bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of percutaneous revascularization practice in the United States and the United Kingdom: Insights from the BMC2 and BCIS databases
Authors: Wanamaker Brett L. , Shoaib Ahmad , Seth Milan , Sukul Devraj , Mamas Mamas A. , Gurm Hitinder S.
Published: February 2023

Background

International registry comparisons provide insight into regional differences in clinical practice patterns, procedural outcomes, and general trends in population health and resource utilization in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We sought to compare data from a state‐wide PCI registry in the United States with a national registry from the United Kingdom (UK).

Methods

We analyzed all PCI cases from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cardiovascular Consortium and the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society registries from 2010 to 2017. Procedural characteristics and in‐hospital outcomes were stratified by PCI indication.

Results

A total of 248,283 cases were performed in Michigan and 773,083 in the United Kingdom during the study period. The proportion of patients with a prior diagnosis of diabetes in Michigan was nearly double that in the United Kingdom (38.9% vs. 21.0%). PCI for ST‐elevation myocardial infarction was more frequent in the UK (25% UK vs. 14.3% Michigan). Radial access increased in both registries, reaching 86.8% in the United Kingdom versus 45.1% in Michigan during the final study year. Mechanical support utilization was divergent, falling to 0.9% of cases in the United Kingdom and rising to 3.95% of cases in Michigan in 2017. Unadjusted crude mortality rates were similar in the two cohorts, with higher rates of post‐PCI transfusion and other complications in the Michigan population.

Conclusions

In a real‐world comparison using PCI registries from the US and UK, notable findings include marked differences in the prevalence of diabetes and other comorbidities, a greater proportion of primary PCI with more robust adoption of transradial PCI in the United Kingdom, and divergent trends in mechanical support with increasing use in Michigan.
TBAI‐Catalysed Formal [4+4]‐Cycloaddition: Easy Access to Oxa‐Bridged Eight‐Membered Heterocycles
Authors: Wang Wenxiang , Pi Chao , Cui Xiuling , Wu Yangjie
Published: February 2023

TBAI‐catalysed [4+4]‐cyclization reaction of anthranils with hydrazones to deliver oxa‐bridged eight‐membered heterocycles in accepted yields was developed. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicated that the reaction involved the in situ generation of vinyldiazenes from readily available hydrazones followed by an aza‐Michael addition of the anthranil substrates onto the vinyldiazenes and subsequent annulation. This transformation involved the formation of two new C−N bonds and C−O bond in one pot, overcoming the synthetic limitations of anthranils in organic chemistry. This strategy benefits from high efficiency and atomic economy with mild reaction conditions.
Total Synthesis of Starfish Cyclic Steroid Glycosides. Part 3, Formal Total Synthesis of Luzonicosides A and D
Authors: Zhu Dapeng , Geng Mingyu , Shen Dacheng , Yu Biao
Published: February 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Luzonicosides A (1) and D (2) are the major saponins isolated from pacific starfish Echinaster Luzonicus, featuring a sterically congested 16‐membered ring which is formed by bridging the C3 and C6 of a 3β,6β‐dihydroxy‐Δ7‐ene steroid with a 1,2‐trans‐linked linear trisaccharide via glycosidic and ether bonds, respectively. Here, we describe a formal total synthesis of starfish cyclic steroid glycosides 1 and 2. The synthetic route is highly modular and versatile, involving construction of the 16‐membered macrocycles via Au(I)‐catalyzed intramolecular glycosylation, highly efficient installation of unsaturated sugar moieties with ortho‐hexynylbenzoates, elaboration of glucuronic acid unit via post‐oxidation, and a de novo synthesis of the ether‐linked pyranose unit.
Demographic characteristics and clinical presentation of infants with infantile epileptic spasms syndrome and their response to therapy: Data from Sri Lanka Infantile Spasms Registry
Authors: Wanigasinghe Jithangi , Hewawitharana Gemunu , Ratnayake Pyara , Wijesekera Saraji , Weeraratne Chathurika , Jayawickrama Ashan , Jayawardena Jayasanka
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Infantile epileptic spasm syndrome (IESS) is an epileptic encephalopathy with often devastating developmental consequences. Most children with IESS have a known etiology, although differing in proportion by geographical settings. Therefore, registries are useful to understand the characteristics of IESS in different countries. The Sri Lanka Infantile Spasms Registry (SLISR) was established to study the demographics and etiology of infants with IESS and their response to therapy in a resource‐limited country.

Methods

Five pediatric neurologists (out of nine) in different parts of the country prospectively recruited children with IESS. The etiology was evaluated using the services available in each setting. Response to treatment for standard (adrenal corticotropic hormone, prednisolone, or vigabatrin) versus nonstandard medications was evaluated at two and six weeks.

Results

Included in the current analysis were 270 children who were registered since 2017. Median age at presentation was 5.36 months (SD 3.6). The mean interval between seizure onset and treatment onset was 1.7 months (SD 1.3). A sizable proportion of the children (61.2%) did not complete the evaluation of etiology. Structural brain abnormality was the most frequently identified etiology in those who were evaluated (38.8%); hypoxic‐ischemic injury was the most common antecedent. The majority of the patients (86%) received a recommended standard therapy as the first treatment, with prednisolone being the most frequent choice. By treatment day 14, the first treatment had achieved spasm control in 63.8% and an electro‐clinical response in 43.6%. While both standard therapies led to positive outcomes, oral prednisolone produced the best therapeutic response.

Conclusion

We describe the etiologies, treatment choices, and response to first‐line medications in a large group of children with IESS from a South Asian country. Although most patients received a recommended first‐line therapy (most often prednisolone), a sizable number initially received nonstandard therapy. Our data illustrate the challenges in the management of IESS in a resource‐limited environment.
Methodological Investigation of the Band Gap Determination of Solid Semiconductors via UV/Vis Spectroscopy
Authors: Welter Eike S. , Garg Seema , Gläser Roger , Goepel Michael
Published: February 2023

Several different evaluation methods (EM) to obtain the band gap energy (Eg) of semiconductors via UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) are used in literature and no clear consensus which EM to use is established. By using P25 as a model semiconductor, evaluating 32 literature sources and our own experiments, we show that the determined Eg energy is heavily influenced by the EM (differences in Eg of up to 0.87 eV). For P25 loaded with CuO even contradictive effects of metal loading on the Eg are observed using different EM. Different phase compositions of TiO2 are also shown to yield EM‐dependent results. This paper thus comprehensively investigates the most common EM on different relevant photocatalyst material classes, illustrates their mathematical and graphical determination, gives recommendations which method to use based on a quantitative indicator and illustrates common pitfalls in determining Eg via UV/Vis DRS.
Breeding of Fructilactobacillus sanfranciscensis with excellent ethanol tolerance based on adaptive evolution technology
Authors: Liu Yan , Danial Muhammad , Dong Huixin , Zhang Min , Jia Ru , Zhang Guohua
Published: February 2023

Fructilactobacillus (F.) sanfranciscensis LS1 is one of the dominant strains in sourdough. Ethanol produced during fermentation is an inevitable stress factor for this stain. At present, the research on the mechanism of ethanol stress in lactic acid bacteria is limited compared to yeast species (particularly Saccharomyces (S.) cerevisiae). In this study microbial physiology and protein expression analysis technology was used. F. sanfranciscensis LS1 served as the original bacteria, and evolutionary bacteria LS1‐1 were obtained by adaptive evolution. The comparison of the two strains' growth, survival rate, morphology, hydrophobicity, cohesive force and protein expression revealed that the evolved bacteria had a significantly higher ethanol tolerance than the original bacteria. Similarly, the hydrophobicity of evolved bacteria was increased about 6.6 times than that of the original bacteria. With an increase in ethanol concentration, the level of damage on evolved bacteria was less, and the total proportion of damaged cells decreased. After 8 h of culturing, the self‐cohesion of the evolved strain was 1.29 times more than the original strain. Sodium dodecyl‐sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis has shown that the number of protein bands of the evolved bacteria LS1‐1 increased significantly, indicating that the associated proteins were expressed more and the strain's ability to resist environmental pressure was improved.
Forecasting air quality index considering socioeconomic indicators and meteorological factors: A data granularity perspective
Authors: Wang Chih‐Hsuan , Chang Chia‐Rong
Published: February 2023

Forecasting air quality index (AQI) is critically important to provide a basis for government policy makers, especially in public health, smart transportation, energy management, economic development, and sustainable environments. In reality, AQI consists of various components, such as PM2.5, PM10, CO, NO2, and SO2. Although numerous methods have been presented, few studies concurrently considered the causalities of socioeconomic indicators and meteorological factors and different data granularities. The aggregate AQI of Taiwan comprises five representative cities: Taipei, Hsinchu, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. Research findings identify seasonal factors, carbon power generation, steel and metal production, highway cargo load, the number of registered cars, and retail and manufacturing employment population as the key indicators to predict the monthly AQI of Taiwan. For the daily AQI of Hsinchu and the hourly AQI of Kaohsiung, PM2.5, PM10, O3, ambient temperature, humidity, wind speed, wind direction, and pollutants (CO, NO2, and SO2) are recognized. Deep learning significantly outperforms machine learning in the hourly AQI while it performs slightly better in the daily AQI. With the presented framework, governments can balance the trade‐offs between economic development and environmental sustainability.
Ononin alleviates DSS‐induced colitis through inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome via triggering mitophagy
Authors: Yu Ting , Lu Xuejia , Liang Yan , Yang Lin , Yin Yuehan , Chen Hong
Published: February 2023

Background: Ononin, a flavonoid isolated from Astragalus membranaceus root, is the active ingredient of A. membranaceus and has potential anti‐inflammatory properties, but its effect on colitis is unclear. Aims: This study aimed to explore the anticolitis effect of Ononin by establishing a colitis model in mice induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were provided DSS, then treated with Ononin (10, 20, 40 mg/kg) or 5‐ASA (40 mg/kg). The colitis symptoms were observed, the disease activity index (DAI) score were recorded daily, and colonic inflammation was evaluted by histopathological scoring. The expression of cytokines, inflammatory mediators, and mitophagy/NLRP3 inflammasome‐related proteins were measured. Results: Ononin significantly alleviated weight loss and colon shortening in mice with colitis (p < .01). Moreover, Ononin decreased the production of inflammatory cytokines and mediators associated with colitis (p < .05). In addition, Ononin inhibited macrophages infiltration and reduced caspase‐1 activation in colitis mice. Caspase‐1 activation is closely related to the NLRP3 inflammasome. Therefore, we investigated the effect of Ononin on NLRP3 inflammasome in vitro. The relevant results confirmed that Ononin inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and inhibited mitochondrial damage (p < .05). Further studies revealed that Ononin inhibited mitochondrial damage through triggering mitophagy (p < .05). Conclusion: Ononin alleviates DSS‐induced colitis by activating mitophagy to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome.
In lupus cystitis, is the urinary tract dilated or obstructed?
Authors: Abe Yoshiyuki , Kawamata Nozomi , Makiyama Ayako , Ashizawa Takeshi , Hayashi Takuo , Tamura Naoto
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Lupus cystitis is a rare but serious complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that can cause permanent bladder dysfunction, leading to irreversible deterioration of kidney function. We report two cases of SLE with lupus cystitis who showed different images from the same cause of disease.

Methods

Patient 1, a 67‐year‐old woman diagnosed with SLE presented with persistent dysuria for 3 weeks with sudden headache and vomiting. She was hospitalized because of acute kidney injury; the serum creatinine level was 10.68 mg/dL. Computed tomography (CT) showed significant bilateral ureteral stenosis and bilateral hydronephrosis. Patient 2, a 45‐year‐old woman diagnosed with SLE presented with dysuria requiring self‐catheterization. CT showed significant bilateral ureteral dilatation and bilateral hydronephrosis.

Results

In patient 1, the right kidney was afunctional. Left nephrostomy was performed on Day 2. Her serum creatinine returned to the normal range. In patient 2, After admission, she changed to an indwelling bladder catheter. Her serum creatinine level improved from 2.04 to 1.31 mg/dL.

Conclusion

In patients with lupus cystitis, the urinary tract is commonly dilated, but stenosis has been seen in rare case. Physicians should be careful in diagnosing it.
Loss of SENP3 mediated the formation of nasal polyps in nasal mucosal inflammation by increasing alternative activated macrophage
Authors: Bao Ximing , Liu Bin , Jiang Yongquan , Feng Tingting , Cao Wanxin , Shi Jiali , Jiang Yiming , Chen Xiaorui , Yang Jie , Li Jiping , Zhou Zheng
Published: February 2023

Background and Aim

Small ubiquitin–like modifier (SUMO)‐specific protease (SENP)3 is a protease molecule that responds to reactive oxygen species (ROS) with high sensitivity. However, the role of ROS and SENP3 in the formation of nasal polyps (NPs) remains unclear. This study aimed to explore how SENP3 influenced the outcome of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) by altering macrophage function, that is, the formation of NPs.

Methods

The alternative activation of macrophage (M2) was detected with CD68+CD206+ in humans and CD206+ in mice. The nasal mucosa of patients with CRS was tested using flow cytometry (CD68, CD80, and CD206) and triple‐color immunofluorescence staining (CD68, CD206, and SENP3). The bone marrow–derived macrophages from SENP3 knockout and control mice were stimulated with interleukin (IL)‐4 and IL‐13 to analyze alternative macrophage polarization in vitro. An animal model of allergic rhinitis was constructed using SENP3 knockout mice. CD206 was detected by immunofluorescence staining. The thickening of eosinophil‐infiltrated mucosa was detected by Luna staining.

Results

The number of CD68+ CD206+ M2 increased in the nasal mucosa of patients with CRS with NP (CRSwNP) compared with patients with CRS without NP (CRSsNP), but with no significant difference between the groups. SENP3 knockout increased the polarization of F4/80+CD206+M2. Meanwhile, the number of CD206+M2 significantly increased in the allergic rhinitis model constructed using SENP3 knockout mice and controls, with a more obvious proliferation of the nasal mucosa.

Conclusion

Downregulation of SENP3 promotes the formation of nasal polyps mediated by increasing alternative activated macrophage in nasal mucosal inflammation.
Benthic nitrate removal capacity in marine mangroves of Guadeloupe, Lesser Antilles
Authors: Laverman Anniet M. , Sebilo Mathieu , Tocny Jennifer , Gros Olivier
Published: February 2023

Mangrove sediments are known to be potentially active reducing zones for nitrogen removal. The goal of this work was to investigate the potential for nitrate reduction in marine mangrove sediments along a canal impacted by anthropogenic activity (Guadeloupe, Lesser Antilles). To this end, the effect of nitrate concentration, organic carbon load, and hydraulic retention time was assessed as factors affecting these nitrate reduction rates. Nitrate reduction potential was determined using flow‐through reactors in marine mangrove sediments collected along “The Canal des Rotours” in Guadeloupe. Potential nitrate reduction rates, in the presence of indigenous organic carbon, generally increased upon increasing nitrate supply from around 120 nmol cm−3 h−1 (low nitrate) up to 378 nmol cm−3 h−1 (high nitrate). The potential for nitrate reduction increased significantly with the addition of mangrove leaves, whereas the addition of simple, easily degradable carbon (acetate) resulted in an almost fivefold increase in nitrate reduction rates (up to 748 nmol cm−3 h−1). The hydraulic retention time also had an impact on the nitrate reducing capacity due to an increased contact time between nitrate and the benthic microbial community. Marine mangrove sediments have a high potential to mitigate nitrogen pollution, mainly governed by the presence of large amounts of degradable carbon in the form of litter. The mangrove sediments from this Caribbean island, currently exposed to a small tidal effect, could increase their nitrate elimination capacities due to prolonged water retention via engineering.
Performance in (Ultra‐)high‐performance liquid chromatography—How to qualify and optimize instruments in practice
Authors: Jaekel Alexander , Wirtz Michaela , Lamotte Stefan , Legelli Mo
Published: February 2023

This paper investigates the suitability of an ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography/high‐performance liquid chromatography hybrid system for ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography applications. Thus, the effect of extra column band broadening, the gradient system, and the injection system were tested and optimized according to their capabilities. An increase of the theoretical plate number up to a factor of two is achieved by the optimization of the extra column volume into the typical ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography range (<10 μl). Moreover, for qualitative purposes injections of volumes typical for ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography methods are precise. Despite this, a lack of precision and accuracy was determined for the gradient system, and the dwell volume meets the typical specification range for conventional HPLC systems. Therefore, hybrid systems are the intercept between both spectra and are limitedly suitable for ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography applications. Another way to approximate ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography performance using a high‐performance liquid chromatography system is superficially porous particles. Thus, H/u curves of 5 μm superficially porous and 3 μm fully porous particles were recorded in order to determine the effect of the particle technology resulting in comparable performance of the used stationary phases.
Development of a brief support and education intervention for loved ones of veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Campbell Sarah B. , Caska Wallace Catherine M.
Published: February 2023

Clinical practice guidelines for managing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) encourage incorporating loved ones into treatment, and supportive relationships can increase engagement in mental health care for veterans with PTSD. This study describes the iterative refinement, feasibility/acceptability testing, and national dissemination of a brief support and psychoeducation intervention for loved ones of veterans with PTSD. Loved ones (n = 181; range:1–11 per group) attended and qualitatively rated “PTSD 101 for Family and Friends: A Support and Education Workshop.” Open‐ended questions were used to gather data on suggestions for improvement and descriptions of helpful content, and the workshop was refined following participant and operational partner feedback using a quality improvement framework. Rating quantitative items on a 1–5 scale, participants found the overall quality (M = 4.76) and relevance (M = 4.82) to be excellent, noting they learned substantial new information (M = 4.45). Sense of support (M = 4.95), intentions to use the material (M = 4.87), PTSD self‐efficacy (M = 4.41), and understanding of PTSD (M = 4.76) were rated favorably. Common themes among helpful elements were a sense of shared experience and optimism and increased knowledge of treatments/resources. Suggestions for improvement referenced logistics. Following continual stakeholder feedback and refinement, the workshop represents a novel method for providing loved ones with empirically supported psychoeducation, coping skills, and community. It is being disseminated by the Family Services Section of the Veterans Health Administration Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention.
Extracted samples and in situ soil investigations to assess the effects of different land use and tillage management practices on soil organic matter composition
Authors: Masoudi Malihe , Centeri Csaba , Karlik Máté , Jakab Gergely
Published: February 2023

The effects of land use change on soil organic carbon (SOC) content have been investigated extensively. However, little research has been conducted on how soil organic matter (SOM) chemistry changes under different land use management practices, particularly with different soil cultivation methods. Thus, in this study, we compared the effects of various land use management practices, including six medium‐term tillage practices, namely no‐tillage (zero‐tillage), disking, shallow cultivation, deep cultivation, ploughing, and loosening, and a natural ecosystem, namely tree line, on SOM composition. The present study examined Chernozem soils during spring and autumn under varying land uses in randomised complete block designs, with four replicates at depth increments of 0–10 cm. The SOM composition was characterised using diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transformat spectroscopy (DRIFTS) and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV‐VIS). More intensive tillage operations resulted in larger SOM composition changes. Overall, conservation tillage, namely no‐tillage, disking, shallow cultivation, and deep cultivation, SOM was more like the tree line soil than the soil under conventional tillage. Both DRIFTS and UV‐VIS revealed that tree line soil had the lowest aromaticity (15%) and, therefore, a lower decomposition rate and higher SOM recalcitrance compared with the cropland soil (27%). After observing the relationship between tillage operation and aromaticity, aromaticity increased with increasing tillage intensity. This study demonstrates that land use can alter the structure and stability of SOM compounds. We observed that afforestation is similar to conservation tillage, and results are obtained quickly (<40 years). Hence, regeneration agriculture and conservation tillage may be the superior solutions for increasing SOM, sustainable agriculture, and food security in current soil and climate conditions. In addition, DRIFTS measurements of bulk soil provided more detailed information on the quality and stability of SOM than UV‐VIS measurements.
Electron Tunneling Charging upon Sunlight for Near‐Infrared Persistent Luminescence
Authors: Liu Shengqiang , Yang Rujun , Cai Hao , Zhuang Yixi , Song Zhen , Ning Lixin , Liu Quanlin
Published: February 2023

For the conventional persistent luminescence (PersL) charging processes, carriers are photo‐pumped to the conduction band (CB) or high‐energy excited states (HES) under short‐wavelength UV or coherent near‐infrared (NIR) laser excitation. Herein, electron tunneling charging behavior is reported in Cr3+, Sm3+ co‐doped NIR PersL magnetoplumbite SrGa12O19, which allows for efficient charging by incoherent visible light. First, the electrons are efficiently captured by the neighboring GaII‐O2− electron–hole trap centers via a tunneling process, and then these excited electrons are transferred to shallow traps via a persistently energetic optical pump. This work further optimizes the PersL performance via engineering the energy band through partial substitution of In3+ for Ga3+. Consequently, tunneling charging occurring near the neighboring Cr3+‐traps dimers enables Sr(Ga,In)12O19:Cr3+,Sm3+ to display brighter NIR PersL (≈760 nm, peak; ≈100 nm, FWHM) than gallate spinel under sunlight irradiation. This work provides insights into electron tunneling charging under low‐energy excitation for NIR PersL, which may inspire more PersL explorations for practical applications.
Surface‐Initiated Synthesis of Cell‐Specific Glycopolymers Using Live Mammalian Cells as Templates
Authors: Ma Xiaoliang , Luo Yan , Zhang Ping , Hu Jun , Chen Gaojian , Chen Hong
Published: February 2023

Molecular recognition is an important process in life activities where specificity is the key. However, the method to gain specificity are often complex and time‐consuming. Herein, a novel, versatile, and effective way is developed to obtain cell‐specific glycosurfaces by surface‐initiated Cu‐mediated reversible deactivation radical polymerization (Cu‐RDRP) in an open to air fashion. Mammalian cells are used for the first time as live templates to realize cell‐sugar monomer‐aptation‐polymerization which can produce cell‐specific glycosurfaces. Both epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) positive cells L929 and EpCAM negative cells Hela as models are used to acquire two cell‐specific glycosurfaces, which can distinguish template‐cells from others. The strategy is effective and convenient without the need of fixative pretreatment of cells. It is found that the specific capture does not rely on EpCAM antibodies, and the specificity is related to the composition and chain sequence of the glycopolymer brushes rather than surface morphology. In addition, these glycosurfaces keep the ability to identify the target cells after ten regenerative treatments, which provides another advantage for practical applications.
Amphiphilic photosensitizer polymer as a nanocarrier of cytotoxic molecule for carrier‐free combination therapy
Authors: Xin Jingqi , Deng Caiting , Zheng Meichen , An Feifei
Published: February 2023

Various nanocarriers have been explored to deliver drugs for combination therapy. However, most nanocarriers are composed of inert materials without contribution for improving the cancer therapeutic effect. Herein, a hydrophobic photosensitizer is conjugated to poly (ethylene glycol) to form an amphiphilic polymer, which further self‐assembles into nanomicelle. The generated nanomicelle can act as a nanocarrier to encapsulate a cytotoxic molecule, IR‐775, for combination therapy. The yielded nanodrug is totally composed of pharmacologically active ingredients to avoid any possible toxicity resulted from carrier materials. The nanodrug performs enhanced therapeutic effect compared with any monotherapy and exhibits negligible hemolysis, indicating good biocompatibility for further in vivo applications.
Concurrent management of lymphedema and breast reconstruction with single‐stage omental vascularized lymph node transfer and autologous breast reconstruction: A case series
Authors: Crowley Jiwon S. , Liu Farrah C. , Rizk Nada M. , Nguyen Dung
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The omentum has gained recent popularity in vascularized lymph node transfers (VLNT) as well as its novel use as a free flap for autologous breast reconstruction. The omentum has multiple unique advantages. It can be harvested laparoscopically or in an open fashion when utilized with abdominally‐based free flaps. Additionally, it can be split into multiple flaps for simultaneous autologous breast reconstruction with VLNT or for multiple sites of VLNT. We present the safe and advantageous use of the omentum for VLNT with simultaneous autologous breast reconstruction in a series of patients.

Methods

From the years 2019–2022, patients who underwent breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) or muscle sparing tram (MS‐TRAM) flaps with concurrent omental VLNT through a mini‐laparotomy or breast reconstruction with Omental Fat‐Augmented Free Flap (O‐FAFF) with concurrent laparoscopic harvesting of omental VLNT were studied. Patient demographics included age, gender, comorbidities, prior radiation or chemotherapy, body mass index, complications, hospital length of stay, and surgical outcomes.

Results

A total of seven patients underwent omental VLNT with breast reconstruction for a total of 12 breasts and eight limbs treated. Three of the patients underwent autologous breast reconstruction using omental free flap. The mean age was 52.3 (range 40–75) years and mean body mass index (BMI) was 29.3 (range 23–38) kg/m2. The flap survival rate was 100%. All the patients had successful reduction of extremity circumference and improvement of symptoms. The range of follow‐up was 5 to 19 months, with an average follow‐up of 14.6 months. There was only one complication among our 7 patients: a patient with a BMI of 38 developed a post‐surgical abdominal wound treated with local wound care. Otherwise, post‐operative courses were uneventful, and no further complications were reported.

Conclusion

We demonstrate here additional evidence to the growing body of literature of the versatility and safety of the omentum to be utilized as an independent tool for surgical treatment of lymphedema as well as its simultaneous use with autologous breast reconstruction.
Thermal Analysis and Pyrolytic Behavior of Bimetal and Double Oxidant Thermite Al/Mg/MoO3/CuO
Authors: Liu Jun‐Wang , Li Shi , Li Mi , Zhou Ying , Guo Tao , Han Zhong‐Xuan , Jiang Lin
Published: February 2023

In order to study the effect of fuel Mg and metal oxide CuO on the reaction of thermite, different proportions of Al‐Mg alloys and MoO3‐CuO metal oxides were prepared by mechanical ball milling, and then the samples of Al1‐xMgx/(MoO3)1‐xCuOx composite thermite were prepared by ultrasonic dispersion method. The samples were characterized by SEM, TG‐DSC, and constant pressure combustion experiments. The results show that in quaternary thermite, adding CuO increases initial exothermic temperature, but increases exothermic heat in high‐temperature regions, and effectively reduces the activation energy of the thermite reaction. On the contrary, adding Mg reduces exothermic heat in the high‐temperature areas, but reduces initial exothermic temperature. After calculation, the quaternary thermite with the best exothermic performance is Al0.8Mg0.2/(MoO3)0.5CuO0.5. Its initial reaction temperature is only 614 °C, but the heat release is up to 2217 J/g. Its activation energy is only 106.7 kJ/mol, but the critical temperature of thermal explosion is up to 927.9 K. At the same time, Al0.8Mg0.2/(MoO3)0.5CuO0.5 has better combustion performance. During combustion, the flame is jet‐like, and the main products are Al2O3, Mo and Cu. This work provides a reference for studying the thermal safety and combustion performance of quaternary thermite.
Electronic Properties of Single‐Layer and Bilayer Graphene Nanoribbons
Authors: Nguyen Lam Thuy Duong , Le Dang Khoa , Tran Quynh Trang , Huynh Thi Bich Tuyen , Nguyen Thi Kim Quyen , Phan Thi Kim Loan , Vu Thanh Tra
Published: February 2023

Herein, a tight‐binding description is utilized to investigate electronic structures and density of states of single‐layer (SL) and bilayer (BL) graphene ribbons with and without the influence of external electric fields. Analyses are implemented to reveal the similarity and difference among electronic properties of three types of structures (specifically SL and BL ribbons with AA and AB stackings). Moreover, both armchair and zigzag edge orientations are considered. It is indicated in the results that variation in electronic properties of these structures in the presence of external electric fields depends on both structural form and edge orientation. The following two points are demonstrated: 1) a transverse field has a significant effect on adjusting bandgap of the zigzag configurations, whereas a vertical electric field has a distinct impact on energy bands of armchair edge structures, and 2) among considered structures, AB‐stacking BL ribbons are invariably the structures that are most strongly influenced by external fields. Interestingly, AB‐stacking BL ribbons are also capable of enlarging bandgap with both edge terminations. Herein, an insight into how the electronic structure and charge distribution of both SL and BL graphene nanoribbons can be controlled not only in armchair but also in zigzag edge terminations using electric stimulants is provided by the results.
Optimal Microwave Control Pulse for Nuclear Spin Polarization and Readout in Dense Nitrogen‐Vacancy Ensembles in Diamond
Authors: Soshenko Vladimir V. , Cojocaru Ivan S. , Bolshedvorskii Stepan V. , Rubinas Olga R. , Sorokin Vadim N. , Smolyaninov Andrey N. , Akimov Alexey V.
Published: February 2023

Nitrogen‐vacancy (NV) centers possessing nuclear spins are promising candidates for a novel nuclear spin gyroscope. Preparation of a nuclear spin state is a crucial step to implement a sensor that utilizes a nuclear spin. In a low magnetic field, such a preparation utilizes population transfer, from polarized electronic spin to nuclear spin, using microwave pulses. The use of the narrowband microwave pulse proposed earlier is inefficient when magnetic transitions are not well resolved, particularly when applied to diamond with a natural abundance of carbon atoms or dense ensembles of NV centers. Herein, the optimization of the pulse shape for 3 relatively easily accessible pulse shapes is performed. The optimization is done for a range of magnetic transition linewidths, corresponding to the practically important range of nitrogen concentrations (5–50 ppm). It is found that, while at low nitrogen concentrations the optimized pulse adds very little to simple square shape pulse, in the case of dense NV ensembles, with a rather wide magnetic transition width of 1.5 MHz optimal pulses, a 15% improvement in the population of the target state is observed, potentially leading to 41% improvement in the NV‐based gyroscope sensitivity.
The critical role of the phytosterols in modulating tumor microenvironment via multiple signaling: A comprehensive molecular approach
Authors: Khan Ashraf Ullah , Khan Adnan , Shal Bushra , Khan Salman , Khan Majid , Ahmad Rizwan , Riaz Muhammad
Published: February 2023

Cancer is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, and its cases are rapidly increasing every year. Several factors contribute to the development of tumorigenesis. including radiation, dietary lifestyle, smoking, environmental, and genetic factors. The cell cycle is regulated by a variety of molecular signaling proteins. However, when the proteins involved in the cell cycle regulation are altered, cellular growth and proliferation are significantly affected. Natural products provide an important source of new drug development for a variety of ailments. including cancer. Phytosterols (PSs) are an important class of natural compounds reported for numerous pharmacological activities, including cancer. Various PSs, such as ergosterol, stigmasterol, sitosterol, withaferin A, etc., have been reported for their anti‐cancer activities against a variety of cancer by modulating the tumor microenvironment via molecular signaling pathways discussed within the article. These signaling pathways are associated with the production of pro‐inflammatory mediators, growth factors, chemokines, and pro‐apoptotic and anti‐apoptotic genes. These mediators and their upstream signaling are very active within the variety of tumors and by modulating these signalings, thus PS exhibits promising anti‐cancer activities. However, further high‐quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy as well the safety of the phytosterols.
The ratio of 2nd to 4th digit length and reproductive function of infertile male patients
Authors: Uchida Masahiro , Iwamoto Teruaki , Yamasaki Kazumitsu , Kariya Fumiko , Konishi Shoko
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between the ratio of index to ring finger lengths (2D:4D ratio), reflecting androgen exposure in utero, and reproductive function among men.

Methods

Male patients (N = 180) who consulted for fertility issues participated in the study. The palms of both hands were scanned, and the 2D:4D ratio was calculated. Data on semen volume, sperm concentration and total motility, total and motile sperm counts, and serum hormone concentrations were obtained. Spearman correlation coefficients between the 2D:4D ratio and hormone and semen quality parameters were calculated.

Results

The total sperm count was significantly negatively correlated with the 2D:4D ratio of the left hand (r = −0.154, p  = 0.039) but not with that of the right hand (r = −0.045, p  = 0.548). Testosterone showed weak negative correlations with the 2D:4D ratio in the left (r = −0.142, p  = 0.058) and right (r = − 0.149, p  = 0.046) hands. Follicle‐stimulating hormone levels were negatively correlated with the 2D:4D ratios of the left (r = −0.173, p  = 0.020) and right (r = −0.164, p  = 0.027) hands. Other semen quality parameters or luteinizing hormone levels showed no significant correlation with the 2D:4D ratios.

Conclusions

No clear associations were observed between the 2D:4D ratios and reproductive function.
Construction of PANI‐ZnFe2O4/FAC materials with fly ash cenospheres beads as a carrier to enhance the degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Qin Yu , Yuan Jinhai , Hu Haikun , Shen Qiqi , Hu Shiyue , Liu Junhong , Luo Xuanlan , Xu Di
Published: February 2023

In this study, zinc ferrate (ZnFe2O4) and polyaniline (PANI) were coated on the surface of FAC by hydrothermal and in situ polymerisation using the floating property of fly ash cenospheres (FAC) to form PANI‐ZnFe2O4/FAC composites. Compared with other reference materials, the PANI‐ZnFe2O4/FAC material not only solves the problem of less easy recycling, but also has significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity for methylene blue (MB). The significant increase in catalytic efficiency is attributed to the synergistic effect of PANI and ZnFe2O4 on the FAC surface resulting in efficient separation and low photogenerated charge complexation rates. In addition, cycling tests have shown the material to be stable and reusable. Active species capture experiments show that ⋅O2− and h+ play a dominant role in the reaction system.
Reasons for Resistivity Increase in FR‐EPDM Insulation of Cables Aged in Nuclear Power Plants
Authors: Ohki Yoshimichi , Hirai Naoshi , Sato Kosuke , Tanaka Yasuhiro
Published: February 2023

Two low‐voltage cables, insulated with flame‐retardant ethylene‐propylene‐diene rubber (FR‐EPDM), were removed after being laid in nuclear power plants for many years. We measured the leakage currents flowing through their insulators and found that the resistivity of cable insulation is higher in the two harvested cables than in a similar but new and unused FR‐EPDM one. The reason for this result is discussed in this paper based on a comparison of the leakage currents between new and gamma‐ray irradiated FR‐EPDM sheets. The discussion is continued by referring to our previous papers on mechanical properties and infrared absorption spectra of similar new and gamma‐ray irradiated FR‐EPDM sheets. As a result, it has been clarified that additives such as pigments contained in the cable insulators are likely to act as a source of charge carriers. In addition, the cable insulators became hardened by the long‐term aging in an environment of about 60 °C, which made the ionic conduction difficult and the insulation resistivity higher. © 2023 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
A Developing Community of Collaboration in Indiana
Authors: Berkson Kelly H. , Wamsley James C. , Lotven Samson , Chelliah Shobhana , Van Bik Kenneth , Champlin Sara , Sakhong Kimberly , Par Sui Hnem , Matthews Alina , Bohnert Amanda
Published: February 2023

Everywhere humans interact, there is language: in schools and government offices, in songs and stories, in celebrations and mourning. Through language we learn, discuss, and move to address the social and global issues that affect us. This chapter is co-authored by faculty and students, many of whom have expertise in linguistics, the scientific study of human language. While some of our work is abstract, we also care deeply about the human context of language. We often engage with questions such as the following: Who decides which languages are used to create resources? How do forcibly displaced people find information about novel threats like Covid-19? And, crucially, how can we use our expertise to respond to the language-related needs of such a community?
Small Things
Authors: Peutz Nathalie
Published: February 2023

In 2018 and 2019, students from NYU Abu Dhabi spent a week participating, observing, and learning in a refugee camp in Djibouti as a part of an intensive January term course on Displacement and Migration across the Red Sea. This chapter discusses the contours of this student-and-refugee engagement and its relation to the author’s prior ethnographic research and collaborative photography projects in the camp. Revisiting how the university students and their refugee hosts experienced these events, and addressing questions of ethics, value, and privilege, the chapter unsettles common assumptions about who was teaching and helping whom. As flawed and uneven as these educational journeys can be, the chapter argues that what is to be gained from these encounters are not just “small things.”
Global Cultural Exchange, Women’s Leadership, and Advocacy: Connecting the Hudson Valley and the Gaza Strip Through WhatsApp
Authors: Hajjaj Noura
Published: February 2023

This chapter details the challenges of mutual digital communication, particularly pressing in light of the geopolitics of the blockade in the Gaza Strip, where conditions are deteriorating and many live below the poverty line. I became acquainted with these challenges through the process of founding and implementing an initiative to connect student refugees in Gaza with undergraduate student interlocutors in the United States. As part of the outreach, participants reflected upon the historical background of the crisis of refugee displacement in the Gaza Strip—the world’s third most densely populated territory. Student conversations, via WhatsApp video chats and voice messenger, also forged intercultural bridges and encouraged leadership. The experience in a nontraditional classroom environment promoted student advocacy and enriched the curriculum for both U.S. students and students in Gaza learning about civic engagement.
Education Can’t Wait for LGBTIQ Refugees? Exploring Inclusion and Access to Higher Education in Kakuma Refugee Camp
Authors: Carron Djemila , O’Keeffe Paul
Published: February 2023

Higher education in refugee contexts has, in recent years, emerged as a key humanitarian response and development imperative within the international forced migration management space (ECRE 2016). Humanitarian organizations and authorities active in the global forced migration management system have, to varying degrees, instituted and facilitated access to higher education opportunities for many refugees within the confines of refugee camps or the close proximity of host communities (Ferede 2018). Under the broad, sometimes vague, guidance of global development initiatives such as the sustainable development goals (Sawadogo 2016), the raison d’etre of higher education has been positioned as an enabling tool for the economic, social and emotional empowerment of refugees (Brugha and Hollow 2017).
Intrathorakale Unterdrucktherapie des Pleuraempyems unter Einsatz einer offenporigen Drainagefolie
Authors: Betz Viktoria , van Ackeren Vera , Scharsack Ernst , Stark Bettina , Müller Christian Theodor , Loske Gunnar
Published: February 2023

Einleitung

Anhand einer Fallserie berichten wir über unsere ersten Erfahrungen mit einer intrathorakalen Unterdrucktherapie (ITNPT) in der stadienadaptierten Therapie des Pleuraempyems (PE).

Material und Methoden

Die ITNPT ist eine Weiterentwicklung der Unterdrucktherapie für die intrathorakale Anwendung. Nach thoraxchirurgischem offenen Débridement wurde ein intrathorakaler Unterdruckverband installiert. Als Drainageelemente verwendeten wir eine dünne offenporige doppellagige Drainagefolie (OF) mit offenporigen Polyurethanschäumen (PUS). Ausschließlich die OF wurde in direktem Kontakt zum Lungenparenchym angelegt. Die Unterdruckerzeugung erfolgte mit einer elektronischen Pumpe (kontinuierlicher Sog, −75 mm Hg). In der Revisionthorakotomie wurde je nach Lokalbefund die ITNPT beendet oder fortgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Es wurden 31 Patienten im PE-Stadium II und III behandelt. Die ITNPT erfolgte bereits beim Primäreingriff (n = 17) oder bei Revision (n = 14). Die ITNPT erfolgte über einen Dauer von m = 10 Tagen (2–18 Tage), Wechselintervall m = 4 d (2–6 d). Die intrathorakaler Unterdruckverband-Anlage wurde in m = 3,5 (1–6) mal vorgenommen.

Die Empyemhöhle verkleinerte und reinigte sich unter dem Sog kontinuierlich. Die OF hat ein minimales Eigenvolumen bei maximaler Resorptionsoberfläche. Nach Anlage des Unterdrucks besteht kein intrathorakales Totvolumen, das Parenchym kann sich entfalten.

Diskussion

Die schonenden Materialeigenschaften der OF ermöglichen die ITNPT zur Behandlung des Pleuraempyems. Es ist eine gezielte lokale intrathorakale Sanierung des septischen Focus in Ergänzung zur operativen Therapie möglich. Das Behandlungsregime erfordert wiederholte operative Verbandswechsel. Die Methode ist geeignet zur Behandlung komplizierter PIeuraempyeme im Stadium II und III.

Konklusion

Die OF kann als intrathorakales Drainageelement zur ITNPT bei Pleuraempyemen verwendet werden. Das Indikationsspektrum der Unterdrucktherapie erweitert sich um diese neue Anwendungsoption.
Cardiovascular effects of bufotenin on human 5-HT4 serotonin receptors in cardiac preparations of transgenic mice and in human atrial preparations
Authors: Neumann Joachim , Schulz Nils , Fehse Charlotte , Azatsian Karyna , Čináková Aneta , Marušáková Margaréta , Hofmann Britt , Gergs Ulrich
Published: February 2023

It is unclear whether bufotenin (= N,N-dimethyl-serotonin = 5-hydroxy-N,N-dimethyl-tryptamine), a hallucinogenic drug, can act on human cardiac serotonin 5-HT4 receptors. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine the cardiac effects of bufotenin and for comparison tryptamine in transgenic mice that only express the human 5-HT4 receptor in cardiomyocytes (5-HT4-TG), in their wild-type littermates (WT) and in isolated electrically driven (1 Hz) human atrial preparations. In 5-HT4-TG, we found that both bufotenin and tryptamine enhanced the force of contraction in left atrial preparations (pD2 = 6.77 or 5.5, respectively) and the beating rate in spontaneously beating right atrial preparations (pD2 = 7.04 or 5.86, respectively). Bufotenin (1 µM) increased left ventricular force of contraction and beating rate in Langendorff perfused hearts from 5-HT4-TG, whereas it was inactive in hearts from WT animals, as was tryptamine. The positive inotropic and chronotropic effects of bufotenin and tryptamine were potentiated by an inhibitor of monoamine oxidases (50 µM pargyline). Furthermore, bufotenin concentration- (0.1–10 µM) and time-dependently elevated force of contraction in isolated electrically stimulated musculi pectinati from the human atrium and these effects were likewise reversed by tropisetron (10 µM). We found that bufotenin (10 µM) increased the phosphorylation state of phospholamban in the isolated perfused hearts, left and right atrial muscle strips of 5-HT4-TG but not from WT and in isolated human right atrial preparations. In summary, we showed that bufotenin can increase the force of contraction via stimulation of human 5-HT4 receptors transgenic mouse cardiac preparations but notably also in human atrial preparations.