bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Five New Oleanane Triterpene Saponins from Camellia petelotii and Their Alpha‐glucosidase Inhibitory Activity
Authors: Thi Cuc Nguyen , Anh Bang Ngo , Huu Tai Bui , Xuan Nhiem Nguyen , Hai Yen Pham , Thi Hai Yen Duong , Thi Thu Hien Truong , Thi Huyen Le , Van Kiem Phan
Published: March 2023

Five new triterpenoid glycosides, named campetelosides A–E (1–5), together with three known compounds, chikusetsusaponin IVa (6), umbellatoside B (7), and silvioside E (8) were isolated from the leaves of Camellia petelotii (Merr.) Sealy. Their chemical structures were determined by interpretations of HR‐ESI‐MS and NMR spectra. In addition, compounds 1–8 were evaluated for their α‐glucosidase inhibitory effects. Compounds 1–3 significantly showed α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 166.7±6.0, 45.9±2.6, and 395.3±10.5 μM, respectively, compared to that of the positive control, acarbose, with an IC50 value of 200.4±10.5 μM.
Successful treatment with ivabradine in a β‐blocker‐refractory patient with acute decompensated heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Inoue Tomoko , Matsunaga Keiji , Kobayashi Waki , Minamino Tetsuo
Published: March 2023

Ivabradine is an established treatment for chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF); however, it is not used for acute heart failure treatment. Negative inotropic effects (NIE) often limit the up‐titration of β‐blockers. Contrarily, ivabradine has no NIE, and enables β‐blockers usage for treating patients with acute decompensated HFrEF.
Atypical truncal necrobiosis lipoidica: The role of dermoscopy
Authors: Thabouti Marwa , Ghariani Fetoui Nadia , Mani Oumaima , BelKahla Marwouene , Mokni Sana , Sriha Badreddine , Ghariani Najet , Denguezli Mohamed
Published: March 2023

Necrobiosis Lipoidica (NL) is a rare granulomatous skin condition typically occurring in lower extremities. We report an atypical case of NL, and we highlight the role of dermoscopy in the diagnostic approach.
Co‐infection of coronavirus disease 19 and cytomegalovirus in a kidney transplant recipient
Authors: Farrokhnia Mehrdad , Baniasad Amir , Mehdiabadi Fatemeh Mousavi
Published: March 2023

It has been suggested that severe SARS‐CoV‐2 infection could be a risk factor for Herpesviridae reactivation due to the state of sepsis‐associated immunosuppression. We presented the case of co‐infection of CMV and COVID‐19 infection in a 43‐year‐old woman with end‐stage renal disease.
Non‐contiguous multilevel spinal tuberculosis: A case report of unusual spinal tuberculosis resembling spinal metastasis
Authors: Fard Salman Abbasi , Pourzand Pouria , Tabasi Farhad , Mohammadi Mohsen , Nafeli Mohammad , Jourahmad Zahra
Published: March 2023

Spinal tuberculosis (TB) is diagnostically challenging, particularly in atypical forms. Non‐contiguous multilevel spinal TB (NMLST) is a rare presentation of spinal TB, mimicking spinal malignancies. We reported an unusual NMLST case with a paraspinal and epidural abscess in a young patient with misleading clinical and imaging presentations.
Numerical simulation and experimental validation of thrombolytic therapy for patients with venous isomer and normal venous valves
Authors: Lin Boyuan , Zhang Xianglei , Xu Jiangping , Ni Haoqi , Lv Xinhuang
Published: March 2023

Thrombus is an extremely dangerous factor in the human body that can block the blood vessel. Once thrombosis happens in venous of lower limbs, local blood flow is impeded. This leads to venous thromboembolism (VTE) and even pulmonary embolism. In recent years, venous thromboembolism has frequently occurred in a variety of people, and there is no effective treatment for patients with different venous structures. For the patients with venous isomer with single valve structure, we establish a coupled computational model to simulate the process of thrombolysis with multi‐dose treatment schemes by considering the blood as non‐Newtonian fluid. Then, the corresponding in vitro experimental platform is built to verify the performance of the developed mathematical model. At last, the effects of different fluid models, valve structures and drug doses on thrombolysis are comprehensively studied through numerical and experimental observations. Comparing with the experimental results, the relative error of blood boosting index (BBI) obtained from non‐Newtonian fluid model is 11% smaller than Newtonian fluid. In addition, the BBI from venous isomer is 1300% times stronger than patient with normal venous valve while the valve displacement is 500% times smaller. As consequence, low eddy current and strong molecular diffusion near the thrombus in case of isomer promote thrombolysis rate up to 18%. Furthermore, the 80 μM dosage of thrombolytic drugs gets the maximum thrombus dissolution rate 18% while the scheme of 50 μM doses obtains a thrombolysis rate of 14% in case of venous isomer. Under the two administration schemes for isomer patients, the rates from experiments are around 19.1% and 14.9%, respectively. It suggests that the proposed computational model and the designed experiment platform can potentially help different patients with venous thromboembolism to carry out clinical medication prediction.
Symptom severity in daily life, early response and posttreatment changes in anxiety and depressive symptoms in generalized anxiety disorder
Authors: Vîslă Andreea , Probst Greta Helene , Flückiger Christoph
Published: March 2023

Background

Meta‐analytic research shows early response to psychotherapy to predict depression and anxiety outcomes posttreatment. However, little is known about which variables explain differences in early response. Moreover, for patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), there is limited research on whether early response predicts longer‐term changes in symptoms. In this study, we used anxiety and controllability beliefs assessed in daily life at intake to predict early response to treatment (until session 5), and we further examined if early response predicts longer‐term changes in symptoms (until posttreatment, when adjusting for intake symptom severity) in patients with GAD.

Methods

Forty‐nine individuals with GAD reported their anxiety and controllability beliefs using event‐based (participant‐initiated) ecological momentary assessment (EMA) for 7 days at intake. Symptoms were measured at pretreatment, session 5, session 10, and posttreatment.

Results

Results show anxiety levels reported during EMA to be associated with a higher reduction in both anxiety and depressive symptoms early in treatment. Moreover, higher controllability beliefs during EMA were associated with less early response. When predicting change in symptoms until posttreatment, results showed an early change to significantly predict change in symptoms until posttreatment.

Conclusions

Given that we found early response to psychotherapy in patients with GAD to be a prognostic factor for long‐term response, it is recommended to monitor response early in treatment and pay special attention to those patients showing less early response.
Mentalizing ability, mentalizing impairments, and anorexia nervosa: Validation of the Hebrew version of the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC)
Authors: Sarig‐Shmueli Yaara , Kurman Jenny , Talmon Shira , Yoeli Neta , Gur Eitan , Stein Daniel , Rothschild‐Yakar Lily
Published: March 2023

The goal of this study was to validate the Hebrew version of the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC)—an ecological measure for assessing mentalizing ability—among patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and healthy individuals. We examined the validity of the MASC's general mentalizing ability scale and of its mentalizing impairments subscales using validated measures of mentalizing ability (Reading the Mind in the Eyes test, Cambridge Mindreading Face‐Voice Battery, and Reflective Function questionnaire) among female patients with AN (N = 35) and control participants (N = 42). ED symptoms were assessed via self‐report questionnaires. The MASCHeb correlated with measures of mentalizing ability and was found to significantly differentiate patients with AN from controls. In addition to differing on general mental ability, the groups differed on hypomentalizing (but not hypermentalizing). Based on our findings, the MASCHeb proved to be an ecologically valid tool for assessing mentalizing ability and impairments among patients with AN. Moreover, our findings demonstrated the role played by general mentalizing ability in EDs and specifically pointed to the importance of hypomentalization in EDs. These findings have therapeutic implications, as outlined in the Discussion section.
A Review on Lead‐Free Perovskites for X‐Ray Detection and Imaging
Authors: Zhang Xin , Yu Shouwu , Meng Xianguang , Xiao Shujuan
Published: March 2023

Recently, perovskites have shown great promise as a semiconductor material with the advantages of low‐temperature fabrication, controllable band gap, and high carrier lifetime. In the field of X‐ray detection, a number of workers have developed green and stable and efficient lead‐free halide chalcogenides in pursuit of stable performance and biological safety. This article has done the following three works: It introduces the basic principles of X‐ray detection briefly. The outstanding works that have been done are summarized in terms of sensitivity, signal‐to‐noise ratio, and detection limit, and their laws are summarized. The optoelectronic properties of lead‐free halide perovskites are summarized, the prospects of lead‐free perovskites in the field of X‐ray detection are foreseen.
Development of Large‐Diameter and Very High Purity Ge Crystal Growth Technology for Devices
Authors: Sumathi Rajappan Radhakrishnan , Gybin Alexander , Gradwohl Kevin‐P. , Palleti Pradeep Chandra , Pietsch Mike , Irmscher Klaus , Dropka Natasha , Juda Uta
Published: March 2023

High‐purity germanium (HPGe) single crystals find their applications as radiation detectors especially for spectroscopy of high‐energy photons and particles in nuclear physics. Growing “detector‐grade” HPGe single crystals, with tailored structural defects and controlled impurity content, uniform throughout the crystal is a challenging task in this type of crystalline semiconductor material. All different process steps for HPGe, namely, i) reducing germanium dioxide powder into Ge metal; ii) zone refining of intrinsic source material (6 N) up to an ultrahigh purity (13 N); iii) Czochralski growth of high‐purity single crystals, are developed in house. A specific preparatory coating process for zone refining is entrenched as part of this work. Gallium, a dominant impurity usually found in HPGe, can be avoided. Using these advanced process know‐hows, a technology to grow volume Ge single crystals of large diameter (3 in.) with very high purity (net carrier concentration ≈ 5 × 1010 cm−3 or equivalent to 1 part per trillion level) is successfully developed. The zone‐refined Ge bars and the crystals show p‐type conductivity. Some crystals exhibit n‐type conductivity, and n–p or p–n transition is encountered in a single growth experiment. Besides the first results of encompassing very high‐purity crystals with uniform diameter, a controlled dislocation density (≈104 cm−2) can be realized.
Assessing Soil Potassium: Basic Principles and New Developments
Authors: Leverich Nigon Leanna , Bruulsema Tom
Published: March 2023

Potassium (K) is an essential element for crop growth, playing a key role in photosynthesis, protein synthesis, and many other essential functions in the plant. In 2020, 44% of the soils sampled across North America tested below critical in K (meaning applying K fertilizer would result in a crop response). Assessing soils for nutrient availability is an important principle of 4R Nutrient Stewardship. The goal of this article is to provide information on the behavior of K in soils and how it influences the assessment of crop K needs. Earn 1 CEU in Nutrient Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Complementary Operando Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance and UV/Vis Spectroscopic Studies: Acetate Effects on Zinc‐Manganese Batteries
Authors: He Zi‐Fan , Lu Yi‐Ting , Wei Tzu‐Chien , Hu Chi‐Chang
Published: March 2023

Zinc‐ion batteries, in which zinc ions and protons do intercalation and de‐intercalation during battery cycling with various proposed mechanisms under debate, have been studied. Recently, electrolytic zinc‐manganese batteries, exhibiting the pure dissolution‐deposition behavior with a large charge capacity, have been accomplished through using electrolytes with Lewis acid. However, the complicated chemical environment and mixed products hinder the investigation though it is crucial to understand the detailed mechanism. Here, cyclic voltammetry coupled electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) and ultraviolet‐visible spectrophotometry (UV–Vis) are respectively, for the very first time, used to study the transition from zinc‐ion batteries to zinc electrolytic batteries by the continuous addition of acetate ions. These complementary techniques operando trace the mass and the composition evolution. The observed formation and dissolution of zinc hydroxide sulfate (ZHS) and manganese oxides evince the effect of acetate ions on zinc‐manganese batteries from an alternative perspective. Both the amount of acetate and the pH value have large impacts on the capacity and Coulombic efficiency of the MnO2 electrode, and thus they should be optimized when constructing a full zinc‐manganese battery with high rate capability and reversibility.
Digital droplet PCRTERT promoter mutational screening in fine needle aspiration cytology of thyroid lesions: A highly specific technique for pre‐operative identification of high‐risk cases
Authors: Hysek Martin , Hellgren L. Samuel , Stenman Adam , Darai‐Ramqvist Eva , Ljung Elin , Schliemann Igor , Condello Vincenzo , Larsson Catharina , Zedenius Jan , Jatta Kenbugul , Juhlin C. Christofer
Published: March 2023

Background

Despite the advent of comprehensive molecular testing in surgical pathology, most centers still rely on the morphological assessment of fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) to triage patients with thyroid nodules for surgery. Subsets of patients could benefit from the inclusion of molecular testing to increase the diagnostic and/or prognostic properties of the cytology analysis, including the assessment of TERT promoter mutations, an event coupled with thyroid malignancy, and poor prognosis.

Methods

In this prospective study, preoperative FNAC material from 65 cases was assessed for TERT promoter hotspot mutations C228T and C250T using the digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) technique on frozen pellets and re‐evaluated postoperatively.

Results

Our cohort consisted of 15 B‐III (23%), 26 B‐IV (40%), 1 B‐V (2%), and 23 (35%) B‐VI lesions according to the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology. TERT promoter mutations were detected in 7 cases; 4 papillary thyroid carcinomas (all with preoperative B‐VI status), two follicular thyroid carcinomas (one B‐IV and one B‐V status), and one poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (with B‐VI status). All mutated cases were verified by mutational analysis of tumor tissue derived from postoperative formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissue, while all cases identified as wild‐type on FNAC remained wild‐type postoperatively. Moreover, the occurrence of a TERT promoter mutation was significantly associated with malignant disease and higher Ki‐67 proliferation indices.

Conclusion

In the present cohort, we found that ddPCR is a highly specific method for detecting high‐risk TERT promoter mutations on thyroid FNAC material that could guide different surgical approaches in subsets of indeterminate lesions if reproduced in larger materials.
The sedimentological expression of transgression–regression cycles upon aeolian–marine margins
Authors: Cross S. , Pettigrew R. P. , Priddy C. L. , Zuchuat V. , Dodd T. J. H. , Mitten A. J. , Clarke S. M.
Published: March 2023

When compared to their temperate coastal counterparts, sediments deposited and preserved along arid aeolian to shallow‐marine margins remain relatively poorly understood, particularly at the scale of lithofacies units and architectural elements. These systems often record evidence for relative sea‐level change within sedimentary basins. This work focusses on the Entrada–Curtis–Summerville formations that crop out in central eastern Utah, USA, and provides a detailed analysis of the aeolian Moab Member of the Curtis Formation (informally known as the Moab Tongue) that was impacted by cycles of marine transgressions and regression in the late Jurassic. This study utilises photogrammetry, sedimentary logging and sequence‐stratigraphical analysis techniques. Results indicate that four short‐lived transgressive‐regressive cycles are preserved within the Moab Member, followed by a broad regressive event recorded at the transition between the Curtis and Summerville formations. These cycles relate to changes in the relative sea level of the Sundance Sea and the deflation and expansion of the neighbouring aeolian dune field. During periods of normal regression, marine sediments displayed evidence of tidal and wave action, whereas the continental domain was characterised by growth of the aeolian system. However, when regression occurred within optimal physiographic conditions such as a restricted, semi‐enclosed basin, and at sufficient magnitude to outpace erg expansion, this acted to shut‐down bedform development and preservation. A rapid restriction of aeolian sediment availability and the inability of the dune field to recover resulted in the formation of deflationary sandsheets, arid coastal plain strata and contemporaneous shallow‐marine deposits that are starved of wind‐sourced sediments. This study highlights how a rapidly developing high‐magnitude regression can lead to the overall retraction of the erg. Deciphering the evolution and sequence stratigraphical relationships of arid aeolian to shallow marine margins is important in both understanding environmental interactions and improving the characterisation of reservoir rocks deposited in these settings.
Validation of the muscularity‐oriented eating test in adult women in China
Authors: He Jinbo , Cui Tianxiang , Barnhart Wesley R. , Cui Shuqi , Xu Yinuo , Compte Emilio J. , Murray Stuart B. , Nagata Jason M.
Published: March 2023

Objective

Research on muscularity‐oriented disordered eating has grown in recent years. However, the bulk of this research has focused on men and Western populations. Limited research is available in non‐Western populations of women (e.g., China) which is likely due to the lack of valid instruments in these populations. Thus, the current study aimed to describe the validity and reliability of the Muscularity‐Oriented Eating Test (MOET) in Chinese women.

Method

Two online surveys (survey one: n = 599, Mage = 29.49, SD = 7.36; survey two: n = 201, Mage = 28.42, SD = 7.76) were conducted to explore the psychometric properties of the MOET in Chinese women. In survey one, the factor structure of the MOET was examined via exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA). Internal consistency reliability and convergent and incremental validity of the MOET were also assessed. In survey two, test–retest reliability across a 2‐week interval was examined.

Results

EFA and CFA provided support for the unidimensional factor structure of the MOET in Chinese adult women. The MOET presented good internal consistency and test–retest reliability and convergent validity via large, positive associations with theoretically related constructs (e.g., thinness‐oriented disordered eating, drive for muscularity, and psychosocial impairment). Finally, muscularity‐oriented disordered eating described unique variance in psychosocial impairment, providing support for the incremental validity of the MOET.

Discussion

The sound psychometric structure of the MOET was supported in Chinese women. Continued research is needed to describe muscularity‐oriented disordered eating in Chinese women to contribute to this significant gap in the literature.

Public Significance

The Muscularity‐Oriented Eating Test (MOET) is a measure specifically developed for assessing muscularity‐oriented disordered eating. This study examined the validity and reliability of the MOET in Chinese women. The results showed that the MOET had sound validity and reliability in Chinese women. Thus, the MOET is a valuable tool for advancing the understanding of the muscularity‐oriented disordered eating of women from the Chinese context.
Effects of leaf microstructures on the water storage capacity of common urban landscape trees
Authors: Ou Yuxing , Li Yuwu , Lv Luyan , Mu Hanxun , Li Haifang
Published: March 2023

Leaf surface characteristics are the key to determine the water storage capacity of tree canopy and then determine the water interception capacity of the entire stands. We selected 10 common tree species in Qingdao, China, as experimental materials to determine the relationship between the leaf water storage capacity and the microstructure of leaf surfaces. The results revealed that water storage capacity varied from 110.16 to 181.35 g·m−2 on tree branch surfaces and 122.58 to 193.24 g·m−2 on leaf surfaces in these species. Prunus serrulata with the highest leaf storage capacity had low wettability and high roughness, while Platanus acerifolia with the lowest leaf storage capacity had high wettability and low roughness. Among them, leaf roughness played an important role in work‐of‐adhesion for rainfall. With an increasing roughness, the raindrops increasingly adhered to the leaf surface, and leaf water storage capacity increased. Thus, the effects of leaf surface properties on hydrological processes cannot be ignored, and this study is of great significance for demonstrating their impacts on water storage capacity and further promoting sponge city construction by using trees.
Electrode/Electrolyte Interfacial Chemistry Modulated by Chelating Effect for High‐Performance Zinc Anode
Authors: Li Chuanlin , Qu Guangmeng , Zhang Xixi , Wang Chenggang , Xu Xijin
Published: March 2023

Although Zn metal has been regarded as the most promising anode for aqueous batteries, its practical application is still restricted by side reactions and dendrite growth. Herein, an in‐situ solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film formed on the interface of electrode/electrolyte during the plating/stripping of zinc anodes by introducing trace amounts of multidentate ligand sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) additive into 1 m ZnSO4. The synergistic effect of in‐situ solid electrolyte interphase forming and chelate effect endows Zn2+ with uniform and rapid interface‐diffusion kinetics against dendrite growth and surface side reactions. As a result, the Zn anode in 1 m ZnSO4 + DDTC electrolytes displays an ultra‐high coulombic efficiency of 99.5% and cycling stability (more than 2000 h), especially at high current density (more than 600 cycles at 40 mA cm−2). Moreover, the Zn//MnO2 full cells in the ZnSO4 + DDTC electrolyte exhibit outstanding cyclic stability (with 98.6% capacity retention after 2000 cycles at 10 C). This electrode/electrolyte interfacial chemistry modulated strategy provides new insight into enhancing zinc anode stability for high‐performance aqueous zinc batteries.
Long‐term cumulative high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T and mortality among patients with acute heart failure
Authors: Zhang Lihua , He Guangda , Huo Xiqian , Ji Runqing , Tian Aoxi , Pu Boxuan , Lei Lubi , Li Jingkuo , Peng Yue
Published: March 2023

Aims

This study aimed to evaluate the cumulative high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs‐cTNT) from admission to 12 months after discharge and its association with mortality after 12 months among patients with acute heart failure (HF).

Methods

We used data from the China Patient‐Centered Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events Prospective Heart Failure Study (China PEACE 5p‐HF Study), which enrolled patients hospitalized primarily for HF from 52 hospitals between 2016 and 2018. We included patients who survived within 12 months and had hs‐cTNT data at admission (within 48 h of admission) and 1 and 12 months after discharge. To evaluate the long‐term cumulative hs‐cTNT, we calculated cumulative hs‐cTNT levels and cumulative times of high hs‐cTNT level. Patients were divided into groups according to the quartiles of cumulative hs‐cTNT levels (Quartiles 1–4) and cumulative times of high hs‐cTNT levels (0–3 times). Multivariable Cox models were constructed to examine the association of cumulative hs‐cTNT with mortality during the follow‐up period.

Results

We included 1137 patients with a median age of 64 [interquartile range (IQR), 54–73] years; 406 (35.7%) were female. The median cumulative hs‐cTNT level was 150 (IQR, 91–241) ng/L*month. Based on the cumulative times of high hs‐cTNT levels, 404 (35.5%) patients were with zero time, 203 (17.9%) with one time, 174 (15.3%) with two times, and 356 (31.3%) with three times. During a median follow‐up of 4.76 (IQR, 4.25–5.07) years, 303 (26.6%) all‐cause deaths occurred. The increasing cumulative hs‐cTNT level and cumulative times of high hs‐cTNT level were independently associated with excess all‐cause mortality. Compared with Quartile 1 group, Quartile 4 had the highest hazard ratio (HR) of all‐cause mortality [4.14; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.51–6.85], followed by Quartile 3 (HR: 3.35; 95% CI: 2.05–5.48) and Quartile 2 (HR: 2.47; 95% CI: 1.49–4.08) groups. Similarly, taking the patients with zero time of high hs‐cTNT level as the reference, the HRs were 1.60 (95% CI: 1.05–2.45), 2.61 (95% CI: 1.76–3.87), and 2.86 (95% CI: 1.98–4.14) in patients who had one, two, and three times of high hs‐cTNT level, respectively.

Conclusions

Elevated cumulative hs‐cTNT from admission to 12 months after discharge was independently associated with mortality after 12 months among patients with acute HF. Repeated measurements of hs‐cTNT after discharge may help monitor the cardiac damage and identify patients with high risk of death.
Efficient Electrochemical Water Splitting Through Self‐Supported Copper Selenide Nanosheets on Cu Foil: Effect of Immersion Time
Authors: Malavekar Dhanaji B. , Kale Shital B. , Shelke Harshad D. , Pathan Habib M. , Lokhande Chandrakant D.
Published: March 2023

Transition metal selenides have been attracting enormous attention for electrocatalytic water oxidation. Herein, a self‐supported Cu3Se2@Cu electrocatalyst is prepared using the simple self‐growth method at different immersion times. The immersion time is critical in the conversion of Cu(OH)2 to Cu3Se2 as well as the modification of surface morphology. The growth of thin films is analyzed using a field emission scanning electron microscope and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. The electrochemical analysis shows that 230 and 351 mV of overpotential are required to reach a current density of 10 and 100 mA cm−2, respectively, for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The chronopotentiometry measurement over 50 h at a current density of 100 mA cm−2 shows excellent stability of the self‐grown electrocatalyst. This work may provide an effective and controlled strategy to convert Cu substrate to Cu3Se2 for efficient OER catalysts with the self‐growth method.
Electrochemical Performance of SnS@Graphene Composites Prepared by Deep Eutectic Solvent Method
Authors: Li Hui , Xu Siyu , Qi Haoyu , Cao Xuechen , Ju Dianchun , Chen Chunyu , Chen Yuanqing , Li Shangbing , Chang Lizhong
Published: March 2023

SnS material is considered as an attractive anode material to substitute commercial graphite anodes of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to its large capacity, low cost, and environment‐friendliness. However, the side reactions induced during charge/discharge processes significantly expand the volume of SnS material, limiting its development. Herein, a novel deep eutectic solvent is synthesized with polyethylene glycol and SnCl2·2H2O, and SnS@graphene composites are prepared using a one‐step pyrolytic vulcanization method. The composite material is sandwich‐shaped with graphene sheet layers interspersed with SnS particles. Tests after making them into button cells have shown that the composite electrodes have excellent electrochemical properties: an initial discharge capacity of 1346 mAh g−1 at the current density of 100 mA g−1; outstanding long‐period performance under high current. In the case of 1 A g−1, it still has 421.8 mAh g−1 capacity after 1000 cycles. It also shows superior rate characteristics: under the current density of 5 A g−1, its specific discharge capacity is 343 mAh g−1; the specific discharge capacity increases rapidly to 798 mAh g−1 when the current density returns to 1 A g−1.
A novel control strategy for dual active bridge bidirectional converter for electric vehicle application
Authors: Qayamuddin Md , Sarwar Md , Siddiqui Anwar Shahzad , Haque Ahteshamul , Warsi Nawaz Ali
Published: March 2023

Environmental issues and the depletion of fossil fuel resources cause increased demand for electric vehicles. An electric vehicle consists of two main components: a propulsion system and a battery charger. The design of an efficient, fast and economical charger is key to its success. Therefore, this paper presents a novel design of a dual active bridge‐based bidirectional converter with logical control for an electric vehicle application. The logical control of the converter enables the power flow between the grid and the electric vehicle and vice versa. The power flow is based on the single‐phase shift method. The converter selects the mode of operation based on the battery's state of charge and the user command using a binary switch. The power requirement influences the design of the circuit's parameters of the electric vehicle battery. A 50 V, 100 Ah, and 5 kW Li‐ion battery and AC power source of 230 V, 50 Hz are used in the simulation work. The circuit performance is verified in the SIMULINK/MATLAB environment. The analysis of the converter gives better control for various state‐of‐charge levels of electric vehicle batteries.
Age, genesis, and geological significance of Permian–Triassic boundary volcanic tuffs in the northeastern margin of South China
Authors: Xie Wei , Li Shuang‐Ying , Li Zhen‐Sheng , Wei Xing , Hu Bo , Li Min
Published: March 2023

The Permian–Triassic boundary (PTB) volcanic tuffs are widely distributed in the East Palaeo‐Tethys region, but their age and origin have been controversial. The Permian–Triassic deep‐water sediments in the northeastern margin of South China are favourable research objects, and we report new results from the PTB deep basin sediments in the Susong area, Anhui Province, in this paper. Two volcanic tuffs are found in the Zuoshan PTB in the Zuoshan section, and Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) U–Pb zircon dating indicates that the upper and lower tuffs are 251.3 ± 1.7 Ma and 252.3 ± 2.1 Ma, respectively. The PTB age is 251.6 Ma according to a numerical interpolation method of the average deposition rate of the PTB. Fusulinids and non‐fusulinid foraminifers in the limestone overlying the lower tuff define the rock as end‐Permian. Zircon trace elements show that both tuffs are sourced from felsic volcanism in continental arc background, and their source magmas were derived from the continental crust. Zircons of PTB age from the upper tuff on the bottom of the Triassic have negative εHf(t) value from −8.02 to −3.75, and the Palaeo‐Mesoproterozoic two‐stage model ages of 1502–1780 Ma, showing that their source rocks were only derived from the remelting of the Palaeo‐Mesoproterozoic continental crust. The zircons from the lower tuff on the top of the Permian show two types, including negative εHf(t) values from −6.48 to −1.25 and Palaeo‐Mesoproterozoic two‐stage model ages of 1350–1679 Ma, and positive εHf(t) values from +3.98 to +10.15, and Neoproterozoic two‐stage model ages of 629–1023 Ma, indicating that their sources were derived from the reworking of the Palaeo‐Mesoproterozoic continental crust and early Neoproterozoic depleted mantle joined in juvenile crust growth in the northern margin of the South China Block at the beginning of the collision between the South China and North China blocks. The initial collision started no later than 252.3 Ma and developed significantly from east to west.
Variations of stable isotope in Typhoon Lupit (2021) rainfall and its response to upstream convective processes
Authors: Yang Yunyue , Jiang Xiuyang , Cai Jianrong , Qiu Wanyin , Gao Kui , Feng Tanghui
Published: March 2023

Typhoons produce a large amount of rainfall with a highly depleted isotopic composition. However, the mechanisms of isotope fractionation during typhoons remain poorly understood. Here, we present the hourly resolution isotope composition of rainfall during Typhoon Lupit (2021) in Fuzhou, on the southeast coast of China, to better understand these processes. Our results showed that the rainfall of Typhoon Lupit had significant fluctuations in δ18O values, ranging from −20.1‰ to −6.3‰, and exhibited a three‐stage variation with distinctly negative δ18O values in the second stage. In the first stage of Lupit, water vapour originated primarily from the nearby sea area, which did not undergo sustained convective activity, resulting in relatively enriched δ18O values. In the second stage, the δ18O values were extremely negative mainly because of the accumulated convective activity and continuous precipitation as they travelled towards the centre of the typhoon. In the third stage, the mixing of more localized and nearby sea water vapour caused an increase in the δ18O values. In summary, the three‐stage characteristics of Typhoon Lupit were largely caused by the integration of accumulated convective activity and moisture sources. Our findings reveal how upstream rainout affects the isotopic behaviour of rainfall and may have implications for understanding the dynamics of typhoon rainfall isotopes.
Consumption-based CO2 emissions in Denmark: The role of financial stability and energy productivity
Authors: Oyebanji Modupe Oluyemisi , Kirikkaleli Dervis , Awosusi Abraham Ayobamiji
Published: March 2023

Climate change can be mitigated and policies can be catalyzed with the aid of financial institutions. By maintaining and strengthening financial stability, the financial sector's resilience could help mitigate climate-related risks and uncertainties. Hence, an empirical investigation on the effect of financial stability on consumption-based CO2 emissions (CCO2E) in Denmark is long overdue. This study investigates the financial risk-emissions relationship in the presence of energy productivity, energy consumption, and economic growth in Denmark. Furthermore, by adopting an asymmetric approach to analyze the time series data for the period between 1995 and 2018, this study helps bridge this major gap in the literature. By adopting the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag approach (NARDL), we discovered that the positive variation in financial stability causes a reduction in CCO2E, but the neutral connection was reported between the negative shock in financial stability and CCO2E. The positive shock in economic growth and energy consumption intensifies CCO2E; however, a neutral interaction exists between the negative shock in economic growth and CCO2E. The negative shock in energy consumption has a positive effect on CCO2E, indicating a mitigating implication on environmental degradation. In addition, a positive shock in energy productivity enhances environmental quality, while a negative shock in energy productivity increases environmental degradation. In light of the results, we suggest some robust policies for Denmark and other smaller but wealthy nations. Moreover, in order to develop sustainable finance markets, policymakers in Denmark need to mobilize both public and private finance while maintaining a balance with other economic needs of the nation. The country must also identify and understand potential avenues for scaling up private financing for mitigating climate risk. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:1485–1494. © 2023 SETAC
Bladder paraganglioma: A case of acute respiratory distress syndrome triggered by large bladder tumor transurethral resection with mild symptoms and atypical imaging
Authors: Takahashi Toshifumi , Hazama Tatsuya , Ota Hideto , Yamada Yuya , Nakashima Masakazu , Tamaki Masahiro , Ito Noriyuki
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Bladder paraganglioma is exceedingly rare, accounting for <0.05% of bladder tumors. This is a case of paraganglioma with no symptom other than palpitations during urination, with atypical imaging, resulting in acute respiratory distress syndrome after transurethral resection of the bladder tumor.

Case presentation

A 46‐year‐old man underwent transurethral resection of the bladder tumor for a bladder tumor 61 × 52 mm in size on contrast‐enhanced computed tomography. The patient only had micturition attacks and was suspected to have urothelial carcinoma on magnetic resonance imaging. The patient had acute respiratory distress syndrome after the operation which improved conservatively. The 123Iodine metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy, urinalysis, and pathological examination revealed bladder paraganglioma. Robot‐assisted radical cystectomy and ileal neobladder reconstruction were performed.

Conclusion

This study reported bladder paraganglioma with no symptoms other than micturition attacks in which acute respiratory distress syndrome occurred after transurethral resection of the bladder tumor.
A metastatic ureteral tumor successfully treated with multidisciplinary therapy including radiotherapy
Authors: Kawaguchi Yoshihiro , Naritomi Kazuya , Kawagoe Nobutoshi , Matsunaga Yoshihiro , Ogasawara Naoyuki , Igawa Tsukasa
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Metastatic ureteral tumors are difficult to diagnose pathologically. Treatment is only available for the primary disease, and prognosis is generally poor.

Case presentation

A 63‐year‐old patient with a history of gastric cancer presented with asymptomatic right‐sided hydronephrosis. Ureteroscopic examination revealed tissue in the ureter consistent with gastric cancer. The lesion was localized, and the patient was treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy as part of a multidisciplinary treatment. The prognosis was better than in other reports. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a patient with metastatic gastric cancer who received multidisciplinary treatment including radiotherapy and had a good prognosis.

Conclusion

In cases where a localized metastatic ureteral tumor cannot be ruled out, ureteroscopy is an effective therapeutic strategy.
Biological impact of sequential exposures to allergens and ultrafine particle‐rich combustion aerosol on human bronchial epithelial BEAS‐2B cells at the air liquid interface
Authors: Zimmermann Elias Josef , Candeias Joana , Gawlitta Nadine , Bisig Christoph , Binder Stephanie , Pantzke Jana , Offer Svenja , Rastak Narges , Bauer Stefanie , Huber Anja , Kuhn Evelyn , Buters Jeroen , Groeger Thomas , Delaval Mathilde N. , Oeder Sebastian , Di Bucchianico Sebastiano , Zimmermann Ralf
Published: March 2023

The prevalence of allergic diseases is constantly increasing since few decades. Anthropogenic ultrafine particles (UFPs) and allergenic aerosols is highly involved in this increase; however, the underlying cellular mechanisms are not yet understood. Studies observing these effects focused mainly on singular in vivo or in vitro exposures of single particle sources, while there is only limited evidence on their subsequent or combined effects. Our study aimed at evaluating the effect of subsequent exposures to allergy‐related anthropogenic and biogenic aerosols on cellular mechanism exposed at air–liquid interface (ALI) conditions. Bronchial epithelial BEAS‐2B cells were exposed to UFP‐rich combustion aerosols for 2 h with or without allergen pre‐exposure to birch pollen extract (BPE) or house dust mite extract (HDME). The physicochemical properties of the generated particles were characterized by state‐of‐the‐art analytical instrumentation. We evaluated the cellular response in terms of cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, genotoxicity, and in‐depth gene expression profiling. We observed that single exposures with UFP, BPE, and HDME cause genotoxicity. Exposure to UFP induced pro‐inflammatory canonical pathways, shifting to a more xenobiotic‐related response with longer preincubation time. With additional allergen exposure, the modulation of pro‐inflammatory and xenobiotic signaling was more pronounced and appeared faster. Moreover, aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling activation showed to be an important feature of UFP toxicity, which was especially pronounced upon pre‐exposure. In summary, we were able to demonstrate the importance of subsequent exposure studies to understand realistic exposure situations and to identify possible adjuvant allergic effects and the underlying molecular mechanisms.
ATR‐FTIR spectrum analysis of plasma samples for rapid identification of recovered COVID‐19 individuals
Authors: Karas Boris Y. , Sitnikova Vera E. , Nosenko Tatiana N. , Dedkov Vladimir G. , Arsentieva Natalia A. , Gavrilenko Natalia V. , Moiseev Ivan S. , Totolian Areg A. , Kajava Andrey V. , Uspenskaya Mayya V.
Published: March 2023

The development of fast, cheap and reliable methods to determine seroconversion against infectious agents is of great practical importance. In the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic, an important issue is to study the rate of formation of the immune layer in the population of different regions, as well as the study of the formation of post‐vaccination immunity in individuals after vaccination. Currently, the main method for this kind of research is enzyme immunoassay (ELISA, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay). This technique is sufficiently sensitive and specific, but it requires significant time and material costs. We investigated the applicability of attenuated total reflection (ATR) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy associated with machine learning in blood plasma to detect seroconversion against SARS‐CoV‐2. The study included samples of 60 patients. Clear spectral differences in plasma samples from recovered COVID‐19 patients and conditionally healthy donors were identified using multivariate and statistical analysis. The results showed that ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy, combined with principal components analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) or artificial neural network (ANN), made it possible to efficiently identify specimens from recovered COVID‐19 patients. We built classification models based on PCA associated with LDA and ANN. Our analysis led to 87% accuracy for PCA‐LDA model and 91% accuracy for ANN, respectively. Based on this proof‐of‐concept study, we believe this method could offer a simple, label‐free, cost‐effective tool for detecting seroconversion against SARS‐CoV‐2. This approach could be used as an alternative to ELISA.
Bacterial protease‐responsive shape memory polymers for infection surveillance and biofilm inhibition in chronic wounds
Authors: Ramezani Maryam , Monroe Mary Beth Browning
Published: March 2023

Chronic wound healing is often negatively impacted by infection. Efficient infection assessment is crucial for effective treatment, and biofilm inhibition could improve treatment efficacy. To that end, we developed a bacterial protease‐responsive shape memory polymer based on a segmented polyurethane with incorporated poly(glutamic acid) peptide (PU‐Pep). Poly(glutamic acid) degrades in response to bacterial proteases to trigger shape recovery of PU‐Pep films that are programmed into a secondary shape. These materials have transition temperatures well above body temperature (~60°C), which enables stable storage in temporary shapes after implantation. Synthesized polymers have high shape fixity (~74%–88%), shape recovery (~93%–95%), and cytocompatibility (~100%). Strained PU‐Pep samples underwent shape recovery within ≤24 h in response to the V8 enzyme from Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus, ~50% recovery) and multiple bacteria strains (S. aureus [~40%], Staphylococcus epidermidis [~30%], and Escherichia coli [~25%]), and they had minimal shape change in response to media controls and mammalian cells. Shape recovery of strained PU‐Pep samples prevented biofilm formation on the sample surfaces, and resulting attached planktonic bacteria were vulnerable to applied treatments. PU‐Pep with physically incorporated antimicrobials simultaneously prevented biofilm formation and killed isolated bacteria. PU‐Pep dressings displayed visible shape change and resistance to biofilm formation in in vitro and ex vivo models. In the in vitro model, PU‐Pep shape change also disrupted pre‐formed biofilm structures. This novel bacterial protease‐responsive biomaterial could serve as a wound dressing that changes shape specifically during bacterial colonization to alert clinicians to infection and make biofilm‐associated infections easier to treat.
MOFs for desulfurization of fuel oil: Recent advances and future insights
Authors: Saeed Muhammad , Firdous Aswa , Zaman Muhammad Saleh , Izhar Fatima , Riaz Mubeshar , Haider Sabah , Majeed Muzamil , Tariq Shahzaib
Published: March 2023

Nowadays, desulfurization of fuel oil has raised concern globally because of strict industrial and environmental legislations. Albeit hydrodesulfurization (HDS) has been extensively used in oil refineries to produce low sulfur oil (< 10 ppm) but not been proven as effective method for the removal of dibenzothiophene (DBT), benzothiophene (TH) and their derivatives. Subsequently, adsorptive desulfurization (ADS) and oxidative desulfurization (ODS) methods have been developed to achieve high removal efficiency. In the past decade, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and its composites as oxidative catalysts, as well as adsorbents, have attracted the researchers owing to high surface area, tunable properties, and reusable. The present review comprises use of MOFs and their composites for the removal of sulfur from fuel oil via ODS and ADS processes. Additionally, physicochemical properties of MOFs, mechanism, pros and cons of both process, regeneration, and future challenges have been discussed briefly. Moreover, current limitations and future prospective are also discussed.
Disseminating early interventions for disaster mental health response using the ECHO model
Authors: Hambrick Erin P. , Williams Joah L. , Hardt Madeleine M. , Collins Jen O. , Punt Stephanie E. , Rincon Caicedo Mariana , Zhang E (Alice) , Maras Melissa , Lopez Mader Luisa , Stiles Robert , Nelson Eve‐Lynn
Published: March 2023

Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO)‐based telementoring was evaluated for disseminating early disaster interventions, Psychological First Aid (PFA) and Skills for Psychological Recovery (SPR), to school professionals throughout rural, disaster‐affected communities further affected by COVID‐19. PFA and SPR complemented their Multitiered System of Support: PFA complemented tier 1 (universal) and SPR tier 2 (targeted) prevention. We evaluated the outcomes of a pretraining webinar (164 participants, January 2021) and four‐part PFA training (84 participants, June 2021) and SPR training (59 participants, July 2021) across five levels of Moore's continuing medical education evaluation framework: (1) participation, (2) satisfaction, (3) learning, (4) competence, and (5) performance, using pre‐, post‐, and 1‐month follow‐up surveys. Positive training outcomes were observed across all five levels, with high participation and satisfaction throughout, and high use at the 1‐month follow‐up. ECHO‐based telementoring may successfully engage and train community providers in these underused early disaster response models. Recommendations regarding training format and using evaluation to improve training are provided.