bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal performance investigation of finned latent heat storage of shell‐and‐tube, shell‐and‐nozzle, and shell‐and‐reducer models
Authors: Hasan Hiba A. , Hassoon Atheer S.
Published: June 2023

Three models of latent heat storage with circular fins were studied numerically and experimentally in this paper. The models were shell‐and‐tube, shell‐and‐nozzle, and shell‐and‐reducer. These models were investigated for two different inlets of heat transfer fluid (HTF), from the bottom and top of the models, so the number of studied cases was six. The results of the comparison between the cases showed that the different HTF inlet with a fixed mass flow rate greatly affects the completion time of the melting process; the bottom inlet of HTF accelerates the melting compared to the top inlet because it enhances the role of natural convection. Compared with shell‐and‐tube with bottom HTF inlet, the shell‐and‐nozzle with bottom inlet reduces the melting time by 11.2%, while the shell‐and‐reducer with bottom inlet delays the melting by 24%. The results of the top HTF inlet cases showed that shell‐and‐nozzle delays the melting by 16% compared with shell‐and‐tube, while the melting is not completed in shell‐and‐reducer. Shell‐and‐nozzle with a bottom HTF inlet shows the shortest melting time and the best thermal performance among all the other cases due to the geometric design of the model. On comparing the numerical and experimental results, good agreement was found between them.
On the combined influence of Reynolds number and cylinder spacing for flow around a row of heated square cylinders
Authors: Patil Ravibala A. , Nandgaonkar Milankumar R. , Sewatkar Chandrashekhar M.
Published: June 2023

The characteristics of forced convection heat transfer across a row of heated square cylinders kept in side‐by‐side arrangement are numerically investigated to examine the combined effects of Reynolds number and cylinder spacing forRi = 0, 60 ≤ Re ≤ 160,Pr = .71, ands/d = 1.0–8.0, where the space between cylinder surfaces issand the cylinder size isd. A numerical study was carried out using the thermal lattice Boltzmann method. The goal of this work is to explore the transitions in heat transfer phenomenon that occurs behind the cylinder and to report the corresponding regimes for heat transfer namely synchronous, quasiperiodic, and chaotic. The proposed regime of heat flow is a function of Reynolds number and spacing. The synchronous heat regime is obtained fors/d ≥ 5.0 and quasiperiodic, chaotic regimes are observed for 3.0 ≤ s/d < 5.0,s/d < 3.0, respectively atRe = 100. The instantaneous isotherms, the power spectra of the corresponding Nusselt number signals, and the significance of cylinder Nusselt number frequency are used to examine these heat flow regimes. The heat transfer regimes for a row of heated cylinders and flow regimes for a row of unheated cylinders both have comparable appearances except for the fact that the heat transfer regime is synchronous ats/d ≥ 5.0 and flow is synchronous ats/d ≥ 4.0. The chaotic or quasiperiodic heat transfer regimes occur due to merging and strong interactions between thermal blobs shed from the cylinders. Heat transfer is synchronous at a higher spacing and characterized by independent thermal blobs shedded from the cylinders. It is reported that as spacing reduces and Reynolds number increases, the mean value of the Nusselt number experienced by all cylinders increases. The important outcome of the present numerical work is that for understanding heat transfer from bluff body, the transitions that occur in heat transfer are useful.
Diagnosing and treating appendicitis in rabbits
Authors: Charrasse Mathilde , Huynh Minh
Published: June 2023

Background: Appendicitis in rabbits is rarely described but is part of the differential diagnosis of acute and chronic gastrointestinal disorders in rabbits, and should be suspected as a priority in cases of hyperthermia. Imaging such as ultrasound or CT scan are essential for the diagnosis and should be included systematically in the exploration of gastrointestinal stasis syndrome. Treatment of such cases can be medical and/or surgical. It is important that practitioners understand the pathology, know when to suspect it and that they are able to select appropriate diagnostics to guide therapeutic management of these cases.

Aim of the article: This article reviews cases of appendicitis in rabbits described in the literature and provides clinicians with the most up‐to‐date information on this condition.
Advanced flow cytometry for biomedical applications
Authors: Pang Kai , Dong Sihan , Zhu Yuxi , Zhu Xi , Zhou Quanyu , Gu Bobo , Jin Wei , Zhang Rui , Fu Yuting , Yu Bingchen , Sun Da , Duanmu Zheng , Wei Xunbin
Published: June 2023

Flow cytometry (FC) is a versatile tool with excellent capabilities to detect and measure multiple characteristics of a population of cells or particles. Notable advancements in in vivo photoacoustic FC, coherent Raman FC, microfluidic FC, and so on, have been achieved in the last two decades, which endows FC with new functions and expands its applications in basic research and clinical practice. Advanced FC broadens the tools available to researchers to conduct research involving cancer detection, microbiology (COVID‐19, HIV, bacteria, etc.), and nucleic acid analysis. This review presents an overall picture of advanced flow cytometers and provides not only a clear understanding of their mechanisms but also new insights into their practical applications. We identify the latest trends in this area and aim to raise awareness of advanced techniques of FC. We hope this review expands the applications of FC and accelerates its clinical translation.
Combination of fusion guided multiparametric MRI—transrectal US with systematic biopsy of the prostate for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer: A prospective single‐center study
Authors: Agrotis Georgios , Tsougos Ioannis , Oikonomou Athanasios , Vassiou Katerina , Karatzas Anastasios , Tamposis Ioannis , Fanariotis Michalis , Vamvakas Alexandros , Tzortzis Vasilis , Vlychou Marianna
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To investigate the diagnostic efficacy of fusion guided multiparametric MRI (mpMRI)—transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) biopsy versus systematic biopsy of the prostate in patients with suspicion of prostate cancer.

Methods

A total of 185 patients with PI‐RADS 3 lesions or higher underwent fusion guided targeted and systematic prostate biopsy. Histology of samples was correlated with PI‐RADS score and biopsy method for each patient.

Results

A total of 81/185 (43.8%) cases positive for cancer were detected; 23/81 (28.4%) cases with clinically insignificant prostate cancer—insPCa and 58/81 (71.6%) cases with clinically significant prostate cancer—csPCa. There was a statistically significant difference in the overall detection of adenocarcinomas between methods (p = .035, McNemar test). Moreover, there was a statistically significant difference in the detection of insPCa between the two methods (p = .004, McNemar test). Systematic biopsy detected 13 patients with insPCa more (14.4%) than the targeted biopsy method. However, there is no statistical difference in the detection rate of csPCa between the two methods (p = 1, McNemar test). When both techniques were combined more cases of csPCa were detected.

Conclusion

The combined implementation of fusion‐guided targeted mpMRI–TRUS and systematic biopsy of the prostate provides higher detection number of csPCa, compared to each method alone. The potential of fusion‐guided mpMRI‐TRUS biopsy of the prostate needs to be further assessed since each method has its limitations; therefore, systematic prostate biopsy still plays an important role in clinical practice.
Machine learning prediction model for treatment responders in patients with primary biliary cholangitis
Authors: Kimura Naruhiro , Takahashi Kazuya , Setsu Toru , Goto Shu , Miida Suguru , Takeda Nobutaka , Kojima Yuichi , Arao Yoshihisa , Hayashi Kazunao , Sakai Norihiro , Watanabe Yusuke , Abe Hiroyuki , Kamimura Hiroteru , Sakamaki Akira , Yokoo Takeshi , Kamimura Kenya , Tsuchiya Atsunori , Terai Shuji
Published: June 2023

Background and Aim

Treatment response to ursodeoxycholic acid may predict the prognosis of patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Recent studies have suggested the benefits of using machine learning (ML) to forecast complex medical predictions. We aimed to predict treatment response in patients with PBC using ML and pretreatment data.

Methods

We conducted a single‐center retrospective study and collected data from 194 patients with PBC who were followed up for at least 12 months after treatment initiation. Patient data were analyzed with five ML models, namely random forest, extreme gradient boosting (XGB), decision tree, naïve Bayes, or logistic regression, to predict treatment response using the Paris II criteria. The established models were assessed using an out‐of‐sample validation. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the efficacy of each algorithm. Overall survival and liver‐related deaths were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier analysis.

Results

Compared to logistic regression (AUC = 0.595, P = 0.0219, 0.031 models), ML analyses showed significantly high AUC in the random forest (AUC = 0.84) and XGB (AUC = 0.83) models; however, the AUC was not significantly high for decision tree (AUC = 0.633) or naïve Bayes (AUC = 0.584) models. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed significantly improved prognoses in patients predicted to achieve the Paris II criteria by XGB (log‐rank = 0.005 and 0.007).

Conclusion

ML algorithms could improve treatment response prediction using pretreatment data, which could lead to better prognoses. In addition, the ML model using XGB could predict the prognosis of patients before treatment initiation.
“If they had a place to live, they would be taking medication”: a qualitative study identifying strategies for engaging street‐connected young people in the HIV prevention‐care continuum in Kenya
Authors: Embleton Lonnie , Shah Pooja , Apondi Edith , Ayuku David , Braitstein Paula
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Street‐connected young people (SCY) experience structural and social barriers to engaging in the HIV prevention‐care continuum. We sought to elicit recommendations for interventions that may improve SCY's engagement along the HIV prevention‐care continuum from healthcare providers, policymakers, community members and SCY in Kenya.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted in Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Bungoma, Nakuru and Kitale counties in Kenya between May 2017 and September 2018 to explore and describe the public perceptions of, and proposed and existing responses to, the phenomenon of SCY. This secondary analysis focuses on a subset of data interviews that investigated SCY's healthcare needs in relation to HIV prevention and care. We conducted 41 in‐depth interviews and seven focus group discussions with 100 participants, of which 43 were SCY. In total, 48 participants were women and 52 men.

Results

Our analysis resulted in four major themes corresponding to stages in the HIV prevention‐care continuum for key populations. We identified the need for an array of strategies to engage SCY in HIV prevention and testing services that are patient‐centred and responsive to the diversity of their circumstances. The use of pre‐exposure prophylaxis was a biomedical prevention strategy that SCY and healthcare providers alike stressed the need to raise awareness around and access to for SCY. Several healthcare providers suggested peer‐based approaches for engaging SCY throughout the continuum. However, SCY heavily debated the appropriateness of using peer‐based methods. Structural interventions, such as the provision of food and housing, were suggested as strategies to improve antiretroviral therapy adherence.

Conclusions

This study identified contextually relevant interventions that should be adapted and piloted for use with SCY. Education and sensitization of SCY and healthcare providers alike were identified as possible strategies, along with affordable housing and anti‐poverty strategies as cash transfers and provision of food. Peer‐based interventions are a clear option but require SCY‐specific adaptation to be implemented effectively.
Low power 10T phase and frequency detector for high frequency phase locked loop
Authors: Rajalingam Prithiviraj , Srinivasan Balaji , Jayakumar Selvakumar , Routray Soumyaranjan
Published: June 2023

The high‐frequency circuits used in communication systems significantly depend on the functioning of the Phase‐Locked Loop (PLL). The power consumption is traded with the performance in the high‐frequency PLL. The proposed robust Phase and Frequency Detector (PFD) has multiple benefits of low‐power and reliable functioning at high frequency. The PFD highly contributes to the stable performance of the PLL, and this work proposes a 10T PFD for low‐power. The proposed PFD employs Gate Diffusion Input (GDI) logic based D‐flip flop and the pass transistor logic in the reset path to reduce power consumption. The PFD uses only 10 transistors, enabling a faster reset path and consuming less power at high frequencies. The 10T PFD was designed using 90 nm CMOS PDKs and simulated using CADENCE Specter for functional verification and performance analysis. The 10T PFD achieved a reset time of 61.4 ps at 3 GHz alongside a power consumption of 189.2 nW. Also, the overall power consumption of PLL using the proposed PFD at 3 GHz was demonstrating the effectiveness of 10T PFD over other conventional PFDs.
Detection of early bruises on apples using hyperspectral reflectance imaging coupled with optimal wavelengths selection and improved watershed segmentation algorithm
Authors: Tian Xi , Liu Xuefeng , He Xin , Zhang Chi , Li Jiangbo , Huang Wenqian
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Bruises caused by mechanical collision during the harvesting and storage and transportation period are difficult to detect using traditional machine vision technologies because there is no obvious difference in appearance between bruised and sound tissues. As a result of its fast and non‐destructive characteristics, hyperspectral imaging technology is a potential tool for non‐destructive detection of fruit surface defects.

RESULTS

In the present study, visible near infrared hyperspectral reflectance images of healthy apples and bruised apples at 6, 12 and 24 h were obtained. To reduce hyperspectral data dimension, optimal wavelength selection algorithms including principal component analysis (PCA) and band ratio methods were utilized to select the effective wavelengths and enhance the contrast between bruised and sound tissues. Then pseudo‐color image transformation technology combining with improved watershed segmentation algorithm (IWSA) were employed to recognize the bruise spots. The result obtained showed that band ratio images obtained better detection performance than that of PCA. The G component derived from pseudo‐color image of followed by IWSA obtained the best segmentation performance for bruise spots. Finally, a multispectral imaging system for the detection of bruised apple was developed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed two‐band ratio algorithm, obtaining recognition rates of 93.3%, 92.2% and 92.5% for healthy, bruised and overall apples, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The bruise detection algorithm proposed in the present study has potential to detect bruised apple in online practical applications and hyperspectral reflectance imaging offers a useful reference for the detection of surficial defects of fruit. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Body Mass Index (BMI) Related Morbidity with Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Rind Fahad , Zhao Songzhu , Haring Catherine , Kang Stephen Y , Agrawal Amit , Ozer Enver , Old Matthew O , Carrau Ricardo L. , Seim Nolan B
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The increase in incidence of thyroid cancer correlates with strict increases in body mass index (BMI) and obesity in the United States. Thyroid hormone dysregulation has been shown to precipitate circulatory volume, peripheral resistance, cardiac rhythm, and even cardiac muscle health. Theoretically, thyroid surgery could precipitate injury to the cardiopulmonary system.

Methods

The American College of Surgery National Quality Improvement Program database was queried for thyroidectomy cases in the 2007–2020 Participant User files. Continuous and categorical associations between BMI and cardiopulmonary complications were investigated as reported in the database.

Results

The query resulted 186,095 cases of thyroidectomy procedures in which the mean age was 51.3 years and sample was 79.3% female. No correlation was evident in univariate and multivariate analyses between BMI and the incidence of postoperative stroke or myocardial infarction. The incidence of complications was extremely low. However, risk of deep venous thrombosis correlated with BMI in the categorical, univariate, and multivariate (OR 1.036, CI 1.014–1.057, p < 0.01) regression analysis. Additionally, increased BMI was associated with increased risk of pulmonary embolism (PE) (OR 1.050 (1.030, 1.069), p < 0.01), re‐intubation (OR 1.012 (1.002, 1.023), p = 0.02), and prolonged intubation (OR 1.031 (1.017, 1.045), p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Despite the rarity of cardiopulmonary complications during thyroid surgery, patients with very high BMI carry a significant risk of deep venous thrombosis, PE, and prolonged intubation.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:2823–2830, 2023
Using Ipratropium Bromide Nasal Spray Response as a Screening Tool in the Diagnostic Workup of Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea
Authors: Nulty Phillip , Mason William , Mackie Hussein , Peterson Edward L. , Cook Bernard , Rock Jack , Eide Jacob , Craig John R.
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Unilateral clear thin rhinorrhea (UCTR) can be concerning for a nasal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak. Beta‐2 transferrin electrophoresis has been the gold standard for initial non‐invasive confirmatory testing for CSF rhinorrhea, but there can be issues with fluid collection and testing errors. Ipratropium bromide nasal spray (IBNS) is highly effective at reducing rhinitis‐related rhinorrhea, and should presumably not resolve CSF rhinorrhea. This study assessed whether different clinical features and IBNS response helped predict presence or absence of CSF rhinorrhea.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted where all patients with UCTR had nasal fluid tested for beta‐2 transferrin, and were prescribed 0.06% IBNS. Patients were diagnosed with CSF rhinorrhea or other rhinologic conditions. Clinical variables like IBNS response (rhinorrhea reduction), positional worsening, salty taste, postoperative state, female gender, and body‐mass index were assessed for their ability to predict CSF rhinorrhea. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values and odds ratios were calculated for all clinical variables.

Results

Twenty patients had CSF rhinorrhea, and 53 had non‐CSF etiologies. Amongst clinical variables assessed for predicting CSF absence or presence, significant associations were shown for IBNS response (OR = 844.66, p = 0.001), positional rhinorrhea worsening (OR = 8.22, p = 0.049), and body‐mass index ≥30 (OR = 2.92, p = 0.048). IBNS response demonstrated 96% sensitivity and 100% specificity, and 100% positive and 91% negative predictive values for predicting CSF rhinorrhea.

Conclusions

In patients with UCTR, 0.06% IBNS response is an excellent screening tool for excluding CSF rhinorrhea, and should be considered in the diagnostic workup of CSF rhinorrhea.

Level of Evidence

2 Laryngoscope, 134:56–61, 2024
Polyphenol‐Based Nanosystems for Next‐Generation Cancer Therapy: Multifunctionality, Design, and Challenges
Authors: Feng Chenqian , Chen Bo , Fan Rangrang , Zou Bingwen , Han Bo , Guo Gang
Published: June 2023

With the continuous updating of cancer treatment methods and the rapid development of precision medicine in recent years, there are higher demands for advanced and versatile drug delivery systems. Scientists are committed to create greener and more effective nanomedicines where the carrier is no longer limited to a single function of drug delivery. Polyphenols, which can act as both active ingredients and fundamental building blocks, are being explored as potential multifunctional carriers that are efficient and safe for design purposes. Due to their intrinsic anticancer activity, phenolic compounds have shown surprising expressiveness in ablation of tumor cells, overcoming cancer multidrug resistance (MDR), and enhancing immunotherapeutic efficacy. This review provides an overview of recent advances in the design, synthesis, and application of versatile polyphenol‐based nanosystems for cancer therapy in various modes. Moreover, the merits of polyphenols and the challenges for their clinical translation are also discussed, and it is pointed out that the novel polyphenol delivery system requires further optimization and validation.
Additive Manufacturing‐Enabled Architected Nanocomposite Lattices Coated with Plasmonic Nanoparticles for Water Pollutants Detection
Authors: Fateixa Sara , Landauer Marc , Schneider Johannes , Kumar Shanmugam , Böhm Robert
Published: June 2023

Novel low‐cost materials to uptake and detect vestigial amounts of pesticides are highly desirable for water quality monitoring. Herein, are demonstrated, for the first time, surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) sensors enabled via additively manufactured lattices coated with plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) for detecting pesticides in real water samples. The architected lattices comprising polypropylene (PP) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are realized via fused filament fabrication (FFF). In the first stage, the SERS performance of the PP/MWCNT filaments coated with distinct metallic NPs (Ag NPs and Au NPs) is evaluated using methylene blue (MB) as molecular probe. Thereafter, distinctly architected hybrid SERS sensors with periodic porous and fully dense geometries are investigated as adsorbents to uptake MB from aqueous solutions and subsequent detection using SERS. The spatial distribution of MB and Ag NPs on the FFF‐printed lattices is accomplished by SERS imaging. The best hybrid composite is used as SERS probing system to detect low amounts of pesticides (thiram and paraquat) and offers a detection limit of 100 nm for both pesticides. As a proof‐of‐concept, FFF‐enabled test strips are used to detect in loco paraquat molecules spiked on real water samples (Estuary Aveiro water and tap water) using a portable Raman spectrometer.
Variable Hardy–Lorentz martingale spaces Hp(·),q(·)$\mathcal {H}_{p(\cdot ),q(\cdot )}$
Authors: Lu Jianzhong , Ma Tao
Published: June 2023

Let be a complete probability space and let be two variable exponents. In this paper, we investigate several new variable Hardy–Lorentz martingale spaces associated with the variable Lorentz spaces , which are defined by nonincreasing rearrangement functions. To be precise, we first formulate the atomic decomposition theorems for these Hardy–Lorentz martingale spaces, and then establish martingale inequalities among them with the help of the boundedness of a σ‐sublinear operator. Furthermore, we prove the boundedness of fractional integrals on variable Hardy–Lorentz martingale spaces .
Automated identification and quantification of metabolites in human fecal extracts by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Lee Brian L. , Rout Manoj , Mandal Rupasri , Wishart David S.
Published: June 2023

We report the development of a software program, called MagMet‐F, that automates the processing and quantification of 1D 1H NMR of human fecal extracts. To optimize the program, we identified 82 potential fecal metabolites using 1D 1H NMR of six human fecal extracts using manual profiling and a literature review of known fecal metabolites. We acquired pure versions of those metabolites and then acquired their 1D 1H NMR spectra at 700 MHz to generate a fecal metabolite spectral library for MagMet‐F. The fitting of these metabolites by MagMet‐F was iteratively optimized to replicate manual profiling. We validated MagMet‐F's automated profiling using a test set of six fecal extracts. It correctly identified 80% of the compounds and quantified those within <20% of the values determined by manual profiling using Chenomx. We also compared MagMet‐F's profiling performance to two other open‐access NMR profiling tools, Bayesil and Batman. MagMet‐F outperformed both. Bayesil repeatedly overestimated metabolite concentrations by 10% to 40% while Batman was unable to properly quantify any compounds and took 10–20× longer. We have implemented MagMet‐F as a freely accessible web server to enable automated, fast and convenient 1D 1H NMR spectral profiling of fecal samples. MagMet‐F is available at https://www.magmet.ca.
Disturbance ecology in human societies
Authors: Pausas Juli G. , Leverkus Alexandro B.
Published: June 2023

We define societal disturbances as discrete events that abruptly disrupt the functioning of human societies. There is a variety of such events, including hurricanes, floods, epidemics, nuclear accidents, earthquakes and wars, among others. These disturbances can interact, further increasing their impacts. The severity of disturbances does not only depend on their intrinsic properties (type, intensity and magnitude) but also greatly on human aspects (socioeconomic, historical, political and cultural aspects that define vulnerability).

Very large or severe disturbances are infrequent and unpredictable. Yet societal disturbances are intrinsic to human societies; they have occurred through the entire human history and will continue to occur in the future. We can increase preparedness and recovery capacity but cannot avoid disturbances. The type, regime and scale of disturbances change with the development of societies. The increase in population density and complexity also increases the severity of many disturbances.

Societal disturbances can temporarily disrupt the functioning of societies. However, when those disturbances are frequent, societies adapt to them and thus disturbances contribute to shape cultural evolution. That is, societal disturbances have a cost at short temporal scales, but they can build up resilience at mid‐ to long‐term scales.

Understanding this dynamic view of human systems is becoming more important as climate is changing, humans are overexploiting natural resources and humanity is dense and hyperconnected. We need to take advantage of frequent small disturbances, as they can build resilience and reduce the likelihood of infrequent large and severe disturbances. Our challenge is to encourage actions and policies to be prepared for unknown, unpredictable and unprecedented (infrequent) large‐scale societal disturbances that will surely arrive.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
Synthesis and optimization of collagen‐targeting peptide‐glycosaminoglycans for inhibition of platelets following endothelial injury
Authors: Nguyen Michael , Walimbe Tanaya , Woolley Andrew , Paderi John , Panitch Alyssa
Published: June 2023

Many endothelial complications, whether from surgical or pathological origins, can result in the denudation of the endothelial layer and the exposure of collagen. Exposure of collagen results in the activation of platelets, leading to thrombotic and inflammatory cascades that ultimately result in vessel stenosis. We have previously reported the use of peptide‐glycosaminoglycan (GAG) compounds to target exposed collagen following endothelial injury. In this paper, we optimize the spacer sequence of our collagen‐binding peptide to increase its conjugation to GAG backbones and increase the peptide‐GAG collagen‐binding affinity by increasing peptide C‐terminal cationic charge. Furthermore, we demonstrate the use of these molecules to inhibit platelet activation through collagen blocking, as well as their localization to exposed vascular collagen following systemic delivery. Altogether, optimization of peptide sequence and linkage chemistry can allow for increased conjugation and function, having implications for glycoconjugate use in other clinical applications.
Quantitative phosphoproteomics reveals novel roles of cAMP in plants
Authors: Domingo Guido , Marsoni Milena , Chiodaroli Luca , Fortunato Stefania , Bracale Marcella , De Pinto Maria Concetta , Gehring Chris , Vannini Candida
Published: June 2023

3′,5′‐cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is finally recognized as an essential signaling molecule in plants where cAMP‐dependent processes include responses to hormones and environmental stimuli. To better understand the role of 3′,5′‐cAMP at the systems level, we have undertaken a phosphoproteomic analysis to elucidate the cAMP‐dependent response of tobacco BY‐2 cells. These cells overexpress a molecular “sponge” that buffers free intracellular cAMP level. The results show that, firstly, in vivo cAMP dampening profoundly affects the plant kinome and notably mitogen‐activated protein kinases, receptor‐like kinases, and calcium‐dependent protein kinases, thereby modulating the cellular responses at the systems level. Secondly, buffering cAMP levels also affects mRNA processing through the modulation of the phosphorylation status of several RNA‐binding proteins with roles in splicing, including many serine and arginine‐rich proteins. Thirdly, cAMP‐dependent phosphorylation targets appear to be conserved among plant species. Taken together, these findings are consistent with an ancient role of cAMP in mRNA processing and cellular programming and suggest that unperturbed cellular cAMP levels are essential for cellular homeostasis and signaling in plant cells.
Electrosynthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide through Selective Oxygen Reduction: A Carbon Innovation from Active Site Engineering to Device Design
Authors: Zhang Qingran , Chen Yinguang , Pan Jian , Daiyan Rahman , Lovell Emma C. , Yun Jimmy , Amal Rose , Lu Xunyu
Published: June 2023

Electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) through the selective oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) offers a promising alternative to the energy‐intensive anthraquinone method, while its success relies largely on the development of efficient electrocatalyst. Currently, carbon‐based materials (CMs) are the most widely studied electrocatalysts for electrosynthesis of H2O2 via ORR due to their low cost, earth abundance, and tunable catalytic properties. To achieve a high 2e− ORR selectivity, great progress is made in promoting the performance of carbon‐based electrocatalysts and unveiling their underlying catalytic mechanisms. Here, a comprehensive review in the field is presented by summarizing the recent advances in CMs for H2O2 production, focusing on the design, fabrication, and mechanism investigations over the catalytic active moieties, where an enhancement effect of defect engineering or heteroatom doping on H2O2 selectivity is discussed thoroughly. Particularly, the influence of functional groups on CMs for a 2e−‐pathway is highlighted. Further, for commercial perspectives, the significance of reactor design for decentralized H2O2 production is emphasized, bridging the gap between intrinsic catalytic properties and apparent productivity in electrochemical devices. Finally, major challenges and opportunities for the practical electrosynthesis of H2O2 and future research directions are proposed.
Sulfur Migration Behavior in Sintering and Pelletizing Processes: A Review
Authors: Zhang Song , Jiang Dewen , Wang Zhenyang , Zong Yanbing , Zhang Jianliang , Wang Feiwang , Si Ruishuai , Zhang Shushi , Zhou Xinfu , Pang Jing
Published: June 2023

As essential materials, iron and steel, which form the core of many national economies, guarantee the survival and development of the country. However, the iron and steel industry is also a typical example of an industry with high energy consumption and high pollution levels. Against the backdrop of a double carbon and green environment, the steel industry still needs to achieve high‐quality development. The sintering and pelletizing processes are one of the limiting links that need to be broken through. This article focuses on the source, change process, and emission modes of sulfur in the sintering and pelletizing processes, and also systematically introduces the migration behavior and law of sulfur, along with several typical desulfurization processes. Finally, the future green development of the iron and steel industry is considered.
Damage mechanism and damage evaluation of PC box girder bridge subjected to overheight vehicle impact
Authors: Jing Yuan , Wu Ya , Zhao Yu , Zhou Yongjun , Yao Tianyun
Published: June 2023

Accidental collisions from overheight vehicles often result in significant damage of bridges. To ensure the safety of the bridge structure, it is essential to develop a method to evaluate the damage caused by these impact loadings. This study aims to investigate the damage mechanism of a prestressed concrete (PC) box girder bridge subjected to overheight vehicle impact using the finite element analysis method. Parametric analyses were performed to study the effects of various factors on the impact force and deformation performance of the bridge. In addition, a damage assessment formula, based on the vertical residual bearing capacity, is proposed to evaluate the damage state of the impacted PC box girder. A mass–velocity (m–v) curve is developed to characterize the damage levels of the impacted PC girder under different vehicle velocity and mass conditions. Then, a theoretical equation for predicting the maximum impact force during the vehicle‐bridge collision is developed. The numerical analysis results show that vehicle‐related parameters have a significant influence on both impact force and local damage of the PC box girder bridge. The proposed mass–velocity (m–v) curve can be used to evaluate the damage state of the PC box girder by relating the performance levels of the girder to each damage index. Moreover, the predicted maximum impact force can be used as an important index to assess the extent of the local damage of the PC box girder.
Assessment of expected production of a deep‐sea mining system: An integrated model‐based systems engineering and discrete event simulation approach
Authors: Solheim Astrid V. , Rauzy Antoine B. , Brett Per Olaf , Ellefmo Steinar , Hatling Tonje , Helmons Rudy , Asbjørnslett Bjørn Egil
Published: June 2023

In this paper, model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) and discrete event simulation (DES) are combined to assess the performance of an offshore production system at an early stage. Various systems engineering tools are applied to an industrial case concerning the retrieval of deep‐sea minerals, and a simulation engine is developed to calculate the annual production output. A mean production of 1 Million tonnes of ore per year is estimated for an operation in the Norwegian Sea using Monte Carlo simulation. Depending on the limiting design wave height of the marine operations, the estimated production output ranges from 280,000 tonnes to 1.8 Million tonnes per year. The constrained parameter of the production system is particularly the wave height operational limit of the ship‐to‐ship transfer operation. We present the learning outcome from applying MBSE and DES to this case and discuss important aspects for improved performance.
Integrating comparative morphology and development into evolutionary research
Authors: Jeiter Julius , Smets Erik
Published: June 2023

Comparative morphology was for many years the main source of information for systematic studies. As a result of the molecular revolution in evolutionary botanical research in the early 1990s, we can now rely on a system of classification based primarily or exclusively on DNA. Nevertheless, we would like to emphasise the importance of morphology in this era of molecular phylogenetics. We argue that comparative morphology, using the latest technologies and developmental studies, is a modern and important scientific discipline that is essential to better understand evolution of the angiosperms and many other taxa. This paper also offers a guideline for emerging morphologists and phylogeneticists aiming to include morphology in their research.
Equine rotaviruses ‐ an update from Kentucky
Authors: Adam Emma
Published: June 2023

Emma Adamof the Gluck Equine Research Center at the University of Kentucky in the USA provides an update on rotaviruses, particularly the group B equine rotavirus identified in 2021.
‘Using human behaviour change can aid more impactful interactions with clients’
Authors: Rogers Suzanne , White Jo
Published: June 2023

The team at Human Behaviour Change for Life believes that by using the science of human behaviour change the veterinary community has an opportunity to better engage with pet breeders regarding extreme conformation.
Michael David Nicholas Hunt
Authors: Ricketts Sidney , Digby Nick Wingfield , Greet Tim , Carson Deidre , Pilsworth Robert , Steven Neil , McGladdery Andrew , Frederic  , Barrelet Annalisa , Shepherd Michael , Ramzan Peter , Payne Richard , Bathe Andrew , Cameron Ian , Pynn Oliver , Dallas Robert , Foote Alastair
Published: June 2023

A dedicated and highly gifted equine clinician who helped found a remarkably successful practice.
The Veterinary Carbon Calculator: a vital tool for practices
Authors: Duffy Ellie
Published: June 2023

Keen to work towards reducing the carbon footprint of your practice but not sure how to go about it? The Veterinary Carbon Calculator can help, says Ellie Duffy of Vet Sustain.
Celebrating the UK's incredible veterinary nurses
Authors: Austen‐Hardy Charlotte
Published: June 2023

Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month takes place each May and is an opportunity to celebrate these fantastic members of Team Vet. BVA media officer Charlotte Austen‐Hardy shares how BVA marked the occasion.
Pyometra in a puppy after first oestrus
Authors: Loh Jun Ren , Sullivan Louise , Maticka Natalie
Published: June 2023

A 7‐month‐old, female, entire Maltese × Shih Tzu × Bichon Frise puppy was presented for vomiting, diarrhoea, inappetence and lethargy. On physical examination, abdominal pain and purulent vulvar discharge was noted. Vital signs were within normal limits. Abdominal radiographs and abdominal ultrasound revealed an enlarged, fluid‐filled uterus. Ovariohysterectomy was performed, and pyometra was confirmed on histopathology of the uterus. The puppy made a full recovery with no complications. This case report aims to raise awareness among readers that pyometra can occur independently in puppies in the absence of underlying cystic endometrial hyperplasia and highlights the importance of visual inspection of the external genitalia during physical examination, especially in entire animals.
3D‐printed model of a femur fracture and treatment with plate osteosynthesis in a red‐eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)
Authors: Uygur Sencer , Qoti Fati , Yildiz Merve , Doğan Atilla
Published: June 2023

A 7‐year‐old, female, red‐eared slider turtle was presented with proximal diaphyseal oblique femoral fracture due to falling out of bed. A preoperative evaluation with computed tomography was performed to evaluate the fracture anatomy of the femur. The appropriate implant selection was decided upon the three‐dimensional printed model before the plate osteosynthesis. Follow‐up time for the patient was 6 months and the functional outcome was considered excellent. In conclusion, three‐dimensional printing before plate osteosynthesis has many advantages on the success rate by shortening the operation time in extraordinary orthopaedic patients, such as the red‐eared slider turtle.
Design principles and applications of synthetic self‐replicating RNAs
Authors: Wagner Alexander , Mutschler Hannes
Published: June 2023

With the advent of ever more sophisticated methods for the in vitro synthesis and the in vivo delivery of RNAs, synthetic mRNAs have gained substantial interest both for medical applications, as well as for biotechnology. However, in most biological systems exogeneous mRNAs possess only a limited half‐life, especially in fast dividing cells. In contrast, viral RNAs can extend their lifetime by actively replicating inside their host. As such they may serve as scaffolds for the design of synthetic self‐replicating RNAs (srRNA), which can be used to increase both the half‐life and intracellular concentration of coding RNAs. Synthetic srRNAs may be used to enhance recombinant protein expression or induce the reprogramming of differentiated cells into pluripotent stem cells but also to create cell‐free systems for research based on experimental evolution. In this article, we discuss the applications and design principles of srRNAs used for cellular reprogramming, mRNA‐based vaccines and tools for synthetic biology.

This article is categorized under:

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development

RNA Evolution and Genomics > RNA and Ribonucleoprotein Evolution
Correction to: A Broken National Consensus? EU Issue Voting and the Radical Right in Spain
Authors: Marcos-Marne Hugo
Published: June 2023

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Reconciling collider signals, dark matter, and the muon anomalous magnetic moment in the supersymmetric U(1)R × U(1)B−L model
Authors: Dehghani Parham , Frank Mariana
Published: June 2023

Abstract

We study the low-scale predictions of the supersymmetric model extended by U(1)R × U(1)B−L symmetry, obtained by breaking SO(10) symmetry at GUT scale via a left-right supersymmetric model. Two new singlet Higgs fields $$ \left({\upchi}_R,{\overline{\upchi}}_R\right) $$

χ
R

χ
¯

R

are responsible for the U(1)R × U(1)B−L symmetry breaking to the standard model gauge group. We explore the phenomenology of this model by assuming universal and non-universal boundary conditions at the GUT scale and their effects in obtaining consistency among low-energy observables, dark matter experiments, muon magnetic moment measurements, and Z′ phenomenology. We examine different scenarios with both the lightest neutralino and sneutrino mass eigenstates as dark matter candidates. We explore the collider signals of various scenarios by including relevant benchmarks and exploring their significance versus standard model background. To complement our analysis, we perform recasting of several LHC analyses to verify the credibility of the benchmarks. We find that relaxing the universality conditions at MGUT can significantly improve the agreement of the model against the experimental bounds. While the muon anomalous magnetic moment is found to be the most challenging observable to fit within the model, we identify, allowing for non-universality at the GUT scale, points in the parameter space consistent within 2σ from the average measured value.
Bayesian uncertainty quantification of perturbative QCD input to the neutron-star equation of state
Authors: Gorda Tyler , Komoltsev Oleg , Kurkela Aleksi , Mazeliauskas Aleksas
Published: June 2023

Abstract

The equation of state of neutron-star cores can be constrained by requiring a consistent connection to the perturbative Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) calculations at high densities. The constraining power of the QCD input depends on uncertainties from missing higher-order terms, the choice of the unphysical renormalization scale, and the reference density where QCD calculations are performed. Within a Bayesian approach, we discuss the convergence of the perturbative QCD series, quantify its uncertainties at high densities, and present a framework to systematically propagate the uncertainties down to neutron-star densities. We find that the effect of the QCD input on the neutron-star inference is insensitive to the various unphysical choices made in the uncertainty estimation.
Investigation of the cleaning performance of commercial orthodontic cleaning tablets regarding biofilm removal on PMMA test specimens
Authors: Arndt-Fink A. , Jost-Brinkmann P.-G.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this ex vivo study was to compare the cleaning performance of three commercially available orthodontic cleaners on polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) test specimens covered with biofilm.

Methods

Twenty subjects wore an individually manufactured vacuum-formed maxillary splint with four integrated PMMA test specimens for 7 days. The four test specimens were located on the buccal surfaces of the maxillary molars. After a 7-day wearing period, the PMMA test specimens colonized by biofilm were divided into two halves. One half was placed in 150 ml of tap water or in 150 ml of cleaning solution of the cleaners Retainer Brite® (Dentsply International Raintree Essix, Sarasota, FL, USA), Kukis® Xpress (Reckitt Benckiser, Heidelberg, Germany) or Dontodent (Propack, Heidelberg, Germany) while the other half remained uncleaned. The modified o‑phthaldialdehyde (OPA) method was used to determine the amount of protein on both halves of the test specimens. The difference was tested for significance as a measure of the cleaning effect using a paired sample t‑test.

Results

The cleaning performance of the three orthodontic cleaners was higher than the cleaning performance of tap water (mean 25.9 ± 6.5%). While Retainer Brite® (mean 54.5 ± 7.1%) removed significantly more biofilm than Dontodent (mean 41.5 ± 9.2%, p < 0.001) and Kukis® Xpress (mean 39.9 ± 11.5%, p < 0.001), there was no significant difference in the cleaning performance between Kukis® Xpress and Dontodent (p = 1).

Conclusion

Seven-day-old biofilm is only removed partially by the investigated orthodontic cleaners, so that they are not suitable as the only measure for removing established biofilms.
Die Bedeutung der Konzepte One Health und Planetary Health für die Umweltmedizin im 21. Jahrhundert
Authors: Zschachlitz Tomke , Kümpfel Romy , Niemann Hildegard , Straff Wolfgang
Published: June 2023

Im 21. Jahrhundert führt eine Anhäufung komplexer Krisen wie Klimawandel, Biodiversitätsverlust, Umweltverschmutzungen, Kriege und Pandemien zu ökonomischen, sozialen und gesundheitlichen Problemen für Menschen jetziger und zukünftiger Generationen. Diese Probleme sind im Wesentlichen auf die Missachtung natürlicher Regenerationskapazitäten von Ökosystemen zurückzuführen. Gesundheitsansätze wie One Health und Planetary Health haben seit Beginn der 2000er-Jahre an Popularität gewonnen und finden verstärkt Anwendung in der Politik, der Wissenschaft und in den Gesundheitsberufen. Auch die Umweltmedizin wird durch die wachsende Zahl von Krisen und Umweltproblemen sowie das zunehmende Interesse an den Konzepten One Health und Planetary Health beeinflusst.

In diesem Diskussionsbeitrag wird zunächst die Entwicklung der beiden Konzepte dargestellt. Danach wird auf ihre Bedeutung für die Umweltmedizin eingegangen. Ärztinnen und Ärzte, die sich mit umweltmedizinischen Themen befassen, müssen bei der Beurteilung von Umwelteinflüssen heute sowohl lokale als auch globale Ursachen und Gesundheitseffekte bedenken, was Entscheidungen komplizierter machen und zu Zielkonflikten führen kann.