bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nicardipine‐induced acute respiratory failure: Case report and literature review
Authors: Timour Gizzatullin , Fréderic Vallot , Olivier Simonet , Shango Didier Ndjekembo
Published: May 2023

Hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) is a major physiological mechanism that prevents the development of hypoxemia secondary to a regional decrease in the ventilation–perfusion ratio (the intrapulmonary shunt effect). Calcium plays a critical role in the cellular response to hypoxia and the regulation of the pulmonary vascular tone. Therefore, calcium channel antagonists such as nicardipine have the potential to interfere with the pulmonary response to hypoxia, increasing intrapulmonary blood shunt and thus worsening underlying hypoxemia. This article reports the case of a 40‐year‐old man suffering from lobar pneumonia, who developed a rapidly progressing hypoxemia after starting nicardipine infusion for blood pressure control. After ruling out all major causes of hypoxemic respiratory failure, the involvement of the calcium channel antagonist was strongly suspected. Hypoxemia caused by HPV release is an underreported side effect of calcium channel blockers. There are few clinical reports that describe the occurrence of this adverse event, and to our knowledge, only one other publication describes a patient suffering from infectious pneumopathy. In this article, we discuss the cellular mechanisms behind the HPV, as well as the pharmacology of calcium channel antagonists and their involvement in the development of acute respiratory failure. The purpose of this report is to remind clinicians dealing with patients affected by acute hypoxemia that pharmacologic HPV inhibition should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis, thus avoiding unnecessary costly and time‐consuming assessments.
Left main coronary artery to pulmonary artery fistula presenting as angina and ventricular tachycardia – A case report and literature review
Authors: Gong Simone , Marasco Silvana , Wong Michael , Hiscock Martin
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

Coronary artery fistulae are an uncommon abnormality of the coronary arteries, but when hemodynamically significant can present as angina, dyspnea, and arrhythmia as a rare cause of functional myocardial ischemia via ‘coronary steal phenomenon’.
Spinal hydatid cyst initially diagnosed as spinal tumor: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Zali Alireza , Shahmohammadi Mohammadreza , Biazar Bijan Herfedoust , Masoumi Niloofar , Samieefar Noosha , Akhlaghdoust Meisam
Published: May 2023

Key Clinical Message

The spinal hydatid cyst is a benign pathology but has considerable morbidity. It should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients having signs and symptoms of spinal compression, particularly in endemic areas.
Formation of Aqueous Two‐Phase Systems Using Potassium Salt and Deep Eutectic Mixtures for Extraction of Proteins
Authors: Marappan Saravanakumara , Kamaruddin Azlina Harun , Gonawan Fadzil Noor
Published: May 2023

Liquid‐liquid extraction such as an aqueous two‐phase system (ATPS) is considered a promising method in the biotechnology field for extraction of biomolecules. The binary mixture of polyethylene glycol (PEG)/salt is the most common ATPS. The ability of eutectic mixture‐based ATPS to fractionate protein macromolecules remains not well understood. Here, the role of hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) in eutectic mixtures was investigated in relation to the phase formation ability and extraction efficiency of protein. Both potassium salt and an eutectic combination were used to prepare the ATPSs. Choline chloride/urea aqueous two‐phase separation proved to be the most effective method for protein extraction. The creation of a two‐phase system and the efficiency with which a protein can be extracted from a crude solution are both affected by the choice of HBD.
Reactivity of [Cp′′2Zr(η1:1−E4)] (E=P, As) towards Nucleophiles
Authors: Heinl Veronika , Seidl Michael , Balázs Gábor , Scheer Manfred
Published: May 2023

The functionalization of the polypnictogen ligand complexes [Cp′′2Zr(η1:1‐E4)] (E=P (1 a), As (1 b); Cp′′=1,3‐di‐tertbutyl‐cyclopentadienyl) is focused to modify the features of the polypnictogen unit to explore new synthetic pathways for further transformations. The reaction behavior of 1 towards main group nucleophiles is investigated. The reaction of 1 a with tBuLi leads to the ionic product Li[Cp′′2Zr(η1:1‐P4tBu)] (2) where an organic group is attached to a bridgehead phosphorus atom of the butterfly unit. Further reactions of 2 with quenching electrophilic reagents enable the introduction of other substituents. Moreover, a condensation of 2 to [(Cp′′2Zr)2(μ,η1:1:1:1‐P8tBu2)] (3), containing a novel P8‐unit, has been observed. The reaction of 1 with LiNMe2 and LiCH2SiMe3 leads to a partial fragmentation of the E4 unit and the compounds [Cp′′2Zr(η2‐E3Nu)] (Nu=NMe2: E=P (6 a), As (6 b); Nu=CH2SiMe3: E=P (7 a), As (7 b)) are formed.
A DNA‐Based Dissipation System that Synchronizes Multiple Fuels
Authors: Liu Yu , Fu Shengnan , Liu Jiajia , Su Xin
Published: May 2023

Artificial dissipative networks have emerged as advanced bionic systems for the development of material technology and synthetic biology. Here, a DNA‐based artificial dissipation system is demonstrated that synchronizes multiple energy‐rich molecules (fuels) including oligonucleotide, dNTP, and ATP. The autonomous operation of the dissipation system relies on the integration of DNA reaction network including polymerase extension, kinase phosphorylation, and exonuclease digestion. The use of multiple fuels provides multiple transient states with different energy levels and fine‐tuning dissipative kinetics. The lifetime of the transient state can be programmed to increase or decrease just by varying one of the fuel molecules unlike conventional DNA‐based dissipative systems where the increase in the concentration of fuel molecule extends the lifetime. This design greatly expands the toolkits for establishing dissipative/dynamic DNA networks. The dissipation system is harnessed to dynamically regulate the assembly of DNA nanotubes allowing for controlling the assembly kinetics by multiple fuels. Owing to the multiple transient states in the dissipation system, two nanotubes can be regulated in parallel. It is envisioned that the system will find broad application in responsive materials, soft robotics, biosensors, and on‐demand drug delivery.
A review of the advancements in the synthesis and modification of mesoporous carbon and its application to electrochemistry
Authors: Lei Jiexia , Hu Xiaojun , Tang Yihong , Zhang Hongbo , Li Kan
Published: May 2023

In the 21st century, materials science has developed rapidly. Mesoporous carbon is now among the most attractive substances due to its enormous specific surface area, high porosity, and structured pore structure. There are many methods to synthesize mesoporous carbon, among which the template method is widely used because of the variety of templates and synthesis pathways. Mesoporous carbon has been used in many fields. Its good electrical conductivity, lightweight nature, and low price have led to many applications in electrochemistry, such as capacitors, electrodes, and materials for electric vehicles. This work contains a literature overview on the synthesis methods and modification techniques for mesoporous carbon, as well as its application in electrochemistry, which serves as a guide for the future growth of mesoporous carbon research.
MnOx/CeO2 catalysts for the low‐temperature selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH3
Authors: Rao Shyam Sunder , Sharma Sweta
Published: May 2023

CeO2–nanorod support was synthesized by hydrothermal method and different manganese oxides (MnO, MnO2, and Mn2O3) were impregnated over support by the wet‐impregnation forming MnO/CeO2‐NR, MnO2/CeO2‐NRm and Mn2O3/CeO2‐NR. The physico‐chemical properties of the as‐prepared catalysts were analyzed using x‐ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscope–energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX), hydrogen‐temperature‐programmed reduction (H2‐TPR), and Raman spectroscopy. These catalysts were further analyzed for NO reduction using NH3 as a reducing gas in the temperature range of 50 to 450°C. The results confirmed that MnO2/CeO2‐NR gave the maximum NO conversion (65%) and N2 selectivity (89%) among all catalysts. Further, MnO2/CeO2‐NR catalyst was studied for the effect of MnO2 loading and more than 90% NO conversion and N2 selectivity were obtained in the temperature range of 250 to 300°C.
A novel two‐dimensional PID controller design using two‐dimensional model predictive iterative learning control optimization for batch processes
Authors: Li Haisheng , Bai Jianjun , Wu Feng , Zou Hongbo
Published: May 2023

It is known that the key indicators of batch processes are controlled by conventional proportional–integral–derivative (PID) strategies from the view of one‐dimensional (1D) framework. Under such conditions, the information among batches cannot be used sufficiently; meanwhile, the repetitive disturbances also cannot be handled well. In order to deal with such situations, a novel two‐dimensional PID controller optimized by two‐dimensional model predictive iterative learning control (2D‐PID‐MPILC) is proposed. The contributions of this paper can be summarized as follows. First, a novel two‐dimensional PID (2D‐PID) controller is developed by combining the advantages of a PID‐type iterative learning control (PIDILC) strategy and the conventional PID method. This novel 2D‐PID controller overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages and extends the conventional PID algorithm from one‐dimension to two‐dimensions. Second, the tuning guidelines of the presented 2D‐PID controller are obtained from the two‐dimensional model predictive control iterative control (2D‐MPILC) method. Thus, the proposed approach inherits the advantages of both PID control, PIDILC strategy, and 2D‐MPILC scheme. The superiority of the proposed method is verified by the case study on the injection modelling process.
Reliability of assessing morphologic features with prognostic significance in cytology specimens of epithelioid diffuse pleural mesothelioma and implications for cytopathology reporting
Authors: Li Yan , Salama Abeer M. , Baine Marina K. , Bodd Francis M. , Offin Michael D. , Rekhtman Natasha , Zauderer Marjorie G. , Travis William D. , Adusumilli Prasad S. , Sauter Jennifer L.
Published: May 2023

Background

The World Health Organization incorporates morphologic features with prognostic significance in the 2021 classification of epithelioid diffuse pleural mesothelioma (E‐DPM). Although cytology specimens are often the first and occasionally the only specimen available for patients with DPM, these features have not yet been investigated in cytology.

Methods

Nuclear atypia, pleomorphic features, necrosis, and architectural patterns were retrospectively assessed in 35 paired cytology and concurrent/consecutive surgical pathology specimens of E‐DPM. Agreement between pairs was determined via unweighted κ scores. Discordant cases were re‐reviewed to determine the reasons for disagreement.

Results

Interpretation of nuclear atypia in cytology was concordant with histology in all cases (κ = 1.000; p < .001). The presence of pleomorphic features and necrosis was concordant in 97.1% (κ = 0.842; p < .001) and 85.7% (κ = 0.481; p = .001) of paired cases, respectively. Assessment of architectural patterns in cytology showed only slight agreement with histology (κ = 0.127; p = .037). In cytology cases (n = 23) with cell block material available, assessment of nuclear atypia and the presence of pleomorphic features showed perfect agreement (κ = 1.000; p < .001, each), the presence of necrosis showed moderate agreement (κ = 0.465; p = .008), and assessment of architectural patterns showed slight agreement (κ = 0.162; p = .15) in paired specimens. Most disagreements were due to sampling differences between cytology and histology specimens.

Conclusions

Although complete nuclear grading of E‐DPM is not possible given the unreliability of mitotic counts in cytology, assessment of nuclear atypia in cytology specimens is shown to be reliable. Identification of pleomorphic features and necrosis is also reliable despite occasional sampling issues. Assessment of architectural patterns is more limited in cytology.
An efficient revocable identity‐based encryption with ciphertext evolution in the cloud‐assisted system
Authors: Chen Zhiwei , Deng Lunzhi , Ruan Yu , Feng Shuai , Wang Tao , Wang Bo
Published: May 2023

Identity‐based encryption (IBE) is a public key cryptosystem on purpose to remove the traditional certificate management. How to realize efficient user revocation in the IBE is of great importance when considering its application. The drawback of most existing works is that the revoked user can still access the ciphertext prior to revocation. One possible solution proposed by Sun et al. is to evolve the ciphertext in the cloud. However, it is unfortunate that the master time key in their scheme is kept by the private key generator (PKG), which means it is sustained extra burden. In this article, we present an efficient revocable IBE with ciphertext evolution in the cloud‐assisted system and the ciphertext remains constant size. The cloud server keeps only one secret master time update key sent by the PKG in a private channel, and thus our scheme offers scalability. In the meantime, our detailed analysis demonstrates that our proposed scheme is semantically secure against ciphertext chosen attacks based on the k‐CAA problem and enjoys better efficiency in computation and communication costs compared with previous works.
Perfect Core‐Shell Octahedral B@B38+, Be@B38, and Zn@B38 with an Octa‐Coordinate Center as Superatoms Following the Octet Rule
Authors: Yan Qiao‐Qiao , Zhao XiaoYun , Zhang Ting , Li Si‐Dian
Published: May 2023

The front cover artwork is provided by Prof. Si‐Dian Li's group at Shanxi University, China. The image shows the smallest perfect core‐shell octahedral borospherene Oh B@B38+ and its endohedral metallo‐borospherene analogs Oh Be@B38 and Oh Zn@B38 obtained at first‐principles theory. Read the full text of the Research Article at 10.1002/cphc.202200947.
European Conditional Marketing Authorization in a Rapidly Evolving Treatment Landscape: A Comprehensive Study of Anticancer Medicinal Products in 2006–2020
Authors: Bloem Lourens T. , Schelhaas Jasmin , López‐Anglada Lucía , Herberts Carla , van Hennik Paula B. , Tenhunen Olli
Published: May 2023

Since 2006, the European conditional marketing authorization (CMA) aims to facilitate timely patient access to medicinal products for which there is an unmet medical need by accepting less comprehensive data than normally required. The granting of CMA requires a positive benefit–risk balance, unmet medical needs to be fulfilled, likely submission of comprehensive data postauthorization, and the benefit of immediate availability to outweigh the risks of data noncomprehensiveness. Since its first use, more than half of all CMAs represent (hemato‐)oncology indications. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the conditions in which CMA has been applied for anticancer medicinal products and whether they have changed over time. We retrospectively assessed the European public assessment reports of the 30 anticancer medicinal products granted CMA in 2006–2020 (51% of all 59 CMAs). Comparison of 2006–2013 to 2014–2020 highlighted increased proportions of proactively requested CMAs (+40%), medicinal products that addressed unmet medical needs by providing a major therapeutic advantage over authorized treatments (+38%), and orphan designated indications (+32%). In contrast, it showed decreased proportions of medicinal products for which a scientific advisory group was consulted (−55%) and phase III randomized controlled trial data were available (−38%). This suggests that applicants and the European Medicines Agency have learned how to use the CMA as a regulatory tool, among others, through better planning and proactive interaction. However, the increasing number of granted CMAs complicates the establishment of unmet medical need and the benefit–risk balance, especially in crowded indications and when only phase II uncontrolled trials are available.
Exciting Enzymes: Current State and Future Perspective of Photobiocatalysis
Authors: Alphand Véronique , van Berkel Willem J. H. , Jurkaš Valentina , Kara Selin , Kourist Robert , Kroutil Wolfgang , Mascia Francesco , Nowaczyk Marc M. , Paul Caroline E. , Schmidt Sandy , Spasic Jelena , Tamagnini Paula , Winkler Christoph K.
Published: May 2023

The recent increase of interest in photocatalysis spread to biocatalysis and triggered a rush for the development of light‐dependent enzyme‐mediated or enzyme‐coupled processes. After several years of intense research on photobiocatalysis, it is time to evaluate the state of the field in a structured manner. In this Perspective, we suggest to group photobiocatalysis into distinct disciplines and provide principal guidelines and standards for the reporting of photobiocatalytic research results as well as advice on performing photobiocatalytic reactions. Overall, we assess that the field contributes to the diversity of biocatalytic reactions while offering the selectivity of enzymes to photocatalysis. We foresee that the ongoing excitement for light‐dependent enzymatic processes will lead to the discovery of novel photobiocatalytic mechanisms to complement biocatalysis with new bond‐forming reactions and will provide additional innovative strategies to utilize light as a possible benign energy source.
Very‐low frequency capacitively coupled AC amplifier with a current feedback operational amplifier
Authors: Beloso‐Legarra Javier , De La Cruz‐Blas Carlos A. , Carlosena Alfonso , Martincorena‐Arraiza Maite
Published: May 2023

In this paper, we propose the idea of using transimpedance amplifiers, in lieu of operational amplifiers (OAs) or transconductance amplifiers (OTAs) to design capacitively coupled AC amplifiers. The idea is demonstrated with a current feedback operational amplifier (CFOA) as an active element, which is actually an architecture consisting of voltage buffers and current copiers (mirrors). This last characteristic is further exploited to make the corner frequency of the AC amplifier tunable by means of bootstrapping low‐valued resistors with the output buffer. It is particularly suited to achieve very‐low corner frequencies as needed in applications such as bio‐ or seismic signals. The idea is demonstrated with simulations and experimental results with a discrete implementation.
Evaluation of cascaded combinations of boost DC–DC converter and three‐winding coupled inductor for high‐voltage gain applications
Authors: Henrique Costa da Silva Bernardo Loureiro Pablo , Spencer Andrade António Manuel Santos
Published: May 2023

This article presents three topologies of high‐voltage gain DC–DC converter based on boost converter with three‐winding coupled inductor. Before proposing these converters, a cascade cell connection synthesizing approach was initially evaluated. This approach allowed the generation of a set of six high‐voltage gain converters. However, only three converters present good performance. Thus, to demonstrate the advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of each converter, the following characteristics are evaluated: the operating principle of the proposed converter, gain of voltage, voltage, and current stress, in addition to the factors of total voltage stress and total current stress, factors that indicate the choice of components with lower intrinsic resistances. To validate these analyses, a 250 W, 30 V/400 V prototype was implemented experimentally, reaching a maximum efficiency of 96%.
CD137 deficiency because of two novel biallelic TNFRSF9 mutations in a patient presenting with severe EBV‐associated lymphoproliferative disease
Authors: Shen Kefeng , Wang Jiachen , Zhou Kuangguo , Mu Wei , Zhang Meilan , Deng Xinyue , Cai Haodong , Zhang Wei , Huang Wei , Xiao Min
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Increasing evidence indicates that some germline genetic mutations that impair pathways required for robust host immune surveillance against EBV infection may result in an extremely high susceptibility to EBV‐associated lymphoproliferative disease (EBV+ LPD). TNFRSF9 encodes a vital costimulatory molecule that enhances CD8+ T‐cell proliferation, survival and cytolytic activity. To date, no relevant case resulting from TNFRSF9 heterozygous mutations has been identified.

Methods

Here, we report the first case of CD137 deficiency caused by two novel biallelic heterozygous TNFRSF9 mutations [NM_001561.5: c.208 + 1−>AT and c.452C>A (p.T151K)] in a patient presenting with severe EBV+ LPD. Immunophenotyping and in vitro assays of lymphocyte function and NK cell activity were performed.

Results

Biallelic TNFRSF9 mutations resulted in markedly reduced or abrogated expression of CD137 on activated T, B and NK cells. CD8+ T cells from the patient had impaired activation, reduced expression/release of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), perforin and granzyme B, and diminished cytotoxic activity. Functional experiments identified both variations were hypomorphic mutations and played a contributing role in CD137 deficiency and the development of EBV+ LPD.

Conclusion

Our study expands the genetic spectrum and clinical phenotype of patients with CD137 deficiency and provides additional evidence that the TNFRSF9 gene plays a critical role in host immune responses to EBV infection.
Early, concurrent, and consistent hand preferences predict stacking in toddlerhood
Authors: Marcinowski Emily C. , Nelson Eliza L. , Campbell Julie M. , Michel George F.
Published: May 2023

Stacking is a hallmark of fine motor skill development and requires skilled hand use. One mechanism for children to gain manual proficiency involves establishing a hand preference that creates practice differences between the hands as the preferred hand is used more often and in different ways than the other. Prior work found that stacking skill emerged earlier for infants with an identifiable hand preference. However, it is not known how hand preference relates to later toddler stacking performance. This study examined the effects of early hand preference (infant pattern), concurrent hand preference (toddler pattern), and consistent hand preference (infant to toddler pattern) on toddler stacking skills. Sixty‐one toddlers, whose hand preferences as infants were known, were assessed for their toddler hand preference and their stacking skill across 7 monthly visits from 18 to 24 months of age. Using multilevel Poisson longitudinal analysis, children with hand preferences that were consistent across both infancy and toddlerhood were more successful at stacking, compared to those with inconsistent preferences across the infant and toddler periods. Thus, consistency of hand preferences during the first 2 years likely contributes toward individual differences in the development of fine motor skills.
Increasing stability of a native freshwater fish assemblage following flow rehabilitation
Authors: Jacinto Emily , Fangue Nann A. , Cocherell Dennis E. , Kiernan Joseph D. , Moyle Peter B. , Rypel Andrew L.
Published: May 2023

Stream restorations are increasingly critical for managing and recovering freshwater biodiversity in human‐dominated landscapes. However, few studies have quantified how rehabilitative actions promulgate through aquatic communities over decades. Here, a long‐term dataset is analyzed for fish assemblage change, incorporating data pre‐ and post‐restoration periods, and testing the extent to which native assemblage stability has increased over time. In the late 1950s, a large capacity dam was installed on Putah Creek (Solano County, CA, USA), which altered the natural flow regime, channel structure, geomorphic processes, and overall ecological function. Notably, downstream flows were reduced (especially during summer months) resulting in an aquatic assemblage dominated by warm‐water nonnative species, while endemic native species subsisted at low levels as subordinates. A court‐mediated Accord was ratified in 2000, providing a more natural flow regime, specifically for native and anadromous fishes in the stream. The richness of nonnative species decreased at every site following the Accord, while the richness of native species increased or stayed constant. At the three most upstream sites, native species richness increased over time and ultimately exceeded nonnative richness. Native assemblage recovery was strongest upriver, closer to flow releases and habitat restoration activities, and decreased longitudinally downstream. Rank–abundance curves through time revealed that, while species evenness was low throughout the study, dominance shifted from nonnative to native species in the upstream sites coincident with rehabilitation efforts. Mean rank shifts decreased following flow rehabilitation; thus the assemblage became increasingly stable over time following flow rehabilitation. Putah Creek's rehabilitation may represent a model for others interested in improving endemic freshwater communities in degraded ecosystems.
An intraosseous myoepithelial carcinoma with a EWSR1::PBX3 fusion
Authors: Haglund Cecilia , Zemmler Maja , Tsagkozis Panagiotis , Haglund de Flon Felix
Published: May 2023

Herein we report a case of an intraosseous myoepithelial carcinoma harboring a EWSR1::PBX3 fusion gene. The patient was a 64‐year‐old male found to have a 7 cm destructive lesion in the distal ulna with an extraosseous soft tissue component. Microscopic examination of the resected tumor showed a spindle‐cell lesion within a sclerotic stroma and intravascular tumor emboli. At higher power the tumor cells showed moderate nuclear atypia with a high mitotic count (20 per mm2). Immunohistochemistry revealed diffuse EMA positivity and focal pancytokeratin (AE1/AE3) and S100 expression, consistent with myoepithelial differentiation. NGS using the Oncomine Childhood Cancer Assay (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.) revealed a EWSR1‐PBX3 fusion and ABL amplification. The patient subsequently developed local recurrence as well as distant lymph node, lung and vertebral metastases; he is currently awaiting systemic treatment in the context of a clinical trial. In this report, we present a rare case of a skeletal myoepithelial tumor harboring a EWSR1::PBX3 fusion with demonstrated histological and clinical features of malignancy.
Toward a Long‐Term Low Emission Development Strategy: The Case of Energy Transition in Qatar
Authors: Al‐Noaimi Fadi , Al‐Ansari Tareq , Bicer Yusuf
Published: May 2023

The objective of this paper is to present a comprehensive perspective on the development of a long‐term low‐emission development strategy for Qatar, in line with the Paris Agreement. The methodology used in this paper takes a holistic approach by analyzing national strategies, structures, and mitigation measures from other countries, and synthesizing these with Qatar's unique context in terms of its economy, energy production, and consumption, as well as its energy‐related emission profile and characteristics. The findings of this paper identify key considerations and elements that policymakers would need to take into account when developing a long‐term low‐emission vision for Qatar, with a particular emphasis on its energy sector. The policy implications of this study are significant for policymakers in Qatar, as well as for other countries facing similar challenges in their transition to a sustainable future. This paper contributes to the discourse on energy transition in Qatar and provides insights that can inform the development of potential routes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Qatar's energy system. It serves as a foundation for further research and analysis and can contribute to the development of more effective and sustainable policies and strategies for low‐emission development in Qatar and beyond.
Hydrothermal silicification in Ediacaran Dengying Formation fourth member deep dolomite reservoir, Central Sichuan Basin, China: Implications for reservoir quality
Authors: Wang Haijun , Jiang Yuqiang , Yang Changcheng , Zhang Baoshou , Gu Yifan , Luo Xiaorong , Zhou Lu , Wang Zhanlei
Published: May 2023

The Ediacaran Dengying Formation fourth member in Central Sichuan Basin is the deep dolomite gas reservoir with the largest natural gas reserves in China, providing an excellent example for understanding the effect of hydrothermal silicification on deep dolomite reservoir quality. By integrating petrology, geochemistry and physical property measurement, this study aims to reveal the genesis of different quartz phase and their corresponding diagenetic events, and to discuss the temporal relationship of diagenetic events and their effects on the quality of deep dolomite reservoir in Dengying fourth member. Three phases of quartz cement are identified in Ediacaran Dengying Formation deep dolomite reservoirs of Central Sichuan Basin as follows: (1) first‐stage quartz filled in primary reservoir spaces, (2) second‐stage quartz mainly filled in secondary reservoir spaces, and (3) third‐stage quartz filled in secondary reservoir spaces with Mississippi Valley‐Type minerals. By analysing petrographic and temporal relationships between these fabrics, it is suggested that the first‐stage quartz precipitated during the syndiagenetic stage, the second‐stage quartz precipitated during middle diagenetic stage, and the third‐stage quartz precipitated during middle diagenetic stage as well. Silicification during syndiagenetic stage is characterized by replacement of cryptocrystalline quartz and cementation of first‐stage quartz within matrix dolomite (MD). After syndiagenetic silicification, the mineral composition of the MD changed from magnesium calcium carbonate to silica, and the later constructive diagenetic alterations were almost ineffective. The distribution of syndiagenetic silicification during syndiagenetic stage gradually decreases from the platform‐interior to the platform‐margin. The second‐stage and third‐stage quartz cements, derived from two‐stage hydrothermal silicification in the middle stage, are both destructive for reservoir preservation. This study, combined with coeval vapour–liquid inclusions Th data and thermal‐burial models, constrains the time of the second‐stage quartz to ca. 403–408 Ma, suggesting an hydrothermal silicification related to the Caledonian movement. The time of the third‐stage quartz cement is constrained to ca. 259.4 Ma, associated with Late Permian eruption of Emeishan flood basalts.
Breeding for drought tolerance in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum [Schreb.] Darbysh.) by exploring genotype by environment by management interactions
Authors: Fernandes Filho Claudio C. , Murad Leite Andrade Mario H. , Rodrigues Nunes Jose A. , Wipff Joseph , Hignight Debra L. , Rios Esteban F. , Kenworthy Kevin , Hignight Kenneth
Published: May 2023

Background

Drought‐tolerant turfgrass cultivars are becoming more important each year as landscape irrigation practices are becoming more restrictive.

Methods

In this study, we quantified the level of drought tolerance (DT) in perennial ryegrass and tall fescue genotypes across years under different mowing (MH) and fertility (FL) rates. A total of 48 ryegrass and 38 tall fescue genotypes were planted in 2011 at NexGen, Albany, OR. The trial was divided into three subtrials: (i) DT; (ii) MH and DT; and (iii) FL and DT.

Results

The results showed that there was significant genetic variance for most of the traits in both species. The genotype × year interaction was predominantly simple, indicating small changes in genotype ranking for both species. Lower MH improved DT in perennial ryegrass, whereas higher MH resulted in greater DT in tall fescue. For both species, higher MH improved the population mean for turf quality. Higher FL inputs led to higher turf quality for both species, but it did not affect the DT response.

Conclusions

Using a selection index, six genotypes for perennial ryegrass and four for tall fescue were selected.
Comparison of patient‐reported upper extremity disability following free flaps in head and neck reconstruction: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ranganath Kushi , Miller Lauren E. , Goss Deborah , Lin Derrick T. , Faden Daniel L. , Deschler Daniel G. , Emerick Kevin S. , Richmon Jeremy D. , Varvares Mark A. , Feng Allen L.
Published: May 2023

Background

Comparisons of patient‐reported donor site morbidity based on the Disabilities in Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) instrument across upper trunk free flaps in head and neck surgery, including radial forearm (RFFF), osteocutaneous radial forearm (OCRFF), scapular tip (STFF), and serratus anterior (SAFF) free flaps, may help inform donor tissue selection.

Methods

In this meta‐analysis, 12 studies were included and the primary outcome was average DASH score.

Results

The pooled DASH scores were 12.14 (95% CI: 7.40–16.88) for RFFF (5 studies), 17.99 (11.87–24.12) for OCRFF (2 studies), 12.19 (8.74–15.64) for STFF (3 studies), and 16.49 (5.92–27.05) for SAFF (2 studies) and were not significantly different.

Conclusions

Results suggest that patients generally function well, with minimal to mild donor site morbidity, when assessed at an average of 20 months after flap harvest. These results are based on few effects from primarily retrospective studies of fair quality, and further research is needed.
Integrated environmental assessment of iron ore tailings in floodplain soils and plants after the Fundão Dam disaster in Brazil
Authors: Melo Vander F. , Lipski Bernardo , Motta Antônio Carlos V. , de Pierri Letícia , Leme Daniela M. , Ercole Tamires M. , D. d. S. Lima Maria Fernanda , Thá Emanoela L. , Bastos Leonardo P.
Published: May 2023

Previous studies of the Doce River basin (Brazil) seem to be contradictory regarding the contamination of soils with potentially harmful elements (PHE). This research aimed to perform an integrated assessment of PHE in the soil–plant–tailing system from the area most affected by the iron waste after the Fundão Dam disaster in 2015. Different fractions of PHE (exchangeable, nonexchangeable, reducible, and pseudo-total) were determined on deposited iron waste (DIW), soil waste mixture (SWM), and control soil (CS) samples. Total contents of PHE in Poaceae were also determined, and Allium cepa bioassays were performed to determine DIW and CS cytotoxicity and/or genotoxicity to plants. The Fe and Mn contaminations were the only ones related to the deposition of DIW on floodplains, and other harmful element content (such as As, Hg, Ni, Cd, Cr, and Pb) was not found above baseline values for soils. In addition, a significant part of the Fe and Mn in DIW is readily available or subject to acidification and prolonged flood reduction processes. The high available content of Fe favored its excessive accumulation by Brachiaria. The DIW chemical conditions reduced biological functions of A. cepa under a controlled environment. However, more drastic effects, such as genetic damage, were not seen. The postdisaster action of covering DIW with CS resulted in undesirable enrichment of Pb on the floodplain soils. The integrated results allow the conclusion that the iron waste is not a time bomb for PHE contamination of soils between the Fundão and Risoleta Neves Hydroelectric Dam (~100 km away from Fundão). Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:117–132. © 2023 SETAC
Nelson syndrome and perinatal challenges: A case report and systematic review of the literature
Authors: Jones Kate , Reis Ines , Levy Miles J. , Potdar Neelam
Published: May 2023

Nelson syndrome is a rare and potentially life‐threatening complication of treatment with total bilateral adrenalectomy for women with Cushing disease. A successful term pregnancy following fertility treatment in a patient with Nelson syndrome is presented. Our study provides guidance in the prenatal and intrapartum management of this condition. A case report and a systematic review of 14 papers describing 50 pregnancies are presented. An electronic database search included Medline (1946 to September 2022), Embase (1980 to September 2022), Cochrane Library, and UKOSS. A small number of pregnancies in women with Nelson syndrome are reported in literature, but there are no guidelines. Some authors detail the prenatal care provided to their patients. Four studies report prenatal monitoring with visual field checks and two report monitoring with X‐rays. Five studies report the use of parenteral hydrocortisone at the time of delivery. Where described, women delivered appropriately grown newborns at term, with timing and mode of delivery dictated by obstetric indications. Preconception counseling and optimization of maternal health status improve pregnancy outcomes in women with Nelson syndrome. Multidisciplinary review in a combined obstetric‐endocrine prenatal clinic is ideal. Awareness about potential complications during pregnancy and the postnatal period is crucial in providing optimal care to the mother and baby.
Clinical, ultrasonographic, and functional outcomes after obstetric anal sphincter injury primary repair: A single‐center experience
Authors: Frigerio Matteo , D'Alessandro Gloria , Re Ilaria , Cola Alice , Vergani Patrizia , Barba Marta
Published: May 2023

Objective

To present clinical and instrumental sequelae after obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS), evaluating correlations between intrapartum severity of lesions, postpartum symptoms, and sonographic and manometric findings; outcomes during subsequent deliveries were also evaluated.

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated all consecutive women who sustained an OASIS between 2015 and 2020. Postpartum symptoms, anorectal manometry (ARM), and three‐dimensional endoanal ultrasonography (3D‐EAUS) were analyzed.

Results

A total of 107 women underwent OASIS primary repair; 84 (78.5%) of them were asymptomatic after 1 month. The presence and severity of symptoms showed a great correlation with instrumental outcomes in terms of maximum resting pressure, squeeze pressure increment (SPI), circumferential extension of defect for both external anal sphincter (EAS) and internal anal sphincter (IAS), and EAS, IAS and total Starck scores. There was a significant correlation between ARM and 3D‐EAUS findings, with the exception of SPI, for which the abnormalities were not predictable based on EAUS results.

Conclusion

Both ARM and EAUS findings after OASIS are directly related to each other, and associated with symptoms. These instrumental tools may be useful for OASIS assessment and counseling.
Age at menarche and polycystic ovary syndrome: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Ma Yuanlin , Cai Jiahao , Liu Lok‐Wan , Hou Wenhui , Wei Zixin , Wang Yizi , Xu Yanwen
Published: May 2023

Objective

The authors aimed to use a large two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to reveal the causality between age at menarche (AAM) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) incidence.

Methods

The authors collected summary statistics from the hitherto largest genome‐wide association studies conducted in AAM and PCOS in the same ancestry. MR with inverse variance weighting was conducted as the main analysis method, while weighted median and MR‐Egger regression were used for comprehensive analysis. As for pleiotropy detection, inverse variance weighting, MR‐Egger regression, Mendelian Randomization Pleiotropy Residual Sum and Outlier, as well as leave‐one‐out analysis were used to detect pleiotropy. Risk factor analysis was conducted to investigate the underlying mechanisms linking AAM to PCOS.

Results

Each standard deviation increment in AAM was associated with a significantly lower incidence of PCOS (odds ratio, 0.86 [95% confidence interval, 0.75–0.98]). After adjustment in horizontal pleiotropy by eliminating four outliers, this pathogenic association was still statistically detected. All pleiotropy indexes were without statistical differences, which suggested the conclusions were robust. It showed the causal association between later AAM and lower body mass index, lower fasting insulin level and insulin resistance.

Conclusion

Our MR analysis verified that a slightly later onset age (15 to 18 years) at menarche could reduce the risk of PCOS. A more comprehensive investigation in a prospective setting is strongly advised.
Pregnancy and delivery characteristics and outcomes in Northwestern Syria: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Terkawi Abdullah Sulieman , Bakri Basil , Bakour Chighaf
Published: May 2023

Objective

Detail a picture of the current pregnancy and delivery characteristics and outcomes in Northwestern Syria.

Methods

This is a prospective observational study, using an electronic health information system, from four healthcare centers in two provinces in Northwestern Syria. We classified the population into two groups: Displaced people are those who live inside refugee camps; and residents are housed outside the camps.

Results

We analyzed data from 21 294 pregnant women. Among them 69.6% were displaced. Less than 1% of all care met the standard WHO's antenatal guidelines, and 3.9% met the focused WHO guidelines. Displaced women were more likely to have no antenatal visits (35.8% vs. 25.4%). We found a high rate of anemia (45.8%), prevalence of adolescent pregnancy (20.7%), cesarean‐section (25.2%), preterm birth (4.2%), low birth weight (8.3%), and newborn mortality rate within 24 hours of birth (1.2%). Preterm births were more likely to occur in women who had no record of antenatal visits (4.2%) and the prevalence decreased with the increasing number of antenatal visits.

Conclusion

We found huge deficiency in perinatal care among all women in this region. We found high cesarean‐section rate, anemia, premature birth, newborn mortality within 24 h of birth, and high adolescent pregnancy.
Fluorescence‐guided laser lithotripsy: Estimation of the potential effectiveness and safety increase based on first clinical data
Authors: Lange B. , Ozimek T. , Wießmeyer J. R. , Kramer M. W. , Merseburger A. S. , Brinkmann R.
Published: May 2023

In clinically approved laser lithotripsy systems, there is no automatic monitoring of fiber position to date. We investigated whether detecting stone autofluorescence, excited by a green aiming beam, is possible via the fiber during fragmentation by continuously recording the fluorescence signal in 12 ureterosopic lithotripsy procedures. We estimated which threshold the fluorescence signal's amplitude exceeds before laser pulses with visible stone removal by retrospective inspection of the endoscope's video data. For all procedures, blocking the laser when the fluorescence amplitude is below a threshold corresponding to the signal's baseline plus its range (maximum–minimum value) would have been appropriate to suppress ineffective pulses—the energy input could have been reduced by a mean of 14% (1%–29%) without changing the operation time. Ablation of the PTFE coating of the guidewire could have been prevented three times and cutting of a wire of the retrieval basket two times.
Effects of Posture and Walking on Tibial Vascular Hemodynamics Before and After 14 Days of Head‐Down Bed Rest
Authors: Hedge Eric T , Vico Laurence , Hughson Richard L , Mastrandrea Carmelo J
Published: May 2023

Human skeletal hemodynamics remain understudied. Neither assessments in weight‐bearing bones during walking nor following periods of immobility exist, despite knowledge of altered nutrient‐artery characteristics after short‐duration unloading in rodents. We studied 12 older adults (8 females, aged 59 ± 3 years) who participated in ambulatory near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) assessments of tibial hemodynamics before (PRE) and after (POST) 14 days of head‐down bed rest (HDBR), with most performing daily resistance and aerobic exercise countermeasures during HDBR. Continual simultaneous NIRS recordings were acquired over the proximal anteromedial tibial prominence of the right lower leg and ipsilateral lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle during supine rest, walking, and standing. During 10 minutes of walking, desaturation kinetics in the tibia were slower (time to 95% nadir values 125.4 ± 56.8 s versus 55.0 ± 30.1 s,p = 0.0014). Tibial tissue saturation index (TSI) immediately fell (−9.9 ± 4.55) and did not completely recover by the end of 10 minutes of walking (−7.4 ± 6.7%,p = 0.027). Upon standing, total hemoglobin (tHb) kinetics were faster in the tibia (p < 0.0001), whereas HDBR resulted in faster oxygenated hemoglogin (O2Hb) kinetics in both tissues (p = 0.039). After the walk‐to‐stand transition, changes in O2Hb (p = 0.0022) and tHb (p = 0.0047) were attenuated in the tibia alone after bed rest. Comparisons of NIRS‐derived variables during ambulation and changes in posture revealed potentially deleterious adaptations of feed vessels after HDBR. We identify important and novel tibial hemodynamics in humans during ambulation before and after bed rest, necessitating further investigation. © 2023 The Authors.JBMR Pluspublished by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Long noncoding RNA ZEB1‐AS1 attenuates ferroptosis of gastric cancer cells through modulating miR‐429/BGN axis
Authors: Wu Chen , Hou Xinfang , Li Shuai , Luo Suxia
Published: May 2023

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth utmost common malignant cancer type globally, in which ferroptosis acts a critical function in the progress of GC. Long noncoding RNA ZEB1‐AS1 has been recognized in numerous cancers, but the role of ZEB1‐AS1 in ferroptosis remains obscure. Hence, we investigated the efficacy of ZEB1‐AS1 on ferroptosis of GC cells. The cell growth and viability were analyzed via cell counting kit assay and xenograft tumor model in vivo and in vitro, respectively. The RNA and protein expression were measured by qRT‐PCR and western blot analysis assay, respectively. The levels of Fe2+, malondialdehyde (MDA), and lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) were tested to determine ferroptosis. The erastin and RSL3 were used to induce ferroptosis. The mechanism was analyzed via luciferase reporter gene and RIP assays. The treatment of ferroptosis inducer Erastin and RSL3 suppressed the viability of GC cells and the ZEB1‐AS1 overexpression rescued the phenotype in the cells. The levels of Fe2+, MDA, and ROS were enhanced through the depletion of ZEB1‐AS1 in Erastin/RSL3 treated GC cells. ZEB1‐AS1 directly sponged miR‐429 in GC cells and miR‐429 targeted BGN in GC cells, and the inhibition of miR‐429 rescued ZEB1‐AS1 depletion‐inhibited BGN expression. We validated that miR‐429 induced and BGN‐repressed ferroptosis in cancer cells. The BGN overexpression and miR‐429 suppression could reverse the efficacy of ZEB1‐AS1 on proliferation and ferroptosis in cancer cells. The expression of ZEB1‐AS1 and BGN was enhanced and miR‐429 expression was decreased in clinical GC tissues. ZEB1‐AS1 attenuated ferroptosis of cancer cells by modulating miR‐429/BGN axis.
First‐trimester ventriculomegaly in fetuses with callosal agenesis: Cause or association?
Authors: Sepulveda Waldo , Quach Diane , Rolnik Daniel L. , Lopez‐Saiz Laura E. , Garcia‐Rodriguez Raquel , Garcia‐Delgado Raquel , Ramkrishna Jayshree , Meagher Charlotte , Meagher Simon
Published: May 2023

The sonographic findings in four fetuses presenting with ventriculomegaly at first‐trimester ultrasound that were subsequently diagnosed as having agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) are described. The diagnosis of early ventriculomegaly was suspected subjectively by identification of increased cerebrospinal fluid within the lateral ventricles and confirmed by measuring choroid plexus‐to‐lateral ventricle length and area ratios. Subsequent scans revealed complete ACC in two cases and partial ACC in the other two. This report adds to the increasing evidence suggesting that first‐trimester ventriculomegaly is a strong sonographic marker of underlying brain anomalies, including less evident malformations such as ACC. Detailed second‐trimester fetal neurosonography in those women continuing their pregnancies should be performed.