bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of TEMPOL pretreatment on postoperative cognitive function, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress in aged rats under sevoflurane anesthesia
Authors: Liu Tianpin , Chen Tianzi , Gong Jianhua , You Changchang , Zhang Bo , Luo Caiyun , Liu Zhigui , Chen Chun
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The heterocyclic compound 4‐hydroxy‐(2,2,6,6‐Tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐yl)oxyl (TEMPOL) has a protective effect on neurological function in brain tissues damaged by ischemia and hypoxia. This study explored the effects of TEMPOL pretreatment on postoperative cognitive function in aged rats under sevoflurane anesthesia, focusing on inflammatory response and oxidative stress.

Methods

Sixty male rats were divided into normal control (C), sevoflurane anesthesia (S), TEMPOL pretreatment (T), and sevoflurane anesthesia + TEMPOL pretreatment (ST) groups (15 per group). Groups T and ST rats received continuous intraperitoneal TEMPOL (100 mg/kg) for 3 days, while groups C and S rats were injected with 0.9% saline. After pretreatment, groups S and ST received 3% sevoflurane anesthesia.

Results

Rats in group S exhibited a longer swimming distance, longer escape latency, lower frequency of platform crossing, and shorter dwell time in the targeted quadrant than those in groups C and T. Rats in group ST exhibited a shorter swimming distance, shorter escape latency, higher frequency of platform crossing, and longer dwell time in the targeted quadrant than those in group S. The expressions of interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and Ym1/2 messenger ribonucleic acid were higher in groups S and ST rats than in groups C and T rats and lower in group ST rats than in group S rat (p < .05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) were lower, while malondialdehyde (MDA) was higher in groups S and ST rats than in groups C and T rats (p < .05). Group ST showed higher SOD, T‐AOC, and GSH‐Px, and lower MDA than group S (p < .05).

Conclusions

TEMPOL pretreatment attenuated postoperative cognitive impairment induced by sevoflurane anesthesia in aged rats. This may be attributed to the downregulation of NR2B‐CREB‐BDNF pathway, reducing the inflammatory response and oxidative stress damage in hippocampal tissue.
Aging, inadequacy, and fiscal constraint: The case of Thailand
Authors: Poonpolkul Phitawat , Porapakkarm Ponpoje , Wasi Nada
Published: September 2023

We use an overlapping generations model to study the challenge in developing countries with a large informal sector and aging population. We use Thailand as a case study and incorporate its labor market structure and its public pension system into the calibrated model. Unlike developed countries, workers in developing countries commonly transit from the formal sector to the informal sector, which can be in the early stage of their working life. This labor market feature crucially limits the coverage of the contributory social security (SS) system. We find that 66% of Thai elderly (aged 60 or over) are ineligible for SS annuity benefits because of an insufficient number of years paying into the SS fund. In addition, we use our model to evaluate two schemes to raise the existing universal basic pension income to the poverty line, namely, uniform benefits and pension‐tested benefits. We find that pension‐testing effectively improves the targeting efficiency, and nontrivially lowers the cost of the basic pension income program.
Gastric Colonization as a Consequence of Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis: A Prospective, Randomized Trial
Authors: Ortiz Jorge E. , Sottile Frank D. , Sigel Pamela , Nasraway Stanley A.
Published: September 2023

Study Objective. To evaluate gastric alkalization and bacterial colonization in critically ill patients receiving stress ulcer prophylaxis with gastric tube feeds, sucralfate, intermittent intravenous cimetidine, or continuous intravenous cimetidine.

Design. Prospective, randomized, unblinded trial.

Setting. Medical and surgical intensive care units of a large university‐affiliated, tertiary care community hospital.

Patients. Fifty‐three evaluable critically ill patients with respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation.

Interventions. Patients not receiving nasogastric tube feeds were randomized to sucralfate 1 g every 6 hours, cimetidine 300 mg by intravenous bolus every 8 hours, or cimetidine 900 mg by continuous intravenous infusion/24 hours. Gastric samples were obtained daily for pH and culture.

Measurements and Main Results. Patients with respiratory failure and a high mortality rate had a mean gastric pH of 1.96 ± 1.5 at study entry. There were no significant differences in gastric pH or gastric colonization among the three arms. Fourteen patients (26%) developed gastric colonization, which was statistically significant but poorly correlated with gastric alkalinity (r2=0.08, p<0.043).

Conclusion. Gastric luminal pH was unchanged regardless of which method was used for stress ulcer prophylaxis. Bacterial colonization was increasingly likely in patients with a persistent alkaline gastric environment.
Pharmacologic, Pharmacokinetic, and Therapeutic Differences among ACE Inhibitors
Authors: White C. Michael
Published: September 2023

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are a heterogeneous group of agents, and important pharmacologic, pharmacokinetic, and therapeutic differences among them must be understood to obtain optimal therapy. For patients with severe liver disease, lisinopril and captopril are not prodrugs (e.g., do not require hepatic activation), and lisinopril has almost solely renal elimination. Enalaprilat, the intravenous formulation of enalapril, is the only intravenously available ACE inhibitor and can be given to patients with severe liver dysfunction as it is also not a prodrug. Fosinopril is the only drug with compensatory dual routes of elimination, and it does not require dosage adjustment in patients with reduced renal function, as other ACE inhibitors do. Captopril and moexipril have potential drug‐food interactions and are the only agents that should be spaced from meals. The ACE inhibitors also differ in their dialyzability, half‐life, lipophilicity, trough:peak ratios, approved indications, and therapeutic information available for many indications.
Managing Patients With Unlabeled Passive Implants on MR Systems Operating Below 1.5 T
Authors: Shellock Frank G. , Rosen Matthew S. , Webb Andrew , Kimberly W. Taylor , Rajan Sunder , Nacev Aleksandar N. , Crues John V.
Published: September 2023

The standard of care for managing a patient with an implant is to identify the item and to assess the relative safety of scanning the patient. Because the 1.5 T MR system is the most prevalent scanner in the world and 3 T is the highest field strength in widespread use, implants typically have “MR Conditional” (i.e., an item with demonstrated safety in the MR environment within defined conditions) labeling at 1.5 and/or 3 T only. This presents challenges for a facility that has a scanner operating at a field strength below 1.5 T when encountering a patient with an implant, because scanning the patient is considered “off‐label.” In this case, the supervising physician is responsible for deciding whether to scan the patient based on the risks associated with the implant and the benefit of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). For a passive implant, the MRI safety‐related concerns are static magnetic field interactions (i.e., force and torque) and radiofrequency (RF) field‐induced heating. The worldwide utilization of scanners operating below 1.5 T combined with the increasing incidence of patients with implants that need MRI creates circumstances that include patients potentially being subjected to unsafe imaging conditions or being denied access to MRI because physicians often lack the knowledge to perform an assessment of risk vs. benefit. Thus, physicians must have a complete understanding of the MRI‐related safety issues that impact passive implants when managing patients with these products on scanners operating below 1.5 T. This monograph provides an overview of the various clinical MR systems operating below 1.5 T and discusses the MRI‐related factors that influence safety for passive implants. Suggestions are provided for the management of patients with passive implants labeled MR Conditional at 1.5 and/or 3 T, referred to scanners operating below 1.5 T. The purpose of this information is to empower supervising physicians with the essential knowledge to perform MRI exams confidently and safely in patients with passive implants.

Level of Evidence

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
A New Concept to Achieve Optimal Weight Gain in Malnourished Infants on Total Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Abi Nader Elie , Lambe Cécile , Talbotec Cécile , Dong Liping , Pigneur Bénédicte , Goulet Olivier
Published: September 2023

Background

Infants with intestinal failure (IF) are at increased risk of malnutrition and require adapted nutrition support. Optimal weight gain during nutrition rehabilitation should occur at the velocity of statural age (adjusted to the 50th percentile of height) and not chronological age. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between weight gain during catch‐up growth, nonprotein energy intake (NPEI) provided by total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and resting energy expenditure (REE) in children with severe malnutrition due to IF.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study included all infants with severe malnutrition treated with TPN for IF between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2013. They all had no or minimal oral intake (<10% REE). The REE was calculated using the Schofield equations.

Results

Seventeen children were included (11 boys) with a mean age at TPN onset of 5 mo. They were followed for a mean duration of 39 days. On admission, body weight and height were –3.1 ± 0.9 and –3.3 ± 1.3 SD, respectively. The indications for TPN were short bowel syndrome (n = 10), congenital enteropathy (microvillous inclusion disease, n = 6) and chronic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction syndrome (n = 1). After 28 days of nutrition rehabilitation with full NPEI from TPN, the observed weight gain was 110 ± 5% of optimal weight gain for statural age. The mean NPEI from TPN was 104.3 ± 8.0 kcal/kg/d. The mean ratio of NPEI over REE was 2.1 ± 0.2.

Conclusion

Optimal weight gain was achieved with NPEI from TPN twice the REE in severely malnourished infants with IF. NPEI values were adequate and not excessive for age.
A modified isooctane‐based DNA extraction method from crude oil
Authors: Alibrandi Armando , di Primio Rolando , Bartholomäus Alexander , Kallmeyer Jens
Published: September 2023

Microbes from oil reservoirs shape petroleum composition through processes such as biodegradation or souring. Such processes are considered economically detrimental and might pose health and safety hazards. It is therefore crucial to understand the composition of a reservoir's microbial community and its metabolic capabilities. However, such analyses are hindered by difficulties in extracting DNA from such complex fluids as crude oil. Here, we present a novel DNA extraction method from oils with a wide American Petroleum Institute (API) gravity (density) range. We investigated the ability to extract cells from oils with different solvents and surfactants, the latter both nonionic and ionic. Furthermore, we evaluated three DNA extraction methods. Overall, the best DNA yields and the highest number of 16S rRNA reads were achieved with isooctane as a solvent, followed by an ionic surfactant treatment using sodium dodecyl sulfate and DNA extraction using the PowerSoil Pro Kit (Qiagen). The final method was then applied to various oils from oil reservoirs collected in aseptic conditions. Despite the expected low cell density of 101–103 cells/ml, the new method yielded reliable results, with average 16S rRNA sequencing reads in the order of 41431 (±8860) per sample. Thermophilic, halophilic, and anaerobic taxa, which are most likely to be indigenous to the oil reservoir, were found in all samples. API gravity and DNA yield, despite the sufficient DNA obtained, did not show a correlation.
Influence of broodstock nutrition on egg quality and fatty acid composition in California Yellowtail
Authors: Chin Li Sun , Mejri Sahar , Wills Paul S. , Stuart Kevin , Drawbridge Mark
Published: September 2023

Objective

California Yellowtail (CYT) Seriola dorsalis are continuous spawners and rely entirely on their diet to supply nutrients like fatty acids (FAs) to their eggs to support early development. The objective of this study was to determine whether commercial diets could replace a diet consisting of fresh fishery products (FFP-D) without compromising egg quality and biochemical composition, specifically FAs.

Methods

In 2017, one broodstock group (one female and two males) was fed a formulated reference feed (REF-D; Bio-Oregon). This pilot experiment showed that it was possible for a minimum of one female and two male broodfish to spawn repeatedly in a tank, a finding that led to a replicated diet experiment during 2018 in which 18 CYT broodfish were divided into six replicate tanks, with one female and two males per tank. Three tanks were fed the FFP-D as a control, and three tanks were fed a commercial diet (COM-D; Breed-M, INVE). For each spawning event, egg quality metrics were collected, along with samples for FA analysis.

Result

The 2017 REF-D treatment produced eggs that met arachidonic acid (ARA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) requirements and had egg metrics comparable to those obtained from the FFP-D, with higher viability and average batch fecundity. However, the REF-D treatment had insufficient docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and no tank replicates. The 2018 COM-D treatment produced eggs with large egg and oil diameters and met ARA and EPA requirements but was associated with very poor spawning and hatch success and had insufficient DHA levels. The FFP-D treatment produced below-average viability and batch fecundity rates and was unable to meet most essential FA requirements, but it yielded the greatest number of spawning events.

Conclusion

None of the experimental treatments, including the control, was able to fully meet the nutritional requirements of CYT broodstock. These results reveal crucial data about current CYT broodstock diets that can facilitate future research for developing nutritionally complete diets, especially in terms of essential FAs.
Silver Carp herding: A telemetry evaluation of efficacy and implications for design and application
Authors: Ridgway Josey L. , Acre Matthew R. , Hessler Tyler M. , Broaddus Dustin W. , Morris Jessica , Calfee Robin D.
Published: September 2023

Objective

The removal of invasive Silver Carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix is a primary control action in North America. Strong avoidance responses to underwater sound and electricity have been shown to facilitate herding and mass removal of these fish. We conducted a telemetry study on a closed population of Silver Carp (i.e., 10 telemetered fish) to assess fine-scale movement responses to herding stimuli.

Methods

Two herding boats traveled along bank-to-bank transects through the study area (longitudinal progression rate = 0.37 m/s) emitting sound and electricity (“combination technique”) or no added stimuli (“control”).

Result

The combination technique was most effective in terms of increasing fish presence (2.2 × the control) in the refuge zones when herding had concluded and effective range (i.e., fish reaction distance; 1.6 × the control) relative to the herding boats. The median (~1 m/s) and maximum (~2 m/s) swimming velocity was relatively stable across fixed effects, except for the negative influence of water depth on maximum velocity. Water depth also exhibited a negative effect on fish reaction distance.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the effective range of the combination technique was conservatively 200 m (~20 dB re 1 μPa > ambient level) when accounting for water depth in the study area. Herding deployments <1 m/s (longitudinal progression) could control fish passing and maintain fish movements toward an intended location. The information provided herein can serve to assist planning, designing, and applying herding efforts to manage, control, and remove these invasive fish.
Identification of brain functional connectivity during acute transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation: A 3T fMRI study
Authors: Wöllner Jens , Krebs Jörg , Richter Johannes K. , Neuenschwander Julia , Gunziger Andrea , Hunkeler Nadine , Abramovic Mihael , Vallesi Vanessa , Mahler Jasmin , Verma Rajeev K. , Berger Markus F. , Pannek Jürgen , Wyss Patrik O.
Published: September 2023

Objectives

A feasibility proof‐of‐concept study was conducted to assess the effects of acute tibial nerve stimulation (TNS) on the central nervous system in healthy volunteers using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Materials and Methods

Fourteen healthy volunteers were included in a prospective, single‐site study conducted on a clinical 3T MRI scanner. Four scans of functional MRI, each lasting 6 min, were acquired: two resting‐state fMRI scans (prior and following the TNS intervention) and in‐between two fMRI scans, both consisting of alternating rest periods and noninvasive acute transcutaneous TNS (TTNS). Whole brain seed‐based functional connectivity (FC) correlation analysis was performed comparing TTNS stimulation with rest periods. Cluster‐level familywise error (FWE) corrected p and a minimal cluster size of 200 voxels were used to explore FC patterns.

Results

Increased FC is reported between inferior frontal gyrus, posterior cingulate gyrus, and middle temporal gyrus with the precuneus as central receiving node. In addition, decreased FC in the cerebellum, hippocampus, and parahippocampal areas was observed.

Conclusions

Altered FC is reported in areas which have been described to be also involved in lower urinary tract control. Although conducted with healthy controls, the assumption that the underlying therapeutic effect of TNS involves the central nervous system is supported and has to be further examined in patients with incomplete spinal cord injury.
Finite‐horizon optimal trajectory control of near space hypersonic vehicle with multi‐constraints
Authors: Xia Rongsheng , Bu Chunlei , Yan Xiaohui , Zhou Tongle
Published: September 2023

In this article, a finite‐horizon optimal trajectory control strategy is developed for near space hypersonic vehicle (NSHV) longitudinal model with multi‐constraints including external disturbance, system modeling error, and input saturation. The whole control process has two parts: inner‐loop attitude control and outer‐loop trajectory control. First, the feedback linearization method is applied to design a tracking controller for outer‐loop system, and reference signals for inner‐loop attitude control can be obtained using Newton iteration method. Second, for the inner‐loop attitude system with multi‐constraints, a finite‐horizon optimal tracking control scheme consists of feedforward control input and adaptive dynamic programming based optimal feedback controller is designed. In this way, not only the adverse effects of above multi‐constraints are eliminated, but also the optimally tracking performances are guaranteed. Finally, the Lyapunov analysis method is utilized to ensure the stability of the entire closed‐loop control system, and simulation tests with respect to NSHV longitudinal trajectory tracking are supplied to verify the availability of the proposed strategy.
Dual‐emission ratiometric fluorescence sensors based on silica, molecularly imprinted polymers and carbon quantum dots for high‐sensitivity and high‐selectivity detection of sulfadiazine
Authors: Yang Wenming , Kuai Mingyue , Wu Changchun , Yang Wenqi , Cao Lingling , Zhang Yi , Chen Ting , Cao Yunfei , Wang Baozhi , Xu Wanzhen
Published: September 2023

In this work, a dual‐emission ratiometric fluorescence sensor was prepared and used for the detection of sulfadiazine (SDZ) drug. The hydrothermal method was used to synthesize carbon quantum dots (CQD) (fluorescence response signal) and sulfhydryl‐modified cadmium telluride quantum dots (fluorescence reference signal), and a molecularly imprinted polymer was subsequently synthesized. After eluting the template molecule SDZ, the blot recognition site remains on the surface of the imprinted polymer. During the process of detection, due to electron transfer between SDZ and CQDs, holes of stimulated electrons are filled. This leads to fluorescence quenching at around 430 nm, which greatly improves sensor selection performance. Compared with traditional single‐emission fluorescence sensors, ratiometric fluorescence sensors have a wider linear range and higher detection accuracy. Under the optimal conditions, the sensor exhibited excellent performance in terms of low detection limit (4.2 nmol L−1) and satisfactory linear range (2–20 μmol L−1). This intelligent response change mode also provides prospect for detection of other sulfonamide antibiotics and offers a reference to signal transform for other molecular imprinting technologies. © 2023 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Preparation of nano‐silver electromagnetic interference shielding functional coating on PC+ABS plastic via Ar/H2 mixed atmospheric pressure plasma jet
Authors: Zhang Xiaoman , Ma Xiaoping , Li Maoyang , Zhang Yiwen , Fan Jingyi , Ji Peiyu , Tan Haiyun , Huang Tianyuan , Zhuge Lanjian , Wu Xuemei
Published: September 2023

Metal coatings with micron thickness, high conductivity, and a unique structure that can provide exceptional electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance to insulation substrates are highly desirable, especially if the production method is inexpensive, pollution‐free, and efficient. In this study, the Ar/H2 mixed atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) was utilized to reduce AgNO3 to produce PC + ABS substrates coated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). It was found that the low roughness AgNPs coating has a multilayer network structure, which could exhibit high conductivity and excellent EMI shielding effectiveness (SE). In conclusion, this method is an excellent choice for producing metal EMI shielding coating.
Strigolactone biosynthesis lgs1 mutant alleles mined from the sorghum accession panel are a promising resource of resistance to witchweed (Striga) parasitism
Authors: Mutinda Sylvia , Jamil Muhammad , Wang Jian You , Berqdar Lamis , Ateka Elijah , Bellis Emily S. , Al‐Babili Salim , Runo Steven
Published: September 2023

Societal Impact Statement

Striga is a parasitic plant that greatly limits the production of Africa's most staple cereals, including sorghum. Infection occurs when the parasite germinates in response to biomolecules emitted into the soil from the host's roots. Some sorghum genotypes harbor a mutation that makes them ineffective in stimulating Striga seed germination. This resistance is of great importance because of its possible application in Striga management. Here, additional resistant sorghum genotypes with varying levels of Striga resistance are discussed in the context of their candidacy for integration in breeding programs and their possible role in alleviating food insecurity in sub‐Saharan Africa by reducing crop losses because of Striga infestation.

Sorghum is a food staple for millions of people in sub‐Saharan Africa, but its production is greatly diminished by Striga, a parasitic weed. An efficient and cost‐effective way of managing Striga in smallholder farms in Africa is to deploy resistant varieties of sorghum.

Here, we leverage genomics and the vast genetic diversity of sorghum—evolutionarily adapted to cope with Striga parasitism in Africa—to identify new Striga‐resistant sorghum genotypes by exploiting a resistance mechanism hinged on communication molecules called strigolactones (SLs), exuded by hosts to trigger parasite seed germination. We achieved this by mining for mutant alleles of the LOW GERMINATION STIMULANT 1 (LGS1) that are ineffective in stimulating Striga germination from the sorghum accession panel (SAP).

Our analysis identified lgs1 sorghum genotypes, which we named SAP‐lgs1. SAP‐lgs1 had the SL exudation profile of known lgs1 sorghum, whose hallmark is the production of the low inducer of germination, orobanchol. Laboratory and field resistance screens showed that the SAP‐lgs1 genotypes also exhibited remarkable resistance against Striga.

Our findings have the potential to reduce crop losses because of Striga parasitism and therefore have far‐reaching implications for improving food security in Africa.
Femtosecond Laser Preparation and Biomineralizability of ZrO2 Ceramic Woven Surfaces
Authors: Yang Qibiao , Cheng Bojin , Li Hao , You Yunhan , Cheng Jian , Chen Lie , Lou Deyuan , Li Qianliang , Liu Dun
Published: September 2023

Improving the biomineralization of the ZrO2 ceramics surface is of great significance for field of dentistry. A femtosecond laser is used to prepare micro–nano structures on the surface of the ZrO2 ceramics. The contact angle, micromorphology, and chemical composition of the material surface are characterized using a contact angle measurement instrument, scanning electron microscope, and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy. The changes of surface wettability of different samples areanalyzed, and the biomineralization of different micropit surfaces is evaluated through hydroxyapatite (HA) deposition experiments. The results show that the deposition effect of the femtosecond laser‐textured surface is better than that of the original surface. Femtosecond laser processing improves the surface of the material, providing additional nucleation sites for HA, which is conducive to its growth and improvement of deposition efficiency. HA deposited on hydrophobic surfaces consists of a small amount of rod‐shaped and spherical particles. While the deposition effect on hydrophilic surfaces is significantly improved, the deposited particles on hydrophilic surfaces are rod‐shaped and stacked into spherical shapes, growing into pieces after combining, and the particle number increases, the density increases, and they completely cover the textured surface. This study provides a theoretical reference and experimental basis for improving its biomineralization.
Role of Hydrogen Bonding on the Design of New Hybrid Perovskites Unraveled by Machine Learning
Authors: Laref Rachid , Massuyeau Florian , Gautier Romain
Published: September 2023

Selecting a set of reactants to accurately design a new low dimensional hybrid perovskite could greatly accelerate the discovery of materials with great potential in photovoltaics, or solid‐state lighting. However, this design is challenging as most hybrid metal halides are not perovskites and no feature is clearly associated to the structural characteristics of the inorganic metal halide network. This work first demonstrates that the organic molecules are key parameters to determine the structure type of the inorganic network (i.e., perovskite versus non‐perovskite). Then, machine learning (ML) algorithms are used to identify the key features of the organic cations leading to the perovskite structure type. Using a large dataset of hybrid metal halides, this work extracts the organic molecules of all hybrid lead halide compounds, calculates 2756 molecular descriptors and fingerprints for each of these molecules, and are able to predict through ML techniques if a specific organic amine will lead to the perovskite type with an accuracy up to 88.65%. Descriptors related to hydrogen bonding are identified as important features. Thus, a simple but reliable design principle could be demonstrated: the presence of primary ammonium cation is the primary condition to prepare hybrid lead halide perovskites regardless of their dimensionalities.
Urban waste water management paradigm evolution: Decentralization, resource recovery, and water reclamation and reuse
Authors: Varma V. K. Chaitanya , Rathinam R. , Suresh V. , Naveen S. , Satishkumar P. , Abdulrahman Imad Saeed , Salman Hayder Mahmood , Singh Pallavi , Kumar J. Aravind
Published: September 2023

The growing urban population, increasing income per capita, and significant rise in the number of people living in cities are all placing a strain on the nation's water supply and calling for innovative methods of urban water management. Water stress, excessive resource consumption, nutrient discharge into aquatic ecosystems, and financially unstable utilities are all consequences of the traditional linear “take, make, waste” approach to water management. Many strategies are required to achieve economic, environmental, and social sustainability. More closed‐loop urban wastewater and resource management systems can be developed and implemented with the help of a toolkit that includes stormwater management/rainwater harvesting, water conservation, water reclamation and reuse, energy management, nutrient recovery, and source separation. Water conservation, water reclamation, and wastewater reuse are becoming the norm in many water‐poor regions. This shift is hastened by decentralization, made possible by dispersed stormwater management/rainwater collection and innovative high‐performance treatment technologies. Similar changes are occurring in conventional methods of residual management due to the need for more energy recovery and nutrient recovery and reuse. Finding the most outstanding long‐term solutions requires an economic study done well. The practice of stove‐piping must be eradicated from urban wastewater and resource management. These novel techniques for managing urban wastewater and resources can produce more long‐term, financially stable, resource‐efficient, environmentally friendly, nutrient‐sensitive, and sanitary outcomes.
Second degree AV block in a dog with cardiac hemangiosarcoma in the interventricular septum
Authors: Margiotta Nicolette , Sammarco Carl , Flores Rebecca
Published: September 2023

A 13‐year‐old, male, neutered Maltese presented for lethargy and anorexia. Clinical examination identified bradycardia and a grade 2/6 systolic left basilar murmur. A six‐lead electrocardiogram revealed high‐degree, 4:1 second‐degree atrioventricular block, with a rate of 40 beats per minute. Echocardiography revealed a large mass in the interventricular septum, an atypical location for a cardiac mass, as a potential cause of the arrhythmia. An epicardial pacemaker was placed and a mass within pericardium was biopsied. Histopathology revealed hemangiosarcoma. The patient was treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy and was euthanased 2 months following diagnosis.
Future of Work and Business
Authors: Varghese Sangeeth
Published: September 2023

Our professional lives are tightly integrated to the overall future of humanity on several dynamics including family, social identity, physical and mental health, and economy. In 2050, there would be sweeping transformation of the way we work. Europe and the United States will face a decline in population and a shortage of manpower, whereas population in Africa and Asia would continue to grow and act as a source of manpower for these regions. However, Africa and South Asia would continue to be plagued by the absence of infrastructure and capital. Labor force from these regions would migrate to the developed regions in search of better opportunities and improved livelihood. Across the world, unemployment among the youth would increase multifold, leading to severe political and social unrests, resulting in disintegration and implosion of many nation states. From a micro perspective, from an organizational point of view, by 2050, many of them would revert to social capital—trust and goodwill between individuals and their communities—to coordinate business activities compared to the current formal systems like business contracts, management policies, hierarchies, and bureaucratic rules. There would also be sprouting of micro-multinationals that would replace large multinationals of today. Business decisions being driven by real-time data analysis and predictive and actionable data would help them thrive.
Future of Entertainment
Authors: Sargsyan Karine
Published: September 2023

Entertainment of the future is a bright embodiment of science and inventions and fantasy and reality, which will plunge humanity into a new life. The global entertainment and entertainment industry are impossible without immersion in virtual reality. The Concert of the Future is a high-quality HD hologram that can be sent from anywhere in the world to a concert hall due to high-speed data transmission. In the future, people will be able to travel mentally to visit the places they want, so buying tickets and booking hotels will no longer be necessary. Also, the music, television, and cinema industry will change immensely. New technologies with an incredible rate of change in the culture and entertainment industry are coming into our lives.
Future of Healthcare
Authors: Sargsyan Karine
Published: September 2023

Future medicine will focus on preventing new diseases and monitoring a person’s pre-nosological state, which is perfectly evidenced by the current situation with the coronavirus epidemic. The medicine of the future is not about treating the sick, but making sure that you do not get sick in principle. The boom of innovations, gadgets, and technological solutions cannot but affect medicine. The traditional healthcare system is a highly fragmented structure. Technology can offer an interconnected solution to the individual. Sensory wearable technologies will likely become the basis for future disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The new generation of doctors is interested in innovation and making better decisions rather than in traditions and centuries-long working SOPs.
Social Participation in a Postdigital–Biodigital Age
Authors: Jandrić Petar , Hayes Sarah
Published: September 2023

This chapter introduces the concept of social participation and analyzes its recent transformations in a postdigital–biodigital reality. It explores the main sources of biodigital (in)equality and links them to the nature of biodigital communication. Drawing firstly on the work of Kate O’Riordan, the chapter argues that traditional communication based on an exchange of information is significantly different from emerging forms of biodigital communication and identifies the regulation of biodigital communication as the key question of social participation in a postdigital–biodigital age. The discussion then addresses in detail the complex power relationships that emerge in this age, the varying levels of participation that different individuals enjoy, and associated political rationalities. The chapter then explores aspects of postdigital–biodigital policymaking using the case of education and drawing on Human Data Interaction (HDI) theory.
Major Challenges in Engineering Education
Authors: Ivanov Vitalii , Pavlenko Ivan , Evtuhov Artem , Trojanowska Justyna
Published: September 2023

Engineering is a broad discipline that applies scientific and mathematical principles to design, develop, build, and maintain structures, machines, systems, and processes.
On the 6d origin of non-invertible symmetries in 4d
Authors: Bashmakov Vladimir , Del Zotto Michele , Hasan Azeem
Published: September 2023

Abstract

It is well-known that six-dimensional superconformal field theories can be exploited to unravel interesting features of lower-dimensional theories obtained via compactifications. In this short note we discuss a new application of 6d (2,0) theories in constructing 4d theories with Kramers-Wannier-like non-invertible symmetries. Our methods allow to recover previously known results, as well as to exhibit infinitely many new examples of four dimensional theories with “M-ality” defects (arising from operations of order M generalizing dualities). In particular, we obtain examples of order M = pk, where p > 1 is a prime number and k is a positive integer.
Probing general U(1)′ models with non-universal lepton charges at FASER/FASER2, COHERENT and long-baseline oscillation experiments
Authors: Felkl Tobias , Li Tong , Liao Jiajun , Schmidt Michael A.
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The general anomaly-free U(1)′ models allow non-universal lepton charges. We explore the sensitivities of FASER/FASER2, COHERENT and DUNE/T2HK precision experiments to the new gauge boson Z′ and the new CP-even scalar ϕ. With non-universal lepton charges, distinctive reaches at FASER/FASER2 emerge in the regime of low $$ {m}_{Z^{\prime }} $$

m

Z
′

and small gauge coupling gBL for different U(1)′ charge setups. The COHERENT experiment and the future long-baseline experiments DUNE/T2HK also provide complementary probes to the available parameter space. For mϕ< 2$$ {m}_{Z^{\prime }} $$

m

Z
′

, the search for the scalar ϕ at FASER/FASER2 is sensitive to the mixing angle between the scalar singlet and the SM Higgs. In the case of mϕ> 2$$ {m}_{Z^{\prime }} $$

m

Z
′

, the kinematically allowed decay ϕ → Z′Z′ changes the lifetime and decay rates of the scalar ϕ. The sensitivity reach highly depends on the Z′ mass and the gauge coupling gBL.
Fixed lateral unicompartmental knee replacement is a reliable treatment for lateral compartment osteoarthritis after mobile‐bearing medial unicompartmental replacement
Authors: Lazzara Joseph T. , Arthur Lachlan W. , Jenkins Cathy , Dodd Christopher A. F. , Mellon Stephen J. , Murray David W.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Lateral osteoarthritis following medial unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) is usually treated with total knee replacement, however, lateral UKR is a less invasive option that preserves a well‐functioning medial UKR. This study aimed to determine the 5‐year outcome of the cemented Fixed Lateral Oxford UKR (FLO) when used for the treatment of severe lateral disease after medial Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement.

Methods

Forty‐four knees with lateral bone‐on‐bone osteoarthritis (n = 43) and avascular necrosis (n = 1) treated with the FLO following medial Oxford UKR were followed up prospectively. The Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and Tegner Activity Score (TAS) were collected pre‐ and post‐operatively. Life‐table analysis was used to determine survival rates.

Results

The mean patient age at the time of FLO surgery was 74.4 years with a mean time of 12.1 years between the primary medial UKR and the conversion to a bi‐UKR with a FLO. Mean follow‐up of the FLO was 3.5 years. After FLO no intra‐operative or medical complications, re‐admissions, or mortality occurred. There was one reoperation in which a bearing was exchanged for a medial bearing dislocation. There were no revisions of the FLO, so the FLO survival rate at 5 years was 100% (24 at risk). The mean pre‐operative OKS was 22, which significantly (p < 0.0001) improved to a mean of 42, 42, and 40 at 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively. The median TAS had a non‐significant improvement from 2.5 (Range 0–8) pre‐operatively to 2 (Range 1–6) at 5 years postoperatively.

Conclusion

The FLO is a reliable treatment for lateral osteoarthritis following medial UKR. At 5 years there was a 100% survival of the FLO with a mean OKS of 40.

Level of evidence

IV, Prospective Case Series.
The shifters of intrahousehold decision-making in European countries
Authors: Campaña Juan Carlos , Giménez-Nadal José Ignacio , Molina José Alberto , Velilla Jorge
Published: September 2023

This paper studies spouses’ intrahousehold decision-making, using unique information from the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions special module on Intrahousehold Sharing of Resources. We build an index to measure the bargaining power of the wife in household decision-making in European countries and analyze how that index correlates with household demographic characteristics. We find cross-country differences in the values of this index, although estimates show that, in general, older, relatively more educated and working spouses with higher wages, have more power in intrahousehold decision-making. Furthermore, country-level conditions correlate with spouses’ bargaining power in household decision-making. The paper provides a direct empirical exploration of intrahousehold decision-making in a cross-country setting.
Wilson lines and their Laurent positivity
Authors: Ishibashi Tsukasa , Oya Hironori
Published: September 2023

For a marked surface $$\Sigma $$
Σ
and a semisimple algebraic group G of adjoint type, we study the Wilson line morphism $$g_{[c]}:{\mathcal {P} }_{G,\Sigma } \rightarrow G$$

g

[
c
]

:

P

G
,
Σ

→
G

associated with the homotopy class of an arc c connecting boundary intervals of $$\Sigma $$
Σ
, which is the comparison element of pinnings via parallel-transport. The matrix coefficients of the Wilson lines give a generating set of the function algebra $$\mathcal {O}({\mathcal {P} }_{G,\Sigma })$$

O
(

P

G
,
Σ

)

when $$\Sigma $$
Σ
has no punctures. The Wilson lines have the multiplicative nature with respect to the gluing morphisms introduced by Goncharov–Shen [18], hence can be decomposed into triangular pieces with respect to a given ideal triangulation of $$\Sigma $$
Σ
. We show that the matrix coefficients $$c_{f,v}^V(g_{[c]})$$

c

f
,
v

V

(

g

[
c
]

)

give Laurent polynomials with positive integral coefficients in the Goncharov–Shen coordinate system associated with any decorated triangulation of $$\Sigma $$
Σ
, for suitable f and v.
Computation of the von Neumann entropy of large matrices via trace estimators and rational Krylov methods
Authors: Benzi Michele , Rinelli Michele , Simunec Igor
Published: September 2023

We consider the problem of approximating the von Neumann entropy of a large, sparse, symmetric positive semidefinite matrix A, defined as $${{\,\textrm{tr}\,}}(f(A))$$

tr

(
f
(
A
)
)

where $$f(x)=-x\log x$$

f
(
x
)
=
-
x
log
x

. After establishing some useful properties of this matrix function, we consider the use of both polynomial and rational Krylov subspace algorithms within two types of approximations methods, namely, randomized trace estimators and probing techniques based on graph colorings. We develop error bounds and heuristics which are employed in the implementation of the algorithms. Numerical experiments on density matrices of different types of networks illustrate the performance of the methods.
Time to interval cholecystectomy and associated outcomes in a population aged 50 and above with mild gallstone pancreatitis
Authors: Blundell Jian D. , Gandy Robert C. , Close Jacqueline C. T. , Harvey Lara A.
Published: September 2023

Background

Cholecystectomy on index admission for mild gallstone pancreatitis (GSP) is recommended, although not always feasible. This study examined rates and outcomes of people aged ≥ 50 years who underwent interval (delayed) cholecystectomy at increasing time points.

Methods

Hospitalisation and death data were linked for individuals aged ≥ 50 years admitted to hospital in New South Wales, Australia with mild GSP between 2008–2018. Primary outcome was interval cholecystectomy timing. Secondary outcomes included mortality, emergency readmission for gallstone-related disease (GSRD) (28 and 180-day), and length of stay (LOS) (index admission and total six-month GSRD).

Results

3,003 patients underwent interval cholecystectomy: 861 (28.6%) at 1–30, 1,221 (40.7%) at 31–90 and 921 (30.7%) at 91–365 days from index admission. There was no difference in 365-day mortality between groups. Longer delay to cholecystectomy was associated with increased 180-day emergency GSRD readmission (17.5% vs 15.8% vs 19.9%, p < 0.001) and total six-month LOS (5.9 vs 8.4 vs 8.3, p < 0.001). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was increasingly required with cholecystectomy delay (14.5% vs 16.9% vs 20.4%, p < 0.001), as were open cholecystectomy procedures (4.8% vs 7.6% vs 11.3%, p < 0.001). Extended delay was associated with patients of lower socioeconomic status, regional/rural backgrounds or who presented to a low volume or non-tertiary hospital (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Delay to interval cholecystectomy results in increased rates of emergency readmission, overall LOS, risks of conversion to open surgery and need for ERCP. Index admission cholecystectomy is still recommended, however when not possible, interval cholecystectomy should be performed within 30 days to minimise patient risk and healthcare burden.
Effectiveness of first-line anticancer treatment may predict treatment response in further lines in stage III/IV patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Bratova Monika , Skrickova Jana , Matusikova Magda , Hrabcova Karolina , Havel Libor , Koubkova Leona , Hrnciarik Michal , Krejci Jana , Fischer Ondrej , Svaton Martin , Brat Kristian
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The aim of our study was to evaluate if therapeutic success in the first-line of anticancer treatments in patients with NSCLC may predict treatment success in the following lines.

Methods

We analyzed the data of patients with NSCLC stage III/IV from the TULUNG registry separately for chemotherapy, TKIs, ALK inhibitors, and immunotherapy in the first line during the years 2011–2019. „Succesful treatment “ was defined as PFS ≥ 6 months, a „good responder “ was a patient with ˃50% of „successful treatment “ lines. Treatment responses were analyzed separately for each drug group. Descriptive statistics, Fisher exact test, Pearson Chi-Squared test, log-rank test, and univariate/multivariate logistic regression models were used.

Results

The first-line TKI therapy was successful in 66.2%, while good responders accounted for 50.7% of the cohort and their rates were similar for all types of TKIs. First-line platinum-based chemotherapy was successful in 43.1% and 48.6% for combinations with pemetrexed and bevacizumab, respectively. Good responders accounted for 29.5% and 25.9%, respectively. In the group of ALK inhibitors, we observed treatment success in 52.3% of cases, while alectinib showed the highest effectiveness (up to 70%). Good responders constituted 50% of the group. In the first-line immunotherapy group, survival benefit was observed in 52.3%, and good responders constituted 52.3% of the cohort.

Conclusion

We concluded that the treatment success in first-line therapies in patients with NSCLC may predict survival benefits in the subsequent lines, particularly in EGFR- or ALK-positive disease and immunotherapy-treated patients.
Amortization plans in simple, compound and hybrid framework: a unifying approach
Authors: Ziani Laura , Pressacco Flavio
Published: September 2023

In this paper, five different types of amortization plans with constant instalments are analyzed with a unified approach: a pair of plans in simple interest regime, a pair of plans in compound interest regime and a plan in a hybrid context. In the two pairs there are a main plan and an auxiliary one. Here we give a comprehensive discussion of all the rules governing these plans, showing similarities and differences. Furthermore, the pair of plans in simple interest regime is at the origin of the hybrid plan, which surprisingly turns out to be a (main) plan in compound regime with variable instalments.