bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient one-pot assembly of higher-order DNA nanostructures by chemically conjugated branched DNA
Authors: Aqib Raja Muhammad , Wang Yuang , Liu Jianbing , Ding Baoquan
Published: April 2024

Chemically conjugated branched DNA was efficiently synthesized to construct higher-order polyhedral DNA nanostructures in one pot.
Regulating and controlling the stepwise ESDPT channel of BP(OH)2DCEt2 using the strategy of solvent polarity and external electric field
Authors: Zhuang Hongbin , Shi Wei , Zhao Guijie , Li Yongqing
Published: April 2024

Excited state double proton transfer (ESDPT) has attracted great scientific interest because of its excellent luminescent properties.
Spinless formulation of linearized adiabatic connection approximation and its comparison with the second order N-electron valence state perturbation theory
Authors: Guo Yang , Pernal Katarzyna
Published: April 2024

We develop a spinless formulation of AC0 based on the Dyall Hamiltonian and provide a detailed comparison between AC0 and NEVPT2 approaches.
A solvent-free mechanochemical electrophilic C–H thiocyanation of indoles and imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines using a cost-effective combination of N-chlorosuccinimide-NaSCN and tandem C–C and C–S bond formation
Authors: Saha Soumik , Pinheiro Abigail B. , Chatterjee Amrita , Bhutia Zigmee T. , Banerjee Mainak
Published: April 2024

Herein, we demonstrate a solvent-free and cost-effective mechanochemical electrophilic thiocyanation of indoles and imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines and tandem double C–H activation leading to the formation of C-2 aryl and C-3 thiocyano indoles in a mixer-mill.
Body composition analysis by radiological imaging – methods, applications, and prospects
Authors: Linder Nicolas , Denecke Timm , Busse Harald
Published: April 2024

Background This review discusses the quantitative assessment of tissue composition in the human body (body composition, BC) using radiological methods. Such analyses are gaining importance, in particular, for oncological and metabolic problems. The aim is to present the different methods and definitions in this field to a radiological readership in order to facilitate application and dissemination of BC methods. The main focus is on radiological cross-sectional imaging.

Methods The review is based on a recent literature search in the US National Library of Medicine catalog (pubmed.gov) using appropriate search terms (body composition, obesity, sarcopenia, osteopenia in conjunction with imaging and radiology, respectively), as well as our own work and experience, particularly with MRI- and CT-based analyses of abdominal fat compartments and muscle groups.

Results and Conclusion Key post-processing methods such as segmentation of tomographic datasets are now well established and used in numerous clinical disciplines, including bariatric surgery. Validated reference values are required for a reliable assessment of radiological measures, such as fatty liver or muscle. Artificial intelligence approaches (deep learning) already enable the automated segmentation of different tissues and compartments so that the extensive datasets can be processed in a time-efficient manner – in the case of so-called opportunistic screening, even retrospectively from diagnostic examinations. The availability of analysis tools and suitable datasets for AI training is considered a limitation.

Key Points 

Citation Format
Pregnancy Outcomes in Women Who Developed Elevated Blood Pressure and Stage I Hypertension after 20 Weeks, Gestation
Authors: Woolcock Helen , Parra Natalia , Zhang Yijia , Reddy Uma M. , Bello Natalie A. , Miller Eliza , Booker Whitney A.
Published: April 2024

Objective The American College of Obstetrics threshold for hypertension (≥140/90 mm Hg) differs from those of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA). It is unknown if ACC/AHA hypertension levels are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) after 20 weeks gestation. The purpose of this study is to analyze APOs in women with blood pressure (BP) in the elevated or stage 1 range after 20 weeks gestation.

Study Design This was a secondary analysis of the nuMoM2b prospective cohort study of 10,038 nulliparous, singleton pregnancies between 2010 and 2014. BP was measured at three visits during the pregnancy using a standard protocol. Women without medical comorbidities, with normal BP by ACC/AHA guidelines (systolic BP [SBP] < 120 and diastolic BP [DBP] < 80 mm Hg) up to 22 weeks, were included. Exposure was BP between 22 and 29 weeks gestation: normal (SBP < 120 and DBP < 80 mm Hg), elevated (SBP: 120–129 and DBP < 80 mm Hg), and stage 1 (SBP: 130–139 or DBP: 80–89 mm Hg). The primary outcome was hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP) at delivery. Secondary outcomes included fetal growth restriction (FGR), placental abruption, preterm delivery, and cesarean delivery. Multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using logistic regression models.

Results Of 4,460 patients that met inclusion criteria, 3,832 (85.9%) had BP in the normal range, 408 (9.1%) in elevated, and 220 (4.9%) in stage 1 range between 22 and 29 weeks. The likelihood of HDP was significantly higher in women with elevated BP (aOR: 1.71, 95%CI: 1.18,2.48), and stage 1 BP (aOR: 2.79, 95%CI: 1.84,4.23) compared to normal BP (p < 0.001). Stage 1 BP had twice odds of FGR (aOR: 2.33, 95%CI: 1.22,4.47) and elevated BP had three times odds of placental abruption (aOR: 3.03; 95%CI: 1.24,7.39).

Conclusion Elevated or stage 1 BP >20 weeks of pregnancy are associated with HDP, FGR, and placental abruption.

Key Points
The optimization of evaporation rate in graphene-water system by machine learning algorithm
Authors: Qiao Degao , Yang Ming , Gao Yin , Hou Jue , Zhang Xingli , Zhang Hang
Published: April 2024

Solar interfacial evaporation, as a novel practical freshwater production method, requires continuous research on how to improve the evaporation rates to increase water production. In this study, sets of data were obtained from molecule dynamics simulation and literature, in which the parameters included height, diameter, height–radius ratio, evaporation efficiency, and evaporation rate. Initially, the correlation between the four input parameters and the output of the evaporation rate was examined through traditional pairwise plots and Pearson correlation analysis, revealing weak correlations. Subsequently, the accuracy and generalization performance of the evaporation rate prediction models established by neural network and random forest were compared, with the latter demonstrating superior performance and reliability confirmed via random data extraction. Furthermore, the impact of different percentages (10%, 20%, and 30%) of the data on the model performance was explored, and the result indicated that the model performance is better when the test set is 20% and all the constructed model converge. Moreover, the mean absolute error and mean squared error of the evaporation rate prediction model for the three ratios were calculated to evaluate their performance. However, the relationship between the height- radius ratio and optimal evaporation rate was investigated using the enumeration method, and it was determined that the evaporation efficiency was optimal when the height–radius ratio was 6. Finally, the importance of height, diameter, height– radius ratio, and evaporation efficiency were calculated to optimize evaporator structure, increase evaporation rate, and facilitate the application of interfacial evaporation in solar desalination.
Free-convective dissolution of a solid spherical particle
Authors: Assunção M. , Vynnycky M. , Moroney K. M.
Published: April 2024

The dissolution of a solid spherical particle is a canonical problem that finds many industrial applications, ranging from pharmaceutical and food products to chemicals, detergents, and paints. A particular situation of interest is when a solid particle dissolves in a quiescent solvent; in this case, perhaps contrary to expectation, dissolution need not necessarily be diffusion-dominated, since the dissolved material may affect the local density of the solvent, resulting in free convection. In this paper, we account for this problem theoretically by extending the framework established in the recent work for the case of forced-convective dissolution. Nondimensionalization of the appropriate time-dependent mass, momentum, and solute balance equations yields an axisymmetric moving-boundary problem, which can be formulated in terms of four dimensionless parameters. Asymptotic and numerical approaches to the problem are considered, with a key outcome being a numerical method, implemented in the finite-element software Comsol Multiphysics. A simpler approach involving a mass-balance argument and based on correlations for steady flow past a sphere is also considered; by and large, the two approaches give reasonable agreement for a wide range of the relevant dimensionless parameters. Finally, the application of the model to pharmaceutical dissolution experiments is discussed.
Extension of finite particle method simulating thermal-viscoelastic flow and fluid–rigid body interactional process in weakly compressible smoothed particle hydrodynamics scheme
Authors: Li Yudong , Li Yan , Joli Pierre , Chen Huijian , Feng Zhiqiang
Published: April 2024

In computational non-Newtonian fluid dynamics, heat transfer has obvious effects on motions of viscoelastic fluids, mechanical mechanism of elasticity, and flow regimes. This study suggests an extended numerical scheme of smoothed particle hydrodynamics and finite particle method within density smoothing (SPH_DSFPM), which involves the discretization of smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) and finite particle method (FPM) within density smoothing (DS) in the weakly compressible flow scheme. A corrected particle shifting technique is incorporated to eliminate tensile instability and inhomogeneity near solid boundaries. A corrected dynamic solid coupled boundary is introduced to deal with casting molding within high-pressure operations, which has a good compatibility between virtual particle method and repulsive force model. Numerical results show that the present scheme has the nearly lower relative error (0.5%) than conventional SPH (2.6%) in the case of evolutionary thermal-viscoelastic Poiseuille flow and heat effects have active influences on velocity, pressure variations for viscoelastic fluid flow around periodic circular cylinders. Three different printing modes of moving printers significantly generate into differentiated forming regimes through high-pressure extrusion. Adaptive particle distributions possess robust flow evolutions, by which the shocked jets can be tracked well and the sinking velocities of wedge entering into solutions can be numerically probed well considering different cuspidal biting angles. In the case of macroscopic fluid–rigid body interactions, the statistical degree of deviation on probed forces with experiments is relatively 4.35% and that is 12.5% for SPH. The proposed numerical scheme has a good performance on improved accuracy, convergence, and stability for simulating transient thermal-viscoelastic flows.
Controllable nonreciprocal single-photon frequency converter via a four-level system
Authors: Yang Ya , Lu Jing , Zhou Lan
Published: April 2024

We propose an efficient, nonreciprocal single-photon device that achieves single-photon routing and frequency conversion through chiral coupling of two one-dimensional waveguides with a four-level atom. Photons incoming from one port can be definitely directed to another port. However, the photon frequency conversion has been achieved only when the single photons are transferred from one waveguide to the other, and its probability can reach unity. Applied the on-demand classical field to drive an atom, the transmission quantum tunneling path can be turned off and on by exploiting the Autler–Townes splitting mechanism. Our results illustrate the potential of our device for applications in a quantum network.
A Lagrangian theory of equatorial upwelling
Authors: Paldor Nathan
Published: April 2024

An explicit expression is derived for the speed of equatorial upwelling by filtering out the inertial oscillations from the wind-forced, Lagrangian, dynamics north and south of the equator. The derivation focuses on the poleward motion of the steady states of the meridional dynamics of water columns of unit zonal length forced by a uniform, westward directed, wind stress. A significant advance is achieved by substituting the pseudo angular momentum for the zonal velocity in all equations. The derived expression for the speed is independent of the Ekman layer's depth and varies linearly with the wind stress. Its only free parameter is the initial meridional extent of the water column that straddles the equator. The theoretical speed matches available observations of the upwelling speed when the column's meridional extent is 350–400 km on each side of the equator.
Analytical model of a nanowire-based betavoltaic device
Authors: Thomas Amanda , LaPierre Ray R.
Published: April 2024

An analytical device physics model is presented for determining the energy conversion efficiency of semiconductor nanowire array-based radial (core–shell) p-i-n junction betavoltaic cells for two- and three-dimensional radioisotope source geometries. Optimum short-circuit current density Jsc, open-circuit voltage Voc, fill factor FF, and energy conversion efficiency η are determined for various nanowire properties, including dopant concentration, nanowire length, core diameter, and shell thickness, for Si, GaAs, and GaP material systems. A maximum efficiency of 8.05% was obtained for GaP nanowires with diameter 200nm (p-core diameter, i-shell, and n-shell thicknesses of 24, 29.4, and 58.6 nm, respectively), length 10μm, acceptor and donor concentrations of 1019 and 5×1018cm−3, respectively, and a 3D source geometry.
Drag reduction using a self-adaptive flexible coating
Authors: Zhao Yakun , Zhang Huanyu , Sun Shuyue , Peng Tao , Chen Gang , Tian Xinliang
Published: April 2024

We investigated the drag-reducing capabilities of a flexible coating on a rigid bluff body. Conducted in a wind tunnel, our experiments employed a rigid plate coated with a polyethylene membrane of various widths. The results indicated that the drag reduction, contingent on the membrane width, could reach up to 22.2%. Smoke-wire visualization corroborated the delay in flow separation and the emergence of narrower wake structures. This effect is ascribed to the self-adaptation of the flexible membrane to the fluid dynamics. Our study reveals that such passive flow control mechanisms are highly effective in complex, turbulent, three-dimensional flow conditions.
Designing and implementing a bundle of care for patients with early-stage breast cancer: lessons from a pilot program
Authors: Zissiadis Yvonne , Ballal Helen , Forsyth Nicola , Ives Angela , Jackson Lee , Montgomery Anna , Wise Sarah , Yeow Wen Chan , Saunders Christobel
Published: April 2024

We present a case study on the design and implementation of a value-based bundled package of care for patients with early-stage breast cancer treated in the private health sector in Australia. Value-based healthcare is an essential change to how we deliver healthcare, shifting the focus from paying for individual services provided to a focus on the health outcomes gained over a full cycle of care. The Australian health system has unintentionally created barriers to value-based cancer care through fragmented care pathways and complex funding arrangements where patients can unexpectedly encounter high out-of-pocket costs. A team of clinicians, service providers, health systems and funding experts, private health insurers and consumers have collaborated to design and pilot a complete bundled package of care for breast cancer patients which aims to address these challenges. With 40 patients recruited to date, early evaluation results show positive patient experience of ‘joined-up’ care and financial transparency. This case study provides a high-level overview of the approach taken to design and implement the Breast Cancer Bundle and the lessons learned for its expansion in both public and private settings.
A matter of where and when—the appearance of Late Blight of potato in Australia
Authors: Ryley Malcolm J. , Drenth Andre
Published: April 2024

Late Blight, also called Irish blight and brown rot, devastated potato crops in Ireland and countries in Europe in the 1840s, and led to famines, deaths, and the emigration of tens of thousands of poor farmworkers. The outbreaks were blamed on many factors, but finally it was demonstrated that the causal agent was an oomycete (water mould) Phytophthora infestans. The Queensland Government Entomologist and Vegetable Pathologist, Henry Tryon, claimed that he made the first discovery of Late Blight in Australia, on leaves and tubers of potato collected in May 1909 around Brisbane. Within three months, the disease was found in all Australian states. Tryon believed that the Queensland outbreak was caused by Phytophthora-infected planting tubers obtained from Tasmania, which growers and the government in that state initially refused to acknowledge. The Victorian Vegetable Pathologist, Daniel McAlpine, initially agreed with the Tasmanians, but later admitted that he had identified Ph. infestans in Tasmanian potato crops. A herbarium specimen of potato leaves collected in 1900 in Victoria, examined over a century later, was found to be infected with Phytophthora infestans. All the ruckus that ensued after Tryon’s discovery was unnecessary; it was really a matter of where and when.
Pesticide extraction from soil into runoff in North American and Australian croplands
Authors: Silburn D. Mark , Crawford M. H.
Published: April 2024

Context Do some pesticides run off more than others? How does pesticide runoff vary with pesticide properties? Aims Improve understanding of pesticide runoff from croplands. Methods Concentrations in surface soil and in runoff from three Australian rainfall simulation studies and three rainfall simulation and five catchment studies in North American croplands were used. The ratio of event averaged runoff concentrations and the surface soil concentrations is the runoff extraction ratio. Key results Pesticide runoff concentrations were closely related to soil surface concentrations at the start of rainfall. Runoff extraction ratios were not significantly different for 13 pesticides with a wide range of properties, on gentle slopes (0–3%), but were significantly lower for three pesticides. On steeper slopes, runoff extraction was significantly greater for atrazine but lower for glyphosate and metolachlor. Low sloping, furrow irrigated fields had low sediment concentrations and low pesticide runoff concentrations for more tightly sorbed pesticides, but not for less sorbed pesticides. Runoff extraction was not significantly different for simulated and most catchment studies. Conclusions Similar runoff extraction ratios were due to similar hydrology and limited sediment concentrations. Different runoff extraction occurs on bare soil if (a) pesticides are leached from the runoff-mixing layer, requiring sorption coefficients less than two and significant infiltration, and no interflow, (b) sediment concentrations are either low (<2 g L−1) or high (>100 g L−1) and (c) pesticides have different concentration profiles in the runoff-mixing layer. Implications Conditions studied apply for croplands in the North American mid-west on silty soils and for Australian clay soils.
A mutualistic bacterium rescues a green alga from an antagonist
Authors: Carrasco Flores David , Hotter Vivien , Vuong Trang , Hou Yu , Bando Yuko , Scherlach Kirstin , Burgunter-Delamare Bertille , Hermenau Ron , Komor Anna J. , Aiyar Prasad , Rose Magdalena , Sasso Severin , Arndt Hans-Dieter , Hertweck Christian , Mittag Maria
Published: April 2024

Photosynthetic protists, known as microalgae, are key contributors to primary production on Earth. Since early in evolution, they coexist with bacteria in nature, and their mode of interaction shapes ecosystems. We have recently shown that the bacterium
Pseudomonas protegens
acts algicidal on the microalga
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
It secretes a cyclic lipopeptide and a polyyne that deflagellate, blind, and lyse the algae [P. Aiyar
et al.
,
Nat. Commun.
8
, 1756 (2017) and V. Hotter
et al.
,
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.
118
, e2107695118 (2021)]. Here, we report about the bacterium
Mycetocola lacteus,
which establishes a mutualistic relationship with
C. reinhardtii
and acts as a helper. While
M. lacteus
enhances algal growth, it receives methionine as needed organic sulfur and the vitamins B
1
, B
3
, and B
5
from the algae. In tripartite cultures with the alga and the antagonistic bacterium
P. protegens
,
M. lacteus
aids the algae in surviving the bacterial attack. By combining synthetic natural product chemistry with high-resolution mass spectrometry and an algal Ca
2+
reporter line, we found that
M. lacteus
rescues the alga from the antagonistic bacterium by cleaving the ester bond of the cyclic lipopeptide involved. The resulting linearized seco acid does not trigger a cytosolic Ca
2+
homeostasis imbalance that leads to algal deflagellation. Thus, the algae remain motile, can swim away from the antagonistic bacteria and survive the attack. All three involved genera cooccur in nature. Remarkably, related species of
Pseudomonas
and
Mycetocola
also act antagonistically against
C. reinhardtii
or as helper bacteria in tripartite cultures.
Parametric characterization of arcs in semi-sealed splitter plate DC circuit breakers
Authors: Lin Jingyi , Wu Jianwen , Tong Ziang , Xia Shangwen , Chen Ruang
Published: April 2024

Precisely assessing plasma parameters holds paramount importance in investigating the arc extinguishing mechanism of semi-sealed splitter plate DC circuit breakers, refining the configuration of splitter plates, and optimizing the overall structural design of circuit breakers. Based on the principle of the Langmuir probe, a double probe diagnostic method is proposed to investigate the air arc plasma in the opening process of a DC circuit breaker. The diagnostic circuit of the probes is designed, and three sets of double probes are arranged to trace the evolution of the plasma density during the opening process. The research reveals that the plasma center density, measured by the diagnostic system during the opening process of the DC circuit breaker, is about 1022 m−3–1023 m−3. This density is compared with the diagnostic results obtained by other methods, confirming the accuracy of the Langmuir double probe for plasma measurements in the DC circuit breaker. The study also revealed an exponential decay behavior of electron density along the radial direction of the arc. A mathematical model was employed to describe this phenomenon, establishing a relationship between the distribution of electron density and arc current.
Local maximum synchrosqueezing reassigning chirplet transform and its application to gearbox fault diagnosis
Authors: Wang Jianguo , Tian Ye , Dai Fufeng , Shen Yanjie , Yang Yanjun , Liu Qiang , Wu Yingjie
Published: April 2024

Aiming at the problems of poor time–frequency (TF) aggregation and severe noise interference when traditional TF analysis (TFA) methods deal with complex multi-component signals, this paper proposes a new TFA method—local maximum synchrosqueezing reassigning chirplet transform (LMSRCT). The core idea of the method is to introduce the principle of general linear chirplet transform (CT) into synchro-reassigning transform, followed by reassigning the results of local maximum synchrosqueezing CT, and then introducing the innovative synchro-reassigning operator. This results to a novel three-step method for extracting instantaneous frequency (IF), which ultimately yields the final TF representation. This method ensures the integrity of each IF, solves the problem of energy divergence problems, and improves aggregation. Simulation and experimental results show that the LMSRCT can provide better characterisation results compared to other methods and can effectively solve the different situations that occur between the IFs of complex signals. The proposed method can effectively estimate transmission speed, which achieves fault diagnosis under tacholess conditions, and the order analysis results are more accurate and reliable.
Equivariant 3-manifolds with positive scalar curvature
Authors: Chow Tsz-Kiu Aaron , Li Yangyang
Published: April 2024

In this paper, for any compact Lie group

G
G

, we show that the space of

G
G

-equivariant Riemannian metrics with positive scalar curvature (PSC) on any closed three-manifold is either empty or contractible. In particular, we prove the generalized Smale conjecture for spherical three-orbifolds. Moreover, for connected

G
G

, we make a classification of all PSC

G
G

-equivariant three-manifolds.
𝐾𝐾-duality for self-similar groupoid actions on graphs
Authors: Brownlowe Nathan , Buss Alcides , Gonçalves Daniel , Hume Jeremy , Sims Aidan , Whittaker Michael
Published: April 2024

We extend Nekrashevych’s

K
K

KK

-duality for

C
∗

C^*

-algebras of regular, recurrent, contracting self-similar group actions to regular, contracting self-similar groupoid actions on a graph, removing the recurrence condition entirely and generalising from a finite alphabet to a finite graph.

More precisely, given a regular and contracting self-similar groupoid

(
G
,
E
)

(G,E)

acting faithfully on a finite directed graph

E
E

, we associate two

C
∗

C^*

-algebras,

O

(
G
,
E
)

\mathcal {O}(G,E)

and

O

^

(
G
,
E
)

\widehat {\mathcal {O}}(G,E)

, to it and prove that they are strongly Morita equivalent to the stable and unstable Ruelle C*-algebras of a Smale space arising from a Wieler solenoid of the self-similar limit space. That these algebras are Spanier-Whitehead dual in

K
K

KK

-theory follows from the general result for Ruelle algebras of irreducible Smale spaces proved by Kaminker, Putnam, and the last author.
Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia Following Cryolipolysis
Authors: Stein Michael J , Smith Darren , Chia Christopher , Matarasso Alan
Published: April 2024

Cryolipolysis (CL) is a noninvasive technique in which applicators cool tissue to temperatures that selectively destroy adipocytes. Since its introduction to the market, it has rapidly become one of the leading nonsurgical modalities to reduce fat in the aesthetic industry. Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) is a rare adverse reaction to CL, in which there is initial reduction in fat volume, followed by abnormal fat growth exceeding the original volume in the treated area. The incidence of PAH is thought to be underreported, and its pathophysiology and management remains unclear. The objective of this study was to present a series of PAH cases and review efficacy of management modalities.

Level of Evidence: 4
Neural patterns associated with mixed valence feelings differ in consistency and predictability throughout the brain
Authors: Vaccaro Anthony G , Wu Helen , Iyer Rishab , Shakthivel Shruti , Christie Nina C , Damasio Antonio , Kaplan Jonas
Published: April 2024

Mixed feelings, the simultaneous presence of feelings with positive and negative valence, remain an understudied topic. They pose a specific set of challenges due to individual variation, and their investigation requires analtyic approaches focusing on individually self-reported states. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to scan 27 subjects watching an animated short film chosen to induce bittersweet mixed feelings. The same subjects labeled when they had experienced positive, negative, and mixed feelings. Using hidden-Markov models, we found that various brain regions could predict the onsets of new feeling states as determined by self-report. The ability of the models to identify these transitions suggests that these states may exhibit unique and consistent neural signatures. We next used the subjects’ self-reports to evaluate the spatiotemporal consistency of neural patterns for positive, negative, and mixed states. The insula had unique and consistent neural signatures for univalent states, but not for mixed valence states. The anterior cingulate and ventral medial prefrontal cortex had consistent neural signatures for both univalent and mixed states. This study is the first to demonstrate that subjectively reported changes in feelings induced by naturalistic stimuli can be predicted from fMRI and the first to show direct evidence for a neurally consistent representation of mixed feelings.
Syphilis and cardiovascular risk: a Taiwanese registry
Authors: Wu Victor Chien-Chia , Yeh Jih-Kai , Chen Shao-Wei , Wu Chia-Ling , Lin Yu-Sheng , Wu Michael , Wei Kai-Che , Chu Pao-Hsien , Chang Shang-Hung , Huang Yu-Tung
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims

Studies on the impact of syphilis on the cardiovascular system in large populations are limited. This study investigated the effects of syphilis on cardiovascular outcomes.

Methods

Medical records from 2010 to 2015 were retrieved from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, linked to the Notifiable Infectious Diseases database from the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control. Patients with syphilis were identified, excluding those with missing information, under 20 years of age, or with a history of human immunodeficiency virus infection, acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, aortic regurgitation, replacement of the aortic valve, aneurysm and/or dissection of the aorta, atrial fibrillation, ischaemic stroke, haemorrhagic stroke, and venous thromboembolism. Primary outcomes included new-onset acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, aortic regurgitation, aneurysm and dissection of the aorta, atrial fibrillation, ischaemic stroke, haemorrhagic stroke, venous thromboembolism, cardiovascular death, and all-cause mortality.

Results

A total of 28 796 patients with syphilis were identified from 2010 to 2015. After exclusions and frequency matching, 20 601 syphilis patients and 20 601 non-syphilis patients were analysed. The relative rate (RR) was utilized in the analysis, as the competing risk of death was not considered. Compared with patients without syphilis, patients with syphilis had increased risks of acute myocardial infarction (RR 38%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19–1.60, P < .001), heart failure (RR 88%, 95% CI 1.64–2.14, P < .001), aortic regurgitation (RR 81%, 95% CI 1.18–2.75, P = .006), atrial fibrillation (RR 45%, 95% CI 1.20–1.76, P < .001), ischaemic stroke (RR 68%, 95% CI 1.52–1.87, P < .001), haemorrhagic stroke (RR 114%, 95% CI 1.74–2.64, P < .001), venous thromboembolism (RR 67%, 95% CI 1.23–2.26, P = .001), cardiovascular death (RR 155%, 95% CI 2.11–3.08, P < .001), and all-cause death (RR 196%, 95% CI 2.74–3.19, P < .001) but not for aneurysm and dissection of the aorta.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that patients with syphilis have a higher risk of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality compared with those without syphilis.
Lutheran Churches during the Thirty Years War
Authors: Heal Bridget
Published: April 2024

Literary and artistic sources from the era of the Thirty Years War provide vivid accounts of the destruction and desecration of churches. This essay looks beyond these highly emotive descriptions and explores the fate of churches in Electoral Saxony, one of the worst-affected areas of the Holy Roman Empire. It considers patterns of destruction and argues that the plundering and desecration of Lutheran churches by Swedish troops was especially shocking to contemporaries. After the war, the reconstruction and refurbishing of churches was a key part of recovery. Records emphasize the importance of local communal endeavours in restoring what had been lost, from whole buildings to furnishings such as altarpieces and liturgical vessels. Wartime destruction reinforced the Lutheran proclivity for well-ordered and ornate places of worship. The essay ends with a consideration of wartime commemoration, investigating how the traumas of the period registered in the material fabric of Saxony’s churches.
Food and nutrient structure
Authors: Jin Yannan , Dunford Louise
Published: April 2024

This chapter details the main structure of the macronutrients within foods. Due to the development of the understanding of food composition, classifying food components into macronutrients and micronutrients and understanding the features of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins became more convenient. The chapter then elaborates on the chemical structures, properties, and functions of a wide range of food components, which include macronutrients, phytoprotectants, and toxic substances. It also considers the effects of processing and storage on these components. Ultimately, food processing operations applied to foods aim to either improve their palatability or to extend their shelf-life, especially by the destruction of microorganisms.
Body size and composition
Authors: Siervo Mario
Published: April 2024

This chapter looks into the use of body composition information in nutrition by considering the key concepts of body size and composition. Nutrients in the diet are essential to provide the elements from which the human body is built, such as energy and cofactors. Body composition changes throughout life since the water content of the body decreases, and the content of protein and fat increases. The chapter then discusses the strength and limitations of measurement techniques, such as bioelectrical impedance, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and air displacement plethysmography. It also covers the recent development in the assessment of body composition using multi-compartment models and novel diagnostic models.
Energy balance and body weight regulation
Authors: Dulloo Abdul G. , Schutz Yves
Published: April 2024

This chapter covers the key concepts of energy balance and body weight regulation. The long-term constancy of body weight is achieved through a highly complex network of regulatory systems through which changes in food intake, body composition, and energy expenditure are interlinked. Failure of regulations results in either obesity and its co-morbidities or protein-energy malnutrition and cachexia in disease states. Thus, achieving energy balance and weight homeostasis is central to the quality of life. The chapter then details how energy expenditure changes in response to undernutrition and overnutrition before examining the components of models of energy intake and energy expenditure.
Ageing and older people
Authors: Williams Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2024

This chapter looks into what affects ageing throughout a person's life. It mentions that ageing is associated with a progressive decline in physiological functioning and can result in loss of independence and poorer quality of life. Dietary habits and nutritional status in older people are determined by numerous factors, such as physiological changes that occur during ageing and these may impact on nutritional status in later life. Ageing is associated with an increased risk of disability and disease which depends on socioeconomic inequalities such as differences in lifestyle. The chapter considers the changes in physiological function during ageing and the nutritional relevance of these changes.
Nutrition and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Getz Godfrey S. , Reardon Catherine A.
Published: April 2024

This chapter looks at the correlation between nutrition and cardiovascular disease. The most common and pertinent cardiovascular diseases are myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, and hypertension, which serve as a major risk factor for myocardial infarction and stroke. Many genetic and environmental factors increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis, which is a chronic inflammation of the large and medium-sized arteries. The chapter then elaborates on the understanding of lipoprotein metabolism and pathways involved in cholesterol and fatty acid absorption before tackling how diet influences plasma LDL-cholesterol levels. It shows that the gut microbiome contributes to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Cancers
Authors: Bradbury Kathryn E. , Perez-Cornago Aurora , Key Tim J.
Published: April 2024

This chapter focuses on the pathophysiology of cancer before considering the incidence of cancer worldwide and in the UK. Cancer refers to a disease in which the normal control of cell division is lost so that an individual cell multiplies inappropriately to form a tumour that eventually spreads and causes death. Cancer can arise from the cells of different tissues and organs in the body, so there are many different types of cancer. The chapter shows that the causes of cancer in different parts of the body vary while referencing the impact of tobacco, alcohol, ionizing radiation and ultraviolet light on the body. It considers the epidemiological data linking diet with cancer.
Eating disorders
Authors: Nazar Bruno Palazzo , Treasure Janet
Published: April 2024

This chapter covers key concepts surrounding eating disorders (ED). It defines ED as a diagnostic grouping that encompasses disorders with severe disturbances in eating patterns that impart eating behaviours, weight regulation, and brain appetite regulatory system. The main syndromes of ED range between anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED), and avoidant/ restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). The chapter explains the differences between differentiate eating disorders from disordered eating behaviours (DEB) since it is considered as a risk factor for ED by nutrition specialists. It presents a basic treatment plan for eating disorder patients dealing with specific syndromes.
The science of epidemiology
Authors: Mosdøl Annhild , Brunner Eric
Published: April 2024

This chapter describes the science of epidemiology, which is the study of the distribution and causes of disease in populations. It discusses the key concepts of population, exposure, outcome, epidemiological effect, causality, validity, and repeatability. Communicable disease epidemiology provides tools to monitor, track, and respond to threats like the Corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) and the infection caused amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, nutritional epidemiology is one speciality of epidemiology applied to nutrition-related concerns, including the role of nutrition in the causes and prevention of ill health. The chapter details the main features of different epidemiological study designs, including their strengths and weaknesses.
Introduction
Authors: Truswell A. Stewart , Mann Jim , Hodson Leanne
Published: April 2024

This introductory chapter provides an overview of the essentials of human nutrition. The science of nutrition deals with all the effects on people of any component found in food. This starts with the physiological and biochemical processes involved in nourishment—how substances in food provide energy or are converted into body tissues and the diseases that result from insufficiency or an excess of essential nutrients (malnutrition). The chapter begins by defining essential nutrients, considering the substances that are needed in the diet for the normal function of the human body. It then assesses whether it is possible to delay or even prevent chronic degenerative diseases by modifying what we usually eat. The chapter provides food composition tables, dietary reference values and guidelines, biochemical tests, and looks at the relationship between food production and delivery and the environment.
Alcohol
Authors: Truswell A. Stewart
Published: April 2024

This chapter is about alcohol, which is the only substance that is both a drug affecting brain function and a nutrient. It begins by looking at the production of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is produced by alcoholic fermentation of glucose; from the basic fermented beverages, alcohol becomes concentrated by the process of distillation. The chapter then considers the metabolism of alcohol and its effect on the brain. Pharmacologists classify ethanol as a central nervous system depressant, and it is in the same group as volatile anaesthetic agents. With increasing levels of blood alcohol, people pass through successive stages of alcohol intoxication. The chapter discusses the medical consequences of excess consumption of alcohol, examining coronary heart disease and alcoholism. It also investigates whether there is genetic liability to alcohol dependence.
Iron
Authors: MacPhail Patrick
Published: April 2024

This chapter explores the element of iron, which owes its importance in biology to its remarkable reactivity. Of paramount importance in this discussion is the reversible one-electron oxidation–reduction reaction that allows iron to shuttle between ferrous and ferric forms. This reaction is exploited by most iron-dependent enzyme systems involving electron transport, oxygen carriage, and iron transport across cell membranes. This reaction is also responsible for the toxicity seen in acute and chronic iron overload. These contradictory properties are managed by highly specialized and conserved proteins involved in the storage and transport of iron and in regulating the concentration of intracellular iron. The chapter then looks at the proteins of iron metabolism, before considering iron absorption, iron deficiency and iron overload, and iron in pregnancy.
Vitamins D and K
Authors: Truswell A. Stewart
Published: April 2024

This chapter examines vitamins D and K. Because vitamin D was discovered in an era when trace nutrients were being found, it was classified as a food factor, later vitamin, although few foods contain it. The production of this substance in the skin was discovered about the same time, and this origin of the vitamin is the predominant source of vitamin D for humans. The chapter then looks at osteomalacia and osteoporosis, as well as the therapeutic role for vitamin D which is also important for bone health. In the liver, vitamin K promotes the synthesis of a special amino acid with three carboxylic acid groups. Vitamin K deficiency can transpire as a bleeding disorder, characterized by low plasma prothrombin activity (hypoprothrombinaemia). Vitamin K deficiency can occur in obstetric or paediatric practice, in surgical and medical patients.
The Eating Disorders: Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge-Eating Disorder, and OSFED
Authors: Turner Hannah , Peveler Robert
Published: April 2024

This chapter looks at eating disorders, including three principal conditions: anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge-eating disorder (BED). It is also recognized that a significant proportion of patients seen in routine clinical practice present with a syndrome that falls short of a ‘full-blown’ diagnosis and the term ‘other specified feeding or eating disorder’ (OSFED) is currently used to describe this clinical group. It is now recognized that OSFED is as serious a condition as any other eating disorder diagnosis. Eating disorders are a significant cause of physical and psychosocial morbidity. While historically associated primarily with female adolescent and young women, it is now widely accepted that eating disorders can affect people of all ages, genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Food Groups
Authors: Reynolds Andrew
Published: April 2024

This chapter discusses food groups, starting with grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, fruit, and vegetables. Grain foods can be categorized as either whole grain (endosperm, bran, and germ) or refined (endosperm). Broadly speaking, the nutritional value of different grains is similar, with variation due to food processing, genetic factors, and environmental conditions. Grains are high in carbohydrate, particularly starch, while being low in sugar. Meanwhile, nuts and seeds have been valued for their oils as much as for food, and have been an important source of nutrients and energy since the earliest civilizations. The chapter then looks at milk and milk products, meat and poultry, fish and seafood, eggs, fats and oils, and herbs and spices. It also considers food processing and additives, as well as food fortification.
Dietary Patterns
Authors: Skeaff C. Murray
Published: April 2024

This chapter describes dietary patterns. There is tremendous variation in the food habits of individuals and in the food choices, preferences, meal patterns, and cuisines that define diets. Yet, despite this variation, there also exists amongst communities, both small and large, many similarities in the mix or ‘pattern’ of foods and beverages that make up diets. These similarities are often referred to or labelled as ‘dietary patterns’. Dietary patterns describe or classify the quantity, combinations, and frequency of typical foods and beverages consumed amongst groups of people, and are often used as examples of diets to be copied, imitated, or, in some cases, to be avoided. The chapter then considers the key food components of a healthy dietary pattern.
Nutrition and Ageing
Authors: Robinson Sian , Corish Clare
Published: April 2024

This chapter provides an overview of why nutrition is important in older age. Focusing on the physiological changes that occur with ageing, it describes the nutritional needs and status of older adults and considers some special issues arising in nutrition-disease relationships in older age. As undernutrition and malnutrition are common in older populations and associated with poorer health outcomes, including longer duration of hospital stays and greater mortality, routine screening of nutritional status in older populations is essential for early diagnosis. Recognized risk factors for poor nutrition in older age include poorer appetite and physical health, and negative effects of social isolation and eating alone. Interventions to support older adults need to consider the complex array of influences on diet. Moreover, the ageing global population points to the need for better longitudinal data to understand trajectories of nutrition in older age that will inform the design of future preventive measures.
Food Analysis, Food Composition Tables, and Databases
Authors: Lyons-Wall Philippa
Published: April 2024

This chapter examines food analysis, food composition tables, and databases. Food composition tables or databases are designed to describe the composition of the foods in the country of origin. They contain data on foods eaten on a regular basis by the population and generally include some less widely consumed foods that are unique to the culture or eaten on special occasions. When compiling food composition data, there are two important considerations. First, food items must be relevant; sampling of an individual food should be representative of the types commonly consumed by the population on a year-round, nationwide basis and should be pertinent to the current food supply. Second, the food composition data must be of high quality; analyses of the foods should be conducted in a rigorous, scientific environment so that values are precise and accurate.
Sports Nutrition
Authors: Burke Louise M.
Published: April 2024

This chapter addresses dietary strategies to enhance performance of sport for competitors at various levels of sporting ability. The strategies also offer the opportunity to enhance the benefits of exercise for the health of those not involved in professional or competitive sports. Although the desired outcomes of those involved in sport at various levels are widely divergent, there is a shared interest in goals such as gaining lean mass, reducing body fat stores, building strong bones, and improving metabolic capacity. Knowledge relating to sports nutrition has evolved rapidly and recommendations are based on a firmer evidence base. The chapter then looks at training diet, the competition diet, post-exercise recovery, and supplements and sports foods.