bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anodic Oxidation of Methanol to Formaldehyde Synergizing with a Br‐/Br2 Redox‐Mediated Chemical Route to Produce Methyl Formate
Authors: Wang Ke‐An , Wang Zhen‐Long , Zhu Hai‐Bin
Published: January 2024

Methyl formate (MF) is one of the most important chemical commodities, which has a wide range of applications. Due to environmental friendliness, mild reaction conditions, and easy operations, electrosynthesis of MF has garnered increasing attention in recent years. In this work, we reported an electrosynthesis route toward MF in a halide‐containing methanol solution. The thorough mechanistic investigations point out that electrosynthesis of MF is accomplished by instant reaction between aldehyde from anodic methanol oxidation, and methoxy bromide (CH3OBr) that is in‐situ generated by reaction of Br2 from anodic oxidation of Br− with methoxide (CH3O−) from cathodic reduction of methanol. This method features high atomic economy only producing valuable MF and hydrogen gas, and shows distinct advantages compared to the reported MF electrosynthesis methods. Even at 200 mA/cm2, the faradaic efficiency (FE) of MF remains consistently around 60 % at the anode while a 100 % FE hydrogen gas is produced at the cathode.
A new flux and multilevel hysteresis torque band DTC with lookup table‐based switched reluctance motor drive to suppress torque ripple
Authors: M Deepak , G Janaki
Published: January 2024

The switched reluctance motor (SRM) is a prominent electrical machine drive with low cost and good performance in different drive applications. This machine's main drawbacks are torque ripple and flux ripple. However, the existing SRM‐operated direct torque control (DTC) Voltage vectors (VVs) give high torque ripples due to improper sector division and minimum selection of VVs switching states. On the other hand, a two‐level hysteresis torque band can result in torque ripples. Therefore, this paper proposed DTC using 16 partitions, active small and large VVs, and a multilevel hysteresis torque band (MHTB) strategy to mitigate the torque ripple further. More active VVs (i.e., 16) are employed in the modified sector‐based switching tables, suppressing the torque ripples. The proposed strategy is verified and validated using MATLAB/Simulink. The detailed result discusses the response of torque, flux, and speed of SRM. The DTC‐operated SRM drive experimental results prove the effective minimization of torque ripples in the proposed DTC compared to the existing DTC.
Multiphase digital integration constant on‐time–controlled Buck converter with high‐resolution current balance scheme for ultrafast load transient
Authors: Li Lingyun , Xu Shen , Liu Yujie , Sun Weifeng
Published: January 2024

In this paper, a multiphase digital control called digital integration constant on‐time (DICOT) control is proposed, which applies the concept of signal accumulation, solves the drawbacks of ripple‐based digital COT control that the switching frequency and transient performance are affected by the A/D sample delay and sampling noise. Besides, the multiphase interleaving approach of the proposed DICOT control is well‐suitable for digital control and no higher calculation frequency is required compared to single‐phase. In the aspect of the current balance, almost all existing researches work on analog COT current balance scheme and few works are investigating the resolution improvement of digital COT current balance. In this paper, the current balance model of multiphase COT control is derived and can be applied in the Buck system with an arbitrary number of phases, the delay‐line‐based high‐resolution COT current balance scheme is proposed to enhance the control resolution. Finally, the two‐phase DICOT control is tested on the multiphase Buck system, the transient performance is tested of 100 A load step with the slew rate of 1000 A/μs, and the voltage undershoot and overshoot are 20 and 36 mV, respectively. The current balance is tested and the errors are 0.01% and 0.11% at the light and heavy loads, respectively.
Electrocatalytic Annulation–Iodosulfonylation of Indole‐Tethered 1,6‐Enynes to Access Pyrrolo[1,2‐a]indoles
Authors: Yuan Ya‐Yu , Chen Xi , Wang Ji‐Yun , Yan Sheng‐Hu , Wang Yu‐Ting , Zhang Yue , Liu Jian‐Wu , Zuo Hang‐Dong
Published: January 2024

We present the first example of electrocatalytic three‐component annulation–iodosulfonylation of indole‐tethered 1,6‐enynes with arylsulfonyl hydrazides and KI for accessing various iodosulfonated pyrrolo[1,2‐a]indoles in moderate to excellent yields with high stereospecificity. This electrosynthesis opens new avenues for the construction of pyrrolo[1,2‐a]indoles skeleton with good functional group compatibility under environmentally benign condition. Based on the control experiments and cyclic voltammetry data, we suggested the plausible reaction mechanism which included anodic oxidation, homolysis of arylsulfonyl iodide, arylsulfonyl radical addition, 5‐exo‐dig cyclization, radical coupling or nucleophilic attack of iodide ions cascade.
MXene nanofiller doped ion conducting polyethylene oxide for electrochemical devices
Authors: Khurshid Adnan , Bajaj Yashika , Savilov Serguei V. , Yadav Tarun , Kumar Rohit , Yahya Muhd Zu Azhan , Alheety Mustafa A , Singh Pramod K.
Published: January 2024

Nanofiller‐doped polymer electrolyte‐based electrochemical devices are now emerged as a novel material for electrochemical devices. This paper reports a solid polymer electrolyte film doped with a new nanofiller synthesized by the solution casting technique. Electrical, optical, and photoelectrochemical characterization are presented in detail. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) shows with the dispersion of nanofillers conductivity increases attains maxima and decreases. The maximum conductivity was at 0.04 wt% nanofiller concentration of 2.05 × 10−4 S/cm. The calculated ionic transference value was 0.92 which shows the dormancy of the system as ionic. The linear sweep voltammetry confirms a high electrochemical stability window (ESW) of 4.01V. Sandwitched electrical double‐layer capacitors (EDLC) have been developed using carbon‐based electrodes and sandwitched nanofiller dispersed polymer electrolyte, showing a high specific capacitance value of ~200 F/g.
A comparative study of thermo‐physical properties of different nanofluids for effective heat transfer leading to Li‐ion battery pack cooling
Authors: Thorat Prajwal , Sanap Sudarshan , Gawade Shashank
Published: January 2024

The rapid advancement in Lithium‐ion battery technology has significantly boosted the electric vehicle market worldwide. These batteries are highly sought after by automobile manufacturers and researchers due to their exceptional energy storage and power capabilities. However, efficient working temperatures ranges from 15°C to 35°C, making it essential to implement battery cooling and heating methods to maintain optimal performance. This study primarily focuses on battery cooling. The automotive manufactures have focused on ethylene glycol, water and synthetic oils as commonly used coolants for keeping the lithium‐ion battery pack within working temperature limits. However, these fluids have lower heat conduction, leading to reduced heat transfer rates and diminished cooling performance. To address this issue, nano‐enhanced fluids, which are engineered fluids containing suspended nanospheres, have been explored. The heat transfer properties of conventional coolants are increased using nano‐enhanced fluids, thereby improving heat conduction and promoting efficient heat transfer within the battery. The study compares the temperature‐related characteristic of different nano‐enhanced fluids, including oxides of copper (CuO), titanium (TiO2), aluminum (Al2O3), silicon (SiO2), and zinc (ZnO), when added to base fluids such as synthetic oils, water and ethylene glycol. The importance to capacity of specific heat, conductivity of fluid thermally, fluid resistance to flow and fluid volumetric mass which are affected by changes in temperature limits are stressed upon. Depending on the specific application and test conditions, the effectiveness of one nano‐enhanced fluid may outperform the others. In conclusion, the thermo physical properties of nanofluids play a critical role in maintaining the battery pack temperature within operating temperature limits. The selections of nanofluids for particular battery thermal management system depends upon its arrangement along the battery pack and cell geometry. The cooling performance using nanofluids as coolant is 10% to 15% higher than the conventional used fluids. This nano‐enhanced fluid show great promise in enhancing the cooling capabilities of battery cooling systems, contributing to improved Lithium‐ion battery performance in electric vehicles.
The impact of ketogenic diet on some metabolic and non‐metabolic diseases: Evidence from human and animal model experiments
Authors: Galali Yaseen , Zebari Salih M. S. , Aj. Jabbar Ahmed , Hashm Balaky Holem , Sadee Bashdar Abuzed , Hassanzadeh Hamed
Published: January 2024

The ketogenic diet (KD) is recognized as minimum carbohydrate and maximum fat intakes, which leads to ketosis stimulation, a state that is thought to metabolize fat more than carbohydrates for energy supply. KD has gained more interest in recent years and is for many purposes, including weight loss and managing serious diseases like type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, many believe that KD has safety issues and are uncertain about the health drawbacks. Thus, the outcomes of the effect of KD on metabolic and non‐metabolic disease remain disputable. The current narrative review aims to evaluate the effect of KD on several diseases concerning the human health. To our best knowledge, the first report aims to investigate the efficacy of KD on multiple human health issues including type 2 diabetes and weight loss, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure and hypertension, non‐alcoholic fatty liver, mental problem, oral health, libido, and osteoporosis. The literature searches were performed in Databases, PubMed, Scopus, and web of Science looking for both animal and human model designs. The results heterogeneity seems to be explained by differences in diet composition and duration. Also, the available findings may show that proper control of carbohydrates, a significant reduction in glycemic control and glycated hemoglobin, and weight loss by KD can be an approach to improve diabetes and obesity, hypertension, non‐alcoholic fatty liver, PCOS, libido, oral health, and mental problem if isocaloric is considered. However, for some other diseases like cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, more robust data are needed. Therefore, there is robust data to support the notion that KD can be effective for some metabolic and non‐metabolic diseases but not for all of them. So they have to be followed cautiously and under the supervision of health professionals.
Safety assessment of a proprietary fermented soybean solution, Symbiota®, as an ingredient for use in foods and dietary supplements: Non‐clinical studies and a randomized trial
Authors: Hung Chien‐Min , Chu Wen‐Cheng , Huang Wen‐Yen , Lee Pei‐Jung , Kuo Wen‐Chih , Hou Cheng‐Yu , Yang Chia‐Chun , Yang Ai‐Jen , Wu Wei‐Kai , Kuo Ming‐Liang , Wu Ming‐Shiang , Chen Wan‐Jiun
Published: January 2024

A safety evaluation was performed of Symbiota®, which is made by a proprietary anaerobic fermentation process of soybean with multistrains of probiotics and a yeast. The battery of genotoxicity studies showed that Symbiota® has no genotoxic effects. Safety and tolerability were further assessed by acute or repeated dose 28‐ and 90‐day rodent studies, and no alterations in clinical observations, ophthalmological examination, blood chemistry, urinalysis, or hematology were observed between the control group and the different dosing groups (1.5, 5, and 15 mL/kg/day). There were no adverse effects on specific tissues or organs in terms of weight and histopathology. Importantly, the Symbiota® treatment did not perturb hormones and other endocrine‐related endpoints. Of note, the No‐Observed‐Adverse‐Effect‐Level was determined to be 15 mL/kg/day in rats. Moreover, a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial was recently conducted with healthy volunteers who consumed 8 mL/day of placebo or Symbiota® for 8 weeks. Only mild adverse events were reported in both groups, and the blood chemistry and blood cell profiles were also similar between the two groups. In summary, this study concluded that the oral consumption of Symbiota® at 8 mL/day by the general population does not pose any human health concerns.
Tectono‐climatic and depositional environmental controls on the Neolithic habitation sites, Vaigai River Basin, Southern India
Authors: Ramkumar Mu. , Nagarajan R. , Juni K. J. , Manobalaji A. , Balasubramani K. , Roy Priyadarsi D. , Kumaraswamy K. , Fathima A. L. , Pramod Athira , Sharveen R. , Rahman S. Abdul , Siddiqui N. A. , Menier D. , Sharma Rajveer
Published: January 2024

The establishment, development and abandonment and/or destruction of ancient civilizations were catalytically controlled by geomorphic features such as lakes and rivers and the climate. This paper examined the possible influence of tectonism and climate on six habitations of the ancient Vaigai River Basin civilization in South India, using multiple proxies such as grain size, geochronology and geochemistry of the sedimentary archives. The tectonic setting of the basin changed between the active margin and passive margin; the discriminant diagrams suggested varying provenance and changing climatic conditions over the mid‐ and‐late Holocene. Tectonic activism and quiescence, base‐level change in the channel morphology led to the burial/marooning of the first habitation surface. Overall, arid conditions were punctuated with catastrophic flooding and peak discharge (flood) destroyed the second, third and fourth habitation sites. These flooding events were characterized by moderate weathering (CIA) and high values of Al, Fe and Rb/Sr and low Ca/Mg in the sediment records. The abandonment/destruction of the fifth habitation also occurred during an arid interval (droughts), possibly caused by weak monsoon. Along with the interactions between tectono‐climatic and fluvial geomorphic factors, the new results provided avenues to (a) check and recognize the archives for 8.2 and 4.2 ka‐like events in this part of the world, and (b) the utility of integrated analyses to constrain on the civilizational histories of the mankind.
An ecological approach to creating validating support for low‐income, racially minoritized, and first‐generation college students
Authors: Hallett Ronald E. , Kezar Adrianna , Kitchen Joseph A. , Perez Rosemary J. , Reason Robert
Published: January 2024

Drawing from a longitudinal mixed methods study, this article explores how postsecondary institutions can create a campus‐wide culture of validation that can improve at‐promise student experiences and outcomes. The authors share several strategies that instructors, staff, and administrators can collaboratively enact to build a culture of ecological validation.

Practical Takeaways

Creating a culture of ecological validation enables postsecondary institutions to move away from siloed approaches that have been ineffective in supporting at‐promise students.

Grounded in institutional norms (proactive, identity‐conscious, strengths‐oriented, holistic, developmental, collaborative and reflective), this approach enables educators to reimagine how they approach their work with students.
Pretreatment fat‐free mass index correlates with early death in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Talani Charbél , Astradsson Thorsteinn , Farnebo Lovisa , Mäkitie Antti , Ehrsson Ylva Tiblom , Laurell Göran
Published: January 2024

Background

A significant proportion of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are malnourished at diagnosis. In this study, we investigated how pretreatment body mass index (BMI) and fat‐free mass index (FFMI) correlate with early death, and whether these measurements are useful markers of prognosis for risk stratification of head and neck cancer patients.

Methods

Patients (n = 404) with newly diagnosed, curable HNSCC and WHO performance status 0–2 were prospectively included and met with a study representative before treatment initiation, as well as up to four follow‐up visits. All patients provided an estimate of body weight at 6 months prior to diagnosis. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) was performed for all patients before treatment initiation.

Results

Most patients had oropharyngeal (46%), oral cavity (28%), or laryngeal cancer (12%). Forty‐five (11%) patients met the standardized criteria for malnutrition according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) at diagnosis. FFMI at diagnosis was lower in patients who died within 6 and 12 months after the start of treatment than in patients who survived these time points (p = 0.035 and p = 0.005, respectively).

Conclusions

In this study, pretreatment FFMI was an independent prognostic factor for death within 6 and 12 months after the start of treatment in patients with HNSCC. Pretreatment BMI was not an independent risk factor for death within 6 and 12 months after treatment termination. Thus, FFMI may be useful for risk stratification of patients with head and neck cancer.
Synthesis and Photophysical Evaluation of 3,3’‐Nitrogen Bis‐Substituted fac‐[Re(CO)3(Diimine)Br] Complexes
Authors: Csucker Joshua , Decrausaz Nathalie , Jäggi Sarah Isabella , Blacque Olivier , Spingler Bernhard , Alberto Roger
Published: January 2024

The preparations, photophysical and electrochemical properties of a series of fac‐[Re(CO)3(diimine)Br] complexes are presented. The bipyridine (bpy) based diimine ligands feature symmetrical and asymmetrical 3,3’‐diamino‐2,2’‐bipyridine substitution patterns. Photophysical and electrochemical properties of these complexes are tunable, depending on their organic diimine framework. Introduction of a distal urea bridge via the 3,3’‐substitution pattern led to prolonged phosphorescence lifetimes without a significant change in absorbance and phosphorescence emission wavelengths. Reversible electrochemical bipyridine reduction remained largely unchanged by this derivatization.
Oral health knowledge, attitudes and practices of dietitians in Australia: A national survey
Authors: Patterson‐Norrie Tiffany , Ramjan Lucie , Sousa Mariana S. , Kezhekkekara Shwetha , George Ajesh
Published: January 2024

Aim

Dietitians are a well‐placed profession to be providing pre‐emptive oral health promotion. Despite recommendations that oral health promotion should be routinely part of dietetic practice, there is limited data informing the current practices of clinical dietitians in this area across Australia. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and practices of Australian dietitians and oral health promotion.

Methods

A cross‐sectional survey was undertaken involving registered clinical dietitians in Australia using purposive and snowballing sampling (social media/dietetic organisations/public databases). Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results

A total of 149 dietitians participated in the national survey. Overall, dietitians were knowledgeable about oral health risk factors and preventative measures across general health domains. Majority of dietitians agreed that oral health can affect nutrition interventions (95.5%) and dietitians should be discussing oral health (88.0%). However, nearly half were not confident in providing counselling or education and felt that undergraduate training for oral health promotion was inadequate (78.2%). A small proportion (6.0%) of dietitians were already providing oral health promotion regularly. Key barriers included a lack of clear guidelines for practice, limited training opportunities and indistinct referral pathways.

Conclusion

Dietitians have acknowledged that oral health promotion should be incorporated into their practice. However, they are challenged by a lack of resources and training to support this in clinical practice.

So What?

Capacity building dietitians to promote oral health allows opportunity for improvement in the oral health, nutritional status and quality of life of priority population groups.
La nature de la liaison d'hydrogène
Authors: Prigogine I.
Published: January 2024

Le déplacement de la fréquence de vibration de valence OH, mesurable par la spectroscopie infra‐rouge, permet l‘évaluation approchée de l‘énergie d'association.

Les valeurs ainsi obtenues grâce aux mesures de Gordy; de J. Errera, Gaspart et Sack, ainsi que de l'auteur sont en faveur de l'interprétation électrostatique de la liaison d'hydrogène. En particulier on observe que l'énergie d'association ne subit pas de modification sensible en remplaçant l'hydrogène par le deutérium. La liaison d'hydrogène ne peut donc résulter d'un effet de résonance quantique dont l'importance devrait diminuer considérablement en remplaçant l'hydrogène par le deutérium de masse double.

Ces résultats confirment les vues développées notamment par K. L. Wolf et son école, ainsi que par Bauer et Magat concernant la nature électrostatique de la liaison d'hydrogène.
Sur la détermination de l'isomérie cis‐trans des dialkyl.1‐2. cyclopentanes au moyen de leurs vitesses de réaction
Authors: Chiurdoglu Grégoire
Published: January 2024

Les dialkyl.1.2.cyclopentanes d'une même configuration se comportent, tant au point de vue physique qu'au point de vue chimique, d'une manière identique. En particulier, les diméthyl.1.2.cyclopentanes, méthyl.1.éthyl. 2.cyclopentanes, méthyl.1.propyl.2.cyclopentanes et les diéthyl.1.2.cyclopentanes les moins volatils se broment et s'oxydent plus vite que ceux bouillant le plus bas. On en conclut que, contrairement à ce que veut la règle d'Auwers‐Skita, les premiers sont des isomères trans, les seconds des isomères cis, car tel est également le comportement, vis‐à‐vis de l'oxygène, des hydrocarbures aux configurations spatiales établies, comme les diméthyl.1.3.cyclohexanes et les décalanes stéréoisomères.
Les phases superficielles idéales à adsorption mobile
Authors: Defay Raymond , Prigogine I.
Published: January 2024

Dans les systèmes en équilibre, nous appelons phase superficielle idéale à adsorption mobile ou plus brièvement surface idéale, une phase superficielle à adsorption mobile dont les constituants ont des potentiels chimiques de la forme
Assessing trans‐endothelial transport of nanoparticles for delivery to abdominal aortic aneurysms
Authors: Yau Jimmy , Chukwu Patience , Jedlicka Sabrina S. , Ramamurthi Anand
Published: January 2024

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are localized, rupture‐prone expansions of the abdominal aorta wall. In this condition, structural extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins of the aorta wall, elastic fibers and collagen fibers, that impart elasticity and stiffness respectively, are slowly degraded by overexpressed matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) following an injury stimulus. We are seeking to deliver therapeutics to the AAA wall using polymer nanoparticles (NPs) that are capable of stimulating on‐site matrix regeneration and repair. This study aimed to determine how NP shape and size impacts endocytosis and transmigration past the endothelial cell (EC) layer from circulation into the medial layer of the AAA wall. First, rod‐shaped NPs were shown to be created based mechanical stretching of PLGA NPs while embedded in a PVA film with longer rod‐shaped NPs created based of the degree in which the PVA films are stretched. Live/dead assay reveals that our PLGA NPs are safe and do not cause cell death. Immunofluorescence staining reveal cytokine activation causes endothelial dysfunction in ECs by increasing expression of inflammatory marker Integrin αVβ3 and decreasing expression of adhesion protein vascular endothelial (VE)‐cadherin. We showed this disruption enable greater EC uptake and translocation of NPs. Fluorescence studies demonstrate high endothelial transmigration and endocytosis with rod‐shaped NPs in cytokine activated ECs compared to healthy control cells, arguing for the benefits of using higher aspect ratio (AR) NPs for accumulation at the aneurysm site. We also demonstrated that the mechanisms of NP transmigration across an activated EC layer depend on NP AR. These results show the potential of using shape as a modality for enhancing permeation of NPs into the aneurysm wall. These studies are also significance to understanding the mechanisms that are likely engaged by NPs for penetrating the endothelial lining of aneurysmal wall segments.
Anaerobic photocyclization of ortho‐dialkylamino substituted stiff‐stilbenes
Authors: Hung Yi‐Ning , Wang Yi‐Ching , Chen Zi‐Jian , Yang Jye‐Shane
Published: January 2024

The photocyclization of diarylethenes toward polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and analogs has been well‐documented. However, stiff‐stilbene was reported to be inactive, and examples of photocyclization‐induced deamination remain unknown. Here, we report that ortho‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)‐stiff‐stilbene (1a) undergoes efficient photocyclization‐induced deamination, forming the dicyclopenta‐fused phenanthrene (DCPP) with good yield (65%) under anaerobic conditions. The relative reactivities of stiff‐stilbenes with different o‐amino substituents (1b–1g) or with an o‐methoxy (1h) group, and those of o‐(N,N‐dimethylamino)stilbenes (2a and 2aMe), provide insights into the substituent and structural effects.
Man up! The mental health‐feminine stereotype and its effect on the adoption of mental health apps
Authors: Lee Jaewoo , Trudel Remi
Published: January 2024

Mental illnesses are among the most frequent health conditions worldwide, affecting both men and women. However, we find that men are more likely than women to avoid adopting mobile apps that are designed to promote users' mental health. Building on previous research that men are often more motivated than women to behave in gender‐congruent ways, we suggest that there exists a mental health‐feminine stereotype that acts as an obstacle to men's adoption of mental health apps. Privacy and self‐help features offered by digital mental health apps are insufficient to overcome the mental health‐stereotype that deter men from pursuing mental health support. Across five studies, we show that consumers feel more feminine when adopting mental health apps, and perceive others who adopt mental health apps to be more feminine than those who do not. We also show that presenting mental health apps in a masculine frame increases the likelihood of men adopting mental health apps, especially those with stronger adherence to traditional masculinity ideology.
A beginner's guide to study extracellular vesicles in human blood plasma and serum
Authors: Nieuwland Rienk , Siljander Pia R‐M
Published: January 2024

Blood is the most commonly used body fluid for obtaining and studying extracellular vesicles (EVs). While blood is a standard choice for clinical analysis, using blood as a source of EVs introduces multiple layers of complexity. At the Blood Extracellular Vesicle Workshop organized by the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles in Helsinki (2022), it became evident that beginner researchers lack trustworthy information on how to initiate their research and avoid common pitfalls. This educational guide explains the composition and frequently used terminology of blood, provides guidelines for blood collection, and the preparation of plasma and serum. It also introduces the basic principles of isolating and detecting blood EVs while considering blood‐related factors. The goal of this guide is to assist beginners by offering a concise and evidence‐based introduction to the current knowledge and available resources to study blood EVs.
Assessing HIV risk and the social and behavioural characteristics of gay and bisexual men who have recently migrated to Australia: an analysis of national, behavioural surveillance data 2019–2021
Authors: Yu Simin , Bavinton Benjamin R. , Chan Curtis , MacGibbon James , Mao Limin , Vujcich Daniel , Broady Timothy R. , Holt Martin
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

Overseas‐born gay and bisexual men (GBM) are overrepresented in HIV diagnoses in Australia. We assessed social and sexual behaviours, and the use of HIV prevention and testing, by region of birth and length of residence in Australia. We sought to identify similarities and differences between recently arrived and non‐recently arrived GBM from non‐English‐speaking countries to improve targeting and engagement with HIV testing and prevention.

Methods:

Data were collected in national repeated, behavioural surveillance surveys conducted across Australia during 2019–2021. Logistic regression was used to identify factors that differentiated between recently arrived (<2 years) and non‐recently arrived (≥2 years in Australia) GBM from non‐English‐speaking countries.

Results

Among 24,707 participants in 2019–21, 2811 (11.4%) were from high‐income English‐speaking countries, 714 (2.9%) were recently arrived overseas‐born GBM and 3833 (15.5%) were non‐recently arrived migrants. Recently arrived GBM were most likely to be born in Asia (36.1%) and Europe (21.1%). Compared with non‐recently arrived GBM, recently arrived GBM from non‐English‐speaking countries were younger (aOR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.94–0.96, p<0.001), more likely to be students (aOR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.11–1.85, p = 0.005), less likely to be in full‐time employment (aOR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.46–0.69, p <0.001), more likely to report consistent condom use (aOR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.01–1.66, p = 0.039), but had lower awareness (aOR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.48–0.80, p<0.001) and use of pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) (22.8%, vs. 32.3%, χ2(1, 4185) = 23.78, p<0.001), and similar levels of casual sex with a risk of HIV acquisition or transmission (aOR = 1.29, 95% CI = 0.98–1.69, p = 0.066). Recently arrived GBM reported similar levels of lifetime HIV testing (aOR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.54–1.74, p = 0.915) and recent HIV testing (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.86–1.22, p = 0.779), but were much less likely to have tested at general practitioners (aOR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.41–0.68, p<0.001) and more likely to report testing at hospitals (aOR = 3.35, 95% CI = 2.53–4.43, p<0.001), at home (aOR = 2.85, 95% CI = 1.63–4.99, p<0.001), or community‐based services (aOR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.01–1.84, p = 0.043).

Conclusions

Recently arrived GBM from non‐English‐speaking countries reported similar levels of risk of HIV acquisition to longer‐term residents in Australia, but lower levels of PrEP awareness and use, and more reliance on HIV testing services which are free or low cost. It is necessary to enhance access to HIV testing and prevention among recently arrived GBM in Australia.
Using qualitative comparative analysis as a mixed methods synthesis in systematic mixed studies reviews: Guidance and a worked example
Authors: El Sherif Reem , Pluye Pierre , Hong Quan Nha , Rihoux Benoît
Published: January 2024

Qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) is a hybrid method designed to bridge the gap between qualitative and quantitative research in a case‐sensitive approach that considers each case holistically as a complex configuration of conditions and outcomes. QCA allows for multiple conjunctural causation, implying that it is often a combination of conditions that produces an outcome, that multiple pathways may lead to the same outcome, and that in different contexts, the same condition may have a different impact on the outcome. This approach to complexity allows QCA to provide a practical understanding for complex, real‐world situations, and the context of implementing interventions. There are guides for conducting QCA in primary research and quantitative systematic reviews yet, to our knowledge, no guidance for conducting QCA in systematic mixed studies reviews (SMSRs). Thus, the specific objectives of this paper are to (1) describe a step‐by‐step approach for novice researchers for using QCA to integrate qualitative and quantitative evidence, including guidance on how to use software; (2) highlight specific challenges; (3) propose potential solutions from a worked example; and (4) provide recommendations for reporting.
Profiling of VEGF Receptors and Immune Checkpoints in Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis
Authors: Lam Brandon , Miller Jonas , Kung Yu Jui , Wu T.C. , Hung Chien‐Fu , Roden Richard B.S. , Best Simon R.
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is caused by human papilloma virus (HPV) infection of the aerodigestive tract that significantly impacts quality‐of‐life including the ability to communicate and breathe. Treatment was traditionally limited to serial ablative procedures in the O.R. with possible local adjuvant therapy, but new systemic therapies, such as Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors, are showing significant promise. This study aims to determine whether rationale exists for combination therapeutic approaches using VEGF inhibitors and/or immune checkpoint blockade.

Methods

Using fresh specimens from the O.R., we performed flow cytometry on papilloma, normal adjacent tissue, and blood. Papilloma and surrounding tissue were examined for expression of PD‐L1, PD‐L2, Galectin‐9, VEGFR2, and VEGFR3. CD8+ and CD4+ T cells were assayed for expression of PD‐1, TIGIT, LAG3, and TIM3.

Results

Our data shows that papilloma tissue exhibits significantly higher levels of PD‐L1 and PD‐L2 compared to adjacent tissue. Elevated levels of the VEGF receptor VEGFR3 were also observed in papilloma tissue. When examining T cells within the papilloma, elevated PD‐1 and TIGIT expression was observed on CD8+ T cells, while levels of PD‐1, TIGIT, and TIM3 were elevated on CD4+ T cells compared to PBMCs. Heterogenous marker expression was observed between individuals.

Conclusions

Our analysis shows that RRP tissue shows elevated levels of multiple immune check point targets and VEGFR3, with varied patterns unique to each papilloma patient. Some of these immune checkpoint markers already have novel immunotherapies available or in development, providing molecular rationale to offer these systemic treatments to selected patients affected by RRP alongside VEGF inhibitors. Laryngoscope, 134:2819–2825, 2024
Relevant Research of Inflammatory Cytokines Spectrum in Peripheral Blood of Sudden Hearing Loss
Authors: Tan Xinyuan , Pan Jing , Cai Jieqing , Jiang Shanshan , Shu Fan , Xu Muqing , Peng Hua , Tang Jie , Zhang Hongzheng
Published: January 2024

Objective

To investigate whether there is a correlation between the inflammatory state and the pathogenesis and clinical features of sudden hearing loss (SHL) by studying the expression of inflammation‐related cytokines in the peripheral blood of patients with SHL.

Methods

In this work, we analyzed the cytokine profiles of 48 analytes in 38 patients with SHL compared to 38 healthy donors using a multiplex immunoassay. This study used appropriate statistical methods to screen for inflammatory cytokines associated with the pathogenesis of SHL, to analyze their network correlation, and to analyze the relationship between clinical features of SHL and inflammatory cytokines.

Results

Several cytokines, including CTACK, Eotaxin, HGF, INF‐α2, IFN‐β, IL‐1β, IL‐1ra, IL‐2Rα, IL‐4, IL‐7, IL‐8, IL‐9, IL‐10, IL‐12(p40), IL‐13, MIG, β‐NGF, SCF, and TNF‐α, exhibited significantly higher levels in the peripheral blood of the SHL group compared to the control group. An inflammatory network composed of multiple cytokines, including IL‐1β, is a risk factor for the development of SHL.

Conclusion

This study identified several inflammatory cytokines with elevated expression, which may be linked with the onset of SHL. The results of this study also provide a basis for the theoretical hypothesis of inflammation in SHL.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:3293–3301, 2024
Physiological mortality of planktonic ciliates: Estimates, causes, and consequences
Authors: Weisse Thomas
Published: January 2024

Contrasting physiological mortality with predator‐induced mortality is of tremendous importance for the population dynamics of many organisms but is difficult to assess. This is especially true for tiny organisms, such as most protists, which do not leave any carcasses behind. I performed a meta‐analysis using planktonic ciliates as model organisms to estimate the maximum physiological mortality rates (δmax) across pelagic ecosystems in relation to environmental and biotic factors. The median δmax of planktonic ciliates was 0.62 d−1 and did not differ between marine and freshwater species. Maximum ciliate mortality rates were species‐specific and affected by their specific growth rates (rmax), cell volume, and ability to encyst. Cyst‐forming species had, on average, higher δmax than species unable to encyst. Maximum mortality rates were positively related to rmax, but, in contrast to the latter, δmax appeared unaffected by temperature. I conclude that (1) in the ocean, physiological mortality is more critical for controlling ciliate population size than ciliate losses imposed by microcrustacean predation, but (2) in many lakes, the opposite holds; (3) cyst formation is an effective ciliate trait to cope with the high mortality of motile cells upon starvation. The lack of a temperature effect on δmax deserves further study; if correct, planktonic ciliates may take advantage of rising ocean and lake temperatures, with important implications for the pelagic food web.
Improving Gene Delivery: Synergy between Alkyl Chain Length and Lipoic Acid for PDMAEMA Hydrophobic Copolymers
Authors: Mapfumo Prosper P. , Reichel Liên S. , Hoeppener Stephanie , Traeger Anja
Published: January 2024

In the field of gene delivery, hydrophobic cationic copolymers hold great promise. They exhibit improved performance by effectively protecting genetic material from serum interactions while facilitating interactions with cellular membranes. However, managing cytotoxicity remains a significant challenge, prompting an investigation into suitable hydrophobic components. A particularly encouraging approach involves integrating nutrient components, like lipoic acid, which is known for its antioxidant properties and diverse cellular benefits such as cellular metabolism and growth. In this study, a copolymer library comprising 2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and lipoic acid methacrylate (LAMA), combined with either n‐butyl methacrylate (nBMA), ethyl methacrylate (EMA), or methyl methacrylate (MMA), is synthesized. This enables to probe the impact of lipoic acid incorporation while simultaneously exploring the influence of pendant acyclic alkyl chain length. The inclusion of lipoic acid results in a notable boost in transfection efficiency  while maintaining low cytotoxicity. Interestingly, higher levels of transfection efficiency are achieved in the presence of nBMA, EMA, or MMA. However, a positive correlation between pendant acyclic alkyl chain length and cytotoxicity is observed. Consequently, P(DMAEMA‐co‐LAMA‐co‐MMA), emerges as a promising candidate. This is attributed to the optimal combination of low cytotoxic MMA and transfection‐boosting LAMA, highlighting the crucial synergy between LAMA and MMA.
In silico construction of a focused fragment library facilitating exploration of chemical space**
Authors: Han Weijie , Xu Xiaohe , Fan Qing , Yan Yingchao , Zhang YanMin , Chen Yadong , Liu Haichun
Published: January 2024

Fragment‐based drug design (FBDD) has emerged as a captivating subject in the realm of computer‐aided drug design, enabling the generation of novel molecules through the rearrangement of ring systems within known compounds. The construction of focused fragment library plays a pivotal role in FBDD, necessitating the compilation of all potential bioactive ring systems capable of interacting with a specific target. In our study, we propose a workflow for the development of a focused fragment library and combinatorial compound library. The fragment library comprises seed fragments and collected fragments. The extraction of seed fragments is guided by receptor information, serving as a prerequisite for establishing a focused libraries. Conversely, collected fragments are obtained using the feature graph method, which offers a simplified representation of fragments and strikes a balance between diversity and similarity when categorizing different fragments. The utilization of feature graph facilitates the rational partitioning of chemical space at fragment level, enabling the exploration of desired chemical space and enhancing the efficiency of screening compound library. Analysis demonstrates that our workflow enables the enumeration of a greater number of entirely new potential compounds, thereby aiding in the rational design of drugs.
Iterative Hille‐type oscillation criteria of half‐linear advanced dynamic equations of second order
Authors: Hassan Taher S. , Cesarano Clemente , Mesmouli Mouataz Billah , Zaidi Hasan Nihal , Odinaev Ismoil
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we establish iterative Hille‐type criteria for advanced functional half‐linear dynamic equations of the second order. These results extend and improve recent criteria established by multiple authors for the same equation and encompass classical criteria. We provide an example to demonstrate the significance of the results obtained.
Dietary Ferulic Acid Increases Endurance Capacity by Promoting Skeletal Muscle Oxidative Phenotype, Mitochondrial Function, and Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: Huang Tengteng , Li Huawei , Chen Xiaoling , Chen Daiwen , Yu Bing , He Jun , Luo Yuheng , Yan Hui , Zheng Ping , Yu Jie , Huang Zhiqing
Published: January 2024

Scope

Endurance capacity is essential for endurance athletes’ achievement and individuals’ health. Nutritional supplements are a proven way to enhance endurance capacity. Previous studies have shown that ferulic acid (FA) enhances endurance capacity, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. The study is aimed to investigate the mechanism by which FA increases endurance capacity.

Methods and results

Forty mice are divided into control and 0.5% FA‐supplemented groups, and an exhaustive swimming test demonstrates increased endurance capacity with FA supplementation. This study investigates the underlying mechanism for this effect of FA. Firstly, RT‐PCR and western blot analysis find that FA increases the transformation from fast to slow muscle fiber. Additionally, adenosine triphosphate concentration, metabolic enzyme activity, and mitochondrial DNA analysis find that FA increases mitochondrial biogenesis and activates nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor (NRF)1 signaling pathway in muscle. Besides, through antioxidant capacity analysis, this study finds that FA activates NRF2 signaling pathway and improves the antioxidant capacity in muscle. Moreover, inhibiting NRF2 eliminates FA's effect on muscle fiber transformation in C2C12 cells.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that FA increases endurance capacity by promoting skeletal muscle oxidative phenotype, mitochondrial function, and antioxidant capacity, which may be related to the NRF1 and NRF2 signaling pathways.
Prediction of proton stopping power ratios using dual‐energy CT basis material decomposition
Authors: Pettersson Erik , Thilander‐Klang Anne , Bäck Anna
Published: January 2024

Background

Proton radiotherapy treatment plans are currently restricted by the range uncertainties originating from the stopping power ratio (SPR) prediction based on single‐energy computed tomography (SECT). Various studies have shown that multi‐energy CT (MECT) can reduce the range uncertainties due to medical implant materials and age‐related variations in tissue composition. None of these has directly applied the basis material density (MD) images produced by projection‐based MECT systems for SPR prediction.

Purpose

To present and evaluate a novel proton SPR prediction method based on MD images from dual‐energy CT (DECT), which could reduce the range uncertainties currently associated with proton radiotherapy.

Methods

A theoretical basis material decomposition into water and iodine material densities was performed for various pediatric and adult human reference tissues, as well as other non‐tissue materials, by minimizing the root‐mean‐square relative attenuation error in the energy interval from 40 to 140 keV. A model (here called MD‐SPR) mapping predicted MDs to theoretically calculated reference SPRs was created with locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOWESS) data‐fitting. The goodness of fit of the MD‐SPR model was evaluated for the included reference tissues. MD images of two electron density phantoms, combined to form a head‐ and an abdomen‐sized phantom setup, were acquired with a clinical projection‐based fast‐kV switching DECT scanner. The MD images were compared to the theoretically predicted MDs of the tissue surrogates and other non‐tissue materials in the phantoms, as well as used for input to the MD‐SPR model for generation of SPR images. The SPR images were subsequently compared to theoretical reference SPRs of the materials in the phantoms, as well as to SPR images from a commercial algorithm (DirectSPR, Siemens Healthineers, Forchheim, Germany) using image‐based consecutive scan DECT for the same phantom setups.

Results

The predicted SPRs of the tissue surrogates were similar for MD‐SPR and DirectSPR, where the adipose and bone tissue surrogates were within 1% difference to the reference SPRs, while other non‐adipose soft tissue surrogates (breast, brain, liver, muscle) were all underestimated by between −0.7% and −1.8%. The SPRs of the non‐tissue materials (polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), graphite and Teflon) were within 2.8% for MD‐SPR images, compared to 6.8% for DirectSPR.

Conclusions

The MD‐SPR model performed similar compared to other published methods for the human reference tissues. The SPR prediction for tissue surrogates was similar to DirectSPR and showed potential to improve SPR prediction for non‐tissue materials.
Hyperpolarized 13C metabolic imaging of the human abdomen with spatiotemporal denoising
Authors: Nickles Tanner M. , Kim Yaewon , Lee Philip M. , Chen Hsin‐Yu , Ohliger Michael , Bok Robert A. , Wang Zhen J. , Larson Peder E. Z. , Vigneron Daniel B. , Gordon Jeremy W.
Published: January 2024

Purpose

Improving the quality and maintaining the fidelity of large coverage abdominal hyperpolarized (HP) 13C MRI studies with a patch based global–local higher‐order singular value decomposition (GL‐HOVSD) spatiotemporal denoising approach.

Methods

Denoising performance was first evaluated using the simulated [1‐13C]pyruvate dynamics at different noise levels to determine optimal kglobal and klocal parameters. The GL‐HOSVD spatiotemporal denoising method with the optimized parameters was then applied to two HP [1‐13C]pyruvate EPI abdominal human cohorts (n = 7 healthy volunteers and n = 8 pancreatic cancer patients).

Results

The parameterization of kglobal = 0.2 and klocal = 0.9 denoises abdominal HP data while retaining image fidelity when evaluated by RMSE. The kPX (conversion rate of pyruvate‐to‐metabolite, X = lactate or alanine) difference was shown to be <20% with respect to ground‐truth metabolic conversion rates when there is adequate SNR (SNRAUC > 5) for downstream metabolites. In both human cohorts, there was a greater than nine‐fold gain in peak [1‐13C]pyruvate, [1‐13C]lactate, and [1‐13C]alanine apparent SNRAUC. The improvement in metabolite SNR enabled a more robust quantification of kPL and kPA. After denoising, we observed a 2.1 ± 0.4 and 4.8 ± 2.5‐fold increase in the number of voxels reliably fit across abdominal FOVs for kPL and kPA quantification maps.

Conclusion

Spatiotemporal denoising greatly improves visualization of low SNR metabolites particularly [1‐13C]alanine and quantification of [1‐13C]pyruvate metabolism in large FOV HP 13C MRI studies of the human abdomen.