bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overview on Gallstone Ileus: An Update on Management
Authors: H.R Kumar
Published: December 2024

Gallstone ileus is a rare complication of gallstone disease and is seen in less than 5% of cases of intestinal obstruction, The diagnosis is confirmed by a combination of clinical presentation and imaging modalities in the form of abdominal x-ray and computerized tomography which will show gas in the biliary system and dilated bowel. The management of gallstone ileus is by surgical therapy, which can be divided into an enterotomy alone or an enterotomy followed by excision of the cholecystic-enteric fistula and a cholecystectomy. As the choice of surgical therapy is tailor made to the patient, we have conducted this review article to look at the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. We have also looked at the various types of surgical therapy that is done for gallstone ileus.
Impact of Gamma Irradiation and Storage Time on the Sprouting of Cocoyam Corms
Authors: Ndidiamaka Nwachukwu, Gladys , A Idah, Peter , Ogbonnaya Chukwu, , U. Isah, Kassem , Onwuhaka Madu, Uchenna
Published: December 2024

Cocoyams are cultivated in Nigeria for their edible corms. Post harvest losses in cocoyam are attributed to its short sprouting time during storage. Planting of sprouted corms reduces the total yield leading to financial loss by the farmers. Colocasia esculenta (NCe 001 and NCe 011) and Xanthosoma sagittifolium (NXs 001 and NXs 002) Nigeria cultivars were subjected to gamma irradiation at doses of 20, 40, 80, 120 and 150Gy for one hour and stored. The effect of radiation dose and storage time on the sprouting of these cocoyam varieties was studied. Statistical analysis of the experimental results was conducted. The results of the study indicated that the control samples sprouted more than the irradiated samples during storage. The results also showed that there was a dose-dependent decrease in the irradiated samples, with 150Gy samples having the least number of sprouted corms. A significant difference between the control samples and irradiated samples at p≤ 0.05 was observed in the study. The result of the study thus showed that gamma irradiation can be used as a processing method to improve the storability of cocoyam by inhibiting the sprouting of cocoyam corms.
Risk Factors for Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis in Bangladesh: A Country with High Tuberculosis Prevalence
Authors: Chowdhory Sayla Aktar , Sultana Sabina , Pal Shampa Rani , Reya Sadia Islam , Rahman Konika , Mohanta Moni Krishno , Hasan Md Ariful , Haque Md Fazlul
Published: December 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health problem in Bangladesh. In this case-control retrospective study, a total of 348 patients, either with pulmonary TB (PTB) or extrapulmonary TB (EPTB), were surveyed from April 2020 to January 2023 from five different districts of Bangladesh to identify risk factors of EPTB. The results revealed that most of the surveyed TB patients were infected with PTB (225 patients) while 123 patients were infected with EPTB. Males were more susceptible to PTB while females were more prone to EPTB. EPTB was more prevalent in younger people than older people as compared with PTB. Likewise, married patients were more prone to PTB than EPTB while unmarried patients were equally susceptible to both PTB and EPTB. Brain, lymph node and intestine were major organs which were infected by EPTB, but the prevalence of EPTB of intestine, lymph node and breast were higher for female than for male. BCG vaccination showed more preventive role against EPTB than PTB. EPTB was prevalent in certain blood groups and occupations. Similarly, the people with very dark brown skin and underweight in childhood were more prone to EPTB. The data also revealed that family members with EPTB, regular medication, less exposure to direct sunlight, and mental stress increased the prevalence of EPTB. Contrary, addiction to smoking, average sleeping hours, and use of mosquito coil were dispensable factors affecting the prevalence of EPTB. All these findings emphasize the necessity for addressing specific risk factors, to decrease the burden of EPTB in Bangladesh.
Petrographic Characterisation of the Mounio "Younger Granites" Province, Central Portion of the Pan-African Mobile Chain at Gouré, South-East Niger
Authors: Moustapha Sanda Chékaraou Mahamane , Mansour Badamassi Kadri Mahaman , Moussa Konaté
Published: December 2024

The petrography of the Mounio province, the subject of this study, is poorly understood, as very few geological studies have been undertaken. This province is an integral part of the Pan-African mobile zone located to the east of the West African craton, between the Tuareg and the Benino-Nigerian Shields. In the study area, the Pan-African formations were intruded by anorogenic magmatism, resulting in the emplacement of the Younger granites. Most of the petrographic data in this area of the Niger basement come from geological correlations. The aim of this study is to update the geological map of the Mounio province through a petrographic analysis of the various lithological formations in the study area. The methodology used consisted of a macroscopic description of outcrops in the field. In the laboratory, thin sections of rock were processed and interpreted. The results of this work enabled us to distinguish three types of geological formations. (i) Pan-African formations made up of metasediments (schists and volcanosclastites) and “ancient granites”.  The cardinal minerals in these granites are quartz (30%), potassium feldspar (40%), plagioclase (10%) and biotite (20%). (ii) Younger granites have intruded ancient formations and form three groups: (a) A volcanic group, comprising several occurrences: pyroclastites, alkaline and hyperalkaline rhyolites and trachytes.  Alkaline rhyolites contain green hornblende-type amphibole, which differentiates them from hyperalkaline rhyolites, characterized by the presence of riébeckite-type amphibole and ægyrine-type pyroxene. (b) A hypovolcanic group represented by alkaline and hyperalkaline microgranites. Alkaline microgranites are characterized by the presence of amphibole, represented by hornblende, while hyperalkaline microgranites specifically contain ribeckite-type amphibole, aegyrine-type pyroxene and sanidine phenocrysts. (c) A plutonic group made up of alkaline and hyperalkaline granites and quartzite syenites. The alkaline granite is characterized by clinopyroxene pyroxene and hornblende amphibole, while the hyperalkaline granite is characterized by aegyrine pyroxene. (iii) A sedimentary cover composed of sandstone and alluvium, overlies ancient formations throughout the study area.
Dengue and Chikungunya Coinfection Associated with Multi Organ Dysfunction Syndrome and Ttp: A Case Report
Authors: B S Likitha , M S Brunda , Kumar Praveen , A Rohith , M Santosh
Published: December 2024

Aim: Dengue (DENV) and chikungunya (CHIKV) fever are the two serious arboviral diseases presenting as self-limiting acute febrile illness reporting over 1,00,000 cases in a year. Dengue and chikungunya fever can transmit through the same vector and share similar symptoms, ruling out the diagnosis and its timely management could be time consuming.
Presentation of Case: Here we discuss a case of dengue and chikungunya coinfection associated with Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) in an adult Indian female presented with acute febrile illness that later on progressed to Multi Organ Dysfunction Syndrome affecting brain, kidney, lungs and haematological system.
Discussion and Conclusion: We discuss the diagnostic approaches, management of this complicated case and would like to generate an awareness regarding the coinfection of these viruses, their complications leading to multiorgan damage.
Molecular Diversity of Commercially Available Edible Oyster Mushroom by SSR Marker
Authors: Bhariya Sanjay Kumar , Sahu Hemant , Premi Vinay , Sapre Bamleshwar
Published: December 2024

Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus species) are commercially cultivated worldwide. Oyster mushroom naturally found in rotten wood or agricultural lignocellulosic residues as saprophytic in nature. Due to the good amount of protein with low carbohydrates people prefer it in their daily diet. It can be alternate option of vegan protein with high lysine content up to 6-8% essential amino acid from fresh and dried sample. Our study aims to evaluated that availability of Simple sequence Repeat (SSR) PCR based marker for genetic diversity analysis on five different oyster mushrooms were also identified on the basis of polymorphism. The dendrogram obtained from UPGMA cluster analysis of Jaccard’s similarity values based on 7 SSR markers grouped 5 strains into two clusters species wise (P. djamor, P. florida, P. ostreatus, P. pulmonarius and P. sajor-caju) which confirm the reliability of PCR based molecular markers. diversity analysis also confirmed the grouping of genotypes as they were present in same group as revealed by SSR markers.
Trait Association and Genetic Variability Study in Rice MAGIC Lines for Yield Related Traits
Authors: H. B. Sharada , B. M. Dushyantha Kumar , S. L Krishnamurthy , D. Lakshmana , B. C. Dhananjaya , K. M. Satish
Published: December 2024

The study was aimed to assess genetic variability and associations between grain yield and morphological traits in 50 multi-parent advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) lines generated by single seed descent utilizing eight diverse parents (to impart tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses) were utilized in the study along with eight checks at Zonal agricultural and horticultural research station, Navile, Shivamogga during kharif 2022. Improvement in grain yield, a quantitative trait is one of the key objective of plant breeders which depends upon the magnitude of genetic variability existing in the genetic material utilized in the breeding programme. The analysis of variance revealed the presence of significant differences were found among lines for all traits. Moderate to high genotypic and phenotypic variation, heritability and genetic advance were recorded for plant height, tillers per plant, filled grains per panicle, test weight and grain yield. Correlation analysis revealed positive associations between grain yield and tillers per plant, panicle length, filled grains per panicle, panicle fertility and test weight. These findings emphasize the importance of indirect selection for these traits to improve grain yield in rice. The results suggest that breeders can utilize these traits as selection criteria to enhance grain yield, ultimately contributing to rice yield improvement programs. Our study provides valuable insights for rice breeders to develop high-yielding rice varieties with improved tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
Studies on Seasonal Incidence and Correlation of Tomato Aphids, Aphis gossypii (Glover) in Konkan Region
Authors: D.B. Ingole , B.D. Shinde , M.S. Karmarkar , P.B. Sanap , J.J. Kadam
Published: December 2024

A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2021-2022 and Rabi 2022-23 to ascertain the influence of various meteorological parameters on population fluctuations of Aphids, Aphis gossypii Glover on tomato at Central Experiment Station, Wakawali, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli. The population of aphids ranged from 0.25 to 4.50 and 0.20 to 4.66 per three leaves per plant during rabi 2021-22 and rabi 2022-23, respectively. During the rabi season of 2021-22, the peak population of aphids was recorded during the 6th Standard Meteorological Week (SMW), whereas in the rabi season of 2022-23, the peak population was observed during the 7th SMW. However, pooled data on both years revealed that the aphid population was in the range of 0.23 to 4.30 per three leaves per plant, whereas peak population was observed during 7th SMW. During rabi 2021-22 the minimum temperature (r=-0.560*) recorded negative significant correlation with mean population of aphids. Other parameters were non-significantly correlated with aphid population. During rabi 2021-22 the aphid population had positive highly significant correlation with bright sunshine hours (r=0.710**) and wind speed (r=0.623**), whereas negative significant correlation with minimum temperature (r=-0.482*) and evening relative humidity(r=-0.737**). Remaining parameters were non-significantly correlated with aphid population.
Okul Dışı Öğrenme Ortamlarında Gerçekleştirilen Fen Öğretiminin Akademik Başarı ve Bilimsel Epistemolojik İnançlara Etkisinin İncelenmesi: Güneş Sistemi ve Ötesi Ünitesi Örneği
Authors: Sevim Serkan , Demirci Emin
Published: December 2024

Bu çalışmanın amacı okul dışı öğrenme ortamları destekli öğretimin ortaokul fen bilimleri dersinde yedinci sınıf düzeyindeki öğrencilerin ‘Güneş Sistemi ve Ötesi’ ünitesindeki akademik başarılarına ve bilimsel epistemolojik inançlarına etkisini incelemek olarak belirlenmiştir. Araştırma, yarı deneysel modeller kapsamında kullanılan ön test-son test kontrol gruplu model kullanılarak yürütülmüştür. Araştırmanın katılımcıları Denizli İli Pamukkale İlçesi’nde bir devlet ortaokulunda 2023-2024 eğitim-öğretim yılında yedinci sınıflarda öğrenim gören 70 öğrenci olmuştur. Kontrol grubundaki öğrencilere Fen Bilimleri Dersi Öğretim Programı doğrultusunda ders işlenmiştir. Deney grubundaki öğrencilere ise buna ek olarak planetaryum, gözlemevi, açık havada gökyüzü gözlemi gibi okul dışı ortamlarda gerçekleştirilen etkinlikler uygulanmıştır. Araştırma süresince elde edilen veriler ‘Güneş Sistemi ve Ötesi Ünitesi Başarı Testi’ ve ‘Bilimsel Epistemolojik İnançlar Ölçeği’ aracılığı ile toplanmıştır. Araştırmada yer verilen alt problemlerin analizinde bağımsız gruplar için t-testi uygulanmıştır. Araştırmanın sonunda başlangıçta aralarında bir fark bulunmayan gruplardan uygulamanın yapıldığı deney grubunda yer alan öğrenciler ile uygulamanın yapılmadığı kontrol grubundaki öğrencilerin bilimsel epistemolojik inançları ve akademik başarıları arasında istatistiksel olarak deney grubu lehine 0,05 manidarlık düzeyinde bir farkın oluştuğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Oluşan bu fark, deney grubunda okul dışı öğrenme ortamlarında gerçekleştirilen etkinliklerin, kontrol grubuna göre daha etkili olduğunu göstermektedir.
LGBTQIA+ Rights: Progress And Challenges In India.
Authors: Nair Ms. Aswathy , Awasthy Dr. Devashree , Bishnoi Ms. Aarzoo
Published: December 2024

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the significant progress made in LGBTQIA+rights within India, while also highlighting the ongoing challenges and obstacles faced by the community. It examines the historical context, recent legal milestones, social dynamics, and the road ahead for achieving full equality and acceptance
Ultralow Dielectric Constant Polyarylene Ether Nitrile/Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes Foams with High Thermal Stabilities and Excellent Mechanical Properties Prepared by Supercritical CO2
Authors: Shi Shaozhe , Liao Xia , Tang Wanyu , Song Pengwei , Zou Fangfang , Fan Zuoze , Guo Fumin , Li Guangxian
Published: November 2021

Dielectric materials with ultralow dielectric constant, excellent mechanical properties, and good thermal stability have a broader application prospect in microelectronic devices with the rapid growth of 5G communication systems. On this basis, a series of lightweight polyarylene ether nitrile (PEN)/PSS‐octamethyl substituted (POSS) foams have been prepared by supercritical carbon dioxide foaming technique combining the strategy of low dielectric constant POSS doping and the introduction of bubbles. The effects of the introduction of POSS and foaming temperature on the foaming behavior of PEN/POSS composites are studied. The density of PEN/POSS foam with 5 wt% POSS is as low as 0.208 g cm−3 and the homologous porosity is up to 82.1%, which realizes the lightweight preparation of engineering plastics. Due to the introduction of POSS and pores, the PEN/POSS foam exhibits an ultralow dielectric constant of 1.83 at 1 kHz, while the dielectric loss is as low as 0.0036 and high thermal stability (Td5 > 453 °C). In addition, the specific modulus of PEN/POSS foam is up to 1.07 GPa cm−3 g−1 due to the high performance of the PEN. These excellent properties make PEN/POSS foams have great potential in the application of microelectronic devices.
High‐Performing Self‐Powered Photosensing and Reconfigurable Pyro‐photoelectric Memory with Ferroelectric Hafnium Oxide
Authors: Kumar Mohit , Seo Hyungtak
Published: November 2021

With highly diverse multifunctional properties, hafnium oxide (HfO2) has attracted considerable attention not only because of its potential to address fundamental questions about material behaviors, but also its potential for applied perspectives like ferroelectric memory, transistors, and pyroelectric sensors. However, effective harvesting of the pyro‐photoelectric effect of HfO2 to develop high‐performing self‐biased photosensors and electric writable and optical readable memory has yet to be developed. Here, a proof‐of‐concept HfO2‐based self‐powered and ultrafast (response time ≈ 60 µs) infrared pyroelectric sensor with a responsivity of up to 68 µA W−1 is developed. In particular, temporal infrared light illumination induced surface heating and, in turn, change in spontaneous polarization are attributed to robust pyro‐photocurrent generation. Further, controllable suspension and reestablishment of the self‐biased pyro‐photocurrent response with a short electric pulse are demonstrated, which offers a conceptually new kind of photoreadable memory. Potentially, the novel approach opens a new avenue for designing on‐demand pyro‐phototronic response over a desired area and offers the opportunity to utilize it for various applications, including memory storage, neuromorphic vision sensors, classification, and emergency alert systems.
Suction‐Cup‐Inspired Adhesive Micromotors for Drug Delivery
Authors: Cai Lijun , Zhao Cheng , Chen Hanxu , Fan Lu , Zhao Yuanjin , Qian Xiaoyun , Chai Renjie
Published: November 2021

Micromotors have opened novel avenues for drug delivery due to their capacity for self‐propelling. Attempts in this field trend towards ameliorating their functions to promote their clinical applications. In this paper, an ingenious suction‐cup‐inspired micromotor is presented with adhesive properties for drug delivery in the stomach. The micromotors are fabricated by using hydrogel replicating the structure of suction‐cup‐like microparticles, which derive from self‐assembly of colloidal crystals under rapid solvent extraction, followed by loading magnesium (Mg) in the bottom spherical surface. The Mg‐loaded micromotors can realize spontaneous movement due to the continual generation of hydrogen bubbles in gastric juice. The combination of unique suction‐cup‐like structure with excellent motion performance makes the micromotor an ideal carrier for drug delivery as they can efficiently adhere to the tissue. Moreover, benefiting from the porous structure, the hydrogel micromotors exhibit a high volume‐surface ratio, which enables efficient drug loading. It is demonstrated that the suction‐cup‐inspired micromotors can adhere efficiently to the ulcer‐region in the stomach and release drugs due to their distinctive architecture and spontaneous motion, exhibiting desirable curative effect of gastric ulcer. Thus, the suction‐cup‐inspired micromotors with adhesive properties are expected to advance the development of micromotor in clinical applications.
Tumor‐Cell‐Specific Targeting of Ibrutinib: Introducing Electrostatic Antibody‐Inhibitor Conjugates (AiCs)
Authors: Faust Andreas , Bäumer Nicole , Schlütermann Alina , Becht Manuel , Greune Lilo , Geyer Christiane , Rüter Christian , Margeta Renato , Wittmann Lisa , Dersch Petra , Lenz Georg , Berdel Wolfgang E. , Bäumer Sebastian
Published: November 2021

Ibrutinib is an inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase that has been approved for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, mantle cell lymphoma and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia and is connected with toxicities. To minimize its toxicities, we linked ibrutinib to a cell‐targeted, internalizing antibody. To this end, we synthesized a poly‐anionic derivate, ibrutinib‐Cy3.5, that retains full functionality. This anionic inhibitor is complexed by our anti‐CD20‐protamine targeting conjugate and free protamine, and thereby spontaneously assembles into an electrostatically stabilized vesicular nanocarrier. The complexation led to an accumulation of the drug driven by the CD20 antigen internalization to the intended cells and an amplification of its pharmacological effectivity. In vivo, we observed a significant enrichment of the drug in xenograft lymphoma tumors in immune‐compromised mice and a significantly better response to lower doses compared to the original drug.
Regioselective Hydroalkylation of Vinylarenes by Cooperative Cu and Ni Catalysis
Authors: Ravn Anne K. , Johansen Martin B. , Skrydstrup Troels
Published: November 2021

Disclosed here is a dual copper and nickel catalytic system with a silyl hydride source for promoting the linear selective hydroalkylation of vinylarenes. This carbon–carbon bond‐forming protocol is applied to couple a variety of functionalized vinylarenes with alkyl halides applying a nickel(II) NNN pincer complex in the presence of an NHC‐ligated copper catalyst. This combination allows for a 1 mol % loading of the nickel catalyst leading to turnover numbers of up to 72. Over 40 examples are presented, including applications for pharmaceutical diversification. Labeling experiments demonstrated the regioselectivity of the reaction and revealed that the copper catalyst plays a crucial role in enhancing the rate for formation of the reactive linear alkyl nickel complex. Overall, the presented work provides a complimentary approach for hydroalkylation reactions, whilst providing a preliminary mechanistic understanding of the cooperativity between the copper and nickel complexes.
In‐situ thermal aging of biobased and conventional rigid polyurethane foams nanostructured with bacterial nanocellulose
Authors: Diaz Tomás Joaquin , Cerrutti Patricia , Chiacchiarelli Leonel Matías
Published: November 2021

The incorporation of nanofillers and the use of biobased polyols might have a deleterious effect on the aging performance of rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) applied in the insulation and marine industries. To study this, RPUFs obtained from petroleum based (RPUF) and castor oil (RPUFRIC) polyols were nanostructured with bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) up to 0.3 wt%. Water immersion experiments revealed that the normalized water absorption (NWA) at the steady state was not affected by lower BNC contents (<0.2 wt%). Higher BNC contents caused a complex effect on post‐cure and foaming, generating cell size expansion as well as shrinkage. In‐situ DMA aging analysis revealed that the specific storage modulus (E'sp) under flexural conditions of the RPUFRIC and RPUF decreased by a maximum amount of 7.27% and 6.19%, respectively. The effect of BNC on the E'sp was negligible, expect for the case of the RPUF, where higher BNC concentrations (>0.2 wt%) caused a decrease of up to 13.69%. The previous results reinforce the hypothesis that the incorporation of BNC in both conventional and biobased polyurethane systems do not cause significant changes on the aging performance of the resulting foams, provided that low BNC concentrations are employed.
Thermal, water absorption, and mechanical characterizations of polylactide based nanocomposites: Comparison between sodium and modified montmorillonite as reinforcement materials
Authors: Omar Afiqah , Chen Ruey Shan , Shahdan Dalila , Ahmad Sahrim
Published: November 2021

The research on the polymer silicate layer nanocomposites is currently focusing on maximizing the polymer‐filler interface interaction. This study aimed to elucidate the effect of two different types of montmorillonite (MMT), which were Cloisite sodium (CNa) and Cloisite 10A (C10A), on the thermal, water absorption, and mechanical performances of polylactide (PLA) nanocomposites. Nanocomposites with different clay loadings from 1 to 7 wt% were fabricated by melt intercalation in a twin‐screw extruder. XRD analysis showed an intercalated structure for PLA/C10A at 1 and 3 wt% loadings. From TGA analysis, the initial thermal degradation temperature for PLA/C10A at 1 and 3 wt% showed promising enhancement in thermal stability. DSC results also confirmed that both nanocomposites at clay loadings less than 5 wt% improved thermal properties and crystallinity compared to neat PLA. Storage modulus and tan δ for PLA/C10A shifted towards higher temperature. Water absorption intakes of PLA/C10A at 1 and 3 wt% loadings were reduced by 42% and 39%, respectively. For PLA/C10A at the optimum loading of 3 wt%, tensile strength improved by 21% and strain by 17%. This loading exhibited the finest morphological structure.
Comparison between the effects of partial replacement of carbon black by carbon nanotubes and graphene on the performances of natural rubber composites
Authors: Chen Li , Pang Xiujiang , Kang Yi
Published: November 2021

To investigate comparatively the performances of natural rubber (NR) composites modified with graphene (Gr) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), NR vulcanizates were prepared by partially replacing the carbon black with 3 phr Gr or CNTs, the properties such as cure, mechanical properties, tensile fatigue, wear resistance, and so on, were investigated. Results showed that both Gr and CNTs could lift the crosslinking density, lower the rolling resistance, and wet‐skid resistance of NR composites. In relative to CNTs, Gr degraded the manufacturing safety and cure rate of NR, displayed higher reinforcing effect than CNTs by upgrading tensile strength, modulus, and hardness. Besides, Gr/NR composite demonstrated better aging resistance than CNTs/NR. In comparison to Gr, CNTs could lift the manufacturing safety and cure rate of NR, maintain higher tear strength, result in better tensile fatigue resistance and wear resistance, reduce the heat buildup and the permanent compression set, further lower rolling resistance of NR while maintaining relatively higher wet‐skid resistance.
High pressure homogenization of graphene and carbon nanotube for thermal conductive polyethylene composite with a low filler content
Authors: Wu Huacheng , Zhou Weiqing , Liu Qian , Cai Xuan , Qu Zihan , Li Peng , Hu Die , Jia Xilai
Published: November 2021

Thermal conductive polymer composite pipes have been used to replace metal pipes that are easy to be corroded. However, the low thermal conductivity of the matrix is the critical factor limiting their applications. Here, large‐size exfoliation of graphene and carbon nanotube (CNT) are proposed to prepare thermal‐conductive polyethylene nanocomposites with a low filler content. Expanded graphite and CNT are co‐dispersed by high pressure homogenizer in presence of polyvinyl pyrrolidone. Such a dispersion method can maintain the high aspect ratio and reduce generation of defects of graphene and CNTs, which is vital for building a long‐range thermal conductivity pathway in the nanocomposites. In addition, the graphene and CNT fillers can be obtained with high yield and efficiency. When the fillers are dispersed into the polyethylene by optimizing the composition, thermal conductive composites can be obtained with enhanced mechanical properties. The nanocomposite with 5.22 wt.% filler can reach a thermal conductivity of 1.265 W·m−1·K−1, 3.94 times to that of the neat polyethylene, and the mechanical strength can be increased by 42%, supporting improvement of the thermal conductivity and mechanical strength at the same time.
Highly efficient intumescent flame retardant coating for ABS: Preparation and application
Authors: Chen Jia , Rong Li , Fang Wei , Liu Jiyan , Liu Xueqing
Published: November 2021

A novel approach has been proposed to enhance the flame retardancy of ABS by a highly efficient intumescent flame retardant coating, which was prepared by aluminum‐ ethylene glycol methyl propionate cyclohexanediol phosphonate (EMPCP‐Al), polyvinyl formal (PVFO) and melamine cyanurate with specific ratio. When the average thickness of coating achieved at 106 μm, the limit oxygen index value of ABS increased from 16.6% to 28.7%, its UL‐94 rating reached V‐0 level in the vertical burning test, and the peak value of heat release rate (PHRR) was decreased by 51.1% compared with that of pure ABS. TGA coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to probe the degradation behavior of the flame retardant composites. In addition, the microscopic morphology and graphitization degree of the carbon layer which obtained after the thermal degradation of the flame retardant composites were investigated by scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X ray and Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, P element, N element and Al element in flame retardant coating exhibited benign synergistic flame retardancy in the gas phase and condensed phase. Furthermore, the flame retardant coating could effectively avoid the damage to intrinsic mechanical properties of ABS caused by high loading of flame retardant additives.
Dynamic Functional Brain Connectivity Underlying Temporal Summation of Pain in Fibromyalgia
Authors: Cheng Joshua C. , Anzolin Alessandra , Berry Michael , Honari Hamed , Paschali Myrella , Lazaridou Asimina , Lee Jeungchan , Ellingsen Dan‐Mikael , Loggia Marco L. , Grahl Arvina , Lindquist Martin A. , Edwards Robert R. , Napadow Vitaly
Published: November 2021

Objective

Abnormal central pain processing is a leading cause of pain in fibromyalgia (FM) and is perceptually characterized with the psychophysical measure of temporal summation of pain (TSP). TSP is the perception of increasingly greater pain in response to repetitive or tonic noxious stimuli. Previous neuroimaging studies have used static (i.e., summary) measures to examine the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) correlates of TSP in FM. However, functional brain activity rapidly and dynamically reorganizes over time, and, similarly, TSP is a temporally evolving process. This study was undertaken to demonstrate how a complete understanding of the neural circuitry supporting TSP in FM thus requires a dynamic measure that evolves over time.

Methods

We utilized novel methods for analyzing dynamic functional brain connectivity in patients with FM in order to examine how TSP‐associated fluctuations are linked to the dynamic functional reconfiguration of the brain. In 84 FM patients and age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls, we collected high‐temporal‐resolution fMRI data during a resting state and during a state in which sustained cuff pressure pain was applied to the leg.

Results

FM patients experienced greater TSP than healthy controls (mean ± SD TSP score 17.93 ± 19.24 in FM patients versus 9.47 ± 14.06 in healthy controls; P = 0.028), but TSP scores varied substantially between patients. In the brain, the presence versus absence of TSP in patients with FM was marked by more sustained enmeshment between sensorimotor and salience networks during the pain period. Furthermore, dynamic enmeshment was noted solely in FM patients with high TSP, as interactions with all other brain networks were dampened during the pain period.

Conclusion

This study elucidates the dynamic brain processes underlying facilitated central pain processing in FM. Our findings will enable future investigation of dynamic symptoms in FM.
Jet‐triggered star formation in young radio galaxies
Authors: Duggal Chetna , O'Dea Christopher , Baum Stefi , Labiano Alvaro , Morganti Raffaella , Tadhunter Clive , Worrall Diana , Tremblay Grant , Dicken Daniel , Capetti Alessandro
Published: November 2021

Emission in the ultraviolet continuum is a salient signature of the hot, massive, and consequently short‐lived, stellar population that traces recent or ongoing star formation. With the aim of mapping star forming regions and morphologically separating the generic star formation from that associated with the galaxy‐scale jet activity, we obtained high‐resolution ultraviolet (UV) imaging from the Hubble Space Telescope for a sample of nine compact radio sources. Out of these, seven are known Compact Steep Spectrum (CSS) galaxies that host young, kiloparsec‐scale radio sources and hence are the best candidates for studying radio‐mode feedback on galaxy scales, while the other two form a control sample of larger sources. Extended UV emission regions are observed in six of the seven CSS sources showing close spatial alignment with the radio‐jet orientation. If other mechanisms possibly contributing to the observed UV emission are ruled out, this could be evidence in support of jet‐triggered star formation in the CSS phase of radio galaxy evolution and in turn of the “positive feedback” paradigm of host–active galactic nuclei interaction.
Revealing the metabolic mechanism of dandelion extract against A549 cells using UPLC‐QTOF MS
Authors: Man Jin , Wu Longjie , Han Pei , Hao Yun , Li Jiaying , Gao Zibo , Wang Jia , Yang Wenjie , Tian Yongmei
Published: November 2021

Dandelion extract exhibits potential anticancer activity and is expected to be a new type of natural anticancer drug. However, the effect mechanism of dandelion extract to lung cancer cells is still unclear. Here, untargeted metabolomics approach based on LC–MS was used to characterize the metabolic responses of A549 cells to dandelion extract exposure and to provide new clues for the antitumor mechanism of dandelion extract from the metabolomics perspective. A total of 16 differentially expressed and time‐related metabolites were identified between dandelion extract exposure and control groups. The perturbed metabolic pathways of A549 cells after dandelion extract exposure mainly include the glycerophospholipid metabolism and purine metabolism. These results concluded that dandelion extract may exert anticancer activity by affecting malignant proliferation, disturbing the stability of cell membrane structure, reducing the adhesion of tumor cells to extracellular matrix and fibronectin, and finally inducing tumor cell death.
Nepetin Acts as a Multi‐Targeting Inhibitor of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases Relevant to Insulin Resistance
Authors: Yoon Sun‐Young , Ahn Dohee , Kim Jae kwan , Seo Seung‐Oh , Chung Sang J.
Published: November 2021

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are essential modulators of signal transduction pathways and has been implicated in many human diseases such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, autoimmune disorders, and neurological diseases, indicating that PTPs are next‐generation drug targets. Since PTPN1, PTPN2, and PTPN11 have been reported to be negative regulators of insulin action, the identification of PTP inhibitors may be an effective strategy to develop therapeutic agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In this study, we observed for the first time that nepetin inhibits the catalytic activity of PTPN1, PTPN2, and PTPN11 in vitro, indicating that nepetin acts as a multi‐targeting inhibitor of PTPN1, PTPN2, and PTPN11. Furthermore, treatment of mature 3T3‐L1 adipocytes with 20 μM nepetin stimulates glucose uptake through AMPK activation. Taken together, our findings provide evidence that nepetin, a multi‐targeting inhibitor of PTPN1, PTPN2, and PTPN11, could be a promising therapeutic candidate for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Structures of the Human SPAK and OSR1 Conserved C‐Terminal (CCT) Domains**
Authors: Elvers Karen T. , Lipka‐Lloyd Magdalena , Trueman Rebecca C. , Bax Benjamin D. , Mehellou Youcef
Published: November 2021

STE20/SPS1‐related proline/alanine‐rich kinase (SPAK) and oxidative stress responsive 1 (OSR1) kinase are two serine/threonine protein kinases that regulate the function of ion co‐transporters through phosphorylation. The highly conserved C‐terminal (CCT) domains of SPAK and OSR1 bind to RFx[V/I] peptide sequences from their upstream ‘With No Lysine Kinases (WNKs), facilitating their activation via phosphorylation. Thus, the inhibition of SPAK and OSR1 binding, via their CCT domains, to WNK kinases is a plausible strategy for inhibiting SPAK and OSR1 kinases. To facilitate structure‐guided drug design of such inhibitors, we expressed and purified human SPAK and OSR1 CCT domains and solved their crystal structures. Interestingly, these crystal structures show a highly conserved primary pocket adjacent to a flexible secondary pocket. We also employed a biophysical strategy and determined the affinity of SPAK and OSR1 CCT domains to short peptides derived from WNK4 and NKCC1. Together, this work provides a platform that facilitates the design of CCT domain specific small molecule binders that inhibit SPAK‐ and OSR1‐activation by WNK kinases, and these could be useful in treating hypertension and ischemic stroke.
Reduction of CO2 by Photoelectrochemical Process Using Non‐Oxide Two‐Dimensional Nanomaterials – A Review
Authors: Ferreira de Brito Juliana , Corradini Patricia Gon , Silva Anelisse Brunca , Mascaro Lucia Helena
Published: November 2021

Due to their catalytic characteristics, including highly accessible active sites, excellent charge separation properties, great capability for adsorption of CO2 and H2O due to abundant surface defects, and adjustable electronic features, non‐oxide two‐dimensional nanomaterials have received great attention in areas like water splitting and carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction. There are diverse non‐oxide 2D semiconductors reported in literature, among them this review inspects closely the two‐dimensional transition‐metal dichalcogenides (TMDC), MXene materials, graphitic carbon nitride catalysts, metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), and the heterojunctions of those. This investigation is expected to stimulate new research to improve the design and possible applications of 2D materials by strategies that involve controlling the structural, optical, and electronic properties impacting the catalysts’ activity, selectivity, and stability for successful application in the CO2 reduction or other catalytic reactions.
The Role of Real‐World Evidence in FDA‐Approved New Drug and Biologics License Applications
Authors: Purpura Christina A. , Garry Elizabeth M. , Honig Nicholaas , Case Abigail , Rassen Jeremy A.
Published: November 2021

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is open to accepting real‐world evidence (RWE) to support its assessment of medical products. However, RWE stakeholders lack a shared understanding of FDA’s evidentiary expectations for the use of RWE in applications for new drugs and biologics. We conducted a systematic review of publicly available FDA approval documents from January 2019 to June 2021. We sought to quantify, by year, how many approvals incorporated RWE in any form, and the intended use of RWE in those applications. Among approvals with RWE intended to support safety and/or effectiveness, we classified whether and how those studies impacted FDA’s benefit‐risk considerations, whether those studies were incorporated into the product label, and the therapeutic area of the medical product. Finally, we qualified FDA’s documented feedback where available. We found that 116 approvals incorporated RWE in any form, with the proportion of approvals incorporating RWE increasing each year. Of these approvals, 88 included an RWE study intended to provide evidence of safety or effectiveness. Among these 88 approvals, 65 of the studies influenced FDA’s final decision and 38 were included in product labels. The 88 approvals spanned 18 therapeutic areas. FDA’s feedback on RWE study quality included methodological issues, sample size concerns, omission of patient level data, and other limitations. Based on these findings, we would anticipate that future guidance on FDA’s evidentiary expectations of RWE use will incorporate fit‐for‐purpose real‐world data selection and careful attention to study design and analysis.
No silver bullet? Snow leopard prey selection in Mt. Kangchenjunga, Nepal
Authors: Thapa Kamal , Schmitt Natalie , Pradhan Narendra M. B. , Acharya Hem Raj , Rayamajhi Santosh
Published: November 2021

In this study, we investigated the impact of domestic and wild prey availability on snow leopard prey preference in the Kangchenjunga Conservation Area of eastern Nepal—a region where small domestic livestock are absent and small wild ungulate prey are present. We took a comprehensive approach that combined fecal genetic sampling, macro‐ and microscopic analyses of snow leopard diets, and direct observation of blue sheep and livestock in the KCA. Out of the collected 88 putative snow leopard scat samples from 140 transects (290 km) in 27 (4 × 4 km2) sampling grid cells, 73 (83%) were confirmed to be from snow leopard. The genetic analysis accounted for 19 individual snow leopards (10 males and 9 females), with a mean population size estimate of 24 (95% CI: 19–29) and an average density of 3.9 snow leopards/100 km2within 609 km2. The total available prey biomass of blue sheep and yak was estimated at 355,236 kg (505 kg yak/km2and 78 kg blue sheep/km2). From the available prey biomass, we estimated snow leopards consumed 7% annually, which comprised wild prey (49%), domestic livestock (45%), and 6% unidentified items. The estimated 47,736 kg blue sheep biomass gives a snow leopard‐to‐blue sheep ratio of 1:59 on a weight basis. The high preference of snow leopard to domestic livestock appears to be influenced by a much smaller available biomass of wild prey than in other regions of Nepal (e.g., 78 kg/km2in the KCA compared with a range of 200–300 kg/km2in other regions of Nepal). Along with livestock insurance scheme improvement, there needs to be a focus on improved livestock guarding, predator‐proof corrals as well as engaging and educating local people to be citizen scientists on the importance of snow leopard conservation, involving them in long‐term monitoring programs and promotion of ecotourism.
Lung ultrasound in outpatients with heart failure: the wet‐to‐dry HF study
Authors: Domingo Mar , Lupón Josep , Girerd Nicolas , Conangla Laura , de Antonio Marta , Moliner Pedro , Santiago‐Vacas Evelyn , Codina Pau , Cediel German , Spitaleri Giosafat , González Beatriz , Diaz Violeta , Rivas Carmen , Velayos Patricia , Núñez Julio , Bayes‐Genís Antoni
Published: November 2021

Aims

In ambulatory patients with chronic heart failure (HF), congestion and decongestion assessment may be challenging. The aim of this study is to assess the value of lung ultrasound (LUS) in outpatients with HF in characterizing decompensation and recompensation, and in outcomes prediction.

Methods and results

Heart failure outpatients attended to establish HF decompensation were included. LUS was blindly performed at baseline (LUS1) and at clinical recompensation (LUS2). B‐lines were counted in eight scanned areas. Diagnosis of no HF decompensation vs. right‐sided, left‐sided, or global HF decompensation, and patients' management were performed by physicians blinded to LUS1. Outcome was the composite of all‐cause death or HF‐related hospitalization. Two hundred and thirty‐three suspicions of HF decompensation were included in 187 patients (71.4 ± 11.3 years, 66.8% men). Mean B‐line (LUS1) was 17.6 ± 11.2 vs. 3.7 ± 4.5 for episodes with and without HF decompensation, respectively (P < 0.001). Global HF decompensation showed the highest number of B‐lines (20.6 ± 11), followed by left‐sided (19.7 ± 11.6) and right‐sided (13.5 ± 9.8). B‐lines declined to 6.9 ± 6.7 (LUS2) (P < 0.001 vs. LUS1) after treatment, within a mean time of 24.2 ± 23.7 days [median 13.5 days (interquartile range 6–40)]. B‐lines were significantly associated with the composite endpoint at 30 days (hazard ratio [HR] 1.04 [95% confidence interval 1.01–1.07], P = 0.02), but not at 60 (P = 0.22) or 180 days (P = 0.54). In multivariable analysis, B‐line number remained as an independent predictor of the composite endpoint at 30 days, [HR 1.04 (1.01–1.07), P = 0.014], with a 4% increase risk per B‐line added. B‐lines correlated significantly with CA125 (R = 0.30, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Lung ultrasound supports the diagnostic work‐up of congestion and decongestion in chronic HF outpatients and identifies patients at high risk of short‐term events.
Newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation and hospital utilization in heart failure: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Vinter Nicklas , Cordsen Pia , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Benjamin Emelia J. , Trinquart Ludovic , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Frost Lars
Published: November 2021

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) constitutes a major burden to health services, but the importance of incident AF in patients with heart failure (HF) is unclear. We examined the associations between incident AF and hospital utilization in patients with HF.

Methods and results

In a nationwide matched‐cohort study of HF patients, we identified patients diagnosed with incident AF between 2008 and 2018 in the Danish Heart Failure Registry (N = 4463), and we compared them to matched referents without AF (N = 17 802). Incident AF was associated with a multivariable‐adjusted 4.8‐fold increase (95% CI 4.1–5.6) and 4.3‐fold increase (95% CI 3.9–4.8) in the cumulative incidence of inpatient and outpatient contacts within 30 days, respectively. At 1 year, the cumulative incidence ratios were 1.8 (95% CI 1.7–1.9) and 1.4 (95% CI 1.4–1.5). Incident AF was also associated with increases in the total numbers of inpatient and outpatient hospital contacts within 30 days (multivariable‐adjusted rate ratio 1.4, 95% CI 1.4–1.5, and 1.6, 95% CI 1.6–1.7, respectively). At 1 year, the ratios were 2.2 (95% CI 2.1–2.3) and 2.0 (95% CI 1.9–2.1). The multivariable‐adjusted proportion of bed‐day use among HF patients with incident AF was 10.9‐fold (95% CI 9.3–12.9) higher at 30 days and 5.3‐fold (95% CI 4.3–6.4) higher at 1 year compared with AF‐free referents.

Conclusions

Incident AF in HF is associated with earlier hospital contact, more hospital contacts, and more hospital bed‐days. More evidence on interventions that may prevent the risk and subsequent burden of AF in HF is urgently needed.
Sex differences regulate immune responses in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ryan Lucy , Mills Kingston H. G.
Published: November 2021

MS is an autoimmune disease of the CNS that afflicts over 2.5 million people worldwide. There are striking sex differences in the susceptibility to and progression of this disease in humans. Females are twice as likely to develop MS than males, whereas disease progression and disability is more rapid in males compared with females; however, the latter is still controversial. There is growing evidence, mainly from animal models, that innate and adaptive immune responses are different in males and females, and that this can influence the outcome of a range of diseases including infection, cancer, and autoimmunity. Since MS is an immune‐mediated disease, sex differences in pathogenic immune responses may account for some of the differences in susceptibility to and progression seen in men versus women. Indeed, data from the mouse model of MS, EAE, have already provided some evidence that female mice have earlier disease onset associated with stronger Th17 responses. This review will discuss the possible immunological basis of sex differences in susceptibility and disease outcome in EAE and MS and how a better understanding of sex differences in the responses to disease‐modifying therapies may lead to improved patient treatment.