bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of common sequence motifs shared exclusively among selectively packed exosomal pathogenic microRNAs during rickettsial infections
Authors: Bei Jiani , Qiu Yuan , Cockrell Diane , Chang Qing , Husseinzadeh Sorosh , Zhou Changcheng , Fang Xiang , Bao Xiaoyong , Jin Yang , Gaitas Angelo , Khanipov Kamil , Saito Tais B. , Gong Bin
Published: June 2023

We previously reported that microRNA (miR)23a and miR30b are selectively sorted into exosomes derived from rickettsia‐infected endothelial cells (R‐ECExos). Yet, the mechanism remains unknown. Cases of spotted fever rickettsioses have been increasing, and infections with these bacteria cause life‐threatening diseases by targeting brain and lung tissues. Therefore, the goal of the present study is to further dissect the molecular mechanism underlying R‐ECExos‐induced barrier dysfunction of normal recipient microvascular endothelial cells (MECs), depending on their exosomal RNA cargos. Infected ticks transmit the rickettsiae to human hosts following a bite and injections of the bacteria into the skin. In the present study, we demonstrate that treatment with R‐ECExos, which were derived from spotted fever group R parkeri infected human dermal MECs, induced disruptions of the paracellular adherens junctional protein VE‐cadherin, and breached the paracellular barrier function in recipient pulmonary MECs (PMECs) in an exosomal RNA‐dependent manner. We did not detect different levels of miRs in parent dermal MECs following rickettsial infections. However, we demonstrated that the microvasculopathy‐relevant miR23a‐27a‐24 cluster and miR30b are selectively enriched in R‐ECExos. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that common sequence motifs are shared exclusively among the exosomal, selectively‐enriched miR23a cluster and miR30b at different levels. Taken together, these data warrant further functional identification and characterization of a monopartition, bipartition, or tripartition among ACA, UCA, and CAG motifs that guide recognition of microvasculopathy‐relevant miR23a‐27a‐24 and miR30b, and subsequently results in their selective enrichments in R‐ECExos.
Possibility of alleviating difficulties of health and social care professionals engaged in end‐of‐life care through Clinical Art program
Authors: Kamimoto Minako , Son Daisuke , Inoue Kazuoki , Taniguchi Shin‐ichi
Published: June 2023

Background

Health and social care professionals experience high‐stress levels during end‐of‐life care. Various intervention programs have been proposed to reduce stress and prevent burnout among physicians and nurses, including arts‐based activities that have shown potential. However, it is unclear how art programs can alleviate stress among healthcare professionals providing end‐of‐life care. This study aimed to explore the potential of Clinical Art programs to alleviate distress in professionals providing end‐of‐life care.

Methods

Two Clinical Art workshops, held in October and November 2020, were attended by local health and social care professionals. Focus groups were conducted with those who attended and consented to participate in the study. Verbatim transcripts were made, and a qualitative analysis of the text was conducted.

Results

Thirteen health and social work professionals participated in the study. Perceived difficulties in end‐of‐life care included the complexity and uncertainty of end‐of‐life care services, the approaches to patients and families, and the difficulties due to human aspects of healthcare providers. The positive effects of Clinical Art included pure enjoyment of art, empathic communication with patients and families and the application of an ontological view of human beings, which were identified as reasons for Clinical Art's effectiveness and applicability to care.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the Clinical Art program has a psychosocial moderating effect on health and social work professionals and can be used for empathic communication with patients and families in end‐of‐life care and for applying an ontological view of human beings in caring for patients.
Abdominal Diffusion‐Weighted MRI With Simultaneous Multi‐Slice Acquisition: Agreement and Reproducibility of Apparent Diffusion Coefficients Measurements
Authors: Ye Zheng , Yao Shan , Yang Ting , Li Qing , Li Zhenlin , Song Bin
Published: June 2023

Background

Simultaneous multi‐slice diffusion‐weighted imaging (SMS‐DWI) can shorten acquisition time in abdominal imaging.

Purpose

To investigate the agreement and reproducibility of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) from abdominal SMS‐DWI acquired with different vendors and different breathing schemes.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Twenty volunteers and 10 patients.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T, SMS‐DWI with a diffusion‐weighted echo‐planar imaging sequence.

Assessment

SMS‐DWI was acquired using breath‐hold and free‐breathing techniques in scanners from two vendors, yielding four scans in each participant. Average ADC values were measured in the liver, pancreas, spleen, and both kidneys. Non‐normalized ADC and ADCs normalized to the spleen were compared between vendors and breathing schemes.

Statistical Tests

Paired t‐test or Wilcoxon signed rank test; intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC); Bland–Altman method; coefficient of variation (CV) analysis; significance level: P < 0.05.

Results

Non‐normalized ADCs from the four SMS‐DWI scans did not differ significantly in the spleen (P = 0.262, 0.330, 0.166, 0.122), right kidney (P = 0.167, 0.538, 0.957, 0.086), and left kidney (P = 0.182, 0.281, 0.504, 0.405), but there were significant differences in the liver and pancreas. For normalized ADCs, there were no significant differences in the liver (P = 0.315, 0.915, 0.198, 0.799), spleen (P = 0.815, 0.689, 0.347, 0.423), pancreas (P = 0.165, 0.336, 0.304, 0.584), right kidney (P = 0.165, 0.336, 0.304, 0.584), and left kidney (P = 0.496, 0.304, 0.443, 0.371). Inter‐reader agreements of non‐normalized ADCs were good to excellent (ICCs ranged from 0.861 to 0.983), and agreement and reproducibility were good to excellent depending on anatomic location (CVs ranged from 3.55% to 13.98%). Overall CVs for abdominal ADCs from the four scans were 6.25%, 7.62%, 7.08, and 7.60%.

Data Conclusion

The normalized ADCs from abdominal SMS‐DWI may be comparable between different vendors and breathing schemes, showing good agreement and reproducibility. ADC changes above approximately 8% may potentially be considered as a reliable quantitative biomarker to assess disease or treatment‐related changes.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Non‐invasive assessment of peri‐implant mucosal thickness: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Couso‐Queiruga Emilio , Raabe Clemens , Belser Urs C. , Buser Daniel , Avila‐Ortiz Gustavo , Rodrigues Diogo Moreira , Chappuis Vivianne
Published: June 2023

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility of different non‐invasive methods for the assessment of peri‐implant mucosal thickness.

Methods

Subjects with two adjacent dental implants in the central maxillary region were included in this study. Three different methods to assess facial mucosal thickness (FMT) were compared: digital file superimposition using Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) and stereolithography (STL) files of the arch of interest (DICOM‐STL), DICOM files alone, and non‐ionizing ultrasound (US). Inter‐rater reliability agreements between different assessment methods were analyzed using inter‐class correlation coefficients (ICCs).

Results

A total of 50 subjects with 100 bone‐level implants constituted the study population. Assessment of FMT using STL and DICOM files demonstrated excellent inter‐rater reliability agreement. Mean ICC values of 0.97 and 0.95 were observed in the DICOM‐STL and DICOM groups, respectively. Comparison between the DICOM‐STL and US revealed good agreement, with an ICC of 0.82 (95% CI: 0.74 to 0.88) and a mean difference of –0.13 ± 0.50 mm (–1.13 to 0.86). Comparison between DICOM files alone versus US showed good agreement, with an ICC of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.73 to 0.89) and a mean difference of –0.23 ± 0.46 mm (–1.12 to 0.67). Comparison between DICOM‐STL and DICOM files revealed excellent agreement, with an ICC of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.91 to 0.96) and a mean difference of 0.1 ± 0.29 mm (LOA –0.47 to 0.46).

Conclusions

Quantification of peri‐implant mucosal thickness via analysis of DICOM‐STL files, DICOM files, or US assessment are comparably reliable and reproducible methods.
Comparison of Ultrasound andCTImaging for the Diagnosis of Coronavirus Disease and Influenza A Pneumonia
Authors: Han Jing , Xue Jun , Ye Xiangyang , Xu Wei , Jin Ronghua , Liu Weiyuan , Meng Sha , Zhang Yuan , Hu Xing , Yang Xi , Li Ruili , Meng Fankun
Published: June 2023

Objective

The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) coincided with the season of influenza A pneumonia, a common respiratory infectious disease. Therefore, this study compared ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis of the two diseases.

Methods

Patients with COVID‐19 or influenza A infection hospitalized at our hospital were included. The patients were examined by ultrasonography every day. The CT examination results within 1 day before and after the day of the highest ultrasonography score were selected as the controls. The similarities and differences between the ultrasonography and CT results in the two groups were compared.

Results

There was no difference between the ultrasonography and CT scores (P = .307) for COVID‐19, while there was a difference between ultrasonography and CT scores for influenza A pneumonia (P = .024). The ultrasonography score for COVID‐19 was higher than that for influenza A pneumonia (P = .000), but there was no difference between the CT scores (P = .830). For both diseases, there was no difference in ultrasonography and CT scores between the left and right lungs; there were differences between the CT scores of the upper and middle lobes, as well as between the upper and lower lobes of the lungs; however, there was no difference between the lower and middle lobes of the lungs.

Conclusion

Ultrasonography is equivalent to the gold standard CT for diagnosing and monitoring the progression of COVID‐19. Because of its convenience, ultrasonography has important application value. Furthermore, the diagnostic value of ultrasonography for COVID‐19 is higher than that for influenza A pneumonia.
Design of Intelligent Protective Composite Material with Stress Rate Sensitivity, Strong Interface Adhesion, and Recyclability
Authors: Liu Ying , Zhang Fan , Chi Hui , Zhang Hao , Huang Xiaona , Wang XinYue , Wang Jiarui , Bai Yungang , Wang Pixin , Xu Kun , Liu Chao , Zhou Chao
Published: June 2023

Poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) elastomers play a significant role in smart materials, actuators, and flexible electronics. However, current PDMS lacks adhesion abilities and intelligent responsive properties, which limit its further application. In this study, the polydimethylsiloxane‐ureidopyrimidinone impact hardening polymer (PDMS‐UI) composites are manufactured by a dual cross‐linking compositing tactic. PDMS, a chemically stable cross‐linked network, acts as a framework owing to its excellent mechanical strength, whereas UI, a reversible dynamic physically cross‐linked network with quadruple hydrogen bonding, endows the PDMS‐UI with excellent self‐healing ability (efficiency > 90%) and energy absorption (75.23%). Impressively, owing to multivalent hydrogen bonds, the PDMS‐UI exhibits superior adhesion performance: the adhesion strength on various substrates exceed 150 kPa and that on the Ferrum substrate reaches 570 kPa. These outstanding properties make the PDMS‐UI a potential candidate for application in both well‐developed fields, such as, wearable protective materials, artificial skin and soft robotics.
Carbon Nanotube Template‐Assisted Synthesis of Conjugated Microporous Polytriphenylamine with High Porosity for Efficient Supercapacitive Energy Storage
Authors: Zuo Hongyu , Duan Ju , Lyu Baokang , Lyu Wei , Li Ying , Mei Xianming , Liao Yaozu
Published: June 2023

Engineering of conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) with high porosity, redox activity, and electronic conductivity is of significant importance for their practical applications in electrochemical energy storage. Aminated‐multiwall carbon nanotubes (NH2‐MWNT) are utilized to modulate the porosity and electronic conductivity of polytriphenylamine (PTPA), which is synthesized via Buchwald‐Hartwig coupling reaction of tri(4‐bromophenyl)amine and phenylenediamine as constitutional units in a one‐step in situ polymerization process. Compared to PTPA, the specific surface area of core–shell PTPA@MWNTs has been greatly improved from 32 to 484 m2 g−1. The PTPA@MWNTs exhibites an improved specific capacitance, with the highest value 410 F g−1 in 0.5 M H2SO4 at a current of 10 A g−1 achieve for PTPA@MWNT‐4 due to the hierarchical meso‐micro pores, high redox‐activity and electronic conductivity. Symmetric supercapacitor assemble by PTPA@MWNT‐4 has a capacitance of 216 F g−1 of total electrode materials and retains 71% of initial capacitance after 6000 cycles. This study gives new insights into the role of CNT templates in the adjustment of molecular structure, porosity, and electronic property of CMPs for the high‐performance electrochemical energy storage.
Valorization of Prickly Pear Seed and Olive Husk Agricultural Wastes for Plastic Reinforcement: The Influence on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties
Authors: Klaai Lisa , Hammiche Dalila , Boukerrou Amar
Published: June 2023

Currently, food waste is a major concern for businesses, governments, and consumers. Fruit processing creates many of by‐products, from undesirables to fruit skins, seeds, and fleshy parts. These by‐products make up to 30% of the initial mass of processed fruit. This goal can be achieved by transforming fruit waste into reinforcement and integrating it into polymeric materials. In this work, olive husk flours (OHF) and prickly pear seed flours (PPSF) are used as reinforcements of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) matrix. Initially, the physico‐chemical, particle size, spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermal characterization of its fibers are studied and compared. Then, the composite materials studied are manufactured with a twin‐screw extruder having a fiber content of 10%, 20%, and 30% by weight; its properties have been studied and compared. The characterization of these two fibers shows that the quantity of cellulose is greater in the OHF and that the latter is more thermally stable. For the composite material, the PLA /OHF are the most responsive in thermal and mechanical behaviors since their degradation temperatures are closer to pure PLA and the tensile modulus is higher compared to the PLA/PPSF composites. The equilibrium water uptake value is higher for composites reinforced with OHF than systems with PPSF.
Comparison between Morphological and Mechanical Properties of Membranes Produced via Coaxial and Monoaxial Electrospinning
Authors: Longo Raffaele , Catauro Michelina , Vertuccio Luigi , Guadagno Liberata
Published: June 2023

The production of nanofibrous membranes finds high interest in the biomedical field, from drug delivery to wound dressing. The types of polymers used for these applications are mainly synthetic and natural biopolymers that have different properties, especially in terms of bioactivity, adhesion to cells, and mechanical properties. In the current study, two different processes, namely uniaxial electrospinning and coaxial electrospinning configuration are used to produce nanofibrous membranes based on PCL (synthetic biopolymer) and gelatin (natural biopolymer). The mechanical properties of the coaxial and blend systems have been compared to the ones of PCL and gelatin membranes.

Coaxial electrospun systems have mechanical properties between those of gelatin and those of PCL membranes. This phenomenon is probably due to a well‐defined interface between the two polymers in the core‐shell configuration. In blend configurations, the intimate contact between the two polymers enhances the flexibility of the material. In fact, an increase in the strain at the break of 350% is obtained compared to the PCL (80%) and gelatin (3%) membrane. These results highlight how the electrospinning process configuration affects the range of applicability of these types of devices.
UV–vis Study on β‐Cyclodextrin as Dual Function for Synthesis AgNPs and Antibacterial Application
Authors: Nurkhaliza Farrah , Fathoni Ahmad , Yati Indri , Prastya Muhammad Eka , Jenie S. N. Aisyiyah , Andreani Agustina Sus
Published: June 2023

The current study reveals the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CDs) as a dual function, reducing, and stabilizing agent. UV–vis study is carried out to monitor the optimum condition of AgNPs formation. It is observed that setting pH at 12, 1:33 concentration ratio of AgNO3 to β‐CDs, and 5 min of incubation time are the optimum condition to synthesize AgNPs. The stability of AgNPs 4 weeks after synthesized is confirmed by the UV–vis spectra. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) characterization reveals there is a peak appearing assigned to C=O which proves a redox reaction occurs between AgNO3 and β‐CDs. Gram‐positive (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) are tested to investigate the antibacterial activity of AgNPs. This study shows that AgNPs exhibit inhibition of bacterial growth.
New report a call to action to address youth MH crisis, improve services
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: June 2023

Banding together to address the critical need of tending to the youth mental health crisis in this country, several groups — spearheaded by the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance) — released a new report and embarked on a call to action to ensure federal, national and state support to improve youth mental health services in schools and communities.
APAF awards reflect MH awareness among multicultural groups
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: June 2023

Recognizing local organizations for innovative efforts to raise awareness of mental illness in underserved and multicultural communities was the crux of the annual awards presented by the American Psychiatric Association Foundation (APAF) at the APA's annual meeting last month.
Methane gas sensor based on a novel dual‐path multipass cell
Authors: Jiang Gui‐sheng , Wang Yu‐ting , Liu Qiang , Chen Hang , Wang Shi‐qi , Zhang Yu , Wang Zhao‐xiang , Zhang Hui , Zha Shen‐long , Wang Ya , Ma Hong‐liang
Published: June 2023

We have developed a novel dual‐path multipass cell (DP‐MPC) for trace gas detection. The sealed Herriott cell, measuring 16 × 16 × 41.5 cm, has two input/output coupling holes. By adjusting the mirror position and incident angle of the beam, optical paths of 105 and 37.5 m can be obtained, respectively. To test its performance, we setup a methane (CH4) concentration detection system by combining the DP‐MPC with a 1.65 μm distributed feedback laser and carried out a methane gas detection experiment. The Allan variance analysis showed that the limit of detection for the two optical paths were 6 and 30 ppb, respectively.
A dual‐polarized phased array based on a strip‐typed patch antenna covered with A dielectric
Authors: Row Jeen‐Sheen , Tseng Wei‐Hsiang
Published: June 2023

A strip‐typed patch antenna covered with a dielectric is studied. The antenna is excited with a differential feeding mechanism to obtain a low cross‐polarization level. When the patch antenna is totally covered with a dielectric, it can be operated at lower frequencies without tuning antenna dimensions. The simulated results show that as the relative permittivity of the dielectric is increased from 1 to 9.2, the antenna operation frequency is reduced from 4.25 to 2.38 GHz, and the cross‐polarization level is lower than −25 dB for each operation frequency. Based on such an antenna, a 1 × 8 dual‐polarized phased array is developed. The simulated results indicate that for each polarization mode, the gain variations of the array are less than 2 dB when the main beam is scanned from 60° to −60°; bedsides, a cross‐polarization level of less than −20 dB is also achieved. An array prototype is constructed, and measured data validate the simulated results.
Development of a hydrated electron dosimeter for radiotherapy applications: A proof of concept
Authors: Mégrourèche Julien , Bekerat Hamed , Bian Jingyi , Bui Alaina , Sankey Jack , Childress Lilian , Enger Shirin A.
Published: June 2023

Background

Hydrated electrons, which are short‐lived products of radiolysis in water, increase the optical absorption of water, providing a pathway toward near‐tissue‐equivalent clinical radiation dosimeters. This has been demonstrated in high‐dose‐per‐pulse radiochemistry research, but, owing to the weak absorption signal, its application in existing low‐dose‐per‐pulse radiotherapy provided by clinical linear accelerators (linacs) has yet to be investigated.

Purpose

The aims of this study were to measure the optical absorption associated with hydrated electrons produced by clinical linacs and to assess the suitability of the technique for radiotherapy (⩽ 1 cGy per pulse) applications.

Methods

40 mW of 660‐nm laser light was sent five passes through deionized water contained in a 102 cm3 glass‐walled cavity by using four broadband dielectric mirrors, two on each side of the cavity. The light was collected with a biased silicon photodetector. The water cavity was then irradiated by a Varian TrueBeam linac with both photon (10 MV FFF, 6 MV FFF, 6 MV) and electron beams (6 MeV) while monitoring the transmitted laser power for absorption transients. Radiochromic EBT3 film measurements were also performed for comparison.

Results

Examination of the absorbance profiles showed clear absorption changes in the water when radiation pulses were delivered. Both the amplitude and the decay time of the signal appeared consistent with the absorbed dose and the characteristics of the hydrated electrons. By using literature value for the hydrated electron radiation chemical yield (3.0±0.3), we inferred doses of 2.1±0.2 mGy (10 MV FFF), 1.3±0.1 mGy (6 MV FFF), 0.45±0.06 mGy (6 MV) for photons, and 0.47±0.05 mGy (6 MeV) for electrons, which differed from EBT3 film measurements by 0.6%, 0.8%, 10%, and 15.7%, respectively. The half‐life of the hydrated electrons in the solution was ∼ 24 s.

Conclusions

By measuring 660‐nm laser light transmitted through a cm‐scale, multi‐pass water cavity, we observed absorption transients consistent with hydrated electrons generated by clinical linac radiation. The agreement between our inferred dose and EBT3 film measurements suggests this proof‐of‐concept system represents a viable pathway toward tissue‐equivalent dosimeters for clinical radiotherapy applications.
The effect of CO2 laser therapy on vaginal microcirculatory parameters in an animal model for genitourinary syndrome of menopause
Authors: Latul Yani P. , Vodegel Eva V. , Kastelein Arnoud W. , Alkemade Lily , Ras Lamees , Hilty Matthias P. , Favaron Emanuele , Ince Yasin , Ince Can , Jeffery Stephen , Guler Zeliha , Roovers Jan‐Paul W.R.
Published: June 2023

Background

Vaginal laser therapy for the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) has been introduced to the market with limited (pre)clinical and experimental evidence supporting its efficacy. It is suggested that vaginal laser therapy increases epithelial thickness and improves vascularization, but the underlying biological working mechanism has not been substantiated yet.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of CO2 laser therapy on vaginal atrophy using noninvasive incident dark field (IDF) imaging in a large animal model for GSM.

Design, Setting, and Participants

An animal study was conducted between 2018 and 2019 and included 25 Dohne Merino ewes, of which 20 underwent bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) to induce iatrogenic menopause, and 5 did not. The total study duration was 10 months.

Interventions

Five months after OVX, ovariectomized ewes received monthly applications of CO2 laser (n = 7), vaginal estrogen (n = 7), or no treatment (n = 6) for 3 months. IDF imaging was performed monthly in all animals.

Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis

The primary outcome was the proportion of image sequences containing capillary loops (angioarchitecture). Secondary outcomes included focal depth (epithelial thickness), and quantitative measures of vessel density and perfusion. Treatment effects were evaluated using ANCOVA and binary logistic regression.

Results and Limitations

Compared to OVX‐only, ewes treated with estrogen demonstrated a higher capillary loops proportion (4% vs. 75%, p < 0.01), and higher focal depth (60 (IQR 60–80) vs. 80 (IQR 80–80) p < 0.05). CO2 laser therapy did not change microcirculatory parameters. As the ewes' vaginal epithelium is thinner than that of humans, it may demand different laser settings.

Conclusions

In a large animal model for GSM, CO2 laser therapy does not affect microcirculatory outcomes related to GSM, whereas vaginal estrogen treatment does. Until more homogeneous and objective evidence about its efficacy is available, CO2 laser therapy should not be adopted into widespread practice for treating GSM.
Fabrication, sound absorption simulation and performance optimization of multi‐layer gradient fiber‐based composites
Authors: Chen Jiahao , Yan Zonghuan , Li Huiqin , Zhang Zhichao , Gong Jixian , Zhang Jianfei
Published: June 2023

Noise reduction with materials of finite thickness has been a hot research topic. In this study, multi‐layer gradient fiber‐based composites integrating porous, resonant and damping structures were prepared for efficient sound absorption. Here, the effects of composite structure, fiber‐based thickness and micro‐perforated membrane fabric (MPMF) structure on the sound absorption of the composites were investigated. From the results, the sound absorption band of the composite can be effectively tuned by adjusting the structure of the MPMF or the thickness of the fiber‐based. In addition, the established acoustic model can accurately predict the sound absorption performance of the structure. It is worth mentioning that the gradient structure optimized by the algorithm exhibits broadband sound absorption (noise reduction coefficient of 0.42) and thin feature (thickness of 0.9 cm). Moreover, the medium and low frequency sound waves can be propagated and absorbed more easily by optimizing the structure of the composite. This work provides a reference for the preparation of multi‐layer gradient sound‐absorbing structures and the design of acoustic products in a specific frequency range.
Ultralow Dark Current Room‐Temperature Infrared Photodetector Based on InSb Nanosheets/MoS2 Van der Waals Heterostructure
Authors: Shi Qian , Zhang Shukui , Wang Xudong , Chen Yan , Zhou Yong , Lin Tie , Shen Hong , Ge Jun , Meng Xiangjian , Pan Dong , Zhao Jianhua , Hu Weida , Dai Ning , Chu Junhao , Wang Jianlu
Published: June 2023

As a narrow‐bandgap semiconductor, InSb is widely used in infrared (IR) detection due to its excellent performance and other characteristics such as ultrahigh electron mobility, extremely high quantum efficiency, and robust chemical properties. Herein, an ultralow dark current room‐temperature IR photodetector based on InSb nanosheets (NSs)/MoS2 flakes van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure is presented. Benefiting from a large surface‐to‐volume ratio and phonon scattering suppressed on the nanostructure, InSb NSs devices have high photosensitivity and low dark current density (16.67 A cm−2). To further suppress the dark current, a vdW heterojunction composed of InSb NSs and MoS2 is fabricated. When the InSb NSs/MoS2 vdW heterostructures’ photodetector work on a photovoltaic model (zero‐bias operation), the device shows a dark current density as low as 0.12 A cm−2 at room temperature, exhibiting a high external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 3.6 × 102%, the responsivity of 3.8 A W−1, and detectivity of 1.2 × 109 cm Hz1/2 W−1 under 1310 nm laser illumination. These results demonstrate that InSb NSs vdW heterostructure is a feasible scheme to realize InSb room‐temperature IR detection.
Achieving COVID‐19 herd immunity in Ethiopia
Authors: Bekele Bezawit Kassahun , Muili Abdulbasit Opeyemi , Udom Iyaketing Akpan , Hernández‐Rubio Lizeth , Mogessie Yidnekachew Girma , Wubneh Shewit Yehuala , Odey Goodness Ogeyi , Mengesha Dawit Tesfagiorgis
Published: June 2023

COVID‐19 has greatly impacted the society and economy of Ethiopia, with a total of 499,493 cases confirmed and a death toll of 7572 as of February 2023. The country began COVID‐19 vaccination in March 2021 and delivered about 52 million doses as of July 2022. The government liaised with the COVAX (COVID‐19 Vaccines Global Access) facility, the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust, and other donors to acquire the vaccine doses. However, in July 2022, Ethiopia achieved only 45 persons per 100 population coverage when the global average of doses administered was 167 per 100 population. These figures grossly fall behind the requirements for achieving herd immunity. The major challenges noted are vaccine hesitancy ranging from 14.1% to 68.7%, including that among healthcare workers (HCW). There was a lack of physical infrastructure and personnel to distribute the vaccines and to administer the doses to populations who had challenges accessing healthcare services. There was heavy disinformation regarding COVID‐19 vaccines. The various government ministries including the Ministry of Health (one government approach) and the regional and zonal health offices should coordinate for efficient and equitable vaccine distribution and build community trust by working with village leaders, religious groups, and media outlets. There is a need to continue efforts on providing an awareness of the importance of COVID‐19 vaccination and herd immunity. We review and dissect the COVID‐19 vaccination efforts in Ethiopia and provide recommendations for tackling these challenges, including equity in the distribution of vaccines and proper awareness of the disease to achieve herd immunity.
SATISFY‐JP, a phase II multicenter open‐label study on Satralizumab, an anti‐IL‐6 receptor antibody, use for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with an immune‐responsive‐phenotype: Study protocol
Authors: Tamura Yuichi , Takeyasu Rika , Takata Tomohiro , Miyazaki Naoki , Takemura Ryo , Wada Michihiko , Tamura Yudai , Abe Kohtaro , Shigeta Ayako , Taniguchi Yu , Adachi Shiro , Inami Takumi , Tsujino Ichizo , Tahara Nobuhiro , Kuwana Masataka
Published: June 2023

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), an intractable disease with a poor prognosis, is commonly treated using pulmonary vasodilators modulating the endothelin, cGMP, and prostacyclin pathway. Since the 2010s, drugs for treating pulmonary hypertension based on mechanisms other than pulmonary vasodilation have been actively developed. However, precision medicine is based on tailoring disease treatment to particular phenotypes by molecular‐targeted drugs. Since interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is involved in the development of PAH in animal models, and some patients with PAH have elevated IL‐6 levels, the cytokine is expected to obtain potentials for therapeutic targeting. Accordingly, we identified a phenotype with elevated cytokine activity of the IL‐6 family in the PAH population by combining case data extracted from the Japan Pulmonary Hypertension Registry with a comprehensive analysis of 48 cytokines using artificial intelligence clustering techniques. Including an IL‐6 threshold ≥2.73 pg/mL as inclusion criteria for reducing the risk of insufficient efficacy, an investigator‐initiated clinical study using satralizumab, a recycling anti‐IL6 receptor monoclonal antibody, for patients with an immune‐responsive phenotype is underway. This study is intended to test whether use of patient biomarker profile can identify a phenotype responsive to anti‐IL6 therapy.
Soil moisture–precipitation feedbacks in pre‐ and post‐monsoon landfalling tropical cyclones in Bay of Bengal
Authors: Navale Ashish , Karthikeyan L
Published: June 2023

The Bay of Bengal (BoB) experiences an average of three to four tropical cyclones (TCs) annually. The high population density of surrounding countries often leads to disastrous consequences when a TC makes landfall. As a result, it is critical to understand the evolution and intensity of rainfall associated with a TC that originates in the BoB. In this study, we examine the impact of initial soil moisture (SM) conditions on the TC track, TC recycled precipitation, and other TC variables using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model upgraded with Eulerian water‐tagging capabilities. We simulated pre‐monsoon TCs Amphan, Titli, Viyaru and post‐monsoon cyclones Phailin, Titli and Helen originating in the BoB. We conducted sensitivity experiments with dry and wet initial SM conditions to determine the impact of initial SM changes on TCs. We also generated four control simulations for each TC by changing the initial time to assess the effect of internal model variability. Our results indicate that initial SM conditions impact TC more than the internal model variability. We find that changes in the initial SM affect the latent heat flux, which influences the temperature and the synoptic wind pattern over the entire domain, resulting in changes in the TC properties. We find the feedback of SM to TC precipitation (quantified as recycled precipitation) is stronger as the TC approaches the landfall. The post‐landfall recycling ratio for pre‐monsoon TCs is approximately 5%–10%, but is around 20%–30% for post‐monsoon TCs. We observe that the Viyaru, Titli and Helen TC tracks are more sensitive to the initial SM conditions compared to the other three TCs. In addition to SM, we find that factors such as proximity to land, and TC intensity also have a role in determining the quantity of recycled precipitation for a TC.
Cycles in Mallows random permutations
Authors: He Jimmy , Müller Tobias , Verstraaten Teun W.
Published: June 2023

We study cycle counts in permutations of drawn at random according to the Mallows distribution. Under this distribution, each permutation is selected with probability proportional to , where is a parameter and denotes the number of inversions of . For fixed, we study the vector where denotes the number of cycles of length in and is sampled according to the Mallows distribution. When the Mallows distribution simply samples a permutation of uniformly at random. A classical result going back to Kolchin and Goncharoff states that in this case, the vector of cycle counts tends in distribution to a vector of independent Poisson random variables, with means . Here we show that if is fixed and then there are positive constants such that each has mean and the vector of cycle counts can be suitably rescaled to tend to a joint Gaussian distribution. Our results also show that when there is a striking difference between the behavior of the even and the odd cycles. The even cycle counts still have linear means, and when properly rescaled tend to a multivariate Gaussian distribution. For the odd cycle counts on the other hand, the limiting behavior depends on the parity of when . Both and have discrete limiting distributions—they do not need to be renormalized—but the two limiting distributions are distinct for all . We describe these limiting distributions in terms of Gnedin and Olshanski's bi‐infinite extension of the Mallows model. We investigate these limiting distributions further, and study the behavior of the constants involved in the Gaussian limit laws. We for example show that as the expected number of 1‐cycles tends to —which, curiously, differs from the value corresponding to . In addition we exhibit an interesting “oscillating” behavior in the limiting probability measures for and odd versus even.
RETRACTED: Investigation of A Two‐Dimensional Model for Cogging Torque Calculation in Homopolar Inductor Machines
Authors: Wang Yufei , Zhang Guomin
Published: June 2023

Because the magnetic circuits of homopolar inductor machines (HIMs) are three‐dimensional (3‐D), a 3‐D finite element model (FEM) is usually built to accurately compute the cogging torque in HIMs, but the drawback is very time‐consuming in modeling and computing. Therefore, a two‐dimensional (2‐D) FEM of HIMs is needed to simplify the computation of the 3‐D FEM. However, the existing odd harmonic 2‐D FEM cannot accurately predict the cogging torque in HIMs. To address this problem, this paper proposes a full‐order harmonic 2‐D FEM. First, the analytical expressions of HIM cogging torque are derived by the combination of energy method and air‐gap field modulation principle. Based on the obtained analytical expressions, the equivalent principles between the 3‐D and 2‐D FEMs are analyzed. According to the above equivalent principles and taking a 48‐slot/4‐tooth (48S4T) permanent magnet (PM) HIM as an example, a full‐order harmonic 2‐D FEM of the example machine excited by a field winding is proposed. The structure of the full‐order harmonic 2‐D FEM is described in detail. The turn number of field winding and field current amplitude of the proposed 2‐D FEM are investigated. The differences between the odd harmonic 2‐D and full‐order harmonic 2‐D FEMs are also analyzed. Finally, the cogging torque in the 48S4T PM HIM with distinct rotor tooth‐arc to tooth‐pitch ratios is computed by 3‐D, odd harmonic 2‐D and full‐order harmonic 2‐D FEMs of the machine, respectively. The results illustrate that compared with the odd harmonic 2‐D FEM, the full‐order harmonic 2‐D FEM can shorten the calculation time and has the similar computation accuracy as the 3‐D FEM. Moreover, the experimental validation is performed on a prototype of the 48S4T PM HIM. The error between the maximum cogging torque obtained by the full‐order harmonic 2‐D FEM and experiments is only 2.12%. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Assessment of sociological indices affecting environmental pollution in Iwo, Nigeria
Authors: Jazat Joseph P. , Ogunbode Timothy O. , Akande John A.
Published: June 2023

Twelve sociological factors such as: gender, age, marital status, household size, religion, educational attainment, government influence, occupation, housing structure, culture, health issues, and period of residency at the survey location were assessed to evaluate their relative impacts on environmental pollution, in Iwo, Nigeria. Structured questionnaire was prepared and randomly administered to 257 households out of which 215 (83.65%) was completed and retrieved. Data obtained were subjected to descriptive and inferential (factor analysis) statistics. Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett tests showed factorability of data at p < 0.05 significant level. Factor Analysis (FA) ultimately recognized six (6) indices among the sociological factors as having eigenvalues above 1. The indices explained 65% of the total variance and are weighted as follows: household size (12.5%), marital status (11.4%), government influence (10.7%), religion (10.5%), culture (9.8%), and health issues (9.8%). These are essential indices to be explored when measuring sociological impacts on environmental pollution. That means, cultures that discourage pollution are to be identified and supported by relevant government policies and legislations.
Comparative histological analysis of the alae nasi in French bulldogs with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome and unaffected non‐brachycephalic dogs
Authors: di Virgilio Fabrizio , Guelette Vivien , Prata Daniela , Boulouha Lilia , Santos Marisa , Belluzzi Elena , Caraty Johan , Bongartz Alexandre , Deneuche Aymeric
Published: June 2023

Background

Brachycephalic dogs are characterised by a short and flat nose. This cranial conformation is associated with brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, a respiratory syndrome primarily characterised by stenotic nares, a hyperplastic soft palate and a hypoplastic trachea, among other malformations, with secondary abnormalities resulting in upper airway obstruction

Methods

In this study, we aimed to characterise and compare the histological features of tissue samples harvested from the alae nasi of French bulldogs and non‐brachycephalic dogs. Samples from the alae nasi of 11 French bulldogs and 13 non‐brachycephalic dogs were collected. Four‐μm‐thick, paraffin‐embedded sections were obtained from each tissue sample and mounted on glass slides, followed by staining with haematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid–Schiff and toluidine blue for histological examination.

Results

The only variation observed between the samples obtained from French bulldogs and those obtained from non‐brachycephalic dogs concerned the presence of cartilage in the specimens. Cartilage was absent in 10 of 11 French bulldogs but present in nine of 13 non‐brachycephalic dogs; this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Limitations

The findings of this study need further validation in future prospective studies. It would be useful to examine the entire nostril wing, to include additional brachycephalic breeds, a larger number of subjects spanning a wider age range and degree of stenotic nares severity, a larger tissue sample, and a broadening of the control group to include dolichocephalic and mesaticephalic dogs.

Conclusion

This study found an absence of cartilage in French bulldog nare specimens compared to those from non‐brachycephalic dogs. This absence of cartilage may contribute to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, although histological examination of the entire wing of the nostrils is needed to confirm this hypothesis.
A systematic review of honey bee (Apis mellifera, Linnaeus, 1758) infections and available treatment options
Authors: Nekoei Shahin , Rezvan Mahsa , Khamesipour Faham , Mayack Christopher , Molento Marcelo Beltrão , Revainera Pablo Damián
Published: June 2023

Background

Honey bees and honeycomb bees are very valuable for wild flowering plants and economically important crops due to their role as pollinators. However, these insects confront many disease threats (viruses, parasites, bacteria and fungi) and large pesticide concentrations in the environment. Varroa destructor is the most prevalent disease that has had the most negative effects on the fitness and survival of different honey bees (Apis mellifera and A. cerana). Moreover, honey bees are social insects and this ectoparasite can be easily transmitted within and across bee colonies.

Objective

This review aims to provide a survey of the diversity and distribution of important bee infections and possible management and treatment options, so that honey bee colony health can be maintained.

Methods

We used PRISMA guidelines throughout article selection, published between January 1960 and December 2020. PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Ovid databases were searched.

Results

We have collected 132 articles and retained 106 articles for this study. The data obtained revealed that V. destructor and Nosema spp. were found to be the major pathogens of honey bees worldwide. The impact of these infections can result in the incapacity of forager bees to fly, disorientation, paralysis, and death of many individuals in the colony. We find that both hygienic and chemical pest management strategies must be implemented to prevent, reduce the parasite loads and transmission of pathogens. The use of an effective miticide (fluvalinate‐tau, coumaphos and amitraz) now seems to be an essential and common practice required to minimise the impact of Varroa mites and other pathogens on bee colonies. New, alternative biofriendly control methods, are on the rise, and could be critical for maintaining honey bee hive health and improving honey productivity.

Conclusions

We suggest that critical health control methods be adopted globally and that an international monitoring system be implemented to determine honey bee colony safety, regularly identify parasite prevalence, as well as potential risk factors, so that the impact of pathogens on bee health can be recognised and quantified on a global scale.
Designing improved electromagnetic shielding efficacy of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3hydroxyvalerate) nanocomposites foam using carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoplatelets
Authors: Wang Longzhen , Wei Xinyi , Bai Yu'an , Zhou Hongfu , Wang Xiangdong , Wen Bianying , Wang Yaqiao
Published: June 2023

Nowadays, one of the design direction of bio‐derived and biodegradable polymer foams with multi‐functionalization is how to attain superior electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding property, which has become a hot topic. Herein, bio‐based poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) foams filled with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and/or graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were fabricated by supercritical carbon dioxide. As observed by optical microscope and scanning electron microscope, the CNTs and GNPs in PHBV matrix might gradually construct three kinds of network structures (CNTs‐CNTs, GNPs‐GNPs and GNPs‐CNTs network structures), which would improve the melt viscoelasticity, crystallization, electrical, dielectric and EMI shielding properties of PHBV. The complex viscosity and storage modulus of PHBV nanocomposites with the ratio of CNTs/GNPs as 1:1 rose nearly three orders of magnitudes than those of pure PHBV, in addition, its crystallization temperature and crystallinity increased remarkably to 122°C and 62%, individually. When the CNTs/GNPs ratio was 1:1 at a low total content of 3 wt%, PHBV nanocomposite and its foam implemented the high dielectric properties. Furthermore, the EMI specific shielding effectiveness of obtained PHBV was blend with 1.5 wt% CNTs and 1.5 wt% GNPs nanocomposite foam was the highest, reaching 19.3 dB cm3/g. This work paved a feasible way to the production of eco‐friendly PHBV nanocomposite foams for the application of electronics and aerospace industries.

Highlights

PHBV/CNTs/GNPs foams were prepared using a scCO2‐assisted foaming method.

Dispersion of carbon fillers in PHBV was the best as CNTs/GNPs ratio was 1:1.

G' of PHBV/C1.5/G1.5 specimens were increased by three orders of magnitude.

EMI specific shielding effectiveness of PHBV/C1.5/G1.5 nanocomposite foam could reach 19.3 dB cm3/g.
Allergic rhinitis facts from an Irish pediatric population
Authors: Nae Andreea , Heffernan Colleen B. , Colreavy Michael
Published: June 2023

Objective

Assessing the main allergens in the pediatric population from the largest urban area in the country.

Methods

Clinical letters of patients referred with possible allergic rhinitis (AR) were retrospectively reviewed over the past 5 years.

Results

Five hundred and fifty‐five patients were included. Males suffer twice as often with AR than females and have high titers of allergens. House dust mites (44.7%) and grass pollen (29%) were the main allergens in our area, with 48% of patients sensitized to both allergens. Half of the patients had the diagnosis of AR confirmed with positive allergen‐specific tests. For the other half, the diagnosis was based on a clinical assessment performed by a pediatric otolaryngologist.

Conclusions

Half of suspected AR children have environmental allergen sensitivity confirmed by testing, and a large number had a clinical diagnosis of AR after an otolaryngology consultation. Our findings can help clinicians to initiate AR treatment considering the most problematic allergens in the area.