bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultraviolet photodissociation spectra of singly protonated hexapeptides DYYVVR, DYFVVR, and DFYVVR at room temperature
Authors: Jeon Hyo Nam , Kwon Jang Han , Kang Hyuk
Published: June 2023

DYYVVR is a tryptic peptide of Janus kinase 3 and has the two active tyrosine residues needed for the regulation of the protein's activity by phosphorylation. As a proof‐of‐concept experiment for localization of phosphorylation site, two‐dimensional ultraviolet‐mass spectrometry of singly protonated DYYVVR has been investigated at room temperature. Comparing the absorption spectrum with those of peptides with single phenylalanine substitution, DYFVVR and DFYVVR, it is confirmed that the ultraviolet (UV) absorption below 35 100 cm−1 is due to the first tyrosine residue. Combined with the fact that the absorption of a phosphorylated tyrosine is shifted above 37 500 cm−1, two‐dimensional analysis employing mass spectrometry and ultraviolet spectroscopy can be used as a tool for localization of phosphorylation site in a peptide.
Lavandula stoechas L. subsp. stoechas, a New Herbal Source for Ursolic Acid: Quantitative Analysis, Purification and Bioactivity Studies
Authors: Aydin Tuba , Saglamtas Ruya , Gumustas Mehmet , Genisel Mucip , Kazaz Cavit , Cakir Ahmet
Published: June 2023

In this study, methanol, ethanol, methanol‐dichloromethane (1 : 1, v/v), acetone, ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, and chloroform extracts of lavender (Lavandula stoechas L. subsp. stoechas) were prepared by maceration, and the ursolic acid contents in the extracts were determined quantitatively by HPLC analyses. The present results show that the methanol‐dichloromethane (1 : 1, v/v) solvent system is the most efficient solvent system for the extraction of ursolic acid from the plant sample with the highest yield (2.22 g/100 g plant sample). In the present study, a new practical method for the isolation of ursolic acid from polar extracts was also demonstrated for the first time. The inhibition effects of the extracts and ursolic acid were also revealed on α‐glycosidase, acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and human carbonic anhydrase I and II enzymes by determining IC50 values for the first time. The extracts and ursolic acid acted as potent antidiabetic agents by strongly inhibiting the α‐glycosidase activity, whereas they were found to be very weak neuroprotective agents. In view of the present results, L. stoechas and its major metabolite, ursolic acid, can be recommended as a herbal source to control postprandial blood sugar levels and prevent diabetes by delaying the digestion of starch in food.
Recalcitrant course of bullous pemphigoid indicating coexisting hypereosinophilic syndrome: A case report and literature review
Authors: Ganji Raziyeh , Diab Reem , Mousavi Farideh , Abdollahimajd Fahimeh
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

As dermatologists, we must be aware that even limited localized lesions may signal a life‐threatening condition, for which early diagnosis and treatment can improve the prognosis.

Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune disorder characterized by blister formation. Hypereosinophilic syndrome is a myeloproliferative disorder featuring papules, nodules, urticarial lesions, and blisters. The coexistence of these disorders may highlight the involvement of common molecular and cellular factors. Here, we describe a 16‐year‐old patient with hypereosinophilic syndrome and bullous pemphigoid.
Delayed pleuroperitoneal leak in an otherwise uncomplicated course of peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Kwan Victor Shou Yee , Leibowitz Saskia
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Pleuroperitoneal leaks are rare and normally arise as an early complication in peritoneal dialysis. This case illustrates the importance of considering pleuroperitoneal leaks as a cause for pleural effusions—even if peritoneal dialysis has been longstanding and uncomplicated.

A 66‐year‐old male on peritoneal dialysis for 15 months presented with dyspnoea and low ultrafiltration volumes. Chest radiography revealed a large right‐sided pleural effusion. Pleural fluid sampling and peritoneal scintigraphy confirmed a pleuroperitoneal leak.
A case of pyoderma gangrenosum around the urethral meatus aggravated by COVID‐19 infection and further worsened due to the development of pyogenic osteomyelitis 8 years after urostomy
Authors: Kondo Makoto , Matsushima Yoshiaki , Nakanishi Takehisa , Habe Koji , Yamanaka Keiichi
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

After the infection with COVID‐19, pyoderma gangrenosum worsened and further led to necrosis following pyogenic osteomyelitis. Infection is a major exacerbating factor in pyoderma gangrenosum.
Endovascular management of post PCNL vascular injuries
Authors: Salimi Javad , Rasekhi Siahkalmahalleh Mohammad , Miratashi Yazdi Seyed Amir
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Although percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a gold standard treatment of large kidney stones, vascular injuries like pseudoaneurysm (PA) and arteriovenous fistula (AVF) may occur due to renal punctures. These endovascular complications need urgent intervention to be diagnosed and managed early. In this case series, 14 patients who had hematuria after PCNL were managed by using angiography to identify the vascular pathology. Among them, we identified 10 patients with PA and 4 patients with AVF, 1 patient with both subscapular hematoma and PA. Angiographic embolization was done successfully in all patients. Based on our results, in cases with peripheral parenchymal damage, PA was common and in cases with hilar damage, AVF was common. No other complication and rebleeding was detected after embolization. Based on our study, angiography can be used as a safe and effective method to detect and treat vascular injuries immediately and successfully.
Azathioprine‐induced lymphoma in a patient with Takayasu arteritis: A case report from Iraq
Authors: Awadh Nabaa Ihsan , Al‐Osami Mohammed Hadi , Hashim Hashim Talib , Al‐Obaidi Ahmed Dheyaa , Al‐Obaidi Mustafa Najah , Abdlkarim Sumaya Abdulhasan
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Azathioprine, used for vasculitis and connective tissue diseases, carries long‐term cancer risks. This case report raises awareness among healthcare providers about such risks and emphasizes the need for taking necessary precautions to avoid them while treating such diseases.

We present an Azathioprine‐induced lymphoma case in a 51‐year‐old male patient with Takayasu arteritis who presented with painless cervical swelling, itching, weight loss, and decreased appetite. This case report aims to increase awareness of the potential long‐term cancer risks associated with azathioprine use in the treatment of chronic diseases.
Metal–Organic Framework Derived Cu−Ag Interface for Selective Carbon Monoxide Electroreduction to Acetate
Authors: Liu Chang , Yan Wei , Wen Yan , Huang Zhongliang , Chen Bo , Li Yunhua , Huang Xiaoqing
Published: June 2023

Electrochemical carbon monoxide reduction reaction (CORR) is a potential way to obtain high‐value multi‐carbon (C2+) products. However, achieving high selectivity to acetate is still a challenge. Herein, we develop a two‐dimensional Ag‐modified Cu metal–organic framework (Ag0.10@CuMOF‐74) that demonstrates Faradaic efficiency (FE) for C2+ products up to 90.4 % at 200 mA cm−2 and an acetate FE of 61.1 % with a partial current density of 122.2 mA cm−2. Detailed investigations show that the introduction of Ag on CuMOF‐74 favors the generation of abundant Cu−Ag interface sites. In situ attenuated total reflection surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy confirms that these Cu−Ag interface sites improve the coverage of *CO and *CHO and the coupling between each other and stabilize key intermediates *OCCHO and *OCCH2, thus significantly promoting to the acetate selectivity on Ag0.10@CuMOF‐74. This work provides a high‐efficiency pathway for CORR to C2+ products.
A lattice‐based blind ring signature scheme for sensitive data protection in blockchain applications
Authors: Khanum Saba , Mustafa Khurram
Published: June 2023

Every transaction is made public and verified by a third party, and the transparency of blockchain applications leads to privacy leaks. Everyone can access the transaction, making it easier for network analysis to identify the user's identity, which is a major problem with the blockchain. Financial institutions have become hesitant to adopt blockchain technology; as a result, preventing its spread. To confirm that encryption and security are maintained for transactions in the blockchain, this research introduces a zero‐knowledge proof (ZKP) based transaction validation scheme. To increase the security of blockchain applications, the proposed lattice‐based blind ring signature (LBRS) scheme integrates blind and ring signatures and is applied to sensitive data. The data are encrypted using this encryption scheme before being stored with the transactional information in the blocks. The encrypted data is then stored in the blocks, which users can retrieve after verification. The encrypted data is then stored in blocks, which users can retrieve after verification. A verification scheme based on the ZKP is used to prevent unauthorized access and changes to the data. The proposed LBRS scheme meets the security analysis requirement. The performance of an LBRS scheme is compared to other relevant models in terms of execution time, encryption time, and decryption time. Overall, the results are more encouraging and reassuring than other relevant works of interest. Finally, this model provides better computational security and satisfies the requirements like correctness and security analysis.
Cages versus Sheets: A Critical Comparison in the Size Range Expected for Methylaluminoxane (MAO)
Authors: Collins Scott , Linnolahti Mikko
Published: June 2023

New cage models (MeAlO)n(Me3Al)m (n=16, m=6 or 7) isomeric with previously reported sheet models for the principle activator found in hydrolytic MAO (h‐MAO) are compared at M06‐2X and MN15 levels of theory using density functional theory with respect to their thermodynamic stability. Reactivity of the neutrals or corresponding anions with formula [(MeAlO)16(Me3Al)6Me]− towards chlorination, and loss of Me3Al is explored while reactivity of the neutrals towards formation of contact‐ and outer‐sphere ion pairs from Cp2ZrMe2 and Cp2ZrMeCl is examined. The results suggest on balance that a cage model for this activator is less consistent with experiment than an isomeric sheet model, although the latter are more stable based on free energy.
Metal‐Catalyst‐Free One‐Pot Aqueous Synthesis of trans‐1,2‐Diols from Electron‐Deficient α,β‐Unsaturated Amides via Epoxidation Using Oxone as a Dual Role Reagent
Authors: Zhang Ming‐Zhong , Wang Ping , Liu Hai‐Yan , Wang Dailian , Deng Ya , Bai Yu‐Heng , Luo Fei , Wu Wen‐Yu , Chen Tieqiao
Published: June 2023

In organic synthesis, incorporating two functional groups into the carbon‐carbon double bond of α,β‐unsaturated amides is challenging due to the electron‐deficient nature of the olefin moiety. Although a few examples of dihydroxylation of α,β‐unsaturated amides have been demonstrated, producing cis‐1,2‐diols using either highly toxic OsO4 or other specialized metal reagents in organic solvents, they are limited to several specific amides. We describe herein a general and one‐pot direct synthesis of trans‐1,2‐diols from electron‐deficient α,β‐unsaturated amides through dihydroxylation using oxone as a dual‐role reagent in water. This reaction does not require any metal catalyst and produces non‐hazardous and nontoxic K2SO4 as the sole byproduct. Moreover, epoxidation products could also be selectively formed by adjusting the reaction conditions. By the strategy, the intermediates of Mcl‐1 inhibitor and antiallergic bioactive molecule can be synthesized in one pot. The gram‐scale synthesis of trans‐1,2‐diol which is isolated and purified by recrystallization further shows the potential applications of this new reaction in organic synthesis.
Vitamin D and diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A multi‐centre nerve conduction study among Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Pang Chunyang , Yu Huan , Cai Yunlei , Song Mengwan , Feng Fei , Gao Lingfei , Li Kezheng , Chen Yinuo , Xie Jiali , Cheng Yifan , lin Er , Pan Xinnan , Zhang Wanli , Deng Binbin
Published: June 2023

Aims

Increasing numbers of reports link vitamin D deficiency to diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), yet evidence regarding neurological deficits and electromyogram is scarce. The present multi‐centre study sought to investigate these associations based on objective quantifications.

Materials and Methods

Information on DPN‐related symptoms, signs, all diabetic microvascular complications, and nerve conduction abilities (quantified by nerve conduction amplitude and velocity, F‐wave minimum latency (FML) of peripheral nerves) were collected from a derivation cohort of 1192 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Correlation, regression analysis, and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to explore linear and non‐linear relationships between vitamin D and DPN, which were validated in an external cohort of 223 patients.

Results

Patients with DPN showed lower levels of vitamin D than those without DPN; patients with vitamin D deficiency (<30 nmol/L) tended to suffer more DPN‐related neurological deficits (paraesthesia, prickling, abnormal temperature, ankle hyporeflexia, and distal pall hypoesthesia correlating with MNSI‐exam score (Y = −0.005306X + 2.105, P = 0.048). Worse nerve conduction abilities (decreased motor nerve amplitude, sensory nerve amplitude, motor nerve velocity, and increased FML) were also observed in these patients. Vitamin D had a significant threshold association with DPN (adjusted OR = 4.136, P = 0.003; RCS P for non‐linearity = 0.003) and correlates with other microvascular complications (diabetic retinopathy and diabetic nephropathy).

Conclusions

Vitamin D is associated with the conduction ability of peripheral nerves and may have a nerve‐ and threshold‐selective relationship with the prevalence and severity of DPN among patients with T2D.
Meeting report: Third Franco‐Japanese developmental biology meeting “New Frontiers in developmental biology: Celebrating the diversity of life”
Authors: Masayuki Oginuma , Reymann Anne‐Cécile
Published: June 2023

The French and Japanese Developmental Biology Societies, teaming up with Human Frontier Science Program, were eager to meet back in person in November 2022 in the lovely city of Strasbourg. Top scientists in the developmental biology field from France and Japan, but also from United States, United Kingdom, Switzerland or Germany shared their exciting science during the 4 days of this meeting. Core fields of developmental biology such as morphogenesis, patterning, cell identity, and cell state transition, notably at the single cell level, were well represented, and a diversity of experimental models, including plants, animals, and other exotic organisms, as well as some in vitro cellular models, were covered. This event also extended the scope of classic scientific gatherings for two reasons. First the involvement of artists during the preparation of the event and on site. Second, part of the meeting was open for the general public through a series of outreach events, including a music and video presentation through projection mapping at Rohan palace, as well as public lectures.
Transgenerational effects of multiple mating in Spodoptera litura Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Di Xue‐yuan , Yan Bin , Liu Jian‐feng , Wu Cheng‐xu , Yu Xiao‐fei , Smith Cecil L. , Yang Mao‐fa
Published: June 2023

Polyandrous mating can result in sexual conflict and/or promote the evolution of mating patterns. Does multiple mating by females support the genetic benefits hypothesis and can it be validated as an evolutionary strategy? If we are to decipher the consequences of sexual interactions and understand the interplay of sexual conflict and multiple generational benefits, the transgenerational effects need to be followed over multiple generations. We investigated the effects of three mating patterns, single mating, repeated mating, and multiple mating, on parental Spodoptera litura copulation behavior, and then identified the impact on the development, survival, and fecundity of the F1 and F2 generations. Fecundity was not significantly affected in the F1 generation but was substantially enhanced in the F2 generation. There was a reversal of offspring fitness across the F2 generations from the F1 generations in progeny produced by multiple mating. In addition, the intrinsic rate of increase, finite rate of increase and net reproductive rate in the F1 generation the multiple mating treatment was significantly lower than in the single mating treatment, but there was no apparent effect on the F2 generation. Repeated mating had no significant effects on progeny fitness. We postulate that multiple mating imposes cross‐transgenerational effects and may ultimately influence multigenerational fitness in S. litura.
Drivers of the spatiotemporal patterns of the mangrove crab metacommunity in a tropical bay
Authors: Gu Xuan , Chen Guogui , Lin Yufeng , Wang Wenqing , Wang Mao
Published: June 2023

Revealing community patterns and driving forces is essential in community ecology and a prerequisite for effective management and conservation efforts. However, the mangrove ecosystem and its important fauna group such as the crabs, still lack multi‐processes research under metacommunity framework, resulting in evidence and theorical application gaps. To fill these gaps, we selected China's most representative mangrove bay reserve in tropical zone as a stable experimental system and conducted a seasonal investigation (July 2020, October 2020, January 2021, and April 2021) of mangrove crabs. We performed a multi‐approach analysis using both pattern‐based and mechanistic method to distinguish the processes driving the mangrove crab metacommunity. Our results showed that the crab metacommunity exhibits a Clementsian pattern in the bay‐wide mangrove ecosystem but is influenced by both local environmental heterogeneity and spatial processes, thus representing a combined paradigm of species sorting and mass effect. Moreover, the long‐distance spatial constraints are more pronounced compared to the local environmental factors. This is reflected in the greater importance of the broad‐scale Moran's Eigenvector Maps, the distance‐decay pattern of similarity, and the difference in beta diversity dominated by the turnover component. This pattern changes throughout the year, mainly due to changes in dominant functional groups caused by the stress of changes in water salinity and temperature induced by air temperature and precipitation. This research provides multi‐dimension research data and relevant analysis, offering clear evidence for understanding the patterns and related driving forces of crab metacommunity in tropical bay mangroves, and verifies the applicability of some general laws in the system. Future studies can address more diverse spatiotemporal scales, gaining a clearer understanding to serve the conservation of mangrove ecosystems and economically important fishery species.
Long‐term subtropical grassland plots take a long time to change: Replacement is more important than richness differences for beta diversity
Authors: Ward David , Kirkman Kevin , Morris Craig
Published: June 2023

We studied β diversity of grasses in a subtropical grassland over 60 years in South Africa. We examined the effects of burning and mowing on 132 large plots. We sought to determine the effects of burning and mowing, and mowing frequency, on the replacement of species and the species richness. We conducted the study at Ukulinga, research farm of the University of KwaZulu‐Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa (29°24′E, 30°24′S) from 1950–2010. Plots were burned annually, biennially, triennially, and a control (unburned). Plots were mowed in spring, late summer, spring plus late summer, and a control (unmowed). We calculated β diversity, with a focus on replacement and richness differences. We also used distance‐based redundancy analyses to examine the relative effects of replacement and richness differences on mowing and burning. We used beta regressions to test for the effect of soil depth and its interactions with mowing and burning. There was no significant change in grass beta diversity until 1995. Thereafter, there were changes in β diversity that demonstrated the primary effects of summer mowing frequency. There was no significant effect of richness differences but a strong effect of replacement post‐1995. There was a significant interaction between mowing frequency and soil depth in one of the analyses. Changes in grassland composition took a long time to manifest themselves and were unapparent prior to 1988. However, there was a change in sampling strategy prior to 1988, from point hits to nearest plants, that may also have influenced the rates of changes in replacement and richness differences. Using β‐diversity indices, we found that mowing was more important than burning that burning frequency was unimportant, and there was a significant interaction effect between mowing and soil depth in one of the analyses.
Byzantine attack detection using optimized dual‐channel capsule generative adversarial network for securing cognitive radio network
Authors: A. Darwin Nesakumar , S. Rukmani Devi , T. M. Inbamalar , K. N. Pavithra
Published: June 2023

Cognitive Radio Networks (CRN) is emerged as a solution for the problem of spectrum scarcity as it achieves transmission opportunities in under‐utilized spectrum bands for primary users (PUs). Therefore, in this manuscript, an efficient Byzantine attack detection using optimized Dual‐Channel Capsule Generative Adversarial Network and Auto‐Metric Graph Neural Network (AMGNN) to secure Cognitive Radio Network. Here, two types of layers are utilized that is processing layer and decision layer. In processing layer, the dataset generation based on emission matrix from Hidden Markov Model (HMM) contains labeled data for the legitimate secondary users including malicious Byzantine attackers. In decision layer, the generated dataset is given to Dual‐Channel Capsule Generative Adversarial Network (DCCGAN) to classify secondary users (SUs) as Normal or Attacker. Normally, DCCGAN not exposes any optimization techniques adoption to compute optimum parameters for assuring exact prediction. Thus, capuchin search algorithm (CSA) is employed for optimizing DCCGAN weight parameters. Once the attack is detected, then alert information is fed to AMGNN opportunistic spectrum access. Proposed model executed at MATLAB and performance analyzed with performance metrics like system utility rate Vs available spectrum range, Attack detection rate, Accuracy, Packet Delivery Ratio (PDR), and throughput. The proposed method attains higher accuracy of 96.31%, 97.06%, 93.52%, higher system utility rate of 97.22%, 91.39%, 96.41%, and higher attack detection rate of 96.25%, 94.12%, 97.15% analyzed to the existing models, such as BAD‐AESA‐SCRN, BAD‐BMHHO‐ENN‐SCRN, and BAD‐HCM‐EELM‐SCRN respectively.
Effect of macadamia oil cake on blood lipid characteristics and intestinal microbiota in hyperlipidemic rat
Authors: Liu Yao , Xie Tengfei , Wu Shijun , Yang Guang , Zhang Jinyun , Song Jie , Yang Guifang
Published: June 2023

Macadamia oil cake (MOC) is a type of macadamia nut by‐product, that is extremely rich in amino acids and has beneficial health effects. It lowers blood lipid levels and regulates the intestinal microbiota. MOC effectively attenuated total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels in model rats. Depending on the morphology of the colon, MOC can effectively attenuate damage to the tissue structure. The 16S rDNA gene of the rat intestinal microbiota was sequenced using Illumina PE250 high‐throughput sequencing technology, and the changes in the intestinal microbiota in each group are discussed. Supplementing MOC at different doses significantly increased the microbiota of Dorea, Erysipelotrichaceae, Stercoris, etc. in the intestinal tracts of rats fed a high‐fat diet. Therefore, MOC can be included in lipid healthy dietary patterns to lower lipid characteristics and restructure the intestinal microbiota. Future clinical trials are required to determine the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of hypolipidemia.
Geotechnical challenges and innovations in urban underground construction – The Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit project
Authors: Khoo Chee‐Min , Ooi Teik‐Aun
Published: June 2023

The Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit (KVMRT) project involves the construction of an urban passenger transport system, i.e., Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, together with the existing urban rail network, will form the backbone of the public transport system in the Greater Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley region in Malaysia. The first MRT line implemented is the 47 km Kajang Line, of which 9.5 km is underground tunnels with seven underground stations. Construction of the line began on 8 July 2011 and achieved the full line opening on 17 July 2017. The second MRT line―Putrajaya Line―began fully operations on 16 March 2023, stretches from Sungai Buloh to Serdang and ends at Putrajaya for a length of 57.7 km, of which 13.5 km is underground tunnels with 10 new underground stations. Like all other metro underground stations/tunnels designed as part of the urban city, the KVMRT underground construction faces challenges from a technical (engineering design and construction) as well as social (environmental and land related) point of view. Needless to say, underground construction in Klang Valley is intensified with the inherent geotechnical challenges presented by complex ground conditions ranging from hard granite, heterogeneous Kenny Hill formation and extreme karstic limestone with fully developed weathered profiles to soft recent deposits including alluvium and mine tailing that is under‐consolidated in places due to past mining activities. The development of this large‐scale infrastructure project has not only opened up tremendous works and new frontier for tunnelling and geotechnical engineering in Malaysia, but it also provided a wealth of information of unique geotechnical challenges/accomplishments as well as technology breakthrough and design innovation in underground engineering. This article discusses some aspects of geotechnical challenges and interesting lessons learnt as well as numerous innovations embedded into this highly complex urban underground construction project.
Structural plasticity in the entorhinal and perirhinal cortices following hippocampal lesions in rhesus monkeys
Authors: Villard Justine , Chareyron Loïc J. , Piguet Olivia , Lambercy Pauline , Lonchampt Gianni , Banta Lavenex Pamela , Amaral David G. , Lavenex Pierre
Published: June 2023

Immature neurons expressing the Bcl2 protein are present in various regions of the mammalian brain, including the amygdala and the entorhinal and perirhinal cortices. Their functional role is unknown but we have previously shown that neonatal and adult hippocampal lesions increase their differentiation in the monkey amygdala. Here, we assessed whether hippocampal lesions similarly affect immature neurons in the entorhinal and perirhinal cortices. Since Bcl2‐positive cells were found mainly in areas Eo, Er, and Elr of the entorhinal cortex and in layer II of the perirhinal cortex, we also used Nissl‐stained sections to determine the number and soma size of immature and mature neurons in layer III of area Er and layer II of area 36 of the perirhinal cortex. We found different structural changes in these regions following hippocampal lesions, which were influenced by the time of the lesion. In neonate‐lesioned monkeys, the number of immature neurons in the entorhinal and perirhinal cortices was generally higher than in controls. The number of mature neurons was also higher in layer III of area Er of neonate‐lesioned monkeys but no differences were found in layer II of area 36. In adult‐lesioned monkeys, the number of immature neurons in the entorhinal cortex was lower than in controls but did not differ from controls in the perirhinal cortex. The number of mature neurons in layer III of area Er did not differ from controls, but the number of small, mature neurons in layer II of area 36 was lower than in controls. In sum, hippocampal lesions impacted populations of mature and immature neurons in discrete regions and layers of the entorhinal and perirhinal cortices, which are interconnected with the amygdala and provide major cortical inputs to the hippocampus. These structural changes may contribute to some functional recovery following hippocampal injury in an age‐dependent manner.
Predictors of hospital length of stay and mortality among COVID‐19 inpatients during 2020–2021 in Hormozgan Province of Iran: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Mastaneh Zahra , Mouseli Ali , Mohseni Shokrollah , Dadipoor Sara
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

About one‐fifth of patients with COVID‐19 need to be hospitalized. Predicting factors affecting the hospital length of stay (LOS) can be effective in prioritizing patients, planning for services, and preventing the increase in LOS and death of patients. The present study aimed to identify the factors that predict LOS and mortality in COVID‐19 patients in a retrospective cohort study.

Methods

A total of 27,859 patients were admitted to 22 hospitals from February 20, 2020 to June 21, 2021. The data collected from 12,454 patients were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data were captured from the MCMC (Medical Care Monitoring Center) database. The study tracked patients until their hospital discharge or death. Hospital LOS and mortality were assessed as the study outcomes.

Results

As the results revealed, 50.8% of patients were male and 49.2% were female. The mean hospital LOS of the discharged patients was 4.94. Yet, 9.1% of the patients (n = 1133) died. Among the predictors of mortality and long hospital LOS were the age above 60, admission to the ICU, coughs, respiratory distress, intubation, oxygen level less than 93%, cigarette and drug abuse, and a history of chronic diseases. Masculinity, gastrointestinal symptoms, and cancer were the effective variables in mortality, and positive CT was a factor significantly affecting the hospital LOS.

Conclusion

Paying special attention to high‐risk patients and modifiable risk factors such as heart disease, liver disease, and other chronic diseases can diminish the complications and mortality rate of COVID‐19. Providing training, especially for those who care for patients experiencing respiratory distress such as nurses and operating room personnel can improve the qualifications and skills of medical staff. Also, ensuring the availability of sufficient supply of medical equipment is strongly recommended.
Global incidence, mortality, and burden of esophageal cancer, and its correlation with SDI, metabolic risks, fasting plasma glucose, LDL cholesterol, and body mass index: An ecological study
Authors: Mazidimoradi Afrooz , Ghavidel Fatemeh , Momenimovahed Zohre , Allahqoli Leila , Salehiniya Hamid
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal malignancies. The geographical variation shows the influence of genetic factors, ethnicity, and distribution of various risk factors. Accurate knowledge of EC epidemiology at the global level will help to develop management strategies. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the global and regional disease burden of EC, including the incidence, mortality, and burden of this cancer in 2019.

Methods

Incidence, mortality, disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs), and age‐standardized rates (ASRs) associated with EC in 204 countries in different classifications were extracted from the global burden of disease study. After collecting information on metabolic risks, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and body mass index (body mass index), the relationship between age‐standardized incidence rate (ASIR), mortality rate, and DALYs with these variables was determined.

Results

In 2019, 534,563 new cases of EC were reported worldwide. The highest ASIR is related to regions with medium sociodemographic index (SDI), and high middle income according to the World Bank, the Asian continent, and the western Pacific region. In 2019, a total of 498,067 deaths from EC were recorded. The highest mortality rate due to ASR is in countries with medium SDI and countries with upper middle income of the World Bank. In 2019, 1,166,017 DALYs were reported due to EC. The ASIR, ASDR, and DALYS ASR of EC showed a significant negative linear correlation with SDI, metabolic risks, high FPG, high LDL cholesterol, and high BMI (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The results of this study showed significant gender and geographic variation in the incidence, mortality, and burden of EC. It is recommended to design and implement preventive approaches based on known risk factors and improve quality and access to efficient and appropriate treatments.
AhR agonist tapinarof ameliorates lupus autoimmunity by suppressing Tfh cell differentiation via regulation of the JAK2‐STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Ying , Pan Yanyan , Zhang Peiyi , Wang Fang , Han Ying , Li Kailin , Jiang Wen , Wang Jue , Luan Yun , Xin Qian
Published: June 2023

Background

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a critical regulator of the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of the AhR agonist tapinarof during the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

MRL/lpr mice were intraperitoneally injected with 1 or 5 mg/kg tapinarof for 6 weeks. Kidney histopathology was evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Periodic‐Acid‐Schiff (PAS) staining. Immunofluorescence microscopy was performed to detect immune complex renal depositions. Flow cytometry (FCM) analysis was carried out to determine the proportions of T and B cell subsets. Realtime qPCR was used to quantify the expression of Tfh cell‐associated genes. We conducted an in vitro polarization experiment to observe the effect of tapinarof on Tfh differentiation. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of target proteins.

Results

We found that tapinarof treatment ameliorated lupus phenotypes, including splenomegaly, lymph node enlargement, kidney damages, immune complex deposition, and excessive secretion of antibodies. Additionally, we showed that Treg subpopulation frequencies significantly increased in MRL/lpr mice treated with tapinarof, while the proportion of Th1/Th2 cells was reduced after tapinarof administration. Moreover, tapinarof suppressed Tfh cell differentiation and germinal center (GC) reaction in vivo. The inhibitory effect of tapinarof on Tfh cells was further verified in the in vitro Tfh cell polarization experiment. Realtime qPCR revealed that tapinarof repressed the expression of Tfh signature genes. Mechanistically, tapinarof significantly inhibited the phosphorylation levels of JAK2 and STAT3. The capacity for Tfh differentiation was partially rescued by the STAT3 activator Colivelin TFA. Furthermore, our in vitro Tfh polarization experiments indicated that tapinarof suppressed Tfh cell development in SLE.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrated that tapinarof modulated the JAK2‐STAT3 pathway to suppress Tfh cell differentiation for the treatment of lupus symptoms in MRL/lpr mice.
Astrocytic deletion of protein kinase R‐like ER kinase (PERK) does not affect learning and memory in aged mice but worsens outcome from experimental stroke
Authors: Lahiri Anirudhya , Walton James C. , Zhang Ning , Billington Neil , DeVries A. Courtney , Meares Gordon P.
Published: June 2023

Aging is associated with cognitive decline and is the main risk factor for a myriad of conditions including neurodegeneration and stroke. Concomitant with aging is the progressive accumulation of misfolded proteins and loss of proteostasis. Accumulation of misfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) leads to ER stress and activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR is mediated, in part, by the eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) kinase protein kinase R‐like ER kinase (PERK). Phosphorylation of eIF2α reduces protein translation as an adaptive mechanism but this also opposes synaptic plasticity. PERK, and other eIF2α kinases, have been widely studied in neurons where they modulate both cognitive function and response to injury. The impact of astrocytic PERK signaling in cognitive processes was previously unknown. To examine this, we deleted PERK from astrocytes (AstroPERKKO) and examined the impact on cognitive functions in middle‐aged and old mice of both sexes. Additionally, we tested the outcome following experimental stroke using the transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. Tests of short‐term and long‐term learning and memory as well as of cognitive flexibility in middle‐aged and old mice revealed that astrocytic PERK does not regulate these processes. Following MCAO, AstroPERKKO had increased morbidity and mortality. Collectively, our data demonstrate that astrocytic PERK has limited impact on cognitive function and has a more prominent role in the response to neural injury.
Self‐diagnosis of model suitability for continuous measurements of stream‐dissolved organic carbon derived from in situ UV–visible spectroscopy
Authors: Gaviria Salazar Christian , Roebuck J. Alan , Myers‐Pigg Allison N. , Ziegler Susan
Published: June 2023

Application of high‐frequency monitoring of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is difficult in instances where training datasets are challenging to develop (e.g., remote locations) and the relationship between optical features and DOC concentration changes due to environmental or landscape shifts (e.g., climate or land‐use change). We developed and compared three partial least squares (PLS) models using in situ water level measurements, conductivity, and UV–Vis spectral attenuation to predict DOC. Two site‐specific models were developed using data from a hillslope‐dominated forest or a low‐relief wetland‐pond‐dominated stream catchment. The third model, using data from both sites, exhibited the best performance (DOC range = 4–15.5 mg C L−1, mean = 8.38 mg C L−1, training RMSE = 0.34 mg C L−1, internal validation RMSE = 0.50 mg C L−1, external validation RMSE = 2.43 mg C L−1). We further demonstrate using PLS model statistics to monitor performance and elucidate when and how models should be updated. These statistics, Hotelling's T2 and squared prediction errors, are useful consistency checks for the predictions made and detect underlying inconsistencies that, if undetected, can reduce the robustness of DOC prediction. For example, via the T2 statistic, we identified the summer–autumn transition as a period when DOC composition differed from what was represented in the training dataset. We also determined that elevated SUVA254 values contributed to the overall bias observed in predictions made during the subsequent year as part of the external validation. This enabled the application of a bias correction that reduced the RMSE from 2.43 to 0.89 mg C L−1. The method presented here could be applied to future monitoring programs enabling model updates to monitor DOC fluxes accurately from optical datasets (e.g., attenuance or fluorescence) in the face of developing datasets in remote locations or environmental change. Implementation of this approach may also identify possible regime shifts or landscape and hydrologic change associated with climate and other environmental changes relevant to terrestrial to aquatic fluxes.
Efficient and Unidirectional Launching of Surface Plasmons from a Hyperbolic Meta‐Antenna
Authors: Zhang Yiyun , Lepage Dominic , Gao Bingtao , Wang Pan , Pan Chenxinyu , Niu Junru , Chen Hongsheng , Qian Haoliang
Published: June 2023

Tunnel nanojunctions associated with inelastic electron tunneling have demonstrated crucial applications in on‐chip photonic and plasmonic circuitries due to their high photon modulation speed, large‐scale integration capability, and working‐wavelengths range tunability. However, because most electrons tunnel through a junction elastically, the external quantum efficiency of a nanojunction‐based plasmonic source tends to be around 10−4, severely limiting their applications to date. In this work, an integrated high‐efficiency unidirectional plasmonic source composed of an edge‐to‐edge thickness gradient hyperbolic meta‐antenna is proposed. By engineering the extra wavevector dimension, this study demonstrates a theoretical external quantum efficiency of up to 23% for this system. This is attributed to the large local density of optical states from hyperbolic dispersion and wavevector‐match conditions provided by the optical antennas. Furthermore, this study also demonstrates the tunability of this system across a range of wavelengths from 1300 to 1700 nm. The implementations of these metamaterial‐based tunneling structures enable fast and tunable on‐chip high‐efficiency sources for applications in high‐performance plasmonic circuitries.
Low‐Threshold Multiwavelength Plasmonic Nanolasing in an “H”‐Shape Cavity
Authors: Li Chenyang , Zhang Xutao , Yi Ruixuan , Li Ziyuan , Zhang Fanlu , Liu Kaihui , Gan Xuetao , Fu Lan , Xiao Fajun , Zhao Jianlin , Tan Hark Hoe , Jagadish Chennupati
Published: June 2023

Multiwavelength plasmonic nanolasers are central to the quest for ultradense and versatile photonic integrations. However, the insufficient optical feedback and mode selection strategies result in a high lasing threshold and multi‐mode operation with limited spectral purity and stability. Here, a multiwavelength near‐infrared plasmonic nanolaser with high mode purity by leveraging a nontrivial “H”‐shape plasmonic cavity is demonstrated. The nanolaser is constructed by inserting InGaAs/GaAs multi‐quantum‐disk (MQD) nanowires into a metallic Fabry‐Perot cavity consisting of a pair of Ag nanowires positioned on an ultrasmooth Au film. The design is endowed with strong optical feedback to enhance the energy transfer between the exciton and plasmon, rendering a significant reduction of the lasing threshold. More importantly, the “H”‐shape cavity is featured with a large flexibility in tuning the resonance wavelength, where multiwavelength lasing with the virtues of single‐mode is realized at room temperature. The results make a crucial step toward near‐infrared multiwavelength plasmonic nanolasers and open up exciting opportunities for applications such as ultracompact photonic integrated circuits and high‐throughput biochemical sensing.
Viscoelasticity, Tensile properties, and Microstructure of Cyclic Olefin Copolymer/SBS/SEBS Elastomer Blends
Authors: Chai Keqian , Du Sunhui , Wang Wenhui , He Xuelian
Published: June 2023

Cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) polymers with rigid ring structures like NB in the polymer chain enhance the toughness greatly, but also cause high brittleness of the material, which limits its application. Modification of COC for toughness by the addition of styrene‐butadiene‐styrene block copolymer (SBS) and polystyrene‐block‐poly(ethene‐co‐butyl‐1‐ene)‐block‐polystyrene (SEBS) elastomers of styrene content in SEBS is done. Field emission scanning electron microscope shows that tougheners are uniformly dispersed in the COC matrix without a visible interface between the two phases, which is also supported by the Cole‐Cole and Han curves. Rheological behavior indicates that the addition of SBS and SEBS makes the COC/SBS/SEBS composites to have higher elastic modulus, loss modulus, and composite viscosity than that of pure COC. Furthermore, the tensile strength of the composite presents 3.6 times higher than pure COC, while the elongation at break is 6.3 times higher than pure COC. The dynamic mechanical analysis reveals that the COC and tougheners are well blended, and the SBS and SEBS toughen the COC in agreement with the results of morphological and rheological behaviors.
Investigation of the properties of nickel‐boron/nano‐diamond composite coatings upon pre/post heat treatment
Authors: Rezagholi H. , Mirjani M. , Milani M. , Borji S.
Published: June 2023

The study has explored the physical and chemical properties of nickel‐boron/nano‐diamond composite coatings upon pre/post heat treatment. The nano‐composite coatings were produced by electroless plating. In fact, the effects of using the nano‐diamond additives (0 g l−1, 0.1 g l−1, 0.3 g l−1, 0.5 g l−1, 0.7 g l−1) were investigated in pre/post heat treatment. According to the results, the micro‐hardness of the nickel‐boron/nano‐diamond composite coating produced in the bath containing 0.5 g l−1 nano‐diamond additive reached to 1005 HV 0.05 upon post‐heat treatment. Also, the corrosion resistance of the nickel‐boron/nano‐diamond composite coatings was modified by using the nano‐additive or heat treatment. But, adding nano‐diamond particles reduced the ductility and wear resistance of the nickel‐boron coatings. We also found, modification of the properties (ductility and wear resistance) of the composite coatings was achieved by using the heat treatment.
Dry machining characteristics of coated inserts and multi response optimization through DEAR‐Taguchi method
Authors: Moganapriya C. , Rajasekar R.
Published: June 2023

The primary intent of the proposed research work is to investigate the effectiveness of the titanium aluminium nitride/tungsten carbide‐carbide coated insert during dry turning structural stainless steel. The aim of the study is to simultaneously optimise machining variables like spindle speed, depth of cut and feed for several responses like flank wear, material removal rate and surface roughness. Titanium aluminium nitride/tungsten carbide‐carbide is coated on the surface of carbide tool by cathodic arc evaporation method. The characterization studies have been conducted to ensure the existence of coating material. Micro hardness of coated and pure inserts was tested, which confirms that titanium aluminium nitride/tungsten carbide‐carbide coated insert possesses 17.43 % augmented hardness over pure inserts. The machining was performed by adopting Taguchi experimental design. A multi‐response optimization approach was applied in this study that included ranking methodology based on data development analysis and Taguchi's design. The performance index for multiple responses was measured and mathematically analysed for their effect on processing parameters. The combination of parameter such as spindle speed: 2000 min−1; cutting depth: 0.45 mm and feed rate: 0.16 mm rev−1 was experimental as optimal machining parameters.