bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the adjacent patient radiation dose received during a simulated ward chest X-ray examination
Authors: Langfield Hayley , Lockwood Paul
Published: July 2023

Introduction: A patient having a chest X-ray will inevitably be exposed to radiation from the primary beam. Using a light beam diaphragm (LBD) on the X-ray tube reduces scattered radiation at the X-ray tube through longitudinal and horizontal collimation. But not scattered secondary radiation resulting from interactions of the primary beam. This study aimed to investigate whether lead protection on simulated hospital ward inpatients (opposite and adjacent to a simulated chest X-ray examination) would change the secondary scattered radiation dose received.

Method: Two rando phantoms (simulated patients) were positioned at different distances from the simulated patient receiving the chest X-ray. The phantoms were positioned one metre adjacent (either side of the phantom being X-rayed) and two metres opposite. The scattered radiation dose to radiosensitive organs (thyroid, breast, and gonads) was recorded using Thermoluminescent Dosimeters (TLDs). Six exposures were conducted, three with lead protection and three without. The mean radiation dose and standard deviation were compared using a paired two-sample t-test for statistical significance (p>0.05).

Results: The lead protection reduced the radiation dose to the radiosensitive organs by 64%-100% (p=0.51-0.18) one metre adjacent and 65%-100% (p=0.65-0.18) two metres opposite. Noticeably the phantom two metres opposite had substantial individual organ dose reductions due to the distance from the primary beam.

Conclusion: Lead aprons, thyroid collars, and distance reduced the radiation dose to the radiosensitive organs of the surrounding phantoms (simulated patients) from an adjacent chest X-ray examination and present opportunities for dose reduction techniques during ward chest X-ray examinations.
Online painting image clustering for the mental health of college art students based on improved CNN and SMOTE
Authors: Ma Fake , Li Huwei
Published: July 2023

In modern education, mental health problems have become the focus and difficulty of students’ education. Painting therapy has been integrated into the school’s art education as an effective mental health intervention. Deep learning can automatically learn the image features and abstract the low-level image features into high-level features. However, traditional image classification models are prone to lose background information, resulting in poor adaptability of the classification model. Therefore, this article extracts the lost colour of painting images based on K-means clustering and proposes a painting style classification model based on an improved convolutional neural network (CNN), where a modified Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) is proposed to amplify the data. Then, the CNN network structure is optimized by adjusting the network’s vertical depth and horizontal width. Finally, a new activation function, PPReLU, is proposed to suppress the excessive value of the positive part. The experimental results show that the proposed model has the highest accuracy in classifying painting image styles by comparing it with state-of-the-art methods, whose accuracy is up to 91.55%, which is 8.7% higher than that of traditional CNN.
Recombination of endophytic bacteria in asexual plant Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. caused by transplanting
Authors: Xiao Wanting , Zhang Zhanling , Wang Hai , Han Guiqi , Yan Zhu-Yun , He Dongmei
Published: July 2023

Background

Long-term asexual reproduction can easily lead to the degradation of plant germplasm, serious diseases and insect pests, reduction of production and even catastrophic crop failure. “Mountain Breeding and Dam Cultivation” is the main cultivation mode of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., which successfully avoided the germplasm degradation caused by long-term asexual reproduction. The recombination of endophytic fungi of L. chuanxiong caused by off-site transplantation was considered to be an important reason for its germplasm rejuvenation. However, whether bacteria have the same regularity is not yet known.

Methods

In this study, we carried out the experiment of cultivating propagation materials of L. chuanxiong in different regions and transplanting them to the same region. High-throughput sequencing was performed to analyze the bacterial communities in L. chuanxiong and its soil.

Results

The results showed that after transplanting, the plant height, tiller number, fresh weight, etc. of L. chuanxiong in mountainous areas were significantly higher than those in dam areas. At the same time, significant changes had taken place in the endophytic bacteria in reproductive material stem nodes (Lingzi, abbreviated as LZ). The diversity and abundance of bacteria in dam area LZ (YL) are significantly higher than those in mountainous area LZ (ML). The relative abundance of bacteria such as Xanthobacteraceae, Micromonosporaceae, Beijerinkiaceae, Rhodanobacteria, in ML is significantly higher than YL, mainly classified in Proteobateria and Actinobacteriota. In addition, the abundance advantage of Actinobacteriota still exists in MY (underground mature rhizomes obtained by ML). Meanwhile, the bacterial community was different in different area of transplanting. The diversity of bacterial communities in dam soil (YLS) is significantly higher than that in mountain soil (MLS). MLS had more Acidobacteriota than YLS. Comparative analysis showed that 74.38% of bacteria in ML are found in MLS, and 87.91% of bacteria in YL are found in YLS.

Conclusions

We can conclude that the community structure of endophytic bacteria recombined after the transplantation of L. chuanxiong, which was related to the bacterial community in soils. Moreover, after transplanting in mountainous areas, LZ accumulated more potentially beneficial Actinobacteriota, which may be an important reason for promoting the rejuvenation of germplasm in L. chuanxiong. However, this hypothesis requires more specific experiments to verify. This study provided a new idea that off-site transplanting may be a new strategy to restore vegetative plant germplasm resources.
Dapagliflozin-affected endothelial dysfunction and altered gut microbiota in mice with heart failure
Authors: Bao Nandi , Liu Xiaoli , Zhong Xiaoling , Jia Shuangshuang , Hua Ning , Zhang Li , Mo Guoxin
Published: July 2023

Aim

To investigate the potential microbiome profile of a mouse model with heart failure (HF) during dapagliflozin treatment.

Method

An HF model was constructed in 8-week-old male mice, and cardiac tissues were analyzed using histological staining. Hemodynamic indexes were measured, and fecal samples were collected for 16S rDNA sequencing. Chao1, Shannon, and Simpson were used for α-diversity analysis. b-Diversity analysis was conducted using principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) based on the Bray–Curtis distance. Linear discriminant analysis coupled with effect size measurements (LEfSe) was used to identify signature gut microbiota, and phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt) was used to predict the function of altered gut microbiota.

Result

Dapagliflozin treatment reduced inflammation, infarction area, and cardiac fibrosis in HF mice. It also increased endothelial-dependent dilation and inflammation in mice with HF. Dapagliflozin decreased the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes, which was increased in HF mice. There was no significant statistical difference in α-diversity among the control, HF, and HF+dapagliflozin groups. Desulfovibrio, AF12, and Paraprevotella were enriched in HF+dapagliflozin, while Rikenella and Mucispirillum were enriched in HF based on LEfSe. KEGG analysis revealed that altered gut microbiota was associated with fermentation, amino acid biosynthesis, nucleoside and nucleotide biosynthesis/degradation, fatty acid and lipid biosynthesis, carbohydrate biosynthesis/degradation, and cofactor/prosthetic group/electron carrier/vitamin biosynthesis.

Conclusion

Understanding the microbiome profile helps elucidate the mechanism of dapagliflozin for HF. The signature genera identified in this study could be used as a convenient method to distinguish between HF patients and healthy individuals.
Utilization of hepatitis B surface antigen-positive donors in liver transplantation for recipients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a retrospective and propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Chen Zhitao , Ma Yihao , Dong Yuqi , Chen Chuanbao , Wang Hanyu , Wang Tielong , Yu Jia , Hong Xitao , Chen Maogen , He Xiaoshun , Ju Weiqiang
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The use of extended criteria donor (ECD) grafts such as donor with infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a potential solution for organ shortage. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and long-term survival of utilization of hepatitis B surface antigen-positive (HBsAg+) donor livers in HCC patients using propensity score matching (PSM) analysis.

Methods

Forty-eight donors with HBsAg-positive and 279 donors with HBsAg-negative were transplanted and enrolled in this study. PSM analysis were used to eliminate selection bias. Perioperative data and survival were collected and analyzed.

Results

PSM generated 44 patient pairs. When comparing intra- and post-operative data, no significant difference was found between groups (P > 0.05). Patients with a HBsAg-positive donor had significantly worse progression-free survival (1-year: 65.9% vs. 90.9%; 3-year: 18.1% vs. 70.4%, P = 0.0060) and overall survival (1-year: 84.1% and 95.4%; 3-year: 27.2% vs. 79.5%, P = 0.0039). In multivariate analysis, donor HBsAg-positivity was an independent risk factor for survival and occurrence (P = 0.005 and 0.025, respectively).

Conclusion

In conclusion, with adequate antiviral prophylaxis and treatment, utilization of HBsAg positive liver grafts did not increase the incidence of early-stage complications. However, patient with an HBsAg-positive graft had poorer progression-free survival and overall survival.
Unique antimicrobial activity in honey from the Australian honeypot ant (Camponotus inflatus)
Authors: Dong Andrew Z. , Cokcetin Nural , Carter Dee A. , Fernandes Kenya E.
Published: July 2023

Honey produced by the Australian honeypot ant (Camponotus inflatus) is valued nutritionally and medicinally by Indigenous peoples, but its antimicrobial activity has never been formally studied. Here, we determine the activity of honeypot ant honey (HPAH) against a panel of bacterial and fungal pathogens, investigate its chemical properties, and profile the bacterial and fungal microbiome of the honeypot ant for the first time. We found HPAH to have strong total activity against Staphylococcus aureus but not against other bacteria, and strong non-peroxide activity against Cryptococcus and Aspergillus sp. When compared with therapeutic-grade jarrah and manuka honey produced by honey bees, we found HPAH to have a markedly different antimicrobial activity and chemical properties, suggesting HPAH has a unique mode of antimicrobial action. We found the bacterial microbiome of honeypot ants to be dominated by the known endosymbiont genus Candidatus Blochmannia (99.75%), and the fungal microbiome to be dominated by the plant-associated genus Neocelosporium (92.77%). This study demonstrates that HPAH has unique antimicrobial characteristics that validate its therapeutic use by Indigenous peoples and may provide a lead for the discovery of novel antimicrobial compounds.
Effect of finger rest positions on upper limb muscle activity during pre-clinical procedures
Authors: Margato Pazos Júlia , Segnini Tiberti Mariana , Cecilio Hallak Regalo Simone , Nordi Dovigo Lívia , Garcia Patricia Petromilli Nordi Sasso
Published: July 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to observe the effect of different finger rest positions on the muscular activity of the hand, forearm, arm, shoulder, thorax, and neck, as well as on the angular deviation from the neutral position of the neck, trunk, upper arm, and forearm on the working side during pre-clinical procedures.

Methods

An experimental laboratory study was performed. Response variables were muscle activation of the abductor pollicis, brachioradialis, biceps brachii, deltoid, pectoralis major, and right sternocleidomastoid muscles and angular deviation from the neutral position of the neck, trunk, arm, and forearm during simulated clinical procedures. Independent variable was finger-rest position during cavity preparation (no finger rest, usual rest, and ergonomic rest). Class I cavity preparations (N = 120) were performed on artificial first molars (16, 26, 36, and 46) (N = 120). Muscular activation was assessed by surface electromyography and angular deviations using Software for Postural Assessment (SAPO) version 0.69. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s or Games-Howell’s post-hoc tests were performed (α = 0.05).

Results

For the sternocleidomastoid muscle, there was no statistically significant difference between the different rest positions. For the deltoid muscle, work with no finger rest resulted in greater muscle activation (p < 0.001) during work on tooth 36. Regarding the pectoralis major and right brachioradialis muscles, we observed that for both teeth 16 and 26, working with ergonomic rest showed less muscle activation. Muscle activation of the right biceps brachii was higher for work with no rest in both the upper and lower arches, differing significantly only from the usual rest in tooth 16 (p < 0.001), usual rest and ergonomic rest in teeth 26 and 46 (p < 0.001), and only ergonomic rest in tooth 36 (p = 0.044). In the right abductor pollicis muscle, work with ergonomic rest resulted in less muscle activation for cavity preparation in teeth 16, 26, and 36, which was significantly different from work with no rest (p = 0.029, p < 0.001, and p = 0.013, respectively). Regarding angular deviation, it was observed that for tooth 16, there was a greater angular deviation of the arm when performing cavity preparations with no finger rest. For teeth 26 and 46, the ergonomic finger rest provided lower angular deviation from the neutral position of the right arm. For tooth 36, ergonomic rest provided less angular deviation from the neutral neck position.

Conclusion

In general, the use of non-active finger rest during simulated cavity preparations, regardless of the type of rest, provided less muscle activation and angular deviation from the neutral position of the body’s upper extremity when performing pre-clinical procedures.
Environmental regulations, green development of agriculture, and residents’ health—empirical analysis of Yangtze River Economic Belt in China
Authors: You Fuling , Li Shilong
Published: July 2023

Environmental pollution and food safety have become key public health issues to be addressed in China. Since they are closely related to the green development of agriculture, it is of great practical significance to elucidate the intrinsic relationships between green development of agriculture, environmental regulation and residents’ health. Based on the panel data of the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2011 to 2020, this study investigates the impacts of environmental regulation and green development of agriculture on residents’ health and the influencing mechanism by applying fixed effects method, mediating effectsmethod and the spatial Dubin method. Results show that the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides and agricultural films is harmful to residents’ health; environmental regulation has a negative correlation with the green development of agriculture and affect residents’ health through mediating effects; the green development of agriculture has negative spillover effects on residents’ health, indicating that purchasing finished products instead of producing locally reduces the input of production factors such as chemical fertilizers and pesticides and transfers health risks associated with agricultural production activities to neighboring areas. Intensifying command-and-control environmental regulation will induce the expansion of hidden economic activities and harm local residents’ health, while intensifying market-incentive environmental regulation will lead to the ‘Pollution Haven’ phenomenon because of the ‘race to the bottom’, in government and is harmful to the health of residents in neighboring areas. Therefore, it is necessary to formulate reasonable and feasible policies and strengthen the control and prevention of agricultural pollution to enhance green development of agriculture and improve residents’ health.
Breast Cancer Awareness in Urban and Rural Females of Uttarakhand, India: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Acharya Preeti , Huda Farhanul , Sharma Suresh , Verma Shashank , Hassan Mohsin , Karn Summi , Dalal Sawan
Published: July 2023

Introduction: The second most frequent cancer in women worldwide is breast cancer, which is also the most common cancer among Indian women. Unlike other cancers, breast cancer is eminently treatable, if detected at an early stage. Nevertheless, the need for culturally appropriate breast cancer education and intervention measures remains. Aim: To compare breast cancer awareness in urban and rural females of Uttarakhand, India. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional research was carried out in the Department of General Surgery, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India, between January 2017 and October 2017. The survey sample comprised 400 participants, 200 from cities and 200 from the countryside. All eligible participants were approached by briefing them about the study and providing them with the participant information document. A validated questionnaire divided into four parts was used for the present study. The first part consisted of demographic questions, the second part consisted of questions regarding knowledge of breast cancer, the third part comprised significant risk factors and the fourth part was about early warning signs and symptoms related to breast cancer detection. For gathering data, simple random sampling was used, and participants from both urban and rural locations were included with no prior breast problems ruled out from history. The data was analysed using International Business Machines Statistical Package for Social Science (IBM SPSS) Statistics for Windows, software version 25.0. Results: There were a total of 400 participants; 200 from the city and 200 from the countryside. The mean±Standard Deviation (SD) age of participants of rural areas was 33.4±2.1 years and of urban areas was 37.6±2.4 years. Living in an urban setting was associated with greater awareness of risk factors, such as breast lump (42%), nipple discharge (47.5%), and not breastfeeding (35%), in comparison to rural areas 39%, 46.5% and 21%, respectively. However, there were some misconceptions about a few risk factors, such as the use of oral contraceptives (6%), having children earlier in life (13%), and having more children overall (10%), that were linked to urban living. Conclusion: The understanding of breast cancer risk factors was lower among rural women. However, the present study demonstrates a general lack of breast cancer awareness among female populations in both rural and urban areas. Therefore, the current study strongly advises starting vigorous campaigns to raise awareness of breast cancer in both the educated and uneducated female population.
The Effect of Family Welfare on Students' Cognitive Abilities
Authors: Faradiba Faradiba
Published: July 2023

Education is a basic need that must be obtained by everyone. To measure student success, one of which can be seen through students' cognitive abilities. This study aims to determine the effect of family welfare on students' cognitive abilities using the test score approach. This study uses data from the Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS5). The statistical method used in this research is multiple linear regression analysis. This research revealed that family welfare plays a very important role in students' cognitive abilities. Diverse family welfare results in disparities between students. Therefore, a program is needed to overcome the welfare gap so students can obtain optimal quality education.
Haematological and Biochemical Changes in Aqueous Leaf Extract of Justicia carnea Treated Male Wistar Rats Exposed to Lead Acetate
Authors: Onyekwere J. U. , Ojeka S. O.
Published: July 2023

Aim: To evaluate the effect of oral administrattion of the leaf extract of Justicia carnea on some haematological and biochemical parameters in rats.

Study Design: It was a laboratory and experimental animal based study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out In Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Methodology: Forty (40) male Wistar rats were obtained and randomly distributed into eight (8) groups of 5 rats each as follows: Group 1 served as negative control/received 1ml of distilled water daily; Group 2 served as positive control/treated with 10mg/kg.bw of lead acetate (Pb); Groups 3 to 5 received 400, 600 and 800mg/kg body weight of aqueous leaf extract of Justicia carnea (ALEJC) respectively daily and Groups 6 to 8 received 400, 600 and 800mg/kg bw ALEJC + 10mg/kg.bw Pb respectively daily.   After all treatments, blood samples were harvested from the study animals via cardiac puncture Data were statistically analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Statistical significance was determined using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Post-Hoc multiple comparison test and p< 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: The result of the present study indicated significant (p<0.05) increases in the levels of RBC, Hb, PCV, WBC and platelets in the 2 sets of rats when compared to those of groups 1 and 2. The amount of total/conjugated bilirubin were also seen to be markedly (p<0.05) raised in all ALEJC treated rats. The levels of liver enzymes were significantly (p<0.05) and beneficially regulated by ALEJC treatment compared to that of the group 2.

Conclusion: Therefore, the plant extract may be a biologically helpful and antianaemic candidate but the arbitrary use of the ALEHC must be checked in order to prevent undesirable effects.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Direct Seeding Versus Ground Seeding Mechanization Services in Smallholder Farming Systems of North West IGP on Energy Use Efficiency and Quality of Rice Culture: A Review
Authors: Singh P. K. , Kumar Arun , Naresh R. K. , Sisodi Raghvendra Shah , Hota Rojalin , Halder Nibedan , Das Dhritiman , Viviana P. , Tiwari Himanshu , Kumar Suneel
Published: July 2023

Various sectors use AI technologies to increase output and productivity. AI in agriculture also enables farmers to boost productivity while minimizing harmful environmental effects. AI is transforming the food-processing industry, where agricultural emissions have dropped by 20%. Mechanization is once again one of the top development policy targets for changing the smallholder agricultural system in the north west IGP. To support public investment or company development programs, however, previous and ongoing efforts frequently suffer from a lack of scientific data on end-user effective demand for various sorts of mechanical improvements. Rice production involves intricate agronomic procedures. Seeding, fertilizing, and pesticide application are labour- and time-intensive tasks that have low automation efficiency. Currently, a lot of research focuses on the single UAV operation on rice, but there aren't many applications that cover the entire process of sowing, fertilizing, and applying pesticides. Based on the intelligent operating platform, a mUAV was created to oversee the planting of rice. This aircraft accomplished three tasks on the same flight platform: seeding, fertilizer application, and pesticide application. Machine design was carried out using simulations of CFD. The cultivation patterns of mechanical rice direct seeder, mechanical rice transplanter, and mUAV seeding were compared to perform a comparative evaluation of the entire process. With improved rice automation, fewer labour inputs, and lower costs, it is intended that this evaluation will offer new machinery for rice farming patterns in various conditions.
Silk Reeling Techniques: Exploring Traditional and Advanced Methods
Authors: Gowrisankar Reddi , Dasari Surekha , Anas Mohd
Published: July 2023

A highly valued natural fibre, silk is renowned for its exceptional qualities, such as strength, lustre, and tenderness. The act of reeling, which involves unwinding silk threads from cocoons, is essential to the production of silk. Reeling technology has undergone several developments over the years with the goal of improving silk production's effectiveness, quality, and sustainability. This review paper gives a thorough summary of current developments in reeling technology, discussing both conventional techniques and cutting-edge ideas. Silk producers can choose the best approach for their unique requirements by having a thorough understanding of these processes. We examine the improvements that have transformed the silk industry as well as the obstacles that have come with various silk reeling techniques over time.
Pembuatan Alat Penghasil Air Dari Udara Menggunakan Peltier
Authors: Ongko Yosua Budipratama , Tumbelaka Hanny
Published: July 2023

Dalam kehidupan sehari-hari air memiliki peran yang sangat penting. Selain manusia mahluk hidup lain juga sangat bergantung pada air untuk bertahan hidup. Tetapi masih banyak daerah di dunia bahkan di Indonesia masih mengalami kekeringan atau krisis air bersih. Maka dari itu diperlukan terobosan-terobosan baru dalam menghasilkan air. Salah satunya pemanfaatan udara yang didalamnya terdapat kandungan air. Pembentukan air dari udara sendiri dinamakan pengembunan. Dimana faktor yang sangat menpengaruhi pengembunan adalah kelembapan udara dan juga suhu udara. Dalam proses perubahan air dari udara memerlukan psychometric chart guna menentukan titik pengembunan atau disebut dew point. Proses pengembunan sendiri membutuhkan peltier sebagai pendingin heatsink yang dimana berfungsi sebagai media pengembunan. Dari beberapa percobaan yang dilakukan didapatkan beberapa data yang menunjukan perbedaan jumlah air yang dihasilkan. Dari beberapa percobaan tersebut jumlah air terbanyak yang dapat dihasilkan adalah 7 mililiter. Sehingga alat yang dibuat telah berhasil menghasilkan air dari udara.

 

Kata Kunci— Penghasil air, Kelembapan udara, Peltier, Thermoelectric
Vigilance Urged Against Bird Flu Amid Ongoing Outbreaks in Mammals
Authors: Abbasi Jennifer
Published: July 2023

This Medical News article discusses the risk to humans from the currently circulating highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus.
Enrollment of Older Patients, Women, and Racial and Ethnic Minority Individuals in Valvular Heart Disease Clinical Trials
Authors: Reddy Kriyana P. , Faggioni Michela , Eberly Lauren A. , Halaby Rim , Sanghavi Monika , Lewey Jennifer , Mehran Roxana , Coylewright Megan , Herrmann Howard C. , Giri Jay , Fanaroff Alexander C. , Nathan Ashwin S.
Published: July 2023

Importance

Inadequate representation of older patients, women, and racial minority individuals in cardiovascular clinical trials limits both the generalizability of trial findings and inclusivity in access to novel therapies and therapeutic strategies.

Objective

To report on temporal trends in the representation of older patients, women, and racial and ethnic minority individuals in clinical trials studying treatments for valvular heart disease.

Evidence Review

All published clinical trials enrolling more than 100 adults with any valvular heart disease published between 2005 and 2020 were included after searches with PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov. Data on age, sex, race, and ethnicity reported in the included studies were collected. Trials were assigned to 4 time periods based on the publication date, and temporal trends were analyzed in the representation of older patients, women, and racial and ethnic minority individuals.

Findings

A total of 139 clinical trials with 51 527 participants were identified. Of these trials, 103 (74%) investigated aortic valve disease and the remainder mitral valve disease. Overall, 63 trials (45.3%) enrolled patients only in Europe, 24 (17.3%) only in North America, and 19 (13.7%) in multiple geographical regions. The weighted mean (SD) age of enrolled patients was 68.4 (11.4) years, increasing nonsignificantly from 61.9 (5.9) years in 2005-2008 to 72.8 (9.6) years in 2017-2020 (P = .09 for trend). The overall proportion of women enrolled in valvular heart disease trials was 41.1%, with no significant changes over time. Data on race and ethnicity of trial participants were reported in 13 trials (9.4%), in which trial-level representation of American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian, Black/African American, Hispanic, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander patients ranged from 0.27% to 43.9%. There were no significant temporal trends noted in the enrollment of racial and ethnic minority populations. The representation of women in clinical trials was positively associated with enrollment rates of older patients and underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.

Conclusions and Relevance

This review found that over the past 2 decades, women and racial and ethnic minority individuals have remained underrepresented in North American valvular heart disease clinical trials. Further work is needed to improve the reporting of race and ethnicity data and address barriers to trial enrollment for older patients, women, and racial and ethnic minority individuals.
Association of Longer Leukocyte Telomere Length With Cardiac Size, Function, and Heart Failure
Authors: Aung Nay , Wang Qingning , van Duijvenboden Stefan , Burns Richard , Stoma Svetlana , Raisi-Estabragh Zahra , Ahmet Selda , Allara Elias , Wood Angela , Di Angelantonio Emanuele , Danesh John , Munroe Patricia B. , Young Alistair , Harvey Nicholas C. , Codd Veryan , Nelson Christopher P. , Petersen Steffen E. , Samani Nilesh J.
Published: July 2023

Importance

Longer leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is associated with a lower risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The extent to which variation in LTL is associated with intermediary cardiovascular phenotypes is unclear.

Objective

To evaluate the associations between LTL and a diverse set of cardiovascular imaging phenotypes

Design, Setting, and Participants

This is a population-based cross-sectional study of UK Biobank participants recruited from 2006 to 2010. LTL was measured using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction method. Cardiovascular measurements were derived from cardiovascular magnetic resonance using machine learning. The median (IQR) duration of follow-up was 12.0 (11.3-12.7) years. The associations of LTL with imaging measurements and incident heart failure (HF) were evaluated by multivariable regression models. Genetic associations between LTL and significantly associated traits were investigated by mendelian randomization. Data were analyzed from January to May 2023.

Exposure

LTL.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Cardiovascular imaging traits and HF.

Results

Of 40 459 included participants, 19 529 (48.3%) were men, and the mean (SD) age was 55.1 (7.6) years. Longer LTL was independently associated with a pattern of positive cardiac remodeling (higher left ventricular mass, larger global ventricular size and volume, and higher ventricular and atrial stroke volumes) and a lower risk of incident HF (LTL fourth quartile vs first quartile: hazard ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.81-0.91; P = 1.8 × 10−6). Mendelian randomization analysis suggested a potential causal association between LTL and left ventricular mass, global ventricular volume, and left ventricular stroke volume.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, longer LTL was associated with a larger heart with better cardiac function in middle age, which could potentially explain the observed lower risk of incident HF.
Violaceous Plaque With Blackish Papules and Nodules in an Elderly Man
Authors: Li Chia-Lun , Yu Wen-Ting , Wu Chen-Yi
Published: July 2023

A man in his 80s presents with a 3-month history of a violaceous plaque with blackish papules and nodules on his left cheek, neck, and chest. What is your diagnosis?
For-Profit Status and Geographic Distribution of Trauma Centers in the US
Authors: Handley Thomas J. , Kang Augustine , Alawa Jude , Arnow Katherine , Spain David A. , Choi Jeff
Published: July 2023

This cohort study assesses geographic distribution of for-profit and not-for-profit trauma centers in the US designated by their states between 2014 and 2018.
Absolutely‐Zero‐Expansion Behavior Enables Ultra‐Long Life for Stationary Energy Storage
Authors: Ou Yinjun , Yang Liting , Gao Jiazhe , Li Songjie , Liu Xuehua , Cheng Yifeng , Zhang Jincang , Wu Limin , Lin Chunfu , Che Renchao
Published: July 2023

Ultra‐long‐life (at least 10 000 cycles) lithium‐ion batteries are very effective for stationary energy‐storage applications. However, even “zero‐strain” materials with small unit‐cell‐volume changes of <1% cannot last for ultra‐long cycles due to gradually accumulated intracrystal strain/stress. Here, Li[Li0.2Cr0.4Ti1.4]O4 is explored as the first absolutely‐zero‐expansion material with unit‐cell‐volume variations of zero during Li+ storage. Its absolutely‐zero‐expansion mechanism is intensively studied, revealing that 16c‐octahedron shrinkage fully offsets 16d‐octahedron expansion through reversible O2− movement. It delivers better cycling stability than, as far as  we  know, all electrochemical energy‐storage materials previously reported. Its capacity retention at 10 C and 1.0 mg cm−2 after 17 000 cycles reaches 91.5%. When the active‐material loading significantly increases to 6.4 mg cm−2, its capacity retention at 5 C after 500 cycles reaches 95.7%. At an elevated temperature of 45 °C, it not only keeps excellent cycling stability but also exhibits significantly enhanced rate capability. Therefore, Li[Li0.2Cr0.4Ti1.4]O4 is especially suitable for stationary energy storage.
The Challenge of Water Competition in Physical Adsorption of CO2 by Porous Solids for Carbon Capture Applications – A Short Perspective
Authors: Rajendran Arvind , Shimizu George K. H. , Woo Tom K.
Published: July 2023

With ever‐increasing efforts to design sorbent materials to capture carbon dioxide from flue gas and air, this perspective article is provided based on nearly a decade of collaboration across science, engineering, and industry partners. A key point learned is that a holistic view of the carbon capture problem is critical. While researchers can be inclined to value their own fields and associated metrics, often, key parameters are those that enable synergy between materials and processes. While the role of water in the chemisorption of CO2 is well‐studied, in this perspective, it is hoped to highlight the often‐overlooked but critical role of water in assessing the potential of a physical adsorbent for CO2 capture. This is a challenge that requires interdisciplinarity. As such, this document is written for a general audience rather than experts in any specific discipline.
Spider Silk‐Inspired Binder Design for Flexible Lithium‐Ion Battery with High Durability
Authors: Wang Yanbo , Zhu Jiaxiong , Chen Ao , Guo Xun , Cui Huilin , Chen Ze , Hou Yue , Huang Zhaodong , Wang Donghong , Liang Guojin , Cao Shan Cecilia , Zhi Chunyi
Published: July 2023

The development of flexible lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) imposes demands on energy density and high mechanical durability simultaneously. Due to the limited deformability of electrodes, as well as the flat and smooth surface of the metal current collectors, stable/durable/reliable contact between electrode materials and the current collectors remains a challenge, in particular, for electrodes with high loading mass and heavily deformed batteries. Binders play an essential role in binding particles of electrode materials and adhering them to current collectors. Herein, inspired by spider silk, a binder for flexible LIBs is developed, which equips a cross‐linked supramolecular poly(urethane‐urea) to the polyacrylic acid. The binder imparts super high elastic restorability originating from the meticulously engineered hydrogen‐bonding segments as well as extraordinary adhesion. The developed binder provides excellent flexibility and intact electrode morphologies without disintegration even when the electrode is largely deformed, enabling a stable cycling and voltage output even when the batteries are put under tough dynamic deformation tests. The flexible LIBs exhibit a high energy density of 420 Wh L−1, which is remarkably higher than reported numbers. The unique binder design is greatly promising and offers a valuable material solution for LIBs with high‐loading mass and flexible designs.
Inhabiting Inactive Transition by Coupling Function of Oxygen Vacancies and Fe─C Bonds achieving Long Cycle Life of an Iron‐Based Anode
Authors: Fan Hongguang , Song Jinyue , Wang Yanpeng , Jin Yongcheng , Liu Shuang , Li Tao , Li Qingping , Shao Chenchen , Liu Wei
Published: July 2023

Fe‐based battery‐type anode materials with many faradaic reaction sites have higher capacities than carbon‐based double‐layer‐type materials and can be used to develop aqueous supercapacitors with high energy density. However, as an insurmountable bottleneck, the severe capacity fading and poor cyclability derived from the inactive transition hinder their commercial application in asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs). In this work, driven by the “oxygen pumping” mechanism, oxygen‐vacancy‐rich Fe@Fe3O4(v)@Fe3C@C nanoparticles that consist of a unique “fruit with stone”‐like structure are developed, and they exhibit enhanced specific capacity and fast charge/discharge capability. Experimental and theoretical results demonstrate that the capacity attenuation in conventional iron‐based anodes is greatly alleviated in the the Fe@Fe3O4(v)@Fe3C@C anode because the irreversible phase transition to the inactive γ‐Fe2O3 phase can be inhibited by a robust barrier formed by the coupling of oxygen vacancies and Fe─C bonds, which promotes cycle stability (93.5% capacity retention after 24 000 cycles). An ASC fabricated using this Fe‐based anode is also observed to have extraordinary durability, achieving capacity retention of 96.4% after 38 000 cycles, and a high energy density of 127.6 W h kg−1 at a power density of 981 W kg−1.
Metal Core–Shell Nanoparticle Supercrystals: From Photoactivation of Hydrogen Evolution to Photocorrosion
Authors: Fan Yinan , Walls Michael , Salzemann Caroline , Noël Jean‐Marc , Kanoufi Frédéric , Courty Alexa , Lemineur Jean‐François
Published: July 2023

Gas nanobubbles are directly linked to many important chemical reactions. While they can be detrimental to operational devices, they also reflect the local activity at the nanoscale. Here, supercrystals made of highly monodisperse Ag@Pt core–shell nanoparticles are first grown onto a solid support and fully characterized by electron microscopies and X‐ray scattering. Supercrystals are then used as a plasmonic photocatalytic platform for triggering the hydrogen evolution reaction. The catalytic activity is measured operando at the single supercrystal level by high‐resolution optical microscopy, which allows gas nanobubble nucleation to be probed at the early stage with high temporal resolution and the amount of gas molecules trapped inside them to be quantified. Finally, a correlative microscopy approach and high‐resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy help to decipher the mechanisms at the origin of the local degradation of the supercrystals during catalysis, namely nanoscale erosion and corrosion.
Architecting Bismuth Molybdate Nanoparticles with Abundant Oxygen Vacancies and High Bismuth Concentration for Efficient N2 Electroreduction to NH3
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Wentao , Wu Qiaoling , Zhao Qin , He Xiaojun , Liu Daliang , Jia Baohua , Qiu Jieshan , Ma Tianyi , Sun Ying
Published: July 2023

N2 electroreduction reaction (NRR) enables an eco‐friendly NH3 synthesis under mild conditions, which is regarded as a carbon‐neutral alternative technology to the traditional Haber–Bosch process. However, its practical applications are seriously impeded by the difficulty in N2 adsorption and activation over catalysts, as well as the competing hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this work, a novel bismuth molybdate nanocatalyst with sufficient oxygen vacancies and high Biconcentration (41.9 at%), BiMoO‐OVs, is synthesized and demonstrated as an excellent NRR electrocatalyst. Benefiting from synergistic effect of the adequate Bi active centers with inert HER activity provided by the high concentration of Bi, and the reinforced N2 adsorption and activation ability of oxygen vacancies, the as‐synthesized BiMoO‐OVs presents a high Faradaic efficiency of 16.38% with a NH3 yield rate of 3.65 µg h−1 cm−2 at −0.4 V (vs RHE) in neutral electrolyte, which outperforms those of most Bi‐based NRR nanocatalysts. Noticeably, it also presents excellent electrochemical durability for at least 24 h. The present work provides a simple and effective strategy for designing low‐cost and high‐performance Bi‐based catalysts.
Chitosan‐Low Molecular Weight Heparin Sodium Nanoparticles Regulate Treg/Th17 Immune Balance and Inflammation at the Maternal‐Fetal Interface to Ameliorate Pre‐Eclampsia by HB‐EGF
Authors: Peng Mei , Xiao Songyuan , Zhang Wen , Nie Yanting , Lai Weisi , Deng Yali , Yu Ling , Liu Hongyu , Zhou Yang , Liu Bo , Li Xiaoxue , Liu Jinyu , Zhou Xihong , Jiang Song , Zhu Ting , Yue Qiaorong , Ding Yiling
Published: July 2023

Pre‐eclampsia is a major cause of maternal and fetal mortality. Low molecular weight heparin sodium (LMWH) reduced the incidence of pre‐eclampsia, may be an effective treatment of pre‐eclampsia. But the underlying mechanism of LMWH is unknown. To improve the molecular utilization rate, chitosan‐LMWH nanoparticles (CHsN) are purchased for the study. The prague of pregnancy Sprague‐Dawley rats are injected with nitroso l‐arginine methyl ester to construct a pre‐eclampsia model. Trichotrophoblast cells HTR‐8/SVneo are cultured under Hypoxia/reoxygenation injury (H/R) simulation conditions to construct the cell model. CHsN ameliorates the integrity of fetal membrane tissue. Administration of CHsN results in decreased urine protein and HB‐EGF levels, accompanied by increased numbers of pups and placenta. Treatment with CHsN increases the proportion of Treg cells and decreases the proportion of Th17 cells. After treatment with CHsN, the levels of LPS, TNF‐α, rank1, slp1, Foxo, NF‐κB, and HIF‐1α are down‐regulated, while the levels of IL‐2, Foxp3, and TGFβ1 are up‐regulated. CRM197 reverses the effect of CHsN. The CHsN improves H/R‐induced HTR‐8/SVneo cells apoptosis through HB‐EGF and affected CD4+T cell differentiation. CHsN ameliorates pre‐eclampsia by regulating Treg/Th17 immune balance and inflammation at the maternal‐fetal interface through HB‐EGF. This provides a theoretical reference for relieving pre‐eclampsia by CHsN.
NLRP14 Safeguards Calcium Homeostasis via Regulating the K27 Ubiquitination of Nclx in Oocyte‐to‐Embryo Transition
Authors: Meng Tie‐Gang , Guo Jia‐Ni , Zhu Liu , Yin Yike , Wang Feng , Han Zhi‐Ming , Lei Lei , Ma Xue‐Shan , Xue Yue , Yue Wei , Nie Xiao‐Qing , Zhao Zheng‐Hui , Zhang Hong‐Yong , Sun Si‐Min , Ouyang Ying‐Chun , Hou Yi , Schatten Heide , Ju Zhenyu , Ou Xiang‐Hong , Wang Zhen‐Bo , Wong Catherine C. L. , Li Zhonghan , Sun Qing‐Yuan
Published: July 2023

Sperm‐induced Ca2+ rise is critical for driving oocyte activation and subsequent embryonic development, but little is known about how lasting Ca2+ oscillations are regulated. Here it is shown that NLRP14, a maternal effect factor, is essential for keeping Ca2+ oscillations and early embryonic development. Few embryos lacking maternal NLRP14 can develop beyond the 2‐cell stage. The impaired developmental potential of Nlrp14‐deficient oocytes is mainly caused by disrupted cytoplasmic function and calcium homeostasis due to altered mitochondrial distribution, morphology, and activity since the calcium oscillations and development of Nlrp14‐deficient oocytes can be rescued by substitution of whole cytoplasm by spindle transfer. Proteomics analysis reveal that cytoplasmic UHRF1 (ubiquitin‐like, containing PHD and RING finger domains 1) is significantly decreased in Nlrp14‐deficient oocytes, and Uhrf1‐deficient oocytes also show disrupted calcium homeostasis and developmental arrest. Strikingly, it is found that the mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCLX) encoded by Slc8b1 is significantly decreased in the Nlrp14mNull oocyte. Mechanistically, NLRP14 interacts with the NCLX intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) domain and maintain its stability by regulating the K27‐linked ubiquitination. Thus, the study reveals NLRP14 as a crucial player in calcium homeostasis that is important for early embryonic development.
Electron‐deficient covalent organic frameworks anchored on melamine sponges for visible‐light‐driven H2O2 evolution
Authors: Xia Guanglu , Qiu Jianhao , Dai Dingliang , Zhang Lu , Tang Yong , Yao Jianfeng
Published: July 2023

A series of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with β‐ketoenamine linkages named TpTt‐COF, TAPT‐COF, and TpPa‐1 were constructed for photocatalytic H2O2 generation in pure water and ambient air under visible light. Among them, TpTt‐COF performed striking H2O2 yield of 2647 μmol L−1, which is 3.5, 17.5, and 176.5‐fold those of TAPT‐COF, TpPa‐1, and bulk g‐C3N4, respectively, attributing to the electron‐deficient trait, short charge diffusion distance, and the narrowest bandgap of TpTt‐COF. Additionally, to achieve the facile recovery, TpTt‐COF was firmly and evenly anchored on melamine sponges (MS) because plenty of amino groups on the surface of MS could be involved in the β‐ketoenamine formation and guide the synthesis of TpTt‐COF on MS. The corresponding H2O2 evolution over this photocatalyst monolith is also respectable and can be well repeated at least four times. This work is quite instructive for photocatalyst construction based on covalent organic frameworks and facile photocatalytic applications.
Current practice of placental cord insertion documentation in Australia – A sonographer survey
Authors: Ward Samantha , Sun Zhonghua , Maresse Sharon
Published: July 2023

Introduction

During pregnancy, the umbilical cord attaches to the placenta in a central, eccentric, marginal or velamentous location. Maternal and fetal complications are associated with marginal and velamentous cord insertions, the most clinically significant being perinatal mortality due to undiagnosed vasa praevia. Current literature describes a wide variation regarding regulation of placental cord insertion (PCI) documentation during antenatal ultrasound examinations. This prospective cross‐sectional study aimed to assess the current practice of antenatal PCI documentation in Australia.

Methods

Members of the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry were invited to participate in an online survey which was distributed between February and March 2022.

Results

Four hundred ninety sonographers met the inclusion criteria for the study of which 330 (67.3%) have more than 10 years' experience as a sonographer and 375 (76.5%) are employed primarily in a public or private setting offering general ultrasound. Most respondents (89.6%) indicated documentation of the PCI site is departmental protocol at the second trimester anatomy scan (17–22 weeks gestation), but PCI documentation is protocol in less than 50% of other obstetric ultrasound examinations listed in the survey. The PCI site is included in the formal ultrasound report at a rate significantly less than inclusion in the departmental protocol and the sonographer's worksheet.

Conclusions

Considering the potential maternal and fetal complications associated with abnormal PCI and the ease at which the PCI site is identified in the first and second trimesters, we believe that standard inclusion of the PCI site in departmental protocol and in the formal ultrasound report from 11 weeks gestation, regardless of whether it is normal or abnormal, would prove invaluable.