bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Traduction française d’ouvrages de sociologie chinois entre 1949 et 2020
Authors: Huang Xintong
Published: July 2023

Avec la réémergence de la Chine sur la scène internationale, la diffusion de sa production culturelle moderne
devient d’actualité, notamment en Occident où elle est sans doute le moins bien connue. Le présent article se penche sur la
traduction française d’ouvrages de sociologie chinois entre 1949 et 2020 pour en observer la situation globale et les critères de
sélection établis par les éditeurs français. Nous constatons que cette traduction est dans l’ensemble extrêmement atone. Le peu de
travaux qui ont réussi à s’introduire sur le marché français réconcilient en général l’universel et le particulier. Est entre
autres appréciée la production de la première moitié du XXe siècle qui élabore des théories originales à partir d’une
perspective comparatiste.
Thermal and mechanical properties of carbon-based rubber nanocomposites: A review
Authors: Shahamatifard Farnaz , Rodrigue Denis , Mighri Frej
Published: July 2023

Developing thermally conductive rubber nanocomposites for heat management is a difficult task for many applications, including tires. Even though rubber materials generally have poor thermal conductivity, the addition of various conductive fillers is required to prevent heat accumulation. However, high filler loading has a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the final product. In addition to the role of filler loading, structure, and morphology, various types of functionalization are required to improve the incorporation of the fillers in the rubber matrix. The main objective of this review is to summarise recent investigations on the thermal and mechanical properties of rubber nanocomposites filled with carbon-based particles such as carbon black, carbon nanotubes, and graphene derivatives.
An interplay between optical rectification and transient photocurrent effect on THz pulse generation from bulk MoS2 layered crystal
Authors: Dhakar Neetesh , Kumar Sandeep , Nivedan Anand , Kumar Sunil
Published: July 2023

Development of novel schemes for efficient terahertz (THz) generation from transition metal dichalcogenides are useful for realizing integrated THz devices based on them and also, understanding of the related fundamental processes from such studies will guide to suitable designs. Here, we report the THz emission efficiency of bulk MoS2 layered crystal at varying femtosecond excitation wavelengths, from 550 nm to the telecommunication wavelength of 1550 nm. By using both the below bandgap excitation at longer wavelengths and the above bandgap excitation at shorter wavelengths, we resolve THz emission contributions from resonant and non-resonant optical rectification (OR) processes, and the surface field induced transient photocurrent effect (TPE). A relatively much larger contribution to THz emission from the TPE than the resonant OR is measured for the above bandgap excitation. We have measured a clear difference between the resonant and nonresonant OR processes. The pure OR part is exclusively determined from detailed experiments using excitation intensity, polarization angle, and azimuthal angle dependent measurements. For the above bandgap excitation, the THz emission gets highly saturated with the increasing excitation intensity. Also, the value of the saturation intensity increases (decreases) with the excitation photon energy (wavelength). Interestingly, we find that the linear polarization angle and the azimuthal angle dependent THz signal due to resonant OR is π/2 phase offset relative to that due to the nonresonant OR.
Research on artificial neural networks to accurately predict element concentrations in nutrient solutions
Authors: Zhai Jiawei , Dong Hongtu , Liu Tianyang , Jin Xiaotong , Luo Bin , Li Aixue , Wang Cheng , Wang Xiaodong
Published: July 2023

Calcium, potassium, nitrogen, magnesium, and phosphorus, the main elements of the nutrient solution, are absorbed by plants and play an important role in plants. By measuring Ca2+, K+, Mg2+, NH4
+, NO3
−, HPO4
2−, the artificial neural networks (ANNs) were used in this study to accurately calculate the concentrations of these elements. Firstly, the error sources of the calculating element concentration were analyzed based on the data of six-ion measurement experiments. Subsequently, various optimization algorithms were compared to optimize back propagation and radial basis function ANNs. Finally, the results of mean relative errors (MREs) and recovery values show that ANNs can effectively reduce the measurement error of ion sensors. From the perspective of recovery values, the prediction error of all elements can be controlled within 15%. From the perspective of MRE, except for magnesium and phosphorus elements, the improved model prediction errors of other elements were also less than 10%.
Opto-electronic and thermoelectric properties of free-lead inorganic double perovskites Rb/Cs2ScAuI6 for energy devices
Authors: Alburaih Huda A , Bououdina M , Sharma Ramesh , Laref A , Neffati R , Noor N A
Published: July 2023

Nowadays, the search for renewable and sustainable energies is a global concern worldwide. In this regard, extensive studies are devoted to inorganic perovskites; nonetheless, the latter suffers from several drawbacks, such as lead toxicity. In this paper, structural stability, optoelectronics and thermoelectric characteristics of double perovskites (DPs) Rb/Cs2ScAuI6 have been systematically explained. The phonon dispersion is evaluated for structural existence, and the formation energy is determined to confirm thermodynamic stability. In addition, the elastic constants fulfilled the Born stability criteria, and Pugh’s ratio (B/G) confirms the ductile nature of studied DPs. The obtained results for electronic characteristics of Rb/Cs2ScAuI6 using mBJ+SOC and HSE06 show that the indirect bandgap nature has bandgap values 1.40/1.95 eV and 1.36/1.90 eV, respectively. Further, optical characteristics of DPs have been investigated in terms of dielectric function up to incident photon energy 0–12 eV. Besides, the transport behavior in terms of temperature, carrier concentration, and chemical potential calculated using the BoltzTrap code indicates that both DPs low thermal conductivity, high electrical conductivity, and high Seebeck coefficient.
Interaction between inter-modal four-wave mixing and stimulated Raman scattering in high-power fiber lasers
Authors: Li Fangxin , Han Zhigang , Chen Jiale , Li Junbo , Zhao Xinyang , Wang Haoye , Zheng Yunhan , Yan Mingjian , Zhu Rihong
Published: July 2023

A theoretical model of the interaction between inter-modal four-wave mixing (IMFWM) and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) in continuous high-power fiber lasers is proposed. The investigation shows that the combined gain of IMFWM and SRS is affected by mode combinations and fiber parameters. The dynamic evolution of the enhanced IMFWM suppressing the SRS is observed in the output spectra, accompanied by the intensity asymmetry of the IMFWM-induced Stokes and anti-Stokes lights. Furthermore, the substantial suppression of the combined gain was realized by increasing the coiling diameter of the gain fiber from 130 mm to 150 mm under mode combination (21,01 → 21,01)-dominated IMFWM.
Ferroelectric domain wall memory
Authors: Li 李 Yiming 一鸣 , Sun 孙 Jie 杰 , Jiang 江 Anquan 安全
Published: July 2023

Ferroelectric domain walls appear as sub-nanometer-thick topological interfaces separating two adjacent domains in different orientations, and can be repetitively created, erased, and moved during programming into different logic states for the nonvolatile memory under an applied electric field, providing a new paradigm for highly miniaturized low-energy electronic devices. Under some specific conditions, the charged domain walls are conducting, differing from their insulating bulk domains. In the past decade, the emergence of atomic-layer scaling solid-state electronic devices is such demonstration, resulting in the rapid rise of domain wall nano-electronics. This review aims to the latest development of ferroelectric domain-wall memories with the presence of the challenges and opportunities and the roadmap to their future commercialization.
Direction-of-arrival estimation for acoustic signals based on direction-dependent parameter tuning of a bioinspired binaural coupling system
Authors: Jünemann Philipp , Schneider Axel , Waßmuth Joachim
Published: July 2023

Bioinspired methods for sound source localization offer opportunities for resource reduction as well as concurrent performance improvement in contrast to conventional techniques. Usually, sound source localization requires a large number of microphones arranged in irregular geometries, and thus has high resource requirements in terms of space and data processing. Motivated by biology and using digital signal processing methods, an approach that adapts the coupled hearing system of the fly Ormia ochracea with a minimally distant two-microphone array is presented. Despite its physiology, the fly is able to overcome physical limitations in localizing low-frequency sound sources. By exploiting the filtering effect of the coupling system, the direction-of-arrival of the sound is determined with two microphones at an intermediate distance of 0.06 m. For conventional beamforming algorithms, these physical limitations would result in degraded localization performance. In this work, the bioinspired coupling system is analyzed and subsequently parameterized direction-sensitive for different directions of incidence of the sound. For the parameterization, an optimization method is presented which can be adopted for excitation with plane as well as spherical sound wave propagation. Finally, the method was assessed using simulated and measured data. For 90% of the simulated scenarios, the correct direction of incidence could be determined with an accuracy of less than 1∘ despite the use of a minimal distant two-microphone array. The experiments with measured data also resulted in a correct determination of the direction of incidence, which qualifies the bioinspired method for practical use in digital hardware systems.
Sharing EPR steering between sequential pairs of observers
Authors: Lv Qiao-Qiao , Liang Jin-Min , Wang Zhi-Xi , Fei Shao-Ming
Published: July 2023

The recycling of quantum correlations has attracted widespread attention both theoretically and experimentally. Previous works show that bilateral sharing of nonlocality is impossible under mild measurement strategy and 2-qubit entangled state can be used to witness entanglement arbitrary many times by sequential and independent pairs of observers. However, less is known about the bilateral sharing of EPR steering yet. Here, we aim at investigating the EPR steering sharing between sequential pairs of observers. We show that an unbounded number of sequential Alice-Bob pairs can share the EPR steering as long as the initially shared state is an entangled two-qubit pure state. The claim is also true for particular class of mixed entangled states.
Quantum controllability on graph-like manifolds through magnetic potentials and boundary conditions
Authors: Balmaseda Aitor , Lonigro Davide , Pérez-Pardo Juan Manuel
Published: July 2023

We investigate the controllability of an infinite-dimensional quantum system: a quantum particle confined on a Thick Quantum Graph, a generalisation of Quantum Graphs whose edges are allowed to be manifolds of arbitrary dimension with quasi-δ boundary conditions. This is a particular class of self-adjoint boundary conditions compatible with the graph structure. We prove that global approximate controllability can be achieved using two physically distinct protocols: either using the boundary conditions as controls, or using time-dependent magnetic fields. Both cases have time-dependent domains for the Hamiltonians.
Influence of laser texturing on hydrophobicity and slurry erosion behaviour of VC-CuNiCr based HVOF coatings
Authors: Singh Vikrant , Singla Anil Kumar , Bansal Anuj
Published: July 2023

Superhydrophobic surfaces had gained attention all over the world owing to their unique properties such as self-cleaning, drag reduction, and anti-bacterial etc. The current research has used the laser texturing approach to create a micro-textured surface over SS316 steel with HVOF sprayed VC and CuNi-Cr coating. Aspects of static contact angle, cross-sectional characterization, hardness, erosive wear resistance were compared with textured and non-textured surfaces. Slurry erosion experimentation was conducted as per ASTM G-73 standards using water (slurry) jet erosion test rig. From the results, it was concluded that laser texturing can be used as an effective technique for enhancing the static contact angle; development of pillar like structure can be said as a probable reason for the development of said effect. The failure mechanism was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images; and it was noted that hard surfaces experienced brittle mode of failure whereas soft surfaces experienced ductile mode of failure.
Plant optics: underlying mechanisms in remotely sensed signals for phenotyping applications
Authors: Wong Christopher Y S
Published: July 2023

Optical-based remote sensing offers great potential for phenotyping vegetation traits and functions for a range of applications including vegetation monitoring and assessment. A key strength of optical-based approaches is the underlying mechanistic link to vegetation physiology, biochemistry, and structure that influences a spectral signal. By exploiting spectral variation driven by plant physiological response to environment, remotely sensed products can be used to estimate vegetation traits and functions. However, oftentimes these products are proxies based on covariance, which can lead to misinterpretation and decoupling under certain scenarios. This viewpoint will discuss (i) the optical properties of vegetation, (ii) applications of vegetation indices, solar-induced fluorescence, and machine-learning approaches, and (iii) how covariance can lead to good empirical proximation of plant traits and functions. Understanding and acknowledging the underlying mechanistic basis of plant optics must be considered as remotely sensed data availability and applications continue to grow. Doing so will enable appropriate application and consideration of limitations for the use of optical-based remote sensing for phenotyping applications.
VariantHunter: a method and tool for fast detection of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants
Authors: Pinoli Pietro , Canakoglu Arif , Ceri Stefano , Chiara Matteo , Ferrandi Erika , Minotti Luca , Bernasconi Anna
Published: July 2023

With the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic, large datasets of SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences were collected to closely monitor the evolution of the virus and identify the novel variants/strains. By analyzing genome sequencing data, health authorities can ‘hunt’ novel emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 as early as possible, and then monitor their evolution and spread. We designed VariantHunter, a highly flexible and user-friendly tool for systematically monitoring the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 at global and regional levels. In VariantHunter, amino acid changes are analyzed over an interval of 4 weeks in an arbitrary geographical area (continent, country, or region); for every week in the interval, the prevalence is computed and changes are ranked based on their increase or decrease in prevalence. VariantHunter supports two main types of analysis: lineage-independent and lineage-specific. The former considers all the available data and aims to discover new viral variants. The latter evaluates specific lineages/viral variants to identify novel candidate designations (sub-lineages and sub-variants). Both analyses use simple statistics and visual representations (diffusion charts and heatmaps) to track viral evolution. A dataset explorer allows users to visualize available data and refine their selection. VariantHunter is a web application free to all users. The two types of supported analysis (lineage-independent and lineage-specific) allow user-friendly monitoring of the viral evolution, empowering genomic surveillance without requiring any computational background.

Database URL http://gmql.eu/variant_hunter/
PearMODB: a multiomics database for pear (Pyrus) genomics, genetics and breeding study
Authors: Hu Jian , Huang Baisha , Yin Hao , Qi Kaijie , Jia Yuanyuan , Xie Zhihua , Gao Yuan , Li Hongxiang , Li Qionghou , Wang Zewen , Zou Ying , Zhang Shaoling , Qiao Xin
Published: July 2023

Pear (Pyrus ssp.) belongs to Rosaceae and is an important fruit tree widely cultivated around the world. Currently, challenges to cope with the burgeoning sets of multiomics data are rapidly increasing. Here, we constructed the Pear Multiomics Database (PearMODB) by integrating genome, transcriptome, epigenome and population variation data, and aimed to provide a portal for accessing and analyzing pear multiomics data. A variety of online tools were built including gene search, BLAST, JBrowse, expression heatmap, synteny analysis and primer design. The information of DNA methylation sites and single-nucleotide polymorphisms can be retrieved through the custom JBrowse, providing an opportunity to explore the genetic polymorphisms linked to phenotype variation. Moreover, different gene families involving transcription factors, transcription regulators and disease resistance (nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat) were identified and compiled for quick search. In particular, biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) were identified in pear genomes, and specialized webpages were set up to show detailed information of BGCs, laying a foundation for studying metabolic diversity among different pear varieties. Overall, PearMODB provides an important platform for pear genomics, genetics and breeding studies.

Database URL http://pearomics.njau.edu.cn
Characteristics, management, and outcomes of active cancer patients with cardiogenic shock
Authors: Merdji Hamid , Gantzer Justine , Bonello Laurent , Lamblin Nicolas , Roubille François , Levy Bruno , Champion Sebastien , Lim Pascal , Schneider Francis , Cariou Alain , Khachab Hadi , Bourenne Jeremy , Seronde Marie-France , Schurtz Guillaume , Harbaoui Brahim , Vanzetto Gerald , Quentin Charlotte , Curtiaud Anais , Kurtz Jean-Emmanuel , Combaret Nicolas , Marchandot Benjamin , Lattuca Benoit , Biendel Caroline , Leurent Guillaume , Bataille Vincent , Gerbaud Edouard , Puymirat Etienne , Bonnefoy Eric , Aissaoui Nadia , Delmas Clément
Published: July 2023

Aims

Characteristics, management, and outcomes of patients with active cancer admitted for cardiogenic shock remain largely unknown. This study aimed to address this issue and identify the determinants of 30-day and 1-year mortality in a large cardiogenic shock cohort of all aetiologies.

Methods and results

FRENSHOCK is a prospective multicenter observational registry conducted in French critical care units between April and October 2016. ‘Active cancer’ was defined as a malignancy diagnosed within the previous weeks with planned or ongoing anticancer therapy. Among the 772 enrolled patients (mean age 65.7 ± 14.9 years; 71.5% male), 51 (6.6%) had active cancer. Among them, the main cancer types were solid cancers (60.8%), and hematological malignancies (27.5%). Solid cancers were mainly urogenital (21.6%), gastrointestinal (15.7%), and lung cancer (9.8%). Medical history, clinical presentation, and baseline echocardiography were almost the same between groups. In-hospital management significantly differed: patients with cancers received more catecholamines or inotropes (norepinephrine 72% vs. 52%, P = 0.005 and norepinephrine-dobutamine combination 64.7% vs. 44.5%, P = 0.005), but had less mechanical circulatory support (5.9% vs. 19.5%, P = 0.016). They presented a similar 30-day mortality rate (29% vs. 26%) but a significantly higher mortality at 1-year (70.6% vs. 45.2%, P < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, active cancer was not associated with 30-day mortality but was significantly associated with 1-year mortality in 30-day survivors [HR 3.61 (1.29–10.11), P = 0.015].

Conclusion

Active cancer patients accounted for almost 7% of all cases of cardiogenic shock. Early mortality was the same regardless of active cancer or not, whereas long-term mortality was significantly increased in patients with active cancer.
Prognostic value of left ventricular myocardial work indices in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Wu Hoi W , Fortuni Federico , Butcher Steele C , van der Kley Frank , de Weger Arend , Delgado Victoria , Jukema J Wouter , Bax Jeroen J , Ajmone Marsan Nina
Published: July 2023

Aims

Left ventricular myocardial work (LVMW) is a novel echocardiographic-based method to assess left ventricular (LV) function using pressure–strain loops taking into account LV afterload. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of LVMW indices in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

Methods and results

LV global work index (LV GWI), LV global constructive work (LV GCW), LV global wasted work (LV GWW), and LV global work efficiency (LV GWE) were calculated in 281 patients with severe AS [age 82, interquartile range (IQR) 78–85 years, 52% male] before the TAVR procedure. LV systolic pressure was derived non-invasively by adding the mean aortic gradient to the brachial systolic pressure to adjust for afterload and calculate LVMW indices. Overall, the average LV GWI was 1872 ± 753 mmHg%, GCW 2240 ± 797 mmHg%, GWW 200 (IQR 127–306) mmHg%, and GWE 89 (IQR 84–93)%. During a median follow-up of 52 (IQR 41–67) months, 64 patients died. While LV GWI was independently associated with all-cause mortality (Hazard ratio per-tertile-increase 0.639; 95%CI 0.463–0.883; P = 0.007), LV GCW, GWW, and GWE were not. When added to a basal model, LV GWI yielded a higher increase in predictivity compared to the left ventricular ejection fraction as well as LV global longitudinal strain and LV GCW, and also across the different haemodynamic categories (including low-flow low-gradient) of AS.

Conclusion

LV GWI is independently associated with all-cause mortality in patients undergoing TAVR and has a higher prognostic value compared to both conventional and advanced parameters of LV systolic function.
Association between remnant cholesterol and progression of bioprosthetic valve degeneration
Authors: Li Ziang , Zhang Bin , Salaun Erwan , Côté Nancy , Mahjoub Haifa , Mathieu Patrick , Dahou Abdelaziz , Zenses Anne-Sophie , Xu Yujun , Pibarot Philippe , Wu Yongjian , Clavel Marie-Annick
Published: July 2023

Aims

Remnant cholesterol (RC) seems associated with native aortic stenosis. Bioprosthetic valve degeneration may share similar lipid-mediated pathways with aortic stenosis. We aimed to investigate the association of RC with the progression of bioprosthetic aortic valve degeneration and ensuing clinical outcomes.

Methods and results

We enrolled 203 patients with a median of 7.0 years (interquartile range: 5.1–9.2) after surgical aortic valve replacement. RC concentration was dichotomized by the top RC tertile (23.7 mg/dL). At 3-year follow-up, 121 patients underwent follow-up visit for the assessment of annualized change in aortic valve calcium density (AVCd). RC levels showed a curvilinear relationship with an annualized progression rate of AVCd, with increased progression rates when RC >23.7 mg/dL (P = 0.008). There were 99 deaths and 46 aortic valve re-interventions in 133 patients during a median clinical follow-up of 8.8 (8.7–9.6) years. RC >23.7 mg/dL was independently associated with mortality or re-intervention (hazard ratio: 1.98; 95% confidence interval: 1.31–2.99; P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Elevated RC is independently associated with faster progression of bioprosthetic valve degeneration and increased risk of all-cause mortality or aortic valve re-intervention.
Prevalence of heart failure stages in the general population and implications for heart failure prevention: reports from the China Hypertension Survey 2012–15
Authors: Cai Anping , Zheng Congyi , Qiu Jiayuan , Fonarow Gregg C , Lip Gregory Y H , Feng Yingqing , Wang Zengwu
Published: July 2023

Aims

There are no nationwide epidemiological data on heart failure (HF) stages in China. Knowledge of the prevalence of HF stages is crucial for planning HF prevention and management strategies. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HF stages in the general Chinese population and the specific prevalence by age, sex, and urbanity.

Methods and results

This is a cross-sectional study and national representative general population aged ≥ 35 years (n = 31 494, mean age 57.4 years, women 54.1%) were obtained from the China Hypertension Survey. Participants were divided into Stage A (at-risk for HF), Stage B (pre-HF), and Stage C (symptomatic HF). Survey weights were calculated based on the 2010 China population census data. The prevalence of Stage A was 35.8% (≈245.1 million), Stage B 42.8% (≈293.1 million), and Stage C 1.1% (≈7.5 million). The prevalence of Stages B and C increased with increasing age (P < 0.0001). Women had lower prevalence of Stage A (32.6% vs. 39.3%; P < 0.0001) but higher prevalence of Stage B (45.9% vs. 39.5%; P < 0.0001) than men. People from rural area had lower prevalence of Stage A (31.9% vs. 41.0%; P < 0.0001) but higher prevalence of Stage B (47.8% vs. 36.2%; P < 0.0001) than people from urban. The prevalence of Stage C was similar by sex and urbanity.

Conclusion

The burdens of pre-clinical and clinical HF are high and vary by age, sex, and urbanity in China. Targeted interventions are needed to reduce the high burden of pre-clinical and clinical HF.
Investigating the challenges and opportunities for sustainable waterfront development in Jeddah City
Authors: Zaki Sultan Khalid , Hegazy Ibrahim Rizk
Published: July 2023

The research paper discusses the challenges and opportunities surrounding sustainable waterfront development in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia. The city faces several challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and hasty urbanization, but its strategic location, cultural heritage, and economic potential provide opportunities for sustainable development. The paper presents a comprehensive literature review of successful case studies from other cities and regions to identify the best practices and innovative methods for sustainable waterfront development in Jeddah City. The paper recommends green infrastructure, public–private partnerships and community-based planning and design to promote sustainable waterfront development. The paper emphasizes the need for an integrated and coordinated approach to waterfront development that focuses on enhancing resilience, preserving cultural heritage and promoting social equity. The paper suggests that further research is necessary to better understand the challenges and opportunities for sustainable waterfront development in Jeddah City. The areas that require attention include stakeholder engagement, the impact of climate change and the potential for alternative financing mechanisms. The findings of this research paper can guide policy makers, planners, developers and community leaders to make informed decisions toward sustainable waterfront development in Jeddah City.
Validation of an HPLC Method for the Determination of Diclofenac Diethylamine and Three of Its Impurities in a Gel Pharmaceutical Form
Authors: El Kacemi Mounir , El Orche Aimen , Elhamdaoui Omar , Laouni Amine , Azougagh Mohamed , Karrouchi Khalid , Bouatia Mustapha , El Karbane Miloud
Published: July 2023

Background

Monitoring impurities in drug products is a principal requirement of pharmaceutical regulatory authorities all over the world to ensure drug safety. For this reason, there is a great need for analytical QC of dugs products.

Objective

In this study, a simple, efficient, and direct HPLC method was developed for the determination of three impurities of diclofenac.

Methods

The HPLC method was developed using a mobile phase which consisted of an HPLC grade mixture, acetonitrile–0.01M phosphoric acid adjusted to pH 2.3 (1 + 3, by volume).

Results

The separation was performed in 15 min. The calibration curves of the three impurities were linear; the correlation coefficients were 0.999 at concentrations of 0.00015–0.003 µg/mL.

Conclusion

The validation of this method shows that it meets all validation criteria. This shows the reliability of this method for the routine control of diclofenac impurities.

Highlights

The validation of a robust HPLC method for the determination of diclofenac impurities is of great importance for the pharmaceutical industry to control its products.
A multicenter, retrospective observational study investigating baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes in patients with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer treated with primary androgen deprivation therapy
Authors: Taguchi Satoru , Onozawa Mizuki , Hinotsu Shiro , Kawai Taketo , Mitomi Takeshi , Uno Satoshi , Kume Haruki
Published: July 2023

Objective

This multicenter, retrospective, observational study investigated baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes in patients with hormone-sensitive prostate cancer who received primary androgen deprivation therapy, using Japan Study Group of Prostate Cancer registry data.

Methods

Among patients in the Japan Study Group of Prostate Cancer registry, those who initiated primary androgen deprivation therapy and were aged 20 years or older were enrolled in this study. The primary endpoint was time to disease progression, defined as time from primary androgen deprivation therapy initiation to either prostate-specific antigen or clinical progression. Secondary endpoints included prostate-specific antigen progression-free survival, prostate-specific antigen response (90% or greater reduction from baseline) and distribution of second-line treatment.

Results

Of the 2494 patients (goserelin, n = 564; leuprorelin, n = 1148; surgical castration, n = 161; degarelix, n = 621), those who received degarelix had higher prostate-specific antigen levels and Gleason scores and were at a more advanced clinical stage than those receiving goserelin or leuprorelin. The median time to disease progression (identical to the prostate-specific antigen progression-free survival result) was not reached for goserelin and leuprorelin, 52.7 months for surgical castration and 54.0 months for degarelix. Although baseline prostate-specific antigen values in the degarelix cohort were higher than those of the leuprorelin or goserelin cohorts, prostate-specific antigen responses were not different among the three cohorts. Regarding second-line treatment, the largest patient group received degarelix followed by leuprorelin (n = 195).

Conclusions

This study clarified patient characteristics and long-term effectiveness of primary androgen deprivation therapy in real-world clinical practice. Japanese urologists appear to select appropriate primary androgen deprivation therapy based on patient background and tumour characteristics, with degarelix largely reserved for higher risk patients.
Selective glomerular hypofiltration syndrome
Authors: Quiroga Borja , Ortiz Alberto , Díez Javier
Published: July 2023

The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) provides insight into cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk stratification and proactive management. Accumulating evidence suggests that combining eGFR calculated from serum cystatin C (eGFRcys) and from serum creatinine (eGFRcrea) improves CVD risk stratification over eGFRcrea alone. The term selective glomerular hypofiltration syndrome (SGHS) or shrunken pore syndrome has been proposed to define an eGFRcys:eGFRcrea ratio <1, which is hypothesized to result from a reduced glomerular filtration of 5- to 30-kDa molecules as compared with smaller molecules. SGHS may be identified in people with normal or reduced measured GFR, but the prevalence depends on the cut-off value of the eGFRcys:eGFRcrea ratio used, which is not yet standardized. SGHS is strongly associated with increased CVD and mortality risks and it may offer an opportunity to expand our understanding of the mechanisms linking GFR disorders with CVD risk (e.g. an altered plasma proteome), which may guide treatment decisions. However, muscle wasting may also contribute to a reduced eGFRcys:eGFRcrea ratio and there are open questions regarding the pathophysiology of a reduced eGFRcys:eGFRcrea ratio, the reference cut-off values of the ratio to define the syndrome and its clinical implications. We now critically review the SGHS concept, its pathophysiological basis and links to CVD and the potential consequences for clinical practice and propose a research agenda.
Generalized homology and Atiyah–Hirzebruch spectral sequence in crystalline symmetry protected topological phenomena
Authors: Shiozaki Ken , Xiong Charles Zhaoxi , Gomi Kiyonori
Published: July 2023

We propose that symmetry-protected topological (SPT) phases with crystalline symmetry are formulated by an equivariant generalized homology $h^G_n(X)$ over a real space manifold X with G a crystalline symmetry group. The Atiyah–Hirzebruch spectral sequence unifies various notions in crystalline SPT phases, such as the layer construction, higher-order SPT phases, and Lieb–Schultz–Mattis-type theorems. This formulation is applicable to not only free fermionic systems but also interacting systems with arbitrary onsite and crystal symmetries.
Prevalence of health risk behaviours related to non-communicable diseases amongst South African university students: a systematic review
Authors: Florence Gabriella E , Derman Wayne E , Popperwell Jake M , Kunorozva Lovemore , Gomez-Ezeiza Josu
Published: July 2023

Background

Engagement in risk behaviours adopted during university continues after graduation, increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This systematic review aimed to investigate the prevalence of NCD risk behaviours amongst South African university students.

Methods

PubMed and Scopus databases were searched (January 1990–April 2022) for studies investigating alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables and physical inactivity. Study qualities were assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal and levels of evidence checklists. An overall prevalence percentage was obtained for each risk behaviour.

Results

A total of 50 studies (n = 26 624 students) were included. A range of 44.8–75.0% of students consumed inadequate servings of fruits and vegetables. Just over 54% consumed alcohol (95% confidence intervals [95%CI]:54.0–55.5%). A significantly higher percentage of males (44.2%) than females (25.8%) drank heavily (P < 0.001). Approximately one-third (34.8%, 95%CI:33.4–36.3%) were sedentary and 39.0% (95%CI:37.5–40.4%) were insufficiently active. Almost one-fifth (17.9%, 95%CI:17.3–18.5%) smoked cigarettes, being significantly more prevalent amongst males (21.8%) than females (13.5%) (P < 0.001). A total of 10% smoked 1–10 cigarettes/day and 1.2% smoked >10 cigarettes/day.

Conclusion

High percentages of South African students eat inadequate servings of fruits and vegetables, consume alcohol are physically inactive and smoke cigarettes. South African universities should implement screening measures and health campaigns.
Analysis of radioactivity in commercially available products aiming to improve health and wellness
Authors: Thomas Rimon , Forssell-Aronsson Eva , Hjellström Martin , Insulander Björk Klara , Piñero-García Francisco , Isaksson Mats
Published: July 2023

There are products available on the online market that are claim to contain unique ‘energies’ that can improve health and wellness by eliminating toxins and pains and energising food and drinking water. We investigated these products by alpha and gamma spectrometry, and the analysis showed that they contained a few to hundreds of kilobecquerels per kilogram of naturally occurring radionuclides from the 232Th and 238U series. The committed effective dose for an adult drinking water that had been in contact with these products just once was estimated to 12 nSv. Considering a worst-case scenario for the workers inhaling the radioactive substance, 1 d of work would result in an effective dose of 0.39 mSv. The product descriptions do not mention the radionuclide content, and concerns are raised for the consumers and workers exposed to these products with no knowledge of the radioactive content.
Investigating the effects of jute nesting material and enriched piglet mats on sow welfare and piglet survival
Authors: Markland Lucy , Johnson Jay S , Richert Brian T , Erasmus Marisa A , Lay Donald C
Published: July 2023

Domesticated sows are motivated to perform nesting behavior prior to farrowing, and nesting material can reduce piglet cold stress. However, nesting material may not be practical in most production systems due to the potential for clogging slurry systems. Therefore, the study objectives were to assess an alternative nesting material provided prior to farrowing on sow welfare and piglet survival, and to investigate the effect of the entire nesting environment on piglet survival and growth performance. We hypothesized that the provision of jute nesting material would decrease sow stress and farrowing duration, and that nesting mat provision would allow piglets to remain euthermic and improve survival and growth. Sows (N = 20) were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: a farrowing crate with three pieces of 40.6 × 21.6 cm jute nesting material (Nest; n = 10) and two enriched piglet mats made from an acrylic board (28.0 × 86.4 cm) covered with a microfiber material, or a farrowing crate without nesting material (Control; n = 10) and one standard plastic piglet mat (28.0 × 86.4 cm). Jute pieces were attached to the front of the crate to prevent substrate from falling through the slatted floors. Saliva samples were collected to measure cortisol and immunoglobulin A (IgA), on days −1, 0, 1, and 2 relative to farrowing, and a final sample was collected at weaning (day 16.9 ± 0.18). Blood was collected from four piglets per litter to measure immunoglobulin G (IgG) at 48 h, day 7, and weaning. Piglet skin temperature (TS) was measured on two piglets per litter using an infrared camera for 3 d after birth at 0800, 1200, 1600, and 2000 h. One piglet was randomly chosen from the heat lamp and nonheat lamp side of the crate to measure TS. Video was continuously coded for observations of jute- and crate-directed interactions. Data were analyzed as a mixed model analysis of variance in SAS 9.4. Nest sows performed less crate-directed behavior than Control sows (P = 0.02). Cortisol tended to be reduced in Nest sows (P = 0.08) when compared to Controls, but no differences in IgA concentrations (P > 0.40) were detected. Nest piglets tended to be heavier on day 7 (P < 0.10), had greater IgG concentrations (P = 0.03), and had greater TS (P = 0.02) versus Controls. No farrowing duration or number of stillbirth differences were observed (P > 0.70). The jute material and piglet nests positively impacted sow welfare and piglet measures but did not translate into improved piglet survival.
Injury and protection of spiral ganglion neurons
Authors: Duan Beilei , Peng Kevin A. , Wang Line
Published: July 2023

Cochlear spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) are bipolar ganglion cells and are the first neurons in the auditory transduction pathway. They transmit complex acoustic information from hair cells to second-order sensory neurons in the cochlear nucleus for sound processing. Injury to SGNs causes largely irreversible hearing impairment because these neurons are highly differentiated cells and cannot regenerate, making treatment of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) arising from SGN injury difficult. When exposed to ototoxic drugs or damaging levels of noise or when there is loss of neurotrophic factors (NTFs), aging, and presence of other factors, SGNs can be irreversibly damaged, resulting in SNHL. It has been found that NTFs and stem cells can induce regeneration among dead spiral ganglion cells. In this paper, we summarized the present knowledge regarding injury, protection, and regeneration of SGNs.
Right ventricular assessment in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Labrada Lyana , Vaidy Anika , Vaidya Anjali
Published: July 2023

Purpose of review

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of assessment of right ventricular function in the context of pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We will review unique features of right ventricular anatomy, delineation of cause of pulmonary hypertension through careful right ventricular assessment, echocardiographic and hemodynamic evaluation, and the importance of this assessment in prognosis.

Recent findings

The importance of performance in prognosis and risk assessment in patients with pulmonary hypertension has been continually emphasized in ongoing research. Representative parameters of right ventricular function have been shown to be predictive of prognosis in patients with pulmonary hypertension. Further, the importance of serial right ventricular assessment in risk assessment and prognosis has remained an emerging theme.

Careful evaluation of right ventricular function is paramount in assessing the cause of pulmonary hypertension and severity of disease. Further, it has prognostic significance, as many representative parameters of right ventricular function have been linked with mortality. In our opinion, right ventricular function should be assessed serially throughout the course of treatment in pulmonary hypertension, and baseline parameters in addition to dynamic changes should be incorporated into risk assessment. Achieving normal or near-normal right ventricular performance may serve as a principal goal in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.
The role of primary care in sarcoidosis
Authors: Kouranos Vasileios , Wells Athol U.
Published: July 2023

Purpose of review

The current review aims to highlight the role of primary care physicians in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of patients with sarcoidosis. Increased awareness of the clinical and imaging manifestations of the disease as well as the natural disease course will help for earlier and more accurate diagnosis as well as detection of high-risk patients who would benefit from treatment introduction.

Recent findings

Recent guidelines have attempted to deal with the confusion related to treatment indications, duration and monitoring of treatment in patients with sarcoidosis. Nonetheless, important points require further clarification. Primary care physicians may be the first to confront disease exacerbation, deterioration despite treatment and/or treatment-induced side effects. Furthermore, they are the physicians that remain closer to the patient providing a significant amount of information, psychological support and assessment for sarcoidosis-specific or not issues. The treatment strategy for each organ is complex, but the principles of treatment have been explored.

There have been considerable advances in the diagnostic and management approach of patients with sarcoidosis. Multidisciplinary approach for both diagnosis and management seems optimal. Validating risk stratification strategies and standardizing the monitoring process is appropriate for the future.
Editor’s Choice Articles for July
Authors: Tasker Robert C.
Published: July 2023

This is another excellent issue ofPediatric Critical Care Medicine(PCCM) for July; congratulations to our authors and many thanks to all reviewers. This month, my Editor’s Choice articles cover three topics: clinical pathophysiology in pediatric patients supported using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO); unplanned extubation of endotracheal tubes in pediatric cardiac ICU (CICU) patients; and sepsis biomarkers in the low-middle income (LMIC) resource setting. ThePCCMConnections for Readers focuses on a novel pediatric theme in lung mechanics physiology, i.e., mechanical power in pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS).
Does improvement in AIS grade correlate with functional recovery in all patients with a traumatic Spinal Cord Injury?
Authors: Mputu Mputu Pascal , Beauséjour Marie , Richard-Denis Andréane , Dionne Antoine , Mac-Thiong Jean-Marc
Published: July 2023

Objective

To determine what improvement on the American Spinal Injury Impairment Scale (AIS) correlates with functional status after a traumatic Spinal Cord Injury (tSCI).

Design

We performed an observational cohort study, analyzing prospective data from 168 tSCI patients admitted to a single Level 1 trauma Center. A multivariable analysis was performed to assess the relationship between functional status (from the SCIM: Spinal Cord Independence Measure) at 1-year follow-up and AIS grade (baseline and 1-year follow-up), while taking into account covariables describing the socio-demographic status, trauma severity and level of neurological injury.

Results

Individuals improving to at least AIS grade D had significantly higher SCIM score compared to those not reaching AIS D (89.3 ± 15.2 vs. 52.1 ± 20.4), and were more likely to reach functional independence (68.5% vs. 3.6%), regardless of the baseline AIS grade. Higher final SCIM was more likely with an initial AIS grade D (β = 1.504; 95%CI: [0.46, 2.55]), and a final AIS grade D (β = 3.716; 95%CI: [2.77, 4.66]) or E (β = 4.422, 95%CI: [2.91,5.93]).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that reaching AIS grade D or better one year after tSCI is highly predictive of significant functional recovery, more so than the actual improvement in AIS grade from the injury to the 1-year follow-up.
Draft genome sequence of Enterobacter cloacae ST473 harbouring blaCMH-3 isolated from a human patient diagnosed with recurrent bacteriuria in Nigeria
Authors: David Ebuka Elijah , Igwenyi Ikechuku Okorie , Iroha Ifeanyichukwu Romanus , Martins Layla Farage , Uceda-Campos Guillermo , da Silva Aline Maria
Published: July 2023

Enterobacter cloacae

is among the most frequently isolated species described in clinical infections and is commonly associated with a multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype. We present the draft genome sequence of a MDR

E. cloacae

isolated in Nigeria from the urine sample of an adult male outpatient diagnosed with symptomatic recurrent bacteriuria. The isolate was found to be resistant to ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, cefepime and levofloxacin. Genome analysis revealed the presence of the beta-lactamase chromosomal gene blaCMH-3, which may be responsible for the antibiotic resistance observed in the recurrent

E. cloacae

urinary tract infection.