bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the Response of Rat Testis and Accessory Sex Organs to Treatment With Testosterone and the Synthetic Androgen Methyltrienolone (R1881)
Authors: Van ROIJEN J. HERMAN , OOMS MARJA P. , WEBER ROBERTUS F. A. , BRINKMANN ALBERT O. , GROOTEGOED J. ANTON , VREEBURG JAN T. M.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: We have studied the ability of the synthetic androgen methyltrienolone (R1881) to maintain testis and accessory organ weights, as compared to the effect of testosterone propionate (TP). In contrast to TP, R1881 is not metabolized and does not significantly bind to androgen‐binding protein (ABP). Thirty‐six rats were treated with ethane dimethane sulphonate (EDS) and GnRH antagonist (Org30267) to abolish all testicular androgen production, and recombinant human FSH (rec‐hFSH, Org32489) was administered to ensure adequate FSH levels. Of these rats, five groups of four rats were treated daily with 0‐, 50‐, 100‐, 200‐, and 400‐μg TP, s.c., and four groups of four rats were treated daily with 150‐, 300‐, 600‐, and 1200‐μg R1881, s.c. One control group of four rats received vehicle injections only. EDS treatment, followed by GnRH antagonist and rec‐hFSH treatment for 17 days, significantly reduced testis, prostate, and seminal vesicle weights (P < 0.001, P < 0.01, P < 0.001, respectively). Simultaneous treatment with androgens prevented this organ weight decrease, in a dose‐dependent manner. In all TP‐treated animals, relative weights (% of control) of the accessory sex organs were significantly higher than the relative testis weights (P < 0.001). However, there was no difference in relative weights between testis and accessory sex organs in the R1881‐treated animals. In another series of experiments, we investigated the effect of treatment with Finasteride, a 5α‐reductase inhibitor, on testis and accessory sex organ weights in rats treated with EDS and TP. Treatment with EDS, TP (300 μg/day) and Finasteride (40 mg/kg/day) did not alter testis weight as compared to the effect of treatment with EDS and TP alone. Prostate and seminal vesicle weights were, however, markedly reduced (significantly different from rats treated with EDS and TP alone; P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). Immunohistochemical analysis of androgen‐receptor (AR) expression in the testis revealed that testicular AR immunoexpression is androgen dependent and that FSH alone is not able to maintain AR immunoexpression. Furthermore, the stage‐dependent pattern of AR immunoexpression in Sertoli‐cell nuclei, during the spermatogenic cycle, is identical in all TP‐ and R1881‐treated rats. It is concluded that testes, prostate, and seminal vesicles are equally stimulated when the androgen receptor in these tissues is exposed to the same intracellular concentration of free androgen and that the low 5α‐reductase activity in the testis plays a critical role in the differential response of the testis and the accessory sex organs to T. Furthermore, stage‐dependent AR immunoexpression in Sertoli cells does occur in the absence of testicular androgen production and is not due to androgen metabolism or local differences in androgen concentration.
Heat Stress Causes Testicular Germ Cell Apoptosis in Adult Mice
Authors: YIN YIZHONG , HAWKINS KIRSTEN L. , DEWOLF WILLIAM C. , MORGENTALER ABRAHAM
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: An investigation was undertaken to determine whether the germ‐ceil loss associated with exposure of the testis to abdominal temperature occurs by apoptosis. Using an adult‐mouse model of experimental unilateral cryptorchidism, it was observed that DNA fragmentation, consistent with apoptosis, was observed on day 6 in the cryptorchid testis, with subsequent loss of testicular weight, histologic evidence of germ‐cell loss, and histochemical staining of apoptotic germ cells observed on day 7. Vacuolization of the germinal epithelium and the appearance of multinucleated giant cells was noted synchronously with the onset of germ‐cell loss. Histochemical staining for apoptosis was noted most frequently among the primary spermatocytes and round spermatids. These results indicate that the testicular germ‐cell loss observed with exposure to abdominal heat stress occurs by apoptosis. Further investigation of the biochemical mechanisms involved in testicular apoptosis may provide strategies to address a variety of male reproductive issues such as axitraception and infertility.
Serum Androgens: Associations With Prostate Cancer Risk and Hair Patterning
Authors: DEMARK‐WAHNEFRIED WENDY , LESKO SAMUEL M. , CONAWAY MARK R. , ROBERTSON CARY N. , CLARK RICHARD V. , LOBAUGH BRUCE , MATHIAS BARBARA J. , STRIGO TARA SMITH , PAULSON DAVID F.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Cancer of the prostate is the leading cancer among American men, yet few risk factors have been established. Hair growth and development are influenced by androgens, and it has long been suspected that prostate cancer also is responsive to these hormones. A blinded, case‐control study was undertaken to determine if hair patterning is associated with risk of prostate cancer, as well as specific hormonal profiles. The study accrued 315 male subjects who were stratified with regard to age, race, and case‐control status (159 prostate cancer cases/156 controls). Hair‐patterning classification and serum levels of total and free testosterone (T), sex hormone binding globulin, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) were performed. Data indicate that hair patterning did not differ between prostate cancer cases and controls; however, significant hormonal differences were detected between the two groups. Free T was greater among cases than in controls (16.4 ± 6.1 vs. 14.9 ± 4.8 pg/ml, P = 0.02). Conversely, DHT‐related ratios were greater among controls (P = 0.03 for DHT/T and P = 0.01 for DHT/free T). Several strong associations also were found between hormone levels and hair patterning. Men with vertex and frontal baldness had higher levels of free T (16.5 ± 5.5 and 16.2 ± 8.0 pg/ml, respectively) when compared to men with either little or no hair loss (14.8 ± 4.7 pg/ml) (P = 0.01). Data suggest that increased levels of free T may be a risk factor for prostatic carcinoma. In addition, although no differences in hair patterning were detected between cases and controls within this older population, further research (i.e., prospective trials or case‐control studies among younger men) may be necessary to determine if hair patterning serves as a viable biomarker for this disease, especially given the strong association between free T levels and baldness.
Estrogen Receptor (α and β) Expression in the Excurrent Ducts of the Adult Male Rat Reproductive Tract
Authors: HESS REX A. , GIST DANIEL H. , BUNICK DAVID , LUBAHN DENNIS B. , FARRELL AMY , BAHR JANICE , COOKE PAUL S. , GREENE GEOFFREY L.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The understanding of estrogen's function in the male reproductive tract is limited, and estrogen receptor (ER) localization in the reproductive tract of the adult male rat has not been described. In the present study, ERα was localized by immunohistochemistry using ER21 antibody, which recognizes only ERα. Strongest immunoreactivity was seen in epithelia of ductuli efferentes and the initial segment of the epididymis. Nuclei of both ciliated and nonciliated cells were positive. The epithelium of the rete testis, and caput, corpus, and cauda epididymides stained less intensely for ERα. The vas deferens epithelium was ERα‐negative. Stromal tissue in the excurrent ducts was also ERα‐positive. Using 3H‐estradiol autoradiography, specific binding of estradiol was seen in nuclei of ductuli efferentes. Estrogen receptor α mRNA expression was greatly enhanced in ductuli efferentes compared to other regions of the male tract and was 3.5x greater than in the uterus. For comparison, the presence of ERβ was determined using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) amplification. Estrogen receptor β mRNA was expressed throughout the male tract and in the prostate. These results indicate that all organs in the male excurrent ductal system of the rat express ERα and are potential targets of estrogen. However, the ductuli efferentes are the site of the most intense ERα expression. The role of ERβ remains to be determined, but its expression appears ubiguitous in the male tract.
Repeatability of Quantitative Knee Cartilage T1, T2, and T1ρ Mapping With 3D‐MRI Fingerprinting
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxia , de Moura Hector L. , Monga Anmol , Zibetti Marcelo V. W. , Kijowski Richard , Regatte Ravinder R.
Published: October 2023

Background

Three‐dimensional MR fingerprinting (3D‐MRF) techniques have been recently described for simultaneous multiparametric mapping of knee cartilage. However, investigation of repeatability remains limited.

Purpose

To assess the intra‐day and inter‐day repeatabilities of knee cartilage T1, T2, and T1ρ maps using a 3D‐MRF sequence for simultaneous measurement.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Fourteen healthy subjects (35.4 ± 9.3 years, eight males), scanned on Day 1 and Day 7.

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T/3D‐MRF, T1, T2, and T1ρ maps.

Assessment

The acquisition of 3D‐MRF cartilage (simultaneous acquisition of T1, T2, and T1ρ maps) were acquired using a dictionary pattern‐matching approach. Conventional cartilage T1, T2, and T1ρ maps were acquired using variable flip angles and a modified 3D‐Turbo‐Flash sequence with different echo and spin‐lock times, respectively, and were fitted using mono‐exponential models. Each sequence was acquired on Day 1 and Day 7 with two scans on each day.

Statistical Tests

The mean and SD for cartilage T1, T2, and T1ρ were calculated in five manually segmented regions of interest (ROIs), including lateral femur, lateral tibia, medial femur, medial tibia, and patella cartilages. Intra‐subject and inter‐subject repeatabilities were assessed using coefficient of variation (CV) and intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively, on the same day and among different days. Regression and Bland–Altman analysis were performed to compare maps between the conventional and 3D‐MRF sequences.

Results

The CV in all ROIs was lower than 7.4%, 8.4%, and 7.5% and the ICC was higher than 0.56, 0.51, and 0.52 for cartilage T1, T2, and T1ρ, respectively. The MRF results had a good agreement with the conventional methods with a linear regression slope >0.61 and R2 > 0.59.

Conclusion

The 3D‐MRF sequence had high intra‐subject and inter‐subject repeatabilities for simultaneously measuring knee cartilage T1, T2, and T1ρ with good agreement with conventional sequences.

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Situational anxiety in head and neck cancer: Rates, patterns and clinical management interventions in a regional cancer setting
Authors: Forbes Erin , Clover Kerrie , Oultram Sharon , Wratten Chris , Kumar Mahesh , Tieu Minh Thi , Carter Gregory , McCarter Kristen , Britton Ben , Baker Amanda L.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Research indicates that the immobilisation mask required for radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck cancers can provoke intense anxiety. However, little is known about the rates of this anxiety, whether it changes over a course of treatment and how it is managed in clinical practice. This study aimed to describe the rates and patterns of situational anxiety in patients undergoing RT for head and neck cancer and the use of anxiety management interventions in current clinical practice in a major regional cancer setting in New South Wales, Australia.

Methods

Situational anxiety rates and patterns were assessed at five time points using the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory prior to treatment planning (SIM), the first three treatment sessions (Tx 1, Tx 2 and Tx 3) and treatment 20 (Tx 20). Sessions were observed to record the use of general supportive interventions (music and support person) and anxiety‐specific interventions (break from the mask, relaxation techniques and anxiolytic medication). Sociodemographic and clinical information was extracted from the medical record.

Results

One hundred and one patients were recruited. One‐third had clinically significant anxiety at any of the first three time points (33.3–40%), and a quarter at Tx 3 (26.4%) and Tx 20 (23.4%). Of the sample, 55.4% had available data for categorisation into one of four pattern groups: ‘No Anxiety’ (46.4%); ‘Decreasing Anxiety’ (35.7%); ‘Increasing Anxiety’ (7.1%); and ‘Stable High Anxiety’ (10.7%). Most participants had social support present at SIM (53.5%) and listened to music during treatment (86.7–92.9%). Few participants received relaxation techniques alone (1.2–2.3%). Anxiolytic medication was provided for 10% of patients at some stage during the treatment journey and 5% required a break from the mask at SIM, with frequency decreasing throughout the treatment course.

Conclusions

In this regional cancer setting, situational anxiety was common, but generally decreased throughout treatment. Some patients experience persistent or increasing anxiety, with up to 10% of patients receiving specific anxiety management interventions.
Preparation and characterization of zein/gelatin electrospun film loaded with ε‐polylysine and gallic acid as tuna packaging system
Authors: Li Qiuying , Zhou Wenxuan , Yu Xinrui , Cui Fangchao , Tan Xiqian , Sun Tong , Li Jianrong
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Composite nanofiber films loaded with ε‐polylysine (PL) and gallic acid (GA) were prepared using a zein/gelatin (ZG) electrospinning method to develop effective active packaging films for tuna preservation. The morphology, structure, thermal stability, hydrophobicity, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties of the films, and their application for tuna during a period of storage of 4 °C were investigated.

RESULTS

PL reduced the average diameter of ZG fibers, whereas GA increased it. The PL/GA/ZG film possessed a well distributed fiber morphology with an average diameter of 810 ± 150 nm. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction results showed the physical loading of PL and GA in ZG film with the main chemical bonds and crystal structure unchanged. The addition of both PL and GA reduced hydrophobicity of the ZG film while the PL/GA/ZG film was still hydrophobic. GA enhanced its thermal stability and contributed to its antioxidant activity. PL and GA synergetically enhanced the antibacterial activity of ZG film against Shewanella putrefaciens. PL combined with GA is more suitable for modifying ZG film than GA alone. The PL/GA/ZG film effectively inhibited total viable counts, total volatile base nitrogen, fat oxidation, and texture deterioration of tuna fillets at 4 °C storage, and could extend the shelf life by 3 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The PL/GA/ZG nanofiber film demonstrated promising potential for application in the preservation of aquatic products as a new antibacterial and antioxidant food packaging. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Blood compatible biomaterials: Hydrophilicity vs. hydrophobicity
Authors: Sevastianov Viktor I. , Drushlyak Irina V. , Eberhart Robert C. , Wan Kim Sung
Published: October 2023

A tendency towards unification of adsorption properties of hemocompatible hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces within the first minutes of contact with protein was demonstrated. Nevertheless the change of adsorption properties of blood compatible hydrophilic surface after passivation with proteins is much less in comparison with the one for blood compatible hydrophobic surface.
Multi‐criteria analysis applied to ranking rehabilitation strategies of water distribution networks
Authors: Brentan Bruno , Carpitella Silvia , Zanfei Ariele , Gabriel Souza Rui , Menapace Andrea , Meirelles Gustavo , Righetti Maurizio , Izquierdo Joaquín
Published: October 2023

Rehabilitation of water distribution systems is a complex task that water companies have to tackle continually to keep high‐quality service. The larger and more complex the network, the harder to make decisions about the network maintenance strategy to be implemented. Considering pipe replacement as a strategy for water network rehabilitation, this work presents a combination of water distribution system analysis and multi‐criteria analysis to rank alternatives for pipe replacement. A set of eight performance criteria is used to evaluate the rehabilitation alternatives. The Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) is herein adopted to rank the solutions, coupled with a final sensitivity analysis on criteria weights. The obtained results point out as pipe replacement is an essential strategy for rehabilitation since the eight evaluation criteria are improved. The sensitivity analysis shows the best solutions' robustness, with just a few variations in their position in the ranking. The most frequent best solution is then hydraulically evaluated, showing the real benefits of pipe replacement in terms of pressure deficit reduction.
Ultra‐High Temperature Treatment of Liquid Infant Formula, Systemic Immunity, and Kidney Development in Preterm Neonates
Authors: Sun Jing , Akıllıoğlu Halise Gül , Zhong Jingren , Muk Tik , Pan Xiaoyu , Lund Marianne Nissen , Sangild Per Torp , Nguyen Duc Ninh , Bering Stine Brandt
Published: October 2023

Scope

Ready‐to‐feed liquid infant formulas (IFs) are increasingly being used for newborn preterm infants when human milk is unavailable. However, sterilization of liquid IFs by ultra‐high temperature (UHT) introduces Maillard reaction products (MRPs) that may negatively affect systemic immune and kidney development.

Methods and results

UHT‐treated IF without and with prolonged storage (SUHT) are tested against pasteurized IF (PAST) in newborn preterm pigs as a model for preterm infants. After 5 days, blood leukocytes, markers of systemic immunity and inflammation, kidney structure and function are evaluated. No consistent differences between UHT and PAST pigs are observed. However, SUHT increases plasma TNFα and IL‐6 and reduces neutrophils and in vitro response to LPS. In SUHT pigs, the immature kidneys show minor upregulation of gene expressions related to inflammation (RAGE, MPO, MMP9) and oxidative stress (CAT, GLO1), together with glomerular mesangial expansion and cell injury. The increased inflammatory status in SUHT pigs appears unrelated to systemic levels of MRPs.

Conclusion

SUHT feeding may impair systemic immunity and affect kidney development in preterm newborns. The systemic effects may be induced by local gut inflammatory effects of MRPs. Optimal processing and length of storage are critical for UHT‐treated liquid IFs for preterm infants.
Isogeometric cohesive zone modeling of interfaces in reinforced concrete structures
Authors: Klarmann Simon , Kikis Georgia , Klinkel Sven , Chudoba Rostislav
Published: October 2023

In reinforced concrete structures, the correct representation of the bond between concrete and reinforcement is a challenging task, since different mechanisms are acting simultaneously. On the other hand, the exact description of the reinforcement's geometry is not sufficient when using Lagrange shape functions and can additionally alter the modeling of this interaction. Isogeometric analysis enables the exact representation of complex geometries, and thus, can improve the correct description of the interface mechanisms. The concrete matrix and the reinforcement are modeled using boundary representation together with Non‐Uniform Rational B‐Spline (NURBS) and B‐splines Scaled Boundary Isogeometric Analysis (SBIGA) which is in accordance with the modeling technique in Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools. This allows for a straightforward use of the design model in the analysis process. The interaction mechanisms between reinforcement and concrete are modeled using a zero‐thickness interface in combination with a thermodynamically consistent cohesive zone model that captures the decohesion, compression and sliding effects. It includes a coupled damage‐plasticity dissipation for the normal and tangential direction. The model is verified using experimental results and a comparison to the standard finite element method (FEM) is carried out in order to investigate the benefits of applying isogeometric analysis for the exact representation of the reinforcement.
Complete composition analysis of polysaccharides based on HPAEC‐PAD coupled with quantitative analysis of multi‐components by single marker
Authors: Yan Xiao‐Hui , Liu Xue‐Qing , Liang Jun , Kuang Hai‐Xue , Xia Yong‐Gang
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Monosaccharide compositions analysis (MCA) is indispensable for structural characterisations and structure–activity relationships of plant polysaccharides.

Objectives

To develop a concise and direct MCA method, we established a quantitative analysis of the multi‐monosaccharaides by single marker (QAMS) by high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography with pulsed‐amperometric detection (HPAEC‐PAD) method.

Methodology

A stable and reproducible HPAEC‐PAD method for simultaneous determination of aldoses, ketoses and uronic acids (i.e., l‐arabinose, d‐xylose, d‐ribose, l‐rhamnose, d‐fucose, d‐mannose, d‐glucose, d‐galactose, d‐fructose, d‐glucuronic acid and d‐galacturonic acid) was established by systematic optimisation of stationary phases, column temperatures and elution programmes. On this basis, the QAMS method was proposed through comprehensive investigations of relative correction factor (RCF) variations under different influencing factors, for example, sample concentrations, flow rates, and column temperatures.

Results

Using rhamnose as an internal reference standard, the contents of the other monosaccharide components in polysaccharides from Panax quinquefolium L. and Achyranthes bidentata Bl. samples were simultaneously determined by QAMS, and there was no significant difference between the results from the QAMS and external standard method (t test, P > 0.520). In addition, a MCA fingerprinting of 30 batches of P. quinquefolium polysaccharide was established by HPAEC‐PAD, and six common peaks were assigned and determined.

Conclusions

The established HPAEC‐PAD‐QAMS method was successfully applied to the MCA of polysaccharides from P. quinquefolium and A. bidentata after optimisation of hydrolysis conditions. HPAEC‐PAD‐QAMS was proposed and established for MCA of plant polysaccharides for the first time.
Evaluating the carbon footprint of the integrated DBD‐plasma bi‐reforming unit via laboratory scale experiments and scaled‐up process modeling
Authors: Cao Guoqiang , Gonzalez‐Casamachin Diego Alexander , Xiao Yue , Chen Chien‐Hua , Uddi Mruthunjaya , Baltrusaitis Jonas
Published: October 2023

Catalytic dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma reactor experiments were performed in a tubular glass reactor with a 2 mm gap at 550°C to facilitate the reaction kinetics of steam added dry reforming or bireforming. The best specific energy input obtained was 11.2 eV/molecule feed at CO2:CH4:H2O of 4.5:1:4.5 ratio and gas hour space velocity (GHSV) = 432 h−1. This value was used to design a conceptual process and assess the environmental impact of methane steam reforming‐based H2 production 18.4 kmol/h CO2 emission processing into H2:CO = 2 syngas, with an emphasis on the carbon footprint.
Two three‐electron bonds in two triatomic molecules? The cases of C2O and N2C in their ground states
Authors: Pino‐Rios Ricardo , Denis‐Alpizar Otoniel
Published: October 2023

The chemical bonding of CO and NC is analyzed in this work through the topological quantum approach using the electronic localization function (ELF) at the CASSCF level and by energetic calculations at the CCSD(T) level using four different basis sets. The results show that the dissociation of the molecules occurs via cleavage of the C‐C bond in the case of CO, while in the case of NC, it occurs via cleavage of the N‐C bond. Furthermore, the results obtained with ELF show monosynaptic basins containing excess electrons and disynaptic basins with a low electron population. This leads us to indicate the existence of three‐center‐two‐electron bonds according to previous results. From the valence bond model, a series of resonance structures have been proposed that support our calculations. In addition, the proposed structures have an ionic nature, indicating a charge shift character.
Coupling MoSe2 with Non‐Stoichiometry Ni0.85Se in Carbon Hollow Nanoflowers for Efficient Electrocatalytic Synergistic Effect on Li‐O2 Batteries
Authors: Long Yuxin , Li Qiang , Zhang Zidong , Zeng Qingxi , Liu Dong , Zhao Lanling , Liu Yao , Li Yebing , Zhang Yiming , Ji Kunqian , Zhou Zhaorui , Han Xue , Wang Jun
Published: October 2023

Li‐O2 batteries could deliver ultra‐high theoretical energy density compared to current Li‐ion batteries counterpart. The slow cathode reaction kinetics in Li‐O2 batteries, however, limits their electrocatalytic performance. To this end, MoSe2 and Ni0.85Se nanoflakes were decorated in carbon hollow nanoflowers, which were served as the cathode catalysts for Li‐O2 batteries. The hexagonal Ni0.85Se and MoSe2 show good structural compatibility with the same space group, resulting in a stable heterogeneous structure. The synergistic interaction of the unsaturated atoms and the built‐in electric fields on the heterogeneous structure exposes abundant catalytically active sites, accelerating ion and charge transport and imparting superior electrochemical activity, including high specific capacities and stable cycling performance. More importantly, the lattice distances of the Ni0.85Se (101) plane and MoSe2 (100) plane at the heterogeneous interfaces are highly matched to that of Li2O2 (100) plane, facilitating epitaxial growth of Li2O2, as well as the formation and decomposition of discharge products during the cycles. This strategy of employing nonstoichiometric compounds to build heterojunctions and improve Li‐O2 battery performance is expected to be applied to other energy storage or conversion systems.
Hofmann‐Type Cyanide Bridged Coordination Polymers for Advanced Functional Nanomaterials
Authors: Hegazy Mohamed Barakat Zakaria , Hassan Fathy , Hu Ming
Published: October 2023

Since the discovery of Hofmann clathrates of inorganic cyanide bridged coordination polymers (Hofmann‐type CN‐CPs), extensive research is done to understand their behavior during spin transitions caused by guest molecules or external stimuli. Lately, research on their nanoscale architectures for sensors and switching devices is of interest. Their potential is reported for producing advanced functional inorganic materials in two‐dimensional (2D) morphology using a scalable solid‐state thermal treatment method. For instance, but not restricted to, alloys, carbides, chalcogenides, oxides, etc. Simultaneously, their in situ crystallization at graphene oxide (GO) nanosheet surfaces, followed by a subsequent self‐assembly to build layered lamellar structures, is reported providing hybrid materials with a variety of uses. Hence, an overview of the most recent developments is presented here in the synthesis of nanoscale structures, including thin films and powders, using Hofmann‐type CN‐CPs. Also thoroughly demonstrated are the most recent synthetic ideas with the modest control over the size and shape of nanoscale particles. Additionally, in order to create new functional hybrid materials for electrical and energy applications, their thermal decomposition in various environments and hybridization with GO and other guest molecules is examined. This review article also conveyed their spin transition, astounding innovative versatile adhesives, and structure features.
Bioinspired Hollow/Hollow Architecture with Flourishing Dielectric Properties for Efficient Electromagnetic Energy Reclamation Device
Authors: Meng Xiangwei , Qiao Jing , Liu Jiurong , Wu Lili , Wang Zhou , Wang Fenglong
Published: October 2023

The exploitation of advanced electromagnetic functional devices is perceived as the effective prescription to deal with environmental contamination and energy deficiency. From the perspective of observing and imitating nature, pine branch‐like zirconium dioxide/cobalt nanotubes@nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes are synthesized victoriously through maneuverable electrospinning process and follow‐up thermal treatments. In particular, introducing carbon nanotubes on the surface of hollow nanofibers to construct hierarchical architecture vastly promoted the material's dielectric properties by significantly augmenting specific surface area, generating abundant heterogeneous interfaces, and inducing the formation of defects. Supplemented by the synergistic effect between each constituent, ultra‐strong attenuation capacity and perfect impedance matching characteristics are implemented simultaneously, and jointly made contributions to the splendid microwave absorption performance with a minimum reflection loss of −67.9 dB at 1.5 mm. Moreover, this fibrous absorber also exhibited promising potential to be utilized as a green and efficient electromagnetic interference shielding material when the filler loading is enhanced. Therefore, this design philosophy is destined to inspire the future development of energy conversion and storage devices, and provide theoretical direction for the creation of sophisticated electromagnetic functional materials.
Dieckol prevents prostate cancer cell proliferation by transcriptionally attenuating JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Karuppaiya Vimala , Annamalai Asaikkutti , Krishnamurthy Shanthi , Soundarapandian Kannan
Published: October 2023

This study delved at how the natural substance dieckol (DCL) prevents prostate cancerous cells from proliferating and migrating by blocking the JAK/STAT3 signaling pathway in PC‐3 cells. For numerous tests, the cells were treated to DCL at a range of concentrations (0–20 μM) for 24 h. DCL mediated cytotoxicity was analyzed by MTT assay. To evaluate ROS, DCFH‐DA staining was employed. Dual (AO/EtBr) staining was utilized to examine apoptotic changes, and MMP levels in PC‐3 cells were examined using the appropriate fluorescent staining assays. By using flow cytometry and western blotting, the protein expressions of cell survival, cell cycle, proliferation, and apoptosis were assessed. The results showed that DCL significantly cytotoxically affects PC‐3, and the IC50 was discovered to be 12 μM for 24 h exposure. Furthermore, after DCL treatment in PC‐3, considerable ROS generation and increased apoptotic signals were detected. STAT3, JAK1, PCNA, and cyclins D1 and E1 are all suppressed by DCL in PC‐3. In addition, DCL therapy in PC‐3 dramatically increased pro‐apoptotic proteins such Bax, caspase‐3, and cytochrome C. Therefore, DCL has been regarded as a chemotherapeutic agent because to its ability to decrease the expression of proteins that control cell proliferation, including STAT3, JAK1, PCNA, and cyclins D1 and E1.
Review the SPPO complaint process to defend privacy violations
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: October 2023

The Student Privacy Policy Office has a defined process for students or parents who intend to file a complaint alleging Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act violations against a college or university. By understanding the SPPO complaint form, postsecondary institutions can put themselves in a position to communicate with the SPPO and defend against a complaint.
Symbol alphabets from the Landau singular locus
Authors: Dlapa Christoph , Helmer Martin , Papathanasiou Georgios , Tellander Felix
Published: October 2023

Abstract

We provide evidence through two loops, that rational letters of polylogarithmic Feynman integrals are captured by the Landau equations, when the latter are recast as a polynomial of the kinematic variables of the integral, known as the principal A-determinant. Focusing on one loop, we further show that all square-root letters may also be obtained, by re-factorizing the principal A-determinant with the help of Jacobi identities. We verify our findings by explicitly constructing canonical differential equations for the one-loop integrals in both odd and even dimensions of loop momenta, also finding agreement with earlier results in the literature for the latter case. We provide a computer implementation of our results for the principal A-determinants, symbol alphabets and canonical differential equations in an accompanying Mathematica file. Finally, we study the question of when a one-loop integral satisfies the Cohen-Macaulay property and show that for almost all choices of kinematics the Cohen-Macaulay property holds. Throughout, in our approach to Feynman integrals, we make extensive use of the Gel’fand, Graev, Kapranov and Zelevinskiĭ theory on what are now commonly called GKZ-hypergeometric systems whose singularities are described by the principal A-determinant.
Anthropocene isostatic adjustment on an anelastic mantle
Authors: Ivins Erik R. , Caron Lambert , Adhikari Surendra
Published: October 2023

A general assumption in geodesy is that solid Earth deformation in the presence of recent hydrological and ice loading is well approximated by a purely elastic response. In cases where there is clear evidence that thermal and petrological conditions exist that favor vigorous high-temperature creep behavior, such as in the mantle beneath Iceland, Patagonia, Alaska, Japan, and Svalbard, many response models have been approximated by using a Maxwell viscoelasticity. However, non-Maxwellian transient viscoelastic rheology is required for many post-seismic relaxation studies. Here, we reconsider the solid Earth response in light of highly temperature-dependent transient viscoelastic responses currently favored in the mineral physics and seismological communities. We develop a mantle response Green’s function that accounts for the vertical isostatic motion of the mantle caused by the acceleration of ice mass loss for Greenland and Patagonia measured by spaceborne and airborne remote sensing since 1992 and 1945, respectively. The Green’s function may be used to examine how anelasticity influences the uplift associated with accelerated surface mass loss. We perform a parameter exploration of the constants that define the Extended Burgers Material model, a rheology having firm experimental and theoretical underpinnings, in order to isolate those material model parameters that have the greatest impact on anelastic-isostatic uplift over interannual and interdecadal timescales. Anelasticity corrections may be required for solid Earth vertical uplift in space gravimetric solutions for long-term hydrology and cryospheric change.
Risk factors for acute kidney injury associated with intravenous vancomycin in neurosurgical inpatients: a retrospective study
Authors: Lu Ruqi , Ren Junli , Zhou Xuanping , Zheng Bin , Peng Fangchen
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Vancomycin (VAN) is widely used in neurosurgical patients for intracranial infections. We aimed to assess the incidence and risk factors for VAN-associated acute kidney injury (VA-AKI) in this population.

Methods

A case–control study of patients who treated with vancomycin in neurosurgery from January 2020 to December 2022 was conducted. Demographics and potential risk factors were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for VA-AKI. AKI was defined according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes Guidelines (KDIGO).

Results

A total of 345 patients participated with a VA-AKI incidence of 17.1% (59 cases). Among them, 15 patients had renal impairment (Stage 2 or higher), and 2 required dialysis. With univariate analysis and binary logistic regression analysis, we found that the use of mannitol (OR: 4.164; 95% CI: 1.606–10.792; P = 0.003), loop diuretics (OR: 3.371; 95% CI: 1.633–6.958; P = 0.001), three or more antimicrobial applications (OR: 3.623; 95% CI: 1.600–8.206; P = 0.002), diastolic blood pressure 80–89 mm Hg (OR: 5.532; 95% CI: 1.677–18.250; P = 0.005) and diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mm Hg (OR: 6.845; 95% CI: 1.518–30.866; P = 0.012) were independent risk factors for VA-AKI. In addition, according to the Youden Index, the trough concentration of vancomycin should not exceed 15.845 mg/L.

Conclusion

The incidence of VA-AKI in neurosurgical patients was 17.1%. The concomitant use of mannitol and loop diuretics, along with higher diastolic blood pressure and the combined use of more than three antimicrobial agents, were associated with an increased risk of neurosurgical VA-AKI.
More Than a Service: Values of Rivers, Wetlands and Floodplains Are Informed by Both Function and Feeling
Authors: Campbell Cherie J. , Lovett Siwan , Capon Samantha J. , Thompson Ross M. , Dyer Fiona J.
Published: October 2023

How people value rivers, wetlands and floodplains influences their attitudes, beliefs and behaviours towards these ecosystems, and can shape policy and management interventions. Better understanding why people value rivers, wetlands and floodplains and their key ecosystem components, such as vegetation, helps to determine what factors underpin the social legitimacy required for effective management of these systems. This study sought to ascertain perspectives on the value of non-woody vegetation in river-floodplain systems via an online survey. The survey found that participants valued non-woody vegetation for their provision of a range of ecosystem functions and services, with strong emphasis on ecological aspects such as regulation functions, habitat provision and biodiversity. However, the inclusion of a question framed to focus on stories or narratives resulted in a different emphasis. Responses indicated that non-woody vegetation, and rivers, wetlands and floodplains were valued for the way they made people feel through lived experiences such as recreational activities, personal interactions with nature, educational and research experiences. This highlights the important role of storytelling in navigating complex natural resource management challenges and ascertaining a deeper understanding of values that moves beyond provision of function to feeling. Improved understanding of the diverse ways people value and interact with river-floodplain systems will help develop narratives and forms of engagement that foster shared understanding, empathy and collaboration. Appreciation of plural values such as the provision of functions and services along with the role of emotional connections and lived experience will likely increase lasting engagement of the general public with management to protect and restore river-floodplain systems.
Sudden cardiac arrest in infants and children: proposal for a diagnostic workup to identify the etiology. An 18-year multicenter evaluation in the Netherlands
Authors: Bakker Ashley M. , Albrecht Marijn , Verkaik Bas J. , de Jonge Rogier C. J. , Buysse Corinne M. P. , Blom Nico A. , Rammeloo Lukas A. J. , Verhagen Judith M. A. , Riedijk Maaike A. , Yap Sing C. , Tan Hanno L. , Kammeraad Janneke A. E.
Published: October 2023

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) studies are often population-based, limited to sudden cardiac death, and excluding infants. To guide prevention opportunities, it is essential to be informed of pediatric SCA etiologies. Unfortunately, etiologies frequently remain unresolved. The objectives of this study were to determine paediatric SCA etiology, and to evaluate the extent of post-SCA investigations and to assess the performance of previous cardiac evaluation in detecting conditions predisposing to SCA. In a retrospective cohort (2002–2019), all children 0–18 years with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) referred to Erasmus MC Sophia Children's Hospital or the Amsterdam UMC (tertiary-care university hospitals), with cardiac or unresolved etiologies were eligible for inclusion. SCA etiologies, cardiac and family history and etiologic investigations in unresolved cases were assessed. The etiology of arrest could be determined in 52% of 172 cases. Predominant etiologies in children ≥ 1 year (n = 99) were primary arrhythmogenic disorders (34%), cardiomyopathies (22%) and unresolved (32%). Events in children < 1 year (n = 73) were largely unresolved (70%) or caused by cardiomyopathy (8%), congenital heart anomaly (8%) or myocarditis (7%). Of 83 children with unresolved etiology a family history was performed in 51%, an autopsy in 51% and genetic testing in 15%. Pre-existing cardiac conditions presumably causative for SCA were diagnosed in 9%, and remained unrecognized despite prior evaluation in 13%.

Conclusion: SCA etiology remained unresolved in 83 of 172 cases (48%) and essential diagnostic investigations were often not performed. Over one-fifth of SCA patients underwent prior cardiac evaluation, which did not lead to recognition of a cardiac condition predisposing to SCA in all of them. The diagnostic post-SCA approach should be improved and the proposed standardized pediatric post-SCA diagnostics protocol may ensure a consistent and systematic evaluation process increasing the diagnostic yield.

What is Known:• Arrests in infants remain unresolved in most cases. In children > 1 year, predominant etiologies are primary arrhythmia disorders, cardiomyopathy and myocarditis.• Studies investigating sudden cardiac arrest are often limited to sudden cardiac death (SCD) in 1 to 40 year old persons, excluding infants and successfully resuscitated children.

What is New:• In patients with unresolved SCA events, the diagnostic work up was often incompletely performed.• Over one fifth of victims had prior cardiac evaluation before the arrest, with either a diagnosed cardiac condition (9%) or an unrecognized cardiac condition (13%).

Graphical Abstract
A qualitative exploration of the dynamics of guilt experience in family cancer caregivers
Authors: Mohamed Hussin Nur Atikah , Mohd Sabri Nursahira Sahiba
Published: October 2023

Caregiving for cancer patients can cause stress among family caregivers. Caregiving stress is also associated with guilt as they cannot provide adequate care for cancer patients. However, guilt among family caregivers of cancer patients is poorly understood. This qualitative study aimed to explore the dynamics of guilt feelings in families that care for cancer patients. This study involved 45 family caregivers of cancer patients. Thematic data analysis was conducted. There were six themes emerging. Caregiving can be challenging, guilt and blame, guilt due to lack of self-capacity, guilt for neglecting others, no guilt at all, and discussion of guilt and blame as a caregiver. This study offers insight into social workers regarding the challenges and experiences faced by family caregivers of cancer patients. Appropriate health interventions and support should be provided to family caregivers of cancer patients to improve their well-being.
Universities, heritage, and non-museum institutions: a methodological proposal for sustainable documentation
Authors: Salse-Rovira Marina , Jornet-Benito Nuria , Guallar Javier , Mateo-Bretos Maria Pilar , Silvestre-Canut Josep Oriol
Published: October 2023

To provide a sustainable methodology for documenting the small (and underfunded) but often important university heritage collections. The sequence proposed by the DBLC (Database Life Cycle) (Coronel and Morris, Database Systems: Design, Implementation, & Management. Cengage Learning, Boston, 2018; Oppel Databases a beginner’s guide. McGraw-Hill, New York, 2009) is followed, focusing on the database design phase. The resulting proposals aim at harmonising the different documentation tools developed by GLAM institutions (acronym that aims to highlight the common aspects of Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums), all of which are present in the university environment. The work phases are based mainly on the work of Valle, Fernández Cacho, and Arenillas (Muñoz Cruz et al. Introducción a la documentación del patrimonio cultural. Consejería de Cultura de la Junta de Andalucía, Seville, 2017), combined with the experience acquired from the creation of the virtual museum at our institution. The creation of a working team that includes university staff members is recommended because we believe that universities have sufficient power to manage their own heritage. For documentation, we recommend the use of application profiles that consider the new trends in semantic web and LOD (Linked Open Data) and that are created using structural interchange standards such as Dublin Core, LIDO, or Darwin Core, which should be combined with content and value standards adapted from the GLAM area. The application of the methodology described above will make it possible to obtain quality metadata in a sustainable way given the limited resources of university collections. A proposed metadata schema is provided as an annex.
Clinical advances in immunotherapy for immune-mediated glomerular diseases
Authors: Tang Bihui , Yang Xiao
Published: October 2023

Background and objective

Due to the suboptimal therapeutic efficacy and potential adverse effects associated with traditional immunosuppressive medications, there has been an increasing emphasis on the development and utilization of immunotherapies. This paper aims to provide clinicians with valuable insights for selecting appropriate therapeutic approaches and contribute to the development of novel immunotherapeutic drugs.

Main body

This paper categorizes the immunotherapeutic drugs that are used for the treatment of immune-mediated glomerular diseases into three groups: immunotherapies targeting antigen-presenting cells (anti-CD80), immunotherapies targeting T/B cells (anti-CD20, anti-CD22, BAFF and APRIL inhibitors, CD40-CD40L inhibitors, proteasome inhibitors, Syk inhibitors, and Btk inhibitors), and immunotherapies targeting the complement system (C5 inhibitors, C5a/C5aR inhibitors, C3 inhibitors, MASP2 inhibitors, factor B inhibitors, and factor D inhibitors). The article then provides a comprehensive overview of advances related to these immunotherapeutic drugs in clinical research.

Conclusion

Certain immunotherapeutic drugs, such as rituximab, belimumab, and eculizumab, have exhibited notable efficacy in treating specific immune-mediated glomerular diseases, thereby providing novel therapeutic approaches for patients. Nonetheless, the efficacy of numerous immunotherapeutic drugs remains to be substantiated.
Stochastic modeling of the receiver clock parameter in Galileo-only and multi-GNSS PPP solutions
Authors: Mikoś Marcin , Kazmierski Kamil , Hadas Tomasz , Sośnica Krzysztof
Published: October 2023

In Precise Point Positioning (PPP), the receiver clock parameter is typically estimated independently in each observation epoch, which increases the noise of the estimated station coordinates and troposphere parameters due to correlations. Applying stochastic modeling to the receiver clock parameter stabilizes PPP solutions and reduces clock noise for the time transfer. However, the receiver clock modeling is possible only for the GNSS receivers connected to the utmost stable atomic clocks. We propose receiver clock modeling that involves the Markov stochastic process in the form of a random walk. We test different levels of random walk constraints for GNSS stations equipped with different types of clocks for Galileo-only and multi-GNSS solutions in kinematic and static PPP. In multi-GNSS solutions, the common clock parameter is derived with inter-system biases (ISBs). This raises the question of the constraints that should be imposed on the common clock only or also on the ISBs. We found that similar results can be achieved by imposing constraints on the common clock parameter and estimating ISB as a constant parameter and when constraining the common clock parameter and ISBs with a ratio of 1:100. Other ratios of clock-to-ISB constraints, such as 1:1 and 1:10, give inferior results. In the kinematic PPP, stochastic clock modeling has a marginal impact on the North and East coordinate components, whereas the Up component is substantially improved for GNSS receivers equipped with hydrogen masers. In the static PPP, the clock modeling improves the time transfer, due to the reduced noise of the clocks.