bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the utility of circulating miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers of fasciolosis
Authors: Chowdhury Sumaiya , Ricafrente Alison , Cwiklinski Krystyna , Sais Dayna , Dalton John P. , Tran Nham , Donnelly Sheila
Published: March 2024

Effective management and control of parasitic infections on farms depends on their early detection. Traditional serological diagnostic methods for Fasciola hepatica infection in livestock are specific and sensitive, but currently the earliest detection of the parasite only occurs at approximately three weeks post-infection. At this timepoint, parasites have already entered the liver and caused the tissue damage and immunopathology that results in reduced body weight and loss in productivity. Here, we investigated whether the differential abundance of micro(mi)miRNAs in sera of F. hepatica-infected sheep has potential as a tool for the early diagnosis of infection. Using miRNA sequencing analysis, we discovered specific profiles of sheep miRNAs at both the pre-hepatic and hepatic infection phases in comparison to non-infected sheep. In addition, six F. hepatica-derived miRNAs were specifically identified in sera from infected sheep. Thus, a panel of differentially expressed miRNAs comprising four sheep (miR-3231-3p; miR133-5p; 3957-5p; 1197-3p) and two parasite miRNAs (miR-124-3p; miR-Novel-11-5p) were selected as potential biomarkers. The expression of these candidates in sera samples from longitudinal sheep infection studies collected between 7 days and 23 weeks was quantified using RT-qPCR and compared to samples from age-matched non-infected sheep. We identified oar-miR-133-5p and oar-miR-3957-5p as promising biomarkers of fasciolosis, detecting infection as early as 7 days. The differential expression of the other selected miRNAs was not sufficient to diagnose infection; however, our analysis found that the most abundant forms of fhe-miR-124-3p in sera were sequence variants (IsomiRs) of the canonical miRNA, highlighting the critical importance of primer design for accurate diagnostic RT-qPCR. Accordingly, this investigative study suggests that certain miRNAs are biomarkers of F. hepatica infection and validates miRNA-based diagnostics for the detection of fasciolosis in sheep.
Dynamics of Mpox infection in Nigeria: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cadmus Simeon , Akinseye Victor , Besong Matthias , Olanipekun Tobi , Fadele John , Cadmus Eniola , Ansumana Rashid , Oluwayelu Daniel , Odemuyiwa Solomon O. , Tomori Oyewale
Published: March 2024

The seasonal outbreaks of Mpox continue in most parts of West and Central Africa. In the past year, Nigeria had the highest number of reported cases. Here, we used the PRISMA guidelines to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis of available evidence on Mpox in Nigeria to assess the prevalence, transmission pattern, diagnostic approach, and other associated factors useful for mitigating the transmission of the disease. All relevant observational studies in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, AJOL, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar on Mpox in Nigeria were assessed within the last fifty years (1972 to 2022). In all, 92 relevant articles were retrieved, out of which 23 were included in the final qualitative analysis. Notably, most of the cases of Mpox in Nigeria were from the southern part of the country. Our findings showed a progressive spread from the southern to the northern region of the country. We identified the following factors as important in the transmission of Mpox in Nigeria; poverty, lack of basic healthcare facilities, and risk of exposure through unsafe sexual practices. Our findings reiterate the need to strengthen and expand existing efforts as well as establish robust multi-sectoral collaboration to understand the dynamics of Mpox Nigeria.
Frequency of drug-resistant bacterial isolates among pregnant women with UTI in maternity and children’s hospital, Bisha, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Shahrani Ghady S. , Belali Tareg M.
Published: March 2024

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most prevalent bacterial infections affecting humans, with a higher incidence among women. Pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing UTIs, which can have detrimental consequences for both the mother and fetus. UTIs can be caused by various bacteria, and the prevalence of drug-resistant UTIs in maternity and children’s hospitals is a cause for concern due to the potential for severe complications if left untreated. The primary objective of the current study was to determine the distribution of UTI-causing bacteria and investigate the antibiotic sensitivity patterns of isolated cultures obtained from pregnant women with UTIs at the Maternity and Children’s Hospital, Bisha, Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2021 to October 2023, involving the analysis of urine samples collected from 321 participants who acquired UTIs during pregnancy. Using biochemical tests and standard cultures, the urine samples were examined for pathogenic bacteria and their anti-microbial sensitivity patterns. The study analyzed susceptibility results according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines (M100, 28th Edition, 2018). Bacterial strains demonstrating resistance to three or more antibiotics were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR). This study revealed the distribution of UTI-causing bacteria to be as follows: Escherichia coli, 57.01%; Klebsiella pneumoniae, 24.61%; Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 4.36%; Proteus mirabilis and Enterobacter cloacae, 3.74%; Streptococcus agalactiae, 3.11%; Enterococcus faecalis, 2.18%; and Staphylococcus aureus, 1.24%. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing varied among gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Gentamicin demonstrated the highest sensitivity among both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria; piperacillin-tazobactam was the second most effective drug against gram-negative bacteria. The bacterial isolates showed varying susceptibility to different antibiotics, with Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa being mainly sensitive to gentamicin, piperacillin-tazobactam, and ciprofloxacin, respectively. The strategies for reducing the risk of UTIs need to be improved to limit the spread of MDR bacteria. These strategies may include promoting hygienic practices and administering appropriate antibiotics to prevent the emergence and spread of drug-resistant bacteria. Further research is required to monitor the trends in antibiotic resistance among UTI-causing bacteria and develop effective strategies for managing this public health menace.
Natural warming differentiates communities and increases diversity in deep-sea Ridge Flank Hydrothermal Systems
Authors: Hartwell Anne M. , Wheat Anna E. , Dijkstra Jennifer A.
Published: March 2024

Ridge Flank Hydrothermal Systems have discrete pockets of fluid discharge that mimic climate-induced ocean warming. Unlike traditional hydrothermal fluids, those discharged by Ridge Flank Hydrothermal Systems have a chemical composition indistinguishable from background water, enabling evaluation of the effect of warming temperature. Here we link temperature and terrain variables to community composition and biodiversity by combining remotely operated vehicle images of vent and non-vent zone communities with associated environmental variables. We show overall differences in composition, family richness, and biodiversity between zones, though richness and diversity were only significantly greater in vent zones at one location. Temperature was a contributing factor to observed greater biodiversity near vent zones. Overall, our results suggest that warming in the deep sea will affect species composition and diversity. However, due to the diverse outcomes projected for ocean warming, additional research is necessary to forecast the impacts of ocean warming on deep-sea ecosystems.
The protein methyltransferase TrSAM inhibits cellulase gene expression by interacting with the negative regulator ACE1 in Trichoderma reesei
Authors: Zhu Zhihua , Zou Gen , Chai Shunxing , Xiao Meili , Wang Yinmei , Wang Pingping , Zhou Zhihua
Published: March 2024

Protein methylation is a commonly posttranslational modification of transcriptional regulators to fine-tune protein function, however, whether this regulation strategy participates in the regulation of lignocellulase synthesis and secretion in Trichoderma reesei remains unexplored. Here, a putative protein methyltransferase (TrSAM) is screened from a T. reesei mutant with the ability to express heterologous β-glucosidase efficiently even under glucose repression. The deletion of its encoding gene trsam causes a significant increase of cellulase activities in all tested T. reesei strains, including transformants of expressing heterologous genes using cbh1 promotor. Further investigation confirms that TrSAM interacts with the cellulase negative regulator ACE1 via its amino acid residue Arg383, which causes a decrease in the ACE1-DNA binding affinity. The enzyme activity of a T. reesei strain harboring ACE1R383Q increases by 85.8%, whereas that of the strains with trsam or ace1 deletion increases by more than 100%. By contrast, the strain with ACE1R383K shows no difference to the parent strain. Taken together, our results demonstrate that TrSAM plays an important role in regulating the expression of cellulase and heterologous proteins initiated by cbh1 promotor through interacting with ACE1R383. Elimination and mutation of TrSAM and its downstream ACE1 alleviate the carbon catabolite repression (CCR) in expressing cellulase and heterologous protein in varying degrees. This provides a new solution for the exquisite modification of T. reesei chassis.
Chemoenzymatic tandem cyclization for the facile synthesis of bicyclic peptides
Authors: Kobayashi Masakazu , Onozawa Naho , Matsuda Kenichi , Wakimoto Toshiyuki
Published: March 2024

Bicyclic peptides exhibit improved metabolic stabilities and target specificities when compared to their linear or mono-cyclic counterparts; however, efficient and straightforward synthesis remains challenging due to their intricate architectures. Here, we present a highly selective and operationally simple one-pot chemoenzymatic tandem cyclization approach to synthesize bicyclic peptides with small to medium ring sizes. Penicillin-binding protein-type thioesterases (PBP-type TEs) efficiently cyclized azide/alkyne-containing peptides in a head-to-tail manner. Successive copper (I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition generated bicyclic peptides in one-pot, thus omitting the purification of monocyclic intermediates. This chemoenzymatic strategy enabled the facile synthesis of bicyclic peptides bearing hexa-, octa-, and undecapeptidyl head-to-tail cyclic scaffolds.
Exceptional classifications of non-Hermitian systems
Authors: Ryu Jung-Wan , Han Jae-Ho , Yi Chang-Hwan , Park Moon Jip , Park Hee Chul
Published: March 2024

Eigenstate coalescence in non-Hermitian systems is widely observed in diverse scientific domains encompassing optics and open quantum systems. Recent investigations have revealed that adiabatic encircling of exceptional points (EPs) leads to a nontrivial Berry phase in addition to an exchange of eigenstates. Based on these phenomena, we propose in this work an exhaustive classification framework for EPs in non-Hermitian physical systems. In contrast to previous classifications that only incorporate the eigenstate exchange effect, our proposed classification gives rise to finer $${{\mathbb{Z}}}_{2}$$

Z

2

classifications depending on the presence of a π Berry phase after the encircling of the EPs. Moreover, by mapping arbitrary one-dimensional systems to the adiabatic encircling of EPs, we can classify one-dimensional non-Hermitian systems characterized by topological phase transitions involving EPs. Applying our exceptional classification to various multiband systems, we expect to enhance the understanding of topological phases in non-Hermitian systems.
Cosmeceutical Applications of Clay Minerals
Authors: Kalita Arunima , Giri Arup , Kumar Nitish , Bhardwaj Pushpender
Published: March 2024

Clay is a crucial cosmetic product that has been used in products such as hair products, commercial face masks, toothpaste, personal lubricants, sunscreens, various makeup products, and nail polish. The major effect of these clay minerals is in protection against the sun’s radiation, which increases their usage in cosmeceutical products. Various literature studies have reported potential biological activities, i.e., anti-aging, cleaning, preventing wrinkles, and sun protection. Some of the major clays, such as talc, kaolinite, mica, and some smectites, are routinely used in cosmetic products. In addition to these, various other phyllosilicates and modified or synthetic forms are used. For centuries, these clay minerals have been used as a natural remedy against various health conditions. Protection against radiation from the sun by clay particles and decorative effects complete the possibilities of clays in cosmetics. The present chapter specifically covers the historical and present-day uses of clays and also the marketed products that use clays in their product formulations.
Solution and gaseous phase sensing of formaldehyde with economical triphenylmethane based sensors: a tool to estimate formaldehyde content in stored fish samples
Authors: Kakoti Arobinda , Borah Jhorna , Sonowal Dhruba Jyoti , Devi Shrutipriya , Hazarika Uddit Narayan , Konwer Surajit , Khakhlary Prithiviraj
Published: March 2024

Cost effective triphenylmethane based sensors for quick and efficient sensing of formaldehyde in stored fish.
Uncovering the selectivity mechanism of phosphodiesterase 7A/8A inhibitors through computational studies
Authors: Wang Zhijian , Wang Shizun , Wang Hanxun , Hu Baichun , Qi Zhuo , Zhang Yaming , Song Pengfei , Cai Qingkui , Yang Huali , Wang Jian
Published: March 2024

We explored the selective inhibitory effects of two compounds through molecular docking, MD, Ala scanning, MM-GBSA. Phe384, Leu401, Gln413 contribute the selectivity towards PDE7A. Asn729, Gln778, and Phe781 contribute the selectivity towards PDE8A.
Extraction of local structure differences in silica based on unsupervised learning
Authors: Lu Anh Khoa Augustin , Lin Jianbo , Futamura Yasunori , Sakurai Tetsuya , Tamura Ryo , Miyazaki Tsuyoshi
Published: March 2024

We propose a methodology based on unsupervised learning with the two-step locality preserving projections (TS-LPP) method to detect the differences in local structures in silica. Subtle local changes in the structures can be detected.
Development of a self-contained microfluidic chip and an internet-of-things-based point-of-care device for automated identification of respiratory viruses
Authors: Nguyen Huynh Quoc , Nguyen Van Dan , Phan Vu Minh , Seo Tae Seok
Published: March 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic greatly impacted the in vitro diagnostic market, leading to the development of new technologies such as point-of-care testing (POCT), multiplex testing, and digital health platforms.
Interfacial engineering of a multijunctional In2O3/WO3@Ti4N3Tx S-scheme photocatalyst with enhanced photoelectrochemical properties
Authors: Onjwaya Antony Okinyi , Malati Majahekupheleni Livileyise , Ngila Jane Catherine , Dlamini Langelihle Nsikayezwe
Published: March 2024

A high photoelectrochemical conversion efficiency requires a photocatalyst with optimal charge separation and transfer with ideal light-harvesting capabilities to enhance the photocatalytic performance and the degradation rate towards pollutants.
Defluorination of HFCs by a magnesium reagent
Authors: Sheldon Daniel J. , Parr Joseph M. , Crimmin Mark R.
Published: March 2024

Reaction of a series of HFCs with a main group reagent containing a Mg–Mg bond results in defluorination to form the corresponding magnesium fluoride complex.
Inorganic ligand-supported Mo oxide as a hydrogen atom transfer photocatalyst for direct C(sp2)–H phosphorylation
Authors: Jiang Zeqi , Jiang Shuangfei , Gao Jin , Xia Junmei , Yu Hongwei , Ma Lixin , Chen Xi , Chen Bo , Zhang Xinghua , Zhu Wenchao
Published: March 2024

Visible-light-induced C(sp2)–H phosphorylation of 2H-thiozoles/quinoxalines with H-phosphine oxides was achieved using an inorganic ligand-supported Mo oxide ([N(C4H9)4]2[Mo6O19]) as a hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) photocatalyst.
Unravelling the formation of carbyne nanocrystals from graphene nanoconstrictions through the hydrothermal treatment of agro-industrial waste molasses
Authors: Jeevanandham Sampathkumar , Kochhar Dakshi , Agrawal Omnarayan , Pahari Siddhartha , Kar Chirantan , Goswami Tamal , Sulania Indra , Mukherjee Monalisa
Published: March 2024

The hydrothermal synthesis of carbyne nanocrystals within nanoconstricted 2D graphene moiré layers using agro-industrial waste molasses as the carbon source.
Influence of MnO2 on the ferroelectric properties, energy storage efficiency and piezoelectric properties of high-temperature Bi3TaTiO9 ceramics
Authors: Rizwan Muhammad , Qaiser Muhammad Adnan , ul-ain Qurrat , Hussain Ahmad , Ghazanfar Uzma , Dahshan A.
Published: March 2024

High-temperature BLSFs Bi3TiTaO9 integrated with MnO2, exhibits excellent piezoelectric thermal stability and energy storage efficiency, making it a promising candidate for future wide-temperature pulse power applications.
Oxysterol sulfates in fluids, cells and tissues: how much do we know about their clinical significance, biological relevance and biophysical implications?
Authors: Reis Ana , H.K. Dias Irundika
Published: March 2024

Oxysterol sulfates are emerging as key players in lipid homeostasis, inflammation and immunity. Despite this, knowledge on their basal levels in fluids, cells and tissues and any changes associated with age, gender and diet in health and disease; as well as their spatio-temporal distribution in cell membranes and organelles have been greatly hampered by the lack of commercially available pure synthetic standards. Expansion of the panel of pure oxysterol sulfates standards is pivotal to improve our understanding on the impact of oxysterol sulfates at the membrane level and their role in cellular events. While the clinical significance, biophysical implications and biological relevance of oxysterol sulfates in fluids, cells and tissues remains largely unknown, knowledge already gathered on the precursors of oxysterol sulfates (e.g. oxysterols and cholesterol sulfate) can be used to guide researchers on the most relevant aspects to search for when screening for oxysterol sulfates bioavailability in (patho)physiological conditions which are crucial in the design of biophysical and of cell-based assays. Herein, we provide a review on the brief knowledge involving oxysterol sulfate and an overview on the biophysical implications and biological relevance of oxysterols and cholesterol sulfate useful to redirect further investigations on the role of oxysterol sulfates in health and disease.
Method for Finding Solution to Nonsmooth Differential Inclusion of Special Structure
Authors: Fominyh Alexander
Published: March 2024

The paper explores the differential inclusion of a special form. It is supposed that the support function of the set in the right-hand side of an inclusion may contain the maximum of the finite number of continuously differentiable (in phase coordinates) functions. It is required to find a trajectory that would satisfy differential inclusion with the boundary conditions prescribed and simultaneously lie on the surface given. Such problems arise in practical modeling discontinuous systems and in other applied ones. The initial problem is reduced to a variational one. It is proved that the resulting functional to be minimized is superdifferentiable. The necessary minimum conditions in terms of superdifferential are formulated. The superdifferential (or the steepest) descent method in a classical form is then applied to find stationary points of this functional. Herewith, the functional is constructed in such a way that one can verify whether the stationary point constructed is indeed a global minimum point of the problem. The convergence of the method proposed is proved. The method constructed is illustrated by examples.
Polarization angle accuracy for future CMB experiments
Authors: Ritacco A. , Bizzarri L. , Boulanger F. , Pérault M. , Aumont J. , Bouchet F. , Calvo M. , Catalano A. , Darson D. , Désert F.X. , Errard J. , Feret A. , Macías-Pérez J.F. , Maffei B. , Monfardini A. , Montier L. , Murgia M. , Morfin P. , Nati F. , Pisano G. , Ponthieu N. , Puget J. L. , Savorgnano S. , Segret B. , Schuster K. , Treuttel J. , Zannoni M.
Published: March 2024

The Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiation offers a unique window into the early Universe, facilitating precise examinations of fundamental cosmological theories. However, the quest for detecting B-modes in the CMB, predicted by theoretical models of inflation, faces substantial challenges in terms of calibration and foreground modeling. The COSMOCal (COsmic Survey of Millimeter wavelengths Objects for CMB experiments Calibration) project aims at enhancing the accuracy of the absolute calibration of the polarization angle ψ of current and future CMB experiments. The concept includes the build of a very well known artificial source emitting in the frequency range [20-350] GHz that would act as an absolute calibrator for several polarization facilities on Earth. A feasibility study to place the artificial source in geostationary orbit, in the far field for all the telescopes on Earth, is ongoing. In the meanwhile ongoing hardware work is dedicated to build a prototype to test the technology, the precision and the stability of the polarization recovering in the 1 mm band (220-300 GHz). High-resolution experiments as the NIKA2 camera at the IRAM 30m telescope will be deployed for such use. Once carefully calibrated (Δψ < 0.1◦) it will be used to observe astrophysical sources such as the Crab nebula, which is the best candidate in the sky for the absolute calibration of CMB experiments.
Impact of filaments on galaxy cluster properties in The Three Hundred simulation
Authors: Santoni S. , De Petris M. , Ferragamo A. , Yepes G. , Cui W.
Published: March 2024

Galaxy clusters and their filamentary outskirts reveal useful laboratories to test cosmological models and investigate Universe composition and evolution. Their environment, in particular the filaments of the Cosmic Web to which they are connected, plays an important role in shaping the properties of galaxy clusters. In this project, we analyse the gas filamentary structures present in 324 regions of The Three Hundred hydrodynamical simulation extracted with the DisPerSE filament finder. We estimate the number of gas filaments globally connected to several galaxy clusters, i.e. the connectivity k, with a mass range of 1013 ≤ M200 h−1 M⊙ ≤ 1015 at redshift z = 0. We study the positive correlation between the connectivity and mass of galaxy clusters. Moreover, we explore the impact of filaments on the dynamical state of clusters, quantified by the degree of relaxation parameter χ.
A semi-parametric approach to fitting gas pressure profiles of galaxy clusters
Authors: Wang K. , Perrott Y. , Arnold R. , Huijser D.
Published: March 2024

This study focuses on modelling galaxy cluster gas profiles via a semi-parametric nodal approach. While traditional methods like the generalised Navarro–Frenk–White (gNFW) often encounter parameter degeneracy, our flexible node-based method precisely defines a cluster gas pressure profile. Using Planck space telescope data from the Coma region, our model, focused on the pressure-radius relationship, showcases enhanced flexibility over the gNFW. Bayesian analyses indicated an optimal five-node structure for the Coma cluster pressure profile.
MacCAT-T zwischen Anspruch und Praxis – Herausforderungen bei der
Beurteilung von Einwilligungsfähigkeit bei Demenz
Authors: Rolfes Vasilija , Hinz Uta , Fangerau Heiner , Voßberg Dilara , Haupt Martin
Published: March 2024

Hintergrund Die Einwilligung ist Voraussetzung für ärztliches
diagnostisches und therapeutisches Handeln. Ein einheitliches Vorgehen bei der
Überprüfung von Einwilligungsfähigkeit gibt es nicht. Für eine strukturierte
Erfassung am weitesten verbreitet ist das MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool
for Treatment (MacCAT-T).

Fragestellung Bei Menschen mit Demenz ist aufgrund der
Erkrankung die Einwilligungsfähigkeit beeinträchtigt. Für die Frage, inwieweit
sich strukturierte Erhebungsverfahren bei Menschen mit Demenz sinnvoll einsetzen
lassen, stellen wir mit einem Schwerpunkt auf das MacCAT-T die Funktion, Stärken
und Schwächen strukturierter Erhebungsverfahren vor und diskutieren Vorschläge
zur Modifizierung und Weiterentwicklung des Tools.

Material und Methode Mittels
der Literaturdatenbank PubMed wurde unter Berücksichtigung der PRISMA
Richtlinien eine systematische Literaturrecherche und -analyse zu Arbeiten
durchgeführt, die seit dem Jahr 2010 veröffentlicht wurden.

Ergebnisse Das
MacCAT-T ist zwar bei verschiedenen Diagnosen valide und reliabel anwendbar,
kann aber die Gedächtnisproblematik bei Menschen mit Demenz nicht umfassend
berücksichtigen. Es erfasst vornehmlich kognitive Funktionen. Entscheidungen
beruhen jedoch auch auf Emotionen, Intuitionen und Werten, die durch das
MacCAT-T nicht erfasst werden. Kommunikative Einschränkungen bei Demenzkranken
werden ausgeblendet.

Schlussfolgerungen Es wird empfohlen, bei Menschen mit
Demenz Informationen in einfacher Sprache zu vermitteln, zu verschriftlichen und
zu visualisieren. Die Entwicklung und Ausarbeitung eines abgestuften Vorgehens
bei der Prüfung von Einwilligungsfähigkeit sind angezeigt. Die dabei zu
bestimmenden Abstufungen des Umfangs und der Tiefe der Prüfung sollten sich am
Schweregrad der kognitiven Störungen, dem Nutzen/Risiko-Verhältnis der
vorgeschlagenen ärztlichen Maßnahme und dem individuellen Profil von affektiven
Funktionen und wertebasierten Prägungen orientieren.
Prenatal Exposure to Acid Suppressor Medications and Development of Ductus Arteriosus in Term Newborns
Authors: Segal Ella , Landau Daniella , Hassan Lior , Israeli Adir , Gorodischer Rafael
Published: March 2024

Objective The ductus arteriosus normally closes after birth. Histamine 2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) has been associated with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). We aimed to study the characteristics of term infants with PDA and their possible association with prenatal exposure to antacids—proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2RA.

Study Design This was a population-based matched case–control study of mothers registered at “Clalit” Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and their infants born at “Soroka” University Medical Center (SUMC) between 2001 and 2018. Cases are defined as term infants born with PDA diagnosed by echocardiography and registered in the postdelivery discharge form. Each case was matched with four term newborns without PDA diagnosis. Exposure window was defined by the timing of first purchase of H2RA or PPI during pregnancy and based on information from a computerized medication database (Clalit HMO, SUMC).

Results PDA was diagnosed in 1,884 term infants (4.9%). Characteristics included a significantly higher percentage of lack of prenatal care, cesarean section, in vitro fertilization, polyhydramnios, oligohydramnios, Apgar 1 minute <5, and prenatal exposure to H2RA (odds ratio [OR] 4.18) and PPIs (OR 3.50; all p < 0.001). PDA association with exposure window was similar in each trimester (1.5–2%) for both H2RA and PPI.

Conclusion PDA incidence in term infants in our population was greater than previously reported. PPI and H2RA are both antiacids with different mechanisms of action. The similar OR for exposure to one as well as the other, and the lack of influence of the initial exposure period, are compatible with bias.

Key Points
Reevaluating Associations between Prenatal Care Utilization and Current Trends in Preterm Birth
Authors: Champion Macie L. , Bushman Elisa T. , Martin Kimberly D. , Battarbee Ashley N. , Robbins Lindsay S. , Andrews William W. , Tita Alan T.
Published: March 2024

Objective Studies have suggested an association between prenatal care (PNC) and preterm birth (PTB). We evaluated trends in PTB and association of PNC and PTB.

Study Design This was a retrospective cohort study of singleton, viable nonanomalous deliveries from 1991 to 2018. PNC utilization was defined by World Health Organization using number of visits: adequate (≥8), suboptimal (5–7), and inadequate (<5). Primary outcome was PTB. Tests of trend were used to assess changes in PTB over time. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared. Logistic regression estimated the association of PNC and PTB. We evaluated for effect modification by year of birth.

Results Of 92,294 patients, 14,057 (15%) had PTB. Inadequate and suboptimal PNC were associated with higher odds of PTB compared to adequate PNC (adjusted odds ratios = [aOR 6.21], 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.84–6.60; aOR = 3.57, 95% CI: 3.36–3.79). Inadequate PNC was associated with higher odds of PTB over time (effect modification p < 0.0001). Inadequate PNC was associated with 5.4 times higher odds of PTB in 1998, 7.0 times in 2008, and 9.1 times in 2018.

Conclusion Despite an increase in adequate PNC, there was a rise in PTB associated with inadequate and suboptimal PNC. PNC utilization was a stronger risk factor in recent years with higher PTB in patients who attended more than five PNC visits.

Key Points
Boosting Sulfonylation Reactions between Vinyl Triflates and Alkenes toward β-Ketosulfones Using Aqueous Sulfurous Acid
Authors: Kawamoto Takuji , Takeda Yuki , Kawabata Takahiro , Kamimura Akio
Published: March 2024

We successfully synthesized trifluoromethylated β-ketosulfones via the reaction of vinyl triflates with alkenes employing aqueous sulfurous acid as an external source of SO2. The PhSSPh/photoinitiated reaction with vinyl triflates that contain electron-deficient groups or halogens did not show any base-related effects, whereas the radical reaction was impeded in the absence of a base in the case of vinyl triflates generated from phenylacetylenes.
When a Good Flap Turns Bad: A Temporal Predictive Model for Free Flap Complications
Authors: Kim Dylan K. , Aschen Seth Z. , Rohde Christine H.
Published: March 2024

Background Microsurgical cases are complex plastic surgery procedures with a significant risk of acute postoperative complications. In this study, we use a large-scale database to investigate the temporal progression of complications after microsurgical procedures and the risk imparted by acute postoperative complications on subsequent reconstructive outcomes.

Methods Microsurgery cases were extracted from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database by Current Procedural Terminology codes. Postoperative complications were collected for 30 days after surgery and stratified into four temporal periods (postoperative days [PODs] 0–6, 7–13, 14–20, 21–30). Postoperative complication occurrences were incorporated into a weighted multivariate logistic regression model to identify significant predictors of adverse outcomes (p < 0.05). Separately, a regression model was calculated for the time between index operation and reoperation and additional complications.

Results The final cohort comprised 19,517 patients, 6,140 (31.5%) of which experienced at least one complication in the first 30 days after surgery. The occurrence of prior complications in the postoperative period was a significant predictor of future adverse outcomes following the initial week after surgery (p < 0.001). Upon predictive analysis, overall model performance was highest in PODs 7 to 13 (71.1% accuracy and the area under a receiver operating characteristic curve 0.684); 2,578 (13.2%) patients underwent at least one reoperation within the first 2 weeks after surgery. The indication for reoperation (p < 0.001) and number of days since surgery (p = 0.0038) were significant predictors of future complications after reoperation.

Conclusion Prior occurrence of complications in an earlier postoperative week, as well as timing and nature of reoperation, were shown to be significant predictors of future complications.
Recreating relevance: translated Arabic idioms through a relevance theory lens
Authors: Lahiani Raja
Published: March 2024

This study uses relevance theory as an insightful heuristic model for translation quality assessment. As translation inherently involves communicating across contextual boundaries, the notion of relevance optimization continues to be a fruitful approach for research and practice. This investigation illuminates idioms as culturally embedded linguistic conventions, semantically abstruse, yet structurally crystallized. Idioms accrue fixed meanings within a speech community rather than by compositing constituent denotations. Classical Arabic poetry extensively harnesses idioms, not as ornamental substitutes for literal statements, but as intensive versions thereof. Losing idioms risks muting tonal intensity. By examining an Arabic verse exemplifying two idioms, and assessing thirteen English and French translations, this study reveals that an effective idiom translation requires looking beyond lexical equivalence. Rather, contextually unraveling connotative lexicons and reconstituting the idiom to achieve equivalent effects and optimal relevance is key. Thereby, successful idiom translation is defined not by formal correspondence, but by conveying implicated meanings and intended impacts. This work elucidates idiom translatability through an interdisciplinary relevance prism, advancing theory and equipping practitioners to navigate the interlingual labyrinth.
From Bush to Biden: British public opinion and the image of America
Authors: Clements Ben
Published: March 2024

The scholarly literature on US–UK relations has been marked by recurrent debate over the health and utility of the special relationship, recently enlivened by the policy tensions and political turbulence of the Trump presidency. The literature has also seen a social and cultural ‘turn’, with a growing focus on the broader linkages between the two countries’ societies and cultures. However, there has been limited analysis of public opinion in Britain in recent scholarly research. This article examines the ‘image of America’ in British public opinion in the twenty-first century, across recent Republican and Democratic presidencies. It uses data from the annual Pew Global Attitudes survey series and Transatlantic Trends survey series to undertake systematic analysis of these quantitative data sources. It examines the following areas: the performance and policies of presidents from Bush to Biden, the US and its people, the state of bilateral relations, and NATO. It examines aggregate-level opinion and also pays close attention to views across different societal groups, based on demographic characteristics, party support and left–right ideology. The paper makes a significant and distinctive contribution to scholarly research into US–UK relations.
Effects of the applied fields' strength on the plasma behavior and processes in E×B plasma discharges of various propellants: I. Electric field
Authors: Reza M. , Faraji F. , Knoll A.
Published: March 2024

We present an extensive study into the influences that the magnitudes of the applied electric (E) and magnetic (B) fields have on collisionless plasma discharges of xenon, krypton, and argon. The studies are performed in a two-dimensional radial-azimuthal configuration with perpendicular fields' orientation. The dependency of the dynamics of E × B discharges on the strength of electromagnetic field and ion mass has not yet been studied in a manner that distinguishes the role of individual factors. This has been, in part, due to significant computational cost of conventional high-fidelity particle-in-cell (PIC) codes that do not allow for practical extensive simulations over broad parameter spaces. Also, the experimental efforts have been limited by aspects such as the measurements' spatiotemporal resolution and the inability to independently control individual discharge parameters. The computationally efficient reduced-order PIC scheme allows to numerically cast light on the parametric variations of various aspects of the physics of E × B discharges, such as high-resolution spatial-temporal mappings of plasma instabilities. In this part I, we focus on the effects of the E-field intensity. We demonstrate that, across all the studied propellants, the E-field intensity determines two distinct plasma regimes characterized by different dominant instability modes. At relatively low E-field magnitudes, the modified two stream instability (MTSI) is dominant. At relatively high E-field magnitudes, the MTSI is mitigated, and the electron cyclotron drift instability becomes dominant. Consequent to the change in the plasma regime, the radial distribution of the axial electron current density and the electron temperature anisotropy vary.
Effects of the applied fields' strength on the plasma behavior and processes in E × B plasma discharges of various propellants. II. Magnetic field
Authors: Reza M. , Faraji F. , Knoll A.
Published: March 2024

The effects of magnetic field intensity on the properties of the plasma discharge and on the underlying phenomena are studied for different propellants' ion mass. The plasma setup represents a 2D radial–azimuthal configuration with perpendicular electric and magnetic fields. The electric field is along the axial direction, and the magnetic field is along the radial direction. The magnetic field intensity is changed from 5 to 30 mT, with 5 mT increments. The studied propellant gases are xenon, krypton, and argon. The simulations are carried out using a reduced-order particle-in-cell code. It is shown that, for all the propellants, the change in the magnetic field intensity yields two distinct plasma regimes, where either the modified two-stream instability (MTSI) or the electron cyclotron drift instability (ECDI) are dominant. A third plasma regime is also observed for cases with moderate values of the magnetic field (15 and 20 mT), where the ECDI and the MTSI co-exist with comparable amplitudes. This described variation of plasma regime becomes clearly reflected in the radial distribution of the axial electron current density and the electron temperature anisotropy. At the relatively low-magnetic-field intensities (5 and 10 mT), the MTSI is mitigated. At relatively high magnitudes of the magnetic field (25 and 30 mT), the MTSI becomes strongly present, a long-wavelength wave mode develops, and the ECDI becomes suppressed. An exception to this latter observation was noticed for xenon, for which the ECDI was observed to be detectable with a notable strength up to the magnetic field value of 25 mT.
Selective modulation of electronic transport in VO2 induced by 10 keV helium ion irradiation
Authors: Gurrola Rebeca M. , Cain John M. , Oh Sangheon , Brown Timothy D. , Jardali Fatme , Schoell Ryan M. , Yadav Digvijay R. , Dong Jiaqi , Smyth Christopher M. , Pharr Matt , Kumar Suhas , Xie Kelvin , Hattar Khalid , Talin A. Alec , Lu Tzu-Ming , Shamberger Patrick J.
Published: March 2024

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) manifests an abrupt metal–insulator transition (MIT) from monoclinic to rutile phases, with potential use for tunable electronic and optical properties and spiking neuromorphic devices. Understanding pathways to modulate electronic transport in VO2, as well as its response to irradiation (e.g., for space applications), is critical to better enable these applications. In this work, we investigate the selective modulation of electronic transport in VO2 films subject to different 10 keV helium ion (He+) fluences. Under these conditions, the resistivity in the individual monoclinic and rutile phases varied by 50%–200%, while the MIT transformation temperature remains constant within 4 °C independent of irradiation fluence. Importantly, different trends in the resistivity of the monoclinic and rutile phases were observed both as a function of total He fluence as well as in films grown on different substrates (amorphous SiO2/Si vs single crystal Al2O3). Through a combination of measurements including majority carrier sign via Seebeck, low frequency noise, and TEM, our investigation supports the presence of different kinds of point defects (V in; O in), which may arise due to grain boundary defect interactions. Our work suggests the utility of He irradiation for the selective modulation of VO2 transport properties for neuromorphic, in contrast to other established but non-selective methods, like doping.
Lattice dynamics and heat transport in zeolitic imidazolate framework glasses
Authors: Yuan Chengyang , Sørensen Søren S. , Du Tao , Zhang Zhongyin , Song Yongchen , Shi Ying , Neuefeind Jörg , Smedskjaer Morten M.
Published: March 2024

The glassy state of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) has shown great potential for energy-related applications, including solid electrolytes. However, their thermal conductivity (κ), an essential parameter influencing thermal dissipation, remains largely unexplored. In this work, using a combination of experiments, atomistic simulations, and lattice dynamics calculations, we investigate κ and the underlying heat conduction mechanism in ZIF glasses with varying ratios of imidazolate (Im) to benzimidazolate (bIm) linkers. The substitution of bIm for Im tunes the node–linker couplings but exhibits only a minor impact on the average diffusivity of low-frequency lattice modes. On the other hand, the linker substitution induces significant volume expansion, which, in turn, suppresses the contributions from lattice vibrations to κ, leading to decreased total heat conduction. Furthermore, spatial localization of internal high-frequency linker vibrations is promoted upon substitution, reducing their mode diffusivities. This is ascribed to structural deformations of the bIm units in the glasses. Our work unveils the detailed influences of linker substitution on the dual heat conduction characteristics of ZIF glasses and guides the κ regulation of related hybrid materials in practical applications.
Spatiotemporal characteristics of rotating stall in a centrifugal compressor with a volute at low-flow rate conditions
Authors: Li Yunong , Zhang Jiangtao , Liu Zhixiang , Shu Yue , Wang Zhengdao , Yang Hui , Zhang Wei , Wei Yikun
Published: March 2024

In this paper, the characteristic of the internal flow structure and the spatiotemporal evolution of the rotating stall cell for a centrifugal compressor are investigated through the computational fluid dynamics approach at low-flow rate conditions. The qualitative study like generation mechanisms of the instable internal flow, the movement trend of the stall, and the spatiotemporal characteristics of fluctuation in the impeller are mainly focused in the present work. The stall cells in the impeller move along the impeller rotating direction, and significantly influenced by the volute tongue. The traveling mechanism of rotating stall is closely related to the volute tongue, which easily deteriorates the obvious distortion of the flow structure. Furthermore, the transition law of the rotating stall is quantificationally described through the density and velocity fluctuations. The stall evolution on the circumferential monitoring points is demonstrated by the pressure fluctuation both time and frequency scale, which verifies the influence of the volute tongue on the fluid structure in different operating conditions. In addition, the damage of the volute tongue that performed on the impeller passage and blade is analyzed specifically. The mean value of the fluctuation in the passage and the load on the blade decreases about 2.5% and 3.3%, respectively, after the blade passes through the volute tongue. The spatiotemporal evolution provides a profound understanding of the flow characteristics of stall evolution within the centrifugal compressors.
Experimental and numerical investigation of the effect of deep-sea mining vehicles on the discharge plumes
Authors: Liu Shihang , Yang Jianmin , Lyu Haining , Sun Pengfei , Zhang Bei
Published: March 2024

During mining activities, deep-sea mining vehicles (DSMVs) are highly susceptible to causing massive disturbance to the seafloor sediment, resulting in the formation of plumes due to underlying turbulence and currents. To gain a better understanding of the dispersion mechanism of sediment plumes, both experimental and numerical methods were employed. The numerical model was primarily used to characterize the solidity and liquidity of the sediment plume through volume of fluid and discrete phase model methods, respectively. The experimental data were validated against the numerical results. The plume distribution was studied in physical experiments for three different DSMV parameters. The study findings indicate that the discharge of the plume in the near field occurs in three stages due to a combination of plume release inertial forces, negative buoyancy in the water column, and wall restoring forces. Additionally, the increase in the travel velocity of the DSMV reduces the propagation of the plume in the direction of discharge and instead increases its lateral spread across the bottom surface. As the size of the DSMV decreases in three dimensions, changes in the vertical vortex structure become dominant in the plume distribution. This leads to a reduction in the length of the plume head and a faster sinking of the plume. When the wake Froude number Frw is between 0.7 and 6.8, representing the wake turbulence effect of DSMV on plume discharge, the diffusion width of the plume on the bottom surface is linearly related to Frw.
Polarization near dislocation cores in SrTiO3 single crystals: The role of flexoelectricity
Authors: Cheng Xiaoxing , Wang Bo , Chen Long-Qing
Published: March 2024

Spontaneous polarization as large as ∼28 μC/cm2 was recently observed around the dislocation cores in non-polar SrTiO3 bulk crystals, and its origin was attributed to the flexoelectric effect, i.e., polarization induced by strain gradients. However, the roles of flexoelectricity, relative to other electromechanical contributions, and the nature of dislocations, i.e., edge vs screw dislocations in the induced polarization, are not well understood. In this work, we study the role of flexoelectricity in inducing polarization around three types of dislocation cores in SrTiO3: b=a(100) edge dislocation, b=a(110) edge dislocation, and b=a(010) screw dislocation, where b is the Burgers vector. For the edge dislocations, polarization can be induced by electrostriction alone, while flexoelectricity is essential for stabilizing the symmetric polarization pattern. The shear component of the flexoelectric tensor has a dominant effect on the magnitude and spatial distribution of the flexoelectric polarization. In contrast, no polarization is induced around the b=a(010) screw dislocation through either electrostriction or flexoelectricity. Our findings provide an in-depth understanding of the role of flexoelectricity in inducing polarization around dislocation cores and offer insights into the defect engineering of dielectric/ferroelectric materials.