bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Types of Phyllobilins in a Fern ‐ Molecular Reporters of the Evolution of Chlorophyll Breakdown in the Paleozoic Era
Authors: Erhart Theresia , Nadegger Christian , Vergeiner Stefan , Kreutz Christoph , Müller Thomas , Kräutler Bernhard
Published: April 2024

Breakdown of chlorophyll (Chl), as studied in angiosperms, follows the pheophorbide a oxygenase/phyllobilin (PaO/PB) pathway, furnishing linear tetrapyrroles, named phyllobilins (PBs). In an investigation with fern leaves we have discovered iso‐phyllobilanones (iPBs) with an intriguingly rearranged and oxidized carbon skeleton. We report here a key second group of iPBs from the fern and on their structure analysis. Previously, these additional Chl‐catabolites escaped their characterization, since they exist in aqueous media as mixtures of equilibrating isomers. However, their chemical dehydration furnished stable iPB‐derivatives that allowed the delineation of the enigmatic structures and chemistry of the original natural catabolites. The structures of all fern‐iPBs reflect the early core steps of a PaO/PB‐type pathway and the PB‐to‐iPB carbon skeleton rearrangement. A striking further degradative chemical ring‐cleavage was observed, proposed to consume singlet molecular oxygen (1O2). Hence, Chl‐catabolites may play a novel active role in detoxifying cellular 1O2. The critical deviations from the PaO/PB pathway, found in the fern, reflect evolutionary developments of Chl‐breakdown in the green plants in the Paleozoic era.
PROTOCOL: The efficacy of nutritional interventions in reducing childhood/youth aggressive and antisocial behavior: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Konkolÿ Thege Barna , Kinzel Eden , Hartmann‐Boyce Jamie , Choy Olivia
Published: April 2024

This is a protocol for a Campbell systematic review of intervention effectiveness. The goal of this systematic review is to answer the following questions based on the available empirical evidence: Are there nutritional interventions (dietary manipulation, fortification or supplementation) that can reduce excessive aggression towards others in children/youth? If yes, how strong is their effect and is there a difference among the three intervention types? Are there nutritional interventions that can reduce antisocial behaviors in children/youth? If yes, how strong is their effect and is there a difference among the intervention types? Are there nutritional interventions that can reduce violent offending in children/youth? If yes, how strong is their effect and is there a difference among the intervention types? Are there nutritional interventions that can reduce non‐violent offending in children/youth? If yes, how strong is their effect and is there a difference among the intervention types? What implementation barriers and solutions to these exist in relation to the above nutritional interventions in children/youth?
Incidence of chemotherapy‐related cardiac dysfunction in cancer patients
Authors: Deng Hai‐Wei , Fan Rui , Zhai Yuan‐Sheng , Li Jie , Huang Zhi‐Bin , Peng Long‐Yun
Published: April 2024

Background

Cancer patients are increasingly affected by chemotherapy‐related cardiac dysfunction. The reported incidence of this condition vary significantly across different studies.

Hypothesis

A better comprehensive understanding of chemotherapy‐related cardiac dysfunction incidence in cancer patients is imperative. Therefore, we performed a meta‐analysis to establish the overall incidence of chemotherapy‐related cardiac dysfunction in cancer patients.

Methods

We searched articles in PubMed and EMBASE from database inception to May 1, 2023. Studies that reported the incidence of chemotherapy‐related cardiac dysfunction in cancer patients were included.

Results

A total of 53 studies involving 35 651 individuals were finally included in the meta‐analysis. The overall pooled incidence of chemotherapy‐related cardiac dysfunction in cancer patients was 63.21 per 1000 person‐years (95% CI: 57.28−69.14). The chemotherapy‐related cardiac dysfunction incidence increased steeply within half a year of cancer chemotherapy. Also, the trend of chemotherapy‐related cardiac dysfunction incidence appeared to have plateaued after a longer duration of follow‐up. In addition, chemotherapy‐related cardiac dysfunction incidence rates are significantly higher among patients with age ≥50 years versus patients with age <50 years (99.96 vs. 34.48 per 1000 person‐years). The incidence rate of cardiac dysfunction was higher among breast cancer patients (72.97 per 1000 person‐years), leukemia patients (65.21 per 1000 person‐years), and lymphoma patients (55.43 per 1000 person‐years).

Conclusion

Our meta‐analysis unveiled a definitive overall incidence rate of chemotherapy‐related cardiac dysfunction in cancer patients. In addition, it was found that the risk of developing this condition escalates within the initial 6 months postchemotherapy, subsequently tapering off to become statistically insignificant after a duration of 6 years.
Structure and Activity of Reconstructed Pseudo‐Ancestral Cyclotides
Authors: Jiang Zhihao , Huang Yen‐Hua , Kaas Quentin , Craik David J. , Wang Conan K.
Published: April 2024

Cyclotides are cyclic peptides that are promising scaffolds for the design of drug candidates and chemical tools. However, despite there being hundreds of reported cyclotides, drug design studies have commonly focussed on a select few prototypic examples. Here, we explored whether ancestral sequence reconstruction could be used to generate new cyclotides for further optimization. We show that the reconstructed ‘pseudo‐ancestral’ sequences, named Ancy‐m (for the ancestral cyclotide of the Möbius sub‐family) and Ancy‐b (for the bracelet sub‐family), have well‐defined structures like their extant members, comprising the core structural feature of a cyclic cystine knot. This motif underpins efforts to re‐engineer cyclotides for agrochemical and therapeutic applications. We further show that the reconstructed sequences are resistant to temperatures approaching boiling, bind to phosphatidyl‐ethanolamine lipid bilayers at micromolar affinity, and inhibit the growth of insect cells at inhibitory concentrations in the micromolar range. Interestingly, the Ancy‐b cyclotide had a higher oxidative folding yield than its comparator cyclotide cyO2, which belongs to the bracelet cyclotide subfamily known to be notoriously difficult to fold. Overall, this study provides new cyclotide sequences not yet found naturally that could be valuable starting points for the understanding of cyclotide evolution and for further optimization as drug leads.
Global, regional, and national burden of blindness and vision loss attributable to high fasting plasma glucose from 1990 to 2019, and forecasts to 2030: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Li Cong , Hua Guangyao , Liu Shunming , Yu Honghua , Yang Xiaohong , Liu Lei
Published: April 2024

Aims

To systematically clarify the spatiotemporal trends, and age‐sex‐specific blindness and vision loss (BVL) burden due to high fasting plasma glucose (HFPG) from 1990 to 2019, and project this burden over the next decade.

Materials and Methods

We obtained the number and rate of years lived with disability (YLDs) for the BVL burden attributable to HFPG by age, sex, socio‐demographic index (SDI), and location between 1990 and 2019 from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 database. The average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) were calculated to assess the temporal trends of HFPG‐attributable BVL burden. The Bayesian age‐period‐cohort model was used to predict the HFPG‐attributable BVL burden.

Results

In 2019, the global number and age‐standardized rate (ASR) for YLDs of BVL attributable to HFPG were 673.13 (95% UI: 159.52 to 1565.34) thousand and 8.44 (95% UI: 2.00 to 19.63) per 100,000 people, respectively. The highest burdens were found in Oceania, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, and the BVL burden due to HFPG was higher in the elderly and lower SDI regions. From 1990 to 2019, the global ASR of HFPG‐attributable BVL gradually increased with AAPC (95% CI) being 0.80 (0.74 to 0.86). In addition, the HFPG‐attributable BVL burden will slightly increase in the future decade.

Conclusions

The HFPG remains the important cause of BVL worldwide, placing a substantial disease burden. From 1990 to 2019, the age‐standardized burden of BVL due to HFPG increased, and will consistently increase in the future decade, particularly in the elderly and in regions with middle SDI or below.
Unravelling the impact of climate change on honey bees: An ensemble modelling approach to predict shifts in habitat suitability in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Tennakoon Sarasie , Apan Armando , Maraseni Tek
Published: April 2024

Honey bees play a vital role in providing essential ecosystem services and contributing to global agriculture. However, the potential effect of climate change on honey bee distribution is still not well understood. This study aims to identify the most influential bioclimatic and environmental variables, assess their impact on honey bee distribution, and predict future distribution. An ensemble modelling approach using the biomod2 package in R was employed to develop three models: a climate‐only model, an environment‐only model, and a combined climate and environment model. By utilising bioclimatic data (radiation of the wettest and driest quarters and temperature seasonality) from 1990 to 2009, combined with observed honey bee presence and pseudo absence data, this model predicted suitable locations for honey bee apiaries for two future time spans: 2020–2039 and 2060–2079. The climate‐only model exhibited a true skill statistic (TSS) value of 0.85, underscoring the pivotal role of radiation and temperature seasonality in shaping honey bee distribution. The environment‐only model, incorporating proximity to floral resources, foliage projective cover, and elevation, demonstrated strong predictive performance, with a TSS of 0.88, emphasising the significance of environmental variables in determining habitat suitability for honey bees. The combined model had a higher TSS of 0.96, indicating that the combination of climate and environmental variables enhances the model's performance. By the 2020–2039 period, approximately 88% of highly suitable habitats for honey bees are projected to transition from their current state to become moderate (14.84%) to marginally suitable (13.46%) areas. Predictions for the 2060–2079 period reveal a concerning trend: 100% of highly suitable land transitions into moderately (0.54%), marginally (17.56%), or not suitable areas (81.9%) for honey bees. These results emphasise the critical need for targeted conservation efforts and the implementation of policies aimed at safeguarding honey bees and the vital apiary industry.
Li Doping‐Mediated Ultrahigh Current Generation from Flexible 2D MoS2 Nanosheets‐Based Nanogenerators
Authors: Sharma Charu , Srivastava Avanish Kumar , Gupta Manoj Kumar
Published: April 2024

Engineering piezoelectric properties of 2D nanosheets is crucial to design high‐performance piezoelectric nanogenerator devices to scavenge mechanical energy. Herein, highly crystalline 2D Li‐doped MoS2 nanosheets are grown by the simple and cost‐effective hydrothermal method. High‐resolution transmission electron microscope and Raman analysis confirm the hexagonal crystal structure and formation of few‐layered MoS2 nanosheets with thickness of 3 nm and length of about 500 nm. Piezoelectric force microscopy study reveals the nanoscale high piezoelectric charge coefficient of 130 pm V−1 from few‐layered Li‐doped MoS2 nanosheets. Surprisingly, the piezoelectric flexible nanogenerator fabricated from Li‐doped MoS2 nanosheets exhibits very high output voltage of 13.5 V and ultrahigh current density of 30 μA cm−2 even under small compressive force. A very high dielectric constant of 28117 is observed from Li‐doped MoS2 nanosheets, which is almost 10 times higher than pristine MoS2 nanosheets (2320). The high output voltage and charge generation mechanism are also discussed in terms of the Li‐mediated defect passivation and formation of the nanodipole in the nanosheets.
From distress to anger to shame: Gender violence, empowerment, and emotional states in Ecuador
Authors: Friederic Karin
Published: April 2024

Changing discourses and laws related to women's rights and intimate partner violence (IPV) in rural Ecuador have profoundly reshaped how local women experience and respond to violence. Women once understood violence as one strand of social suffering embedded in everyday rural life, and they resisted and managed this violence through various collective idioms of distress. Over the last two decades, however, state and non‐governmental organization (NGO) campaigns have isolated gender violence as a discrete phenomenon, emphasizing the “wrongness” of IPV, the validity of righteous anger, and the importance of a legal response to secure the separation of “liberated” women. In this article, I draw on 20 years of fieldwork to discuss how emotional responses to gender violence have shifted in tandem with changing state and transnational discourses and policies in the coastal region of Las Colinas. A deep disjuncture between neoliberal discourses of feminist empowerment and the material reality of rural women's life options leaves many women experiencing new forms of shame when they are unable to turn anger into liberation and escape gender violence in their families and communities. Focusing on the emotional states that states create reveals how political‐economic and discursive shifts are mediated through emotions and collective idioms.
Production of soft unripened cheeses using acidic and salty coagulants: Investigation of technological and sensory characteristics
Authors: Soleimani Ahmad , Nasrollahzadeh Ahmad , Khomeiri Morteza , Dehnad Danial , Arjeh Edris
Published: April 2024

Soft cheeses are coagulated milk products obtained through acidification or applying a combination of acids and heat. In this research, in order to improve technological characteristics, the effects of different coagulants (salt and acids) and process parameters (temperature and homogenization pressure) on the organoleptic, textural, and functional characteristics of soft (unripened) cheese were investigated. The results revealed significant differences between cheeses coagulated with acid and mineral salt regarding protein recovery, fat content, and moisture content (p < .05). Acidic coagulants (74%–94%) resulted in higher cheese yield compared to mineral salt (66%–88%). Texture analysis indicated that the cheese produced with acetic acid had a firmer texture, while samples treated with citric acid exhibited better cohesiveness. Cheeses produced with minerals displayed more acceptable organoleptic characteristics regarding flavor, odor, and texture. This study offers valuable technological insights into cheese production with the highest yield and maximum acceptability.
Exploring the cholesterol‐lowering effects of cereal bran cell wall‐enriched diets
Authors: Tufail Tabussam , Saeed Farhan , Tufail Tanazzam , Bader Ul Ain Huma , Hussain Muzzamal , Noreen Sana , Shah Mohd Asif
Published: April 2024

Cell wall polysaccharides (dietary fiber) in cereal grains contribute to health benefits. The novelty of the current study was an effort to explore the in vivo therapeutic potential of different cereal bran cell walls against hypercholesterolemia. For this purpose, the cell walls were isolated from different cereal brans (wheat, maize, oats, and barley), and the intake of these cereal bran cell walls was evaluated for their anti‐lipidemic activity in normal and hypercholesterolemic rats. The serum taken from the rats was tested for cholesterol, lipid, and triglyceride profiles before and after treatment. The outcomes of the current study have shown that the cereal cell wall has a significant hypercholesterolemia effect. The biochemical parameters of the control animals were within the normal clinical ranges, indicating that the experimental diets were safe. Among cereal bran cell walls, barley bran significantly decreased cholesterol (56.35 ± 1.35 mg/dL), low‐density lipoprotein (56.35 ± 1.05 mg/dL), triglycerides (105.29 ± 1.95 mg/dL), and increased high‐density lipoprotein level (48.35 ± 1.35 mg/dL). These findings provide conclusive evidence that the cereal cell wall is beneficial in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and may potentially provide protection against other acute, recurring, or chronic illnesses.
Experimental comparison of pool boiling characteristics between CNT, GO, and CNT + GO‐coated copper substrate
Authors: Kumar Ranjan , Kumari Prity , Rahul N. , Sen Dipak , Mandal S. K.
Published: April 2024

The present investigation aims to study the comparative analysis of CNT, GO, and CNT + GO nanoparticle coatings on copper surfaces under a pool boiling situation. Coating on copper surfaces is performed using the dip coating method. Pool boiling experiments are conducted for all the coated surfaces at atmospheric pressure. Water is used as a working fluid. A comparison was made based on the coated surface characteristics and pool boiling behavior of the samples. The results show that CNT + GO coating on copper surfaces is better in terms of critical heat flux (CHF) and boiling heat transfer coefficient (BHTC). It is also observed that CHF and BHTC of the CNT + GO‐coated surface are 129.19% and 194.75% higher, respectively, compared to the bare copper surface. Bubble dynamics studies were also performed for all the samples.
Tailored wrinkles for tunable sensing performance by stereolithography
Authors: Jiang Ruiyi , Pu Jie , Wang Yuxuan , Chen Jipeng , Fu Gangwen , Chen Xue , Yang Jiayu , Shen Jianghua , Sun Xing , Ding Jun , Xu Xi
Published: April 2024

Conducting polymer hydrogel can address the challenges of stricken biocompatibility and durability. Nevertheless, conventional conducting polymer hydrogels are often brittle and weak due to the intrinsic quality of the material, which exhibits viscoelasticity. This property may cause a delay in sensor response time due to hysteresis. To overcome these limitations, we have designed a wrinkle morphology three‐dimensional (3D) substrate using digital light processing technology and then followed by in situ polymerization to form interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels. This novel design results in a wrinkle morphology conducting polymer hydrogel elastomer with high precision and geometric freedom, as the size of the wrinkles can be controlled by adjusting the treating time. The wrinkle morphology on the conducting polymer hydrogel effectively reduces its viscoelasticity, leading to samples with quick response time, low hysteresis, stable cyclic performance, and remarkable resistance change. Simultaneously, the 3D gradient structure augmented the sensor's sensitivity under minimal stress while exhibiting consistent sensing performance. These properties indicate the potential of the conducting polymer hydrogel as a flexible sensor.
Building a culture of innovation: Innovation 360°
Authors: Cheong Calvin W. H. , She Long , Ma Lan , Karim Sitara , Chan Ling‐Foon , Chong Poh Ling , Choong Pai Wei , Gan Chin Chuan , Gultom Nampuna Dolok , Homer Stephen T. , Hossain Syed Monirul , Leong Ken Yien , Nga Joyce , Piprani Arsalan Zahid , Poon Wai Chuen , Singh Jaspal , Tehseen Shehnaz , Wong Evelyn Mei Ling
Published: April 2024

This study seeks to explore how companies around the world create a culture of innovation by examining common themes that underpin innovation. Through a case study approach, we examined the innovation practices of nine companies and identified six key themes prevalent across all companies: (1) emphasis on research and development; (2) flexibility and adaptability; (3) diversity and inclusion; (4) continuous learning and development; (5) risk‐taking and experimentation; and (6) sustainability. Building on these themes, we propose a new framework for creating a culture of innovation, called the Innovation 360° framework—a systematic approach for companies to understand and build a culture of innovation. Innovation 360° is centered on the core tenets of diversity, inclusion, and sustainability, driven by internal “pull” and external “push” factors of innovation that emphasize flexibility and adaptability, continuous learning and development, and risk‐taking and experimentation. We also discuss the practical benefits and potential drawbacks of the framework. Ultimately, by embracing this framework, companies can improve their innovation capacity and stay ahead of the competition while demonstrating their commitment to social responsibility. However, careful consideration of the framework's potential limitations is necessary to ensure its suitability for different types of companies and industries.
Virtual reality and mental imagery towards travel inspiration and visit intention
Authors: Assiouras Ioannis , Giannopoulos Antonios , Mavragani Eleni , Buhalis Dimitrios
Published: April 2024

The study examines the relationship between virtual reality (VR)‐facilitated mental imagery and travellers' intention to visit a destination. A serial mediation process through travel inspiration (inspired‐by and inspired‐to) is proposed as a psychological mechanism able to explain the positive relationship of elaboration and quality of mental imagery with visit intentions. VR users were recruited through Prolific Academic. The findings demonstrate that VR‐facilitated elaboration of mental imagery increases travel inspiration and consequently visit intention. However, the importance of mental imagery quality is much lower. The paper contributes to the literature of pre‐travel VR experience by exploring the role of travel inspiration.
Aggregate composition directly affects the characteristics of soil microbial and nematode communities in a chronosequence of Chinese fir plantations
Authors: Liao Zongxin , Ye Shaoming , Wang Shengqiang
Published: April 2024

Maintaining soil biological diversity is an effective approach in facilitating Chinese fir plantations' sustainable development. However, dynamic characteristics of soil microbial and nematode communities during Chinese fir planting remain unclear, particularly on the aggregate scales, which are the main sites of soil biological activity. Therefore, the research aims to explore how stand age (3, 9, 17, and 26 years) of Chinese fir plantations affects soil microbial biomass (including bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes, based on the phospholipid fatty acid method), nematode abundances (including bacterivores, fungivores, plant parasites, and omnivores‐predators, based on the modified Baermann funnel method), and their diversity within aggregates of differing sizes (>2, 2–1, 1–0.25, and <0.25 mm). According to the findings, both aggregate size and stand age were major factors affecting soil microbes and nematodes in Chinese fir plantations. Specifically, soil microbial biomass (mainly bacteria), nematode abundances (except fungivores), and their diversity peaked within large macro‐aggregates (>2 mm), and the ranking order for stand ages was 17 > 9 ≈ 3 > 26 years. As the main fractions of soil aggregates in Chinese fir plantations, large macro‐aggregates had suitable internal environments for soil microbial propagation and nematode growth and mainly accumulated at 17 years, which caused the prosperity of soil microbes and nematodes at this stand age. Moreover, the partial least squares path model demonstrated that the influence of stand age on soil microbes and nematodes was indirect; but rather, the aggregate composition played a direct role in shaping their communities. Therefore, in order to maintain soil biological diversity, large macro‐aggregates should be protected during the growth of Chinese fir, especially at the late stage (from 17 to 26 years). Overall, these results could provide valuable insights into Chinese fir plantations' sustainable development.
Recent warming of the Kuroshio Current has promoted offshore sediment transport in the Yellow Sea
Authors: Shi Yong , Xu Xiaomei , Liu Tao , Yang Guang , Liu Shengjing , Lyu Jixuan , Zhang Shuo , Sheng Hui , Gao Jianhua
Published: April 2024

As cross‐shelf gradients of most properties are typically much steeper than those in the alongshore direction, transport across isobaths tends to be inhibited, particularly at oceanic fronts where cross‐shelf gradients are markedly pronounced. Consequently, variations in cross‐shelf gradients may exert a significant influence on offshore transport; however, this influence is not yet well understood. This study employs reconstructed daily suspended sediment concentration (SSC) data from the Yellow Sea's offshore region to investigate the dynamics of offshore transport. Our analysis on an interannual scale shows that offshore SSC correlates more with temperature gradients at the oceanic front than with winter storms, despite the latter's vital role in causing frontal instability. The observed increase in offshore transport over the past two decades is likely connected to Kuroshio Current warming, which has strengthened the horizontal density gradient at the oceanic front, driving the strengthened offshore transport of coastal sediments during instability episodes.
Sensitive Filter‐Free Narrowband Infrared Photodetectors for Weak Light Detection and Ranging
Authors: He Yin , Han Zeyao , Li Junyu , Gu Yu , Zou Yousheng , Wang Yao , Yang Jialin , Lei Wei , Xu Xiaobao
Published: April 2024

Light detection and ranging (Lidar), which utilizes scattered near‐infrared (NIR) light to identify objects, has shown great potential in remote sensing, autonomous driving, robotic vision, etc. However, the intensity of the scattered NIR light is significantly reduced, placing stringent demands on the selectivity and fast response of the sensing. Even though optical filters can be used to select weak signals, the photon losses arising from additional interfaces are inevitable, thus reducing the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). In this work, a series of organic narrowband photodetectors are constructed with tunable and selective responses from 700 to 950 nm with a minimum full‐width‐at‐half‐maximum (FWHM) of ≈30 nm. To enhance response sensitivity and speed, delicate and compact photodiode architecture is applied through comprehensive device engineering. As a result, the detectors possess a sensitive response to weak NIR light with a detection limit of 3 nW, and response rise time (τr) and decay time (τd) of ≈24 ns and ≈1.3 µs, respectively. Moreover, a proof‐of‐concept Lidar based on these organic photodetectors is demonstrated with a distance resolution of ≈10 cm, which further confirms the great potential in practical application.
An Injectable Nanocomposite IPN Hydrogel Based on Gelatin Methacrylate/Alginate/COF for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Saleki Samin , Nouri Khorasani Saied , Khalili Shahla , Hafezi Mahshid , Najarzadegan Mahsa , Molaviyan Mohammad Reza , Dinari Mohammad , Kakapour Ali
Published: April 2024

The primary request nowadays is for innovative and superior scaffold designs that mimic the characteristics of native tissue in cartilage tissue engineering. GelMA/Alginate (G/A) interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) has become a popular hydrogel material for tissue engineering because of its superior mechanical and biological properties. Here, to balance the properties, a hydrogel composed of G/A and covalent organic frameworks (COF) nanoparticles is specially designed. In this study, a hydrogel of GelMA/Alginate/COF (G/A/C) with improved properties such as pore size, swelling, mechanical strength, shear‐thinning behavior, and biocompatibility is produced. Furthermore, the G/A/C hydrogel facilitate the printing of complex three dimensional (3D) scaffolds. The test result demonstrates that the addition of COF up to 1% (w/w) enhances the porosity and decreases pore size (0.2 times), improves the compression strength (six times), and decreases the degradation ratio (0.05 times) and the swelling (0.3 times) compared to the G/A hydrogel sample. Besides, the cell viability test confirms the cell growth during the incubation and great biological behavior (more than 98%). The suitable performance of the G/A hydrogel containing 1% COF and its shape fidelity during the injection by 3D printer is confirmed. Nanocomposite IPN hydrogel based on G/A/C could be useful in tissue engineering applications.
Malformations of cortical development: Fetal imaging and genetics
Authors: Wang Lin‐Lin , Pan Ping‐Shan , Ma Hui , He Chun , Qin Zai‐Long , He Wei , Huang Jing , Tan Shu‐Yin , Meng Da‐Hua , Wei Hong‐Wei , Yin Ai‐Hua
Published: April 2024

Background

Malformations of cortical development (MCD) are a group of congenital disorders characterized by structural abnormalities in the brain cortex. The clinical manifestations include refractory epilepsy, mental retardation, and cognitive impairment. Genetic factors play a key role in the etiology of MCD. Currently, there is no curative treatment for MCD. Phenotypes such as epilepsy and cerebral palsy cannot be observed in the fetus. Therefore, the diagnosis of MCD is typically based on fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, or genetic testing. The recent advances in neuroimaging have enabled the in‐utero diagnosis of MCD using fetal ultrasound or MRI.

Methods

The present study retrospectively reviewed 32 cases of fetal MCD diagnosed by ultrasound or MRI. Then, the chromosome karyotype analysis, single nucleotide polymorphism array or copy number variation sequencing, and whole‐exome sequencing (WES) findings were presented.

Results

Pathogenic copy number variants (CNVs) or single‐nucleotide variants (SNVs) were detected in 22 fetuses (three pathogenic CNVs [9.4%, 3/32] and 19 SNVs [59.4%, 19/32]), corresponding to a total detection rate of 68.8% (22/32).

Conclusion

The results suggest that genetic testing, especially WES, should be performed for fetal MCD, in order to evaluate the outcomes and prognosis, and predict the risk of recurrence in future pregnancies.
Associations between waist circumference and nocturia in adults: National health and nutrition examination survey 2005–2020
Authors: Wang Junwei , Zhang Aiwei , Zhang Cunming , Ye Miaoyong
Published: April 2024

Background

The relationship between waist circumference and nocturia has not been previously studied. This study investigated the association between waist circumference and the occurrence of nocturia in adults.

Methods

We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey covering 2005–2020, encompassing 6287 adults aged ≥20. Nocturia was defined as the need to urinate two or more times during the night. First, we compared baseline characteristics between the nocturia and non‐nocturia groups. Subsequently, we used multivariate logistic regression analysis to investigate the relationship between waist circumference and nocturia prevalence. We also employed restricted cubic spline analysis to study the potential nonlinear correlation between waist circumference and the prevalence of nocturia. Recognizing the baseline data's heterogeneity based on nocturia prevalence, we conducted subgroup analyses according to age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and ethnicity.

Results

Our findings indicated that females, individuals aged ≥50, citizens, Non‐Hispanic Black, those with lower education levels (high school or less), higher BMIs, lower family income‐to‐poverty ratios, higher waist circumference, hypertension, and diabetes were more likely to experience nocturia. Compared with individuals in the lowest waist circumference quartile (Q1), those in the higher quartiles (Q4) exhibited an increased risk of nocturia in Model 1 (Q4, OR:2.00, 95% CI:1.64, 2.45, p < 0.0001). These results remained consistent after adjusting for covariates in models 2 and 3. A restricted cubic spline analysis suggested a linear association between waist circumference and nocturia (P for nonlinearity = 0.066). Subgroup analyses based on age, sex, BMI, and ethnicity revealed no significant differences in the interaction tests between waist circumference and nocturia (P for interaction = 0.437, 0.331, 0.121, and 0.889, respectively), indicating that these baseline characteristics did not influence the association.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated an association between increased waist circumference and a higher prevalence of nocturia. Knowledge of this association reinforces the importance of lifestyle modifications in maintaining a healthy waist circumference and informs public health strategies to address other potential risk factors for nocturia.
Experimental investigation on response mechanism and impact resistance of glass fiber reinforced polymer X‐type foldcore sandwich panel subjected to low‐velocity impact experiments
Authors: Deng Yunfei , Liang Xupeng , Li Hailin , Wang Xu , Feng Zhengxing
Published: April 2024

In this paper, a new type of foldcore sandwich panel (tentatively called X‐type foldcore sandwich panel) is proposed by combining the X‐type corrugated sandwich panel and the Miura‐ori sandwich panel. The experimental specimens are prepared by using a glass fiber‐reinforced polymer. To systematically reveal the low‐velocity response mechanism and impact resistance of sandwich panels, a hemispherical impactor is used to impact panels. The effects of impact energy, impact position, diameter of tup, and impact mass on low‐velocity impact performance of X‐type foldcore sandwich panels are considered. The damage morphology, response process, and failure mechanism are analyzed under different working conditions. The results show that under the impact of 75 and 125 J, the impact resistance of the node is better than that of the base. Under 200 J impact, the impact resistance of the base is better than that of the node. Compared with the traditional foldcore sandwich panel, the new configuration reduces the impact resistance difference between two positions (node and base).

Highlights

A new foldcore sandwich panel is proposed.

The impact effect of energy, mass, position, and tup diameter is investigated.

Damage morphology, response process, and impact resistance are analyzed.

The new structure reduces differences in impact resistance.
Polypropylene aerogel‐based composites with paraffin and MWCNTs as phase change materials
Authors: Abdolmaleki Hadi , Jafari Seyed Hassan , Golriz Mahdi , Haghgoo Majid
Published: April 2024

The development of energy storage materials is crucial for effective energy management. In this study, we present the creation of a composite material comprising polypropylene (PP) aerogel, paraffin, and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a phase change material (PCM). Our process begins with the dissolution of PP granules, serving as the foundational step. Subsequently, various antisolvents are systematically employed to induce the formation of PP gels. The process culminates in the fabrication of aerogels through the established freeze‐drying technique. Importantly, our examination of porosity highlights the significant impact of antisolvent selection on the pore structure and specific surface area of the resulting aerogels. Our weight measurements demonstrate the remarkable capacity of the lightweight PP aerogel, characterized by substantial porosity and inherent hydrophobicity, to adsorb paraffin, capturing up to five times its weight. These findings are substantiated through structural analyses, including Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Thermal analysis of the PP/PCM/MWCNTs composites reveals the achievement of the highest enthalpy, reaching 125 J g−1, representing a modest 13% reduction compared to pure paraffin. Furthermore, all samples exhibit exceptional thermal stability even after 50 thermal cycles. Notably, Xenon flash analysis (XFA) shows an approximate 800% increase in thermal conductivity compared with pure paraffin and a substantial 35% increase compared to PP/paraffin composites. In conclusion, our lightweight aerogel‐based PCM demonstrates great promise for various thermal management applications.

Highlights

Cost‐effective PP aerogel has a great potential for hosting paraffin as PCM.

The type of antisolvent could have a huge effect on PP aerogel's structure.

PP aerogel/Paraffin/MWCNT could effectively enhance thermal conductivity.

Available PP/Paraffin/MWCNT has a great potential for PCM applications.
Turkish adolescents' anonymous use of social networking sites (SNSs): A phenomenological study
Authors: Çimşir Elif , Akdoğan Ramazan , Akbayrak Alper
Published: April 2024

Despite the surging anonymous social media use among adolescents living in non‐Western countries, such as Turkey, existing studies have been conducted in a Western context and do not provide a holistic understanding of adolescents' lived experiences of anonymous social networking site (SNS) interactions. As a result, Turkish adolescents aged 12–15 years (N = 20) were interviewed about their lived experiences of anonymous SNS interactions, using a phenomenological qualitative approach. The authors identified 10 themes. Four themes address circumventing social norms and avoiding repercussions: mocking friends, seeking revenge, engaging in activism, and exploring and expressing self. Four themes pertain to initiating, developing, and testing relationships: exploring romantic relationships, testing friendships, seeking information about others, and gaining attention and/or popularity. Reflecting a major intrapersonal dynamic, another theme describes low self‐confidence/esteem. The final theme addresses a significant risk associated with the anonymous use of SNSs: increased risk of child sexual exploitation. The results provide important insights into the roles of anonymous online interactions in satisfying adolescents' developmental needs and indicate the importance of providing them with support and education to help them navigate the online world safely and responsibly.
Population pharmacokinetics of intraperitoneal irinotecan and SN‐38 in patients with peritoneal metastases from colorectal origin
Authors: Rietveld Pascale C. S. , Sassen Sebastiaan D. T. , Guchelaar Niels A. D. , van Eerden Ruben A. G. , de Boer Nadine L. , van den Heuvel Teun B. M. , Burger Jacobus W. A. , Mathijssen Ron H. J. , Koch Birgit C. P. , Koolen Stijn L. W.
Published: April 2024

Peritoneal metastases (PM) are common in patients with colorectal cancer. Patients with PM have a poor prognosis, and for those who are not eligible for cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with or without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), palliative chemotherapy is currently the only option. Recently, we conducted a phase I trial (INTERACT) in which irinotecan was administered intraperitoneally (IP) to 18 patients ineligible for CRS‐HIPEC. The primary objective was to evaluate covariates influencing the PK profile of irinotecan and SN‐38 after IP administration. Secondly, a population PK model was developed to support the further development of IP irinotecan by improving dosing in patients with PM. Patients were treated with IP irinotecan every 2 weeks in combination with systemic FOLFOX‐bevacizumab. Irinotecan and SN‐38 were measured in plasma (588 samples) and SN‐38 was measured in peritoneal fluid (267 samples). Concentration‐Time data were log‐transformed and analyzed using NONMEM version 7.5 using FOCE+I estimation. An additive error model described the residual error, with inter‐individual variability in PK parameters modeled exponentially. The final structural model consisted of five compartments. Weight was identified as a covariate influencing the SN‐38 plasma volume of distribution and GGT was found to influence the SN‐38 plasma clearance. This population PK model adequately described the irinotecan and SN‐38 in plasma after IP administration, with weight and GGT as predictive factors. Irinotecan is converted intraperitoneal to SN‐38 by carboxylesterases and the plasma bioavailability of irinotecan is low. This model will be used for the further clinical development of IP irinotecan by providing dosing strategies.
A mechanistic review on growing multiple therapeutic applications of lutein and its global market research
Authors: Akkewar Ashish Sunil , Mishra KM Abha , Kamble Mahesh Gopichand , Kumar Sanjay , Dey Juhi , Sethi Kalyan Kumar
Published: April 2024

Lutein is a naturally occurring carotenoid synthesized by plants and algae that has a beneficial effect on several biological processes and associated ailments. Its immediate application is in ophthalmology, where it significantly lowers the incidences of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). It also has anti‐inflammatory action, treatment of diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts, and enhancement of visual contrast. To critically assess lutein biosynthesis, therapeutic applicability, and market research literature. We have discussed its theoretical frameworks, experimental evidence, limitations, as well as clinical trial results, and future research prospects. The literature for this review article was mined and compiled by collecting and analyzing articles from several databases, including ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, PubMed, Wiley Online Library, Patentscope, and ClinicalTrials.gov published until March 30, 2022. Patent publications were identified using the search terms like IC:(C07C67/56) AND EN_AB:(lutein) OR EN_TI:(lutein) OR EN_AB:(extraction) OR EN_TI:(process). According to the literature, lutein is an essential nutrient given that it cannot be synthesized in the human body and acts as an antioxidant, affecting AMD, diabetic retinopathy, Rheumatic diseases, inflammation, and cancer. Due to inadequate production and laborious extraction, lutein is expensive despite its high demand and applicability. Market research predicts a 6.3% compound annual growth rate for lutein by 2032. Optimizing lutein extraction for high yield and purity is necessary. Lutein has proven applicability in various ailments as well as cosmetics that can be developed as a candidate drug for various diseases discussed in the review.
Passive immunotherapies for the next influenza pandemic
Authors: Focosi Daniele , Franchini Massimo , Senefeld Jonathon W. , Joyner Michael J. , Sullivan David J. , Pekosz Andrew , Maggi Fabrizio , Casadevall Arturo
Published: April 2024

Influenzavirus is among the most relevant candidates for a next pandemic. We review here the phylogeny of former influenza pandemics, and discuss candidate lineages. After briefly reviewing the other existing antiviral options, we discuss in detail the evidences supporting the efficacy of passive immunotherapies against influenzavirus, with a focus on convalescent plasma.
Designing a completely distributed observer with robustness against disturbances
Authors: Wang Xiaoling , Zhang Ankang , Su Housheng , Chen Guanrong
Published: April 2024

Distributed observer is an effective scheme for state estimation of a targeted system, utilizing a network of sensors to perform local output measurements. In this article, the problem of designing a distributed observer for a linear time‐invariant system with external disturbances is addressed. The objective is to perform state estimation of such a system while simultaneously mitigating the impact of external disturbances and maintaining the distributed communication characteristics among the sensors. To achieve this, a completely distributed observer with robustness against disturbances is developed by combining the high‐gain observer technique and the adaptive coupling strength strategy. Initially, a traditional high‐gain observer is used for the state estimation on the observable subsystem, and subsequently a high‐gain observer without peaking is introduced to avoid the peaking phenomenon. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to verify the theoretical results.
State estimators for discrete‐time descriptor linear systems with mixed uncertainties and state constraints
Authors: de Paula Alesi A. , Raffo Guilherme V. , Teixeira Bruno O. S.
Published: April 2024

This article presents two novel mixed‐uncertainty state estimators for discrete‐time descriptor linear systems, namely linear time‐varying mixed‐uncertainty filter (LTVMF) and linear time‐invariant mixed‐uncertainty filter (LTIMF). The former is based on the minimum‐variance approach, from which quadratic and explicit (special case of quadratic) formulations are derived and addressed to LTV systems. Both formulations incorporate the knowledge of state linear constraints, such as equality (in the descriptor form) and inequality, to mitigate precision and accuracy issues related to initialization and evolution of the state estimates. The LTIMF algorithm is based on the mixed criterion and addressed to LTI systems, with the low‐cost computation being its motivation. Both LTVMF and LTIMF algorithms solve state‐estimation problems in which the uncertainties are combined to yield the so‐called mixed‐uncertainty vector, which is composed by set‐bounded uncertainties, characterized by constrained zonotopes, and stochastic uncertainties, characterized by Gaussian random vectors. As mixed‐uncertainty vectors imply biobjective optimization problems, we innovatively present multiobjective arguments to justify the choice of the solution on the Pareto‐optimal front. In order to discuss the advantages and drawbacks, the state estimators are tested in two numerical examples.
An event‐triggered zonotopic Gaussian state estimator for discrete‐time stochastic multiplicative systems with zonotopic set‐membership and stochastic uncertainties
Authors: Chen Ye , Zhang Chunyan , Li Yinya
Published: April 2024

This article addresses the challenge of estimating the state of a discrete‐time stochastic multiplicative system with zonotopic set‐membership and stochastic uncertainties. The stochastic system model incorporates additive and multiplicative Gaussian and zonotopic set‐membership uncertainties, posing challenges in accurately managing these sources of uncertainty. In practical scenarios with limited communication resources, it is crucial to reduce communication overhead, save resources, and prevent unnecessary information transmission. To achieve these objectives, this article proposes an event‐triggered mechanism and a corresponding state estimator. The optimal gain matrix of the state estimator is derived to minimize the estimation uncertainty represented by the size of zonotope and Gaussian confidence ellipsoid regions. Conditions are established to guarantee the mean square stability of the estimation error, ensuring reliable estimation performance. The configuration of the triggering condition parameters, which play a vital role in determining the event‐triggered updates, is presented. is presented. The effectiveness of the proposed event‐triggered mechanism and the corresponding estimator is demonstrated through simulation results and analyses, using specific metrics and evaluation criteria.