bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Glutamine Supplementation on Diarrhea, Interleukin‐8 and Secretory Immunoglobulin A in Children With Acute Diarrhea
Authors: Yalçin S. Songül , Yurdakök Kadriye , Tezcan Ilhan , Öner Levent
Published: January 2024

Objective:

Glutamine is an important fuel for rapidly dividing cells such as enterocytes and lymphocytes. Exogenous glutamine supplementation in catabolic states preserves intestinal mucosal structure and function, decreases bacterial translocation, and supports normal immunologic responses. This study was planned to assess the effect of glutamine supplementation on duration and severity of diarrhea and to assess its immunomodulatory effect by measuring serum interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and salivary immunoglobulin A (sIgA) in children with acute diarrhea.

Methods:

In this placebo‐controlled, double‐blind and randomized trial, 6‐ to 24‐month‐old otherwise healthy children admitted to the Diarrheal Diseases Training and Treatment Center with acute diarrhea received either 0.3 g/kg/day of glutamine (n = 63) or placebo (n = 65) for 7 days. Serum IL‐8 and sIgA levels were determined on admission and 7 days later. All cases were followed until the diarrheal episode ended. Anthropometric measurements and history of subsequent infectious diseases were monitored monthly for 3 months after treatment.

Results:

Mean duration of diarrhea in the glutamine treated group was significantly shorter than that of the placebo group (3.40 ± 1.96 days, 4.57 ± 2.48 days, respectively; P = 0.004). No differences in serum IL‐8 and sIgA were found between groups on admission or 1 week later. During 3 month follow‐up, mean weight gain and incidence of infectious diseases were similar in both groups.

Conclusion:

Duration of diarrhea was shorter in children supplemented with glutamine. The beneficial impact of glutamine supplementation seems to be through effects on gastrointestinal mucosa rather than the host immune response.
Spermine‐Induced Maturation in Wistar Rat Intestine: A Cytokine‐Dependent Mechanism
Authors: Peulen Olivier , Dandrifosse Guy
Published: January 2024

Objectives:

Polyamines are of great importance in biologic processes such as cell proliferation and differentiation. The ingestion of spermidine or spermine by suckling rats induces the precocious maturation of the small intestine. In a previous article, the authors hypothesized that this phenomenon could be mediated by interleukins. This work was performed to examine the role of IL‐1, IL‐2, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐ α in the spermine‐induced maturation of the small intestine.

Methods:

Wistar suckling rats were treated with spermine, FR167653 (inhibitor of IL‐1β/TNF‐α production), IL‐1β/TNF‐α neutralizing antibodies, lipopolysaccharide, or IL‐2. Intestinal disaccharidase‐specific activities, polyamine content, and IL‐2 plasma concentration were analyzed. Comparisons were made with untreated control animals.

Results:

Spermine‐induced maturation of the small intestine was decreased by FR167653 but not by the neutralizing antibodies. Lipopolysaccharide injection induced an increase in disaccharidase‐specific activity. IL‐2 induced a decrease of the intestinal lactase‐specific activity. Spermine administration led to a similar decrease of lactase activity and to an increase of IL‐2 plasma concentration.

Conclusions:

The authors conclude that IL‐1β and TNF‐α are involved in the spermine effects on maltase‐ and sucrase‐specific activities and suggest that IL‐2 is involved in the spermine‐induced decrease of lactase activity.
Acute and Chronic Hepatitis: Working Group Report of the Second World Congress of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition
Authors: Chang Mei‐Hwei , Hadzic Dino , Rouassant Solange Heller , Jonas Maureen , Kohn I. Joaquin , Negro Francesco , Roberts Eve , Sibal Anupam
Published: January 2024

Research

Investigate the risk factors and long‐term consequences of chronic hepatitis B and C.

Explore the impact of hepatitis B vaccination on the prevention of acute and chronic liver diseases.

Clarify the epidemiology and pathogenesis, and improve the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis in order to improve diagnosis of this disease.

Intervention

Implement hepatitis A vaccination.

Determine the predictors of response of specific treatment for chronic hepatitis B.

Establish indications and guidelines of treatment for hepatitis C.

Education

Train physicians and health workers in hepatitis A vaccination implementation.

Educational measures to reduce vertical and horizontal transmission of hepatitis C.

Train physicians and researchers to improve their knowledge of autoimmune hepatitis.
Exploring the future of regenerative medicine: Unveiling the potential of optical microscopy for structural and functional imaging of stem cells
Authors: Raju Gagan , Nayak Smitha , Acharya Neha , Sunder Mridula , Kistenev Yury , Mazumder Nirmal
Published: January 2024

Regenerative medicine, which utilizes stem cells for tissue and organ repair, holds immense promise in healthcare. A comprehensive understanding of stem cell characteristics is crucial to unlock their potential. This study explores the pivotal role of optical microscopy in advancing regenerative medicine as a potent tool for stem cell research. Advanced optical microscopy techniques enable an in‐depth examination of stem cell behavior, morphology, and functionality. The review encompasses current optical microscopy, elucidating its capabilities and constraints in stem cell imaging, while also shedding light on emerging technologies for improved stem cell visualization. Optical microscopy, complemented by techniques like fluorescence and multiphoton imaging, enhances our comprehension of stem cell dynamics. The introduction of label‐free imaging facilitates noninvasive, real‐time stem cell monitoring without external dyes or markers. By pushing the boundaries of optical microscopy, researchers reveal the intricate cellular mechanisms underpinning regenerative processes, thereby advancing more effective therapeutic strategies. The current study not only outlines the future of regenerative medicine but also underscores the pivotal role of optical microscopy in both structural and functional stem cell imaging.
Research on the classification of early‐stage brain edema by combining intrinsic optical signal imaging and laser speckle contrast imaging
Authors: Zhang Yameng , Qi Xinping , Li Weitao , Wan Min , Ning Xue , Hu Jin
Published: January 2024

The early detection and pathological classification of brain edema are very important for symptomatic treatment. The dual‐optical imaging system (DOIS) consists of intrinsic optical signal imaging (IOSI) and laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI), which can acquire cerebral hemodynamic parameters of mice in real‐time, including changes of oxygenated hemoglobin concentration (), deoxyhemoglobin concentration (ΔCHbR) and relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF) within the field of view. The slope sum of , ΔCHbR and rCBF was proposed to classify vasogenic edema (VE) and cytotoxic edema (CE). The slope sum values in the VE and CE group remain statistically different and the classification results provide higher accuracy of more than 93% for early brain edema detection. In conclusion, the differences of hemodynamic parameters between VE and CE in the early stage were revealed and the method helps in the classification of early brain edema.
Theoretical investigations of the substituent effect on the opto‐electronic properties of the linearly fused napthadithiophene‐based molecules
Authors: Balakrishnan Jothi , Muthukumar Pavithrakumar , Arputharaj David Stephen , Christopher Pitchumani Violet Mary , Karuppannan Selvaraju , Kittusamy Senthilkumar
Published: January 2024

The optoelectronic and charge transport properties of eight linearly fused Napthadithiophene (NDT) molecules with different electron‐withdrawing (EWG) and electron‐donating (EDG) substituents are studied using the density functional theory (DFT) methods. The effect of the substitution of EWG and EDG on the molecular structure, frontier molecular orbitals, ionization energy, electron affinity, reorganization energy, crystal packing, and charge carrier mobility are studied. The crystal structure simulation method is used to optimize the possible crystal packing arrangements for the studied molecules. The energy and distribution of electron density on the frontier molecular orbitals are strongly influenced by the substitution of EWG and EDG, thereby changes in the absorption spectrum and charge transport properties. The unsubstituted NDT molecule possesses a maximum hole mobility of 2.8 cm2 V−1 s−1, which is due to the strong intermolecular interactions. Therefore, the NDT molecule can be used as a p‐type semiconducting material. Among the studied molecules, the CCH‐substituted NDT molecule, NDT‐CCH, possesses a higher electron mobility of 1.13 cm2 V−1 s−1. The C2H5‐substituted NDT molecule, NDT‐C2H5, possesses ambipolar behavior with mobility of 4.77 × 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1 and 1.70 × 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1 for hole and electron, respectively.
Benchmark and performance progression: Examining the roles of market competition and focus
Authors: Ding Xin (David)
Published: January 2024

As the US healthcare system transitions from volume to value, various value‐based programs tie medical reimbursements to hospital performance relative to national top performers (i.e., benchmarks). However, prior studies report very limited results on how such benchmarks affect care delivery and patient outcomes across multiple performance fronts. This study examines how general acute care hospitals progress toward benchmarks measured by performance frontiers in technical efficiency, clinical quality, and patient experience over time, subjecting to external market conditions and internal focuses. Based on a panel dataset comprising hospitals in California from 2012 and 2019, our results find support for competitive‐distance‐driven progression rates, suggesting that hospitals' competitive positions measured by their distances to benchmarks drive performance improvements. Yet, the effect diminishes as they move closer to performance frontiers. In addition, we find that market competition reduces the progression rate of technical efficiency. Finally, our results also suggest that focus improves performance progression rates, yet its effects are curvilinear.
Rapamycin mitigates inflammation‐mediated disc matrix homeostatic imbalance by inhibiting mTORC1 and inducing autophagy through Akt activation
Authors: Yurube Takashi , Buchser William J. , Zhang Zhongying , Silwal Prashanta , Lotze Michael T. , Kang James D. , Sowa Gwendolyn A. , Vo Nam V.
Published: January 2024

Background

Low back pain is a global health problem that originated mainly from intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Autophagy, negatively regulated by the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, prevents metabolic and degenerative diseases by removing and recycling damaged cellular components. Despite growing evidence that autophagy occurs in the intervertebral disc, the regulation of disc cellular autophagy is still poorly understood.

Methods

Annulus fibrosus (rAF) cell cultures derived from healthy female rabbit discs were used to test the effect of autophagy inhibition or activation on disc cell fate and matrix homeostasis. Specifically, different chemical inhibitors including rapamycin, 3‐methyladenine, MK‐2206, and PP242 were used to modulate activities of different proteins in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway to assess IL‐1β‐induced cellular senescence, apoptosis, and matrix homeostasis in rAF cells grown under nutrient‐poor culture condition.

Results

Rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1), reduced the phosphorylation of mTOR and its effector p70/S6K in rAF cell cultures. Rapamycin also induced autophagic flux as measured by increased expression of key autophagy markers, including LC3 puncta number, LC3‐II expression, and cytoplasmic HMGB1 intensity and decreased p62/SQSTM1 expression. As expected, IL‐1β stimulation promoted rAF cellular senescence, apoptosis, and matrix homeostatic imbalance with enhanced aggrecanolysis and MMP‐3 and MMP‐13 expression. Rapamycin treatment effectively mitigated IL‐1β‐mediated inflammatory stress changes, but these alleviating effects of rapamycin were abrogated by chemical inhibition of Akt and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that rapamycin blunts adverse effects of inflammation on disc cells by inhibiting mTORC1 to induce autophagy through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway that is dependent on Akt and mTORC2 activities. Hence, our findings identify autophagy, rapamycin, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling as potential therapeutic targets for IDD treatment.
Nitrogen enrichment decreases seagrass contributions to refractory organic matter pools
Authors: Luo Hongxue , Liu Songlin , Trevathan‐Tackett Stacey M. , Ren Yuzheng , Liang Jiening , Li Jinlong , Jiang Zhijian , Wu Yunchao , Huang Xiaoping
Published: January 2024

Coastal nitrogen enrichment significantly contributes to the decline of seagrass health and habitat, thereby diminishing its capacity to capture and sequester carbon (i.e., Blue Carbon). However, the consequences to blue carbon stocks due to sublethal changes in chemical recalcitrance of seagrass organic matter (OM) caused by nitrogen enrichment is unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of nitrogen‐loading on the chemical composition of meadow‐forming Thalassia hemprichii. We found that the amino acid content in seagrass leaves and rhizomes increased with nitrogen loading, while the total labile OM and refractory OM (i.e., cellulose and lignin) content in seagrass leaves, sheaths, and roots generally decreased with nitrogen loading. Additionally, cellulose and lignin within sheath tissues showed a threshold response whereby refractory OM dropped when leaf nitrogen content (i.e., indicator of nitrogen loading) exceeded 2.2%. The rhizome labile OM and cellulose content also peaked at 2.2% leaf nitrogen content but subsequently reduced to a minimum at ~2.9% leaf nitrogen. The threshold of 2.2% leaf nitrogen content, equivalent to 43~72 μM dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentration in sediment pore water, may be utilized to forecast the contribution of seagrass refractory OM to sediments. It was estimated that high nitrogen loading could result in a loss of 309–645 kg ha−1 of refractory OM inputs in this study sites. The findings underscore that nitrogen enrichment has sublethal but significant negative impacts on carbon cycling via the reduction of refractory OM in seagrass biomass, consequently weakening the autochthonous contribution of seagrass to long‐term carbon sequestration.
Cohomological connectivity of perturbations of map‐germs
Authors: Liu Yongqiang , Peñafort Sanchis Guillermo , Zach Matthias
Published: January 2024

Let be a finite map‐germ with and the image of a small perturbation . We show that the reduced cohomology of is concentrated in a range of degrees determined by the dimension of the instability locus of . In the case , we obtain an analogous result, replacing finiteness by ‐finiteness and by the discriminant . We also study the monodromy associated to the perturbation .
H+‐slip correlated to rotor free‐wheeling as cause of F1FO‐ATPase dysfunction in primary mitochondrial disorders
Authors: Nesci Salvatore , Romeo Giovanni
Published: January 2024

Inborn errors of metabolism are related to mitochondrial disorders caused by dysfunction of the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system. Congenital hypermetabolism in the infant is a rare disease belonging to Luft syndrome, nonthyroidal hypermetabolism, arising from a singular example of a defect in OXPHOS. The mitochondria lose coupling of mitochondrial substrates oxidation from the ADP phosphorylation. Since Luft syndrome is due to uncoupled cell respiration responsible for deficient in ATP production that originates in the respiratory complexes, a de novo heterozygous variant in the catalytic subunit of mitochondrial F1FO‐ATPase arises as the main cause of an autosomal dominant syndrome of hypermetabolism associated with dysfunction in ATP production, which does not involve the respiratory complexes. The F1FO‐ATPase works as an embedded molecular machine with a rotary action using two different motor engines. The FO, which is an integral domain in the membrane, dissipates the chemical potential difference for H+, a proton motive force (Δp), across the inner membrane to generate a torsion. The F1 domain—the hydrophilic portion responsible for ATP turnover—is powered by the molecular rotary action to synthesize ATP. The structural and functional coupling of F1 and FO domains support the energy transduction for ATP synthesis. The dissipation of Δp by means of an H+ slip correlated to rotor free‐wheeling of the F1FO‐ATPase has been discovered to cause enzyme dysfunction in primary mitochondrial disorders. In this insight, we try to offer commentary and analysis of the molecular mechanism in these impaired mitochondria.
Predicting failure times of coherent systems
Authors: Navarro Jorge , Arriaza Antonio , Suárez‐Llorens Alfonso
Published: January 2024

The article is focused on studying how to predict the failure times of coherent systems from the early failure times of their components. Both the cases of independent and dependent components are considered by assuming that they are identically distributed (homogeneous components). The heterogeneous components' case can be addressed similarly but more complexly. The present study is for non‐repairable systems, but the information obtained could be used to decide if a maintenance action should be carried out at time . Different cases are considered regarding the information available at time . We use quantile regression techniques to predict the system failure times and to provide prediction intervals. The theoretical results are applied to specific system structures in some illustrative examples.
Short Postoperative Length of Stay After Lateral Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak Repair
Authors: Shannon Christian M. , Sturm Joshua J. , Durrant Frederick G. , Meyer Ted A. , McRackan Theodore R.
Published: January 2024

Objective

To characterize the short‐term outcomes of patients undergoing surgical repair of lateral skull base cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks followed by a shortened length of stay (LOS) protocol.

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

Tertiary medical center.

Methods

A total of 156 adult patients from July 2016 to December 2022 who underwent repair of CSF leaks via transmastoid (TM), middle cranial fossa (MCF), or combined (TM/MCF) approaches were included. Data collected included: LOS, presentation to the emergency department (ED), need for readmission, major neurologic complications (stroke, seizure, and meningitis), and CSF leak recurrence.

Results

Approximately half of patients underwent a TM repair (49.4%), whereas the other half underwent either an MCF (3.8%) or combined TM/MCF repair (46.8%). No peri‐/postoperative lumbar drains were used and only 2 (1.3%) patients were admitted to the intensive care unit after surgery. Mean LOS for the cohort was 1.1 ± 0.7 days and was longer for surgeries involving MCF (1.3 ± 0.6) compared to TM (0.8 ± 0.7). Ninety‐two percent of TM cases were discharged within 24 hours (32% on the same day) while for cases involving an MCF approach, 72.2% of patients were discharged within 24 hours. Of the patients in the study, 6 (3.8%) presented to an ED for minor complications and no patient required readmission. Revision surgery was required for 3 (1.9%) patients for recurrent CSF leak.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that short LOS after surgical repair of lateral skull base defects in the treatment of CSF leak is safe and effective.
Durability of carbon/basalt hybrid fiber reinforced polymer bars immersed in alkaline solution
Authors: Fu Huanchang , Xu Yanmiao , Li Wenkang , Lu Zhongyu , Liang Jiahao , Xie Jianhe
Published: January 2024

Using basalt fiber‐reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars to substitute for steel rebar in seawater sea‐sand concrete (SSC) members is one of effective solutions to steel corrosion. However, there is a concern about the durability of BFRP due to the alkaline of SSC. In this study, a layer of carbon fibers coating (volume fraction was set at 10% and 20%) was used to improve the alkaline resistance of BFRP, which named as carbon/basalt fiber‐reinforced polymer (C/BFRP) hybrid bars. The tensile properties, interlaminar shear strength, and water absorption and diffusion behavior of the C/BFRP were examined by laboratory acceleration methods. The immersion solution temperatures were set at room temperature, 40 and 60°C, immersion mediums were tap‐water and two kinds of alkaline solutions (pH = 10 or 13). Carbon fiber coating is beneficial for improving the mechanical properties of the composite. The higher the fiber volume fraction, the better the long‐term resistance of C/BFRP can be found. However, carbon‐basalt fiber interface is still a weak part in the durability of C/BFRP. The higher the volume fraction of the coating carbon fibers, the greater the quasi‐equilibrium water uptake, which can be attributed that the smaller diameter of carbon fibers embedded the voids between basalt fibers. Reducing environment alkalinity is also beneficial for increasing the service life of C/BFRP, and the tensile strength retention increased by 12% when pH decreased from 13 to 10 after 50‐year.

Highlights

Carbon fiber coating is beneficial for improving the properties of BFRP.

Carbon‐basalt fiber interface is a weak part for the durability of C/BFRP.

Reducing alkalinity can improve the durability of BFRP.
Pregnant women's informational needs prior to decisions about prenatal diagnosis for chromosomal anomalies—A Q methodological study
Authors: Ternby Ellen , Axelsson Ove , Georgsson Susanne , Malmgren Charlotta Ingvoldstad
Published: January 2024

Objective

To study pregnant women's subjective viewpoints on what is important when receiving information prior to decision‐making regarding prenatal testing for chromosomal anomalies.

Method

Data were collected using Q methodology. During January 2020—October 2021, 45 pregnant women in Sweden completed a 50‐item Q sort. Statements regarding what is important when receiving information about prenatal screening and diagnosis were prioritized through ranking in a fixed sorting grid on an 11‐point scale, from “most important” to “least important.” Socio‐demographics and coping styles were surveyed through questionnaires.

Results

Three groups represented different viewpoints on what pregnant women consider important when receiving information about prenatal screening and diagnosis. Factor 1: Stepwise information and decision‐making: viewing information and decision‐making as a step‐by‐step process. Factor 2: Decision‐making as a continuous process based on couple autonomy: Striving for an informed decision as a couple about tests, test results and conditions screened. Factor 3: As much information as early as possible—the importance of personal autonomy in decision‐making: Prioritizing autonomous decision‐making based on non‐directive information early in the pregnancy.

Conclusion

This study highlights the complexities involved when providing information. As shown by the differing viewpoints in this study, pregnant women's informational needs differ, making individual and personalized information preferable.
“There are several advantages of being a smaller independent company”
Authors: Castelo‐Porta Antonio
Published: January 2024

The managing director of the UK manufacturer of sealed CO2 and ultrashort‐pulse laser sources gives an insight into his career during a talk with EPIC's technology manager for bio‐medical and lasers.
Comprehensive characterization of protein modifications using mass spectrometry and dry blood spots
Authors: Guedes Sofia , Perpétuo Luís , Veloso Jacinta , Lima Tânia , Ferreira Ana F. , Pires Inês , Savaiva Francisca , Lourenço André , Moreira‐Costa Liliana , Leite‐Moreira Adelino , Barros Antonio , Trindade Fábio , Vitorino Rui
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The main objective of this study is to characterize and analyze modified peptides in DBS samples. This includes deciphering their specific PTMs and understanding their potential impact on the population or disease cohort under study.

Experimental Design

Using mass spectrometry‐based proteomic approaches, we performed a comprehensive analysis of DBS samples. Our focus was on the identification and quantification of modified peptides. We also took advantage of recent advances in DBS mass spectrometry to ensure accurate detection and quantification.

Results

A comprehensive analysis identified 972 modified peptides in DBS samples. Of these, a subset of 211 peptides was consistently present in all samples, highlighting their potential biological importance and relevance. This indicates a diverse spectrum of PTMs in the proteome of DBS samples.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

Integration of mass spectrometry and proteomics has revealed a broad spectrum of modified peptides in DBS samples and highlighted their importance in biological processes and disease progression. Accurate detection of these PTMs may be critical for risk stratification and disease management. This study improves the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying biological processes and disease development, providing important insights for clinical applications.
PBITV3: A robust and comprehensive tool for screening pathogenic proteomes for drug targets and prioritizing vaccine candidates
Authors: Chakraborty Shuvechha , Askari Mehdi , Barai Ram Shankar , Idicula‐Thomas Susan
Published: January 2024

Rise of life‐threatening superbugs, pandemics and epidemics warrants the need for cost‐effective and novel pharmacological interventions. Availability of publicly available proteomes of pathogens supports development of high‐throughput discovery platforms to prioritize potential drug‐targets and develop testable hypothesis for pharmacological screening. The pipeline builder for identification of target (PBIT) was developed in 2016 and updated in 2021, with the purpose of accelerating the search for drug‐targets by integration of methods like comparative and subtractive genomics, essentiality/virulence and druggability analysis. Since then, it has been used for identification of drugs and vaccine targets, safety profiling of multiepitope vaccines and mRNA vaccine construction against a broad‐spectrum of pathogens. This tool has now been updated with functionalities related to systems biology and immuno‐informatics and validated by analyzing 48 putative antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis documented in literature. PBITv3 available as both online and offline tools will enhance drug discovery against emerging drug‐resistant infectious agents. PBITv3 can be freely accessed at http://pbit.bicnirrh.res.in/.
Lotusine ameliorates propionic acid‐induced autism spectrum disorder‐like behavior in mice by activating D1 dopamine receptor in medial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Liu Qing‐qing , Mi Jie , Du Ya‐ya , Rong Zheng , Qin Yan , Jiang Wei , Li Xi , Yu Jiao‐Yan , Yang Le , Du Xiao‐yan , Yang Qi , Guo Yan‐Yan
Published: January 2024

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted neuropsychiatric condition for which effective drug therapy for core clinical symptoms remains elusive. Lotusine, known for its neuroprotective properties in the treatment of neurological disorders, holds potential in addressing ASD. Nevertheless, its specific efficacy in ASD remains uncertain. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of lotusine in ASD and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. We induced an ASD mouse model through intracerebroventricular‐propionic acid (ICV‐PPA) injection for 7 days, followed by lotusine administration for 5 days. The efficacy of lotusine was evaluated through a battery of behavioral tests, including the three‐chamber social test. The underlying mechanisms of lotusine action in ameliorating ASD‐like behavior were investigated in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) using whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings, western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, molecular docking, and cellular thermal shift assay. The efficacy and mechanisms of lotusine were further validated in vitro. Lotusine effectively alleviated social deficits induced by ICV‐PPA injection in mice by counteracting the reduction in miniature excitatory postsynaptic current frequency within the mPFC. Moreover, lotusine enhanced neuronal activity and ameliorated α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor dysfunction in ICV‐PPA infusion mice by upregulating c‐fos, p‐GluA1 Ser 845, and p‐GluA1 Ser 831 protein levels within the mPFC. Our findings also suggest that lotusine may exert its effects through modulation of the D1 dopamine receptor (DRD1). Furthermore, the rescuing effects of lotusine were nullified by a DRD1 antagonist in PC12 cells. In summary, our results revealed that lotusine ameliorates ASD‐like behavior through targeted modulation of DRD1, ultimately enhancing excitatory synaptic transmission. These findings highlight the potential of lotusine as a nutritional supplement in the treatment of ASD.
A rare sequelae of esophageal perforation: Fibrosing mediastinitis
Authors: Zhang Jingwen , Ding Mingwang , Tang Aiping , Cao Yunshan
Published: January 2024

Fibrosing mediastinitis (FM) is a rare disease caused by different causes. If left untreated, the prognosis is poor. The common causes of FM are Tuberculosis and Histoplasma capsulatum infection. Esophageal perforation is also a rare condition that is often easily under‐ and mis‐diagnosed due to the lack of specificity of symptoms. Here we report a case of FM caused by esophageal perforation.
Writing as a Path to the Alphabetic Principle: How Preschoolers Learn that their Own Writing Represents Speech
Authors: Rowe Deborah Wells , Piestrzynski Laura , Hadd Alexandria Ree , Reiter John W.
Published: January 2024

This study explores how preschoolers develop understandings of the symbolic nature of print in the context of their own writing. Using qualitative methods and a cross‐sectional design, this study documents the learning trajectory that begins with children's earliest experiences linking speech and print in writing events and continues as they learn that English print is glottographic and alphabetic. Children's changing approaches to speech‐print linking provide evidence of their developing understanding of how print functions as a representational system. Participants were 134 English‐speaking 2‐ to 5‐year‐olds attending childcare classrooms where preschoolers' writing was frequent and valued. Children completed an open‐ended writing task where they wrote a photo caption and read it to an adult. Open and axial coding identified six core approaches to speech‐print linking during writing: marks not read, conversational speech without pointing, conversational speech with pointing to the graphic array, segmented speech with pointing to the graphic array, segmented speech matched to specific marks, and phoneme‐grapheme matching. A growth curve model provided statistical support for this ordering of the core approaches. Findings show that early writing experiences can be an important context for building foundational literacy skills such as the alphabetic principle. Adult practices that physically materialize speech‐print relations in writing may be especially supportive of this learning. We conclude that young children should be offered frequent opportunities to compose their own texts, and to interact with adults around their writing.
Comprehensive updates on Beckmann Rearrangement
Authors: Kaushik Jyoti , Jain Sonika , Malik Prerna , Kumawat Jyoti , Jain Pankaj , Kishore Dharma , Dwivedi Jaya
Published: January 2024

Beckmann rearrangement has been quite successful in the preparation of many medicinally potent scaffolds. In synthetic organic chemistry, the Beckmann rearrangement is quite popular, caprolactam is synthesized from cyclohexanone oxime on a large scale for Nylon‐6 production. The function of numerous catalysts and media in the Beckmann rearrangement has been discussed in depth in this review. In the last 20 years, Beckmann rearrangement catalysis has evolved from a potentially hazardous to a more environmentally friendly catalyst, as a result of greater usage. Catalytic performance and synthetic performance of various catalytic systems have been re‐evaluated in the present review article.
Tunable Syngas Formation at Industrially Relevant Current Densities via CO2Electroreduction and Hydrogen Evolution over Ni and Fe‐derived Catalysts obtained via One‐Step Pyrolysis of Polybenzoxazine Based Composites
Authors: Sanjuán Ignacio , Kumbhar Vaibhav , Chanda Vimanshu , Machado Raíssa R. L. , Jaato Bright N. , Braun Michael , Mahbub Muhammad A. A. , Bendt Georg , Hagemann Ulrich , Heidelmann Markus , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Andronescu Corina
Published: January 2024

Simultaneous electroreduction of CO2and H2O to syngas can provide a sustainable feed for established processes used to synthesize carbon‐based chemicals. The synthesis of MOx/M‐N‐Cs (M = Ni, Fe) electrocatalysts reported via one‐step pyrolysis that shows increased performance during syngas electrosynthesis at high current densities with adaptable H2/CO ratios, e.g., for the Fischer–Tropsch process. When embedded in gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) with optimized hydrophobicity, the NiOx/Ni‐N‐C catalyst produces syngas (H2/CO = 0.67) at −200 mA cm−2while for the FeOx/Fe‐N‐C syngas production occurs at ≈−150 mA cm−2. By tuning the electrocatalyst's microenvironment, stable operation for >3 h at −200 mA cm−2is achieved with the NiOx/Ni‐N‐C GDE. Post‐electrolysis characterization revealed that the restructuring of the catalyst via reduction of NiOxto metallic Ni NPs still enables stable operation of the electrode at −200 mA cm−2, when embedded in an optimized microenvironment. The ionomer and additives used in the catalyst layer are important for the observed stable operation. Operando Raman measurements confirm the presence of NiOxduring CO formation and indicate weak adsorption of CO on the catalyst surface.
Functional Composite Dual‐Phase In Situ Self‐Reconstruction Design for High‐Energy‐Density Li‐Rich Cathodes
Authors: Ye Yun , Yuan Shuang , Zhang Shuhao , Liu Tie , Wang Jun , Wang Qiang
Published: January 2024

The unique anionic redox mechanism provides, high‐capacity, irreversible oxygen release and voltage/capacity degradation to Li‐rich cathode materials (LRO, Li1.2Mn0.54Co0.13Ni0.13O2). In this study, an integrated stabilized carbon–rock salt/spinel composite heterostructured layers (C@spinel/MO) is constructed by in situ self‐reconstruction, and the generation mechanism of the in situ reconstructed surface is elucidated. The formation of atomic‐level connections between the surface‐protected phase and bulk‐layered phase contributes to electrochemical performance. The best‐performing sample shows a high increase (63%) of capacity retention compared to that of the pristine sample after 100 cycles at 1C, with an 86.7% reduction in surface oxygen release shown by differential electrochemical mass spectrometry. Soft X‐ray results show that Co3+ and Mn4+ are mainly reduce in the carbothermal reduction reaction and participate in the formation of the spinel/MO rock‐salt phase. The results of oxygen release characterized by Differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) strongly prove the effectiveness of surface reconstruction.
Adjusting Li+ Solvation Structures via Dipole–Dipole Interaction to Construct Inorganic‐Rich Interphase for High‐Performance Li Metal Batteries
Authors: Wang Chuan , Liu Sheng , Xu Haoyang , Wang Xinxiang , Tian Guilei , Fan Fengxia , Liu Pengfei , Wang Shuhan , Zeng Chenrui , Shu Chaozhu
Published: January 2024

Practical applications of lithium metal batteries are limited by unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and uncontrollable dendrite Li deposition. Regulating the solvation structure of Li+ via modifying electrolyte components enables optimizing the structure of the SEI and realizing dendrite‐free Li deposition. In this work, it is found that the ionic–dipole interactions between the electron‐deficient B atoms in lithium oxalyldifluoro borate (LiDFOB) and the O atoms in the DME solvent molecule can weaken the interaction between the DME molecule and Li+, accelerating the desolvation of Li+. On this basis, the ionic–dipole interactions facilitate the entry of abundant anions into the inner solvation sheath of Li+, which promotes the formation of inorganic‐rich SEI. In addition, the interaction between DFOB− and DME molecules reduces the highest occupied molecular orbital energy level of DME molecules in electrolytes, which improves the oxidative stability of the electrolytes system. As a result, the Li||Li cells in LiDFOB‐containing electrolytes exhibit an excellent cyclability of over 1800 h with a low overpotential of 18.2 mV, and the Li||LiFePO4 full cells display a high‐capacity retention of 93.4% after 100 cycles with a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.3%.
Modeling of Motion of Inclusions in Argon‐Stirred Steel Ladles
Authors: Huang Caide , Duan Haojian , Zhang Lifeng
Published: January 2024

A 3D discrete phase model (DPM)‐ and volume of fluid–coupled model is developed to investigate the multiphase flow in a 260 ton argon‐stirred ladle. The flow field and interfacial behavior in the argon‐stirred ladle are accurately predicted. Then, the Lagrangian DPM is used to trace the motion of inclusions in the liquid steel. Residence time maps, which provided the residence time required for inclusions travelling from the bulk liquid steel to the steel–slag interface, are proposed and plotted as functions of inclusion diameter and percentage of inclusions. For inclusions smaller than 10 μm, the average residence time is size‐independent but decreases from 175 to 93 s with an increment in the gas flow rate from 50 to 400 NL min−1. With increasing the inclusion size, the average residence time is dependent on both gas flow rate and inclusion diameter. When the inclusion diameter increases to 1000 μm, the average residence time is almost independent of the gas flow rate. The current model overestimates the inclusion removal rate. However, this overestimation indicates that only appropriately considering the behavior of inclusions at the steel–slag interface can accurately predict the removal of inclusions in argon‐stirred ladles.
A Brain‐to‐Brain Interface with a Flexible Neural Probe for Mouse Turning Control by Human Mind
Authors: Ye Yifei , Wang Zhenyu , Tian Ye , Zhou Ting , Zhou Zhitao , Wei Xiaoling , Tao Tiger H. , Sun Liuyang
Published: January 2024

We proposed a brain‐to‐brain interface (B2BI) that enabled effective control of mouse turning behavior by human mind using an implantable, ultra‐flexible neural probe. The neural probe was capable of writing in neural signals to the mouse brain, with effective electrical stimulation observed at a low current of 5 μA. Additionally, a wireless electroencephalogram (EEG) device was developed for the remote transmission of human brain signals, which were decoded by the canonical correlation analysis (CCA) method with an accuracy rate of up to 98.6%. These results demonstrate the potential of B2BI technology to enable communication and control between humans and animals. © 2024 Institute of Electrical Engineer of Japan and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Safety and benefit of modified mesohepatectomy in the treatment of bilobar involvement congenital biliary dilatation
Authors: Jin Shuo , Jiang Nan , Shan Si‐Qiao , Wang Si‐Yuan , Zhou Cheng‐Yao , Yang Shi‐Zhong , Yuan Xue‐Li , Xiang Can‐Hong , Zeng Jian‐Ping , Dong Jia‐Hong
Published: January 2024

Background

The diseased bile duct in bilobar congenital biliary dilatation is extensive and often requires major hepatectomy or liver transplantation associated with a higher risk. We aimed to evaluate the safety and benefit of modified mesohepatectomy, in comparison with trisectionectomy, to treat bilobar congenital biliary dilatation.

Methods

This study included 28 patients with type IV and V bilobar congenital biliary dilatation. An innovative mesohepatectomy comprising the hepatectomy technique beyond the P/U point and bile duct shaping was applied to 14 patients to address the extensively diseased bile duct and difficulty in hepaticojejunostomy. Another 14 patients received trisectionectomy. The perioperative and long‐term outcomes of these patients were compared.

Results

The ratio of residual liver volume to standard liver volume in the mesohepatectomy group was higher (78.68% vs. 40.90%, p = 0.005), while the resection rate of the liver parenchyma was lower (28.25% vs. 63.97%, p = 0.000), than that in trisectionectomy group. The mesohepatectomy group had a lower severe complication (>Clavein III, 0% vs. 57.70%, p = 0.019) and incidence of posthepatectomy liver failure (7.14% vs. 42.86%, p = 0.038). No significant difference was observed in blood loss and bile leakage (p > 0.05). All the patients in the mesohepatectomy group achieved optimal results in the long‐term follow‐up.

Conclusions

mesohepatectomy provides an efficient treatment option for bilobar congenital biliary dilatation and can achieve radical resection, retain more liver parenchyma, and reduce the difficulty of hepaticojejunostomy, especially for patients that are not eligible for major hepatectomy and liver transplantation.
The open abdomen in mesenteric ischemia: A tool for patients undergoing revascularization
Authors: Hatchimonji Justin S. , Bakillah Emna , Kaufman Elinore J. , Dowzicky Phillip M. , Braslow Benjamin M. , Kalapatapu Venkat R. , Reilly Patrick M. , Sharoky Catherine E.
Published: January 2024

Background

We examined outcomes in Acute Mesenteric Ischemia (AMI) with the hypothesis that Open Abdomen (OA) is associated with decreased mortality.

Methods

We performed a cohort study reviewing NSQIP emergency laparotomy patients, 2016–2020, with a postoperative diagnosis of mesenteric ischemia. OA was defined using flags for patients without fascial closure. Logistic regression was used with outcomes of 30‐day mortality and several secondary outcomes.

Results

Out of 5514 cases, 4624 (83.9%) underwent resection and 387 (7.0%) underwent revascularization. The OA rate was 32.6%. 10.8% of patients who were closed required reoperation. After adjustment for demographics, transfer status, comorbidities, preoperative variables including creatinine, white blood cell count, and anemia, as well as operative time, OA was associated with OR 1.58 for mortality (95% CI [1.38, 1.81], p < 0.001). Among revascularizations, there was no such association (p = 0.528). OA was associated with ventilator support >48 h (OR 4.04, 95% CI [3.55, 4.62], and p < 0.001).

Conclusion

OA in AMI was associated with increased mortality and prolonged ventilation. This is not so in revascularization patients, and 1 in 10 patients who underwent primary closure required reoperation. OA should be considered in specific cases of AMI.

Level of Evidence

Retrospective cohort, Level III.
Extended Reality as a Catalyst for Circular Economy Transition in the Built Environment
Authors: Soman Ranjith K. , Nikolić Dragana , Sanchez Benjamin
Published: January 2024

Extended reality (XR) technologies refer to mixed reality and virtual reality configurations that augment real or represent fully virtual information in an intuitive and immersive manner, transforming the way we plan, design, construct, and operate built environment assets. XR offers great potential to support and accelerate the transition of built environment practices to a circular economy by supporting decisions based on narrow, slow, close, and regenerate strategies. Narrow strategies use XR to simulate the building process to identify potential issues, reduce material waste, and avoid costly mistakes. Slow strategies use XR to enable construction with durable materials and designing for adaptability to extend the lifespan of buildings. Close strategies use XR to facilitate material recovery and support repurposing and reuse, thus reducing waste. Regenerate strategies use XR as a motivational tool to engage citizens, communities, and professionals in design and management decisions. However, applying XR is not without challenges, including technical and process-related limitations, potential misuse, and a lack of rich digital twins. Future research opportunities include the development of rich and accurate digital twins, ethical and sustainable use of XR technologies, and overcoming technical and logistical challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration and user-friendly and accessible XR hardware and software.
Digital Transformation of the Built Environment Towards a Regenerative Future
Authors: De Wolf Catherine , Bocken Nancy
Published: January 2024

The concept of regeneration and its application in the built environment is crucial when considering how digital technologies contribute to the transition towards a circular economy. Regeneration in the built environment fosters economic, social, and environmental prosperity for all stakeholders involved, through coevolution, adaptation, knowledge and skill exchange, diversity of ecosystems, harmonisation, and reconciliation. These advantages extend to building users and owners, businesses, local governments, the environment, and the community as a whole. The regenerative design, construction, and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure enhances the economic, social, and environmental aspects of a region. This chapter discusses examples and business models that showcase the implementation of regenerative practices in the built environment and examines how the digital technologies discussed in the book can contribute to regeneration.
Additive Manufacturing for the Circular Built Environment: Towards Circular Construction with Earth-Based Materials
Authors: Chadha Kunaljit , Dubor Alexandre , Cabay Edouard , Tayoun Yara , Naldoni Lapo , Moretti Massimo
Published: January 2024

By making rapid prototyping accessible and inexpensive, additive manufacturing (AM) has transformed the fabrication industry. The adaptability of the process to various materials makes it applicable to multiple fields ranging from complex nanoscale production in the medical field to the manufacturing of large-scale structures in the construction industry. AM methods are constantly evolving, enabling the production of complex products with minimal initial investment. AM processes generate little waste and require no formwork, making them relevant to the construction industry, which conventionally produces significant amounts of waste.

This chapter provides a high-level overview of AM as an innovative technique and key developments towards its use for a circular built environment. It further delineates the viability of AM techniques using earth-based materials for implementing a circular economy in the construction sector through a series of case studies developed gradually from the scale of architectural prototypes to realised buildings. These examples address factors such as fabrication processes, techniques, and materials used and their influence on circularity through the production cycle of construction achieved using AM. Through the case studies, the chapter promotes ‘closing the loop’ on resources by reusing and recycling excavated construction materials. The chapter concludes with projections for AM practices and potential commercial applications of the technology. Overall, the chapter is useful for anybody interested in the built environment looking at alternative and sustainable building methods, including users, researchers, and professionals.
Unit 4 Overview: Symmetry Research in Neuroaesthetics
Authors: Berceanu Alexandru I.
Published: January 2024

Why are we fascinated by flowers? Why are we fascinated by synchronous dance? What do they have in common? The overview on Symmetry Research in Neuroaesthetics discusses the importance of studying aesthetic primitives in holistic contexts. Using the current results on symmetry preference from various fields, one of the better-understood aspects of aesthetic preference, this overview highlights what we can hope to achieve by thoroughly applying neuroaesthetic research methods and how results in this field can contribute to the understanding human behaviour at the phylogenetic scale.