bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Candida albicans Enhances the Progression of Oral Squamous Cell CarcinomaIn VitroandIn Vivo
Authors: Vadovics Máté , Ho Jemima , Igaz Nóra , Alföldi Róbert , Rakk Dávid , Veres Éva , Szücs Balázs , Horváth Márton , Tóth Renáta , Szücs Attila , Csibi Andrea , Horváth Péter , Tiszlavicz László , Vágvölgyi Csaba , Nosanchuk Joshua D. , Szekeres András , Kiricsi Mónika , Henley-Smith Rhonda , Moyes David L. , Thavaraj Selvam , Brown Rhys , Puskás László G. , Naglik Julian R. , Gácser Attila
Published: January 2022

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a serious health issue worldwide that accounts for 2% to 4% of all cancer cases. Previous studies have revealed a higher yeast carriage and diversity in oral cancer patients than in healthy individuals.
PixR, a Novel Activator of Conjugative Transfer of IncX4 Resistance Plasmids, Mitigates the Fitness Cost of
mcr-1
Carriage in Escherichia coli
Authors: Yi Lingxian , Durand Romain , Grenier Frédéric , Yang Jun , Yu Kaiyang , Burrus Vincent , Liu Jian-Hua
Published: January 2022

The spread of clinically relevant antibiotic resistance genes is often linked to the dissemination of epidemic plasmids. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms contributing to the successful spread of epidemic plasmids remain unclear.
Development of a Spontaneous HPV16 E6/E7-Expressing Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma in HLA-A2 Transgenic Mice
Authors: Peng Shiwen , Xing Deyin , Ferrall Louise , Tsai Ya-Chea , Roden Richard B. S. , Hung Chien-Fu , Wu T.-C.
Published: January 2022

Our data indicate that mutated HPV16 E6(R55K)(delK75) and mutated HPV16 E7(N53S) DNA abolishes the presentation of HPV16 E6 and E7 through murine MHC-I and results in their presentation through human HLA-A2 molecules. Additionally, the mutated HPV16 E6 and E7 remain oncogenic.
Migration of Influenza Virus Nucleoprotein into the Nucleolus Is Essential for Ribonucleoprotein Complex Formation
Authors: Miyamoto Sho , Nakano Masahiro , Morikawa Takeshi , Hirabayashi Ai , Tamura Ryoma , Fujita-Fujiharu Yoko , Hirose Nanami , Muramoto Yukiko , Noda Takeshi
Published: January 2022

Influenza A virus ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP) is responsible for viral genome replication, thus playing essential roles in the virus life cycle. RNP formation occurs in the nuclei of infected cells; however, little is known about the nuclear domains involved in this process.
TIR-Domain-Containing Adapter-Inducing Interferon-β (TRIF)-Dependent Antiviral Responses Protect Mice against Ross River Virus Disease
Authors: Liu Xiang , Taylor Adam , Poo Yee Suan , Ng Wern Hann , Herrero Lara J. , Tang Patrick Chun Hean , Zaid Ali , Mahalingam Suresh
Published: January 2022

RRV has been prevalent in the South Pacific region for decades and causes substantial economic and social costs. Though RRV is geographically restricted, a number of other alphaviruses have spread globally due to expansion of the mosquito vectors and increased international travel.
Hepatic haemangioma causing isolated right-sided pleural effusion and bilateral pedal oedema
Authors: Shaikh Oseen Hajilal , Kumbhar Uday Shamrao , Suresh Chilaka , Gopal Balasubramanian
Published: January 2022

Hepatic haemangioma (HH) is a common benign tumour of the liver and is usually asymptomatic. HH causing isolated right-sided pleural effusion and bilateral pedal oedema due to inferior vena cava (IVC) compression have never been reported in the literature. We report a 35-year-old male patient who presented with breathlessness and mass per abdomen. On examination, the patient was found to have right-sided pleural effusion, bilateral pedal oedema, hepatomegaly. Contrast-enhanced CT showed compression of the IVC by the HH. The patient was managed with right-sided intercostal drain insertion for pleural effusion and hepatic artery embolisation. The patient improved gradually with reduced pleural effusion and resolving pedal oedema.
Time in range, as measured by continuous glucose monitor, as a predictor of microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review
Authors: Raj Rishi , Mishra Rahul , Jha Nivedita , Joshi Vivek , Correa Ricardo , Kern Philip A
Published: January 2022

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)-derived time in range (TIR) correlates with hemoglobin A1c (A1c) among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); however, there is a paucity of data evaluating its association with microvascular complications. We conducted this systematic review to examine the association between TIR and microvascular complications of diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic nephropathy (DN), and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). We conducted a comprehensive literature search on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science online databases following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Full-text original articles that evaluated the association between CGM-derived TIR and risk of microvascular complications and were published between 2010 and June 2021 were included in our systematic review. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies. Data were analyzed using qualitative synthesis. Eleven studies on a total of 13 987 patients were included in the systematic review. The median sample size, baseline A1c, and diabetes duration were 466 patients (range: 105–5901), 8.2% (SD 0.5%), and 11.3 years (1.0), respectively. Majority of the studies were conducted in Asia (10 out of 11). Four studies evaluated the relationship between CGM-derived TIR and DR and CGM-derived TIR and DN, while seven studies evaluated the relationship between CGM-derived TIR and DPN. A 10% increase in TIR was associated with a reduction in albuminuria, severity of DR, and prevalence of DPN and cardiac autonomic neuropathy. In addition, an association was observed between urinary albumin to creatinine ratio but not with estimated glomerular filtration rate. This review summarizes recent evidence supporting an association between CGM-derived TIR and microvascular complications among patients with T2DM. A larger-scale multicenter investigation that includes more diverse participants is warranted to further validate the utility of TIR as a predictor of diabetic microvascular complications.
Incidence, progression and risk factors of age-related macular degeneration in 35–95-year-old individuals from three jointly designed German cohort studies
Authors: Brandl Caroline , Günther Felix , Zimmermann Martina E , Hartmann Kathrin I , Eberlein Gregor , Barth Teresa , Winkler Thomas W , Linkohr Birgit , Heier Margit , Peters Annette , Li Jeany Q , Finger Robert P , Helbig Horst , Weber Bernhard H F , Küchenhoff Helmut , Mueller Arthur , Stark Klaus J , Heid Iris M
Published: January 2022

Objective

To estimate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) incidence/progression across a wide age range.

Methods and analysis

AMD at baseline and follow-up (colour fundus imaging, Three Continent AMD Consortium Severity Scale, 3CACSS, clinical classification, CC) was assessed for 1513 individuals aged 35–95 years at baseline from three jointly designed population-based cohorts in Germany:Kooperative Gesundheitsforschung in derRegionAugsburg (KORA-Fit, KORA-FF4) andAltersbezogeneUntersuchungen zurGesundheit derUniversitätRegensburg (AugUR) with 18-year, 14-year or 3-year follow-up, respectively. Baseline assessment included lifestyle, metabolic and genetic markers. We derived cumulative estimates, rates and risk factor association for: (1) incident early AMD, (2) incident late AMD among no AMD at baseline (definition 1), (3) incident late AMD among no/early AMD at baseline (definition 2), (4) progression from early to late AMD.

Results

Incidence/progression increased by age, except progression in 70+-year old. We observed 35–55-year-old with 3CACSS-based early AMD who progressed to late AMD. Predominant risk factor for incident late AMD definition 2 was early AMD followed by genetics and smoking. When separating incident late AMD definition 1 from progression (instead of combined as incident late AMD definition 2), estimates help judge an individual’s risk based on age and (3CACSS) early AMD status: for example, for a 65-year old, 3-year late AMD risk with no or early AMD is 0.5% or 7%, 3-year early AMD risk is 3%; for an 85-year old, these numbers are 0.5%, 21%, 12%, respectively. For CC-based ‘early/intermediate’ AMD, incidence was higher, but progression was lower.

Conclusion

We provide a practical guide for AMD risk for ophthalmology practice and healthcare management and document a late AMD risk for individuals aged <55 years.
How To Hospital: barriers to developing a patient ‘Hospital Survival Guide’ to support information transfer during ward-rounds on the patient journey from admission to hospital to discharge
Authors: Lewis Swyn , Jones Gwenlli Mai , Barach Paul , Tomos Hawys , Davies Mari , Eckley Buddug , Dowell Hannah Rebecca , Subbe Christian Peter
Published: January 2022

Clinicians can enable patients to actively participate in their care but communication with patients is often poor and highly variable. The aim of this study was to explore patients’ understanding of their current illness while in hospital and using a codesign process to create prototype tools to facilitate better communication during ward rounds.

A mixed-methods, multistep design with step 1: Application of a questionnaire addressing domains of care in the acute medical unit; step 2: Development of communication aids that were codesigned with active help of patients, students and a specialist in user centric design to address patient needs and step 3: Evaluation of tools with patients in four Plan–Do–Study–Act cycles.

In the initial survey of 30 patients 12 (40%) patients did not know what their diagnosis was and 5 (17%) did not know the results of recent key tests. 20 (67%) patients felt that staff communication and coordination could be improved.

An intervention was prototyped with four variations: (1) An A6 ward-round summary sheet completed by doctors during ward rounds. The system worked well but was highly person dependent. (2) An A4 patient-owned diary (‘How to Hospital’) that contained information about key processes in hospital and space to document conversations from rounds and prompts for questions. 10 patients read the diary and commented favourably but did not complete any pages. (3) ‘Diary-cards’: a basic set of information cards was given to patients on admission to hospital. (4) Patient specific ‘diary-cards’ were completed by clinicians—10 forms were piloted during rounds and improved subsequent day information retention of diagnosis to 80%.

Our study identified interventions that were feasible but remained person-dependent. The patients’ ownership of information in relation to their care might facilitate retention and satisfaction but the optimal format for these interventions for enhancing communication remains unclear.
Who should get the scarce ICU bed? The US public’s view on triage in the time of COVID-19
Authors: Cardenas Helena C , Carson Richard T , Hanemann Michael , Louviere Jordan J , Whittington Dale
Published: January 2022

Objective

To determine the relative importance members of the US public place on different patient attributes in triage decisions about who should receive the last available intensive care unit (ICU) bed.

Methods

A discrete choice experiment was conducted with a nationally representative sample of 2000 respondents from the YouGov internet panel of US households. Respondents chose which of three hypothetical patients with COVID-19 should receive an ICU bed if only one were available. The three patients differed in age, gender, Alzheimer’s-like disability and probability of survival if the patient received the ICU bed. An experimental design varied the values of the four attributes of the three hypothetical patients with COVID-19 that a respondent saw in four choice tasks.

Results

The most important patient attribute to respondents was the probability the patient survives COVID-19 if they get the ICU bed (OR CI: 4.41 to 6.91). There was heterogeneity among different age groups of respondents about how much age of the patient mattered. Respondents under 30 years of age were more likely to choose young patients and old patients, and less likely to select patients aged 40–60 years old. For respondents in the age group 30–49 years old, as the age of the patient declined, their preference for saving the patient declined modestly in a linear fashion.

Conclusions

Respondents favoured giving the last ICU bed available to the patient with the highest probability of surviving COVID-19. Public opinion suggests a simple guideline for physician choices based on likelihood of survival as opposed to the number of life-years saved. There was heterogeneity among respondents of different age groups for allocating the last ICU bed, as well as to the importance of the patient having an Alzheimer’s-like disability (where religion of the respondent is important) and the gender of the patient (where the gender and racial identity are important).
A core outcome set for damage control laparotomy via modified Delphi method
Authors: Byerly Saskya , Nahmias Jeffry , Stein Deborah M , Haut Elliott R , Smith Jason W , Gelbard Rondi , Ziesmann Markus , Boltz Melissa , Zarzaur Ben L , Bala Miklosh , Bernard Andrew , Brakenridge Scott , Brohi Karim , Collier Bryan , Burlew Clay Cothren , Cripps Michael , Crookes Bruce , Diaz Jose J , Duchesne Juan , Harvin John A , Inaba Kenji , Ivatury Rao , Kasten Kevin , Kerby Jeffrey D. , Lauerman Margaret , Loftus Tyler , Miller Preston R. , Scalea Thomas , Yeh D Dante
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Damage control laparotomy (DCL) remains an important tool in the trauma surgeon’s armamentarium. Inconsistency in reporting standards have hindered careful scrutiny of DCL outcomes. We sought to develop a core outcome set (COS) for DCL clinical studies to facilitate future pooling of data via meta-analysis and Bayesian statistics while minimizing reporting bias.

Methods

A modified Delphi study was performed using DCL content experts identified through Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST) ‘landmark’ DCL papers and EAST ad hoc COS task force consensus.

Results

Of 28 content experts identified, 20 (71%) participated in round 1, 20/20 (100%) in round 2, and 19/20 (95%) in round 3. Round 1 identified 36 potential COS. Round 2 achieved consensus on 10 core outcomes: mortality, 30-day mortality, fascial closure, days to fascial closure, abdominal complications, major complications requiring reoperation or unplanned re-exploration following closure, gastrointestinal anastomotic leak, secondary intra-abdominal sepsis (including anastomotic leak), enterocutaneous fistula, and 12-month functional outcome. Despite feedback provided between rounds, round 3 achieved no further consensus.

Conclusions

Through an electronic survey-based consensus method, content experts agreed on a core outcome set for damage control laparotomy, which is recommended for future trials in DCL clinical research. Further work is necessary to delineate specific tools and methods for measuring specific outcomes.

Level of evidence

V, criteria
High-speed 3D imaging using a chaos lidar system
Authors: Ho Hsin-Lin , Chen Jun-Da , Yang Ching-An , Liu Chia-Chi , Lee Cheng-Ting , Lai Yu-Hsiang , Lin Fan-Yi
Published: January 2022

We characterize a new chaos lidar system configuration and demonstrate its capability for high-speed 3D imaging. Compared with a homodyned scheme employing single-element avalanche photodetectors (APDs), the proposed scheme utilizes a fiber Bragg grating and quadrant APDs to substantially increase the system throughput, frame rate, and field-of-view. By quantitatively analyzing the signal-to-noise ratio, peak-to-standard deviation of the sidelobe level, precision, and detection probability, we show that the proposed scheme has better detection performance suitable for practical applications. To show the feasibility of the chaos lidar system, while under the constrain of eye-safe regulation, we demonstrate high-speed 3D imaging with indoor and outdoor scenes at a throughput of 100 kHz, a frame rate of 10 Hz, and a FOV of 24.5$$^\circ $$∘$$\times $$×11.5$$^\circ $$∘for the first time.
FRACTAL VARIATIONAL PRINCIPLES FOR TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF FRACTAL PLASMA MODELS WITH VARIABLE COEFFICIENTS
Authors: WANG KANG-LE , WANG HAO
Published: January 2022

In this paper, two different types of plasma models with variable coefficients are described by using the fractal derivative. This paper aims at establishing fractal variational principles for two different types of discontinuous plasma physics by the fractal semi-inverse method, so that it can be applied to numerical analysis of the effect of the discontinuous time and discontinuous space on the solution properties.
FLUID–STRUCTURE COUPLING SIMULATION OF EXPLOSIVE FLOW FIELD IN HETEROGENEOUS POROUS MEDIA BASED ON FRACTAL THEORY
Authors: ZHU QINGYONG , LU SHUN , LAI DONGHENG , SUN JUNJUN
Published: January 2022

In this paper, through finite difference and finite element coupling algorithms with structured grid, the fluid–structure coupling problems of the pressure of the fluid as well as stress and strain of the heterogeneous porous medium under the initial pressure of MPa magnitude are calculated, respectively. The porous medium is a cavity cylinder with fractal characteristics. The parameters of porosity, elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio of porous media with different fractal dimensions ([Formula: see text], 2.4 and 2.5) are obtained by theoretical calculation. Through theoretical derivation, the amplitude of WM function is expressed by the fractal parameter porosity, which can predict the uneven characteristics caused by the nonuniformity of pore size distribution after explosion. The results show that with the increase of fractal dimensions, the porosity increases, and both the elastic modulus and the Poisson’s ratio decrease. The Poisson’s ratio has a linear relationship with porosity, which is well consistent with the modified formula in the literature. Under the same initial pressure, the stress and strain values of the material without fractal characteristics are much larger than those of the material with fractal feature which has an obvious fluctuation by extracting the average values. It indicates that the fractal porous media with rough surface can effectively reduce the pressure wave peak at the wall surface, and reduce the size of the stress and strain concentrations to prevent the vibration of the cylinder. As expected, if the initial pressure increases with an equal fractal dimension, the stress and strain values of the fluid–structure coupling will increase too. When the initial pressure is equal, the peak value of pressure in wall decreases gradually with the increase of fractal dimension, and the stress and strain values also decrease.
FRACTAL TOPOGRAPHY AND COMPLEXITY ASSEMBLY IN MULTIFRACTALS
Authors: JIN YI , ZHENG JUNLING , DONG JIABIN , WANG QIAOQIAO , LIU YONGHE , WANG BAOYU , SONG HUIBO
Published: January 2022

Multifractals are the general form of scale invariances, where a fractal behavior is repeated by a similar object or pattern. Although the multifractal spectrum has been accepted as a measure of behavioral complexity, it cannot solely determine a fractal behavior, thus leaving the control mechanisms of multifractality unclarified. Here, we reexamine the multifractality, and discover two key features of scaling behaviors in the fractal behavior, i.e. multiplicity and repetition. Afterwards, we establish multifractal topography to unify the scale-invariance definition of arbitrary fractal behavior, clarify the physical meaning of singularity and its significance, construct a scale-invariance tree to delineate the control mechanisms in fractality, and then identify multifractals to be dual-complexity systems with the original and behavioral complexities controlling the scaling type and the scale-invariance property independently. This study gives insight into quantitative fractal theory and provides fundamental support for the mechanism exploration of nonlinear dynamics.
AN INSIGHT ON THE FRACTAL POWER LAW FLOW: FROM A HAUSDORFF VECTOR CALCULUS PERSPECTIVE
Authors: YANG XIAO-JUN
Published: January 2022

In the paper, we suggest the Hausdorff vector calculus based on the Chen Hausdorff calculus for the first time. The Gauss–Ostrogradsky-like, Stokes-like, and Green-like theorems, and Green-like identities are obtained in the framework of the Hausdorff vector calculus. The formula is proposed as a mathematical tool to describe the real-world problems for the fractal power-law flow equations with the anomalous diffusion equation. A conjecture for the fractal power-law flow equations analogous to the Smale’s 15th problem and one of Millennium Prize Problems for the Navier–Stokes equations is also addressed.
ON THE HITTING PROBABILITIES OF LIMSUP RANDOM FRACTALS
Authors: HU ZHANG-NAN , CHENG WEN-CHIAO , LI BING
Published: January 2022

Let [Formula: see text] be a limsup random fractal with indices [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text]. We determine the hitting probability [Formula: see text] for any analytic set [Formula: see text] with the condition [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] denotes the Hausdorff dimension. This extends the correspondence of Khoshnevisan et al.1 by relaxing the condition that the probability [Formula: see text] of choosing each dyadic hyper-cube is homogeneous and [Formula: see text] exists. We also present some counterexamples to show the Hausdorff dimension in condition [Formula: see text] cannot be replaced by the packing dimension.
A SCALING LAW CHAOTIC SYSTEM
Authors: YANG XIAO-JUN
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we propose an anomalous chaotic system of the scaling-law (SL) ordinary differential equations involving the Mandelbrot SL. This chaotic behavior shows the “Wukong” effect. The comparison among the Lorenz and SL attractors is discussed in detail. We also suggest the conjecture for the fixed point theory for the fractal SL attractor. The SL chaos may be open a new door in the study of the chaos theory.
STUDY ON MICROSTRUCTURAL EVOLUTION OF ROCK FRACTURES UNDER MULTI-FIELD INTERACTIONS
Authors: YE DAYU , LIU GUANNAN , YU BOMING , ZHOU ZONGQING , GAO CHENGLU , GAO FENG
Published: January 2022

The complex rock fracture structures in reservoirs play an important role during methane extraction. However, there is still a challenge to elucidate the impacts of adsorption–desorption, rock expansion, and thermal conduction on the microstructures under thermal–hydrological–mechanical interactions. In this paper, fractal theory for porous media was applied to characterize the structures of rock fractures, and the fracture fractal dimension [Formula: see text] was adopted to analyze the density of fractures and the microstructural evolution. We developed a coupled thermal–hydrological–mechanical model enabling simultaneous analysis of rock fracture microstructures and multi-physical field effects. Furthermore, we analyzed the evolution of the fracture fractal dimension with the reservoir parameter effects, including: (1) methane extraction process; (2) reservoir stress; (3) pore pressure; and (4) reservoir temperature. We also calculated the effects of physical and mechanical factors on the above parameters, including (1) adsorption constant; (2) the in-situ stress; and (3) thermal expansion coefficient. The present results indicate that various characteristic parameters have multiple effects on the microstructures of rock fractures. It was found that the fractal dimension is inversely proportional to the reservoir stress, the gas pressure, and the reservoir temperature.
ANALYTICAL ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY MODELS FOR SINGLE-PHASE AND MULTI-PHASE FRACTAL POROUS MEDIA
Authors: SONG WENHUI , PRODANOVIĆ MAŠA , YAO JUN , ZHANG KAI , WANG QIQI
Published: January 2022

Archie’s law is commonly applied to predict electrical conductivity of rock by correlating the homogeneous, water-wet reservoir rock conductivity with its porosity and saturation. However, Archie’s law is an empirical model consisting of unknown cementation exponent and saturation exponent. In this study, we propose analytical electrical conductivity models for both single-phase and multi-phase porous media based on the fractal theory. The established electrical conductivity model for fractal porous media saturated with a single fluid phase is the function of several factors including pore fluid electrical conductivity, porosity, pore fractal dimension and tortuosity fractal dimension. The established electrical conductivity model for fractal porous media containing multiple fluid phases is the function of wetting fluid saturation, contact angle and pore shape apart from the factors for saturated fractal porous media condition. The calculated formation factor based on the proposed model correlates well with the sandstone experimental data.
Lipid–Protein Interactions in Plasma Membrane Organization and Function
Authors: Sych Taras , Levental Kandice R. , Sezgin Erdinc
Published: January 2022

Lipid–protein interactions in cells are involved in various biological processes, including metabolism, trafficking, signaling, host–pathogen interactions, and transmembrane transport. At the plasma membrane, lipid–protein interactions play major roles in membrane organization and function. Several membrane proteins have motifs for specific lipid binding, which modulate protein conformation and consequent function. In addition to such specific lipid–protein interactions, protein function can be regulated by the dynamic, collective behavior of lipids in membranes. Emerging analytical, biochemical, and computational technologies allow us to study the influence of specific lipid–protein interactions, as well as the collective behavior of membranes on protein function. In this article, we review the recent literature on lipid–protein interactions with a specific focus on the current state-of-the-art technologies that enable novel insights into these interactions.
Social Epidemiology: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Diez Roux Ana V.
Published: January 2022

In a context where epidemiologic research has been heavily influenced by a biomedical and individualistic approach, the naming of “social epidemiology” allowed explicit emphasis on the social production of disease as a powerful explanatory paradigm and as critically important for interventions to improve population health. This review briefly highlights key substantive areas of focus in social epidemiology over the past 30 years, reflects on major advances and insights, and identifies challenges and possible future directions. Future opportunities for social epidemiology include grounding research in theoretically based and systemic conceptual models of the fundamental social drivers of health; implementing a scientifically rigorous yet realistic approach to drawing conclusions about social causes; using complementary methods to generate valid explanations and identify effective actions; leveraging the power of harmonization, replication, and big data; extending interdisciplinarity and diversity; advancing emerging critical approaches to understanding the health impacts of systemic racism and its policy implications; going global; and embracing a broad approach to generating socially useful research.
Electrochemical Passivation Properties of Valve Transition Metal Carbides
Authors: Göhl Daniel , Rueß Holger , Mingers Andrea M. , Mayrhofer Karl J. J. , Schneider Jochen M. , Ledendecker Marc
Published: January 2022

Transition metal carbides have the potential to be employed as corrosion protective coating for a variety of applications such as e.g. steel based bipolar plates, porous transport layers or as catalyst support in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells and water electrolyzers. Yet, little is known of their fundamental, intrinsic corrosion and passivation properties. Herein, we conducted a detailed electrochemical passivation study of various valve transition metal carbides such as titanium carbide, tantalum carbide or tungsten carbide. Via flow cell measurements coupled to an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, the in situ transition metal dissolution was monitored, and the faradaic dissolution efficiency was calculated. Together with the determination of the grown oxide layer via X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, a thorough evaluation of the passivation efficiency was conducted. Moreover, it was shown that a beneficial stabilization effect can be achieved through alloying of different carbides which paves the way towards tailor-made coatings or catalyst support materials.
Direct Electrodeposition of Carbon Dots Modifying Bismuth Film Electrode for Sensitive Detection of Cd2+ and Pb2+
Authors: Zhang Hao , Cui Jun , Zeng Yuxin , Zhang Yu , Pei Yuansheng
Published: January 2022

A sensitive, selective, and stable sensor for the simultaneous determination of Cd2+ and Pb2+ in aqueous solution has been developed based on the carbon dots (CDs) and Nafion-modified bismuth film glassy carbon electrode (GCE). High graphitized CDs prepared by the sulfuric acid-assisted hydrothermal synthesis were directly electrodeposited on the GCE surface by cyclic voltammetry. Compared with the conventional bismuth film electrodes, CDs greatly improved the electrochemical activity of the bismuth film electrode for the detection of Cd2+ and Pb2+. After decorating CDs, the surface impedance of the GCE was decreased from 10.9 kΩ to 4.84 kΩ. Meanwhile, the corresponding response currents of the Bi/GCE were increased over 7.4 and 2.4 times for Cd2+ and Pb2+ with a wide linear range of 0.05–0.50 mg l−1, respectively. High sensitivity was obtained with the detection limits of 3.1 μg l−1 (Cd2+) and 2.3 μg l−1 (Pb2+). Moreover, good stability was obtained for the simultaneous determination of Cd2+ and Pb2+ in the practical underground water with the relative standard deviations less than 10%. The results indicated that the CDs-modified bismuth film electrode could potentially be applied to detect the heavy metal ion concentrations in practical environment.
Cardanol-Based Salophen-Modified Electrode for Analysing Nitric Oxide Bioavailability under Nitrosative Stress Conditions
Authors: Reis Aristides A. P. , Santos André O. , Souza Antônio A. G. , Arrais Junior Luiz C. C. , Facundo Heberty T. , Sousa Joyce E. A. , Mazzetto Selma E. , Clemente Claudenilson S. , Carvalho Francisco A. O. , Oliveira Thiago M. B. F.
Published: January 2022

High levels of nitric oxide (NO) can signal nitrosative stress, but its analysis is challenging considering the high reactivity, short half-life and transient behavior of this target molecule in biological milieu. In this work, a cardanol-based salophen-modified carbon paste electrode (CDN-salophen/MCPE) was developed and successfully applied to assess NO bioavailability in blood plasma of mice under induced stress. The results revealed that the modifier improved the device performance in terms of signal-to-noise ratio, charge-transport and fouling resistance. NO reactivity on CDN-salophen/MCPE was higher in 0.1 mol l‒1 H2SO4, and the resulting redox process involves adsorption steps that control the reaction kinetics. Monitoring molecule oxidation by square-wave voltammetry (100 s−1 frequency, 30 mV amplitude, 2 mV scan increment, after electrode preconditioning at 0.9 V for 15 s for analyte accumulation), it was possible to identify and quantify NO with great sensitivity (detection and quantification limit < 0.1 μmol l‒1) and low data variance (RSD ≤ 9.4% for repeatability and reproducibility tests), through a simple, fast and reliable electroanalytical protocol. The robustness acquired with CDN-salophen/MCPE allowed to detect changes in NO content in blood plasma during nitrosative stress, proving its efficiency for research on this subject.
Worrisome Exaggeration of Activity of Electrocatalysts Destined for Steady-State Water Electrolysis by Polarization Curves from Transient Techniques
Authors: Anantharaj Sengeni , Kundu Subrata , Noda Suguru
Published: January 2022

Cyclic and linear sweep voltammetry techniques substantially misjudge the performance of water splitting electrocatalysts due to their transient nature that forbids the interface from reaching a steady-state. This misjudgment leads to the potentially detrimental yet unwittingly falsified data accumulation in the literature that requires immediate attention. Alternatively, sampled-current voltammetry (SCV) constructed from steady-state responses is advised to be widely adopted for screening electrocatalysts that are actually destined for steady-state operations. To show that this exaggeration is universal, a well-characterized activated SS, coprecipitated Co(OH)2, and Pt foil electrodes are studied for OER and HER in 1.0 M KOH. The results urge that it is time to adopt a relatively more precise alternative technique such as SCV.
Impact of Energy Price Distortion on Green TFP Based on Spatial Econometric Model
Authors: Guan Huayu , Xing Mengyue
Published: January 2022

With environmental regulation as the intermediary, this paper studies the influence mechanism and mediating effect of energy price distortion on green total factor productivity. On the basis of the panel data of 30 provinces in China (except Tibet, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan), the research results from the study of panel and spatial metrology show that energy price distortion has a significant negative effect on the improvement of green total factor productivity. Different environmental regulation tools have different impacts, and the impact effect of fiscal energy conservation and environmental protection expenditure is better than that of pollution punishment. The transmission effect of energy price on environmental regulation policies is different when environmental regulation is the intermediary. The increase of the degree of energy price distortion will increase the financial expenditure of energy conservation and environmental protection, while the energy factor price will increase the green total factor productivity with the increase of pollution punishment.
Nonexpansive Mappings on New Premodular Special Space of Sequences
Authors: Bakery Awad A. , S. K. Mohamed OM Kalthum
Published: January 2022

For different premodular, which is a generalization of modular, defined by weighted Orlicz sequence space and its prequasi operator ideal, we have examined the existence of a fixed point for both Kannan contraction and nonexpansive mappings acting on these spaces. Some numerous numerical experiments and practical applications are presented to support our results.
Dual‐Energy Computed Tomography Imaging in Early‐Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Li Jinping , Zhao Sheng , Ling Zaisheng , Li Daqing , Jia Guangsheng , Zhao Chenglei , Lin Xue , Dai Yanmei , Jiang Huijie , Wang Song
Published: January 2022

Background. This study aims to evaluate the application of dual‐energy computed tomography (DECT) for multiparameter quantitative measurement in early‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods. The study retrospectively enrolled 30 patients with early‐stage HCC and 43 patients with early‐stage HCC who received radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and underwent abdomen enhanced CT scans in GSI mode. The GSI viewer was used for image display and data analysis. The regions of interest (ROIs) were delineated in the arterial phase and the venous phase. The optimal single energy value, CT values on different energy levels (40 keV, 70 keV, 100 keV, and 140 keV), the optimal energy level, the slope of the spectral attenuation curve, the effective atomic number (Zeff), iodine concentration (IC), water concentration (WC), normalized iodine concentration (NIC), and normalized water concentration (NWC) are measured and quantitatively analyzed. Results. The CT values of early‐stage HCC at different single energy levels in dual phases were significantly different, and the single energy values were negatively correlated with the CT values. In the arterial phase and the venous phase, the optimal energy values for the best contrast‐to‐noise ratio were (68.34 ± 3.20) keV and (70.14 ± 2.01) keV, respectively. The slope of the spectral attenuation curve showed a downward trend at 40 keV, 70 keV, 100 keV, and 140 keV, but there was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). Zeff was positively correlated with IC and standardized IC, but has no significant correlation with WC and NWC in dual phases. Conclusion. DECT imaging contains multiparameter information and has different application values for early‐stage HCC, and it is necessary to select the parameters reasonably for personalized and comprehensive evaluation.
Nanoscale Modification of Titanium Implants Improves Behaviors of Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Osteogenesis In Vivo
Authors: Li Huangdi , Huang Jinghui , Wang Yanpeng , Chen Ziyuan , Li Xing , Wei Qiuping , Liu Xifeng , Wang Zi , Wen Bin , Zhao Yuetao , Liu Jing , Zuo Jun
Published: January 2022

The surficial micro/nanotopography and physiochemical properties of titanium implants are essential for osteogenesis. However, these surface characters’ influence on stem cell behaviors and osteogenesis is still not fully understood. In this study, titanium implants with different surface roughness, nanostructure, and wettability were fabricated by further nanoscale modification of sandblasted and acid-etched titanium (SLA: sandblasted and acid-etched) by H2O2 treatment (hSLAs: H2O2 treated SLA). The rat bone mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs: rat bone mesenchymal stem cells) are cultured on SLA and hSLA surfaces, and the cell behaviors of attachment, spreading, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation are further analyzed. Measurements of surface characteristics show hSLA surface is equipped with nanoscale pores on microcavities and appeared to be hydrophilic. In vitro cell studies demonstrated that the hSLA titanium significantly enhances cell response to attachment, spreading, and proliferation. The hSLAs with proper degree of H2O2 etching (h1SLA: treating SLA with H2O2 for 1 hour) harvest the best improvement of differentiation of rBMSCs. Finally, the osteogenesis in beagle dogs was tested, and the h1SLA implants perform much better bone formation than SLA implants. These results indicate that the nanoscale modification of SLA titanium surface endowing nanostructures, roughness, and wettability could significantly improve the behaviors of bone mesenchymal stem cells and osteogenesis on the scaffold surface. These nanoscale modified SLA titanium scaffolds, fabricated in our study with enhanced cell affinity and osteogenesis, had great potential for implant dentistry.
The Effect of Electroacupuncture Treatment with Different Intensities for Functional Diarrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Xu Xiaohu , Zhang Mingmin , Wu Xiao , Zheng Cuihong , Huang Guangying
Published: January 2022

Background. Electroacupuncture (EA) may have a role in the treatment of diarrhea symptoms. However, the efficacy and safety of EA with different current intensities in improving gastrointestinal function, psychology, and quality of life (QOL) of functional diarrhea (FD) remain unknown. Objective. To investigate the efficacy and safety of EA with different current intensities in improving gastrointestinal function, psychology, and QOL for FD patients. Methods. 73 FD patients were randomly divided into three groups: low current intensity group (LI) of EA, high current intensity group (HI) of EA, and loperamide control group (LC). Four weeks of treatment were provided in the three groups. The primary outcome was the proportion of normal defecation. Additional outcomes included the change from baseline for the weekly spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) and the change from baseline for the mean Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). QOL was assessed by the 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36). Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) were used to assess the psychology state. Results. Low current intensity of EA significantly improved the proportion of normal defecation during treatment and follow-up period (

P
<
0.01

). EA significantly improves the mean BSFS scores and weekly SBMs, and this efficacy is equivalent to loperamide (

P
<
0.05

). The SF-36 scores of general health in LI and HI groups and vitality and mental health in LI group were significantly increased compared to baseline (

P
<
0.05

). Low current intensity of EA can significantly improve SAS and SDS scores (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusions. EA significantly improved stool consistency and weekly SBMs in FD patients. Compared with loperamide, low current intensity of EA may have a better sustainable effect in restoring normal defecation in patients with FD, and it can also effectively improve QOL, anxiety, and depression. However, larger sample sizes are needed to determine safety and efficacy. Trial registration number: NCT01274793.
Hydrogen Sulfide Attenuates the Cognitive Dysfunction in Parkinson’s Disease Rats via Promoting Hippocampal Microglia M2 Polarization by Enhancement of Hippocampal Warburg Effect
Authors: Tian Qing , Tang Hui-Ling , Tang Yi-Yun , Zhang Ping , Kang Xuan , Zou Wei , Tang Xiao-Qing
Published: January 2022

Identification of innovative therapeutic targets for the treatment of cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is urgently needed. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays an important role in cognitive function. Therefore, this work is aimed at investigating whether H2S attenuates the cognitive impairment in PD and the underlying mechanisms. In the rotenone- (ROT-) established PD rat model, NaHS (a donor of H2S) attenuated the cognitive impairment and promoted microglia polarization from M1 towards M2 in the hippocampus of PD rats. NaHS also dramatically upregulated the Warburg effect in the hippocampus of PD rats. 2-Deoxyglucose (2-DG, an inhibitor of the Warburg effect) abolished NaHS-upregulated Warburg effect in the hippocampus of PD rats. Moreover, the inhibited hippocampal Warburg effect by 2-DG abrogated H2S-excited the enhancement of hippocampal microglia M2 polarization and the improvement of cognitive function in ROT-exposed rats. Our data demonstrated that H2S inhibits the cognitive dysfunction in PD via promoting microglia M2 polarization by enhancement of hippocampal Warburg effect.
[Retracted] A Study of the Spatial Effects of Financial Support and Economic Growth under Optimal Control of Nonlinear Generalized Complex Systems
Authors: Tang Xuexue
Published: January 2022

This paper provides an in‐depth analysis and study of the spatial effects of financial support and economic growth with the help of nonlinear generalized complex systems. Taking the industrial sector as the research object and combining the relevant contents of neoclassical investment theory, information economics, and institutional economics, this paper clearly defines and argues that the main feature of current financial policy is financial constraint rather than financial inhibition based on an in‐depth understanding of the theoretical connotation and policy rationality of financial constraint and, as a premise, further analyzes the financial constraint policy causing excessive investment and capital mismatch in the corporate sector. It further analyzes the mechanism of the role of financial constraint policies in causing overinvestment and capital mismatch in the corporate sector and conducts empirical tests from three research perspectives of measuring investment efficiency, output efficiency of investment, allocation efficiency of industry capital, and investment behavior of microenterprises, and finally puts forward relevant policy recommendations in conjunction with the evaluation of the efficiency of financial constraint policies. This paper selects three dimensions of the financial system, namely, financial structure, financial efficiency, and financial scale, and studies the adaptability between these three dimensions and the development of the real economy, respectively, and then uses different empirical methods to analyze the dynamic adaptability effects between the development of the real economy and these three dimensions of the financial system and finally explores the way of adaptability between the financial system and the development of the real economy. This paper provides a medium and micro theoretical basis and new empirical evidence for understanding the importance of financial system reform on economic growth and also opens up a space for exploring the exit path of financial constraints and using interest rate marketization as a general grip to reasonably guide financial resources to achieve economic transformation and upgrading and sustainable and healthy development through supporting high‐quality investment, using more interprovincial level data in the analysis, so it is more comprehensive and detailed than previous scholars’ studies. The examination is more comprehensive and detailed than previous scholars’ studies.
Role of NETosis in Central Nervous System Injury
Authors: Chen Yituo , Zhang Haojie , Hu Xinli , Cai Wanta , Ni Wenfei , Zhou Kailiang
Published: January 2022

Central nervous system (CNS) injury is divided into brain injury and spinal cord injury and remains the most common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Previous reviews have defined numerous inflammatory cells involved in this process. In the human body, neutrophils comprise the largest numbers of myeloid leukocytes. Activated neutrophils release extracellular web-like DNA amended with antimicrobial proteins called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The formation of NETs was demonstrated as a new method of cell death called NETosis. As the first line of defence against injury, neutrophils mediate a variety of adverse reactions in the early stage, and we consider that NETs may be the prominent mediators of CNS injury. Therefore, exploring the specific role of NETs in CNS injury may help us shed some light on early changes in the disease. Simultaneously, we discovered that there is a link between NETosis and other cell death pathways by browsing other research, which is helpful for us to establish crossroads between known cell death pathways. Currently, there is a large amount of research concerning NETosis in various diseases, but the role of NETosis in CNS injury remains unknown. Therefore, this review will introduce the role of NETosis in CNS injury, including traumatic brain injury, cerebral ischaemia, CNS infection, Alzheimer’s disease, and spinal cord injury, by describing the mechanism of NETosis, the evidence of NETosis in CNS injury, and the link between NETosis and other cell death pathways. Furthermore, we also discuss some agents that inhibit NETosis as therapies to alleviate the severity of CNS injury. NETosis may be a potential target for the treatment of CNS injury, so exploring NETosis provides a feasible therapeutic option for CNS injury in the future.