bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ambidextrous Polyanthracene/Poly(ethylene glycol) Copolymer for High Capacity Silicon Anode in Li-ion Batteries
Authors: Taskin Omer Suat , Yuca Neslihan , Papavasiliou Joan , Avgouropoulos George , Karabayir Erhan , Cetintasoglu Mehmet Emre , Guney Emre , Kalafat Ilknur , Cetin Busra , Guzel Emre , Urper Osman , Wang Kaiying
Published: May 2023

The demand for lithium-ion batteries has dramatically increased in the last decade. However, the battery life offered by suppliers does not the level that can adequately meet the needs of end users. The development of new generation materials is so crucial accordingly. The nano-sized silicon with high theoretical capacity as the anode active material is one of the most promising sources, however, there are some problems (volume expansion) need to be solved in the use of silicon. In this study, a new generation polymer binder containing conjugated anthracene units, which gives conductivity and ethylene glycol lateral groups as another segment of the polymer backbone, which allows volumetric expansion with its flexibility has been developed. After preparing an electrode with silicon and developed conductive polymer binder (9:1) without adding any conductive additive, 800 mAh/g specific capacity is acquired after 400th cycle. It is thought that the obtained results will create an important infrastructure for the new generation conductive and flexible polymer binders for LIBs.
Preparation of Hydrophobic Nylon 6-Phenol Resin Derivative Polymer Blends for the Dielectric application and Theoretical Evaluation of their Hydrophobic Property
Authors: Vedamurthy Thiruvengadam , Lai Chin Hung , Vamhindi Berthelot Saïd Duvalier Ramlina
Published: May 2023

Developing a polymer dielectric material is always a demand in the polymer industry especially in the electronic industry for the application of microelectronic device designing. In this paper, hydrophobic nylon6-phenol resin derivative polymer blends was prepared by Mannich reaction to evaluate their dielectric property. The obtained product was characterized by FTIR, XRD, TGA and screened for the hydrophobic, mechanical and dielectric properties. Good mechanical property with hydrophobic nature was observed for the prepared polymer blends. The theoretical study also proofs the existence of hydrophobic nature in the blends. Moreover, the blends has good thermal stability with a decomposition temperature above 400 °C. The frequency depended dielectric property shows high dielectric constant. This thermally stable, hydrophobic, dielectric polymer could be used as a potential material for application of microelectronic device designing.
Potential utilization of lignocellulosic biomass to a high-value platform chemical -- 2-ethylhexanol
Authors: Sun Chongran , Zhang Shuangfei , Gao Binyuan , Yang Tao , Cheng Haina , Wang Yuguang , Zhou Hongbo , Chen Zhu
Published: May 2023

2-Ethylhexanol is a versatile platform chemical with extensive applications in various fields. Currently, 2-ethylhexanol is exclusively produced from petroleum resources. However, the increased market demand for it and the depletion of fossil resources would entail the production of 2-ethylhexanol in a more sustainable way. Production of 2-ethylhexanol from renewable lignocellulosic biomass could be an alternative pathway. Here, we reviewed the applications of 2-ethylhexanol in different fields, with a focus on the renewable production of bio-based fuels, plasticizer, lubricant and surfactant from 2-ethylhexanol. Moreover, the possible pathways for renewable production of 2-ethylhexanol from lignocellulosic biomass are also discussed. Finally, future perspectives on renewable production of 2-ethylhexanol are also provided.
Impacts of different growing media on the quality traits and phytochemical compounds of tomato throughout cold storage
Authors: Yoruk Esin , Ates Umut , OZER Harun , Ozturk Burhan
Published: May 2023

Purpose and Methods; The main aim of the study was to assess the effects of different growing media [tomato stalk waste (TSW) and pre-treated tomato stalk waste (PTSW)] prepared from tomato waste developed as an alternative to commercial growing media (cocopeat and peat + perlite) used in soilless culture on quality traits and phytochemical compounds of tomato fruit (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. 'Bandita F1') during cold storage. The fruit was stored at 8 ± 0.5°C and 90 ± 5% relative humidity (R.H.) for 14 d.Results; During cold storage, the lowest weight loss was detected in TSW, the lowest respiration rate in peat + perlite treatment. The firmness of tomato fruit grown in cocopeat and PTSW media was higher than that of peat + perlite and TSW. At harvest and day 7, a* value (redness) of peat + perlite and PTSW treatments were higher than the TSW treatment. In all measurement periods, TSW treatment had higher soluble solids, titratable acidity and vitamin C content than peat + perlite treatment. Total phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidant activity were higher in TSW, PTSW and peat + perlite treatments than in cocopeat.Conclusions; As a result, it can be stated that TSW and PTSW media can be used as a growing medium to delay weight loss and maintain the quality of tomato fruit during cold storage.
Periostin promotes tumor growth and recruits M2 tumor-associated macrophages in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yang Lina , Wang Ningbo , Fan Xin , Jiang Jun , Zhang Xiaofang , Zhang Rui , Bian Ka
Published: May 2023

Purpose
POSTN as an ECM protein and M2-polarized TAMs exhibit pro-tumor roles. However, having little knowledge of the influence of POSTN on the proliferation of HNSCC cells and the crosstalk between POSTN and M2-skewed macrophages in HNSCC.
Materials and Methods
We applied the public database to analyze the association of this differential expression gene with the survival rate and CD206 in HNSCC. Through IHC staining, we further explored the protein expression of POSTN and its correlation with CD206 via linear regression analysis. We explored the effect of POSTN on the proliferation of HNSCC cells and the regulatory mechanism of POSTN for macrophages by lentivirus infection, Western blotting, CCK-8, plate clone formation assay, immunofluorescence staining, Transwell, Western blotting, and qRT-PCR experiments.
Results
We uncovered that the mRNA and protein expression levels of POSTN were overexpressed in HNSCC tissues and it was decreased as the survival rate elevated. We discovered the mRNA expression level of CD206 is up-regulated in HNSCC tissues, which showed a conspicuously positive correlation with POSTN in mRNA and protein levels. IHC analysis demonstrated the association between high POSTN protein expression and lymph node metastasis. Our study suggested that POSTN promoted HNSCC cell proliferation and also fostered chemotactic migration and the activation of M2 likely mediated by integrinβ3.
Conclusion
Our study suggested POSTN as an oncogene in tumor progression, revealed the crosstalk of it between tumor cells and macrophages probably through the interaction with integrinβ3, and emphasized the possibility of treating HNSCC by targeting POSTN or POSTN-mediated TAM recruitment.
Prevalence of gastroparesis in diabetic patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: li lianxin , Wang Luyao , Long Ruolan , Song Linrui , Yue Ren song
Published: May 2023

AIM: Diabetic gastroparesis (DGP) is one of the most common chronic complications of diabetes. Studies have shown that approximately 75% of people with diabetes experience some form of gastrointestinal symptoms. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of DGP in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) through a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.
METHODS: The databases Zhiwang, Wanfang, Wipu, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched for all observational studies published before October 1, 2022. Articles eligible for review were screened by two independent reviewers. Using STATA 17.0, we conducted a meta-analysis of DGP prevalence in DM patients based on a random effects model.
RESULTS: A total of 1,168 articles were considered based on titles and abstracts, and 14 papers were retained following a full-text review. According to estimates, diabetes patients were affected by DGP at a combined rate of 9.3% (95% CI 7.6%–11%).
Although there was no significant heterogeneity in the meta-publication, sensitivity analyses revealed significant heterogeneity. Overall, the prevalence was higher in women (N = 6, R = 4.6%, 95% CI = 3.1%, 6.0%, and I2 = 99.8%) than in men (N = 6, R = 3.4%, 95% CI = 2.0%, 4.7%, and I2 = 99.6the %); prevalence of type 2 diabetes (N = 9, R = 12.5%, 95% CI = 7.7%, 17.3%, and I2 = 95.4%) was higher than type 1 diabetes (N = 7, R = 8.3%, 95% CI = 6.4%, 10.2%, and I2 = 93.6%); the prevalence of DGP was slightly lower in DM patients aged over 60 years (N = 6, R = 5.5%, 95% CI = 3.3%, 7.7%, and I2 = 99.9%) compared to patients under 60 years of age (N = 12, R = 15.8%, 95% CI = 11 15.8%, 95% CI = 11.4%, 20.2%, and I2 = 88.3%).
In conclusion, our findings indicate that the combined estimated prevalence of gastroparesis in diabetic patients is 9.3%. However, the sensitivity of the results is high, the robustness is low, and there are significant bias factors. The subgroup analysis revealed that the prevalence of DM-DGP is associated with factors such as gender, diabetes staging, age, and study method.
Predictive validity of the six-dimension structure of the Impact of Event Scale- Revised for PTSD and related-cardiometabolic consequences (hypertension and obesity) among dental healthcare workers during COVID-19
Authors: Ali Amira M. , Al-Dossary Saeed A. , Aljubilah Aljawharah , Atout Maha , Khatatbeh Haitham , Alkhamees Abdulmajeed A. , Al-Dwaikat Tariq
Published: May 2023

The diagnostic criteria of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have lately expanded beyond the three common symptoms (intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal). Simultaneously, four-, five-, and six-dimensional structures of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), a popular PTSD measure, seem to be more robust than the original three-dimension structure. PTSD and/or specific PTSD symptoms may also evoke adverse cardiometabolic events (e.g., hypertension and obesity) in certain groups. Employing a convenience sample of 58 dental healthcare workers (HCWs) from Russia (mean age = 44.1 ± 12.2 years, 82.8% females), this instrumental study examined the criterion and predictive validity of two IES-R structures: the IES-R3 and the IES-R6 (with added symptoms of numbing, sleep disturbance, and irritability). The subscales of the two IES-R structures expressed good internal consistency, strong correlations with the PTSD Symptom Scale (PSS), hypertension diagnosis, and high body mass index (BMI). In receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, all IES-R models perfectly predicted the PSS (all area under the curve (AUC) values > 0.9, p values < 0.001). The IES-R, both hyperarousal subscales, and the IES-R3 intrusion significantly predicted high BMI. The IES-R did not predict hypertension, but the avoidance subscales and the IES-R3 intrusion significantly predicted it. In conclusion, both IES-R structures can reliably measure PTSD symptoms. The IES-R, hyperarousal, and intrusion may be credible criterion variables for predicting high BMI within PTSD while the intrusion and avoidance subscales may more reliably reflect the cardiovascular consequences of the stress reaction associated with PTSD than the IES-R itself. It is pivotal to verify the results in specific groups (e.g., those with confirmed traumatic exposure and comorbid mood dysfunction). Replication of the study in larger samples, which comprise different physical and metal conditions from heterogenous cultural contexts is necessary.
Prediction of adolescent weight status by machine learning: a population-based study
Authors: Liu Hengyan , Wu Yik-Chung , Chau Pui Hing , Chung Thomas Wai Hung , Fong Daniel Yee Tak
Published: May 2023

Background
Adolescent weight problems have become a growing public health concern, making early prediction of non-normal weight status crucial for effective prevention. However, few temporal prediction tools for adolescent four weight status have been developed. This study aimed to predict the short- and long-term weight status of Hong Kong adolescents and assess the importance of predictors.
Methods
A population-based retrospective cohort study of adolescents was conducted using data from a territory-wide voluntary annual health assessment service provided by the Department of Health in Hong Kong. Using diet habits, physical activity, psychological well-being, and demographics, we generated six prediction models for successive weight status (normal, overweight, obese and underweight) using multiclass Decision Tree, Random Forest, k-Nearest Neighbor, eXtreme gradient boosting, support vector machine, logistic regression. Model performance was evaluated by multiple standard classifier metrics and the overall accuracy. Predictors’ importance was assessed using Shapley values.
Results
442,898 Primary 4 (P4, Grade 4 in the US) and 344,186 in Primary 6 (P6, Grade 6 in the US) students, with followed up until their Secondary 6 (Grade 12 in the US) during the academic years 1995/96 to 2014/15 were included. The XG Boosts model outperformed consistently all other models, predicting the long-term weight status at S6 from P4 or P6 with an overall accuracy of 0.89 or 0.90, respectively. XG Boost also achieved better model performance on each prediction window, and yielded obese group 0.96 precision, 0.98 recall, and 0.97 F-1 score both at S6 by P4 or P6. Weight, height, sex, age, frequency and hours of aerobic exercise were consistently the most important predictors for both cohorts.
Conclusions
The machine learning approaches accurately predict adolescent weight status in both short- and long-term. The developed multiclass model that utilizing easy-assessed variables enables accurate long-term prediction on weight status, which can be used by adolescents and parents for self-prediction when applied in health care system. The interpretable models may help to provide the early and individualized interventions suggestions for adolescents with weight problems particularly.
The influence of Group Heterogeneity on Mask-Wearing and Epidemic Coevolution: a Coupled Disease-Behavior Model
Authors: Yan Song , Yang Qian
Published: May 2023

Background
Wearing masks in public is to some extent a matter of group identity. Different groups have varying attitudes and preferences towards mask-wearing which makes the dynamics of concurrent spread of disease and mask-wearing difficult to analyze and interpret.
Methods
In this work, we incorporate group heterogeneity into a coupled disease-behavior model and analyze the effect of group heterogeneity in behavioral preferences for mask-wearing on the joint dynamics of behavior and epidemiology.
Results
Our findings suggest that group heterogeneity in behavioral preferences for mask-wearing leads to a non-monotonic critical shift in mask-wearing rates and disease dynamics. Specifically, when heterogeneity exceeds a critical value, mask-wearing rates fall sharply and disease prevalence rises rapidly. Further, dynamic shifts in the degree of heterogeneity allow for a better understanding of the relationship between policy responses and epidemic dynamics.
Conclusions
We believe that consideration of group heterogeneity in behavioral preferences is necessary and valuable for incorporating models of infectious diseases with behavioral changes.
3D-based strain analysis and cardiotoxicity detection in cancer patients received chemotherapy
Authors: Azzam Muhammad , Alwasef Mohammad , Khalaf Hani , Al-Habbaa Ahmed
Published: May 2023

Background: Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity has become a prevalent complication. Regular monitoring of patients who received chemotherapy using 3D strain parameters may aid in early detection of myocardial damage and its prevention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of three-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (3D-STI) in diagnosing and predicting the likelihood of cardiotoxicity. This was achieved by conducting a systematic review of original research articles.
Objectives: To evaluate the role of 3D speckle tracking echocardiography in early detection of cardiotoxicity
Methods: Relevant case control studies published prior to December 2022 were extracted to assess cardiotoxicity by 3D STE in patients after chemotherapy.
Results: A total of 1991 chemotherapy treated patients and control patients were included in the present review via pooling 22 studies.
Conclusions: 3D speckle tracking echocardiography has the utility of non-invasive and objective evaluation of changes in left ventricular function in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
ROSPERO registration No: Study ID, CRD42023383790 on PROSPERO: International prospective register of systematic reviews (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/).
A Medial And Lateral Retinacular Plasty versus Medial Retinacular Plasty And Lateral Retinacular Release
Authors: Wang Xiaomeng , Dong Zhenyue , Xu Chenyue , Liu Huixin , Wang Fei
Published: May 2023

Medial-lateral retinacular plasty is a new surgical technique designed based on anatomical and biomechanical studies and the advantages of traditional proximal repositioning. To compare the complication rates and outcomes of lateral supportive ligamentoplasty and lateral supportive ligament release for lateral patellar dislocation. In a retrospective study, 71 patients (mean age, 14.40 ± 1.28 years; 45females and 26males) received either medial and lateral retinacular plasty (37 patients) or medial retinacular plasty and LR release (34 patients) between October 2013 and December 2017. The number of patellar apprehension signs, Kujala score and patellar tilt angle(PTA), patellar lateral shift(PLS), congruence angle(CA), and medial patellar glide (MPG) from computed tomography scan have been incorporated into the clinical evaluation. All patients were followed up, and the shortest follow-up time was 2 years. Patients were followed up for a mean period of 29 months (24–38 months). The mean Kujala score was significantly lower (P = 0.027) in the LR release group (82.00 points) than in the LR plasty group (86.35 points). Moreover, there was a significant difference between preoperative and postoperative outcomes for MPG. (P < 0.05). The MPG was smaller in the LR plasty group than the LR release group. In this retrospective study, medial and lateral brachioplasty can effectively correct patellofemoral joint tracking and improve knee function in patients with patellar dislocation.
Regulation of OGD/R-induced inflammatory responses and M1-M2 phenotype switch of BV2 microglia by Lobetyolin
Authors: wang jie , Liu Xin , Wei Wenyi , Yang Jing , Li Qinqing , Chu Shifeng , Liu Pulin , Zhang Junlong , He Wenbin
Published: May 2023

Objective
To evaluate the protective mechanism of Lobetyolin on OGD/R-induced damage in BV2 cells.
Methods
BV2 cells were pretreated with Lobetyolin, and OGD/R modeling was established using chemical modeling methods to simulate in vivo brain ischemia. The dosage of Lobetyolin and the time and concentration of OGD/R modeling were screened. Changes in cell morphology were observed, and levels of TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, CD206, and other factors were detected using ELISA. The expression of CKLF1, HIF-1α, TNF-α, CD206, and other proteins was detected using Western Blot. The gene levels of M1 and M2 BV2 markers were analyzed using qPCR. The localization of M1 and M2 BV2 markers was detected using immunofluorescence analysis.
Results
The study found that Lobetyolin could protect BV2 cells from OGD/R damage. In OGD/R-induced BV2 cells, the protein expression of CKLF1/CCR4 increased, while pretreatment with Lobetyolin reduced this increase. In addition, OGD/R-induced BV2 cells tended to be M1 type, but Lobetyolin could make BV2 cells shift from M1 type to M2 type. Lobetyolin could also reduce the expression of TNF-α, HIF-α and increase the expression of TGF-β protein in BV2 cells, which showed a dose-effect relationship. In the qPCR experiment, Lobetyolin reduced the expression of CD16, CD32, and iNOS at the gene level and increased the expression of CCL-22 and TGF-β. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that Lobetyolin could reduce the expression of CD16/CD32 and increase the expression of CD206.
Conclusion
Lobetyolin can protect BV2 cells from OGD/R damage by regulating BV2 polarization and reducing inflammatory responses. CKLF1/CCR4 may participate in the process of regulating BV2 cells polarization by Lobetyolin by regulating the HIF-1α pathway.
Accuracy of Wrist-Worn Activity Trackers for Measuring Steps in Patients after Major Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Li Zhi , Feng Weiyan , Zhou Lili , Gong Shu
Published: May 2023

Background
Early mobilization is one of the key elements for successful enhanced recovery after surgery. Wearable activity trackers offer a simple means for objective measurement of postoperative mobilization. However, few studies have validated the accuracy of trackers after major abdominal surgery. We aimed to examine the accuracy of wrist-worn activity trackers in measuring steps of patients during early mobilization after major abdominal surgery; we also explored the influence of clinical variables and gait parameters on the accuracy of the trackers.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was carried out among 45 patients, who were instructed to participate in six-minute walk tests while wearing three trackers simultaneously: the Fitbit Inspire HR, Xiaomi MI 4, and HONOR 5. The differences in displayed steps before and after the walking test were considered as the step counts measured by the trackers; the actual steps taken were determined as the average of the values manually counted by two researchers. The intraclass correlation coefficient, Bland-Altman method, mean percentage error, and mean absolute percentage error were used to assess the accuracy of trackers with reference to manual step counts. The Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis H, and Spearman’s rank correlation tests were used to assess the influence of demographic, clinical, and gait parameters related to step count accuracy.
Results
The three trackers undercounted postoperative steps by -65.5% to -23.5%. Analysis showed low-to-good agreement between step counts recorded by trackers and actual steps (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.35–0.75); the mean absolute percentage errors ranged from 24.5–65.7%. All trackers demonstrated greater error in detecting steps in patients who walked at slower speeds, with shorter strides, had more drains, and participated in the walking tests on earlier postoperative days.
Conclusions
This study offers detailed and novel understanding on the step count underestimation of trackers in the postoperative patient population. Our preliminary results suggest that step count data obtained by trackers in the early postoperative period should be considered with caution.
Effect of Magnesium Addition by Thixoforming Process on Wear Properties of A319 Alloy
Authors: Alhawari Khalid Salim , Omar Mohd Zaidi , Samat Saziana , Aziz Ahmad Muhammad
Published: May 2023

The effect of Mg addition (0.5–2.0%) on the as-cast and thixoformed microstructures, hardness and the tribological properties of A319 aluminium alloy was investigated. The investigations highlight the dry sliding wear test behaviour using a pin-on-disk tester configuration under the applied pressures of three loads of 10, 50 and 100 N at a constant sliding speed of 1 m/s and a sliding distance of 9 km. Detailed microstructural morphology studied for these alloys is correlated with the wear properties obtained. Results in the as-cast A319 alloy revealed that Mg addition transformed the Al2Cu phase and Si particle to form the Al5Cu2Mg3Si5 and Mg2Si intermetallic phases during the solidification. Moreover, the platelet-like morphology of β-Al5FeSi intermetallic completely converted to Chinese script-like morphology, π-Al8Mg3FeSi6 phase with the addition of Mg up to 1.5 wt.%. By adding Mg and performing thixoforming, the microstructure of the α-Al phase shows a fine globular primary phase surrounded by uniformly distributed Si and refined fragmented of intermetallic phases formed. The morphology of Mg2Si particles was modified from large, polygonal particles into relatively smaller and more globular, whereas the Chinese script-like morphology π-Al8Mg3FeSi6 changes to a compact shape. Adding Mg up to 2 wt.% increased the hardness at 100 Hv. The increase in Mg content enhances the wear resistance, friction coefficient and volume loss of thixoformed A319 alloy. A combination of abrasion and adhesion for alloys of low Mg dominates the wear mechanism. In contrast, excessive subsurface fracturing and delamination with minor abrasion are mainly observed for alloys of high Mg.
Pathogen Identification and Indoor Fungicides Screening for Root Rot Disease in Tiller onion
Authors: Liu Yan ni , Han Qing yan , Cui Hong bo , Liu Xiu feng , Wang Jian feng
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to identify the pathogen responsible for root rot disease in tiller onion in Nongan county, Jilin Province, China, and to screen for effective control measures using fungicides. The pathogen was isolated from diseased plants using the tissue block separation method and identified through morphological and molecular biological methods as Fusarium oxysporum. Indoor toxicity testing was conducted on 19 fungicides using the growth rate method, and the most effective agents were screened out. Results showed that nine agents had the best inhibitory effect on the pathogen, with EC50 values of less than 0.1 mg/L. These agents include 99% propiconazole, 98% difenoconazole, 99% hymexazol, 98% myclobutanil, 98% prochloraz, 98% tebuconazole, 97% thiram, 70% thiophanate-methyl and 97% pyraclostrobine. Conversely, 99% sodium trisulfate and 98% copper calcium sulphate had the least inhibitory effect, with EC50 values of more than 50 mg/L. The results provided a scientific basis for identifying and controlling root rot of tiller onion in Nongan County, Jilin Province, China.
Baricitinib treatment for hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 on invasive mechanical ventilation：a propensity score-matched and retrospective analysis
Authors: Mao Yanxiong , Guo Anyi , Zhang Ying , Lai Jianxing , Yuan Dian , Zhang Hao , Diao Wenqi , Chen Weisong , Shen Huahao , Li Wen , Yan Fugui
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Baricitinib is a selective inhibitor of Janus kinase (JAK)1 and JAK2, which is associated with clinical improvement in non-severe COVID-19 patients. But in severe COVID-19 patients, the efficacy of baricitinib is still controversial.
Methods: A propensity score-matched and retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of baricitinib in severe COVID-19 patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV).
Results: A total number of 46 patients treated with baricitinib were included, and 44 patients were assigned to control group by propensity score matching. The mean ages were high in both group (baricitinib group vs control group: 78.80±9.04 vs 82.57±9.27), and most were unvaccinated (65.2% vs 72.7%). Baricitinib group had a higher proportion of patients with hypertension (73.9% vs 45.5%). Control group had higher level of creatine kinase-myocardial band (247.50 vs 104.50). Patients in the baricitinib group were more likely to receive nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (41.3% vs 18.2%) and intravenous immunoglobin (15.2% vs 0). Both groups reported high all-cause 28-day mortality (73.9% vs 84.1%). The use of baricitinib didn’t reduce 28-days mortality.
Conclusion: The present study revealed baricitinib didn’t reduce 28-days mortality in severe COVID-19 patients on IMV. The effectiveness of baricitinib in treating patients with severe COVID-19 on IMV needs to be further investigated through future studies.
Hierarchical, Porous Hydrogels Demonstrating Structurally Dependent Mechanical Properties
Authors: Lloyd Elisabeth , Alhasan Rami , Dhakal Sujata , Morozova Svetlana , Tree Douglas , Hickey Robert
Published: May 2023

While hierarchical ordering is a distinctive feature of natural tissues and is directly responsible for their diverse and unique properties, research efforts to synthesize biomaterials have primarily focused on using molecular-based approaches without considering multiscale structure. Here, we report a bottom-up self-assembly process to produce highly porous hydrogels that resemble natural tissues both structurally and mechanically. Randomly oriented, physically crosslinked nanostructured micelles form the walls of aligned, polymer-rich pore walls that surround water-rich cavities. Extremely soft elastic modulus (< 1 kPa), highly stretchability (greater than 12-times), strain-hardening, and completely reversible deformation result from the hierarchical structure. Independent control of nano and macroscales is realized through the combination of polymer macromolecular parameters and processing conditions, directly impacting the resulting phase behavior. Here, we demonstrate precise control of the material structure and structure orientation over many orders of magnitude (e.g., nm – µm), and reveal how the multiscale structure directly impacts mechanical properties.
Development of robust and rapid self-healing polymers for the repair of microcracks in energetic composite materials
Authors: Cheng Wangjian , Liao Dongjie , Feng Chenhe , Gao Fubing , Li Minjie , Zhang Xiawei , Deng Lingyu , Xu Chuanhao , Ye Baoyun , An Chongwei
Published: May 2023

Adhesives with superior toughness and self-healing properties are critical for the practical application of energetic composite materials (ECMs). However, most self-healing polymers exhibit low creep resistance and toughness, which makes simultaneous optimization a challenge. To overcome this, we introduced asymmetric alicyclic and bent biphenyl ring structures into the hard domain units of soft polymers, which resulted in adhesives with robust mechanical properties. The synergistic effect of dynamic disulfide and hydrogen bonding in the adhesive allows for excellent self-healing efficiency. We then conducted a comprehensive investigation into the structure, thermal stability, self-healing, mechanical properties, rheology, and adhesion properties of the synthesized disulfide bond-containing self-healing polyurethanes (PUDS). Our study demonstrates that PUDS films can achieve a toughness of 20.93 MJ m− 3, and when cut in half and reassembled, they recover to more than 90% of their original toughness within 20 minutes, showcasing impressive mechanical properties and self-healing efficiency. Our experimental measurements and molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the interfacial interaction with 1,3,5-trinitro-2,4,6-triaminobenzene (TATB) is stronger when the hard segment content of the adhesive is higher. Furthermore, even after accidental mechanical damage, cracked ECMs can be effectively healed within 24 hours at 60℃. Self-healing and highly resilient adhesives offer promising avenues for enhancing the safety and longevity of energy-containing composites, with potential military and civil applications.
Local earthquake tomography of the Cachar fold and thrust belt in lower Assam, Northeast India
Authors: Singh Shushant , Mohan G , Shekar B. , Singh S K
Published: May 2023

Local earthquake tomography was performed to image the subsurface structure beneath the seismically active Cachar fold and thrust belt in lower Assam, northeast India. A total of 3341 P phases and 1833 S phases corresponding to 180 local microearthquakes recorded over 11 months by a temporary, dense network of 76 stations were used to simultaneously locate the hypocenters and estimate the velocity structure in three dimensions. The entire crust till a depth of ≈ 40km is seismically active with about 70% of the microearthquakes occurring in the upper crust. The velocity tomograms were well resolved up to a depth of 10km and reveal strong lateral heterogeneity in the shallow upper crust in terms of alternating patterns of high and low velocity anomalies that correlate with the NE-SW trending en-echelon pattern of the Cachar fold belt. The velocity perturbations upto ± 10% are observed in the shallow subsurface (< 5km) beyond which they are within ± 5% and reduce to within ± 2% at a depth of 10 km. The vertical sections of P wave velocity reveal deformation of the sediments leading to shallow subsurface structural highs and lows that correlate with the surface topography. About 50% of the observed seismicity occurs within the sediments at shallow depths(≤ 5km) revealing faulting due to the compressional tectonics in northeast India. The present study provides seismological evidence of deformation of the shallow sediments accompanied by faulting leading to the observed seismicity consistent with thin skinned tectonics for the evolution of the Cachar fold belt.
Poziotinib Treatment in Patients With HER2-Positive Advanced Breast Cancer Who Have Received Prior anti-HER2 Regimens
Authors: Nasrazadani Azadeh , Marti Juan Luis Gomez , Lathrop Kate , Restrepo Alvaro , Leu Szu-Yun , Bhat Gajanan , Brufsky Adam
Published: May 2023

Purpose
Poziotinib is an irreversible pan-inhibitor of the human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) that has shown acceptable tolerability and antitumor activity in phase I and II trials in patients with advanced solid tumors. In the present open-label, multicenter phase II study, we demonstrate safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy data from two different dosing schedules in patients with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer.
Patients and Methods
Patients who had received at least two prior HER2-directed therapy lines for advanced disease, received 24mg poziotinib on an intermittent dosing schedule (cohort 1) or 16mg poziotinib once daily on a continuous dosing schedule (cohort 2). The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints were progression free survival (PFS), disease control rate (DCR), and time to progression (TTP). Secondary endpoints additionally included safety and pharmacokinetics.
Results
A total of 67 patients were enrolled. The ORR was 30% in both groups (p = 0.98). DCR was 60% vs 78% (p = 0.15) and median PFS and TTP were 4.1 vs 4.9 months (both p = 0.30) for cohorts 1 and 2, respectively. The most common treatment related adverse events (AEs) of any grade included diarrhea (88% vs 85%, p = 0.76), rash (88% vs 88%, p = 0.96), and stomatitis (64% vs 56%, p = 0.52), with grade 3–4 diarrhea occurring in 33% vs 32% of patients (p = 0.93) and grade 3–4 rash in 27% vs 35% of patients (p = 0.48) in cohort 1 vs cohort 2, respectively.
Conclusion
Poziotinib demonstrated encouraging evidence of clinical activity in patients with pre-treated HER2-positive advanced breast cancer and merits further evaluation in additional studies.
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02659514
An Automated Rat Grimace Scale for the Assessment of Pain
Authors: Arnold Brendan , Ramakrishnan Rahul , Wright Amirah , Wilson Kelsey , VandeVord Pamela J.
Published: May 2023

Pain is a complex neuro-psychosocial experience that is internal and private, making it difficult to assess in both humans and animals. In pain research, animal models are prominently used, with rats among the most commonly studied. The rat grimace scale (RGS) measures four facial action units to quantify the pain behaviors of rats. However, manual recording of RGS scores is a time-consuming process that requires training. While computer vision models have been developed and utilized for various grimace scales, there are currently no models for RGS. To address this gap, this study worked to develop an automated RGS system which can detect facial action units in rat images and predict RGS scores. The automated system achieved an action unit detection precision and recall of 97%. Furthermore, the action unit RGS classifiers achieved a weighted accuracy of 81-93%. The system’s performance was evaluated using a blast traumatic brain injury study, where it was compared to trained human graders. The results showed an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.82 for the total RGS score, indicating that the system was comparable to human graders. The automated tool could enhance pain research by providing a standardized and efficient method for the assessment of RGS.
Anticyclonic suppression of the North Pacific transient eddy activity in midwinter
Authors: Nakamura Hisashi , Kaspi Yohai , Okajima Satoru
Published: May 2023

Dynamical understandings of midlatitude transient eddy activity, especially its midwinter minimum over the North Pacific, are still limited, partly because Eulerian eddy statistics are incapable of separating cyclonic and anticyclonic contributions. Here we evaluate the two contributions separately based on local curvature of instantaneous flow fields to compare their seasonality between the North Pacific and North Atlantic storm-tracks. The anticyclonic contribution is found crucial for the midwinter minimum of the North Pacific transient eddy activity. Eddy energetics reveals that the net efficiency of the anticyclonic contribution in replenishing total transient eddy energy over the North Pacific exhibits a pronounced midwinter minimum, while that of the cyclonic counterpart maximizes around midwinter in harmony with precipitation. The anticyclonic contribution is also pivotal to interannual and decadal-scale variability of wintertime transient eddy activity that is anti-correlated with the westerly jet speed, especially over the North Pacific. This study suggests that more attention should be paid to anticyclones in studying midlatitude storm-track dynamics.
Removal of Asymptomatic Kidney Stones and Incidence of Relapse: A Systematic Review
Authors: BRÍZIDA LUIZA V. O. , PORTO BRENO C. , BELKOVSKY MIKHAEL BELKOVSKY , M.D CARLO C. PASSEROTTI , M.D EVERSON L. A. ARTIFON , M.D JOSE P. OTOCH , M.D JOSE A. S. CRUZ
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Ureterolithiasis is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world, among the surgical treatments, ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy may be chosen depending on the size of the stone. The aim of this study is to define whether endoscopic treatment for asymptomatic kidney stones reduces the cumulative relapse in patients undergoing ureteroscopy for symptomatic kidney stones.
Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science search retrieved 1182 articles, 2 of them were selected for meta-analysis (Figure 1).
Results: This meta-analysis shows (Figure 2) that the difference in the cumulative relapse in the first 18 months is not statistically significant (OR 0.10, CI 0.01-1.45).
Conclusion: Even though there seems to be a tendency of lower relapse in surgery for asymptomatic stones, there is a lack of evidence to support simultaneous RIRS for asymptomatic renal stones in patients with ureteroscopic symptomatic stone removal.
Effects of nNOS inhibition on the Escherichia coli and butyrate-producing bacteria in IBS rats with visceral hypersensitivity
Authors: Huang Chen , Hu Yue , Sun Shaopeng , Li Heng , Zhuang Zhaomeng , Lv Bin
Published: May 2023

Background:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is described as a disorder of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, with a distinguishing feature of visceral hypersensitivity. An imbalanced gut microbiota is closely related to the occurrence of IBS. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) may be an essential regulatory factor in stress-induced IBS. However, the relationship between gut microbiota and nNOS expression is still poorly understood. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of nNOS inhibition on the changes of Escherichia coli and butyrate-producing bacteria in IBS rats with visceral hypersensitivity.
Method:
Colorectal distention (CRD) combined with restraint stress (RS) was used to generate an IBS rat model with visceral hypersensitivity. L-NAME was administered as an nNOS inhibitor. Abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) test was used to evaluate visceral sensitivity in rats. Western blotting and real-time PCR were used to determine expression levels of nNOS in the distal colon of rats. The content of nitric oxide (NO) andnitritein the distal colon of rats was determined using colorimetric methods. Gut microbiota was assessed by fluorescence qPCR. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to quantify butyrate content in the feces and distal colon of rats.
Results:
nNOS inhibiton could attenuate visceral hypersensitivity in stress-induced IBS rats. Gut microbiota was changed after treatment with nNOS inhibiton, which was characterized by a decrease in the abundance of Escherichia coli and an increase in the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria. Moreover, nNOS inhibiton decreased the contents of NO and nitrite and increased butyrate content in the distal colon of rats. From further Spearman’s correlation analysis, nNOS expression was positively correlated with Escherichia coliand negatively correlated with butyrate-producing bacteria.
Conclusion:
nNOS inhibiton reduced the production of NO and nitrite by down-regulation of expression levels of nNOS, thus regulating the imbalance of gut microbiota,as demonstrated by a decrease in the abundance of Escherichia coli, as well as an increase in the abundance of butyrate-producing bacteria, which contributed to attenuating the visceral hypersensitivity in IBS rats.
Thymoquinone reverses homocysteine-induced endothelial dysfunction via inhibition of ER-stress induced oxidative stress pathway
Authors: M.Sofiullah Siti Sarah , Murugan Dharmani Devi , Muid Suhaila Abd , Wu Yuan Seng , Zamakshshari Nor Hisam , Quan Fu Gan , Patrick Melonney , Choy Ker Woon
Published: May 2023

Hyperhomocysteinemia has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. High levels of homocysteine (Hcy) promote endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress that can increase reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to endothelial dysfunction. Thymoquinone (TQ) is the major active ingredient in Nigella sativa seeds volatile oil and is shown to have a cardioprotective effect. However, no study evaluated the effect of TQ against Hcy-induced endothelial dysfunction. Thus, this study aims to investigate the effects and mechanisms of TQ in reversing Hcy-induced endothelial dysfunction. Isolated aorta from male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats incubated with Hcy (500 µM) and co-treated with or without TQ (0.1 µM, 1 µM, and 10 µM), 20 µM TUDCA, 100 µM Apocynin or 1 mM Tempol in organ bath to study the vascular function. Additionally, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were incubated with Hcy (10 mM) and various concentrations of TQ (1 and 10 𝜇M), Tempol (100 𝜇M), Apocynin (100 𝜇M), TUDCA (100 𝜇M) or H2O2 (0.25 mM) to evaluate the cell viability by using a phase contrast microscope and dye exclusion assay. Involvement of ER stress pathway, ROS and NO bioavailability were accessed via immunoassay and fluorescent staining respectively. Molecular docking was performed to evaluate the binding affinity of TQ to GRP78. Our results revealed that Hcy impaired endothelium-dependant relaxation in isolated aorta and induced apoptosis in HUVECs. These effects were reversed by TQ, TUDCA, tempol and apocynin. Treatment with TQ (10𝜇M) also reduced ROS level, improved NO bioavailability as well reduced GRP78 and NOX4 protein in HUVECs. Result from the molecular docking study showed that TQ could bind well to GRP78 through hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interaction with the amino acid at GRP78 ATP binding pocket. Taken together, the present results suggest that TQ preserved endothelial function in rat aorta and reduced apoptosis of HUVECs induced by Hcy through the inhibition of ER stress-mediated ROS and eNOS uncoupling.
Protection of lipopolysaccharide-induced otic injury by a single dose administration of a novel dexamethasone formulation
Authors: Murillo-Cuesta Silvia , Lara Ester , Bermúdez-Muñoz Jose M. , Torres-Campos Elena , Rosa Lourdes Rodríguez-de la , Lopez-Larrubia Pilar , Erickson Signe R. , Varela-Nieto Isabel
Published: May 2023

Background. The blood-labyrinth barrier (BLB) separates the inner ear from the circulation and is critical for maintaining ionic homeostasis and limiting the entry of deleterious agents. BLB integrity is disrupted by bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), among other deleterious agents, which elicits a strong inflammatory response in the inner ear leading to irreversible otic damage. Prolonged administration of systemic corticosteroids is the available treatment, which shows both limited efficacy and major adverse effects. SPT-2101 is a novel in situ-forming gel formulation of dexamethasone allowing slow and sustained drug release after single intratympanic administration.
Methods. We used a rat model of LPS-induced injury to define the functional, cellular and molecular mechanisms associated to BLB dysfunction and the protection by SPT-2101. Hearing was assessed by auditory brainstem response (ABR) recording, BLB permeability by gadolinium dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and Evans blue extravasation. Gross cochlear histology and cellular alterations were studied by hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunofluorescence. RT-qPCR, PCR array and western blotting were used to assess transcriptional and protein changes.
Results. LPS-challenged rats showed BLB breakdown and altered permeability as shown by the progressive increase in cochlear gadolinium uptake and Evans blue incorporation. LPS administration increased the cochlear expression of the LPS toll-like receptors Tlr2 and co-receptor Cd14, pro-inflammatory cytokines and receptors such as Il1b and ll1lr, and also the oxidative stress and inflammasome mediators NRF2 and NLRP3. LPS also increased IBA1-positive macrophage infiltration in the lateral wall and spiral ganglion. A single intratympanic injection of SPT-2101 protected BLB integrity and prevented otic injury. Comparable effects were obtained by repeated administration of systemic dexamethasone, but not by a single dose. SPT-2101 administration normalized molecular inflammatory mediators and suppressed macrophage infiltration.
Conclusions. Our data indicate that single local administration of dexamethasone formulated as SPT-2101 protects BLB functional integrity during endotoxemia, providing a novel therapeutic opportunity to treat diseases related to BLB dysfunction.