bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Proton Transfer on Electrocatalytic Water Oxidation by Manganese Phosphates
Authors: Yang Shujiao , Li Xialiang , Li Yifan , Wang Yabo , Jin Xiaotong , Qin Lingshuang , Zhang Wei , Cao Rui
Published: November 2022

The effect of proton transfer on water oxidation has hardly been measurably established in heterogeneous electrocatalysts. Herein, two isomorphous manganese phosphates (NH4MnPO4 ⋅ H2O and KMnPO4 ⋅ H2O) were designed to form an ideal platform to study the effect of proton transfer on water oxidation. The hydrogen‐bonding network in NH4MnPO4 ⋅ H2O has been proven to be solely responsible for its better activity. The differences of the proton transfer kinetics in the two materials indicate a fast proton hopping transfer process with a low activation energy in NH4MnPO4 ⋅ H2O. In addition, the hydrogen‐bonding network can effectively promote the proton transfer between adjacent Mn sites and further stabilize the MnIII−OH intermediates. The faster proton transfer results in a higher proportion of zeroth‐order in [H+] for OER. Thus, proton transfer‐affected electrocatalytic water oxidation has been measurably observed to bring detailed insights into the mechanism of water oxidation.
Comparative analysis of intracardiac neural structures in the aged rats with essential hypertension
Authors: Pauziene Neringa , Ranceviene Dalia , Rysevaite‐Kyguoliene Kristina , Inokaitis Hermanas , Saburkina Inga , Plekhanova Khrystyna , Sabeckiene Deimante , Sabeckis Ignas , Martinaityte Rugile , Pilnikovaite Ernesta , Pauza Dainius H.
Published: November 2022

Persistent arterial hypertension initiates cardiac autonomic imbalance and alters cardiac tissues. Previous studies have shown that neural component contributes to arterial hypertension etiology, maintenance, and progression and leads to brain damage, peripheral neuropathy, and remodeling of intrinsic cardiac neural plexus. Recently, significant structural changes of the intracardiac neural plexus were demonstrated in young prehypertensive and adult hypertensive spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), yet structural alterations of intracardiac neural plexus that occur in the aged SHR remain undetermined. Thus, we analyzed the impact of uncontrolled arterial hypertension in old (48–52 weeks) SHR and the age‐matched Wistar‐Kyoto rats (WKY). Intrinsic cardiac neural plexus was examined using a combination of immunofluorescence confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy in cardiac sections and whole‐mount preparations. Our findings demonstrate that structural changes of intrinsic cardiac neural plexus caused by arterial hypertension are heterogeneous and may support recent physiological implications about cardiac denervation occurring together with the hyperinnervation of the SHR heart. We conclude that arterial hypertension leads to (i) the decrease of the neuronal body area, the thickness of atrial nerves, the number of myelinated nerve fibers, unmyelinated axon area and cumulative axon area in the nerve, and the density of myocardial nerve fibers, and (ii) the increase in myelinated nerve fiber area and density of neuronal bodies within epicardiac ganglia. Despite neuropathic alterations of myelinated fibers were exposed within intracardiac nerves of both groups, SHR and WKY, we consider that the determined significant changes in structure of intrinsic cardiac neural plexus were predisposed by arterial hypertension.
The pseudo‐complex General Relativity and effects of a minimal length on the structure of black holes
Authors: Maghlaoui Leila , Hess Peter O.
Published: November 2022

After resuming some main predictions of the pseudo‐complex General Relativity (pcGR), the effects of a minimal length, on the structure near the event horizon of a Schwarzschild and Kerr black hole, are investigated within the pcGR. It is shown that for small mass black holes there are strong effects, for example, avoiding the accumulation of mass, which might be important in the formation of primordial black holes during the Big Bang. The pcGR adds to the metric a contribution characterized by a parameter , which has a critical value at which barely an event horizon exists. For macroscopic black holes, these effects vanished for below and above this critical value, but at the critical value effects still persist up to  cm, though quickly disappearing. For very large mass black holes the minimal length can be safely neglected. The limit between a small and a macroscopic black hole, in units of length, is between  cm and  cm.
On quantum‐induced revisiting Einstein tensor in the relativistic regime
Authors: Tawfik Abdel Nasser
Published: November 2022

For a rigorous approach to reconcile principles of general relativity (GR) and quantum mechanics (QM), we suggest applying the generalized relativistic noncommutative Heisenberg algebra on spacetime coordinates and momenta of a test particle on curved Riemann geometry manifold, which in turn is extended to an eight‐dimensional manifold. The natural generalization of the four‐dimensional Riemann geometry is the Finsler geometry, in which the quadratic restriction on the length measure is relaxed. With the minimum measurable length derived from the relativistic generalized four‐dimensional uncertainty principle, the quantum‐induced corrections to the fundamental tensor could be determined in the relativistic regime. Accordingly, the affine connections could be revisited. With the quantum‐induced revisiting Riemann curvature tensor and its contractions, the Ricci curvature tensor, and then the Ricci scalar, we have been able to construct a quantum‐induced revision of the Einstein tensor, in which besides quantum‐induced corrections, additional geometric structures emerge. On the surface of the 2‐sphere, we compared the quantum‐induced revisiting and non‐revisiting Einstein tensor and concluded that the difference between both versions strongly depends on the minimum measurable length and the local geodesics of the test particle through the additional curvature.
On possible quantization of the fundamental tensor in the relativistic regime
Authors: Tawfik Abdel Nasser
Published: November 2022

Inspired by the quantum gravity prescriptions, for instance, string theory, doubly‐special relativity, and quantum loop gravity, we apply the generalized relativistic noncommutative Heisenberg algebra on the eight‐dimensional Finsler manifold, the natural generalization of the four‐dimensional Riemann manifold. The Finsler manifold is conjectured to relax the quadratic restriction on the length measure, especially in the relativistic regime. The additional curvature coupled with the Finsler manifold is assumed to mimic the quantization on the Riemann manifold. The second ingredient we suggest is the existence of a minimum measurable length, whose value is determined from the relativistic generalized uncertainty principle, and then applying in to the coordinates of the Finsler manifold. The quantum‐induced corrections to the fundamental tensor are determined under extreme conditions of a relativistic energy. Whether this proposal is adequate for a full quantization, the various limitations of the proposed theory are elaborated and discussed, especially the limitations of the curved spacetime model assumed for the line element measure. We have conservatively formulated our conclusion that the quantization of the fundamental tensor might be conditioned to an adequate quantization of the line element measure, at least the one on the eight‐dimensional Finsler manifold.
Platelet‐activating factor and microvesicle particles as potential mediators for the toxicity associated with intoxicated thermal burn injury
Authors: Rohan Carson J. , Lohade Rushabh P. , Brewer Chad , Travers Jeffrey B.
Published: November 2022

Thermal burn injuries (TBIs) in patients who are alcohol‐intoxicated result in greater morbidity and mortality. The systemic toxicity found in human patients, which includes both immediate systemic cytokine generation with multiple organ failure and a delayed systemic immunosuppression, has previously been replicated in mouse models combining ethanol and localized TBI. Though considerable insights have been provided with these models, the exact mechanisms for these pathologic effects are unclear. In this review, we highlight the roles of the lipid mediator platelet‐activating factor (PAF) and subcellular microvesicle particle (MVP) release in response to intoxicated thermal burn injury (ITBI) as effectors in the pathology. Particularly, MVP is released from keratinocytes in response to PAF receptor (PAFR) activation due to excess PAF produced by ITBI. These subcellular particles carry and thus protect the metabolically labile PAF which enable binding of this potent lipid mediator to several key sites. We hypothesize that PAF carried by MVP can bind to PAFR within the gut, activating myosin light chain kinase (MLCK). The subsequent gut barrier dysfunction in response to MLCK activation then allows bacteria to invade the lymphatic system and, eventually, the bloodstream, resulting in sepsis and resultant dysregulated inflammation in multiple organs. PAF in MVP also activate the skin mast cell PAFR resulting in migration of this key effector cell to the lymph nodes to induce immunosuppression. This review thus provides a mechanism and potential therapeutic approaches for the increased toxicity and immunosuppressive outcomes of TBI in the presence of acute ethanol exposure.
A recommendation on the teaching of Michaelis–Menten kinetics in biochemistry courses
Authors: Howard Andrew J.
Published: November 2022

Most textbooks and lecturers present Michaelis–Menten kinetics using the equation v = Vmax[S]/(Km + [S]). There are advantages to presenting this relationship in a slightly different form, namely v = Vmax/{1 + (Km/[S])}. We articulate advantages for single‐substrate reactions and extend the formalism to include the three classes of bi‐substrate reactions.
What is a superior labial frenulum? An anatomical and histological study
Authors: Iwanaga Joe , He Puhan , Fukino Keiko , Hur Mi‐Sun , Kim Hee‐Jin , Han Aya , Watanabe Koichi , Ibaragi Soichiro , Kitagawa Norio , Tubbs R. Shane
Published: November 2022

Anatomy of the superior labial frenulum (SLF), at first glance, seems to be well established. However, existing studies on the SLF lack description of the incisivus labii superioris (ILS), which cannot be ignored when discussing the SLF. We believe that thorough understanding of the SLF necessitates the anatomical knowledge of the ILS. This study aimed to elucidate the anatomical relationship between the orbicularis oris (OO), ILS, and SLF. A total of 20 formalin fixed human cadaveric specimens were used for gross anatomical and/or histological observation. For histological observation, all specimens were stained with Masson‐trichrome. The SLF was a mucosal fold between the gingival mucosa and alveolar mucosa with connective tissue deep to it. The connective tissue attached to the alveolar bone in the junction between the right and left ILS. Skeletal muscle fibers other than orbicularis oris was found in one specimen, which were considered the ILS. During a frenulectomy, removal of the connective tissue bundle is required to prevent recurrence of the high SLF insertion.
Thyroid hormone resistance syndrome caused by a novel mutation in the thyroid hormone receptor‐beta gene (THRB, GLU457LYS) treated with methimazole
Authors: Rezgani Imen , Chihaoui Melika , Oueslati Ibtissem , Chaker Fatma , Nagi Sonia , Yazidi Meriem
Published: November 2022

A 15‐year‐old girl presented with hyperactivity and behavior disorders. She had tachycardia and no goiter. Thyroid hormones were high and TSH normal. A novel mutation GLU457LYS in THRB gene was observed. Methimazole and propranolol improved clinical symptoms but increased TSH level.
Strangulated internal hernia caused by an iatrogenic peritoneal band after total laparoscopic hysterectomy—A caveat to consider retroperitoneum closure
Authors: Sakurai Shizuka , Suzuki Yukio , Nagai Koichi , Ishidera Yumi , Nakagawa Kazuya , Miyagi Etsuko
Published: November 2022

Suturing the retroperitoneum is a common technique in laparoscopic hysterectomy, which is reported to reduce vaginal cuff infection and organ evisceration in case vaginal cuff dehiscence occurs. However, physicians should take into account that it may cause internal hernia.
Rapid progression of hepatocellular carcinoma in a pregnant woman: A case report
Authors: Iijima Takayoshi , Obata Soichiro , Chuma Makoto , Miyagi Etsuko , Aoki Shigeru
Published: November 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in pregnant women is rare; however, a recurrence of the disease is followed by rapid lesion progression during pregnancy. We experienced a case in which HCC recurred during pregnancy and rapidly worsened. After delivery at 33 weeks, she underwent chemotherapy and made a good progress.
The new normal – Zurück in die Normalität
Authors: Woppowa Ljuba
Published: November 2022

Auf dem 13. Jahrestreffen der Betriebsingenieure am 11. November 2022 stehen wieder aktuelle Themen aus der Praxis auf dem Programm. Darunter die Betreiberpflichten und die neue TA Luft im betrieblichen Alltag sowie “BIM für BING”: Building Information Modelling – vom Modell in die Praxis. Außerdem werden zentrale Themen aus dem betrieblichen Alltag wie Inbetriebnahme, Turnaround Management sowie Remote Unterstützung und digitale Tools diskutiert.
Recycling‐Konzept für Phosphor überzeugt
Authors: Woppowa Ljuba
Published: November 2022

Die Gewinner des Studierenden‐Wettbewerbs ChemPLANT der kreativen jungen Verfahrensingenieure (KJVI) der VDI‐Gesellschaft Verfahrenstechnik und Chemieingenieurwesen (GVC) kommen wie im Vorjahr auch diesmal vom Karlsruher Institut für Technologie KIT.
“Glorious Blue” macht das Rennen
Authors: Woppowa Ljuba
Published: November 2022

Den ersten Platz beim diesjährigen ChemCar‐Wettbewerb sicherte sich das Team “Spectronics” der ITS Universität Surabaya, Indonesien, mit ihrem ChemCar “Glorious Blue”, gefolgt von Team “LAMA” der TU Berlin und Team “CARpagner” der RWTH Aachen auf den Plätzen zwei und drei.
Prozessanalytik für mehr Produktionseffizienz
Authors: Hakelberg Sabrina
Published: November 2022

Um die Produktionseffizienz zu steigern, können, gemäß der NAMUR‐Roadmap Prozess‐Sensoren 2027+, Sensoren und PAT‐Messgeräte, wie das NIR‐Spektrometer von Metrohm Process Analytics dafür mehr als nur Messdaten, sondern auch Vitaldaten zur Zustandsüberwachung liefern.
Brownfield sicher vernetzen
Authors: Ullrich Steffen
Published: November 2022

Häufig gilt es, Bestandsanlagen (Brownfield) in der Fertigungs‐ und Prozessindustrie zu erweitern. Mit einem ganzheitlichen Ansatz können solche Umgebungen effizient gegen Risiken wie Cyberangriffe geschützt werden. Eine gute IT‐OT‐Security‐Strategie legt außerdem den Grundstein, um Security Incidents frühzeitig zu identifizieren und hilft, die Verfügbarkeit und Effizienz von Anlagen zu steigern.
Das Ökosystem für modulare Produktion wächst
Authors: Wetterau Jörg
Published: November 2022

Unter dem Motto “Process Industry: Future Production is Modular & Open” zeigten Automatisierer und Anlagenbauer wie ABB, Copa‐Data, Emerson, Endress+Hauser, Festo, Hans Turck, Hima, Knick, Krohne, Pepperl + Fuchs, Phoenix Contact, R. Stahl, Samson, Schneider Electric, Semodia, Siemens, Wago und Yokogawa, Universitäten (TU Dresden, Uni Hamburg, TU Ingolstadt, Fraunhofer IFF) sowie Anwender wie BASF, Bayer, Covestro, Evonik, Colorants und Dow, was aktuell in der modularen Produktion möglich ist. Im Mittelpunkt stand die Kerntechnologie der modularen Automation: das Module Type Package (MTP), das den einzelnen Modulen eine digitale Beschreibung gibt.
Prozessdaten sinnvoll nutzen
Authors: Brügel Silke
Published: November 2022

Für eine nutzbringende Digitalisierung kommt es nicht nur darauf an, Daten zu erzeugen und zu sammeln, sondern diese auch vernünftig zu verarbeiten und daraus die richtigen Schlüsse zu ziehen. Dafür braucht es technische Kompetenz in Hard‐ und Software sowie im Datenmanagement, aber auch Erfahrung in Prozessindustrie.
Vernetzt vom Silo bis ins Lager
Authors: Imberg Rafael
Published: November 2022

Maschinen in petrochemischen Betrieben müssen außerordentlich zuverlässig und robust sein. Denn kommt es zu Ausfällen, können auf den Betreiber Kosten in Millionenhöhe zukommen. Die Beumer Group liefert von der Absackung bis zur Verpackung komplette Verpackungslinien inklusive Service. Der Anwender profitiert von der modularen Bauweise der Maschinen und weiteren Vorteilen durch die zunehmende Vernetzung und Digitalisierung.
RFID sorgt für mehr Sicherheit in der Prozessindustrie
Authors: Päschel Sascha
Published: November 2022

"Die übergabe pumpfähiger Prozessmedien bei der Anlieferung oder Zuführung in verfahrenstechnischen Anlagen erfolgt oftmals über sogenannte Schlauchbahnhöfe. Aufgrund der Vielzahl von Kopplungsstellen, müssen nicht korrekt hergestellte Verbindungen erkannt werden, um hohe Folgekosten und Unfälle zu vermeiden. RFID hilft die hergestellten Verbindungen automatisch und zuverlässig zu überprüfen. "
Industriearmaturen mit digitalem Ausweis
Authors: Hasselbach Michael
Published: November 2022

Der digitale Ausweis sorgt für eindeutig identifizierbare Geräte und stellt standardisierte Produktdaten digital zur Verfügung. Dabei unterstützen die Normen DIN SPEC 91406/IEC 61406 und VDI 2770, die der Armaturenhersteller AS‐Schneider in der Kennzeichnung seiner Artikel mit einem QR‐Code umgesetzt hat. Die Daten sollen auch zum cloudbasierten Informationsaustausch genutzt werden. Geprüft werden vom Industrieausschuss Digital Data Chain Consortium (DDCC) die Plattformen Asset Intelligence Network von SAP und Netilion von Endress+Hauser.
Synthesis and Growth of Green Graphene from Biochar Revealed by Magnetic Properties of Iron Catalyst
Authors: Ghogia Amel C. , Romero Millán Lina M. , White Claire E. , Nzihou Ange
Published: November 2022

Understanding the mechanism of iron‐catalyzed graphitization of biomass is an important step for the large‐scale synthesis of green graphene. Although iron is known to be the most active transition metal for the catalytic graphitization of cellulose‐derived biochar, the direct effect of the iron molecular structure on the formation of highly graphitic carbon remains elusive. Here, biochar was produced from pyrolysis of iron‐impregnated cellulose at three different temperatures (1000, 1400, and 1800 °C). X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and magnetic measurements were used to probe changes in biochar nanostructure catalyzed by the inclusion of iron. An increase of pyrolysis temperature led to an increase in the iron particle size and the degree of iron reduction, as well as the formation of larger graphitic carbon crystallite sizes, and these two attributes of iron were seen to positively affect the biochar graphitization usually challenging under 2000 °C.
Novel insights into the origin and development of CNS macrophage subsets
Authors: Masuda Takahiro , Amann Lukas , Prinz Marco
Published: November 2022

The central nervous system (CNS) hosts a variety of immune cells, including two distinct macrophage populations: microglia are found in the parenchyma, whereas CNS‐associated macrophages (CAMs) cover the CNS interfaces, such as the perivascular spaces, the meninges and the choroid plexus. Recent studies have given novel insights into the nature of CAMs as compared to microglia. In this mini‐review, we summarise the current knowledge about the ontogenetic relationship and the underlying mechanism for the establishment of CNS macrophages during development.
Blockade of the pentraxin 3/CD44 interaction attenuates lung injury‐induced fibrosis
Authors: Chi Jhih‐Ying , Hsiao Yu‐Wei , Liang Hsin‐Yin , Huang Tang‐Hsiu , Chen Feng‐Wei , Chen Chen‐Yang , Ko Chiung‐Yuan , Cheng Chao‐Chun , Wang Ju‐Ming
Published: November 2022

Background

Fibrosing interstitial lung diseases (fILD) are potentially fatal with limited therapeutic options and no effective strategies to reverse fibrogenesis. Myofibroblasts are chief effector cells in fibrosis that excessively deposit collagen in the pulmonary interstitium and lead to progressive impairment of gaseous exchange.

Methods

Plasma and lung specimens from patients with fILD were applied for detecting pentraxin 3 (PTX3) abundance by ELISA and Immunohistochemistry. Masson's trichrome and Sirius red stains and hydroxyproline assay were performed for assessing collagen accumulation in the lungs of bleomycin‐exposed conditional Ptx3‐deficient and PTX3‐neutralizing antibody (αPTX3i)‐treated mice. Downstream effectors including signaling pathways and fibrotic genes were examined for assessing CD44‐involved PTX3‐induced fibrosis in HFL1 and primary mouse fibroblasts.

Results

PTX3 was upregulated in the lungs and plasma of bleomycin‐exposed mice and correlated with disease severity and adverse outcomes in fILD patients. Decreased collagen accumulation, attenuation of alveolar fibrosis and fibrotic markers, and improved lung function were observed in bleomycin‐exposed conditional Ptx3‐deficient mice. PTX3 activates lung fibroblasts to differentiate towards migrative and highly collagen‐expressing myofibroblasts. Lung fibroblasts with CD44 inactivation attenuated the PI3K‐AKT1, NF‐κB, and JNK signaling pathways and fibrotic markers. αPTX3i mimic‐based therapeutic studies demonstrated abrogation of the migrative fibroblast phenotype and myofibroblast activation in vitro. Notably, αPTX3i inhibited lung fibrosis, reduced collagen deposition, increased mouse survival, and improved lung function in bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Conclusions

The present study reveals new insights into the involvement of the PTX3/CD44 axis in fibrosis and suggests PTX3 as a promising therapeutic target in fILD patients.
On the shape and origins of the freshwater species–area relationship
Authors: Passy Sophia I. , Mruzek Joseph L. , Budnick William R. , Leboucher Thibault , Jamoneau Aurélien , Chase Jonathan M. , Soininen Janne , Sokol Eric R. , Tison‐Rosebery Juliette , Vilmi Annika , Wang Jianjun , Larson Chad A.
Published: November 2022

The species–area relationship (SAR) has over a 150‐year‐long history in ecology, but how its shape and origins vary across scales and organisms remains incompletely understood. This is the first subcontinental freshwater study to examine both these properties of the SAR in a spatially explicit way across major organismal groups (diatoms, insects, and fish) that differ in body size and dispersal capacity. First, to describe the SAR shape, we evaluated the fit of three commonly used models, logarithmic, power, and Michaelis–Menten. Second, we proposed a hierarchical framework to explain the variability in the SAR shape, captured by the parameters of the SAR model. According to this framework, scale and species group were the top predictors of the SAR shape, climatic factors (heterogeneity and median conditions) represented the second predictor level, and metacommunity properties (intraspecific spatial aggregation, γ‐diversity, and species abundance distribution) the third predictor level. We calculated the SAR as a sample‐based rarefaction curve using 60 streams within landscape windows (scales) in the United States, ranging from 160,000 to 6,760,000 km2. First, we found that all models provided good fits (R2 ≥ 0.93), but the frequency of the best‐fitting model was strongly dependent on organism, scale, and metacommunity properties. The Michaelis–Menten model was most common in fish, at the largest scales, and at the highest levels of intraspecific spatial aggregation. The power model was most frequent in diatoms and insects, at smaller scales, and in metacommunities with the lowest evenness. The logarithmic model fit best exclusively at the smallest scales and in species‐poor metacommunities, primarily fish. Second, we tested our framework with the parameters of the most broadly used SAR model, the log–log form of the power model, using a structural equation model. This model supported our framework and revealed that the SAR slope was best predicted by scale‐ and organism‐dependent metacommunity properties, particularly spatial aggregation, whereas the intercept responded most strongly to species group and γ‐diversity. Future research should investigate from the perspective of our framework how shifts in metacommunity properties due to climate change may alter the SAR.
Meta‐analysed numbers needed to treat of novel antidiabetic drugs for cardiovascular outcomes
Authors: Wolff Georg , Lin Yingfeng , Akbulut Cihan , Brockmeyer Maximilian , Parco Claudio , Hoss Alexander , Sokolowski Alexander , Westenfeld Ralf , Kelm Malte , Roden Michael , Schlesinger Sabrina , Kuss Oliver
Published: November 2022

Aims

Absolute treatment effects—i.e. numbers needed to treat (NNTs)—of novel antidiabetic drugs for cardiovascular outcomes have not been comprehensively evaluated. We aimed to perform a meta‐analysis of digitalized individual patient outcomes to display and compare absolute treatment effects.

Methods and results

Individual patient time‐to‐event information from Kaplan–Meier plots of cardiovascular mortality (CM) and/or hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) endpoints from cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) evaluating dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐4) inhibitors, glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonists, and sodium glucose transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors vs. placebo were digitalized using WebPlotDigitizer 4.2 and the R code of Guyot et al.; Weibull regression models were generated, validated, and used to estimate NNT for individual trials; random‐effects meta‐analysis generated Meta‐NNT with 95% confidence intervals. Sixteen CVOTs reported time‐to‐event information (14 in primary diabetes and 2 in primary heart failure populations). Thirteen studies including 96 860 patients were meta‐analysed for CM: At the median follow‐up of 30 months, Meta‐NNTs were 178 (64 to ∞ to −223) for DPP‐4 inhibitors, 261 (158 to 745) for GLP‐1 receptor agonists, and 118 (68 to 435) for SGLT2 inhibitors. Ten studies including 96 128 patients were meta‐analysed for HHF: At the median follow‐up of 29 months, estimated Meta‐NNTs were −644 (229 to ∞ to −134) for DPP‐4 inhibitors, 441 (184 to ∞ to −1100) for GLP‐1 receptor agonists, and 126 (91 to 208) for SGLT2 inhibitors. SGLT2 inhibitors were especially effective for HHF in primary heart failure populations [Meta‐NNT 25 (19 to 39)] vs. primary diabetes populations [Meta‐NNT 233 (167 to 385)] at 16 months of follow‐up.

Conclusions

We found only modest treatment benefits of GLP‐1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors for CM and HHF in primary type 2 diabetes mellitus populations. In primary heart failure populations, SGLT2 inhibitor benefits were substantial and comparable in efficacy to established heart failure medication.
A Lacunary Polyoxometalate Anion Tightly Sealed in a ZIF‐8 Polyhedron with Ultrafast Cationic Dye Adsorption
Authors: Zhang Chun‐Hui , Zhang Jia‐Yuan , Feng Yi , Qi Xin‐Hua , Gao Guang‐Gang , Fan Lin‐Lin , Liu Hong
Published: November 2022

Finding efficient materials for treatment of dye wastewater is a hot research topic in the field of environmental science. In this paper, the mono‐lacunary polyoxometalate anion (SiW11) is completely sealed in a zeolitic imidazolate (ZIF‐8) polyhedron, forming a new polyhedral absorbent, SiW11@ZIF‐8, with an intact surface and a negative charge center. Unlike saturated Keggin type polyoxoanions, SiW11is only stable under neutral conditions and does not release any protons in solutions. Therefore, SiW11@ZIF‐8 does not display the usually observed acid‐induced etching and shows effective and ultrafast adsorption for the cationic dye methylene blue. This work not only indicates that the neutral polyoxoanion is a more suitable candidate to be sealed in ZIF‐8 to form a stable unpunched composite, but also provides a new concept for the design of stable polyoxometalate@ZIF adsorbents to be potentially used in the treatment of cationic dyes in wastewater.
Large‐scale environmental data science with ExaGeoStatR
Authors: Abdulah Sameh , Li Yuxiao , Cao Jian , Ltaief Hatem , Keyes David E. , Genton Marc G. , Sun Ying
Published: November 2022

Parallel computing in exact Gaussian process (GP) calculations becomes necessary for avoiding computational and memory restrictions associated with large‐scale environmental data science applications. The exact evaluation of the Gaussian log‐likelihood function requires storage and operations, where is the number of geographical locations. Thus, exactly computing the log‐likelihood function with a large number of locations requires exploiting the power of existing parallel computing hardware systems, such as shared‐memory, possibly equipped with GPUs, and distributed‐memory systems, to solve this exact computational complexity. In this article, we present ExaGeoStatR, a package for exascale geostatistics in R that supports a parallel computation of the exact maximum likelihood function on a wide variety of parallel architectures. Furthermore, the package allows scaling existing GP methods to a large spatial/temporal domain. Prohibitive exact solutions for large geostatistical problems become possible with ExaGeoStatR. Parallelization in ExaGeoStatR depends on breaking down the numerical linear algebra operations in the log‐likelihood function into a set of tasks and rendering them for a task‐based programming model. The package can be used directly through the R environment on parallel systems without the user needing any C, CUDA, or MPI knowledge. Currently, ExaGeoStatR supports several maximum likelihood computation variants such as exact, diagonal super tile and tile low‐rank approximations, and mixed‐precision. ExaGeoStatR also provides a tool to simulate large‐scale synthetic datasets. These datasets can help assess different implementations of the maximum log‐likelihood approximation methods. Herein, we show the implementation details of ExaGeoStatR, analyze its performance on various parallel architectures, and assess its accuracy using synthetic datasets with up to 250K observations. The experimental analysis covers the exact computation of ExaGeoStatR to demonstrate the parallel capabilities of the package. We provide a hands‐on tutorial to analyze a sea surface temperature real dataset. The performance evaluation involves comparisons with the popular packages GeoR, fields, and bigGP for exact Gaussian likelihood evaluation. The approximation methods in ExaGeoStatR are not considered in this article since they were analyzed in previous studies.
Use of Toxicity Identification Evaluation Procedures to Clarify the Relationship Between Ammonium Concentrations and Phytoplankton Blooms in the San Francisco Bay Estuary, California, USA
Authors: Miller Jeffrey L. , Bailey Howard C. , Walker Cecilia M. , Miller Kimberley K. , Connor Valerie
Published: November 2022

Phytoplankton blooms in the northern San Francisco Bay Estuary have historically supported much of the larval fish production in the estuary. In the past, blooms were limited largely by reduced light intensities and net outflows through the system, as well as dense populations of introduced clams that continuously filter the water column. Conversely, the estuary is exposed to a wide variety of contaminants that may also impact phytoplankton growth. Interestingly, previous investigations have suggested that relatively low concentrations of ammonium may inhibit development of bloom conditions by interfering with nitrate assimilation. Given the complex dynamics of the system, with multiple factors that could potentially affect algal growth, additional data to validate this hypothesis are important to identify appropriate management options. Consequently, toxicity identification evaluation (TIE) procedures were applied to ambient water samples and monitored for 72–96 h under controlled conditions to evaluate their effects on algal growth and utilization of dissolved inorganic nitrogen. The TIE treatments specifically targeted ammonium, as well as the potential contributions of metals and nonpolar organic contaminants. Notably, all samples exhibited positive growth over the exposure period with no evidence of toxicity, and TIE treatments did not further improve growth. A subsequent 72-h study evaluated the effect of ammonium up to 12 µM at a fixed concentration of nitrate was monitored at 24-h intervals and showed no inhibition of the development of bloom conditions. Collectively, there was no evidence that ammonium interfered with growth, even at concentrations well above the range of postulated effect levels. Of additional interest, the lack of increased growth in TIE treatments targeting chelatable metals and nonpolar organics suggested that these contaminant classes were not present at inhibitory concentrations. These results demonstrate the importance of validation of cause in multistressor environments, and further clarify the roles of different factors that may limit development of bloom conditions in the estuary. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:178–190. © 2022 SETAC
Assessing the Impact of Chemical Algae Management Strategies on Anurans and Aquatic Communities
Authors: Dvorsky Courtney , Riddle Kambrie , Boone Michelle
Published: November 2022

Pond management with chemical and biological agents that reduce overgrowth of algae is an important means of maintaining water quality in residential ponds, yet the effects on nontarget species are not fully understood. We assessed the impact of Aquashade (a common nontoxic pond dye) and copper sulfate (a toxic algaecide) on American toad (Anaxyrus americanus), northern leopard frog (Lithobates pipiens), and Cope's gray treefrog (Hyla chrysoscelis) metamorphosis in outdoor mesocosm experiments. We also evaluated the relative impact of tadpole grazing versus chemical treatment on phytoplankton and periphyton abundance. We found no significant effects of pond management treatment on anuran metamorphosis, suggesting that addition of Aquashade and copper sulfate at tested concentrations does not significantly impact anurans under these experimental conditions. Interestingly, we found that the presence of tadpoles more strongly reduced algal abundance than Aquashade or copper sulfate by significantly decreasing phytoplankton and periphyton abundance over time. The present study suggests that anuran tadpoles may be effective at maintaining water quality, and that Aquashade and copper sulfate may have minimal effects on amphibian metamorphosis. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:213–224. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Advantages of the scapular system in mandibular reconstruction
Authors: Wolter Gabrielle L. , Swendseid Brian P. , Sethuraman Shruthi , Ivancic Ryan , Teknos Theodoros N. , Haring Catherine T. , Kang Stephen Y. , Old Matthew O. , Seim Nolan B.
Published: November 2022

Background

Fibula free flaps (FFF) are often considered the first choice for mandibular reconstruction, but scapular system free flaps (SFF) have increased in popularity due to versatility, donor site advantages, and patient factors.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of patients undergoing mandibulectomy with FFF or SFF reconstruction from 2016 to 2021.

Results

Hundred and seventy‐six patients (FFF n = 145, SFF n = 31) underwent the aforementioned procedures. Mean FFF operative time was 9.47 h versus 9.88 for SFF (p = 0.40). Two‐flap reconstructions required 12.65 h versus 10.09 for SFF with soft tissue (p = 0.002). Donor site complications were identified in 65.6% of FFF with skin grafting.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that SFF requires similar operative time and results in reduced donor site morbidity as compared to FFF. Supine, concurrent harvesting of SFF allows for single‐flap harvest with significantly shorter operative time. SFF could be considered a primary option for mandible reconstruction for complex defects and in select patients.
Endoscopic‐assisted total maxillectomy with precise surgical margins
Authors: Nagaoka Masato , Omura Kazuhiro , Nomura Kazuhiro , Takeda Teppei , Otori Nobuyoshi , Kojima Hiromi
Published: November 2022

In traditional open maxillectomy, identifying the posterior margin is difficult because of its deep location and bleeding from the pterygoid venous plexus. Here, we present our endoscope‐assisted total en bloc maxillectomy technique and discuss its merits and demerits compared to previously reported methods. We developed an endoscope‐assisted total en bloc maxillectomy procedure. We reviewed a series of total maxillectomies performed with and without endoscopic assistance to verify the advantages of endoscopic assistance over conventional total maxillectomy. We analyzed (1) the precision using the distance of the remaining pterygoid process, (2) the operation time, and (3) blood loss. The length of the remnant pterygoid process was significantly shorter in the endoscopic assistance group. The operation time and blood loss were not significantly different between the two groups. Endoscopic assistance makes total maxillectomy more precise without requiring additional time and is a reasonable option for total maxillectomies.
Longitudinal process of employee well‐being: Cross‐lagged relationships among domain satisfactions and subjective well‐being
Authors: Kim Sehoon
Published: November 2022

Scholars have become increasingly interested in employees' well‐being. Despite studies on the relationships among well‐being constructs, research gaps still exist from the longitudinal and within‐person perspectives. Based on top‐down and bottom‐up theories of subjective well‐being and spillover theories, this study examines the longitudinal relationships of work satisfaction, nonwork satisfaction, and subjective well‐being. A random intercept cross‐lagged panel model was used with the data of four yearly waves collected from 8624 full‐time employees. The autoregressive and cross‐lagged coefficients were not stable but rather change across time. There were strong between‐person correlations between work satisfaction, nonwork satisfaction, and subjective well‐being. At the within‐person level, the paths from subjective well‐being to work satisfaction were not significant while the paths from subjective well‐being to nonwork satisfaction were significant over the years. The cross‐lagged effects from work satisfaction and nonwork satisfaction to subjective well‐being were not significant across the years. However, the cross‐lagged relationships between work satisfaction and nonwork satisfaction were significant. Theoretical implications, practical implications, and suggestions for future research were discussed.
Home‐based e‐working under COVID‐19 pandemic conditions: Insights from corporate organizations in Ghana
Authors: Owusu‐Oware Emmanuel
Published: November 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic outbreak and the subsequent lockdowns and restrictions by many countries worldwide to control the spread of the virus forced several organizations to shift work to homes, aided by digital technologies. However, digital infrastructure and homeworking space, which facilitate home‐based e‐working, are constrained in the developing world. It is, therefore, crucial to understand how developing country organizations maintain business operations under pandemic situations using home‐based e‐working and the challenges it poses. This study employs interpretive qualitative research methodology with a socio‐technical perspective to explore home‐based e‐working under COVID‐19 conditions using five reputable corporate organizations in Ghana. Findings from the study show that home‐based e‐working under pandemic conditions can be seen as a business continuity strategy that requires business continuity policy and plan, digital infrastructure and platforms, and cybersecurity. The findings also identified the challenges as partial work virtualization, cybercrime, transition cost, digital divide, and home environment constraints. The findings have implications for research and organizational management in developing countries.
Lower level of IL‐28A as a predictive index of the artificial liver support system in effective treatment of patients with HBV‐ACLF
Authors: Huang Yandi , Ju Tao , Zhang Huafen , Cao Dan , Li Xuefen , Yang Jiezuan , Yan Dong
Published: November 2022

Background

HBV‐related acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (HBV‐ACLF) is the most common type of liver failure with high mortality. Artificial liver support system (ALSS) is an important mean to reduce the mortality of HBV‐ACLF but lacking index to assess its effectiveness. The cytokines are closely related to the prognosis of HBV‐ACLF patients with ALSS treatment, however, which is not fully understood.

Methods

One hundred forty‐two patients with HBV‐ACLF and 25 healthy donors were enrolled. The cytokine profile of peripheral blood was determined in the patients before and after ALSS treatment, and their relationship with effectiveness of ALSS treatment in HBV‐ACLF was analyzed.

Results

Serum IL‐28A levels were markedly lower in ALSS‐effective patients than those in non‐effective patients pre‐ALSS treatment. Similarly, serum IL‐6 was significantly lower in ALSS‐effective patients. Furthermore, for patients with effective treatment, serum IL‐28A levels were positively related with IL‐6 levels post‐ALSS (r = 0.2413, p = 0.0383). The ROC curve analysis showed that serum levels of IL‐28A (AUC = 0.6959 when alone or 0.8795 when combined with total bilirubin, platelet count and INR, both p < 0.0001) and IL‐6 (AUC = 0.6704, p = 0.0005) were useful indices for separating effective from non‐effective ALSS treatment of HBV‐ACLF patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that lower level of IL‐28A was independently associated with higher effective rate of ALSS treatments.

Conclusions

Lower level of IL‐28A is a predictive biomarker for ALSS in effective treatment of HBV‐ACLF patients and IL‐28A may be potential target for the treatment of HBV‐ACLF.
Revisiting β‐Lactams for Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections: Assessing Clinical Outcomes of Twice‐Daily Cephalexin for Empiric Treatment of Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Benning Molly , Acosta Dominic , Sarangarm Preeyaporn , Walraven Carla
Published: November 2022

The 2011 Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines for treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) recommend non–β‐lactam antibiotics for empiric therapy. However, increasing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. resistance to first‐line antibiotic therapies has necessitated the need for alternative agents. Based on local antibiogram data, cephalexin has become the preferred oral antibiotic for empiric treatment of UTIs at our institution. The purpose of this single‐center retrospective review was to assess clinical outcomes of patients discharged from the emergency department (ED) who received cephalexin for the treatment of uncomplicated UTIs. The primary outcome of this study was to assess the proportion of patients with clinical success 30 days after discharge from the ED. Patients were excluded if they were <18 years of age, received ≥10 days of cephalexin, received antibiotics for any indication other than uncomplicated UTI, received antibiotics within 60 days of their ED visit, or had structural abnormalities. A total of 264 patients were included for evaluation, and 214 patients (81.1%) met the criteria for clinical success. Overall, 28 (10.6%) patients required a change in antibiotics based on cultures and sensitivities, 18 (6.8%) patients returned for nonresolving or worsening symptoms, and 4 (1.5%) patients required both a change in antibiotics and returned for nonresolving or worsening symptoms. Short courses of twice‐daily cephalexin appear to be a safe and effective option for the empiric treatment of uncomplicated UTIs.
Ultrasound‐based radiomics in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome: The influence of regions of interest delineation method on mode
Authors: Lyu Shuyi , Zhang Yan , Zhang Meiwu , Jiang Maoqing , Yu Jianjun , Zhu Jiazhen , Zhang Baisong
Published: November 2022

Background

In the recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms have been used to accurately diagnose musculoskeletal diseases. However, it is not known whether the particular regions of interest (ROI) delineation method would affect the performance of the AI algorithm.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of ROI delineation methods on model performance and observer consistency.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis, ultrasound (US) measures of median nerves affected with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) were compared to median nerves in a control group without CTS. Two methods were used for delineation of the ROI: (1) the ROI along the hyperechoic medial edge of the median nerve but not including the epineurium (MN) (ROI1); and (2) the ROI including the hyperechoic epineurium (ROI2), respectively. The intra group correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to compare the observer consistency of ROI features (i.e. the corresponding radiomics parameters). Parameters α1 and α2 were obtained based on the ICC of ROI1 features and ROI2 features. The ROC analysis was used to determine the area under the curve (AUC) and evaluate the performance of the radiologists and network. In addition, four indices, namely sensitivity, specificity, positive prediction and negative prediction were analyzed too.

Results

A total of 136 wrists of 77 CTS group and 136 wrists of 74 control group were included in the study. Control group was matched to CTS group according to the age and sex. The observer consistency of ROI features delineated by the two schemes was different, and the consistency of ROI1 features was higher (α1 ˃ α2). The intra‐observer consistency was higher than the inter‐observer consistency regardless of the scheme, and the intra‐observer consistency was higher when chose scheme one. The performances of models based on the two ROI features were different, although the AUC of each model was greater than 0.8.The model performed better when the MN epineurium was included in the ROI. Among five artificial intelligence algorithms, the Forest models (model1 achieved an AUC of 0.921 in training datasets and 0.830 in testing datasets; model2 achieved an AUC of 0.967 in training datasets and 0.872 in testing datasets.) obtained the highest performance, followed by the support vector machine (SVM) models and the Logistic models. The performances of the models were significantly better than the inexperienced radiologist (Dr. B. Z. achieved an AUC of 0.702).

Conclusion

Different ROI delineation methods may affect the performance of the model and the consistency of observers. Model performance was better when the ROI contained the MN epineurium, and observer consistency was higher when the ROI was delineated along the hyperechoic medial border of the MN.