stochastic subspace identification (SSI) stands as one of the most extensively employed algorithms for modal parameter identification within the domain of bridge structural health monitoring. However, when confronted with nonstationary signals, it often generates numerous false modes in the stability graph, consequently impeding the accuracy of modal parameter identification. To address this challenge, an algorithm combining the complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN) and covariance‐driven SSI (COV‐SSI) has been proposed in this research, referred to as the CEEMDAN‐SSI algorithm. The CEEMDAN‐SSI algorithm first decomposes the structural vibration acceleration into intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) and then selects the pertinent IMF component for signal reconstruction using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Subsequently, the reconstructed signal undergoes analysis using the COV‐SSI algorithm, effectively mitigating the occurrence of false modes. Furthermore, the research focuses on a large‐span continuous rigid frame bridge with elevated piers situated in Toutunhe, Xinjiang Province, currently under construction. Modal parameters of the rigid frame bridge under various wind speed conditions are compared and analyzed using both COV‐SSI and CEEMDAN‐SSI algorithms. The findings reveal that the CEEMDAN‐SSI algorithm markedly diminishes false modes while enhancing the strength of stability axes for each mode, thus affirming the feasibility and robustness of the CEEMDAN‐SSI algorithm.
An efficient and accurate method of added mass for evaluating the seismic hydrodynamic effect of deep‐water piers
Authors: Yang Ji , Huai Chenzi , Pang Yutao , Luo Qin , Yang Lei , Wang Hui
Published: September 2024

Due to the effects of complex fluid‐structure interaction, deep‐water bridges are more prone to damage under strong earthquakes. Quantification of seismic fluid‐structure interaction can be crucial for evaluating the seismic performance of deep‐water bridges. Currently, there is a lack of suitable methods for rapidly calculating hydrodynamic added mass for deep‐water piers with complex cross‐sectional shapes in the seismic performance assessment of deep‐water bridges. In light of this, the present paper proposed an efficient and accurate method for calculating the hydrodynamic added mass of piers with different cross‐sectional shapes. Taking circular, rectangular, and dumbbell‐shaped piers as examples, the proposed method was employed to calculate the hydrodynamic added mass for deep‐water bridge piers. Comparison of the seismic responses obtained from the analytical formula, fluid‐structure coupling refined numerical model and the proposed method in this paper validated the accuracy of the proposed method. Finally, the hydrodynamic coupling effects of deep‐water bridge piers were also investigated. It was concluded that the proposed method can be efficient and accurate for obtaining the added mass of deep‐water piers.
Multiscale characterization of splays produced by a historic, rain‐on‐snow flood on a large braided stream (Platte River, Central USA)
Authors: Korus Jesse T. , Joeckel R. Matthew , Mittelstet Aaron R. , Shrestha Nawaraj
Published: September 2024

Splays—fan‐shaped depositional landforms produced by overbank deposition by unconfined flows—can damage structures, degrade arable land and incur substantial mitigation costs. Splay‐related hazards along many rivers are likely to worsen with the increasing magnitude and frequency of major floods. The highly incomplete understanding of splays on braided streams is a conspicuous knowledge gap in a changing world with more frequent and intense floods. The largest recorded flood on the braided, sand‐dominated lower Platte River (eastern Nebraska, USA) in March 2019 resulted from the rapid melting of a deep, moist snowpack during an extreme rain‐on‐snow, bomb‐cyclone event. This flood produced 32 large (as much as 234 ha) splays that buried structures and cropland under sand. A total of 1,438 ha of row crop was buried, equating to 1.2 million dollars in lost revenue. These splays diverged from the channel by 14° to 104° along a 122 km reach. The topography of preexisting abandoned channels strongly controlled the shape and orientation of most splays, although forested areas tended to trap or divert sediment. The flood eroded 2.2 to 202 m2 m−1 of the streambank at 11 of the splays. The five largest splays (>100 ha) deposited as much as 2.4 m of sand. Ground‐penetrating radar profiles of the largest splay indicate that it consisted almost entirely of overbank deposits exhibiting simple downstream accretion that buried the pre‐flood soil under ≤ 1 m or less of sand. Locally, however, this soil was eroded during the flood. Climate models predict increasing winter precipitation in the Platte River basin; therefore, the frequency of major floods should increase, making splays recurrent hazards. Our geomorphic assessment of the splays on the lower Platte River illustrates the need for future hazard and mitigation planning.
Dynamic transient brain states in preschoolers mirror parental report of behavior and emotion regulation
Authors: Toffoli Lisa , Zdorovtsova Natalia , Epihova Gabriela , Duma Gian Marco , Del Popolo Cristaldi Fiorella , Pastore Massimiliano , Astle Duncan E. , Mento Giovanni
Published: September 2024

The temporal dynamics of resting‐state networks may represent an intrinsic functional repertoire supporting cognitive control performance across the lifespan. However, little is known about brain dynamics during the preschool period, which is a sensitive time window for cognitive control development. The fast timescale of synchronization and switching characterizing cortical network functional organization gives rise to quasi‐stable patterns (i.e., brain states) that recur over time. These can be inferred at the whole‐brain level using hidden Markov models (HMMs), an unsupervised machine learning technique that allows the identification of rapid oscillatory patterns at the macroscale of cortical networks. The present study used an HMM technique to investigate dynamic neural reconfigurations and their associations with behavioral (i.e., parental questionnaires) and cognitive (i.e., neuropsychological tests) measures in typically developing preschoolers (4–6 years old). We used high‐density EEG to better capture the fast reconfiguration patterns of the HMM‐derived metrics (i.e., switching rates, entropy rates, transition probabilities and fractional occupancies). Our results revealed that the HMM‐derived metrics were reliable indices of individual neural variability and differed between boys and girls. However, only brain state transition patterns toward prefrontal and default‐mode brain states, predicted differences on parental‐report questionnaire scores. Overall, these findings support the importance of resting‐state brain dynamics as functional scaffolds for behavior and cognition. Brain state transitions may be crucial markers of individual differences in cognitive control development in preschoolers.
Frequency‐specific dual‐attention based adversarial network for blood oxygen level‐dependent time series prediction
Authors: Zheng Weihao , Bao Cong , Mu Renhui , Wang Jun , Li Tongtong , Zhao Ziyang , Yao Zhijun , Hu Bin
Published: September 2024

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is currently one of the most popular technologies for measuring brain activity in both research and clinical contexts. However, clinical constraints often result in short fMRI scan durations, limiting the diagnostic performance for brain disorders. To address this limitation, we developed an end‐to‐end frequency‐specific dual‐attention‐based adversarial network (FDAA‐Net) to extend the time series of existing blood oxygen level‐dependent (BOLD) data, enhancing their diagnostic utility. Our approach leverages the frequency‐dependent nature of fMRI signals using variational mode decomposition (VMD), which adaptively tracks brain activity across different frequency bands. We integrated the generative adversarial network (GAN) with a spatial–temporal attention mechanism to fully capture relationships among spatially distributed brain regions and temporally continuous time windows. We also introduced a novel loss function to estimate the upward and downward trends of each frequency component. We validated FDAA‐Net on the Human Connectome Project (HCP) database by comparing the original and predicted time series of brain regions in the default mode network (DMN), a key network activated during rest. FDAA‐Net effectively overcame linear frequency‐specific challenges and outperformed other popular prediction models. Test–retest reliability experiments demonstrated high consistency between the functional connectivity of predicted outcomes and targets. Furthermore, we examined the clinical applicability of FDAA‐Net using short‐term fMRI data from individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). The model achieved a maximum predicted sequence length of 40% of the original scan durations. The prolonged time series improved diagnostic performance by 8.0% for ASD and 11.3% for MDD compared with the original sequences. These findings highlight the potential of fMRI time series prediction to enhance diagnostic power of brain disorders in short fMRI scans.
Analysis on pulse rate variability for pilot workload assessment based on wearable sensor
Authors: Wang Yunbiao , Zhang Chenyang , Liu Chenglin , Liu Kun , Xu Fang , Yuan Jixue , Jiang Chaozhe , Liu Chuang , Cao Weiwei
Published: September 2024

The workload levels of pilots directly affect their flight performance and the safety of the whole flight. To explore the real‐time workload of pilots in different flight phases (takeoff, cruise, and landing), this paper leveraged National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA‐TLX), a subjective evaluation scale, and PhotoPlethysmoGraphy (PPG) signals of 21 participants using a flight simulator and a wearable sensor. First, the workloads of pilots under different phases were explored by the NASA‐TLX scales; secondly, the pulse rate variability (PRV) features were selected by variance analysis and random forest importance evaluation; finally, the performances of the k‐nearest neighbor (KNN), random forest (RF), and support vector machine (SVM) were compared for workload levels identification. It is shown that the workloads are ranked as follows: landing > takeoff > cruise. SDNN, CVCD, CVNNI, LF, TP, SD2, and SD2/SD1 were used as selected features with significant differences in different flight phases. In addition, machine learning models can effectively identify pilot workloads, and feature selection enhances the performance of both KNN and RF classifiers. The best identification of workload was achieved using the selected PRV features as inputs to the KNN classifier, with an average accuracy of 88.9%. Our results indicate that the KNN classifier and PRV features are suitable for identifying pilot workload. The pilot workload is highest during the landing phase, which provides a reference for flight safety management. The findings from this research could contribute to developing a robust pilot workload detection system and improve current flight operation safety regulations.
Understanding resurgence and other emergent activity with the laws of allocation, induction, and covariance
Authors: Podlesnik Christopher A. , Baum William M.
Published: September 2024

Resurgence is defined as an increase in a previously extinguished target response (B1) resulting from the worsening of conditions for a more recently reinforced alternative response (B2). Worsening includes extinction or reductions in rate, amount, and immediacy of delivery of food or some other phylogenetically important event (PIE). In the first part of the article, we apply the laws of allocation, induction, and covariance to understand not only resurgence of operant activity previously covarying with the PIE (B1) but also a constellation of ontogenetic and phylogenetic activities both related to the PIE (B0) and unrelated to the PIE (BN). In the second part, we discuss how induction might be incorporated into and provide alternative processes within an existing matching‐based framework, resurgence as choice (RaC). We begin to identify how this range of activities could depend on changes in the relative competitive weight (V) of all available activities (B1, B2, B0, BN) in addition to only those receiving explicit training (B1, B2). Future empirical and theoretical research is needed within this framework to provide a more complete understanding of resurgence and behavior more generally.
Towards the automatic risk of bias assessment on randomized controlled trials: A comparison of RobotReviewer and humans
Authors: Tian Yuan , Yang Xi , Doi Suhail A. , Furuya‐Kanamori Luis , Lin Lifeng , Kwong Joey S. W. , Xu Chang
Published: September 2024

RobotReviewer is a tool for automatically assessing the risk of bias in randomized controlled trials, but there is limited evidence of its reliability. We evaluated the agreement between RobotReviewer and humans regarding the risk of bias assessment based on 1955 randomized controlled trials. The risk of bias in these trials was assessed via two different approaches: (1) manually by human reviewers, and (2) automatically by the RobotReviewer. The manual assessment was based on two groups independently, with two additional rounds of verification. The agreement between RobotReviewer and humans was measured via the concordance rate and Cohen's kappa statistics, based on the comparison of binary classification of the risk of bias (low vs. high/unclear) as restricted by RobotReviewer. The concordance rates varied by domain, ranging from 63.07% to 83.32%. Cohen's kappa statistics showed a poor agreement between humans and RobotReviewer for allocation concealment (κ = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.21–0.30), blinding of outcome assessors (κ = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.23–0.31); While moderate for random sequence generation (κ = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.41–0.50) and blinding of participants and personnel (κ = 0.59, 95% CI: 0.55–0.64). The findings demonstrate that there were domain‐specific differences in the level of agreement between RobotReviewer and humans. We suggest that it might be a useful auxiliary tool, but the specific manner of its integration as a complementary tool requires further discussion.
The Surgical Management of Intracranial Metastasis Secondary to Follicular Cell‐Derived Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Harries Victoria , Eagan Alana , Tuttle R. Michael , Shaha Ashok R. , Wong Richard J. , Shah Jatin P. , Patel Snehal G. , Brennan Cameron , Ganly Ian
Published: September 2024

Background

Intracranial metastases (ICM) from follicular cell‐derived thyroid carcinoma (FCDTC) are rare and are associated with a poor prognosis. The objective of this study is to report our experience in the surgical management of patients with ICM secondary to FCDTC.

Methods

Patients with FCDTC who underwent surgical resection of an ICM were identified at our institution from 1998 to 2018.

Results

Thirty‐two patients were included in this study. Nineteen patients (59%) had involvement of the brain parenchyma only, 8 (25%) had a dural‐based metastasis, 3 (9%) had a calvarial metastasis with dural extension, and 2 (6%) had a skull base metastasis with dural extension.

In patients who had an R0‐1 resection, the estimated lesional control at the site of resection was 91% at 3 years. However, overall ICM control was 37% at 3 years due to the progression of other ICM lesions. The 1‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) was 87% and 5‐year DSS was 37%.

Conclusions

ICM management in FCDTC is based on the size, number, and location of metastatic lesions. Complete resection of ICM may provide lesional control at the site of resection, however, DSS is poor due to the presence of other ICMs and metastases at multiple distant sites.
Patients' Experiences, Satisfaction and Quality of Life With Physiotherapy Follow‐Up After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Phenomenological Qualitative Study Protocol
Authors: Shetty Saloni , Samuel Asir John
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Available quantitative studies indicate that patients who have undergone Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) experience dissatisfaction. There is a lack of comprehensive information on the experiences, satisfaction, and quality of life of patients after TKA. Hence, there is a need to explore the patients' perspective about the satisfaction and experiences undergoing rehabilitation and to explore the factors influencing quality of life with physiotherapy after 1st and 3rd months of TKA.

Methods

35 patients with post TKA, aged from 45 years, will participate in semi‐structured face‐to‐face or telephone interviews. The participants will be recruited using criterion‐based purposive sampling. The interviews will be audio‐recorded and transcribed. NVivo 14V software and Braun and Clarke thematic analysis will be used. Credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability will be ensured.

Results

The transcribed verbatim transcript will be analysed to generate sub‐themes and themes using thematic analysis. Irrespective of the responses received from male or female patients' data would be analysed using inductive qualitative analysis to explore their perspectives.

Conclusion

This study is the first qualitative study from lower‐ and middle‐income country that aims to investigate the satisfaction and experiences of patients after undergoing TKA rehabilitation. The efficacy of the data and subsequent suggestions would rely on the insights generated from the qualitative study, which would support the rehabilitation of patients in their later years.
Decoding Methane Flow in Fractured Clay: A Semi‐Analytical Model With Matrix Diffusion and Advection
Authors: Wang Qiao , Zha Fusheng , Rajabi Hamid , Xu Long , Yan Huaxiang
Published: September 2024

Landfills emissions, ranking as the third‐largest anthropogenic source of methane in the atmosphere, pose environmental challenges and threaten public health. The pivotal role of clay as a mitigating agent for methane emission within landfill cover systems cannot be overstated; however, our understanding of methane escape from fractured clay remains limited. This study aims to address the existing gaps by proposing a robust analytical model of methane transport in both fractures and clay matrix. Our investigation also includes a dimensionless analysis to govern the relative significance of diffusion and advection in methane emission from fractured clay, systematically reviewing factors such as the degree of water saturation (Sr) and fracture width. The methane concentration profiles in cracked clay demonstrated escalating sensitivity to Péclet (Pe) numbers, especially when advection dominates transport. Our findings also highlight the prevalence of preferential methane flow with increasing Sr in the clay matrix. The flux of methane emission from fractures at Sr = 0.8 was 130 times greater than that from intact clay. However, the study necessitates considering methane emission from clay matrix, particularly in dry clay conditions (Sr = 0.2 and 0.4). The accumulated methane emission flux from intact clay, more than that emitted from fractures by about 2.5 times at Sr = 0.2, was 1.3 × 10−5 g/m/s. The findings significantly advance the understanding of gas transport in fractured geomaterials, revealing the effect of water saturation and crack width on methane emissions from fractures. Overall, the outcomes emphasize the inclusion importance of methane emission from cracked clay in the design of gas barriers.
Selection of appropriate multispectral camera exposure settings and radiometric calibration methods for applications in phenotyping and precision agriculture
Authors: Swaminathan Vaishali , Thomasson J. Alex , Hardin Robert G. , Rajan Nithya , Raman Rahul
Published: September 2024

Exposure time and gain are camera‐related parameters that affect the radiometric accuracy of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)‐based multispectral images used in quantitative precision agriculture. This study quantified the potential radiometric errors from the conventionally used autoexposure settings and compared the agronomic implications of fixed exposure and autoexposure settings. The exposure and gain in the auto‐exposed UAV images varied scene‐to‐scene based on the reflectance range of objects on the ground. Hence, to capture multispectral images with fixed exposure, the ideal exposure ranges were determined to prevent loss of spectral detail from overexposure or underexposure of the canopy and soil. Reflectance measurements from the fixed exposure orthomosaic had a higher coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.97–0.99) and lower mean absolute percentage error (MAPE = 3.07%–5.97%) than those from autoexposure (R2 = 0.79–0.96 and MAPE = 7.42%–25.06%), indicating better radiometric uniformity and accuracy, respectively. Calibrating images with reflectance targets captured with different exposure settings resulted in MAPE < 5% for the blue, green, red, and near infrared bands and <7% for the red‐edge band when exposure settings were within the ideal ranges; outside of those ranges MAPE increased exponentially. These observations highlighted the challenges in appropriately calibrating canopy and soil reflectance values subjected to exposure setting variabilities. Finally, early‐season plant nitrogen uptake (g/m2) from 2 years was estimated somewhat better with vegetation indices derived with fixed exposure (R2 = 0.32–0.40 and MAPE = 13%–14%) than with autoexposure (R2 = 0.00–0.19 MAPE = 15%–18%).
Serum levels of prostate specific antigen, free PSA, [−2]proPSA, fPSA/tPSA ratio, Prostate Health Index, and glycosylation patterns of free PSA in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia pharmacotherapy
Authors: Jirásko Michal , Viták Roman , Pecen Ladislav , Pinkeová Andrea , Tkáč Jan , Bertók Tomáš , Bergman Natalie , Kučera Radek
Published: September 2024

Background

The medication used to treat benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition in men over 50 years of age, can alter the levels of biomarkers used in prostate cancer detection. Commonly used medications for BPH include alpha‐blockers, 5‐alpha reductase inhibitors (5‐ARIs), and muscarinic antagonists. We studied the impact of these drugs on total prostate‐specific antigen (tPSA), free PSA (fPSA), [−2]proPSA, fPSA/tPSA ratio, and the Prostate Health Index (PHI), as well as novel potential biomarkers in the form of glycan composition of fPSA.

Patients and Methods

Serum samples were collected from 564 males with BPH, with a mean age of 68.5 years. The samples were used to measure levels of tPSA, fPSA, and [−2]proPSA. The fPSA/tPSA and PHI were then calculated. The glycan composition of fPSA was analyzed using lectin‐based glycoprofiling. Pharmacotherapy data was collected from the patients' medical records.

Results

Alpha‐blocker monotherapy was associated with higher fPSA and fPSA/tPSA ratio, and decreased PHI. Levels of tPSA were not impacted. Alpha‐blocker and 5‐ARI dual therapy was associated with reduced levels of fPSA, [−2]proPSA, and PHI. Therapy combining alpha‐blockers and antimuscarinic agents did not significantly influence biomarker levels apart from an increase in a Maackia amurensis lectin‐recognized glycan originating in fPSA.

Conclusion

BPH pharmacotherapy notably affects prostate cancer biomarkers. Recognizing the impact of pharmacotherapy is crucial for achieving an accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer and for planning treatment.
Impact of general anesthesia on the echocardiographic assessment of right ventricular function in pediatric patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Simpkin Charles T. , McElroy Billy J. , Morgan Gareth J. , Dunbar Ivy David , Burkett Dale A. , Twite Mark D. , Frank Benjamin S.
Published: September 2024

One of the great diagnostic challenges for children with pulmonary arterial hypertension is the need for general anesthesia (GA) to enable successful right heart catheterization. Here, for the first time, we describe how echocardiographic estimates of right ventricular function and pulmonary pressures change in pediatric patients during GA.
Genetically supported causal genes for rheumatoid arthritis: Mendelian randomization and co‐localization analyses
Authors: Niu Yuanyuan , Su Fan , Chen Simin , Wang Jingnan , Zhang Shuoyang , Li Ruiru , Kuang Yu , Liang Liuqin , Xiao Youjun , Xu Hanshi
Published: September 2024

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a globally prevalent condition that has a significant impact on morbidity and mortality rates. As a result, there is growing interest in understanding its pathogenetic mechanisms, particularly genetic susceptibility. To explore the potential genes that may cause RA, we conducted a comprehensive Mendelian randomization analysis and co‐localization based on data from large sample size genome‐wide association studies.

Methods

We used two transcriptome datasets to identify expression quantitative trait loci as the exposure and employed genome‐wide association studies data from the FinnGen study as the outcome. We then performed co‐localization analysis to confirm that the expression quantitative trait loci and RA share causal genetic variants. Furthermore, we implemented a phenome‐wide scan to identify other clinical phenotypes associated with significant causal genes.

Results

At a Bonferroni significance level of p < 2.70 × 10−6, the Mendelian randomization analysis revealed that 20 genes increased the risk of RA, while 16 genes showed a marginally protective effect. Co‐localization analyses indicated that AP4B1, GGA2, KEAP1, PTPN22, REG4, and TRAV38‐2DV8 were associated with the risk of RA. The phenome‐wide scan demonstrated shared genetic determinants between RA and other immune‐mediated disorders, including autoimmune thyroid disease, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, and malignant tumors.

Conclusions

Our study identified six risk genes (AP4B1, GGA2, KEAP1, PTPN22, REG4, and TRAV38‐2DV8) that may have a causal role in RA. These findings provide novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of RA. Further exploration is required to elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms.
Synthesis, Molecular Modeling, and Evaluation of Novel Methylated Benzene Sulfonamide Derivatives as Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) Inhibitors
Authors: Khalaf Reema Abu , Abuarqoub Rand , Afaneh Marah , Habash Maha
Published: September 2024

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of global mortality, with dyslipidemia being a significant modifiable risk factor. Dyslipidemia refers to all abnormalities in blood lipid levels. It plays a fundamental role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. The reduction of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol has been shown to decrease cardiovascular risk. Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays a role in LDL metabolism, and its inhibition results in lower LDL levels. This study synthesizes and evaluates novel benzene sulfonamide derivatives as CETP inhibitors. Twenty compounds were synthesized and tested for their inhibitory activity using an in vitro bioassay. The results revealed that para‐methylated derivatives exhibited higher inhibitory activity compared to meta‐methylated derivatives, where compound 6n has an IC50 of 24.4 µM. Furthermore, electron withdrawing groups such as chlorine and nitro substitutions on the sulfanamido‐phenyl rings demonstrated superior inhibitory effects compared to electron donating groups. Positional isomerism of the substitutions also influenced inhibitory activity, with para substitutions being more effective. Nitro‐substituted compounds showed greater inhibition than chlorine‐substituted compounds, where compound 6t has an IC50 of 18.3 µM. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the SAR of CETP inhibitors and identifies promising compounds for further investigation as potential therapeutics for CVD.
Influence of CuO Nanoparticles on the Tribological Performance of Karanja Oil (Pongamia pinnata)
Authors: Lepcha Passang Tshering , Ghosh Pranab
Published: September 2024

The environmental concerns associated with mineral oil lubricants have led to the exploration of vegetable oil‐based lubricants as a more sustainable and benign alternative. Nanolubricants have emerged as one of the innovative solution for producing improved friction reduction as well as better thermal and tribological performances. This research investigates the potential of karanja oil as a base lubricant, improved with copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles as additives. Different amounts of CuO (ranging from 0.01% to 0.1% w/w) were introduced to karanja oil to form nanobiolubricants. These formulations were subsequently evaluated for their physiochemical and tribological properties, such as thermal stability by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), kinematic viscosity, viscosity index, pour point, and anti‐wear characteristics following ASTM standards. Remarkably, even at low nanoparticle loadings, significant improvements in anti‐wear performance were observed. The study aims to elucidate the lubricating behavior of karanja oil when combined with CuO nanoparticles, revealing that these nanobiolubricants exhibit enhanced physicochemical and tribological properties, as well as improved thermal stability. These results emphasize the key role of nanoparticle concentration in optimizing the effectiveness of formulations.
Green Synthesis of ZnO and Co3O4 Nanoparticles Using Giant Calotrope Leaf Extract for Antimicrobial Applications
Authors: Tesfaye Getahun Abraham , Lemma Yared Shewarega , Mekonon Fikadu Siyum , Adera Kebede Mamo , Bekele Eneyew Tilahun
Published: September 2024

Antimicrobial infectious diseases have been a fatal problem worldwide. In the present finding, “Giant Calotrope” leaf extract mediated zinc and cobalt oxide nanoparticles (ZnO and Co3O4 NPs) were synthesized within the ratios of precursor salt to leaf extract as 1:1 (50:50), 1:2 (50:100, and 1:3 (50:150) mL using 0.5 M of precursor salts. The NPs were characterized using thermal gravimetry coupled with differential thermal analysis (TGA/DTA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy with high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM‐HRTEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and ultraviolet‐visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy. TGA/DTA showed that both ZnO and Co3O4 NPs were stable beginning from 500 °C to 800 °C and XRD data proves the size of ZnO and Co3O4 NPs to be 29.40, 25.86, 37.01, 22.5, 14.0, and 23.3 nm for the 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 ratios, respectively. SEM coupled with TEM‐HRTEM, SAED confirms the spherical shape of Co3O4 and ZnO NPs. FTIR shows the presence of saturated and unsaturated biomolecules in the leaf of a giant calotrope. The bandgap energy of ZnO NPs was 3.46, 3.49, and 3.44 eV, and for the Co3O4 NPs, 4.60, 4.80, and 4.44 eV for the 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 ratios, respectively. The antimicrobial applications of ZnO and Co3O4 NPs were investigated against Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, and Fusarime oxysporum. Among the 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 ratios of ZnO and Co3O4 NPs, the 1:2 provides 11, 13, 10.5, and 11 mm zones of inhibition against S. pyogenes and E. coli, respectively. Similarly, the 1:2 ratios of ZnO and Co3O4 NPs showed 11 and 17 mm inhibition zones against F. oxysporum.
Nanostructured MnO2‐Based Zn‐Doped Bi2O3 Nanocomposite for Improved Antimicrobial and Photocatalytic Applications
Authors: Chavan K. M. , Mane V. A. , Raskar N. D. , Dake D. V. , Sonpir R. B. , Dole B. N.
Published: September 2024

This study reports the synthesis of MnO₂‐based Zn (5%)‐doped Bi₂O₃ nanocomposites via coprecipitation, highlighting significant improvements in photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties. XRD confirmed the tetragonal β‐Bi₂O₃ phase with reduced crystallite size postdoping, while FESEM showed spherical particles of 8.61 nm. A decreased band gap of 2.61 eV and defect‐related PL emissions were observed, enhancing photocatalytic activity. The material demonstrated 92.4% and 99.50% efficiency for methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine B (Rh.B) degradation under sunlight, outperforming undoped Bi₂O₃. The I–V plots revealed reduced electrical resistance and increased photosensitivity (8.58%), indicating potential in optoelectronic applications. Antifungal tests showed inhibition zones of 16 and 11 mm against Fusarium and Aspergillus, respectively. Compared to previous studies, this work offers improved photocatalytic and antifungal performance, attributed to the reduced crystalline size, increased surface area, and enhanced defect formation, positioning it as a promising material for environmental and biomedical applications.
Triazine‐Based Molecules for Metal Ion Detection: A Decade of Advances
Authors: Nayak Laxmipriya , Acharya Subhadeep , Routray Supriya , Satapathy Rashmirekha
Published: September 2024

Triazine‐based molecules have emerged as promising candidates for developing selective and sensitive chemosensors for metal ion detection. Their structural tunability facilitates the introduction of a variety of functional groups, improving their binding affinity and specificity toward a variety of metal ions. This review highlights various sensing mechanisms, including colorimetric and fluorometric methods, and provides insights into the performance of these sensors in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, and detection limits. The synthetic routes for synthesizing the chemosensors are mentioned in detail. Given their reliability and flexibility, triazine‐based sensors are poised to make significant contributions in the field of both sensor and analytical chemistry.
Biomimetic Transparent Slippery Surface for the Locomotion of Photocontrol Droplets and Bubbles
Authors: Yu Anhui , Guo Zhiguang
Published: September 2024

Directed transportation and collection of liquids and bubbles play a vital role in the survival of ecosystems. Among them, the optical response control is widely used in the fields of microfluidic chips and chemical synthesis because of its high remote operation and fast response speed. However, due to poor light transmission, the development direction of traditional near‐infrared (NIR) absorbing materials in the field of visualization is limited, and there are few reports of manufacturing an operating platform that can realize the directional movement of droplets/bubbles on a single platform. Here, a transparent photo‐responsive PBFS platform is prepared for droplet and bubble manipulation by coating the etched glass substrate with Prussian blue (PB) nanocubes. When near‐infrared (NIR) irradiation on the PBFS platform, PB nanocubes trigger heat production by photothermal means, due to the action of Marangoni force, the surface tension on the left and right sides of the droplets and bubbles is not uniform, forming a surface tension gradient, thereby driving the movement of the droplets and bubbles. The control platform has good application potential in the field of microchemical reaction and biomedical engineering and brings new solutions to the field of transparent photothermal materials.
The Substructure of Quenched High‐Carbon Pearlite in Fe–C Alloys
Authors: Zhang Yujing , Zhou Xinru , Wu Xia , Yue Jialong , Zhao Ke , Zhai Kai , Li Songjie , Yu Xiaomei , Zheng Jinyou , Ping Dehai
Published: September 2024

After a brief review of the history of pearlite structures in carbon steels, particularly on the pearlite formation mechanism, recent experimental investigations on the pearlite substructure are presented to express a distinct point of view. The water‐quenched high‐carbon pearlite substructure is investigated in detail by means of scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. In the experimental observation results, it is shown that the cementite layer or ferrite layer in pearlite is composed of fine grains, which cannot be simply explained by traditional nucleation and grain growth mechanisms. However, the fine grain structure can be explained by the martensitic transformation products (twinned martensite with ultrafine grains of α–Fe and twinning boundaries ω–Fe (or ω–Fe3C)) and detwinning process. Upon tempering or detwinning, recrystallization of the ultrafine grains of both crystalline phases occurs to form the initial pearlite structure, while the grain size of both phases is still fine. The twinned martensite can be treated as the precursor of pearlite structure (pearlite nucleation stage), and the detwinning process can be regarded as the growth of the pearlite structure. Thus, the pearlite reaction can be described as follows: austenite → twinned martensite → pearlite.
Cross‐National Knowledge Distance and Host Country Innovation—The Mediating Roles of Local Talents and Third‐Country Exporting
Authors: Xia Tianjiao , Liu Xiaohui
Published: September 2024

Drawing on embeddedness and learning perspectives, we examine and extend the learning‐by‐hiring (LBH) and learning‐by‐exporting (LBE) logics to better understand the innovation activities of advanced economy multinational enterprises (AEMNEs) in a dissimilar knowledge context where cross‐national differences persist. We consider that the use of local talents manifests the LBH logic as a means of enhancing AEMNEs' local embeddedness. Likewise, third‐country exporting is underpinned by the LBE logic as a way for MNEs to leverage third‐country embeddedness. We propose that these two mechanisms act as mediators that shape and filter AEMNEs' access and integration of geographically distant knowledge for their emerging market innovation. Moreover, we predict a complementarity between employing local talents and third‐country exporting. Our findings from an analysis of AEMNEs operating in China provide support for these predictions. This study offers important implications for managing multiple embeddedness across AEMNEs' global networks in order for their innovation to flourish in emerging markets.
Overview of a national endoscopy database: The Trans.IT database and its impact on data registration quality
Authors: Theunissen F. , ter Borg P. C. J. , Ouwendijk R. J. T. , Bruno M. J. , Siersema P. D. ,   the Trans.IT foundation study group
Published: September 2024

Background

The Trans.IT database is a national gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy database developed in 2012. It automatically collects anonymous data from GI endoscopy procedures in a centralized database. All endoscopists use a structured reporting tool for uniform data collection. In this study, we aim to provide an overview of the database and to evaluate its impact on data registration quality.

Methods

We used all ERCPs, colonoscopies and colorectal cancer (CRC)‐screening colonoscopies performed between 2016 and 2020. We excluded centers joining after 2016 and patients below age 18. Data registration quality for ERCPs included completeness of data for: intention of ERCP, Schutz score, ASA classification, papillary status (virgin or previous sphincterotomy), cannulation (success or failure to cannulate the desired duct) and procedural success. For colonoscopies: indication, ASA‐classification, Boston Bowel Preparation Score (BBPS), cecal intubation, polyp detection rate (PDR). For CRC‐screening colonoscopies, ASA‐classification, BBPS, cecal intubation, PDR and adenoma detection rate (ADR).

Results

A total of 14,156 ERCPs, 150,962 colonoscopies and 37,199 colorectal cancer screening colonoscopies were included in our analysis. For ERCPs, registration of procedural intention, Schutz score, ASA classification, papillary status, cannulation and procedural success improved from 34.9%, 32.7%, 72.6%, 36.5%, 34.6%, 27.2% in 2016, to 86.4%, 84.6%, 97.4%, 86.4%, 82.1%, 84.0%, respectively, in 2020. For non‐screening colonoscopies, registration of indication, ASA classification, BBPS, cecal intubation and PDR improved from 40.4%, 60.5%, 47.6%, 69.8% and 32.3% in 2016 to 90.3%, 88.9%, 59.8%, 79.1% and 39.1%, respectively, in 2020. For CRC‐cancer screening colonoscopy registration equaled outcome, PDR and ADR changed from 74.7% to 63.6% in 2016 to 66.3% and 53.8% in 2020, respectively.

Conclusions

The quality of endoscopy data registration has consistently improved over the years by using the Trans.IT database. This is most likely the result of feedback to performing endoscopists to review performance in real‐time online and progressive awareness of quality of data registration.
Environmental sustainability and ruminant production: A UK veterinary perspective
Authors: Britten Nick , Mahendran Sophie
Published: September 2024

Environmental sustainability is an issue of growing importance within the livestock industry, particularly for farmed ruminants. Changes to farming practices made to improve sustainability can have an impact on the health and welfare of animals, and so become the concern of veterinary practitioners. This review outlines the metrics used to measure sustainability and how sustainability interacts with ruminant health and welfare, allowing practitioners to incorporate environmental considerations into their existing livestock work. Topics covered include nutrition, disease control, genetics and stocking density.
Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) and Animal Owners’ Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) Towards the Disease in Selected Districts of East Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Danu Abdisa Mitiku , Deresa Abriham Kebede , Dinagde Chala Guyassa
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) is one of the most important diseases affecting production and productivity.

Methodology

Cross‐sectional study was aimed at to determine the seroprevalence of IBR and associated risk factors, and animal owners’ knowledge, attitude and practice towards the disease from April 2021 to June 2022. Accordingly, a total of 384 serum samples were collected from both crossbreed (70) and local breed (314) cattle from purposively selected districts of East Wollega zone of Western Ethiopia. Competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for testing glycoprotein antibodies (anti‐gB) for bovine herpes virus‐1 (BoHV‐1) virus in collected serum, and the obtained data were analysed by multiple logistic regressions by using R software 3.62 version. However, questionnaire data were analysed for descriptive statistics by SPSS version 20.0 (IBM. Corp, 2011).

Result

The total prevalence of IBR in the study area was found to be 70.54% at herd and 80.47% at individual cattle level. The significant association (p ) was found for breed, age, body condition and herd size but not for district and sex as risk factors. The BoHV‐1 virus seropositivity in adult animals increased significantly, with an odds ratio of 1.65 (95% CI 0.705–3.85) compared to young. Local breed cattle were 2.055 times more likely to test positive for IBR with an odds ratio of 0.77 (95% CI 0.23–2.22) compared to crossbreed cattle. The chances of cattle in medium herds testing positive for the BoHV‐1 virus with an odds ratio of (1.78 95% CI 1.303–7.50) are greater than the chances of cattle in smaller herds testing positive. The survey results showed that 70% of animal owners identified IBR as a major challenge in animal production, whereas 35% mentioned long calving intervals. However, 92% of the participants were not informed about the level of knowledge and attitude regarding particular diseases such as IBR.

Conclusion

This study showed that there is a high prevalence of IBR in cattle in the study area, and that owners have low awareness of the disease. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an immediate control system and conduct additional research on molecular detection to evaluate its effects on reproductive performance.