bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequential posterior interosseous artery perforator flap for reconstruction of dorsal hand defects
Authors: Zhou Xiao , Hu Deqing , Lu Hao , Tao Xianyao , Chen Peng , Wen Fuli , Xue Laien , Hong Xu , Zheng Heping
Published: June 2022

Dorsal hand defects accompanied by exposure of bones and tendons remain a huge challenge for plastic surgeons. The pedicled perforator flaps have unique advantages in resurfacing the defects. This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of the sequential posterior interosseous artery perforator flap for repairing dorsal hand defects. This study was composed of an anatomical study and clinical application. Anatomically, 30 adult upper limb specimens injected with red latex were dissected, the perforators from the branches of the posterior interosseous artery were observed in the dorsal forearm, and the sequential flap based on them was designed based on the anatomical characteristics. Clinically, nine cases of soft tissue defects on the dorsum of the hand were treated by this flap. Anatomically, the posterior interosseous artery divided into an ascending branch and a descending branch, and the descending branch traveled 1.0 ± 0.3 cm down to divide into the ulnar and radial terminal branches. The ulnar terminal branch presented constantly, and the radial terminal branch had an occurrence rate of 93.33%. Clinically, all flaps survived completely and possessed a soft texture and satisfactory appearance, as well as a nonbloated pedicle, and the donor region had a natural color and appearance with only a linear scar left behind. The sequential posterior interosseous artery perforator flap could become a useful option for repairing dorsal hand defects, as it has the advantages of being easy to perform without sacrificing the main vessels and avoiding donor area skin grafting.
Concordance of breast cancer biomarker testing in core needle biopsy and surgical specimens: A single institution experience
Authors: Slostad Jessica A. , Yun Nicole K. , Schad Aimee E. , Warrior Surbhi , Fogg Louis F. , Rao Ruta
Published: June 2022

Background

Accurate diagnostic biomarker testing is crucial to treatment decisions in breast cancer. Biomarker testing is performed on core needle biopsies (CNB) and is often repeated in the surgical specimen (SS) after resection. As differences between CNB and SS testing may alter treatment decisions, we evaluated concordance between CNB and SS as well as associated changes in treatment and clinical outcomes.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of breast cancer patients at our institution between January 2010 and May 2020. Concordance between CNB and SS was assessed for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Survival in patients, including recurrence, metastatic recurrence, and death, were assessed using chi‐squared likelihood ratio.

Results

In total, 961 patients met eligibility criteria. Concordance, minor discordance, total concordance (concordance plus minor discordance), and major discordance between CNB and SS were reported for ER (87.7%, 9.2%, 90.8%, and 2.9%), PR (58.1%, 29.1%, 87.2%, and 12.8%), and HER2 IHC (52.5%, 20.9%, 73.4%, 26.6%), respectively. HER2 FISH concordance and major discordance were 58.5% and 1.2%, respectively. Of major discordance, ER (48.2%, p < 0.001) and HER2 FISH (50.0%) led to more management changes than HER2 IHC (2.4%, p = 0.04) and PR (1.6%, p = 0.10). Patients with ER major discordance had increased risk of death (6.7% concordance vs. 22.2% major discordance, p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Overall, retesting ER and HER2 was more clinically beneficial than retesting PR. To aid decision‐making and minimize healthcare costs, we propose patient‐centered guidelines on retesting biomarker profiles.
In Silico Screening of Two‐Photon Absorption Properties of a Large Set of Bis‐Difluoroborate Dyes
Authors: Knysh Iryna , Jassar Mohammed Bin , Ośmiałowski Borys , Zaleśny Robert , Jacquemin Denis
Published: June 2022

In this work we strive to unravel the relationships between the two‐photon absorption (2PA) cross‐sections and structural modifications in an extended panel (280 compounds) of large difluoroborate dyes. More specifically, we use theoretical tools based on Time‐Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD‐DFT), to predict the one and two‐photon absorption properties of all compounds. The BF2‐carrying dyes usually posses a great interest for 2PA bioapplications as smartly designed BF2‐derivatives show good photophysical properties and high quantum yields in aqueous medium. For practical applications, it is important to maximize their 2PA response as well as absorption wavelength. This is why we explore here various strategies for maximizing the 2PA cross‐section: core modifications, multi‐branching, variation of the nature and length of the π‐conjugated linkers, addition of various donor and acceptor substituents. Our results suggest that large values of 2PA cross‐section and redshifted absorption wavelength can be achieved for all studied cores by using the vinylene‐type linkers and asymmetrical substitution with at least one strong peripheral donor group.
Defect‐Enriched ZnO/ZnS Heterostructures Derived from Hydrozincite Intermediates for Hydrogen Evolution under Visible Light
Authors: Zhi Yaqing , Yi Yuan , Deng Chenxi , Zhang Qiao , Yang Siyuan , Peng Feng
Published: June 2022

Introducing defect engineering into ZnO/ZnS heterojunction photocatalysts is an effective method to simultaneously improve their visible light performance and photocatalytic efficiency. Herein, a defect‐enriched ZnO/ZnS heterostructure photocatalyst was synthesized through a hydrozincite [Zn5(OH)6(CO3)2] intermediate‐deriving reaction. The mechanism analysis showed that there were interstitial Zn and Zn vacancies in the hydrozincite‐derived ZnO, while S vacancies and interstitial S and Zn vacancies were formed in ZnS components after calcination. These specific defect states endowed visible light response ability to both ZnO and ZnS components in the ZnO/ZnS photocatalysts. Under visible light irradiation, the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate of ZnO/ZnS reached 11.68 mmol h−1 g−1, and under simulated sunlight irradiation, the best photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate could reach 27.94 mmol h−1 g−1, which was much higher than most previous reports. The analysis of energy band structure and photodeposition showed that the photocatalytic reduction sites were mainly on ZnS, and the photocatalytic reaction mainly followed the typical Z‐type mechanism. This work presents a simple and low‐cost method for the preparation of defects‐enriched ZnO/ZnS‐based photocatalytic materials with high photocatalytic activity and stability.
Carbon nanoparticles characteristics synthesized in pulsed radiofrequency discharge and their effect on surface hydrophobicity
Authors: Batryshev Didar , Utegenov Almasbek , Zhumadilov Rakhymzhan , Akhanova Nazym , Orazbayev Sagi , Ussenkhan Sultan , Lin Jiashu , Takahashi Kazuo , Bastykova Nuriya , Kodanova Sandugash , Gabdullin Maratbek , Ramazanov Tlekkabul
Published: June 2022

Carbon nanoparticles were synthesized using a 13.56 MHz radiofrequency (RF) discharge of Ar/CH4 plasma in pulsed mode to control the nanoparticle size. Experimental observations have shown that the size of carbon nanoparticles increases with the frequency of the pulse signal. It was also found that by using a frequency modulated pulsed RF signal it is possible to control the size of carbon nanoparticles in the 40–70 nm range, where the plasma‐enhanced chemical vapour deposition method is the main mechanism for nanoparticle growth. Transmission electron microscopy image analysis showed two types of nanoparticles, some of which are an agglomerate of nanoparticles with an amorphous structure, while the others are nanometre‐sized with crystalline structures. Changes in the modulation frequency and synthesis time help to obtain different films with different values of the contact angle.
Evaluating the role of body size and habitat type in movement behavior in human‐dominated systems: A frog's eye view
Authors: Murphy Mason , Boone Michelle
Published: June 2022

Animal movement is a key process that connects and maintains populations on the landscape, yet for most species, we do not understand how intrinsic and extrinsic factors interact to influence individual movement behavior.

Land‐use/land‐cover changes highlight that connectivity among populations will depend upon an individual's ability to traverse habitats, which may vary as a result of habitat permeability, individual condition, or a combination of these factors.

We examined the effects of intrinsic (body size) and extrinsic (habitat type) factors on desiccation tolerance, movement, and orientation in three anuran species (American toads,Anaxyrus americanus; northern leopard frogs,Lithobates pipiens; and Blanchard's cricket frogs,Acris blanchardi) using laboratory and field studies to connect the effects of susceptibility to desiccation, size, and movement behavior in single‐habitat types and at habitat edges.

Smaller anurans were more vulnerable to desiccation, particularly for species that metamorphose at relatively small sizes. Habitat type had the strongest effect on movement, while body size had more situational and species‐specific effects on movement. We found that individuals moved the farthest in habitat types that, when given the choice, they oriented away from, suggesting that these habitats are less favorable and could represent barriers to movement.

Overall, our work demonstrated that differences in habitat type had strong impacts on individual movement behavior and influenced choices at habitat edges. By integrating intrinsic and extrinsic factors into our study, we provided evidence that population connectivity may be influenced not only by the habitat matrix but also by the condition of the individuals leaving the habitat patch.
Molecular phylogeny and phylogeography of ricefishes (Teleostei: Adrianichthyidae: Oryzias) in Sri Lanka
Authors: Sudasinghe Hiranya , Ranasinghe Tharindu , Wijesooriya Kumudu , Pethiyagoda Rohan , Rüber Lukas , Meegaskumbura Madhava
Published: June 2022

Ricefishes of the genus Oryzias occur commonly in the fresh and brackish waters in coastal lowlands ranging from India across Southeast Asia and on to Japan. Among the three species of Oryzias recorded from peninsular India, two widespread species, O. carnaticus and O. dancena, have previously been reported from Sri Lanka based on museum specimens derived from a few scattered localities. However, members of the genus are widespread in the coastal lowlands of Sri Lanka, a continental island separated from India by the shallow Palk Strait. Although recent molecular phylogenies of Adrianichthyidae represent near‐complete taxon representation, they lack samples from Sri Lanka. Here, based on sampling at 13 locations representative of the entire geographic and climatic regions of the island's coastal lowlands, we investigate for the first time the molecular phylogenetic relationships and phylogeography of Sri Lankan Oryzias based on one nuclear and two mitochondrial markers. Sri Lankan Oryzias comprise two distinct non‐sister lineages within the javanicus species group. One of these is represented by samples exclusively from the northern parts of the island; it is recognized as O. dancena. This lineage is recovered as the sister group to the remaining species in the javanicus group. The second lineage represents a species that is widespread across the island's coastal lowlands. It is recovered as the sister group of O. javanicus and is identified as O. cf. carnaticus. Ancestral‐range estimates suggest two independent colonizations of Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka by widespread ancestral species of Oryzias during two discrete temporal windows: late Miocene and Plio‐Pleistocene. No phylogeographic structure is apparent in Sri Lankan Oryzias, suggesting that there are no strong barriers to gene flow and dispersal along the coastal floodplains, as is the case also for other generalist freshwater fishes in the island.
Incidence and predictors of worsening heart failure in patients with wild‐type transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis
Authors: Ladefoged Bertil Thyrsted , Dybro Anne , Dahl Pedersen Anders Lehmann , Rasmussen Torsten Bloch , Vase Henrik Ølholm , Clemmensen Tor Skibsted , Gillmore Julian , Poulsen Steen Hvitfeldt
Published: June 2022

Background

Prognostic markers of survival have been identified in wild‐type transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRwt), but limited data exist with respect to hospitalizations with worsening heart failure (WHF). Predictive markers of WHF have yet to be identified.

Methods

From April 2017 to February 2021, 104 patients with ATTRwt were diagnosed and prospectively followed from the time of diagnosis to the time of death or the censoring date of 1 February 2021. Baseline patient characteristics, biomarkers, and advanced echocardiography were used to predict hospitalization with WHF.

Results

During the median follow‐up period of 23 months, 51% of patients were hospitalized due to WHF. Seventy‐three per cent of patients with WHF were admitted at least twice. Patients with WHF during the first year had significantly poorer survival (P < 0.001). Independent predictors of WHF during follow‐up were pacemaker implantation prior to diagnosis (PMI, P = 0.037) and right atrial volume index (RAVi, P = 0.008). Patients with PMI had a higher left ventricular mass index and poorer left ventricular and right ventricular systolic function indicating a more advanced stage of amyloid disease.

Conclusions

A high incidence and recurrence of hospital admissions with WHF were demonstrated in contemporary patients with ATTRwt, which was associated with reduced survival. Patients with pacemaker devices prior to ATTRwt diagnosis experienced more frequent hospitalizations with WHF. PMI and right atrial enlargement were identified as independent predictors of WHF during follow‐up.
Prognostic values of B‐lines combined with clinical congestion assessment at discharge in heart failure patients
Authors: Kang Yu , Zhong Xue‐ke , Chen Qiao‐wei , Yang Zi‐xuan , Chen Xiao‐jing , Yu Peng‐ming , Zhang Qing
Published: June 2022

Aims

We aim to investigate the additive effect of B‐lines on lung ultrasound (LUS) for predicting outcome in patients with heart failure (HF) when combined with conventional assessment of clinical congestion.

Methods and results

This study prospectively enrolled 117 hospitalized HF patients (61 ± 16 years, 70.1% males) who underwent congestion assessment by the ‘wet/dry’ status, clinical congestion score (CCS), and B‐lines on LUS. The primary endpoint was all‐cause mortality or hospitalization for HF during the 180‐day follow‐up after discharge. The ‘Wet’, CCS ≥ 3, and B‐lines >5, indicators of congestion positive (+), were observed in 83.8%, 76.1%, and 70.1% of the patients on admission, respectively; and the numbers significantly decreased to 41.9%, 41.9%, and 35.9% at discharge, respectively. The agreement between the ‘wet/dry’ status and B‐lines (58.1%) or between CCS and B‐lines (56.4%) was moderate at discharge, in terms of both positive and both negative. By incorporating the B‐lines with assessment of clinical congestion, the patients at discharge were divided into three phenotypes as clinical congestion (+), clinical congestion (−) with B‐lines (+), and clinical congestion (−) with B‐lines (−). The Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a better survival in the both (−) group (‘wet/dry’ with B‐lines: Chi‐square 10.591, P = 0.005; CCS with B‐lines: χ2 6.239, P = 0.031). When the ‘wet’ patients (n = 49) being taken as the reference, the ‘dry’ patients with B‐lines (+) (n = 21) had an identical risk of the composite endpoint (hazard ratio [HR] adjusted for clinical covariates 1.021, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.480–2.134, P = 0.974), while the ‘dry’ patients with B‐lines (−) (n = 47) had a lower risk (HR 0.264, 95% CI 0.113–0.617, P = 0.002). When the CCS (+) patients (n = 49) being regarded as the reference, similar results were obtained in the patients with CCS (−) but B‐lines (+) (n = 22) (HR 1.348, 95% CI 0.627–2.896, P = 0.444) as well as in those with both CCS (−) and B‐lines (−) (n = 46) (HR 0.447, 95% CI 0.202–0.992, P = 0.048).

Conclusions

The combination of B‐lines on LUS and conventional assessment helped to identify new phenotypes of congestion that aid in the risk stratification of discharged HF patients. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether this strategy could be adopted as a guide for decongestion therapy.
Changes in shore platform wetting and drying cycles following the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake: Implications for incipient marine terrace evolution
Authors: Horton Sophie L. , Stephenson Wayne J. , Dickson Mark E.
Published: June 2022

Co‐seismic uplift of Kaikōura Peninsula in 2016 has substantially reduced the number of wetting and drying cycles that occur on the shore platforms and the newly uplifted incipient marine terraces. A simple empirical model incorporating field and laboratory measurements was used to determine the number and frequency of wetting and drying cycles. The mudstone supratidal terraces are vulnerable to material disintegration and slaking through sustained drying, and occasional sweeping by storm waves. Overall, wetting and drying cycles have decreased on six of eight field transects, between −8% and −148%, resulting in prolonged drying of the supratidal terraces following uplift (upwards of a 29% increase in annual drying hours). We conclude that accelerated rates of denudation due to enhanced drying post‐uplift are likely to return sections of the incipient mudstone terraces to their former intertidal pre‐uplift state, potentially removing evidence of the co‐seismic uplift event. Terrace preservation, however, will likely be highly variable between locations depending on its inherited morphology, lithological vulnerability, and the timing of any future tectonism.
Investigations On the Fish Acute Toxicity of Fragrance Ingredients Involving Chinese Fish Species and Zebrafish Embryos
Authors: Zhou Zhimin , Bai Yunfei , Su Tenghui , Zhang Dainan , Wang Zhen , Begnaud Frédéric , Gimeno Sylvia , You Jing
Published: June 2022

While zebrafish (Danio rerio) have been accepted worldwide for evaluating chemical hazards to aquatic vertebrates, and in some countries it is mandated to generate fish toxicity data using native species, such as Chinese rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus) in China. This represents an additional regulatory constraint that may cause redundant tests, additional animal uses, and higher costs. Previous studies showed that juvenile G. rarus was more sensitive than zebrafish juveniles and embryos to metals. To better understand the sensitivity of G. rarus to organic chemicals, we selected 29 fragrance ingredients belonging to various chemical classes and with differing physicochemical properties, for which good quality zebrafish acute toxicity data were available and tested them with juvenile G. rarus and embryo D. rerio using the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development test guidelines. Chemical toxicity distribution (CTD) and chemical ratio distribution (CRD) models were established to systematically compare the sensitivity between juveniles of G. rarus and D. rerio, as well as between D. rerio embryos and juveniles. The results of the CTD models showed that for tested chemicals, the sensitivity of juvenile G. rarus was similar to that of D. rerio juveniles and embryos. The CRD comparisons revealed that juvenile G. rarus was slightly less sensitive by a factor of ~2 than juvenile D. rerio to ingredients belonging to Verhaar class 3 and Ecological Structure Activity Relationship ester class, while comparable to other chemicals. These comparative experiments demonstrated that fish toxicity data with G. rarus can be submitted for use in chemical registrations outside China, which would avoid repeating animal tests using D. rerio. Meanwhile, the similar sensitivity of zebrafish juveniles and embryos to fragrance ingredients confirmed the suitability of replacing juveniles by zebrafish embryos. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:2305–2317. © 2022 SETAC

Abstract

Chemical toxicity distribution (CTD) and chemical ratio distribution (CRD) models showed that fish toxicity data with G. rarus can be submitted for use in chemical registrations, avoiding repeating animal tests using D. rerio.
Encapsulation of bougainvillea (Bougainvillea spectabilis) flower extract in Urtica dioica L. seed gum: Characterization, antioxidant/antimicrobial properties, and in vitro digestion
Authors: Kenari Reza Esmaeilzadeh , Razavi Razie
Published: June 2022

Bougainvillea spectabilis extract (BSE), a rich source of bioactive compounds like phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin, was used for encapsulation with Urtica dioica L. seed gum. The extract was obtained using shaking, bath, and probe ultrasound. The results showed that probe ultrasound extract was more efficient, as reflected by the higher value of total phenolic (4354.15 mg GAE/100 g FW), flavonoid (2431.25 mg CE/100 g FW), and anthocyanin content (106.57 mg CGE/100 g FW). BSE was encapsulated in U. dioica L. seed gum at 1:1 and 1:2 core to coating ratio. In both DPPH radical scavenging and FRAP assay, higher antioxidant activity was observed in the encapsulated extract than in the free extract. Encapsulated extracts exhibited 87.9 nm average diameter (polydispersity index below 0.23) and negative zeta potential. The average minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of nanoparticles against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella enterica was 112.5, 87.5, 112.5, and 87.5 μg/ml, respectively, while MIC of the free extract against S. aureus and E. coli was 150 and 125 μg/ml, respectively. The phenolic compounds are gradually released from the nanoparticles in the gastric and small intestine phase, whereas free extract released phenolic compounds quickly after entering the gastric phase. Considering antioxidant/antimicrobial activity and release properties, nanoparticles with a 1:1 ratio of core to coating had the potential to use as an effective natural preservative agent in food products besides the delivery of bioactive compounds to the human body.
Mapping magnetism: Geophysical modelling of stratigraphic features by using in situ magnetic susceptibility measurements at Pinnacle Point 5‐6 North, South Africa
Authors: Dinckal Ada , Fisher Erich C. , Herries Andy I. R. , Marean Curtis W.
Published: June 2022

This study utilizes geostatistical modelling of magnetic susceptibility (MS) for geophysical prospection of archaeological stratigraphy at the Middle Stone Age rock shelter site of Pinnacle Point 5‐6 North. These models are overlaid onto high‐resolution photography of the stratigraphic sequence to study the lateral and vertical changes within the magnetic signature of the archaeological sequence and correlate these changes to micromorphological interpretations previously made at the site. In situ analysis is reinforced by laboratory magnetic mineralogical analysis utilizing MS; frequency‐dependent susceptibility (χFD); isothermal remanent magnetization; and anhysteric remanent magnetization to understand the composition of the magnetic minerals creating the in situ signature. This study shows that there is consistent variation in the magnetic signatures of the sequence that can be mapped with in situ MS; there is a correlation with laboratory analysis of magnetic mineralogy, which provides insight into changes in human behaviour; and our models correlate well with micromorphological interpretations of the site.
When are global decisions strategic?
Authors: Leiblein Michael J. , Reuer Jeffrey J. , Larsen Marcus M. , Pedersen Torben
Published: June 2022

Research Summary

A robust academic field must set and revisit boundary conditions that define where, when, and to whom its insights apply. This is particularly true for a field such as global strategy where the ubiquity of the key terms invites indiscriminate use of the phrase. This essay argues that it is useful to define the field of global strategy as the subset of questions that meet the criteria for both “global” and “strategic” decisions. We offer an a priori approach to identifying and formulating problems that are unique to the global strategy field, suggest how our approach may help scholars better understand the “strategicness” of global decisions, and ultimately, offer a way for individuals with varied disciplinary or topical interests to connect with the field's core.

Managerial Summary

It has been observed that few executives can clearly articulate their firm's global strategy. This observation is disappointing given the development of theoretical insights from the fields of international business and strategic management that suggest alternative ways in which organizations can reliably and repeatedly create, capture, and deliver value. The existence of this shortcoming suggests that it will be beneficial to develop unambiguous statements that define what constitutes a global, a strategic, and a globally strategic decision. This essay offers a priori definitions of these terms in the hope of helping individuals both consider the unique and distinctive elements of global strategy and better understand the core decisions that guide an organization's pursuit of its global objectives, scope, and sources of advantage.
Intact high‐resolution working memory binding in a patient with developmental amnesia and selective hippocampal damage
Authors: Allen Richard J. , Atkinson Amy L. , Vargha‐Khadem Faraneh , Baddeley Alan D.
Published: June 2022

Debate continues regarding the possible role of the hippocampus across short‐term and working memory tasks. The current study examined the possibility of a hippocampal contribution to precise, high‐resolution cognition and conjunctive memory. We administered visual working memory tasks featuring a continuous response component to a well‐established developmental amnesic patient with relatively selective bilateral hippocampal damage (Jon) and healthy controls. The patient was able to produce highly accurate response judgments regarding conjunctions of color and orientation or color and location, using simultaneous or sequential presentation of stimuli, with no evidence of any impairment in working memory binding, categorical accuracy, or continuous precision. These findings indicate that hippocampal damage does not necessarily lead to deficits in high‐resolution cognitive performance, even when the damage is severe and bilateral.
The physical impact of blowing, Soret and Dufour over an unsteady stretching surface immersed in a porous medium in the presence of ternary nanofluid
Authors: Yogeesha K. M. , Megalamani Savita B. , Gill Harjot S. , Umeshaiah M. , Madhukesh Javali K.
Published: June 2022

This study discusses the thermal and mass dispersal of ternary unsteady nanofluid flow in the existence of Soret and Dufour effects over a stretched surface with the Stefan blowing (SB) effect in porous media. The “blowing effect” is created by a large number of molecules or nanoscale particles moving from one point to another. SB is a mass transfer of species application that gives the notion of the blowing effect, as well as the Soret and Dufour effects, which are also being considered in the current study. The governing equations that pose the problem are solved using appropriate similarity variables and then translated into ordinary differential equations. Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg 45 and the shooting process are used to solve the reduced equations. The effect of the different dimensionless restrictions on the relevant profiles is visually depicted. According to the analysis, the rise in the porosity constraint will decline the velocity of the fluid. The SB parameter directly influences velocity, thermal, and concentration profiles. The Soret constraint increases concentration, whereas the Schmidt number has the opposite effect. With the addition of solid volume fraction, the rate of mass transmission and surface drag force reduces while the rate of heat dispersion increases.
Photodegradation of 4‐chlorophenol using as photocatalyst ZnFe2O4 spinels: influence of the complexing agent in the photocatalytic activity
Authors: Hernández‐Acosta Diego , Jácome‐Acatitla Gabriela , García‐Mendoza Cinthia , Álvarez‐Lemus Mayra , López‐Gónzalez Rosendo , Tzompantzi Francisco
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

4‐chlorophenol is one of the most commonly used products in industrial processes. This compound exhibits a high chemical stability that makes its removal from wastewater difficult by conventional methods. Although diverse methods have been applied for its elimination, photocatalysis is one of the only techniques with several advantages, such as nontoxic by‐products and mild reaction conditions. One of the goals in improving this remedial technology is the development of materials with adequate physicochemical properties that enhance the catalytic activity and thus allow the complete degradation of the pollutant or its elimination in shorter periods of time.

RESULTS

Magnetic ZnFe2O4 catalysts were prepared by the hydrothermal method using as complexing agents oxalic, citric, and tartaric acids. The specific surface areas of the samples were between 23.938 and 48.058 m2/g and the band gap energies were in the range of 1.55–1.90 eV. These materials were evaluated under UV light irradiation (254 nm, 2 W) for the photodegradation of 4‐chlorophenol. All samples showed photodegradation efficiencies around 60% after three hours of reaction at pH 3.

CONCLUSION

The results confirmed that the complexing agents have an influence on the physicochemical properties of the synthesized catalysts. The catalyst synthesized using citric acid was the only one to exhibit a significant activity at the three pH levels (3, 5, 6). The above can be attributed to the fact that this material presents the lowest bandgap and crystallite size values along with the largest specific surface area of all the synthesized samples. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Biogas production from chicken manure wastes using an LBR‐CSTR two‐stage system: process efficiency, economic feasibility, and carbon dioxide footprint
Authors: Kalogiannis Achilleas , Vasiliadou Ioanna A , Spyridonidis Apostolos , Diamantis Vasileios , Stamatelatou Katerina
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

The growth of poultry farming has increased the amount of chicken manure (CM) being produced. In this study, CM was digested in a two‐stage anaerobic digestion (AD) system consisting of three leach bed reactors (LBRs) and a continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) coupled with sedimentation tanks (anaerobic contact process). The accumulated biomass and supernatant from the sedimentation tank were returned to the CSTR and the LBRs, respectively, resulting in an almost closed (water) circuit process. In addition, zeolite was used as bulking agent and adsorbent for ammonia in the LBRs.

RESULTS

This study revealed that the methane yield remained on average at 0.17 NL g−1 of Volatile Solids (VS), corresponding to the 43% of the CM biochemical methane potential as determined in separate batch tests (0.40 NL g−1 VS). Electrical conductivity gradually increased from 22 to 26 mS cm−1; however, the ammonia nitrogen concentration was stable at 2.28 g L−1, which was attributed to zeolite used as LBRs' bulking agent. A preliminary design of a full‐scale LBR‐CSTR facility was conducted for a poultry farm growing one million broilers per year. Its CO2 footprint was evaluated based on literature indices.

CONCLUSION

The proposed facility has a capacity of 130 kW Combined Heat and Power (CHP) and a payback period of 8.6 years. In terms of GHG emissions, implementing the LBR‐CSTR system for biogas production could potentially reduce the CO2 footprint of the farm from 1.38 to 0.49 kg CO2 eq/head. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Differential diagnostic value of periampullary mass: A nomogram established by random forest based on clinical characteristics and contrast‐enhanced ultrasound
Authors: Zhu Dongmei , Yang Keen , Li Yan , Ye Xiuqin , Zhang Hui , Long Qiongxian , Ding Xuemei , Dong Fajin , Xu Jinfeng
Published: June 2022

Purposes

To develop a nomogram model for distinguishing benign from malignant ampullary lesions more intuitive and accurate.

Materials and Methods

A total of 124 patients with periampullary lesions from January 2016 to June 2020 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Their clinical information, ultrasound (US), dual contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (DCEUS) and MRI image features were used for research. Twenty features were collected in our study. Random forest was used to select the first five most important indicators to construct the prediction model.

Results

Patients' age, common bile duct (CBD) diameter, the shape, vascularity, and boundary of lesion, lesion size with or without enlarged after CEUS, the enhancement patterns of arterial phase, the washout patterns of venous phase, CEUS diagnosis, and MRI diagnosis were statistically significant (p < 0.05). After screening for statistically significant indicators by random forest, the first five most important indicators were age, CBD diameter, the enhancement patterns of arterial phase, the washout patterns of venous phase, lesion size with or without enlarged after CEUS, which were used to construct nomogram. The area under curves (AUC) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for nomogram, MRI + MRCP + DCEUS, DCEUS, MRI + MRCP were 0.98(0.94–1.00), 0.91(0.84–0.97), 0.89(0.80–0.98), 0.68(0.60–0.77), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity were 100.00% and 84.62% for nomogram, 88.29% and 92.31% for MRI + MRCP+DCEUS, 86.49% and 92.31% for DCEUS, 51.35%, and 100.00% for MRI + MRCP.

Conclusions

We combined clinical indicators, gray‐scale ultrasound characteristics, and CEUS characteristics to build the nomogram, which can be intuitively and accurately used for preoperative malignant prediction of ampullary lesion patients, worthy of clinical generalizability and application.
Influence of carbon fibers discontinuity on the transverse conductivity of a unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced plastics
Authors: KHEBBAB Mohamed
Published: June 2022

In this work, a numerical simulation was carried out to analyze the influence of contact points as well as fibers breakage on the transverse conductivity of unidirectional (UD) carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP). The analysis is based on the calculation of the distribution of the electric scalar potential on a geometry inspired by a cross‐section along the axis of the fibers taken by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on a CFRP. The observation of the cross‐section allows us to capture the microstructure of the material which served as a basis for our model, in which numerical analysis using the finite element method (FEM) was performed. This simulation allows us to highlight the electric current pathways and evaluate their influence on both longitudinal and transversal electric conductivity. The obtained results give a good agreement with those found in the literature.
α‐Glucosidase inhibitory effect of an anthraquinonoid produced by Fusarium incarnatum GDZZ‐G2
Authors: Fan Jiahe , Lv Chaoyi , Li Zhizhou , Guo Mengru , Yin Yichen , Wang Hui , Wang Wei , Sun Shiwei
Published: June 2022

α‐Glucosidase is the key enzyme on carbohydrate metabolism, and its bioactive inhibitors are supposed to be an effective therapeutic for type 2 diabetes mellitus. During our continuing study for discovering α‐glucosidase inhibitors, a fungus GDZZ‐G2 which is derived from a medicinal plant Callicarpa kwangtungensis Chun, exhibited significant inhibition on α‐glucosidase. The strain was identified as Fusarium incarnatum by morphological and molecular methods. Further bioassay‐guided fractionation result in six known secondary metabolites (1‐6). All the compounds except 4 were isolated from F. incarnatum for the first time. Among them, an anthraquinonoid (S)‐1,3,6‐trihydroxy‐7‐(1‐hydroxyethyl)anthracene‐9,10‐dione (compound 1) exhibited strong inhibitory effect against α‐glucosidase (IC50 = 77.67 ± 0.67 μΜ), compared with acarbose (IC50 = 711.8 ± 5 μΜ). An enzyme kinetics analysis revealed that compound 1 was an uncompetitive inhibitor. Besides, docking simulations predicted that compound 1 inhibited α‐glucosidase substrate complex by binding Gln322, Gly306, Thr307, and Ser329 through hydrogen‐bond interactions. Our findings suggested that compound 1 can be considered a lead compound for further modifications and the development of a new effective drug candidate in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Examining intergenerational transmission of Holocaust trauma as it relates to Jewish identity, communication type, and mental well‐being
Authors: Johns Aviva N. , Brown Laura S. , Cromer Lisa DeMarni
Published: June 2022

A growing body of literature has examined how historical trauma can transmit across generations. Within this literature, one's level of enculturation is thought to impact their awareness of historical losses, which, in turn, is hypothesized to relate to mental well‐being. Some studies have suggested that family communication about historical trauma can impact the strength of cultural identity and mental well‐being. The current study sampled second‐ and third‐generation Holocaust survivors to examine how family communication about the Holocaust relates to historical loss awareness and the strength of Jewish identity. Adults (N = 98) with relatives who had either been killed in or who survived the Holocaust completed online questionnaires. First, we examined the associations among Jewish identity, historical loss awareness, and family communication about the Holocaust. Next, we examined whether Holocaust‐related family communication type predicted mental well‐being. Healthy communication was classified as frequent and willing, and unhealthy communication was classified as indirect and guilt‐inducing. Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that stronger Jewish identity and more frequent family Holocaust communication predicted more historical loss awareness, R2 = .22. Unhealthy communication was related to poorer mental well‐being, R2 = .09, lending support to the idea that family narratives about trauma impact the next generation. Implications for healing from historical trauma are discussed.
Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound WithSonoVueand Sonazoid for the Diagnosis of Colorectal Liver Metastasis After Chemotherapy
Authors: Sun Liqi , Yin Shanshan , Xing Baocai , Li Zhongwu , Fan Zhihui , Yan Kun
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To compare the diagnostic efficacy of SonoVue and Sonazoid contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in correctly detecting and characterizing colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) after chemotherapy.

Materials and methods

Patients with CRLMs treated with chemotherapy and subsequently scheduled for hepatic resection were prospectively enrolled from April 2020 to January 2021. Lesions detected by SonoVue or Sonazoid CEUS were recorded as and characterized as metastases or non‐metastatic lesions respectively. Histopathology or intraoperative ultrasound with MRI were the reference standard.

Results

A total of 348 focal liver lesions in 42 patients were investigated, including 297 CRLMs and 51 non‐metastatic lesions. SonoVue showed significantly higher diagnostic accuracy (64.7% versus 54.0%;P < .001) and sensitivity (63.3% versus 50.5%;P < .001) in the diagnosis of CRLMs than Sonazoid, both methods presented with similar specificity (72.5% versus 74.5%;P = 1.0). Forty metastases appeared non‐hypoenhancing (hyperenhancing or isoenhancing) in the late phase and postvascular phase of Sonazoid CEUS and were mischaracterized as benign lesions.

Conclusion

SonoVue performed significantly better than Sonazoid in the diagnosis of CRLMs after chemotherapy.
Nontechnical skills for the surgery clerkship in the operating room based on adult learning principles in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Yu‐Tang , Lai Chung‐Sheng
Published: June 2022

Medical education has traditionally been rooted in the teaching of medical knowledge and surgical technique in the operating room, with little attention to the nontechnical skills (NTS) that include situational awareness, decision‐making, teamwork and communication, and leadership. Under the guidance of adult learning principles, the aim of this study is to evaluate the learning outcomes of the NTS program for the surgery clerkship in the operation room in Taiwan. Self‐directed learning principles were practiced during this 2‐week subspecialty rotation. The learners were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (the learners and teachers deciding together what should be learnt) and the intervention group (the same as the control group and the formal NTS program implemented during the second week). A 12‐item quantitative questionnaire including both the 6‐item Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Core Competencies and the 6‐item adult learning characteristics was completed twice: before and after rotation. From Oct 2020 to May 2021, 16 medical students received NTS training and 16 were training‐naïve. For those undergoing NTS training, six core competencies significantly improved on a 6‐point scale. Moreover, total score differences (post‐training – pre‐training) in core competency had significant correlations to the differences in adult learning characteristics (r = 0.648, p = 0.007). The NTS program could be feasibly integrated into core objectives of the basic surgical clerkships, with the improvement in adult learning motivation in the learners helping to facilitate NTS training under the competency‐based surgical training program.
Temperate fruit farming in fragile lands of the Northwestern Himalayan region: Implications for subsoil nutrient availability, nutrient stock and soil quality
Authors: Debnath Sovan , Purakayastha Tapan Jyoti , Kishor Arun , Kumar Anil , Bhowmik Arpan
Published: June 2022

In recent years, soil fertility in the Northwestern Himalayan (NWH) region has deteriorated partly due to accelerated soil erosion but mainly due to ineffective nutrient management for field crops. However, it is largely unknown whether long‐term temperate fruit farming has adverse effects on the soil fertility in NWH or not. Therefore, we conducted a study with the purpose of evaluating the impact of different land uses in the NWH ecosystem, namely: peach orchard (PO), apple orchard (AO), fertile‐fallow land (FL), and barren land (BL) on soil physico‐chemical characters, nutrient storage capacity, and soil quality index (SQI), along a soil‐depth gradient. A total of 116 composite soil samples [four treatments (i.e., land uses), 4‐ soil depths (0–0.2, 0.2–0.4, 0.4–0.6, and 0.6–0.8 m) and 5, 9, 9, and 6 replications for PO, AO, FL, and BL systems, respectively] were collected for laboratory analyses. Across depths, the soils under temperate fruit plantations had better soil physical conditions (i.e., lower bulk density and higher porosity) over FL and BL lands. The soils in this study can be categorized as slightly acidic to near neutral in soil reaction. Soils under temperate fruit plantations (PO and AO), averaged over depths, had significantly (p < 0.05) less quantity of soil organic C, available nutrients (i.e., primary‐, secondary‐, and micro‐nutrients), nutrient storage capacity, and indices of soil quality, as compared to FL lands. These unfavourable effects were augmented in subsoils (0.2–0.8 m) than topsoils (0.0–0.2 m) affecting secondary‐ and micro‐nutrients more than primary‐nutrients. Results further revealed that these lands display a less favourable (i.e., very high) C:N ratio that could easily be degraded if brought under intensive farming. Restoration of depleted soil fertility in temperate fruit‐tree‐based ecosystems of NWH could be achieved through incentive‐based building‐up of soil organic matter and adoption of a soil‐test‐based nutrient management regime.
Can intraoperative suturing reduce the incidence of posttonsillectomy hemorrhage? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Bo , Wang Miaowei , Wang Yanwen , Zhou Lingyun
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study was to compare tonsillectomy with intraoperative suturing (TIS) and tonsillectomy without intraoperative suturing (TsIS) in preventing postoperative tonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH).

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was followed. Articles compare TIS and TsIS in preventing PTH were included. The quality of eligible studies was assessed with the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale (NOS) by two independent investigators. Random effect models were used to determine odds ratio (OR) with 95% CIs.

Results

A total of 15 studies were analyzed. The pooled results showed the PTH rate was lower in the TIS group (OR = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.47–0.88). The TIS group had a lower primary and secondary PTH rate than the TsIS group with OR values of 0.44 (95% CI, 0.30–0.64) and 0.70 (95% CI, 0.54–0.90), respectively. However, suturing did not show an advantage in reducing the risk of returning to the operation room for hemostasis (OR = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.13–2.47). Adults might benefit from the intraoperative suturing procedure (OR = 0.31; 95% CI, 0.16–0.60). Patients with more than three stitches on each side had a lower PTH rate (OR: 0.44; 95% CI, 0.32–0.60). Suturing the tonsillar fossa and pillars simultaneously could reduce the PTH rate (OR = 0.47; 95% CI, 0.34–0.64).

Conclusions

Intraoperative suturing is a good strategy for preventing PTH. More multicenter randomized controlled studies should be conducted to demonstrate the efficacy of this procedure.

Level of Evidence

5.
Mechanism of opioid addiction and its intervention therapy: Focusing on the reward circuitry and mu‐opioid receptor
Authors: Zhang Jia‐Jia , Song Chang‐Geng , Dai Ji‐Min , Li Ling , Yang Xiang‐Min , Chen Zhi‐Nan
Published: June 2022

Opioid abuse and addiction have become a global pandemic, posing tremendous health and social burdens. The rewarding effects and the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms are the two mainstays of opioid addiction. Mu‐opioid receptors (MORs), a member of opioid receptors, play important roles in opioid addiction, mediating both the rewarding effects of opioids and opioid withdrawal syndrome (OWS). The underlying mechanism of MOR‐mediated opioid rewarding effects and withdrawal syndrome is of vital importance to understand the nature of opioid addiction and also provides theoretical basis for targeting MORs to treat drug addiction. In this review, we first briefly introduce the basic concepts of MORs, including their structure, distribution in the nervous system, endogenous ligands, and functional characteristics. We focused on the brain circuitry and molecular mechanism of MORs‐mediated opioid reward and withdrawal. The neuroanatomical and functional elements of the neural circuitry of the reward system underlying opioid addiction were thoroughly discussed, and the roles of MOR within the reward circuitry were also elaborated. Furthermore, we interrogated the roles of MORs in OWS, along with the structural basis and molecular adaptions of MORs‐mediated withdrawal syndrome. Finally, current treatment strategies for opioid addiction targeting MORs were also presented.