bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex‐specific effect of AQP9 deficiency on hepatic triglyceride metabolism in mice with diet‐induced obesity
Authors: Elnegaard Johanne Jul , Iena Francesco Maria , Herold Jacqueline , Lebeck Janne
Published: April 2023

Studies in obese rats and human cell models of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease have indicated that knockdown of the hepatic glycerol channel aquaporin 9 (AQP9) leads to decreased hepatic steatosis. However, a study in leptin receptor‐deficient mice did not find that knockout (KO) of AQP9 alleviated hepatic steatosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of high‐fat diet (HFD) on hepatic glycerol and triglyceride metabolism in male and female AQP9 KO mice. Male and female AQP9 KO mice and wild‐type (WT) littermates were fed a HFD for 12 weeks. Weight, food intake and blood glucose were monitored throughout the study and tissue analysis included determination of hepatic triglyceride content and triglyceride secretion. The expression of key molecules for hepatic glycerol and triglyceride metabolism was evaluated using qPCR and western blotting. AQP9 KO and WT mice demonstrated a similar weight gain throughout the study period, and we found no evidence for AQP9 deficiency being associated with a reduced hepatic accumulation of triglyceride or a reduced blood glucose level. Instead, we show that the effect of AQP9 deficiency on hepatic lipid metabolism is sex‐specific, with only male AQP9 KO mice having a reduced hepatic secretion of triglycerides and an elevated expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α. Male AQP9 KO mice had an elevated blood glucose level after 12 weeks of HFD when compared to baseline levels. Thus, we found no evidence for AQP9 inhibition being a target for alleviating the development of hepatic steatosis in mice with diet‐induced obesity.

image

Key points

This study investigates the effect of AQP9 deficiency on hepatic triglyceride metabolism in both male and female mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks.

No evidence was found for AQP9 deficiency being associated with a reduced hepatic accumulation of triglyceride or a reduced blood glucose level.

The effect of AQP9 deficiency on hepatic triglyceride metabolism is sex‐specific.

Male AQP9 KO mice had a reduced hepatic secretion of triglycerides and an elevated expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α, which likely promotes an increased hepatic fatty acid oxidation.

Male AQP9 KO had an elevated blood glucose level after 12 weeks of HFD when compared to baseline levels.
Numerical Investigation on the Characteristics of a Novel Multi-Swirl Lean Direct Injection Burner With Large Eddy Simulation-Flamelet Generated Manifold Method
Authors: Sarath Perikathra , Muruganandam Thiruchengode Mahalingam
Published: April 2023

The lean direct injection (LDI) concept can eventually replace the current combustion systems in aviation engines because of its low NOx emissions without compromising other parameters. A novel multiswirl LDI burner with distributed fuel injection surrounded by air- flow through multiple hexagonal swirlers of vane angle 45 deg was developed. In this study, large eddy simulation (LES), using the dynamic Smagorinsky-Lilly subgrid model together with the flamelet generated manifold (FGM) combustion model, has been used to analyze the correlation between aerodynamics, mixing, and combustion characteristics of the burner. The agreement between the experimental data and the LES simulation was good, and it can accurately predict the trend of variables like velocity, temperature, and mixture fraction at different Reynolds number and equivalence ratios. The LES-FGM results demonstrated the rapid formation of a homogeneous fuel-air mixture over a short distance, which results in excellent flame stability, and it has ultralow NOx emission due to low flame temperature and negligible internal recirculation. It was discovered that going from a global equivalence ratio of 0.7 to 0.9 increases the flame liftoff distance because the high fuel volume flowrate causes the mixing of swirling air and fuel jet to become more and more delayed. The research in this paper provides an insight into the ability of the LES-FGM method to capture the complex flow field structures and the flame behavior globally of a novel low NOx multiswirl burner that might be a competitor in the combustors of commercial gas turbine engines.
A single-cell, time-resolved profiling of
Xenopus
mucociliary epithelium reveals nonhierarchical model of development
Authors: Lee Julie , Møller Andreas Fønss , Chae Shinhyeok , Bussek Alexandra , Park Tae Joo , Kim Youni , Lee Hyun-Shik , Pers Tune H. , Kwon Taejoon , Sedzinski Jakub , Natarajan Kedar Nath
Published: April 2023

The specialized cell types of the mucociliary epithelium (MCE) lining the respiratory tract enable continuous airway clearing, with its defects leading to chronic respiratory diseases. The molecular mechanisms driving cell fate acquisition and temporal specialization during mucociliary epithelial development remain largely unknown. Here, we profile the developing
Xenopus
MCE from pluripotent to mature stages by single-cell transcriptomics, identifying multipotent early epithelial progenitors that execute multilineage cues before specializing into late-stage ionocytes and goblet and basal cells. Combining in silico lineage inference, in situ hybridization, and single-cell multiplexed RNA imaging, we capture the initial bifurcation into early epithelial and multiciliated progenitors and chart cell type emergence and fate progression into specialized cell types. Comparative analysis of nine airway atlases reveals an evolutionary conserved transcriptional module in ciliated cells, whereas secretory and basal types execute distinct function-specific programs across vertebrates. We uncover a continuous nonhierarchical model of MCE development alongside a data resource for understanding respiratory biology.
Modification of maternally defined H3K4me3 regulates the inviability of interspecific
Xenopus
hybrids
Authors: Long Qi , Yan Kai , Wang Chendong , Wen Yanling , Qi Furong , Wang Hui , Shi Peng , Liu Xingguo , Chan Wai-Yee , Lu Xuemei , Zhao Hui
Published: April 2023

Increasing evidence suggests that interspecific hybridization is crucial to speciation. However, chromatin incompatibility during interspecific hybridization often renders this process. Genomic imbalances such as chromosomal DNA loss and rearrangements leading to infertility have been commonly noted in hybrids. The mechanism underlying reproductive isolation of interspecific hybridization remains elusive. Here, we identified that modification of maternally defined H3K4me3 in
Xenopus laevis
and
Xenopus tropicalis
hybrids determines the different fates of the two types of hybrids as te×ls with developmental arrest and viable le×ts. Transcriptomics highlighted that the P53 pathway was overactivated, and the Wnt signaling pathway was suppressed in te×ls hybrids. Moreover, the lack of maternal H3K4me3 in te×ls disturbed the balance of gene expression between the L and S subgenomes in this hybrid. Attenuation of p53 can postpone the arrested development of te×ls. Our study suggests an additional model of reproductive isolation based on modifications of maternally defined H3K4me3.
The histone demethylase Kdm3 prevents auto-immune piRNAs production in
Drosophila
Authors: Casier Karine , Autaa Julie , Gueguen Nathalie , Delmarre Valérie , Marie Pauline P. , Ronsseray Stéphane , Carré Clément , Brasset Emilie , Teysset Laure , Boivin Antoine
Published: April 2023

Genome integrity of the animal germline is protected from transposable element activity by PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs). While piRNA biogenesis is intensively explored, little is known about the genetical determination of piRNA clusters, the genomic sources of piRNAs. Using a bimodal epigenetic state piRNA cluster (
BX2
), we identified the histone demethylase Kdm3 as being able to prevent a cryptic piRNA production. In the absence of Kdm3, dozens of coding gene-containing regions become genuine germline dual-strand piRNA clusters. Eggs laid by
Kdm3
mutant females show developmental defects phenocopying loss of function of genes embedded into the additional piRNA clusters, suggesting an inheritance of functional ovarian “auto-immune” piRNAs. Antagonizing piRNA cluster determination through chromatin modifications appears crucial to prevent auto-immune genic piRNAs production.
The critical role of engineering in the rapid development of COVID-19 diagnostics: Lessons from the RADx Tech Test Verification Core
Authors: Mannino Robert G. , Nehl Eric J. , Farmer Sarah , Peagler Amanda Foster , Parsell Maren C. , Claveria Viviana , Ku David , Gottfried David S. , Chen Hang , Lam Wilbur A. , Brand Oliver
Published: April 2023

Engineering plays a critical role in the development of medical devices, and this has been magnified since 2020 as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 swept over the globe. In response to the coronavirus disease 2019, the National Institutes of Health launched the Rapid Acceleration of Diagnostics (RADx) initiative to help meet the testing needs of the United States and effectively manage the pandemic. As the Engineering and Human Factors team for the RADx Tech Test Verification Core, we directly assessed more than 30 technologies that ultimately contributed to an increase of the country’s total testing capacity by 1.7 billion tests to date. In this review, we present central lessons learned from this “apples-to-apples” comparison of novel, rapidly developed diagnostic devices. Overall, the evaluation framework and lessons learned presented in this review may serve as a blueprint for engineers developing point-of-care diagnostics, leaving us better prepared to respond to the next global public health crisis rapidly and effectively.
Model ensembles of ecosystem services fill global certainty and capacity gaps
Authors: Willcock Simon , Hooftman Danny A. P. , Neugarten Rachel A. , Chaplin-Kramer Rebecca , Barredo José I. , Hickler Thomas , Kindermann Georg , Lewis Amy R. , Lindeskog Mats , Martínez-López Javier , Bullock James M.
Published: April 2023

Sustaining ecosystem services (ES) critical to human well-being is hindered by many practitioners lacking access to ES models (“the capacity gap”) or knowledge of the accuracy of available models (“the certainty gap”), especially in the world’s poorer regions. We developed ensembles of multiple models at an unprecedented global scale for five ES of high policy relevance. Ensembles were 2 to 14% more accurate than individual models. Ensemble accuracy was not correlated with proxies for research capacity, indicating that accuracy is distributed equitably across the globe and that countries less able to research ES suffer no accuracy penalty. By making these ES ensembles and associated accuracy estimates freely available, we provide globally consistent ES information that can support policy and decision-making in regions with low data availability or low capacity for implementing complex ES models. Thus, we hope to reduce the capacity and certainty gaps impeding local- to global-scale movement toward ES sustainability.
The expanding family of T follicular regulatory cells
Authors: Graca Luis , Jacobsen Johanne , Kumar Saumya
Published: April 2023

The coevolution of multiple specialized T follicular regulatory cell subsets has led to fine-tuning of human germinal center responses in providing optimal antibody production and preventing events leading to autoimmunity (see the related Research Article by Le Coz
et al
.).
Macs-imizing sepsis protection
Authors: Pillai Asha
Published: April 2023

CD169
+
macrophage–intrinsic IL-10 production mitigates mortality from sepsis.
Video laryngoscopy-assisted less-invasive surfactant administration quality improvement initiative
Authors: Kurepa Dalibor , Boyar Vitaliya , Predtechenska Olena , Gupta Venkata , Weinberger Barry , Pulju Margaret , Zaytseva Alla , Galanti Stephanie G , Kasniya Gangajal , Perveen Shahana
Published: April 2023

Objective

To describe the use of quality improvement methodology in transitioning from delivery of surfactant by INSURE (INtubation–SURfactant administration–Extubation) to video laryngoscope-assisted LISA (less-invasive surfactant administration) for infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) receiving non-invasive ventilatory support.

Setting

Two large neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) at Northwell Health (New Hyde Park, New York, USA).

Study population

Infants with RDS receiving continuous positive airway pressure in the NICU and eligible for surfactant administration.

Results

LISA was initiated in our NICUs in January 2021, after extensive guideline development, education programmes, hands-on training and provider credentialing. Our Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely aim was to deliver surfactant by LISA for 65% of total doses by 31 December 2021. This goal was achieved within 1 month of go-live. In total, 115 infants received at least one dose of surfactant during the year. Of those, 79 (69%) received it via LISA and 36 (31%) via INSURE. Two Plan–Do–Study–Act cycles contributed to improved adherence to guidelines on timely surfactant administration and both written and video documentation.

Conclusions

Safe and effective introduction of LISA with the use of video laryngoscopy is achievable with careful planning, clear clinical guidelines, adequate hands-on training and comprehensive safety and quality control.
Bullous eruptions in transient abnormal myelopoiesis with normal phenotype
Authors: Shivamallappa Madhusudhan Demahalli , Mullins Anna , Browning Carmo Kathryn
Published: April 2023

Cutaneous lesions are common manifestation of congenital leukaemia especially myeloid type with incidence of 25%–50% in reported cases. It is relatively rare in transient abnormal myelopoiesis (TAM) seen in trisomy 21 (~10%). The rashes seen in leukaemia and TAM are different. We report a case with a rare presentation of confluent bullous eruption in a phenotypically normal neonate with trisomy 21 restricted to haematopoietic blast cells. This rash resolved rapidly after low-dose cytarabine therapy with normalisation of total white cell counts. The risk of Down syndrome-associated myeloid leukaemia in such cases is still high (19%–23%) in first 5 years and rare thereafter.
Neonatal and perinatal mortality in the urban continuum: a geospatial analysis of the household survey, satellite imagery and travel time data in Tanzania
Authors: Macharia Peter M , Beňová Lenka , Pinchoff Jessie , Semaan Aline , Pembe Andrea B , Christou Aliki , Hanson Claudia
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Recent studies suggest that the urban advantage of lower neonatal mortality in urban compared with rural areas may be reversing, but methodological challenges include misclassification of neonatal deaths and stillbirths, and oversimplification of the variation in urban environments. We address these challenges and assess the association between urban residence and neonatal/perinatal mortality in Tanzania.

Methods

The Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) 2015–2016 was used to assess birth outcomes for 8915 pregnancies among 6156 women of reproductive age, by urban or rural categorisation in the DHS and based on satellite imagery. The coordinates of 527 DHS clusters were spatially overlaid with the 2015 Global Human Settlement Layer, showing the degree of urbanisation based on built environment and population density. A three-category urbanicity measure (core urban, semi-urban and rural) was defined and compared with the binary DHS measure. Travel time to the nearest hospital was modelled using least-cost path algorithm for each cluster. Bivariate and multilevel multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to explore associations between urbanicity and neonatal/perinatal deaths.

Results

Both neonatal and perinatal mortality rates were highest in core urban and lowest in rural clusters. Bivariate models showed higher odds of neonatal death (OR=1.85; 95% CI 1.12 to 3.08) and perinatal death (OR=1.60; 95% CI 1.12 to 2.30) in core urban compared with rural clusters. In multivariable models, these associations had the same direction and size, but were no longer statistically significant. Travel time to the nearest hospital was not associated with neonatal or perinatal mortality.

Conclusion

Addressing high rates of neonatal and perinatal mortality in densely populated urban areas is critical for Tanzania to meet national and global reduction targets. Urban populations are diverse, and certain neighbourhoods or subgroups may be disproportionately affected by poor birth outcomes. Research must capture, understand and minimise risks specific to urban settings.
The role and contribution of civil society and community actors in COVID-19 prevention and control: the case of the COMVID COVID-19 movement in Burkina Faso
Authors: Sory Orokia , Kiendrébéogo Joël Arthur , Kafando Yamba , Kaboré Issa , Tapsoba Charlemagne , Kaboré Simon , Mbaye Seyni , Touré Cheickna
Published: April 2023

Communities should play a crucial role in the fight against public health emergencies but ensuring their effective and sustained engagement remains a challenge in many countries. In this article, we describe the process of mobilising community actors to contribute to the fight against COVID-19 in Burkina Faso. During the early days of the pandemic, the national COVID-19 response plan called for the involvement of community actors, but no strategy had been defined for this purpose. The initiative to involve community actors in the fight against COVID-19 was taken, independently of the government, by 23 civil society organisations gathered through a platform called ‘Health Democracy and Citizen Involvement (DES-ICI)’. In April 2020, this platform launched the movement ‘Communities are committed to Eradicate COVID-19 (COMVID COVID-19)’ which mobilised community-based associations organised into 54 citizen health watch units (CCVS) in Ouagadougou city. These CCVS worked as volunteers, performing door-to-door awareness campaigns. The psychosis created by the pandemic, the proximity of civil society organisations to the communities and the involvement of religious, customary and civil authorities facilitated the expansion of the movement. Given the innovative and promising nature of these initiatives, the movement gained recognition that earned them a seat on the national COVID-19 response plan. This gave them credibility in the eyes of the national and international donors, thus facilitating the mobilisation of resources for the continuity of their activities. However, the decrease in financial resources to offset the community mobilisers gradually reduced the enthusiasm for the movement. In a nutshell, the COMVID COVID-19 movement fostered dialogues and collaboration among civil society, community actors and the Ministry of Health, which plans to engage the CCVS beyond the COVID-19 response, for the implementation of other actions within the national community health policy.
Emerging technologies and global health: a systematic review generating bibliometric evidence for innovation management
Authors: Wu Sheng , Junior Bernardo Mariano
Published: April 2023

Objective

To obtain quantitative evidence for innovation management on Emerging Technologies and Global Health from existing scientific research with a bibliometric approach.

Design

This study generates quantitative evidence for healthcare innovation policy making, offering new insights: first, innovation quality can be measured through dynamic interactions among key innovation elements; second, as emerging technologies are impacting global health in an interdisciplinary and fast-changing manner, new theories and tools that suit the planetary innovation ecosystem need to be established. The evidence contains two aspects, the intellectual base and the research front. The software used is Citespace V.6.1.R3 and Python.

Data source

This study scanned the Web of Science Core Collection with an extensive range of research themed around emerging technologies and global health, resulting in a dataset of 9738 items of science literature between 2017 and 2021.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

This dataset contains literature across sciences and social sciences in the form of journal research articles, excluding systematic reviews and surveys. The search includes literature in all languages.

Results

This study presents the landscape of emerging technology and global health, depicts the quality of innovation, and reveals the innovation trends. It demonstrates the major players and major sources of innovation, captures innovation foci and detects research blanks.

Conclusion

This bibliometric analysis, which is conducted on scientific research, outlines the quality and impact of innovation in Emerging Technologies and Global Health. It shows the importance of Research and Development for generating quantitative evidence for innovation management policy making.
Observational study comparing heart rate in crying and non-crying but breathing infants at birth
Authors: Kukka Antti Juhani , Berkelhamer Sara K , Eilevstjønn Joar , Wood Thomas Ragnar , Basnet Omkar , KC Ashish
Published: April 2023

Background

Stimulating infants to elicit a cry at birth is common but could result in unnecessary handling. We evaluated heart rate in infants who were crying versus non-crying but breathing immediately after birth.

Methods

This was single-centre observational study of singleton, vaginally born infants at ≥33 weeks of gestation. Infants who werecryingornon-crying but breathingwithin 30 s after birth were included. Background demographic data and delivery room events were recorded using tablet-based applications and synchronised with continuous heart rate data recorded by a dry-electrode electrocardiographic monitor. Heart rate centile curves for the first 3 min of life were generated with piecewise regression analysis. Odds of bradycardia and tachycardia were compared using multiple logistic regression.

Results

1155 crying and 54 non-crying but breathing neonates were included in the final analyses. There were no significant differences in the demographic and obstetric factors between the cohorts. Non-crying but breathing infants had higher rates of early cord clamping <60 s after birth (75.9% vs 46.5%) and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (13.0% vs 4.3%). There were no significant differences in median heart rates between the cohorts. Non-crying but breathing infants had higher odds of bradycardia (heart rate <100 beats/min, adjusted OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.34 to 5.17) and tachycardia (heart rate ≥200 beats/min, adjusted OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.50 to 5.47).

Conclusion

Infants who are quietly breathing but do not cry after birth have an increased risk of both bradycardia and tachycardia, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN18148368.
Trajectories in physical functioning by occupational class among retiring women: the significance of type of retirement and social and health-related factors
Authors: Lallukka Tea , Lahelma Eero , Pietiläinen Olli , Kuivalainen Susan , Laaksonen Mikko , Rahkonen Ossi , Lahti Jouni
Published: April 2023

Background

Occupational class inequalities in physical functioning and their changes after retirement are poorly understood. We examined occupational class trajectories in physical functioning 10 years before and after transition to old-age and disability retirement. We included working conditions and behavioural risk factors as covariates, given their established link to health and retirement.

Methods

We used the Helsinki Health Study cohort data from surveys 2000–2002 to 2017, and included 3901 women, who were employed by the City of Helsinki, Finland, and retired during the follow-up. Mixed-effect growth curve models were used to examine changes in RAND-36 Physical Functioning subscale (range 0–100) 10 years before and after the retirement date by occupational class.

Results

Old-age (n=3073) and disability retirees (n=828) lacked class differences in physical functioning 10 years before retirement. By retirement transition, physical functioning declined and class inequalities emerged, the predicted scores being 86.1 (95% CI 85.2 to 86.9) for higher class and 82.2 (95% CI 81.5 to 83.0) for lower class old-age retirees, and 70.3 (95% CI 67.8 to 72.9) for higher class and 62.2 (95% CI 60.4 to 63.9) for lower class disability retirees. Physical functioning declined and class inequalities slightly widened among old-age retirees after the retirement, whereas among disability retirees the decline plateaued and class inequalities narrowed over time after retirement. Physical work and body mass index somewhat attenuated the class inequalities after adjustment.

Conclusions

Class inequalities in physical functioning widened after old-age retirement and narrowed after disability retirement. The examined work and health-related factors contributed weakly to the inequalities.
Suicide rates in the UK Armed Forces, compared with the general workforce and merchant shipping during peacetime years since 1900
Authors: Roberts Stephen E , John A , Carter T , G Williams J
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The main objective was to compare suicide rates and their trends across the three UK Armed forces (Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force) from 1900 to 2020. Further objectives were to compare suicide rates with those in the corresponding general population and in UK merchant shipping and to discuss preventative measures.

Methods

Examination of annual mortality reports and returns, death inquiry files and official statistics. The main outcome measure was the suicide rate per 100 000 population employed.

Results

Since 1990, there have been significant reductions in suicide rates in each of the Armed Forces, although a non-significant increase in the Army since 2010. Compared with the corresponding general population, during the most recent decade from 2010 up to 2020, suicide rates were 73% lower in the Royal Air Force, 56% lower in the Royal Navy and 43% lower in the Army. Suicide rates have been significantly decreased in the Royal Air Force since the 1950s, in the Royal Navy since the 1970s and in the Army since the 1980s (comparisons for the Royal Navy and the Army were not available from the late 1940s to the 1960s).

During the earliest decades from 1900 to the 1930s, suicide rates in the Armed Forces were mostly quite similar or moderately increased compared with the general population, but far lower than in merchant shipping. Following legislative changes in the last 30 years, suicide rates through poisoning by gases and through firearms or explosives have fallen sharply.

Conclusions

The study shows that suicide rates in the Armed Forces have been lower than in the general population over many decades. The sharp reductions in suicide rates over the last 30 years suggest the effectiveness of recent preventative measures, including reductions in access to a method of suicide and well-being initiatives.
Palliative care teaching in the new internal medicine curriculum: Project ECHO–an innovative approach to postgraduate education
Authors: Lee Gemma Claire , Kyeremateng Sam , Taylor Paul , Jones Colin , Hammond Peter , McTague Laura
Published: April 2023

Background

The Internal Medicine Training (IMT) Programme is an evolution of Core Medical Training introduced in 2019. The IMT curriculum places an increased emphasis on palliative care; however, access to palliative care training is variable. Project ECHO (Extension of Community Healthcare Outcomes) develops communities of practice and is a valuable tool for medical education. We report on an evaluation of Project ECHO to deliver palliative medicine training across a geographically large deanery in the North of England.

Methods

The Project ECHO training programme involved multipoint video technology, telementoring, expert talks and case-based discussions over six sessions, and was fully mapped to the palliative care component of the IMT curriculum. We collected data particularly around attendance and self-reported confidence and knowledge.

Results

By creating a community of practice, we provided virtual placements and over 9 hours of virtual direct contact with palliative medicine consultants; and in total, 921 individual attendances occurred, with 62% attending all six sessions. The course was associated with an increase in self-reported confidence and high satisfaction.

Discussion

Project ECHO is an effective method of delivering teaching to trainees across a large geographical area. Course evaluation shows outstanding results in trainee satisfaction, confidence, knowledge, patient care, clinical skills and reduction in fear when managing death and dying.
A Comparison of Voltage Hold and Voltage Decay Methods for Side Reactions Characterization
Authors: Streck Luiza , Roth Thomas , Keil Peter , Strehle Benjamin , Ludmann Severin , Jossen Andreas
Published: April 2023

This study conducts a qualitative comparison between two methods for detecting side reactions - the voltage hold and voltage decay methods using a high precision coulometry (HPC) tester. The measurements were conducted with Si-G/NMC811 commercial cells for three different temperatures and four different states of charge (SoC) in order to determine the voltage and the temperature dependency of side reactions. Here, we show that the voltage hold and the voltage decay methods deliver comparable results when determining the differential capacity with an incremental capacity analysis (ICA) instead of a single pulse for the voltage decay method. Both methods presented a good agreement for high temperatures and high SoC cases. Only at 90% SoC was there a discrepancy of 15% on the leakage capacities, which was attributed to the peak shape of the ICA curve. Therefore, it was found advantageous to analyse the ICA shape of the respective cells when performing such measurements. In addition, with the end of charge point and end of discharge point slippage evaluation, it was possible to observe that couple side reactions dominate the leakage currents at higher SoCs and lead to reversible losses. The irreversible losses remain almost constant for SoCs higher than 50%.
Size and Charge Effects on Crossover of Flow Battery Reactants Evaluated by Quinone Permeabilities Through Nafion
Authors: George Thomas Y. , Kerr Emily F. , Haya Naphtal O. , Alfaraidi Abdulrahman M. , Gordon Roy G. , Aziz Michael J.
Published: April 2023

Organic reactants are promising candidates for long-lifetime redox flow batteries, and synthetic chemistry unlocks a wide design space for new molecules. Minimizing crossover of these molecules through ion exchange membranes is one important design consideration, but the ways in which the crossover rate depends on the structure of the crossing species remain unclear. Here, we contribute a systematic evaluation of size- and charge-based effects on dilute-solution small molecule permeability through the Nafion NR212 cation exchange membrane. We found that increasing the magnitude of charge number z with the same sign as membrane fixed charges, achieved here by successive sulfonation of quinone redox cores, results in more than an order of magnitude permeability reduction per sulfonate. Size-based effects, understood by comparing the Stokes radii of the quinones studied, also reduces permeability with increasing effective molecule size, but doubling the effective size of the redox reactants resulted in a permeability decrease of less than a factor of three.
Review—Bibliometrics and Current Research Trends on Direct Carbon-Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Utilizing Biomass as Fuel
Authors: Carbonell Michelle S. , Villagracia Al Rey C. , Ong Hui Lin , Doong Ruey-An
Published: April 2023

Biomass is considered a viable alternative source of energy after thermochemical conversion techniques and activation methods are adopted for its conversion to biochar and activated carbon, respectively. This work provides the bibliometrics and recent developments on DC-SOFC using biochar as fuel and is further enhanced through the carbon activation method. This study reported the dominant researchers from different countries and their contributions to the development of DC-SOFC. This study provided an overview of the physicochemical characteristics of the biochar and its corresponding effect in the operation of a DC-SOFC in terms of the electrochemical performance when used as fuel. Data reveal that other biomasses can still be pyrolyzed and used as DC-SOFC fuel. This paper includes that among the alternative carbon fuels to date, pomelo peel char has the most efficient and effective biochar fuel for DC-SOFC, which yields the best output in terms of parameters such as peak power density and fuel utilization rate. The activation method, as applied in biochar fuel, is an effective way to enhance the performance of the fuel cell. Prospects and challenges addressing identified gaps for DC-SOFC with high power output operated with biomass as fuel are similarly discussed.
Competing Ethylene Carbonate Reactions on Carbon Electrode in Li-Ion Batteries
Authors: Lundström Robin , Gogoi Neeha , Hou Xu , Berg Erik J.
Published: April 2023

Ethylene carbonate (EC) is the archetype solvent in Li-ion batteries. Still, questions remain regarding the numerous possible reaction pathways of EC. Although the reaction pathway involving direct EC reduction and SEI formation is most commonly discussed, EC ring-opening is often observed, but seldomly addressed, especially with respect to SEI formation. By applying Online Electrochemical Mass Spectrometry, the EC ring-opening reaction on carbon is found to start already at ∼2.5 V vs Li+/Li as initiated by oxygenic carbon surface groups. Later, OH− generated from H2O reduction reaction at ∼1.6 V further propagates EC to ring-open. The EC reduction reaction occurs <0.9 V but is suppressed depending on the extent of EC ring-opening at higher potentials. Electrode/electrolyte impurities and handling conditions are found to have a significant influence on both processes. In conclusion, SEI formation is shown to be governed by several kinetically competing reaction pathways whereby EC ring-opening can play a significant role.
Deciphering the Poisoning Effect of Sulfate on a Perovskite-Derived IrOxHy Catalyst for Water Oxidation in Acid
Authors: Seow Justin Zhu Yeow , Chen Yubo , Ge Jingjie , Fisher Adrian C. , Xu Zhichuan J.
Published: April 2023

A highly efficient and stable oxygen evolution reaction (OER) plays a key role in the commercialization of proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyzers. Perovskite-derived IrO
x
H
y
catalysts have been demonstrated to be highly catalytically active in a harsh acidic environment. On the other hand, the inevitable degradation of the PEM can induce the release of sulfate ions, which could poison electrocatalysts. Herein, the poisoning effects of sulfate ions on a representative SrCo0.9Ir0.1O3-δ
-derived IrO
x
H
y
catalyst and a standard IrO2 are studied. It is found that, besides sulfate ion adsorption on Ir active sites impacting both Ir-based catalysts, SrSO4 precipitation is the most prominent cause of activity degradation of IrO
x
H
y
. This phenomenon is unique to a reconstructed surface undergoing continuous cation leaching from the perovskite-oxyhydroxide interface, in which SrSO4 precipitate blocks electrolyte-accessible IrO
x
H
y
-walled channels, preventing further Sr and Co ion leaching from the interface and dehydrating the isolated portion of the blocked channels, resulting in a reduction in the number of Ir active sites and causing the catalyst to have an OER performance stability inferior to commercial IrO2.
Modeling Electrochemical and Rheological Characteristics of Suspension-Based Electrodes for Redox Flow Cells
Authors: Majji Madhu V. , Neyhouse Bertrand J. , Matteucci Nicholas J. , Lennon Kyle R. , Mallia Christopher T. , Fenton Jr. Alexis M. , Swan James W. , Brushett Fikile R.
Published: April 2023

Flowable suspension-based electrodes (FSEs) have gained attention in recent years, as the integration of solid materials into electrochemical flow cells can offer improved performance and flexible operation. However, under conditions that engender favorable electrochemical properties (e.g., high particle loading, high conductivity, high surface area), FSEs can exhibit non-Newtonian characteristics that impose large pumping losses and flow-dependent transport rates. These multifaceted trade-offs motivate the use of models to broadly explore scaling relationships and better understand design rules for electrochemical devices. To this end, we present a one-dimensional model, integrating porous electrode theory with FSE rheology as well as flow-dependent electron and mass transport under pressure-driven flow. We study FSE behavior as a function of material properties and operating conditions, identifying key dimensionless groups that describe the underlying physical processes. We assess flow cell performance by quantifying electrode polarization and relative pumping losses, establishing generalized property-performance relationships for FSEs. Importantly, we expound relevant operating regimes—based on a subset of dimensionless groups—that inform practical operating envelopes, ultimately helping to guide FSE and cell engineering for electrochemical systems.
Exploring heated exercise as a means of preventing the deleterious effects of high-sodium intake in Black women
Authors: Hunter Stacy D. , Kavouras Stavros A. , Rahimi Mitra
Published: April 2023

Hot yoga significantly altered endothelial function responses to high-sodium intake in Black female adults. Blood pressure responses were unaltered by the yoga intervention in this population.
Proapoptotic and Antiproliferative Effects of the Desert Truffle Terfezia boudieri on Colon Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Sawaya Katia , Abou Najem Sonia , Khawaja Ghada , Khalil Mahmoud
Published: April 2023

Background. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer‐related mortality, and ranks third among cancers in terms of prevalence. Despite advances in early detection and treatment with chemotherapy and surgery, colon cancer continues to be associated with high recurrence rates, thereby resulting in a heavy disease burden. Moreover, the effectiveness of currently available treatment modalities is limited by the occurrence of toxic side effects. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop alternative treatments. Extracts from the black desert truffle Terfezia boudieri (T. boudieri) have shown promising anticancer properties. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying this activity remain poorly understood. Methods. In this study, the colon cancer cell lines HCT‐116 and Caco‐2 were treated with either water or ethanolic extract of T. boudieri. Cell viability and the half‐maximal inhibitory concentration were determined using MTT assays. Then, the activity of the more potent water extract was further verified using crystal violet assays, and its role in inhibiting colony formation and wound healing was investigated. Protein levels of p53, B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2), Bcl‐2‐associated X (Bax), cyclin D1 (CCND1), and c‐Myc were measured in cells treated with different doses of the water extract. Results. Treatment with the water extract of T. boudieri reduced the capacity of cells for wound healing and colony formation in a dose‐dependent manner. The Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio and p53 expression were elevated in both cell lines. In contrast, the levels of cyclin D1 and c‐Myc were suppressed. Conclusion. T. boudieri water extract exerted a cytotoxic effect on colon cancer cells, and blocked colony formation and wound healing potentially through inhibition of proliferation. Mechanistically, these effects are attributed to influence the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, proteins involved in cellular proliferation, and the cell cycle.
Developing Eldercare in Ageing Societies: A Qualitative Study on Misaligned Visions and Caged Change Agents
Authors: Williamsson A. , Dellve L.
Published: April 2023

Eldercare is facing current demands to develop due to changing demographics with increasing populations of elderly over the age of 85 combined with smaller populations of young people able to provide care and contribute to care via their taxes. The need for development of quality and safety was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Swedish government subsidies aimed at developing municipalities responsible for publicly managed eldercare have only been evaluated to a limited extent and the realisation of visions of future eldercare is shrouded in mystery. The study aims to explore the development work and strategies in Swedish municipal eldercare organisations, specifically in terms of alignment between democratic visions at political and strategic levels and operationalisation at operational levels. 28 interviews with development leaders were conducted in 14 Swedish municipality organisations between March and October 2021. The interviews focused on supporting roles and functions, responsibilities and collaborations, visions and operationalisations, and the follow-up and evaluation of eldercare development. A thematic analysis resulted in the main theme “top-down handling of unmanageable alignment” and the subthemes “shaping a high road for change;” “sticking to visions, hopes, and respect for practice;” and “self-serving focus on politics.” The quality of alignment strategies and putting the strategic vision into practice were related to organisation size and resources. A gap between strategic and operational levels was accentuated in terms of inconsistent responsibilities in following through with development projects and development being characterised by top-down initiatives and resources at the strategic level but strained implementation abilities at operational levels. Peripherally located change agents with legitimacy at multiple organisational levels are suggested to ease top-down as well as bottom-up drive, which could increase a vertical alignment of visions and practice.
Oligopoly Modeling between Public and Private Companies with Complementarity
Authors: Chen Chun-Hung
Published: April 2023

This study investigated the coexistence of public and private companies using a complementary model to explore mixed oligopoly strategies. Compared to the traditional theory of mixed oligopoly, the main difference of this study is that it revealed that the products produced by both companies are completely complementary. The five findings of the study were as follows: First, under the premise of having one firm classified as a public firm, although it can reach the equilibrium of the maximum solution for social welfare, this causes a loss. Second, more seriously, the private firm would view this as a huge incentive and aggressively pursue to be the price leader, which may result in a greater loss for the public firm. Third, the asymmetry of the model of the complementary mixed oligopoly is of note; that is, when the private firm is in aggressive pursuit to be the price leader, it can elevate its profit margin, but when the public firm is aggressively pursuing be the price leader, this would not result in better profits. Fourth, if the public firm is under budgetary constraints, then the private firm would have no incentive to aggressively pursue being the price leader. Fifth, if the price of the product between the public firm and the private firm is a “strategic substitute,” the coexistence of the public firm and the private firm will be better than total privatization.
Self-Assembled Copolymeric Nanowires as a New Class of 3D Scaffold for Stem Cells Growth and Proliferation
Authors: Alrokayan Salman H. , Mouffouk Fouzi , Khan Haseeb A. , Hussain Tajamul , Alamery Salman , Abu-Salah Khalid
Published: April 2023

Stem cell therapy has emerged as the most vibrant area of research, due to the capacity of stem cells for self-renewal and differentiation into different types of cell lines upon their culture. But lately, scientists become increasingly aware of the limitations of conventional 2D culture and stem cell culture media, due to several key drawbacks associated with this model, such as immune response upon transplantation, animal pathogen contamination, and complication, during developmental studies due to undefined factors in the cultural media. In this study, an attempt has been made to develop a new type of polymeric 3D scaffold based on the self-assembly of a star-like amphiphilic copolymer of poly(caprolactone)–poly(ethylene oxide) unit into nanowires (nanofibers), that have a scale similar to the native extracellular matrix and are capable of mimicking the extracellular microenvironment where the functional properties of stem cells can be observed and manipulated. The obtained data showed that polymeric-based nanofibers can be used as a 3D scaffold for mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) growth without losing their stem cell phenotype. The results obtained suggest that the polymeric 3D scaffolds (nanofibers) not only support stem cells’ growth and proliferation but also preserve the mESC pluripotency.
Hypoxia-Related lncRNA Prognostic Model of Ovarian Cancer Based on Big Data Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhang Jing , Wang Fei , Wang Le
Published: April 2023

Background. Hypoxia is regarded as a key factor in promoting the occurrence and development of ovarian cancer. In ovarian cancer, hypoxia promotes cell proliferation, epithelial to mesenchymal transformation, invasion, and metastasis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are extensively involved in the regulation of many cellular mechanisms, i.e., gene expression, cell growth, and cell cycle. Materials and Methods. In our study, a hypoxia-related lncRNA prediction model was established by applying LASSO-penalized Cox regression analysis in public databases. Patients with ovarian cancer were divided into two groups based on the median risk score. The survival rate was analyzed in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) datasets, and the mechanisms were investigated. Results. Through the prognostic analysis of DElncRNAs (differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs), a total of 5 lncRNAs were found to be closely associated with OS (overall survival) in ovarian cancer patients. It was evaluated through Kaplan–Meier analysis that low-risk patients can live longer than high-risk patients (TCGA:

p
=
1.302
e
−
04

; ICGC: 1.501e − 03). The distribution of risk scores and OS status revealed that higher risk score will lead to lower OS. It was evaluated that low-risk group had higher immune score (

p
=
0.0064

) and lower stromal score (

p
=
0.00023

). Conclusion. It was concluded that a hypoxia-related lncRNA model can be used to predict the prognosis of ovarian cancer. Our designed model is more accurate in terms of age, grade, and stage when predicting the overall survival of the patients of ovarian cancer.