bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Bismuth‐Based Triple Therapy in Children With Abdominal Pain and Helicobacter pylori Gastritis
Authors: Shamaly Hussein , Berkowitz Drora , Rosenthal Eldad , Naveh Yehezkel
Published: February 2024

Background:

To evaluate the effect of a therapeutic regimen of 7 days versus 14 days on the clinical manifestations of Helicobacter pylori gastritis in children.

Methods:

Ninety children (age 2–19 years) who had abdominal pain and/or recurrent vomiting were determined to have H. pylori gastritis by endoscopy, histology, and a Giemsa stain positive for H. pylori. The patients were randomized to receive amoxicillin, metronidazole, and bismuth subcitrate for 7 days (group A; 45 children) or 14 days (group B; 45 children) and were observed clinically for 19 ± 11.5 months. Resolution of all abdominal and gastrointestinal symptoms was considered a good response.

Results:

A good response was obtained in 36 (80%) children from group A, and in 37 (82%) from group B. A recurrence of symptoms occurred in four (11%) of the responders from group A, and in six (15.2%) from group B.

Conclusions:

A 7‐day course of bismuth‐based triple therapy for H. pylori gastritis in children appears to be clinically as effective as a 14‐day regimen. The feasibility of a shorter therapeutic regimen may enhance patient compliance and provide a better chance of clinical benefit.
Differences in Dietary Intake and Activity Level Between Normal‐Weight and Overweight or Obese Adolescents
Authors: Garaulet Marta , Martínez Adelia , Victoria Florentina , Pérez–Llamas Francisca , Ortega Rosa Ma , Zamora Salvador
Published: February 2024

Background:

To investigate the prevalence of overweight and obesity in an adolescent group representative of a rural Mediterranean area and to determine possible associations with energy and nutrient intakes and levels of physical exercise.

Methods:

A representative sample of adolescents was drawn from the secondary school of Torre Pacheco (Murcia), a rural Mediterranean area located in the southeast of Spain. The population selected (331 adolescents aged 14–18 years), was divided into two groups: normal‐weight subjects with a body mass index less than 23 kg/m2 and overweight or obese subjects with a body mass index of 23 kg/m2 or more. Weight, height, abdominal and hip perimeters, triceps skinfold, and upper arm circumference were measure. A prospective 7‐consecutive‐days food record and physical activity questionnaire were completed.

Results:

Overweight boys and girls had an apparently lower energy intake (P = 0.001 and P = 0.042, respectively), and carbohydrate intake (P = 0.000, P = 0.032) than their normal‐weight counterparts, but they tended to underreport more often. Overweight boys derived a greater percentage of their energy from fat (P = 0.049) and less from carbohydrate (P = 0.016) than their normal‐weight counterparts. Among girls, the percentage of energy derived from fat increased with body mass index (r = 0.210, P = 0.008), whereas fiber intake decreased (r = −0.145;P = 0.041). Overweight and obesity were negatively related to physical activity level only among boys (P = 0.033).

Conclusion:

There is a high prevalence of overweight and obesity in the adolescent population studied (48.2% in boys and 30.7% in girls). The study shows an association between overweight and obesity and nutrient intake and activity level.
Ethnic Differences in Intestinal Disaccharidase Values in Children in Finland
Authors: Kolho Kaija‐Leena , Savilahti Erkki
Published: February 2024

Background:

Intestinal disaccharidase activities tend to be low in villous atrophy, but there are only a few reports of enzyme activities in children with normal villous architecture.

Methods:

In the current study the data were reviewed on disaccharidase activities in duodenal biopsy specimens of normal villous structure in 223 children undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in 1997 and 1998. The ancestry was Finnish in 188 children (median age 8.0 years; range, 0.2–18 years), African in 27 children (median age 5.0 years; range, 1–13 years), and other in eight children.

Results:

The mean activities of lactase, sucrase, and maltase were significantly higher in Finnish children than in children of African origin (P < 0.0001, P < 0.002, and P < 0.02, respectively). Lactase activity decreased with increasing age (P < 0.001), but age had no significant effect on maltase and sucrase activities. Among Finnish children, 31% (59/188) had lactase activity below the established reference range of 20 units (units are micromoles of substrate hydrolyzed per minute at 37°C per gram of protein) and one child had a probable sucrase‐isomaltase deficiency. When these 60 children with low enzyme activities were excluded, the geometric means were lactase, 35.7 units (95% confidence interval [CI], 32.8–38.6 units); maltase, 241 units (95% CI, 225–258 units); and sucrase, 57.5 units (95% CI, 53.5–61.6 units). Among the children of African origin, lactase activity was decreased in 67% (18/27). All three enzyme activities were decreased in parallel more often among the African children (8/27) than among the Finnish children (9/188;P < 0.002).

Conclusions:

Ethnicity has a strong effect on disaccharidase values in children with normal villous structure. African children have lower activities of lactase, sucrase, and maltase in duodenal specimens than do children of Finnish origin.
Feeding Tolerance in Premature Infants Fed Fortified Human Milk
Authors: Moody Gloria J. , Schanler Richard J. , Lau Chantal , Shulman Robert J.
Published: February 2024

Background:

To evaluate feeding tolerance in premature infants immediately after the addition of human milk fortifier (HMF) to their expressed human milk diet.

Methods:

Data on milk intake, feeding tolerance, and related assessments and growth milestones from a prospective study of feeding strategies in premature infants were analyzed. The database was searched for the first day HMF was added to the feeding of infants receiving human milk exclusively. The following assessments were tabulated for the 5 days before and the 5 days after the addition of HMF: milk intake, the number of episodes of abdominal distension, gastric residual volume (GRV) more than 2 ml/kg and more than 50% of the volume fed in the prior 3 hours, bile‐stained gastric residual, emesis or regurgitation, blood in the stool, the number of abdominal radiographs, the number of episodes of apnea and bradycardia, changes in findings in the clinical examination, and the number of hours feeding was withheld. The time to achieve full tube feeding, complete oral feeding, and hospital discharge were recorded.

Results:

Seventy‐six exclusively human milk–fed premature infants (birth weight, 1065 ± 18 g; gestational age, 27 ± 0.1 weeks; mean ± SEM) who received HMF beginning 22 ± 0.8 days of age were evaluated. There were significant increases in milk intake and in the number of episodes of GRV more than 2 ml/kg and emesis after the addition of HMF. There were no differences in the number of hours feeding was withheld or any other assessment after the addition of HMF. Infants with increases in GRV more than 2 ml/kg and/or emesis after the addition of HMF were not more likely to be delayed in the time to achieve full tube feeding, complete oral feeding, or hospital discharge than infants who did not experience these events.

Conclusion:

These data suggest that, when all feeding and related assessments and the time to achieve important growth milestones are considered, the addition of HMF does not adversely affect the outcome of the premature infant.
Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Cystic Fibrosis and Its Cross‐Reactivity With Anti‐Pseudomonas Antibodies
Authors: Israel Noel R. B. , Khanna Bhawna , Cutler Alan , Perry Marilyn , Caplan Daniel , Weatherly Mark , Gold Benjamin D.
Published: February 2024

Background:

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection and its role in gastroduodenal disease in cystic fibrosis (CF) are controversial. Additionally, serologic determination of infection in this population may be inaccurate because of cross‐reactivity with other bacterial species. The seroprevalence of H. pylori in a cohort of patients with CF and its cross‐reactivity with Pseudomonas antibodies were investigated.

Methods:

A research enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and three commercial serologic assays (PyloriStat; BioWhittaker, Walkersville, MD, U.S.A.; Flexsure; SmithKline Diagnostics, Inc., San Jose, CA, U.S.A.; and HM‐CAP; EPI, Stony Brook, NY, U.S.A.) at three independent laboratories determined the seroprevalence of anti‐H. pylori IgG antibodies in 70 patients with CF. Cross‐reactivity between solid‐phase H. pylori antigens and Pseudomonas antibodies was ascertained by a competitive inhibition assay, preadsorbing sera of patients with CF with whole cell proteins from different Pseudomonas species, and serum reanalysis by each assay. Western blot analysis before and after adsorption was performed to identify potential cross‐reactive antigens.

Results:

The research ELISA, Flexsure, Pyloristat, and HM‐CAP initially showed H. pylori seropositivity of 47%, 28%, 24%, and 37%, respectively. Postadsorption seropositivity declined to 8%, 0%, 0%, and 15%, respectively. All patients with research ELISA true‐positive results were confirmed endoscopically to have H. pylori infection. Western blot analysis showed a 31‐kDa H. pylori protein with antigenic epitopes common to both bacterial species.

Conclusions:

Cross‐reactivity between solid‐phase H. pylori antigens and anti‐Pseudomonas antibodies occurs in patients with CF. A high index of suspicion should be assumed in evaluating results of serologic H. pylori tests in this population. Preadsorption of CF sera with Pseudomonas proteins should be used in serologic testing.
Pancake kidney and jejunal atresia: An uncommon dual anomaly detected prenatally—A case report
Authors: Bayrak Ayse Cigdem , Fadiloglu Erdem , Kayikci Umutcan , İdilman İlkay , Ozcan H. Nursun , Deren Ozgur
Published: February 2024

Pancake kidney is a renal fusion anomaly with only a few reported prenatal diagnoses. Other structural anomalies beyond the urogenital system may also be associated. This study describes a dual anomaly case detected prenatally, comprising of pancake kidney and jejunal atresia. A postnatal abdominal ultrasound confirmed both kidneys were fused in the midline at the aortic bifurcation level, along with a type 3b jejunal atresia. Based on the available limited evidence about pancake kidney, renal functions appear to remain largely preserved and unaffected as in our case according to 6 months of follow‐up. However, further investigation is needed to explore any potential association with chromosomal and structural abnormalities in selected cases.
Can peer feedback substitute for faculty feedback in predoctoral dental education?
Authors: Veremis Brandon M. , Granberg Luke , Ramaswamy Vidya , Popov Vitaliy , Katser Margarita S. , Danciu Theodora E.
Published: February 2024

Purpose/objectives

The ability to give and receive feedback is a key skill to develop during predoctoral dental education, and the use of peer feedback specifically offers distinct benefits including a different understanding of material due to peers’ proximity of knowledge development and assisting with overburdened instructors. However, it is unclear if peer feedback offers similar quality to instructor feedback.

Methods

Dental students in two different graduation years provided quantitative and qualitative peer feedback on a case‐based oral and maxillofacial pathology simulation. The data from these exercises were aggregated and analyzed to compare the quality of qualitative feedback to course examination scores. Student perceptions of peer feedback were also recorded.

Results

The mean quality of feedback was not correlated with course examination scores, though the number of times students gave high‐quality feedback and received high‐quality feedback was correlated with course examination scores. Student feedback overall had a lower quality than instructor feedback, though there was no significant difference between instructor feedback quality and the maximum student feedback quality received. Student perceptions of the utility of feedback were positive.

Conclusion

While instructor feedback is more reliable and consistent, our findings suggest that in most instances, at least one peer in moderate‐sized groups is able to approximate the quality of instructor feedback on case‐based assignments.
Threshold for stability of weak saturation
Authors: Bidgoli Mohammadreza , Mohammadian Ali , Tayfeh‐Rezaie Behruz , Zhukovskii Maksim
Published: February 2024

We study the weak ‐saturation number of the Erdős–Rényi random graph , denoted by , where is the complete graph on vertices. In 2017, Korándi and Sudakov proved that the weak ‐saturation number of is stable, in the sense that it remains the same after removing edges with constant probability. In this paper, we prove that there exists a threshold for this stability property and give upper and lower bounds on the threshold. This generalizes the result of Korándi and Sudakov. A general upper bound on is also provided.
A serum‐induced gene signature in hepatocytes is associated with pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Hang Nghiem‐Rao T. , Johnson Jethro S. , Pan Amy , Atkinson Samantha N. , Behling Cynthia , Simpson Pippa M. , Holtz Mary L. , Weinstock George M. , Schwimmer Jeffrey B. , Salzman Nita H.
Published: February 2024

Objective

Pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing problem, but its underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We used transcriptomic reporter cell assays to investigate differences in transcriptional signatures induced in hepatocyte reporter cells by the sera of children with and without NAFLD.

Methods

We studied serum samples from 45 children with NAFLD and 28 children without NAFLD. The sera were used to induce gene expression in cultured HepaRG cells and RNA‐sequencing was used to determine gene expression. Computational techniques were used to compare gene expression patterns.

Results

Sera from children with NAFLD induced the expression of 195 genes that were significantly differentially expressed in hepatocytes compared to controls with obesity. NAFLD was associated with increased expression of genes promoting inflammation, collagen synthesis, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Additionally, there was lower expression of genes involved in endobiotic and xenobiotic metabolism, and downregulation of peroxisome function, oxidative phosphorylation, and xenobiotic, bile acid, and fatty acid metabolism. A 13‐gene signature, including upregulation of TREM1 and MMP1 and downregulation of CYP2C9, was consistently associated with all diagnostic categories of pediatric NAFLD.

Conclusion

The extracellular milieu of sera from children with NAFLD induced specific gene profiles distinguishable by a hepatocyte reporter system. Circulating factors may contribute to inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling and impair xenobiotic and endobiotic metabolism in pediatric NAFLD.
Timing of Complications in Open Airway Reconstruction
Authors: Shuman Elizabeth A. , Kim Yun J. , Rodman Jack , O'Dell Karla
Published: February 2024

Objective

Tracheal resection (TR) and cricotracheal resection (CTR) are performed for patients with airway stenosis, tracheal tumor, and tracheoesophageal fistula. Post‐operative complications include airway edema requiring reintubation, hematoma, anastomotic dehiscence, restenosis, and death. Although these complications and associated risk factors have been well described, the time where clinical suspicion should be highest post operatively has not been characterized.

Methods

Patients who underwent TR or CTR at a single center between 2015 and 2022 were reviewed. Variables including demographics and comorbidities were recorded. Rate, nature, and time in days of post‐operative complications were evaluated.

Results

Sixty‐nine cases were reviewed. Average patient age was 46.8 years old and 63.8% were male. The average follow‐up period was 625 ± 724 days. 19 (27.5%) patients experienced one or more major complications including four (5.8%) who died. Eight (11.6%) patients required reintubation and 4 (5.8%) patients underwent revision tracheostomy. Most complications occurred within 8 days of surgery. Restenosis was noted an average of 42.6 days after surgery, with no new restenosis occurring after 3 months.

Conclusions

In this single‐center study, most post‐operative complications after TR or CTR, including hematoma and anastomotic dehiscence, occurred within 8 days post‐operatively. Restenosis was noted approximately 1–3 months after surgery. This may inform clinical decision‐making regarding patient monitoring and surveillance after open airway surgery.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:3527–3531, 2024
Physics‐Aware Analytic‐Gradient Training of Photonic Neural Networks
Authors: Zhan Yuancheng , Zhang Hui , Lin Hexiang , Chin Lip Ket , Cai Hong , Karim Muhammad Faeyz , Poenar Daniel Puiu , Jiang Xudong , Mak Man‐Wai , Kwek Leong Chuan , Liu Ai Qun
Published: February 2024

Photonic neural networks (PNNs) have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional electronic neural networks. However, the training of PNNs, especially the chip implementation of analytic gradient descent algorithms that are recognized as highly efficient in traditional practice, remains a major challenge because physical systems are not differentiable. Although training methods such as gradient‐free and numerical gradient methods are proposed, they suffer from excessive measurements and limited scalability. State‐of‐the‐art in situ training method is also cost‐challenged, requiring expensive in‐line monitors and frequent optical I/O switching. Here, a physics‐aware analytic‐gradient training (PAGT) method is proposed that calculates the analytic gradient in a divide‐and‐conquer strategy, overcoming the difficulty induced by chip non‐differentiability in the training of PNNs. Multiple training cases, especially a generative adversarial network, are implemented on‐chip, achieving a significant reduction in time consumption (from 31 h to 62 min) and a fourfold reduction in energy consumption, compared to the in situ method. The results provide low‐cost, practical, and accelerated solutions for training hybrid photonic‐digital electronic neural networks.
Improving Photoelectron Localization to Significantly Enhanced Broadband Orange‐Light Emission in Hybrid Antimony Halides with Sb─Cl Secondary Bonding
Authors: Yuan Jiantao , Qi Zhikai , Zhang Jian , Zhang Nan , Zhang Xian‐Ming
Published: February 2024

Hybrid ns2 metal halides have attracted extensive attention due to the unique photophysical behavior. However, the reasonable improvement of photoluminescence efficiency by accurate structural modulation remains a great challenge. Herein, two kind of antimony halides with formulae as (S)/(R)‐[C6H16N2]3[SbCl5]2·2Cl ((S)/(R)‐1·2Cl) and (S)/(R)‐[C6H16N2]2[SbCl5]2 ((S)/(R)‐2) ([C6H16N2]2+ = 1,2‐Diaminocyclohexane) are developed, in which 0D [Sb4Cl20]8− clusters and 1D infinite [SbCl5]n2n− polyanion chains are adopted, respectively. The stoichiometric tunability enables metastable (S)/(R)‐1·2Cl being transformed to dynamic stable (S)/(R)‐2. All compounds contain a large number of Sb─Cl secondary bonds because of the strong chemical activity of 5s2 electrons. The obtained compounds exhibit broadband orange‐light emission, while photoluminescence quantum yield of (S)/(R)‐2 is significantly enhanced to ≈76% due mainly to the generation of more localized electrons onto 1D chains. Experimental and computational results reveal that efficient broadband emission derives from the synergistic emission of singlet and triplet states, where the presence of shallow trap energy levels leads to anti‐thermal quenching behavior. Furthermore, the highly efficient photoluminescence property allows (S)‐2 to become excellent down‐conversion phosphor for white‐light emitting diode. This work proves that exploring structure‐property relationship in hybrid systems is helpful in promoting the rapid development of high‐performance broadband emission metal halides.
Thermal properties of poly(vinyl butyral)/iron oxide composite nanofibers
Authors: Kalaoglu‐Altan O. I.
Published: February 2024

In the present study, iron(II, III) oxide nanoparticles are added to the electrospinning solution of poly(vinyl butyral) in order to yield electrospun composite poly(vinyl butyral)/iron oxide nanofibers. Scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses confirm the successful incorporation of iron(II, III) oxide nanoparticles in the nanofibers. Differential scanning calorimetry results show a decrease of approximately 6 °C in the glass transition temperature of the nanofibers with the addition of 1.0 % iron(II, III) oxide nanoparticle compared to neat poly(vinyl butyral) nanofibers. The infrared thermograms suggest the formation of a thermally conductive network for poly(vinyl butyral)/iron oxide nanofibers with faster and more evenly heat dissipation compared to that of neat poly(vinyl butyral) nanofibers while thermal conductivity coefficient of the poly(vinyl butyral) nanofibers is found to increase by 57 % with 1.0 % of nano iron oxide loading. The increased thermal conductivity and thermal absorptivity values suggest the cooling effect of the poly(vinyl butyral)/iron oxide composite nanofibers, which are promising materials for thermal management applications.
Effect of groove angle on residual stress and deformation of super duplex stainless steel SAF 2507 and austenitic stainless steel 316L dissimilar plasma arc welding
Authors: Hong X. , Huang B. , Li T. , Zheng J. , Zhu Y.
Published: February 2024

Plasma arc welding of super duplex stainless steel SAF 2507 and austenitic stainless steel 316L was carried out by using V‐grooves with different groove angles. In order to predict the temperature distribution during the welding process, the Simufact Welding finite element software was used to establish an equivalent heat source to simulate the plasma arc welding process. The equivalent heat source consists of Goldak heat source and conical heat source. In mechanical simulation, the elastoplastic behavior with isotropic hardening is realized. The numerical results are in good agreement with the experimental results. The results show that with the increase of groove angle, the equivalent stress, transverse residual stress, longitudinal residual stress and overall deformation of SAF 2507/316L dissimilar steel welded joint decrease gradually, and the overall deformation of the joint increases gradually. The groove angle has little influence on the equivalent stress, transverse residual stress and overall deformation, but has great influence on the longitudinal residual stress and Z‐direction deformation. Comprehensive analysis of the stress and deformation results under four groove angles shows that the groove angle is too large or too small, which has a great influence on the stress and deformation of the weldment. The groove angle of 60° is better for SAF 2507/316L dissimilar steel welding.
Exploring the Regulatory Effect of Tegillarca granosa Polysaccharide on High‐Fat Diet‐Induced Non‐Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice Based on Intestinal Flora
Authors: Yang Xingwen , Yao Shiwei , Jiang Qihong , Chen Hui , Liu Shulai , Shen Guoxin , Xiang Xingwei , Chen Lin
Published: February 2024

To explore the potential mechanism of action of Tegillarca granosa polysaccharide (TGP) in treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the study conducts in vivo experiments using male C57BL/6 mice fed a high‐fat diet while administering TGP for 16 weeks. The study measures body weight, liver weight, serum biochemical markers, pathological histology, liver lipid accumulation, oxidative stress and inflammation‐related factors, lipid synthesis and metabolism‐related gene and protein expression, and the composition and abundance of intestinal flora. Additionally, short‐chain fatty acid (SCFAs) content and the correlation between intestinal flora and environmental factors are measured. The results show that TGP effectively reduces excessive hepatic lipid accumulation, dyslipidemia, abnormal liver function, and steatosis in the mice with NAFLD. Moreover, TGP effectively regulates intestinal flora disorder, increases the diversity of intestinal flora, and affects the relative abundance of specific bacteria while also increasing the content of SCFAs. These findings provide a basis for exploring the regulatory effect of T. granosa polysaccharide on NAFLD based on intestinal flora and highlight its potential as a natural liver nutraceutical.
Beam‐tilting antenna with low profile and increased gain for 5G mobile applications
Authors: Bharath Kunooru , Srujana Vahini N. , Dasari Rama Krishna , Abegaonkar Mahesh P. , PandhariPande V. M.
Published: February 2024

A low‐profile beam‐tilting antenna with enhanced gain at millimeter‐wave frequency for future 5G mobile applications is designed, and measured results are presented. The mechanism of beam tilting is explained using the proposed printed rectangular loop dipole antenna (RLDA) with three directors that operate at 37 to 40 GHz. The proposed design includes a printed RLDA, one rectangular director sandwiched between two reverse L‐shape directors separated by a 0.05λ0 gap and located 0.35λ0 from the antenna. The measured results, which are well accepted with simulations, show that the antenna's main beam in the E‐plane tilts between ±20° with respect to the end‐fire direction over 37 to 40 GHz. A gain enhancement of 3 dB is obtained with no beam tilt, whereas a gain enhancement of 1.5 dB is obtained with the tilted beam in comparison to the printed RLDA. The proposed design is smaller in size, with a footprint of 10.2 mm × 5 mm (1.3λ0 × 0.64λ0).
Migrant children's take‐up of social health insurance: Experimental evidence from China
Authors: Shen Menghan , Tang Zhiwei , Liang Xiaoxia , Ye Xiaoyang
Published: February 2024

There is mounting evidence on the importance of health insurance for children's health and well‐being. However, many disadvantaged families do not enroll their eligible children in social health insurance programs. This study examines the effectiveness of interventions aimed at increasing social health insurance enrollment for disadvantaged migrant children in Guangzhou, China. We conducted a two‐stage randomized controlled trial with a 3 × 2 design: (1) randomly assigning parents to a control group or one of two treatment groups, where they received digital information on eligibility or eligibility plus comparative benefits and costs; and (2) nudging half of the parents with text message reminders about the enrollment deadline. Informing parents about eligibility alone did not have any impact. However, providing information on eligibility plus comparative benefits and costs increased enrollment in social health insurance in Guangzhou by over 44% (9.4 percentage points). Nudging produced no significant impact. Exploiting treatment group assignment as an instrument for coverage, we were unable to detect any positive effects of having social health insurance in the first year after the intervention.
Recent advances and challenges in thermal stability of PVA‐based film: A review
Authors: Suleiman Gasim Sebit Ahmed , Zeng Xu , Chakma Rupesh , Wakai Ibrahim Y. , Feng Yakai
Published: February 2024

Food packaging film is being developed using biodegradable polymers to prolong the shelf life of foods and address the environmental damage caused by non‐biodegradable plastics. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is a biodegradable polymer with outstanding characteristics and can be easily shaped into a film. However, PVA‐based film still faces several obstacles that seriously restrict its practical application in the food packaging industry, particularly its low thermal stability limits the film process method. The growing preference demand for PVA‐based films with enhanced thermal stability in food packaging can be attributed to their advantageous characteristics, including commendable temperature resistance, safety, versatile processing capabilities, and prolonged shelf life. It is critical to comprehend the difficulties with PVA thermal degradation behavior and mechanism, and how to address this problem. In this review, we provide strategies for improving the thermal stability of PVA film including modification with environmentally friendly polymers, nanoparticles, and crosslinking agents. Also, the current challenges, and the potential for future advancements in the thermal stability of PVA and its composites are proposed. The new insight into the relationship between PVA based film processing and thermal properties of materials are expected to provide a valuable guide for developing PVA films with high thermal stability.
Polycrystalline GeSn Films Grown by Hot Wire Chemical Vapor Deposition on SiO2/Si(001) Substrates
Authors: Shengurov Gennady Vladimirovich , Buzynin Yury Nikolaevich , Chalkov Vadim Yurievich , Nezhdanov Alexey Vladimirovich , Kudrin Alexey Vladimirovich , Yunin Pavel Andreevich
Published: February 2024

The conditions for the growth of polycrystalline GeSn films on SiO2/Si(001) substrates by hot wire chemical vapor deposition are determined for the first time. The effect of the introduction of Sn into the Ge lattice on the morphology, structure, and transport properties of films is studied. GeSn films obtained at 300 °C have a uniform surface with a roughness of less than 1.0 nm. It is shown that the introduction of 5% Sn allows, without the use of recrystallization annealing, to significantly increase the hole mobility of polycrystalline GeSn films from 20 to 60 cm2 V−1 × s−1. despite the small grain size of 35 nm. Such films are of great interest for creating thin‐film transistors for active matrices’ liquid crystal displays.
Alternative electrolyte solutions for untargeted breath metabolomics using secondary‐electrospray ionization high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Wüthrich Cedric , Zenobi Renato , Giannoukos Stamatios
Published: February 2024

Rationale

Secondary‐electrospray ionization (SESI) coupled with high‐resolution mass spectrometry is a powerful tool for the discovery of biomarkers in exhaled breath. A primary electrospray consisting of aqueous formic acid (FA) is currently used to charge the volatile organic compounds in breath. To investigate whether alternate electrospray compositions could enable different metabolite coverage and sensitivities, the electrospray dopants NaI and AgNO3 were tested.

Methods

In a proof‐of‐principle manner, the exhaled breath of one subject was analyzed repeatedly with different electrospray solutions and with the help of a spectral stitching technique. Capillary diameter and position were optimized to achieve proper detection of exhaled breath. The detected features were then compared using formula annotation. Using an evaporation‐based gas standard system, the signal response of the different solutions was probed.

Results

Principal component analysis revealed a substantial difference in features detected with AgNO3. With silver, more sulfur‐containing features and more unsaturated hydrocarbon compounds were detected. Furthermore, more primary amines were potentially ionized, as indicated by van Krewelen diagrams. In total, twice as many features were unique to AgNO3 than for other electrospray dopants. Using gas standards at known concentrations, the high sensitivity of FA as a dopant was demonstrated but also indicated alternate sensitivities of the other electrospray solutions.

Conclusions

This work demonstrated the potential of AgNO3 as a complementary dopant for further biomarker discovery in SESI‐based breath analysis.
A case of naganishial pleuritis in a kidney transplant recipient
Authors: Tassaneeyasin Tanapat , Eksombatchai Dararat , Chantharit Prawat , Singhsnaeh Arunee , Boonsarngsuk Viboon
Published: February 2024

The Naganishia species is a mycosis, previously classified as a non‐neoformans Cryptococcus species. The increased number of naganishial infections occurs predominantly in immunocompromised conditions, especially in people living with HIV with low CD4 cell count, primary immunodeficiencies, and iatrogenic immunosuppression. The lungs can serve as the primary site of infection, leading to various pulmonary manifestations. However, naganishial pleural effusions are unrecognized and challenged in diagnosis because of their presentation, which can mimic tuberculous pleural effusion. Herein, we report the case of a 53‐year‐old man who had undergone kidney transplantation for more than 2 years and presented with chest tightness and dyspnea. Computed chest tomography demonstrated left pleural nodules and pleural effusion, later confirmed as exudative pleural effusion with a lymphocyte predominance. Pleuroscopy revealed multiple small pleural nodules, and biopsies of these nodules were performed. Naganishia spp. was identified by the 18S rRNA sequencing technique.
Representative bureaucracy and COVID‐19 among local emergency response professionals
Authors: Hildebrand Sean , Malone Matthew
Published: February 2024

This article considers the opinions of local emergency management professionals with regard to the response of the US federal government to the COVID‐19 pandemic. The responses to a survey from May/June 2020 demonstrate that these feelings, ranging from highly successful to extremely poor, are reflective of the culture at large in the nation. The study will examine whether the feelings expressed by local officials are reflective of prevailing political leanings of their constituency, measured as the presidential voting habits from 2000 to 2020 in the respondent's jurisdiction. This will extend Hildebrand's (2020) testing which linked the emergency management field to the theory of “representative bureaucracy.” This theory surmises that government actors will be reflective of their body politic in their behavior and attitudes toward federal initiatives. The findings suggest that those who represent “Strong Republican” jurisdictions have greater odds in rating the federal response as being effective, and that those from “Strong Democrat” locations will have greater odds in rating the federal response as not effective at all. Statistical testing also suggests that as the population of the jurisdiction increases, the less likely the respondent was to consider the federal response to COVID‐19 effective.
Effect of alkali residue and humic acid on aggregate structure of saline‐alkali soil
Authors: Liu Chang , Shang Hongzhou , Han Lihua , Sun Xiaoran
Published: February 2024

Humic acid (HA) and alkali residue (AR) exert an essential impact on soil aggregate structure, but how HA and AR promote the formation of macroaggregates jointly is not clear. The aim of this research was to explore influence of alkali residue and humic acid (AHA) on the structure and stability of soil aggregates, with saline‐alkali soil in North China as an example. The morphology and structure of the soil with AHA added were detected by a scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. Soil aggregate structure was analyzed by mean weight diameter (MWD), geometric mean diameter (GMD), and fractal dimension (D), and the trend of soil colloid forming macroaggregates was evaluated by zeta potential and surface charge. The results showed that under dry and wet sieves, MWD and GMD both surged initially and then decreased with the rise of AHA content, while D had the opposite trend. With the addition of 3%, AHA, MWD, and GMD reached their peak which proves that the proportion of soil macroaggregates was the highest. In the meantime, absolute value of zeta potential was low, which illustrates that the soil colloid system was in an unstable state of condensation and microaggregates tend to transform into macroaggregates. A large number of ions such as Ca2+ and Mg2+ in AHA promoted variable charge of saline‐alkali soil, and the binding frequency of Ca2+ with negatively charged humus and soil colloid particles was increased. AHA holds great promise for improving the aggregate structure of saline‐alkali soil.
Unveiling the hidden gems: Minor crops as catalysts for sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and economic resilience
Authors: Mattas Konstadinos , Nastis Stefanos A. , Michailidis Anastasios , Tsakiridou Efthimia , Spyridon Koutroubas
Published: February 2024

This paper highlights the significance of nurturing and safeguarding minor crops as a means of achieving regional sustainable development, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring food security. Minor crops play a critical role in addressing various environmental challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, desertification, and soil salinity. Simultaneously, they offer local farmers economic opportunities by providing income stability and resilience. To demonstrate the potential of minor crops in promoting sustainable development, a case study from Greece is presented, focusing on three crops: blackcurrant, rice, and sunflower, which bring substantial economic and environmental benefits to the region. The study assesses the economic and environmental impact of these crops across three different rural territories in Greece. Despite covering less than 4% of total agricultural land, these crops are predominantly grown in marginal, mountainous, and insular regions. By analyzing the farm‐level and broader economic effects, the study determines their potential for agricultural and regional development. The results indicate that these crops are more profitable and environmentally friendly compared to their counterparts in all three cases. Additionally, they make significant contributions to the regional economies relative to their cultivated land area, supporting economic growth while conserving and enhancing agricultural land. In conclusion, this article emphasizes the crucial need to promote the cultivation and preservation of minor crops to support sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and regional economic growth. Policymakers and agricultural practitioners should prioritize the cultivation and preservation of regional minor crops to safeguard biodiversity at the regional level and at the same time sustainable regional development.
Measuring mental ill‐health in the veterinary industry: A systematic review
Authors: Connolly Caitlin Elizabeth , Norris Kimberley
Published: February 2024

Many instruments have been developed to examine and quantify symptoms of psychopathology. The main objective of this systematic review was to examine the instrument choice employed to measure mental ill‐health in professionals working in the veterinary industry and reporting of psychometric testing of these instruments by researchers. 78 papers were reviewed. A total of 73 different instruments used to measure 19 symptoms of mental ill‐health were identified. Quality assessment of included papers indicated 9 were low, 63 were moderate, and 6 were high quality. Reliability testing was conducted and reported in 36 papers and validity testing was reported in 23 papers. There is considerable heterogeneity in instrument choice measuring symptoms of mental ill‐health in this population and inconsistency in conducting and reporting psychometric testing of instruments across studies. Adopting commonly employed instruments that yield high quality data in psychometric testing of instruments would be beneficial at advancing understanding in this field.
Profiling of cyclic di‐adenyl and ‐guanyl nucleotides and their precursors and degradation products in bacteria using LC–MS/MS
Authors: Uhlig Silvio , Cai Kun , Liskiewicz Krystyna Anna , Pain Maria , Grutle Lene Aiko , Røberg‐Larsen Hanne , Simm Roger
Published: February 2024

The 3,3′‐linked cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) of adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and guanosine monophosphate (GMP), cyclic di‐AMP (c‐di‐AMP), cyclic di‐GMP (c‐di‐GMP), and c‐GMP–AMP (cGAMP) are second messenger molecules in bacteria that regulate processes, such as biofilm formation, motility, virulence, stress response, and cell wall homeostasis. To analyze the profiles of the three CDNs together with their breakdown and precursor molecules, 5′‐phosphoadenylyl‐(3′ → 5′)adenine (pApA), 5′‐guanylyl‐(3′ → 5′)guanine (pGpG), 5′‐AMP, 3′‐ and 5′‐GMP, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and GTP, we established an LC–MS/MS‐based approach for semi‐quantification and profiling. Weak anion exchange solid‐phase extraction was employed to improve selectivity and instrumental signal/noise of CDNs as well as pApA and pGpG. CDNs were analyzed using reverse‐phase UHPLC–MS/MS, whereas all other nucleotides were analyzed using hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC)–MS/MS. The instrument limit of quantification ranged from 0.72 (c‐di‐AMP) to 60 nM (ATP and GTP). We applied this method to the analysis of the nine nucleotides in eight bacterial strains and found that the profiles varied widely in terms of both absolute and relative concentrations. Thus, CDN concentrations were generally <1 pmol/mg biomass, and the hydrolysis products, pApA and pGpG, were detected at lower pmol/mg concentrations. The presented method is a relatively simple and straightforward approach to profiling nucleotides with the rationale of comparing their relative levels between populations of bacterial strains.
Computational fluid dynamics and artificial neural network‐based analysis and forecasting of wind effects on obliquely parallel multiple building models using categorical variable encoding
Authors: Sanyal Prasenjit , Dalui Sujit Kumar
Published: February 2024

This research investigates the influence of wind on four closely spaced parallel building models using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The buildings are positioned either perpendicular to the wind direction or at various oblique angles. The aerodynamic results obtained for these buildings in an interfering condition are compared to those of an isolated tall building using the interference and obliquity effect (IOE) factor. Graphical comparisons are made among the different models and faces, considering various obliquity angles (OAs). The inner building models exhibit higher pressure and force coefficients at higher OAs. The variation of pressure coefficients along the horizontal peripheral direction is also analyzed, and the trade‐offs of higher and lower OAs are discussed for the different building models. Furthermore, an artificial neural network (ANN) is trained using surface pressure coefficients from approximately 6000 data points distributed over different facets of building models. Categorical encoding is employed using one‐hot encoding‐based dummy variables for different building models, while numerical variables such as OA and X, Y, and Z coordinates are included as input for the ANN. The ANN is trained using a total of 238,340 data points (considering different building models and different OA scenarios), and its parameters are monitored during training to minimize errors and achieve high predictability. Finally, a representative case is used to plot the pressure contour obtained from the trained ANN, which is shown to be highly comparable to the CFD‐based contour.
Potential Biosafety of Mxenes: Stability, Biodegradability, Toxicity and Biocompatibility
Authors: Dmytriv Tetiana R. , Lushchak Volodymyr I.
Published: February 2024

MXenes are two‐dimensional nanomaterials with unique properties that are widely used in various fields of research, mostly in the field of energy. Fewer publications are devoted to MXene application in biomedicine and the question is: are MXenes safe for use in biological systems? The sharp edges of MXenes provide the structure of ”nanoknives“ which cause damage in direct physical contact with cells. This is effectively used for antibacterial research. However, on the other hand, most studies in cultured cells and rodents report that they do not cause obvious signs of cytotoxicity and are fully biocompatible. The aim of our review was to consider whether MXenes can really be considered non‐toxic and biocompatible. Often the last two concepts are confused. We first reviewed aspects such as the stability and biodegradation of MXenes, and then analyzed the mechanisms of toxicity and their consequences for bacteria, cultured cells, and rodents, with subsequent conclusions regarding their biocompatibility.
Oesophageal stricture in a cat with true pleuroperitoneal hernia
Authors: Chae Yeon , Yun Taesik , Koo Yoonhoi , Lee Dohee , Lee Yelim , Chang Dongwoo , Yang Mhan‐Pyo , Kang Byeong‐Teck , Kim Hakhyun
Published: February 2024

A 2‐year‐old neutered male Bengal cat presented with solid food dysphagia and chronic regurgitation for >5 months. There were no clinical abnormalities on haematological or radiographic examinations. Thoracic radiography revealed a soft tissue opacity mass adjacent to the diaphragm in the caudoventral thorax. Ultrasonography revealed a protruding liver lobe surrounded by a hyperechoic lining from the diaphragm towards the thorax, and a pleuroperitoneal hernia was diagnosed. An endoscopy was performed to examine the cause of regurgitation, and an oesophageal stricture was observed. Endoscopic balloon dilation of the oesophageal stricture was performed, and the regurgitation was resolved immediately. However, regurgitation relapsed 2 months later, and computed tomography was performed to ascertain the cause. Computed tomography revealed oesophageal mural thickening and true pleuroperitoneal hernia with partial liver lobe herniation. A second endoscopy with balloon dilation was performed to treat the relapsing oesophageal stricture, and the clinical signs resolved without the need for herniorrhaphy. Nevertheless, oesophageal stricture could occur due to gastroesophageal reflux related to a pleuroperitoneal hernia; however, a definite link could not be elucidated in this case. This report describes a case of oesophageal stricture and concurrent true pleuroperitoneal hernia in a cat.
Experimental Evaluation of Lateral Spreading of a Liquefiable Sloping Deposit Using Centrifuge and Generalized Scaling Law Tests at RPI
Authors: Korre Evangelia , Abdoun Tarek , Zeghal Mourad
Published: February 2024

Two centrifuge model tests of a liquefiable sloping deposit subjected to a tapered acceleration input motion were conducted at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as part of the Liquefaction Experiments and Analysis Projects (LEAP). The models were built at a consistent relative densityDr = 65%, observing the same methodology of model preparation, but reflected different scaling laws. Model A was designed observing the conventional similitude laws for centrifuge testing, whereas Model B was designed based on the principles of the generalized scaling laws. Albeit the response of the two models was comparable prior to liquefaction, Model B showed a higher propensity for liquefaction and exhibited higher surficial lateral displacements.
LEAP-ASIA-2019 Type-B Simulations Through FLIP
Authors: Hyodo Junichi , Ichii Koji
Published: February 2024

This chapter presents numerical simulation by using FLIP ROSE (Iai et al, Soils Found 32(2):1–15, 1992). FLIP ROSE is one of effective stress analysis used widely in Japan. It is commonly used to verify the seismic performance in practical design of port structures such as caisson-type quay walls and sheet pile quay walls. By using this program, we conducted the numerical simulation exercise for some cases.