bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and in vitro antiprotozoal evaluation of novel metronidazole–Schiff base hybrids
Authors: Beteck Richard M. , Isaacs Michelle , Legoabe Lesetja J. , Hoppe Heinrich C. , Tam Christina C. , Kim Jong H. , Petzer Jacobus P. , Cheng Luisa W. , Quiambao Quincel , Land Kirkwood M. , Khanye Setshaba D.
Published: November 2022

Herein we report the synthesis of 21 novel small molecules inspired by metronidazole and Schiff base compounds. The compounds were evaluated against Trichomonas vaginalis and cross‐screened against other pathogenic protozoans of clinical relevance. Most of these compounds were potent against T. vaginalis, exhibiting IC50 values < 5 µM. Compound 20, the most active compound against T. vaginalis, exhibited an IC50 value of 3.4 µM. A few compounds also exhibited activity against Plasmodium falciparum and Trypanosomal brucei brucei, with compound 6 exhibiting an IC50 value of 0.7 µM against P. falciparum and compound 22 exhibiting an IC50 value of 1.4 µM against T.b. brucei. Compound 22 is a broad‐spectrum antiprotozoal agent, showing activities against all three pathogenic protozoans under investigation.
Exercise postconditioning reduces ischemic injury via suppression of cerebral gluconeogenesis in rats
Authors: Li Fengwu , Geng Xiaokun , Ilagan Roxanne , Bai Shangying , Chen Yuhua , Ding Yuchuan
Published: November 2022

Pre‐stroke exercise conditioning reduces neurovascular injury and improves functional outcomes after stroke. The goal of this study was to explore if post‐stroke exercise conditioning (PostE) reduced brain injury and whether it was associated with the regulation of gluconeogenesis. Adult rats received 2 h of middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion, followed by 24 h of reperfusion. Treadmill activity was then initiated 24 h after reperfusion for PostE. The severity of the brain damage was determined by infarct volume, apoptotic cell death, and neurological deficit at one and three days after reperfusion. We measured gluconeogenesis including oxaloacetate (OAA), phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP), pyruvic acid, lactate, ROS, and glucose via ELISA, as well as the location and expression of the key enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PCK)‐1/2 via immunofluorescence. We also determined upstream pathways including forkhead transcription factor (FoxO1), p‐FoxO1, 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt, and p‐PI3K/Akt via Western blot. Additionally, the cytoplasmic expression of p‐FoxO1 was detected by immunofluorescence. Compared to non‐exercise control, PostE (*p < .05) decreased brain infarct volumes, neurological deficits, and cell death at one and three days. PostE groups (*p < .05) saw increases in OAA and decreases in PEP, pyruvic acid, lactate, ROS, glucose levels, and tissue PCKs expression on both days. PCK‐1/2 expressions were also significantly (*p < .05) suppressed by the exercise setting. Additionally, phosphorylated PI3K, AKT, and FoxO1 protein expression were significantly induced by PostE at one and three days (*p < .05). In this study, PostE reduced brain injury after stroke, in association with activated PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 signaling, and inhibited gluconeogenesis. These results suggest the involvement of FoxO1 regulation of gluconeogenesis underlying post‐stroke neuroprotection.
Meta‐analysis of peripheral insulin‐like growth factor 1 levels in schizophrenia
Authors: Pejcic Ana V. , Jankovic Slobodan M. , Janjic Vladimir , Djordjic Milan , Milosavljevic Jovana Z. , Milosavljevic Milos N.
Published: November 2022

Objective

We aimed to investigate if there is a significant difference in peripheral insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) levels between schizophrenia patients and healthy controls and to determine whether a difference exists before and after initiation of antipsychotics.

Methods

PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched up to March 27, 2022. Original clinical studies of any type that reported peripheral blood, serum or plasma IGF‐1 levels measured after fasting in schizophrenia patients and/or healthy control group were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were analyzed using Meta‐Essentials: Workbooks for meta‐analysis and pooled through random‐effects meta‐analyses.

Results

Twelve publications met eligibility criteria. Schizophrenia patients under antipsychotic treatment had significantly lower peripheral IGF‐1 levels compared to healthy controls (n = 632, Hedges’ g –0.42, 95% CI from –0.79 to –0.04, p = .006, I2 = 70.38%), while no significant difference was found between schizophrenia patients regardless of the antipsychotic treatment status and healthy controls, as well as between antipsychotic naïve or free schizophrenia patients and healthy controls, and before and after initiation of antipsychotic treatment. However, high heterogeneity was observed and its potential sources in some of the subgroup analyses included sample type and region.

Conclusions

Schizophrenia patients under antipsychotic treatment seem to have lower peripheral IGF‐1 levels compared to healthy controls. Additional studies with larger and more homogenous samples are needed to confirm these findings.
Effects of self‐efficacy, self‐esteem, and disability acceptance on the social participation of people with physical disabilities: Focusing on COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Kim Hyeong‐min
Published: November 2022

Purpose

The objective of this study was to understand the effects of self‐efficacy, self‐esteem, and the degree of disability acceptance of people with physical disabilities living in COVID‐19 pandemic on their social participation.

Methods

Among the 4577 registered disabled people who participated in the 2nd wave of the Panel Survey of Employment for the Disabled (PSED), 1682 people with physical disabilities who faithfully answered all the survey items were selected as the final study subjects. This study used the variables of social participation, self‐efficacy, self‐esteem, and disability acceptance, which were validated by experts’ review and consulting and research at the Korea Employment Agency for Persons with Disability. Pearson's correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to identify variables that could predict the social participation of the study subjects.

Results

The self‐efficacy, self‐esteem, and the degree of disability acceptance of people with physical disabilities were positively correlated with social participation. The results of this study showed that self‐efficacy, self‐esteem, the degree of disability acceptance, economic activity, and education level explained 22.4% of social participation.

Conclusions

It was found that self‐efficacy, self‐esteem, and the degree of disability acceptance of people with physical disabilities were important variables affecting social participation. These psychoemotional variables shall be considered for intervention approaches to improve the social participation of people with physical disabilities in the future.
The Role of the Redox Non‐Innocent Hydroxyl Ligand in the Activation of O2 Performed by [Ni(H)(OH)]+
Authors: Kim Jun‐Hyeong , Buyuktemiz Muhammed , Alıcı Gökçe , Baik Mu‐Hyun , Dede Yavuz
Published: November 2022

The cationic complex [Ni(H)(OH)]+ was previously found to activate dioxygen and methane in gas phase under single collision conditions. These remarkable reactivities were thought to originate from a non‐classical electronic structure, where the Ni‐center adopts a Ni(II), instead of the classically expected Ni(III) oxidation state by formally accepting an electron from the hydroxo ligand, which formally becomes a hydroxyl radical in the process. Such radicaloid oxygen moieties are envisioned to easily react with otherwise inert substrates, mimicking familiar reactivities of free radicals. In this study, the reductive activation of dioxygen by [Ni(H)(OH)]+ to afford the hydroperoxo species was investigated using coupled cluster, multireference ab initio and density functional theory calculations. Orbital and wave function analyses indicate that O2 binding tranforms the aforementioned non‐classical electronic structure to a classical Ni(III)‐hydroxyl system, before O2 reduction takes place. Remarkably, we found no evidence for a direct involvement of the radicaloid hydroxyl in the reaction with O2, as is often assumed. The function of the redox non‐innocent character of the activator complex is to protect the reactive electronic structure until the complex engages O2, upon which a dramatic electronic reorganization releases internal energy and drives the chemical reaction to completion.
Spatially Resolved Online Leak Detection in a Baghouse Filter Applying Low‐Cost PM‐Sensors
Authors: Bächler Peter , Meyer Jörg , Dittler Achim
Published: November 2022

Conventional particle emission measurement technology only takes into account the total emission and does not offer spatial resolution. Extensive troubleshooting is required in order to identify potential emission hotspots (e.g., small leaks) that contribute strongly to dust emissions. A network of inexpensive low‐cost PM‐sensors was used in a small‐scale baghouse filter for spatial online particle emission monitoring. Different types of emission hotspots were investigated. Spatial PM monitoring enabled the reliable identification of the position of the hotspot as well as estimation of leak size.
Triel Bonds with Au Atoms as Electron Donors
Authors: Niu Zhihao , McDowell Sean A. C. , Li Qingzhong
Published: November 2022

The novel triel bonds of BX3 (X=H, F, Cl, Br, and I) and C5H5B as electron acceptors and AuR2 (R=Cl and CH3) as an electron donor were explored. The triel bond is a primary driving force for most complexes, while the contribution from a halogen‐chlorine interaction in BX3−AuCl2 (X=Cl, Br, and I) and an iodine‐Au interaction in BI3−Au(CH3)3 is also very important. Interestingly, the positively charged Au atom of AuCl2 can attractively bind with the holes of BX3 and C5H5B. The interaction energy lies in the range of 1 and 80 kcal/mol, in the order X=F<H<Cl<Br<I. In most cases, the triel bond of C5H5B is stronger than the triel bond of BX3. In the formation of B−Au triel bond, electrostatic energy is not dominant, while polarization energy including orbital interaction has the largest contribution for the strongly bonded complexes and dispersion energy for the weak triel bond.
Wheat stubble height effects on subsequent corn and grain sorghum crops
Authors: Schlegel Alan , Haag Lucas , Assefa Yared , Holman John
Published: November 2022

For sustainable productivity, a winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)–summer crop (corn [Zea mays L.] or grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor L.])–fallow (W‐SC‐F) cropping system could benefit from optimal wheat stubble cutting height management, but only limited information is available. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of wheat stubble height on subsequent corn and grain sorghum yields, available soil water, crop water use, and precipitation storage efficiency in a W‐C‐F and W‐S‐F cropping system. This study was conducted from 2006 through 2020 at the Kansas State University Southwest Research‐Extension Center near Tribune, KS. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three wheat stubble heights (high, low, and strip). Average across all years, there was a 9%–10% corn yield and 7%–11% corn biomass advantage from high and stripper harvested wheat stubble compared with low cut stubble, and a 5% sorghum yield advantage from high cut stubble compared with low cut stubble. Kernel weight of corn was the only yield component that significantly differed among stubble height treatments. Water productivity of corn in the high and stripper harvested stubble treatments (15.3 kg ha−1 mm−1) was significantly greater compared with the low cut stubble (14 kg ha−1 mm−1). Water productivity of sorghum in the high cut stubble treatment (18.9 kg ha−1 mm−1) was also significantly greater compared with low cut stubble (17.7 kg ha−1 mm−1). Total available soil water at planting (ASWP) and available soil water at harvest (ASWH) of corn were both greater for high cut stubble compared with stripper harvested stubble but total ASWP and ASWH of grain sorghum were not significantly different among stubble height treatments. We concluded that low cut wheat stubble decreased subsequent corn and grain sorghum yields in a W‐C/S‐F cropping system.
Elevated ubiquitination contributes to protective immunity against severe SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Che Yinggang , Jiang Dongbo , Zhang Yong , Zhang Junqi , Xu Tianqi , Sun Yuanjie , Fan Jiangjiang , Wang Jiawei , Chang Ning , Wu Yingtong , Yang Shuya , Xu Leidi , Ding Jiaqi , Hu Chenchen , Huang Yinan , Zhang Jian , Yang Kun
Published: November 2022

Background

The crosstalk between the ubiquitin‐proteasome and the immune system plays an important role in the health and pathogenesis of viral infection. However, there have been few studies of ubiquitin activation in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection.

Methods

We investigated the effect of ubiquitination on SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and patient prognosis by integrating published coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) multi‐transcriptome data and bioinformatics methods.

Results

The differential expression of COVID‐19 samples revealed changed ubiquitination in most solid and hollow organs, and it was activated in lymphatic and other immune tissues. In addition, in the respiratory system of COVID‐19 patients, the immune response was mainly focused on the alveoli, and the expression of ubiquitination reflected increasing immune infiltration. Ubiquitination stratification could significantly differentiate patients' prognosis and inflammation levels through the general transcriptional analysis of the peripheral blood of patients with COVID‐19. Moreover, high ubiquitination levels were associated with a favourable prognosis, low inflammatory response, and reduced mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit. Moreover, high ubiquitination promoted a beneficial immune response while inhibiting immune damage. Finally, prognostic stratification and biomarker screening based on ubiquitination traits played an important role in clinical management and drug development.

Conclusion

Ubiquitination characteristics provides new ideas for clinical intervention and prognostic guidance for COVID‐19 patients.
Optimizing digital health technologies to improve therapeutic skill use and acquisition alongside enhanced cognitive‐behavior therapy for binge‐spectrum eating disorders: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Juarascio Adrienne S. , Presseller Emily K. , Trainor Claire , Boda Sneha , Manasse Stephanie M. , Srivastava Paakhi , Forman Evan M. , Zhang Fengqing
Published: November 2022

Objective

Adjunctive mobile health (mHealth) technologies offer promise for improving treatment response to enhanced cognitive‐behavior therapy (CBT‐E) among individuals with binge‐spectrum eating disorders, but research on the key “active” components of these technologies has been very limited. The present study will use a full factorial design to (1) evaluate the optimal combination of complexity of two commonly used mHealth components (i.e., self‐monitoring and microinterventions) alongside CBT‐E and (2) test whether the optimal complexity level of these interventions is moderated by baseline self‐regulation. Secondary aims of the present study include evaluating target engagement associated with each level of these intervention components and quantifying the component interaction effects (i.e., partially additive, fully additive, or synergistic effects).

Method

Two hundred and sixty‐four participants with binge‐spectrum eating disorders will be randomized to six treatment conditions determined by the combination of self‐monitoring condition (i.e., standard self‐monitoring or skills monitoring) and microinterventions condition (i.e., no microinterventions, automated microinterventions, or just‐in‐time adaptive interventions) as an augmentation to 16 sessions of CBT‐E. Treatment outcomes will be measured using the Eating Disorder Examination and compared by treatment condition using multilevel models.

Results

Results will clarify the “active” components in mHealth interventions for binge eating.

Discussion

The present study will provide critical insight into the efficacy of commonly used digital intervention components (i.e., skills monitoring and microinterventions) alongside CBT‐E. Furthermore, results of this study may inform personalization of digital intervention intensity based on patient profiles of self‐regulation.

Public Significance

This study will examine the relative effectiveness of commonly used components of application‐based interventions as an augmentation to cognitive‐behavioral therapy for binge eating. Findings from this study will inform the development of an optimized digital intervention for individuals with binge eating.
The main criteria for mate selection: The nursing students' perspective in the south‐west of Iran during 2020–2021: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Rafiee Ghazanfar
Published: November 2022

Background and Aims

Marriage has been a functional and moral relationship between men and women, which leads to the creation of a family and also can result in the birth of a child. This study aimed at determining the mate‐selection criteria of nursing students.

Methods

298 nursing students were considered in this cross‐sectional, descriptive‐analytical study. The study data were collected using a researcher‐made questionnaire with confirmed validity and reliability.

Results

The male and female undergraduate students' mean age was 20–37 and 20–30 years, and male and female graduate students were aged 22–33 and 23–39 years, respectively. From the girls' perspective, 24 out of the 46 criteria were essential for mate selection. From the boys' perspective, 17 criteria were important and five were very low important. The results revealed a significant difference between both genders regarding the importance of 29 criteria. Boys believed that having housekeeping skills, coming from similar cities, and having physical attractiveness were of utmost importance.

Conclusion

Girls paid more attention to psychological and economic criteria in comparison with men. For girls, the husband's nobility and ability to manage the family and for men being a housewife were more important. Despite the differences in some points of view between both genders about considering the criteria for choosing a future spouse, according to all participants, it was important for the participants to include psychological, cultural, familial, and social criteria for choosing a mate selection. It is recommended that, before marriage, the youth should consider the above‐mentioned criteria to choose their future spouse. In addition, as much as possible, boys should have a decent job and an independent income before marriage.
The relationship between the emergency nurses' sleep quality and the sleep quality of their spouses: A cross‐sectional descriptive‐analytical study
Authors: Ebrahimian Abbasali , Fakhr‐Movahedi Ali , Hashemi‐Amrei Seyed‐Hossein
Published: November 2022

Background and Aims

Due to the heavy working shifts, emergency nurses may have to sleep at unusual times of the day, affecting their spouse's sleep. This study proposed to detect the relationship between the woman emergency nurse's sleep quality and the sleep quality of their spouses.

Methods

This cross‐sectional descriptive‐analytical study has lasted for 4 months since June 21, 2020. The study population was all women nurses working at a hospital emergency department. The data was collected by a demographic questionnaire and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) for nurses and their spouses. The data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

The prevalence of sleep quality disorder among female emergency department nurses and their husbands was 82.7% and 80.6%, respectively. The mean sleep quality score of female nurses and their husbands was 8.46 ± 4.43 and 6.50 ± 2.52, respectively. A strong and positive correlation was found between the PSQI score of female nurses and their husbands (p < 0.001). The regression model showed that increasing the body mass index (BMI) of female emergency nurses can decrease their sleep quality. However, increasing the BMI of female emergency nurses' spouses and their work experience in the emergency department can improve their sleep quality.

Conclusion

The sleep quality of female emergency department nurses was directly correlated with their husbands' sleep quality. Therefore, the sleep quality of nurses working in the emergency departments and their spouses should be examined periodically.
X‐RAY STRUCTURES OF 11,11‐DIMETHOXY‐2‐OXO‐9‐PHENYLSULFONYL‐ BICYCLO[6.3.0]UNDECANE AND ITS DIOXOLANE DERIVATIVE
Authors: Tinant B. , Declercq J.P. , Demillequand M.
Published: November 2022

The structure of the title compounds were determined by X‐ray diffraction. A trans ring junction was observed in both molecules and the phenylsulfonyl substituent was directed anti regarding that junction. The conformation of the polycyclic skeletons are compared.
Marketing in an identity‐threatened world: Consumer coping strategies and indulgent consumption
Authors: Nikolova Hristina
Published: November 2022

The ability to cope with social identity threats is a crucial consumer capacity. But are all coping methods equally beneficial? Our work examines two dominant coping strategies—where individuals either highlight positive dimensions of the self (self‐focus strategy), or where they emphasize other out‐groups' worse performance (others‐focus strategy). We demonstrate that while the two strategies are equally effective at repairing the threatened identity, the others‐focus strategy leads to greater indulgent consumption for those who hold the threatened identity strongly. We also provide evidence of the underlying mechanism, showing that accessibility drives the differences in the indulgent consumption consequences of these coping strategies, which makes it possible for marketers to externally alter such effects. Specifically, we show that if marketers externally raise the accessibility of outgroups‐related concepts, for example, via an advertising message or environmental design, the impact of the others‐focus strategy on indulgence is diminished.
Effects of voice assistant recommendations on consumer behavior
Authors: Flavián Carlos , Akdim Khaoula , Casaló Luis V.
Published: November 2022

The present study compares the influence of text‐based recommendations; traditionally known as online consumer reviews, and the influence of voice‐based recommendations provided by voice‐driven virtual assistants on consumer behaviors. Based on media richness theory, the research model investigates how voice versus text modality influences consumers' perceptions of credibility and usefulness, as well as their behavioral intentions and actual behaviors. In addition, the study analyses if these relationships vary based on the type of product and compares the influence of masculine and feminine voices. Two studies were conducted using between‐subjects experimental designs, partial least squares‐structural equation modeling, and logistic regression. The core finding is that voice‐based recommendations are more effective than online consumer reviews in altering consumer behaviors. In addition, the first study showed that the influence of recommendations on behavioral intentions is mediated by consumers' perceptions of their credibility and usefulness. The second study confirmed, in a realistic setting, that voice‐based recommendations affect consumer choices to a greater extent. Recommendations for search products and provided by males are also found to be more effective. These results contribute to the voice assistant and e‐WOM literature by highlighting the effectiveness of voice‐based recommendations in predicting consumer behaviors, confirming that credibility and usefulness are key factors that determine the influence of recommendations, and showing that recommendations are more effective when they focus on search products.
A Thermodynamic Simulation Package for Catalytic Polyolefin Reactors: Development and Applications
Authors: Alizadeh Arash , Touloupidis Vasileios , Soares João B. P.
Published: November 2022

A thermodynamic simulation package is developed for the catalytic polymerization of olefins in autoclave slurry, loop slurry, gas‐phase, and autoclave solution reactors. The number of components in the reactors may vary from two to six. The simulator uses the Sanchez–Lacombe theory, one of the major thermodynamic models in the polymer industry. Step‐by‐step instructions on how to specify the system, derive and solve the resulting nonlinear equations, and estimate the required thermodynamic properties are given. The software is used to describe ethylene/1‐hexene copolymerizations with hydrogen in different reactors under industrial conditions. These simulations demonstrate why thermodynamic effects must be included in olefin polymerization models.
Knowledge of young people living with type 1 diabetes and their caregivers about its management
Authors: Owusu Bernard Afriyie , Ofori‐Boateng Prince , Forbes Angus , Doku David Teye
Published: November 2022

Aims and Objective

We sought to investigate knowledge and skills of type 1 diabetes (T1D) management among young people living with the disease and their caregivers. Our aim is to provide baseline evidence to inform T1D self‐management education for young people living with the disease and their caregivers.

Background

Both local and international guidelines recommend ongoing T1D self‐management education for people living with the disease. This is because T1D often develops among young people who rarely have the competencies to adequately manage their condition. However, the extent to which young people living with T1D and their caregivers can self‐manage this chronic disease in a low‐resource country like Ghana is unknown.

Methods

Using a phenomenological study design, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 28 young people living with type 1 diabetes, 12 caregivers and 6 healthcare providers in southern Ghana. Data were collected at homes, hospitals and support group centres of participants via face‐to‐face interviews, photovoice and video‐conferencing. The data were analysed thematically using QSR NVivo 11.

Results

The young people living with T1D and their caregivers demonstrated knowledge and skills in the self‐monitoring of blood glucose, and the treatment of hyperglycaemia. Areas of more marginal or lack of knowledge were concerning carbohydrate counting, severe hypoglycaemia and the management of intercurrent illnesses. Young persons living with T1D and their caregivers received their management information from healthcare and non‐healthcare providers. Access to diabetes self‐management education influenced T1D management knowledge and practices.

Conclusion

Young people living with type 1 diabetes and their caregivers possessed limited scope of knowledge on type 1 diabetes self‐management. Multiple sources of T1D knowledge were found, some of which may not be helpful to patients. The knowledge gaps identified compromises transitional independence and self‐management capacity.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

It is important for clinicians and organizations that provide T1D education to provide diabetes self‐management education also on managing hypoglycaemia, carbohydrate counting and managing T1D during intercurrent life events among young people living with T1D.

No Patient or Public Contribution

Patients and their caregivers were interviewed as research participants. They did not conceptualize, analyse, interpret or prepare the manuscript.
Efficient Power Coupling in Directly Connected Photovoltaic‐Battery Module
Authors: Shcherbachenko Sergey , Astakhov Oleksandr , Chime Ugochi , Kin Li-Chung , Ding Kaining , Pieters Bart , Rau Uwe , Figgemeier Egbert , Merdzhanova Tsvetelina
Published: November 2022

Due to the intermittent nature of solar irradiance and the temporal mismatch between solar power generation and consumption profiles, the combination of photovoltaic (PV) devices with energy storage is essential. The maximum power point tracking (MPPT) devices are commonly used for the connection of PV to electrochemical storage and load, ensuring power matching and providing flexibility in system design. Herein, the usability of direct PV‐battery coupling as an alternative to MPPT under realistically varied battery state of charge (SoC), irradiance, temperature of the PV module, and applied load is investigated. A stable power coupling factor above 90% is demonstrated between a silicon heterojunction solar module and Li‐ion battery in the whole range of measured SoC (12.5–75%) and a wide range of load power. The dependence of power coupling on temperature and irradiance is calculated and compared to the power generation profile of a PV plant installed in southern Germany. In the region of highest power generation, the direct connection provides coupling efficiencies above 95%, reaching 100%, for the usable range of battery SoC. These results show that direct PV‐to‐battery coupling is feasible for a variety of practical applications and scales.
Photoelectrochemical Water Oxidation Using Cobalt Phosphate‐Modified Nitrogen‐Doped Titania Nanotube Arrays
Authors: Kang Unseock , Mizuochi Ryusuke , Park Hyunwoong , Maeda Kazuhiko
Published: November 2022

The synthesis of cobalt phosphate (CoPi)‐modified, nitrogen‐doped TiO2 nanotube arrays (N‐TNAs) for photoelectrochemical (PEC) oxygen evolution under visible light is reported. Because of the nitrogen doping, the N‐TNAs exhibit enhanced visible‐light activity toward the PEC water oxidation reaction. However, the performance is diminished as a result of self‐oxidation by photogenerated holes in the valence band of the N‐TNAs. Compared with the N‐TNAs, the CoPi/N‐TNAs prepared under optimal conditions show a twofold improvement in photocurrent generation and are also sensitive to light with wavelengths as long as 580 nm. Stable oxygen evolution with a Faradaic efficiency approaching unity is demonstrated using the CoPi/N‐TNA photoanodes under simulated sunlight for at least 2 h of operation.
Bismuthene Arrays Harvesting Reversible Plating‐Alloying Electrochemistry Toward Robust Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Ding Yifan , Sun Yingjie , Shi Zixiong , Yang Xianzhong , Yu Xiaoyu , Wang Xiaojing , Sun Jingyu
Published: November 2022

3D lithiophilic skeletons have attracted enormous attention in homogenizing local current distribution and optimizing metal deposition in the pursuit of robust Li metal anodes. Nonetheless, their practicability is markedly plagued by the cumbersome production routes and mediocre Coulombic efficiency (CE) of Li plating/stripping. Herein, scalable in situ growth of uniform bismuthene arrays over commercial Cu foam via spontaneous galvanic replacement reaction is demonstrated. Exhaustive structural/electrochemical measurements in combination with theoretical calculations collectively disclose the reversible plating‐alloying mechanism, wherein the formed Li3Bi alloy interphase aids to lower the Li nucleation overpotential and elevate the CE performance. The thus‐designed Li metal electrode sustains a stable cyclic operation at 1 mA cm−2/1 mAh cm−2 for 1600 h. When paired with LiFePO4 and sulfur cathodes, the Li metal batteries enable gratifying rate capability and cycling durability. This straightforward maneuver opens a new frontier in the scalable manufacturing of pragmatic current collectors in an economic fashion.
Neuroprotective efficacy of the bacterial metabolite, prodigiosin, against aluminium chloride‐induced neurochemical alternations associated with Alzheimer's disease murine model: Involvement of Nrf2/HO‐1/NF‐κB signaling
Authors: Alsharif Khalaf F. , Albrakati Ashraf , Al Omairi Naif E. , Almalki Abdulraheem S. , Alsanie Walaa , Abd Elmageed Zakaria Y. , Alharthi Fahad , Althagafi Hussam A. , Alghamdi Abdullah A. A. , Hassan Ibrahim Eid , Habotta Ola A. , Lokman Maha S. , Kassab Rami B. , El‐Hennamy Rehab E.
Published: November 2022

Prodigiosin (PDG) is a bacterial metabolite with numerous biological and pharmaceutical properties. Exposure to aluminium is considered a root etiological factor in the pathological progress of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, in this investigation, we explored the neuroprotective potential of PDG against aluminium chloride (AlCl3)‐mediated AD‐like neurological alterations in rats. For this purpose, rats were gavaged either AlCl3 (100 mg/kg), PDG (300 mg/kg), or both for 42 days. As a result of the analyzes performed on the hippocampal tissue, it was observed that AlCl3 induced biochemical, molecular, and histopathological changes like those related to AD. PDG pre‐treatment significantly decreased acetylcholinesterase activity and restored the levels of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor, monoamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin), and transmembrane protein (Na+/K+‐ATPase). Furthermore, PDG boosted the hippocampal antioxidant capacity, as shown by the increased superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione contents. These findings were accompanied by decreases in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels. The antioxidant effect may promote the upregulation of the expression of antioxidant genes (Nrf2 and HO‐1). Moreover, PDG exerted notable anti‐inflammatory effects via the lessening of interleukin‐1 beta, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, cyclooxygenase‐2, nuclear factor kappa B, and decreases in the gene expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase. In addition, noteworthy decreases in pro‐apoptotic (Bax and caspase‐3) levels and increases in anti‐apoptotic (Bcl‐2) biomarkers suggested an anti‐apoptotic effect of PDG. In support, the hippocampal histological examination validated the aforementioned changes. To summarize, the promising neuromodulatory, antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐apoptotic activities of PDG establish it as a potent therapeutic option for AD.
Stellenwert der Immuntherapie in der perioperativen Behandlung des lokalisierten muskelinvasiven Harnblasenkarzinoms
Authors: Lewerich J. , Schmid S. C. , Gschwend J. E. , Retz M.
Published: November 2022

Immun-Checkpoint-Inhibitoren (ICI) sind als Erst- und Zweitlinientherapien beim metastasierten bzw. lokal fortgeschrittenen Urothelkarzinom als Standard etabliert. Der perioperative Einsatz der Immuntherapie steht nun im Fokus aktueller Entwicklungen und Forschung in der Uroonkologie. Aktuelle Studien untersuchen ICI als Monotherapie oder in Kombination mit Chemotherapie oder Bestrahlung im perioperativen Setting. Dieser Artikel soll einen Überblick über die neuen Studienkonzepte, die aktuell publizierten Daten und daraus entstehenden Therapiekonzepte sowie einen Ausblick auf zukünftige Entwicklungen bieten.
Allografts as alternative to autografts in primary posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Migliorini Filippo , Pintore Andrea , Oliva Francesco , Eschweiler Jörg , Bell Andreas , Maffulli Nicola
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Following posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) rupture, autografts and allografts are routinely used for its reconstruction. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of allografts for primary PCL reconstruction, comparing them to autografts in terms of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), functional tests, and complications.

Methods

This study followed the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Embase, and Scopus were accessed in October 2022. All the clinical studies investigating the outcomes of primary PCL reconstruction using allografts, or comparing the outcomes of allografts versus autografts, were accessed. The outcomes of interests were: instrumental laxity, range of motion (ROM), Telos stress radiography, drawer test, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Tegner Activity Scale, and the Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale. Data on complications were also recorded.

Results

A total of 445 patients were included. The mean follow-up was 45.2 ± 23.8 months. The mean age of the patients was 30.6 ± 2.2 years. The time span between the injury and surgical intervention was 12.9 ± 10 months. Overall, 28% (125 of 445 patients) were women. Good baseline comparability was found between the two cohorts. No difference was found in terms of Lysholm Score, ROM, Tegner Scale, IKDC, arthrometer laxity, drawer test, and Telos stress radiography. No difference was found in the rates of anterior knee pain and revision.

Conclusion

Allografts can be considered a suitable alternative to autografts for PCL reconstruction.

Level of evidence

III.
Results from the First-in-Human Study of the Caterpillar™ Arterial Embolization System
Authors: Holden Andrew , Mwipatayi Bibombe P. , Khashram Manar , Dubenec Steven , Goh Gerard S. , Settlage Richard A.
Published: November 2022

Purpose

To assess occlusion success and adverse events associated with the use of a self-expanding device for peripheral artery embolization.

Methods

This prospective, single-arm, feasibility study was conducted using the Caterpillar™ Arterial Embolization Device composed of opposing nitinol fibers and a flow-occluding membrane. Twenty patients (24 embolization sites) were treated at four investigational centers in New Zealand and Australia and followed for 30 days. Embolization sites included mesenteric, accessory renal, and iliac arteries and their branches. Primary outcome measures were peri-procedural occlusion confirmed by angiography and freedom from device-related serious adverse events (SAEs) at 30 days. Secondary observations included time to occlusion and assessment of adverse events.

Results

Peri-procedural occlusion was 100%, and freedom from a device-related SAE was 94.7% at 30 days. One patient had abdominal bloating that required hospitalization deemed possibly related to the device or procedure. Twenty-two of 24 embolization sites were occluded with one device (91.7%). Mean procedure duration was 11.7 ± 8.6 min (device deployment time: 1.8 ± 1.0 min), and mean fluoroscopy time was 241 ± 290.7 s. All embolization sites occluded during the procedure with 62.5% occluded within three minutes and 91.6% occluded within ten minutes. No devices migrated or required re-embolization. Freedom from device- and procedure-related adverse events was 84.2%. One patient died from aortic rupture during a subsequent adjunctive abdominal aortic endovascular procedure deemed unrelated to the embolization device or procedure.

Conclusions

This first-in-human study of the Caterpillar embolization device achieved peri-procedural occlusion in all patients with a 94.7% freedom from device-related SAE at 30 days.

Level of Evidence

Level 2b—prospective, multicenter, single-arm, first-in-human clinical study. Pre-specified endpoints were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Systematic review of associations between concomitant rheumatoid arthritis and peripheral arterial disease, health-related quality of life and functional capacity
Authors: Zoubi Tayser , Gordon Hendry
Published: November 2022

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and vascular morbidity. The association between peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and RA has not been previously investigated within the scope of a review. Conjoined disease manifestations may impact patient well-being, perpetuating increased mortality and quality of life deficits. To investigate the association between RA and PAD, along with RA and the ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI), the impact of disease concomitance on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and functional capacity (FC) was also investigated. Individual study appraisal was completed using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool (CCAT). A level of evidence analysis was conducted using the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Evidence Rating Scale for Prognostic/Risk Studies. AMED®, CINAHL®, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, MEDLINE®, AHFS®, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Google scholar. Ten studies produced a CCAT rating of ≥ 30 (75%) and were deemed high quality, while a single study demonstrated a score of 26 (65%) suggesting moderate quality. A grade “II” levels of evidence was awarded to positive association between RA and PAD. A gradation of “I” was awarded to the association between ABPI and RA. The impact of concomitant manifestations on HRQOL and FC did not qualify for a level of evidence analysis. The systematic inflammatory nature of RA likely contributes to the increased incidence of PAD within the population. Further investigations are required to ascertain the impact of conjoined disease manifestations on HRQOL and FC.
Generalized Analytical Results on n-Ejection–Collision Orbits in the RTBP. Analysis of Bifurcations
Authors: M-Seara T. , Ollé M. , Rodríguez Ó. , Soler J.
Published: November 2022

In the planar circular restricted three-body problem and for any value of the mass parameter $$\mu \in (0,1)$$

μ
∈
(
0
,
1
)

and $$n\ge 1$$

n
≥
1

, we prove the existence of four families of n-ejection–collision (n-EC) orbits, that is, orbits where the particle ejects from a primary, reaches n maxima in the (Euclidean) distance with respect to it and finally collides with the primary. Such EC orbits have a value of the Jacobi constant of the form $$C=3\mu +Ln^{2/3}(1-\mu )^{2/3}$$

C
=
3
μ
+
L

n

2
/
3

(
1
-
μ
)

2
/
3

, where $$L>0$$

L
>
0

is big enough but independent of $$\mu $$
μ
and n. In order to prove this optimal result, we consider Levi-Civita’s transformation to regularize the collision with one primary and a perturbative approach using an ad hoc small parameter once a suitable scale in the configuration plane and time has previously been applied. This result improves a previous work where the existence of the n-EC orbits was stated when the mass parameter $$\mu >0$$

μ
>
0

was small enough. Moreover, for decreasing values of C, there appear some bifurcations which are first numerically investigated and afterward explicit expressions for the approximation of the bifurcation values of C are discussed. Finally, a detailed analysis of the existence of n-EC orbits when $$\mu \rightarrow 1$$

μ
→
1

is also described. In a natural way, Hill’s problem shows up. For this problem, we prove an analytical result on the existence of four families of n-EC orbits, and numerically, we describe them as well as the appearing bifurcations.
High resolution projections for extreme temperatures and precipitation over Greece
Authors: Politi Nadia , Vlachogiannis D. , Sfetsos A. , Nastos P. T.
Published: November 2022

The present study investigated future temperature and precipitation changes over Greece using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. WRF was driven by EC-EARTH over Greece at very high resolution for the historical period (1980–2004), along with projected simulations, in the near future (2025–2049) and far future (2075–2099) under the Representative Concentration Pathways 4.5 (RCP4.5) and 8.5 (RCP8.5). Climatic variables were produced at 5-km grid spacing and 6-h interval. The historical simulation was evaluated against the available station observations. The analysis showed that the model underestimated the maximum temperatures and slightly overestimated the minimum temperatures. Also, the model simulated a small dry bias in precipitation with an excellent representation of the spatial patterns. The model projections for temperature under the two emission scenarios compared to the historical simulation revealed a robust magnitude of future warming with the most pronounced changes predominantly over the eastern areas of the country under the RCP8.5 in the far future. Projected precipitation changes were more evident in the far future with an overall decrease of the annual precipitation all over the eastern part of the country (with islands included) with the most dramatic reductions (above 40%) of seasonal precipitation observed under RCP8.5. Increases in the number of hot days were found everywhere with more pronounced changes over the plain areas under RCP8.5 in the far future. Significant increases of dry days were projected over the eastern part of the mainland and more intensely under RCP8.5 in the far future.
Detection of IL-17A and IL-17F gene polymorphism in recurrent and disseminated pityriasis versicolor: a case-control study
Authors: El-Tahlawi S. R. , Ramadan A. H. , Shaker O. G. , Hilal R. F.
Published: November 2022

Recurrent and disseminated pityriasis versicolor (RDPV) is a common clinical entity, characterized by its recurrent and disfiguring nature. Studies demonstrated host genetic variations in the immune response, especially the role of IL-17 in antifungal immunity. This study aimed to detect whether IL-17A and F gene polymorphisms are found in cases of RDPV. It included 100 cases of RDPV and 100 age and sex matched controls, from which EDTA blood samples were taken for single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis. IL-17A (rs2275913) and F (rs763780) were associated with a significantly increased incidence of developing RDPV. IL-17A and F gene polymorphism could be implicated as a risk factor for the development of RDPV.
Sex-specific association between prenatal androgenization (second-to-fourth digit length ratio) and frontal brain volumes in adolescents
Authors: Lenz Bernd , Gerhardt Sarah , Boroumand-Jazi Rafat , Eichler Anna , Buchholz Verena Nadine , Fasching Peter A. , Kornhuber Johannes , Banaschewski Tobias , Flor Herta , Guldner Stella , Prignitz Maren , Nees Frauke ,   IMAC-Mind Consortium
Published: November 2022

Prenatal androgenization associates sex-dependently with behavior and mental health in adolescence and adulthood, including risk-taking, emotionality, substance use, and depression. However, still little is known on how it affects underlying neural correlates, like frontal brain control regions. Thus, we tested whether prenatal androgen load is sex-dependently related to frontal cortex volumes in a sex-balanced adolescent sample. In a cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging study, we examined 61 adolescents (28 males, 33 females; aged 14 or 16 years) and analyzed associations of frontal brain region volumes with the second-to-fourth digit length ratio (2D:4D), an established marker for prenatal androgenization, using voxel-based morphometry in a region-of-interest approach. Lower 2D:4D (indicative of higher prenatal androgen load) correlated significantly with smaller volumes of the right anterior cingulate cortex (r-ACC; β = 0.45) in male adolescents and with larger volumes of the left inferior frontal gyrus orbital part (l-IFGorb; β = – 0.38) in female adolescents. The regression slopes of 2D:4D on the r-ACC also differed significantly between males and females. The study provides novel evidence that prenatal androgenization may influence the development of the frontal brain in a sex- and frontal brain region-specific manner. These effects might contribute to the well-known sex differences in risk-taking, emotionality, substance use, and depression. Future research is needed to elucidate the role of prenatal androgenization within the biopsychosocial model.