bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TLR4 rs4986790 polymorphism confers risk to Helicobacter pylori infection in Zhejiang, China and its enlightenment to nursing care
Authors: He Wenjuan , Jiang Meina
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Previous literatures on the association between TLR4 gene rs4986790 polymorphism and Helicobacter pylori infection risk reported conflict results. We conducted a case‐control study and meta‐analysis to investigate whether TLR4 gene rs4986790 polymorphism confers risk to Helicobacter pylori infection.

Patients and methods

254 patients with Helicobacter pylori positive and 235 patients with Helicobacter pylori negative were enrolled. PubMed, Embase, CNKI (Chinese national knowledge internet) were carefully searched and reviewed. Odds ratio (OR) together with 95% confidence interval (CI) were applied to calculate the association power.

Results

GG genotype of TLR4 gene rs4986790 polymorphism contributes increased risk to the population of Zhejiang, China (p = 0.019). Meta‐analysis found that the positive findings came from Asian population by allele contrast (p = 0.006), homozygote comparison (p = 0.006) and recessive genetic model (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

TLR4 gene rs4986790 polymorphism is associated with Helicobacter pylori infection risk for population of Zhejiang, China. Combined with individual gene polymorphism, the accuracy of risk assessment of Helicobacter pylori infection can be improved and individualized health education can be provided for patients with Helicobacter pylori infection by nurses.
Unpacking extracellular vesicles: RNA cargo loading and function
Authors: Dellar Elizabeth R. , Hill Claire , Melling Genevieve E. , Carter David R.F , Baena‐Lopez Luis Alberto
Published: May 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a heterogeneous group of membrane‐enclosed structures produced by prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. EVs carry a range of biological cargoes, including RNA, protein, and lipids, which may have both metabolic significance and signalling potential. EV release has been suggested to play a critical role in maintaining intracellular homeostasis by eliminating unnecessary biological material from EV producing cells, and as a delivery system to enable cellular communication between both neighbouring and distant cells without physical contact. In this review, we give an overview of what is known about the relative enrichment of the different types of RNA that have been associated with EVs in the most recent research efforts. We then examine the selective and non‐selective incorporation of these different RNA biotypes into EVs, the molecular systems of RNA sorting into EVs that have been elucidated so far, and the role of this process in EV‐producing cells. Finally, we also discuss the model systems providing evidence for EV‐mediated delivery of RNA to recipient cells, and the implications of this evidence for the relevance of this RNA delivery process in both physiological and pathological scenarios.
Automated synthesis of (R)‐[18F]MH.MZ on the iPhase Flexlab reaction platform
Authors: Rosenberg Adam J. , Cheung Yiu‐Yin , Liu Fei , Peterson Todd E. , Silverman James , Considine Ciaran M. , Claassen Daniel O.
Published: May 2022

(R)‐[18F]MH.MZ ([18F]MH.MZ) is a promising positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer for in vivo study of the 5‐HT2A receptor. To facilitate clinical trials, a fully automated radiosynthesis procedure for [18F]MH.MZ was developed using commercially available materials on the iPhase Flexlab module. The overall synthesis time was 100 min with a radiochemical yield of 7 ± 0.9% (n = 3). The radiochemical purity was greater than 99% for [18F]MH.MZ with a molar activity of 361 ± 57 GBq/μmol (n = 3). The protocol described herein reliably provides [18F]MH.MZ that meets all relevant release criteria for a GMP radiopharmaceutical.
Luxury, entrepreneurship and innovation
Authors: Atwal Glyn , Heine Klaus
Published: May 2022

The selected papers in this special issue reflect structural changes facing the luxury industry.
Theoretical study on the structure and the isomerization mechanism of N‐nitropyrazole
Authors: Zhang Weijing , Li Tong , Xu Hongtao , Jiang Xibo , Yang Jian , Zhang Tonglai
Published: May 2022

N‐nitropyrazole, as a kind of important intermediate, is used to synthesize the novel energetic material. Therefore, it is necessary to get an insight into the isomerization mechanism. Herein, we propose three reaction pathways. Quantum chemistry theory was used to calculate the structure, energy, and thermal parameter. Pathway A is the main path with the lowest energy barrier. The theoretical rate constant is 0.022 min−1 which has a good agreement with the experimental result of 0.021 min−1. The proton shift was also studied to confirm that 2H‐3‐nitropyrazole is the final production.
Effect of high‐temperature, high‐pressure, and acidic conditions on the structure and properties of high‐performance fibers
Authors: Sun Haoming , Li Pengfei , Wang Xiangyu , Xiang Dong , Zhang Zhi , Wang Bin , Wu Yuanpeng , Zhao Chunxia , Li Hui , Harkin‐Jones Eileen , Li Yuntao
Published: May 2022

High‐performance fibers such as carbon, aramid, and glass fiber generally have excellent mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance and they have potential applications in oil and gas exploitation where high‐temperature and high‐pressure (HTHP) H2S/CO2 corrosive environments usually exist. To investigate the corrosion behavior of these fibers under such environments, two corrosion environments (HTHP water, HTHP H2S/CO2) were simulated in a high‐temperature high‐pressure reactor. Scanning electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction, density measurements, and single fiber tensile test were performed to study the surface morphology, crystal structure, and mechanical properties before and after corrosion. After exposure to the second corrosion environment, the carbon aramid fibers had no obvious mass loss and tensile strength retention of 70.28% and 49.66%, respectively. The surface of the aramid fiber and carbon fibers was significantly damaged which led to an increase in surface defects and a decrease in crystallinity. The glass fiber had clear weight loss due to a large number of defects being formed in the structure and the retention of tensile fracture strength was 48.18%. Corrosion under HTHP H2S/CO2 conditions caused more serious damage to the high‐performance fiber structures.
Sturm–Liouville‐type operators with frozen argument and Chebyshev polynomials
Authors: Tsai Tzong‐Mo , Liu Hsiao‐Fan , Buterin Sergey , Chen Lung‐Hui , Shieh Chung‐Tsun
Published: May 2022

In recent years, there appeared a growing interest in the inverse spectral theory for functional‐differential operators with frozen argument. Such operators are nonlocal and belong to the so‐called loaded differential operators, which frequently appear in mathematics as well as natural sciences and engineering. However, to various classes of nonlocal operators, classical methods of the inverse spectral theory are not applicable. For this reason, it is relevant to develop new methods and approaches for solving inverse problems for operators of this type. We establish a deep connection between the inverse problem for operators with frozen argument and Chebyshev polynomials of the first and the second kinds. Appearing to be of an interest from the point of view of the Chebyshev polynomials theory itself, this connection gives a new perspective method for studying inverse problems for operators with frozen argument. In particular, it allows one to completely describe all non‐degenerate and degenerate cases, that is, when the corresponding inverse problem is uniquely solvable or not, respectively. Moreover, it gives a convenient description of all isospectral potentials in the degenerate case, which is demonstrated by some illustrative examples.
FGF21 response to sucrose is associated with BMI and dorsal striatal signaling in humans
Authors: Alves Jasmin M. , Yunker Alexandra G. , Luo Shan , Jann Kay , Angelo Brendan , DeFendis Alexis , Pickering Trevor A. , Smith Alexandro , Monterosso John R. , Page Kathleen A.
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study examined associations between BMI and dietary sugar intake with sucrose‐induced fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and whether circulating FGF21 is associated with brain signaling following sucrose ingestion in humans.

Methods

A total of 68 adults (29 male; mean [SD), age 23.2 [3.8] years; BMI 27.1 [4.9] kg/m2) attended visits after a 12‐hour fast. Plasma FGF21 was measured at baseline and at 15, 30, and 120 minutes after sucrose ingestion (75 g in 300 mL of water). Brain cerebral blood flow responses to sucrose were measured using arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Higher circulating FGF21 levels were associated with reduced blood flow in the striatum in response to sucrose (β = −7.63, p = 0.03). This association was greatest among persons with healthy weight (β = −15.70, p = 0.007) and was attenuated in people with overweight (β = −4.00, p = 0.63) and obesity (β = −12.45, p = 0.13). BMI was positively associated with FGF21 levels in response to sucrose (β = 0.53, p = 0.02). High versus low dietary sugar intake was associated with greater FGF21 responses to acute sucrose ingestion in individuals with healthy weight (β = 8.51, p = 0.04) but not in individuals with overweight or obesity (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

These correlative findings support evidence in animals showing that FGF21 acts on the brain to regulate sugar consumption through a negative feedback loop.
Experimental and Theoretical Study of the Ultrafast Dynamics of a Ni2Dy2‐Compound in DMF After UV/Vis Photoexcitation
Authors: Sold Stefan , Mummaneni Bharadwaj C. , Michenfelder Nadine C. , Peng Yan , Powell Annie K. , Unterreiner Andreas‐Neil , Lefkidis Georgios , Hübner Wolfgang
Published: May 2022

Invited for this month's cover picture are the groups of Wolfgang Hübner (TU Kaiserslautern, Germany), Annie Powell (Karlsruhe Institut of Technology, Germany), and Andreas‐Neil Unterreiner (Karlsruhe Institut of Technology, Germany). The cover picture shows the Dy2Ni2‐molecular magnet being excited with a UV/Vis laser pulse, together with its time‐resolved spectrum after the pulse. The comparison of the theoretical and the experimental spectra together with both the observed and the calculated relaxation times reveal, among others, three key points: the intermediate states participating in the laser‐induced dynamics, the partial metal‐to‐oxygen charge‐transfer excitations, and the order of magnitude of the coupling of the molecular magnet to the thermal bath of the environment. Read the full text of their Full Paper at 10.1002/open.202100153.
Judgments of mathematical beauty are resistant to revision through external opinion
Authors: Zhang Haoxuan , Zeki Semir
Published: May 2022

We here address the question of the extent to which judgments of mathematical beauty (which we categorize as biological beauty) are resistant to revision through external opinion. A total of 100 mathematicians of different national and ethnic origins were asked to rate 60 mathematical equations for their beauty; after being presented a fictitious “expert rating,” they were asked to re‐rate the same equations. Results showed that the judgments of mathematical beauty had a high level of resistance to external opinion. This is in line with the resistance to revision of a judgments for other categories of biological beauty.
Effect of gel additives on poly(vinylidene chloride‐co‐acrylontrile)‐based polymer membranes
Authors: Mathew Chithra M. , Rajendran Somasundaram
Published: May 2022

Free standing films of gel polymer electrolytes with poly(vinylidene chloride‐co‐acrylontrile)/ poly(methyl methacrylate) are prepared and analyzed using ac impedance spectroscopy (EIS), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction technique (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). An enhanced ionic conductivity is observed for the polymer matrix on the addition of low‐molecular weight plasticizers. The obtained ionic conductivity is in the following order: EC + gBL > PC + gBL > EC + PC > EC + DMSO > PC + DMSO. The AC conductivity plot shows three well‐defined regions such as a low‐frequency deviation, a frequency independent plateau representing the DC conductivity and high‐frequency dispersion. The reduced dielectric value at higher frequencies is due to electrical relaxation process and the material electrode polarization. This is possibly associated with the large dipole moment of the carboxyl (C=O) group as well as nitrile (C ≡ N) group in the blend. The observed change in vibrational intensity of the C ≡ N group in each polymer membrane can be explained by the interaction between functional groups of both polymers and plasticizers.
Kondo‐Mania
Authors: Kirchner Stefan , Bühler‐Paschen Silke
Published: May 2022

Der Kondo‐Effekt ist ein Vielteilchen‐Effekt, der die Eigenschaften ganz unterschiedlicher Materialklassen prägt. Deshalb ist er ein zentrales Thema der Festkörperphysik. Schon der ursprüngliche Spin‐Kondo‐Effekt ist nicht nur wegen des Kondo‐abgeschirmten Zustands mit hohen effektiven Massen von Interesse, sondern auch wegen der Physik des Kondo‐Aufbruchs. Letztere beinhaltet einen quantenkritischen Ladungs‐Delokalisierungs‐Übergang mit Strange‐Metal‐Verhalten und unkonventioneller Supraleitung. In Kombination mit starker Spin‐Bahn‐Kopplung treten neuartige topologische Phänomene auf. In einer verallgemeinerten Betrachtung können andere Zwei‐ oder sogar Mehrniveausysteme an die Stelle der lokalisierten Spins treten. Sogar akustische Phononen können die Rolle der Ladungsträger übernehmen. Kondo‐Physik tritt zudem in „künstlichen“ Systemen auf, an Implementierungen in kalten Atomsystemen wird gearbeitet. Neueste Entwicklungen deuten darauf hin, dass der Kondo‐Effekt auch zur Entwicklung quantentechnologischer Systeme führen könnte.
Wasser in der Erde und in kosmischen Eiswelten
Authors: Loerting Thomas , Liermann Hanns‐Peter
Published: May 2022

Der Einfluss von Wasser auf die Dynamik von Planeten wie der Erde oder Neptun sind nach wie vor nur sehr rudimentär verstanden. So wird Wasser durch wasserhaltige Minerale mittels Subduktionszonen ins Erdinnere transportiert, ohne dass klar ist, ob es dort gespeichert wird oder aber durch Vulkanismus wieder an die Oberfläche gelangt. Experimente mit Hochdruckpressen erlauben es, extreme Bedingungen im Erdinneren nachzustellen und die dortigen Prozesse durch Untersuchung der physikalischen Eigenschaften mittels neuester Röntgentechnik zu entschlüsseln. Auch die innere Struktur vieler Himmelskörper ist nach wie vor ungeklärt. Die Frage, ob es unterirdische Ozeane auf Eismonden gibt oder feste Schichten von verschiedenen Eispolymorphen, ist genauso ungeklärt wie die Frage, ob das Magnetfeld der Eisriesen durch Eis bei Ultrahochdruck entsteht. Noch viel weniger wissen wir über die Prozesse im Eismantel der interstellaren Staubkörner. Auch wenn es nur kleine, ferne Körner sein mögen, liegen viele Antworten auf die Rätsel des Lebens und der Evolution in der Chemie dieser amorphen Eisschichten verborgen.
Den Ursprung des Magnetsinns entschlüsseln
Authors: Bellinger M. Renee , Hartmann Uwe , Winklhofer Michael
Published: May 2022

Singvögel und Lachsfische sind die bekanntesten Beispiele von Tieren, die sich bei ihren langen Wanderungen auch am Magnetfeld der Erde orientieren. Der Nachweis von kleinen Clustern aus Magnetit in den Sinneszellen von Lachsfischen weist nun auf hochinteressante evolutionäre Entwicklungen, ausgehend von Archäen, hin.
Krebsforschung mit laserbeschleunigten Protonen
Authors: Kroll Florian , Zeil Karl , Brack Florian‐Emanuel , Beyreuther Elke
Published: May 2022

Durch Hochleistungslaser getriebene Protonenquellen stellen eine interessante Ergänzung zu konventionellen Protonenbeschleunigern dar, insbesondere für die radiobiologische Forschung. Unserem interdisziplinären Forschungsteam ist es erstmals gelungen, eine radiobiologische Kleintierstudie mit laserbeschleunigten Protonen durchzuführen.
Die Entdeckung der solaren Neutrinos
Authors: Zuber Kai
Published: May 2022

Der erste Nachweis solarer Neutrinos vor 50 Jahren sorgte für ein Rätsel.
Droplet deposition and pest control efficacy on pine trees from aerial application
Authors: Yao Weixiang , Guo Shuang , Wang Juan , Chen Chunling , Yu Fenghua , Li Xiang , Xu Tongyu , Lan Yubin
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Aerial application, a spraying method with aircraft as the application platform, is one of the most important methods of pest control in pine forests. This work aimed to investigate the movement and distribution patterns of droplets and the pest control effectiveness of helicopter spraying on Masson pine (MP) and Korean pine (KP) trees. In particular, three nozzle types (CP02, CP03 and CP04) were evaluated and compared at the same spray volume rate (15 L ha−1) in both wind tunnel and field trials.

RESULTS

The CP04 nozzle with a larger orifice size showed significantly better deposition and penetration, but the precision of flight operation parameters must be strictly controlled when using this type of nozzle. The majority (≥48%) of the droplets produced by the three nozzle types were concentrated in the range of <200 μm, and the spray performance of each nozzle type was more stable in the range 201–300 μm. The final pest correction control rate (CR) of MP was in the range 59.24–95.74% and that of KP was 45.41–54.39% by helicopter spraying.

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed that it is necessary to select the appropriate nozzle type and ensure accurate flight parameters for aerial application in mountain pine forests. Meanwhile, it also confirms the importance of the timing of operation which can lead to incorrect implementation, resulting in poor control effectiveness. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Use of physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic modeling to inform dosing of the opioid analgesics fentanyl and methadone in children with obesity
Authors: Gerhart Jacqueline G. , Carreño Fernando O. , Ford Jennifer L. , Edginton Andrea N. , Perrin Eliana M. , Watt Kevin M. , Muller William J. , Atz Andrew M. , Al‐Uzri Amira , Delmore Paula , Gonzalez Daniel ,   Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act–Pediatric Trials Network Steering Committee
Published: May 2022

Obesity is an increasingly alarming public health threat, with nearly 20% of children classified as obese in the United States today. Children with obesity are commonly prescribed the opioids fentanyl and methadone, and accurate dosing is critical to reducing the risk of serious adverse events associated with overexposure. However, pharmacokinetic studies in children with obesity are challenging to conduct, so there is limited information to guide fentanyl and methadone dosing in these children. To address this clinical knowledge gap, physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic models of fentanyl and methadone were developed in adults and scaled to children with and without obesity to explore the interplay of obesity, age, and pharmacogenomics. These models included key obesity‐induced changes in physiology and pharmacogenomic effects. Model predictions captured observed concentrations in children with obesity well, with an overall average fold error of 0.72 and 1.08 for fentanyl and methadone, respectively. Model simulations support a reduced fentanyl dose (1 vs. 2 μg/kg/h) starting at an earlier age (6 years) in virtual children with obesity, highlighting the importance of considering both age and obesity status when selecting an infusion rate most likely to achieve steady‐state concentrations within the target range. Methadone dosing simulations highlight the importance of considering genotype in addition to obesity status when possible, as cytochrome P450 (CYP)2B6*6/*6 virtual children with obesity required half the dose to match the exposure of wildtype children without obesity. This physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic modeling approach can be applied to explore dosing of other critical drugs in children with obesity.
Drug use over time among never‐deployed US Army Reserve and National Guard soldiers: The longitudinal effects of non‐deployment emotions and sex
Authors: Hoopsick Rachel A. , Homish D. Lynn , Lawson Schuyler C. , Homish Gregory G.
Published: May 2022

Some US military service members who have never been deployed experience negative emotions related to never having been deployed, and some work shows these non‐deployment emotions (NDE) are cross‐sectionally associated with hazardous drinking for male, but not female, US Army Reserve/National Guard (USAR/NG) soldiers. However, it is not known if these effects extend to drug use or persist longitudinally, which is the focus of the current study. We conducted a longitudinal residual change analysis of a subset of data (N = 182 never‐deployed soldiers) from Operation: SAFETY, an ongoing survey‐based study of USAR/NG soldiers recruited from units across New York State. Outcome measures included current tobacco use, non‐medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD), current cannabis use, and other current illicit drug use (excluding cannabis) at four time points over a 3‐year period. Results from bootstrapped residual change generalized estimating equation (GEE) models show that more negative NDE were longitudinally associated with a greater likelihood of current NMUPD among male, but not female, soldiers (p < 0.05). NDE were not longitudinally associated with current tobacco use, cannabis use, or other illicit drug use among male or female soldiers (ps > 0.05). NDE may contribute to ongoing NMUPD among male USAR/NG soldiers who have never been deployed. Never‐deployed soldiers, especially those with negative emotions related to never having been deployed, should not be overlooked in military screening and intervention efforts.
Construction of Integrated Electrodes with Transport Highways for Pure‐Water‐Fed Anion Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis
Authors: Wan Lei , Liu Jing , Xu Ziang , Xu Qin , Pang Maobin , Wang Peican , Wang Baoguo
Published: May 2022

The design of high‐performance and durable electrodes for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is crucial for pure‐water‐fed anion exchange membrane water electrolysis (AEMWE). In this study, an integrated electrode with vertically aligned ionomer‐incorporated nickel‐iron layered double hydroxide nanosheet arrays, used on one side of the liquid/gas diffusion layer, is fabricated for the OER. Transport highways in the fabricated integrated electrode, significantly improve the transport of liquid/gas, hydroxide ions, and electron in the anode, resulting in a high current density of 1900 mA cm–2 at 1.90 V in pure‐water‐fed AEMWE. Specifically, three‐electrode and single‐cell measurement results indicate that an anion‐exchange ionomer can increase the local OH– concentration on the integrated electrodes surface and facilitate the OER for pure‐water‐fed AEMWE. This study highlights a new approach to fabricating and understanding electrode architecture with enhanced performance and durability for pure‐water‐fed AEMWE.
Nitrate‐to‐Ammonia Conversion on Ru/Ni Hydroxide Hybrid through Zinc‐Nitrate Fuel Cell
Authors: Zhou Fengling , Sun Chenghua
Published: May 2022

The fuel cell is a basic device to generate electricity from chemical fuels. It is often operated with oxygen as the oxidizing agent, but its sluggish reduction has become a key challenge. Herein, a conceptual oxygen‐free design is demonstrated, namely a zinc‐nitrate fuel cell, which converts nitrate waste into valuable ammonia and generates electricity simultaneously. The cell is constructed with zinc foil as the anode and ruthenium (Ru) nanoparticles loaded on nickel foam as the cathode. Catalyzed by Ru/Ni hydroxide hybrid, the reaction rate of 384 mmol h–1 mgRu–1 (1.4 × 10–6 ± 0.1 × 10–6 mol s–1 cm–2) and Faradic efficiency (FENH3 = 97% ± 2%) at −0.6 V versus reverse hydrogen electrode are achieved for nitrate‐to‐ammonia conversion. During ammonia production, such zinc‐nitrate fuel cell can further deliver a maximum power density of 51.5 mW cm–2 (0.25 cm2 electrode) and 23.3 mW cm–2 (1 cm2 electrode), keeping ultrahigh Faradic efficiency (97% ± 4% at 40 mA cm–2) after long tests.
Mechanical Force Induced Self‐Assembly of Chinese Herbal Hydrogel with Synergistic Effects of Antibacterial Activity and Immune Regulation for Wound Healing
Authors: Chen Baohui , Zhang Haifeng , Qiu Jiajun , Wang Shaoyun , Ouyang Liping , Qiao Yuqin , Liu Xuanyong
Published: May 2022

Skin wounds, especially infected chronic wounds, have attracted worldwide attention due to the high prevalence and poor treatment outcomes. Hydrogel dressings with antibacterial ability and immune regulation property are urgently required. Herein, inspired by the grinding treatment of traditional Chinese medicine, mechanical force is introduced to promote the effective molecular collision and accelerate the self‐assembly of chitosan (CS) and puerarin (PUE) for fabricating Chinese‐herb‐based hydrogels. The antibacterial rate of CS@PUE (C@P) hydrogel is more than 95%, and the wound closed rate is twice that of the control group. Interestingly, the rational design of C@P hydrogels with different PUE ratios enables a refined control over hydrogel formation, nanofiber appearance, viscoelastic, physicochemical, and biological properties. The extraordinary antibacterial ability of C@P hydrogels may originate from the nanofiber structure and the improved zeta potential on account of the orientation of amino groups in CS . Thus, the synergistically antibacterial and immune regulation properties of C@P hydrogels kill bacteria and relieve inflammation in the wound bed, ensuring the anti‐infection effect, and boosting wound healing. In addition to providing a universal mechanosynthesis of PUE‐based hydrogel for wound healing, this finding is expected to increase the attention paid to Chinese herbal medicines in the construction of biomaterials.
Dealing with inappropriate honorifics in a structured and defensible way is possible
Authors: Smith Gideon F. , Figueiredo Estrela , Hammer Timothy A. , Thiele Kevin R.
Published: May 2022

In a recent article electronically published in Taxon as a “Point of View” in 2021 (and subsequently in hardcopy as a “Perspective” in 2022), Gideon F. Smith and Estrela Figueiredo commented on the undesirability of the continued commemoration of people of severely questionable ethics, including the imperialist Cecil John Rhodes (1853–1902), in botanical nomenclature. Independently addressing a similar topic at around the same time, Timothy A. Hammer and Kevin R. Thiele published proposals to amend Articles 51 and 56 and Division III of the Code, to allow the considered rejection of culturally offensive and inappropriate names. Subsequently, widely circulated responses to Smith & Figueiredo (2022) and Hammer & Thiele (2021) severely misrepresented our positions and views. We here respond to allegations that what we proposed will damage plant nomenclature, and clarify and further substantiate our views.
Investigation of nickel sulfate‐induced cytotoxicity and underlying toxicological mechanisms in human umbilical vein endothelial cells through oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and MAPK signaling pathways
Authors: Liu Yanli , Gong Xia , Wang Juan , Wang Yongxiang , Zhang Yong , Li Tao , Yan Juan , Zhou Min , Zhang Benzhong
Published: May 2022

Growing evidence indicates that nickle and its compounds have adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. In this study, the cytotoxic insults caused by nickel sulfate (NiSO4) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were explored by examining cell viability, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and MAPK signaling pathway activity. Cultured HUVECs were treated with varying concentrations of NiSO4 (0, 62.5, 250, and 1000 μM) for 24 h. Subsequently, markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and MAPK signaling pathways were analyzed using biochemical assays, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and western blot. Rates of apoptosis were evaluated using flow cytometry. The results showed that NiSO4 exerted dose‐ and time‐dependent inhibitory effects on cell growth. It induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation by increasing the generation of reactive oxygen species, the oxidized glutathione to reduced glutathione ratio (GSSG/GSH ratio), and malondialdehyde levels. Further, it inhibited superoxide dismutase activity in HUVECs. Flow cytometry analysis results revealed that NiSO4 (62.5–1000 μM) could induce apoptosis in HUVECs. The protein and gene expressions of cleaved Caspase 3 and Bax were elevated, and those of Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐XL were reduced after NiSO4 treatment. Additionally, NiSO4 triggered inflammation in HUVECs, increasing the protein and mRNA levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐α and reducing those of TGF‐β. Furthermore, western blot findings revealed that NiSO4 could activate MAPK signaling pathways, upregulating p38, JNK, and ERK1/2 in HUVECs by increasing the levels of p‐P38，p‐JNK, and p‐ERK1/2 in a dose‐dependent manner. MAPK pathway inhibitors (10 μM SB203580 and 10 μM SP600125) could attenuate the NiSO4‐induced increase in apoptosis and inflammation in HUVECs. They could also attenuate the dysregulation of inflammatory factors and related proteins caused by high‐dose NiSO4 exposure. Interestingly, while the MEK inhibitor U0126 (10 μM) enhanced NiSO4‐induced apoptosis in HUVECs, it reduced cell inflammation. Taken together, these experimental results suggest that NiSO4 can inhibit cell growth, induce oxidative stress, and trigger subsequent inflammatory responses and apoptosis in HUVECs. These effects may be mediated by the P38 and JNK MAPK stress response pathways.
Nanoantidote for repression of acidosis pH promoting COVID‐19 infection
Authors: Liu Qidong , Ruan Huitong , Sheng Zhihao , Sun Xiaoru , Li Siguang , Cui Wenguo , Li Cheng
Published: May 2022

Acidosis, such as respiratory acidosis and metabolic acidosis, can be induced by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) infection and is associated with increased mortality in critically ill COVID‐19 patients. It remains unclear whether acidosis further promotes SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in patients, making virus removal difficult. For antacid therapy, sodium bicarbonate poses great risks caused by sodium overload, bicarbonate side effects, and hypocalcemia. Therefore, new antacid antidote is urgently needed. Our study showed that an acidosis‐related pH of 6.8 increases SARS‐CoV‐2 receptor angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) expression on the cell membrane by regulating intracellular microfilament polymerization, promoting SARS‐CoV‐2 pseudovirus infection. Based on this, we synthesized polyglutamic acid‐PEG materials, used complexation of calcium ions and carboxyl groups to form the core, and adopted biomineralization methods to form a calcium carbonate nanoparticles (CaCO3‐NPs) nanoantidote to neutralize excess hydrogen ions (H+), and restored the pH from 6.8 to approximately 7.4 (normal blood pH). CaCO3‐NPs effectively prevented the heightened SARS‐CoV‐2 infection efficiency due to pH 6.8. Our study reveals that acidosis‐related pH promotes SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, which suggests the existence of a positive feedback loop in which SARS‐CoV‐2 infection‐induced acidosis enhances SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Therefore, antacid therapy for acidosis COVID‐19 patients is necessary. CaCO3‐NPs may become an effective antacid nanoantidote superior to sodium bicarbonate.
Evolution of single‐nucleotide polymorphism use in forensic genetics
Authors: Novroski Nicole M. M. , Cihlar Jennifer C.
Published: May 2022

Although short tandem repeats (STRs) are traditionally the marker of choice for traditional forensic DNA typing applications, single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; pronounced “snips”) and microhaplotypes (MHs) are additional genetic marker classes than can be utilized for generating genetic profile information that may result in new investigative leads and human identity determination(s). For example, when working with DNA samples of poor quality and/or low quantity, a SNP‐based approach could be invaluable in providing investigators information about a person's ancestry and physical characteristics and could provide a viable human identification profile for comparison. In this primer, we briefly discuss the various classes and applications of SNPs and MHs to demonstrate the tremendous amount of forensically relevant information that these markers can provide forensic investigations.

This article is categorized under:

Forensic Biology > Interpretation of Biological Evidence

Forensic Biology > Ancestry Determination using DNA Methods

Forensic Biology > Phenotypic Markers
Reproductive health information‐seeking: Predictors and perceived barriers among young Peruvian women
Authors: Garcia Cosavalente Hilda Patricia
Published: May 2022

This cross‐sectional study examined the main predictors and perceived barriers to reproductive health information seeking by young Peruvian women. Using an online survey, young Peruvian women aged 18–26 years old were invited to participate voluntarily in this study. The Comprehensive Model of Information seeking from Johnson and Meischke (1993) was tested. This model indicates that demographics, direct experience, salience, and beliefs predict utility of information sources. The model also suggests that information‐carrier characteristics (perceived trust and perceived utility) could influence health information seeking. Hypotheses related to these variables were tested. An important addition to the model was perceived barriers, which are considered critical factors in the Peruvian context because of the taboo related to sexual and reproductive health. Path analysis with manifest variables was used to test the best fit between the data and the hypothesized model. Data analysis showed mixed results, drawing attention to the direct effects of personal factors on health information seeking.
QNX6
Authors: Meyer Conrad
Published: May 2022

The QNX6 filesystem is present in Smartphones delivered by Blackberry (e.g. Devices that are using Blackberry 10) and modern vehicle infotainment systems that use QNX as their operating system. In 2015 QNX as an OS was used in over 50 million vehicles [6] and can hence be considered as one of the most important operating systems in the automotive world. Today’s digital forensics tools don’t recover a lot from this filesystem, have difficulties with different block sizes, or even don’t support the filesystem at all. So it’s crucial for the forensic examiner to understand the principles of this filesystem used. This chapter gives an overview of how the filesystem generally stores the files and metadata to give the examiner the chance to get the most information out of the evidence.
Stimmungsbild des ärztlichen Nachwuchses in der Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe in Norddeutschland
Authors: Scharf Jann Lennard , Bringewatt Arne , Dracopoulos Christoph , Rody Achim , Gembicki Michael
Published: May 2022

Hintergrund

Der ärztliche Nachwuchs hat disruptive Effekte und macht auch vor dem Fach Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe nicht halt. Noch fokussiert sich der Diskurs auf die Generation Y (1980–1994). Um dem Nachwuchs ein konstruktives Arbeitsumfeld zu bieten, drängt die Zeit. Es gilt, sich dessen Anforderungen an ein solches zu vergegenwärtigen.

Zielsetzung

Erfassen des Stimmungsbilds des ärztlichen Nachwuchses in der Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe mit anschließender Ableitung praxisrelevanter Aspekte unter Berücksichtigung der künftig dominierenden Generation Z (1995–2009).

Methoden

Von Januar bis Oktober 2021 wurde eine deskriptive Querschnittserhebung des ärztlichen Nachwuchses ausbildender Kliniken im Fach Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe durchgeführt. Es wurden 81 Fragen zu 6 Themen online abgefragt.

Ergebnis

Ausgewertet wurden 122 Fragebögen (n = 122): 28 % (n = 33) schätzen die Arbeitsbelastung als sehr hoch, 56 % (n = 67) als hoch ein. Zwei Drittel (n = 81) arbeiten wöchentlich 40–59 h. Den Anteil delegierbarer Tätigkeiten beziffern 67 % (n = 80) auf > 25 %. 88 % (n = 105) verbringen 25–75 % der täglichen Arbeitszeit mit Dokumentieren. 92 % (n = 109) wünschen sich regelmäßige Ober- bzw. Chefarztvisiten, 81 % (n = 95) beurteilen die Weiterbildung schlechter als gut. Für 32 % (n = 38) besteht ein ausgeglichenes Verhältnis zwischen Gesundheit und Beruf, 25 % (n = 29) beurteilen die Arbeitsbedingungen als familienfreundlich, und 88 % (n = 102) wären bereit, bei anhaltender Unzufriedenheit den Arbeitgeber zu wechseln.

Schlussfolgerung

Den Nachwuchs dominieren Forderungen nach Weiterbildung, Teilzeit, Sinnhaftigkeit, Vereinbarkeit von Familie und Beruf, Wertschätzung und Selbstfürsorge. Lösungskonzepte, um diesen gerecht zu werden, stünden zur Verfügung.
Availability of Operative Surgical Experience and Supervision for Competency‐Based Education: A Review of A General Surgery Program at A Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Pakistan
Authors: Ahmed Siddiqui Nadeem , Siddiqui Tayyab , Shariff Amir , Khan Mohammad Rizwan , Ahmed Mushtaq
Published: May 2022

Background

In view of importance for competency‐based education (CBE), we undertook a self‐study to elicit the available operative surgical workload and supervision for residents in the general surgical residency program at the teaching hospital in Karachi.

Methodology

This was a cross‐sectional study spanning a 5‐year period between January 2015 and December 2019. The numbers of surgical residents during this period were identified. Five procedures were selected as core general surgical procedures: incision and drainage of superficial abscess, laparoscopic appendectomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, open inguinal hernia repair, and perianal procedures. Trends of the number of residents per year and the numbers of procedures per year were determined. The mean number of core procedures per eligible resident during their entire training was calculated to represent potential operative surgical experience and were benchmarked. The ratio of the average number of residents rotating in general surgery per year to the number of attending surgeons was determined as a measure of available supervision.

Result

The mean total number of general surgical residents per year was 31.2 (range 28–35). The numbers of core general surgical procedures were consistent over the years of study. Potential exposure of eligible residents to each core procedure during their entire training was: 19.5 cases for incision and drainage of superficial abscess; 89 cases for laparoscopic appendectomy; 113.6 for inguinal hernia repair, 267.5 for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 64.5 for perianal procedures. The average yearly residents to full‐time attending surgeons’ ratio was 2.5. The workload of core general surgical procedures at AKUH was higher than the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) recommended volumes for operative surgical experience for residents in the US.

Conclusion

This method of assessing the potential of a surgical program for transitioning to CBE appears practical and can be generalized.
Tailored Strategy for Dissecting the Glissonean Pedicle in Laparoscopic Right Posterior Sectionectomy: Extrahepatic, Intrahepatic, and Transfissural Glissonean Approaches (with Video)
Authors: Lee Min Jung , Kim Ji Hoon , Jang Je‐Ho
Published: May 2022

Background

Selective inflow control of the liver is important to identify the ischemic transection boundary and reduce blood loss during liver resection. The Glissonean approach is a widely used inflow control method that can be divided into three types: extrahepatic, intrahepatic, and transfissural Glissonean approaches. This report describes the tailored strategy and technical details of the three Glissonean approaches in laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy.

Methods

Based on the ramification type of the right posterior Glissonean pedicle (RPGP), anatomical variation, and technical feasibility, the particular Glissonean approach was selected. Extrahepatic Glissonean approach: The entering gap between the Glissonean pedicle and Laennec's capsule was entered. Without liver parenchymal transection, the RPGP was dissected extrahepatically. Intrahepatic Glissonean approach: The parenchymal transection between the right side of the cystic plate and Rouviere's sulcus was dissected. With minor parenchymal transection, the RPGP was dissected intrahepatically. Transfissural Glissonean approach: Parenchymal transection along the right portal fissure was performed. With major parenchymal transection along the right portal fissure, the RPGP was dissected transparenchymally.

Results

Eighteen patients underwent laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy (lap‐RPS) using the Glissonean approach: extrahepatic (n = 11), intrahepatic (n = 5), and transfissural (n = 2) Glissonean approaches. The median operation time was 270 min (range, 190–310 min), and the median estimated blood loss was 130 mL (range, 30–700 mL). Postoperative morbidity occurred in three patients (16.7%). There were no deaths.

Conclusion

The feasibility and safety of the Glissonean approach in lap‐RPS could be increased through appropriate selection of extrahepatic, intrahepatic, and transfissural Glissonean approaches.
Resolving dyskinesias at sustained anti-OCD efficacy by steering of DBS away from the anteromedial STN to the mesencephalic ventral tegmentum – case report
Authors: Coenen Volker A. , Schlaepfer Thomas E. , Meyer Dora , Kilian Hannah , Spanier Susanne , Sajonz Bastian E. A. , Reinacher Peter C. , Reisert Marco
Published: May 2022

Here we describe therapeutic results in a female patient who underwent bilateral slMFB DBS for OCD. During a 35-month long course of stimulation, she suffered from stimulation-induced dyskinesia of her right leg which we interpreted as co-stimulation of the adjacent anteromedial subthalamic nucleus (amSTN). After reprogramming to steer the stimulation away from the amSTN medial into the direction of the mesencephalic ventral tegmentum (MVT which contains the ventral tegmental area, VTA), the dyskinesias disappeared. Remarkably, anti-OCD efficacy in the presented patient was preserved and achieved with a bilateral stimulation which by our imaging study fully avoided the amSTN.
Soaring and intermittent flap-gliding during migratory flights of Northern Bald Ibis
Authors: Wehner Helena , Fritz Johannes , Voelkl Bernhard
Published: May 2022

Migratory journeys represent an energetic challenge for many long-distance migrants. The choice of flight times, migration route, altitude, travelling speed, wingbeat patterns, soaring as well as formation flight can all affect the energy expenditure for the journey. We monitored the flight patterns of two Northern Bald Ibises (Geronticus eremita) equipped with data loggers while crossing the Alps during a human-led migration from southern Germany to Tuscany. We observed that the birds used an intermittent flapping pattern, where phases of active flapping flight were regularly interrupted by short gliding phases. As a result of intermittent flight, the effective wing beat frequency was 13–20% lower than the observed wing beat frequency of 4.0 s−1. When local conditions allowed, the birds gained altitude through circling in thermal updrafts. During those circling bouts, gliding on the outstretched wing was predominant, though active wing flapping was still observed. Overall, the two birds spent 19 and 22% of the time soaring on the outstretched wing, accruing during that time 26 and 28% of the altitude gain required for the crossing of a major mountain range. This shows that, apart from formation flight, northern bald ibis use at least two more strategies—thermal soaring and intermittent flap-gliding—for improving energy economy during migratory flights.
MPM modelling of debris flow entrainment and interaction with an upstream flexible barrier
Authors: Vicari Hervé , Tran Quoc Anh , Nordal Steinar , Thakur Vikas
Published: May 2022

Flexible barriers may be installed upstream in debris flow channels to reduce entrainment of bed material. Simulating both the entrainment and the impact on a barrier by the same numerical tool remains challenging. For this purpose, a three-dimensional one-phase material point method (MPM) software is used herein to back-calculate two large-scale flume experiments. These experiments were conducted to measure the entrainment of an erodible bed and the impact on a flexible barrier. To simulate the entrainment of the wet bed, a Mohr–Coulomb softening model is introduced. In the model, the apparent friction angle of the bed material decreases as a function of the distortional strain, effectively reproducing the pore pressure increase observed in the experiments. From the tests and the numerical simulations, we identify two main mechanisms leading to entrainment: (i) the direct rubbing and colliding effect of the flow on to the bed and (ii) a significant bed shear strength reduction. Concerning the first mechanism, existing models only consider the rubbing of the bed surface by a shear stress parallel to the slope. However, we observe that a ploughing-type erosion occurs due to normal stresses acting on the bed in the flow direction. The additional ploughing explains why beds which are mechanically stronger than the flow can also be partly entrained. Larger entrainment volumes are found when the bed material loses shear strength due to pore pressure buildup that eventually leads to a self-propelled entrainment where the bed no longer has frictional strength to carry its own weight.
An empirical study of preprocessing techniques with convolutional neural networks for accurate detection of chronic ocular diseases using fundus images
Authors: Mayya Veena , S Sowmya Kamath , Kulkarni Uma , Surya Divyalakshmi Kaiyoor , Acharya U Rajendra
Published: May 2022

Chronic Ocular Diseases (COD) such as myopia, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataract can affect the eye and may even lead to severe vision impairment or blindness. According to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) report on vision, at least 2.2 billion individuals worldwide suffer from vision impairment. Often, overt signs indicative of COD do not manifest until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. However, if COD is detected early, vision impairment can be avoided by early intervention and cost-effective treatment. Ophthalmologists are trained to detect COD by examining certain minute changes in the retina, such as microaneurysms, macular edema, hemorrhages, and alterations in the blood vessels. The range of eye conditions is diverse, and each of these conditions requires a unique patient-specific treatment. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have demonstrated significant potential in multi-disciplinary fields, including the detection of a variety of eye diseases. In this study, we combined several preprocessing approaches with convolutional neural networks to accurately detect COD in eye fundus images. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that provides a qualitative analysis of preprocessing approaches for COD classification using CNN models. Experimental results demonstrate that CNNs trained on the region of interest segmented images outperform the models trained on the original input images by a substantial margin. Additionally, an ensemble of three preprocessing techniques outperformed other state-of-the-art approaches by 30% and 3%, in terms of Kappa and F1 scores, respectively. The developed prototype has been extensively tested and can be evaluated on more comprehensive COD datasets for deployment in the clinical setup.