bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fourteen years old as the best age cutoff to differentiate prepubertal from pubertal papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: He Yuqin , Li Han , Wang Kai , Wang Jian , Zhu Yiming , Ni Song , Liu Shaoyan
Published: October 2022

Background

It is unclear whether differences in clinical presentation and/or prognosis exist between prepubertal papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and pubertal PTC. At present, there is a lack of definition for the appropriate cutoff age to define prepubertal PTC.

Methods

This study retrospectively reviewed 227 pediatric PTC patients (aged ≤18 years) who underwent initial surgery from March 2000 to December 2018. The median duration of follow‐up was 85 months (range, 8–258).

Results

The age range was basically linearly related to multiple risk factors, such as T3–T4 disease, distant metastasis. Age (p = 0.032) was an independent risk factor for recurrence and persistent disease. Patients aged <14 years had obviously higher rates of extensive disease. The 10‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) rate of patients aged <14 years was 59.5% and that of patients aged ≥14 years was 82.6% (p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Fourteen years of age may be an appropriate cutoff to differentiate prepubertal PTC from pubertal PTC.
The pre‐eclampsia, growth restriction, and ductus venosus doppler (GRADED) study: An observational study of early‐onset fetal growth restriction and pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Govender Vaeochan , Naidoo Thinagrin D. , Foolchand Serantha
Published: October 2022

Objective

To assess the feasibility of using ductus venosus Doppler (DVD) to time delivery in early‐onset fetal growth restriction (FGR) and pre‐eclampsia in a resource‐constrained setting.

Methods

This was a prospective, observational study of pregnancies affected by early‐onset FGR and pre‐eclampsia. Patient characteristics, risk factors, ultrasound findings, and pregnancy outcomes were entered into a data collection tool. The association of these variables with perinatal and maternal outcomes were determined using binary logistic regression analysis.

Results

The study had 61 participants. Most patients were delivered at 29–31+6 weeks of pregnancy (67%). Neonates with an estimated fetal weight on ultrasound of less than 800 g had the highest incidence of perinatal mortality (63%). There was a near six‐fold increase in risk of major neonatal morbidity in patients with abnormal DVD (odds ratio 5.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8–19.0). Absent flow in the DVD a‐wave carried a higher risk of perinatal mortality (OR 23.8, 95% CI 1.7–334.8); 22% of patients with an abnormal DVD a‐wave experienced placental abruption.

Conclusion

Having an abnormal DVD in the background of pre‐eclampsia was related to increased perinatal morbidity and mortality, with increased risk of placental abruption.
Aerated drip irrigation increased the emitter clogging risk of the Yellow River water drip irrigation
Authors: Lv Chang , Zhang Erxin , Gan Haicheng , Niu Wenquan , Ali Sajjad , Dong Aihong , Zhang Wenqian , Wu Menglong , Sun Dan
Published: October 2022

The influence of aeration on the emitter clogging of Yellow River water drip irrigation was evaluated, and reasonable measures to slow down the emitter clogging were investigated. A short‐cycle intermittent irrigation test and sediment settlement test were performed under the conditions of aeration and no aeration. The results showed that aeration accelerated the settlement of sediment at the inlet of the flow channel, increased the clogging rate of the flow channel inlet and exacerbated the clogging of the emitter. With the decrease of sediment particle size, aeration increased sediment deposition and emitter clogging. With the increase fencing inlet area, the effect of aeration on sediment settlement and emitter clogging decreased. Under aeration conditions, the upward position of the emitter outlet significantly reduced the mass of emitter blockage and increased the emitter flow compared with the downward positioning of the outlet. Thus, the recommendation is to select an emitter with a large area of fencing inlet, and the outlet of the emitter should be positioned upwards in order to improve the anticlogging performance of the emitter for Yellow River water aerated drip irrigation.
Screening potential anaphylactoid components in vinpocetine injection using a high expression Mas‐related G‐protein‐coupled receptor X2 cell membrane chromatography
Authors: Lu Jiayu , Jia Xin , Wang Changhe , He Huaizhen
Published: October 2022

Vinpocetine injection is often used in clinical treatment of acute cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, it was reported that vinpocetine injection caused allergic reactions in clinical use; therefore, its safety needs urgent attention. Until now, research on its sensitization is rarely reported. Here, the components contained in three vinpocetine injections were examined. It was found that besides vinpocetine, the synthetic raw material vincamine, the excipients benzyl alcohol and ethyl p‐toluenesulfonate, and the impurities A, B, C, and D, which are excipients specified in the European Pharmacopoeia, were also present in them. Then the Mas‐related G‐protein‐coupled receptor X2 (MRGPRX2)‐HEK293 cell membrane chromatography was used to investigate the affinity of them with MRGPRX2 and found that vinpocetine, vincamine, and impurities A, B, C, and D bind to MRGPRX2. Afterwards, these compounds were further used to investigate the local sensitization ability in vivo. The results showed that vinpocetine, vincamine, and impurity C could induce swelling of the paw and decrease body temperature in mice, but only impurity C could cause local skin mast cell degranulation and serum histamine release increase. In vitro, the results also indicated that impurity C could increase intracellular [Ca2+] in MRGPRX2‐HEK293 cells, whereas vinpocetine and vincamine did not. Therefore, the impurity C was the potential anaphylactoid component in vinpocetine injection, which may be one of the reasons for the occurrence of allergic reactions in the clinical use of vinpocetine injection. This work provides evidence on the sensitization of impurity C and also contributes to promoting the clinical safety of vinpocetine injection.
Decellularized fish swim bladder patch loaded with mesenchymal stem cells inhibits neointimal hyperplasia
Authors: Sun Peng , Wu Haoliang , Bai Xiche , Zhang Liwei , Zhang Cong , Wang Xueyun , Lou Chunyang , Li Bo , Li Zhuo , Bai Hualong
Published: October 2022

We previously showed decellularized fish swim bladder can be used as vascular patch and tube graft in rats, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have showed the capability to inhibit neointimal hyperplasia in different animal models. We hypothesized that decellularized fish swim bladder patch loaded with MSCs (bioinspired patch) can inhibit neointimal hyperplasia in a rat aortic patch angioplasty model. Rat MSCs were grown in vitro and flow cytometry was used to confirm their quality. 3.6 × 105 MSCs were mixed into 100 μl of sodium alginate (SA)/hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel, two layers of fish swim bladders (5 mm × 5 mm) were sutured together, bioinspired patch was created by injection of hydrogel with MSCs into the space between two layers of fish swim bladder patches. Decellularized rat thoracic aorta patch was used as control. Patches were harvested at days 1 and 14 after implantation. Samples were examined by histology, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. The decellularized rat thoracic aorta patch and the fish swim bladder patch had a similar healing process after implantation. The bioinspired patch had a similar structure like native aorta. Bioinspired patch showed a decreased neointimal thickness (p = .0053), fewer macrophages infiltration (p = .0090), and lower proliferation rate (p = .0291) compared to the double layers fish swim bladder patch group. Decellularized fish swim bladder patch loaded with MSCs can inhibit neointimal hyperplasia effectively. Although this is a preliminary animal study, it may have a potential application in large animals or clinical research.
Virtual clinic: Applying technology to expand dental school walls
Authors: Siddanna Geetha Duddanahalli , Karpenko Amy E. , Mantesso Andrea , Sterlitz Stephen J. , Fasbinder Dennis J.
Published: October 2022

Dental education traditionally requires the use of dedicated fixed preclinic facilities to provide clinically relevant experiences to support the development of dexterity, critical thinking, and self‐assessment skills that are essential for excellent patient care. As a result of the social distancing guidelines instituted at the height of the COVID pandemic, dental education was severely affected when education pivoted to remote instruction and had significant restrictions on in‐person training. This study evaluated a novel application of modern technology to allow students to perform clinically relevant hands‐on exercises away from dental school and, most importantly, receive feedback on their performance as an aid in their development. Student surveys and a comparison of pre‐ and post‐COVID grades were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the virtual clinic to support remote dental education.
Outcomes of Non‐Mucosa Sparing Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (Partial Reboot) in Refractory Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis: An Academic Hospital Experience
Authors: Pirola Francesca , Pace Gian Marco , Giombi Francesco , Heffler Enrico , Paoletti Giovanni , Nappi Emanuele , Sanità William , Giulietti Gaia , Giunta Gianmarco , Ferreli Fabio , Mercante Giuseppe , Spriano Giuseppe , Canonica Giorgio Walter , Malvezzi Luca
Published: October 2022

Objective

The reboot approach could be an effective treatment option to lower recurrence rates (RRs) in recalcitrant Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP). The purpose of this study was to investigate RR, recurrence‐free survival (RFS), quality of life (QoL) improvement, and oral corticosteroid (OCS) intake in pluri‐operated CRSwNP patients treated with partial reboot surgery.

Methods

A consecutive sample of patients with recalcitrant CRSwNP, ineligible for monoclonal antibodies, underwent partial reboot surgery. The 22‐item SinoNasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22), Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) scores, OCS intake, and endoscopic Nasal Polyp Score (NPS) were collected pre and postoperatively. The main outcomes were RR and RFS, and comparison of disease‐free time with previous endoscopic surgeries.

Results

Thirty pluri‐operated patients were enrolled. Before the reboot, all had experienced disease recurrence at a mean recurrence time of 8.08 ± 2.83 months after surgery. After reboot, 7 (23.3%) had recurrence at a mean time of 16.67 ± 3.07 months (p = 0.02); none needed additional revision surgery till time of data collection. RR at 12, 18, and 24 months follow‐up resulted significantly lower for reboot than other previous surgeries (p = 0.010, p = 0.002, p = 0.016, respectively); RFS difference resulted significant (log‐rank test = 4.16; p = 0.04). Differences between pre‐and post‐operative total and single‐items scores of SNOT‐22 were significant (p = 0.001), as well as VAS scores (p = 0.001). Before the reboot, 21 patients (70%) took ≥2 OCS courses per year; at the latest follow‐up visit, none had taken any course of OCS after reboot.

Conclusions

The reboot approach showed lower RR, longer RFS, improved QoL, and zeroing of OCS uptake. Larger samples and longer follow‐up studies are needed to assess long‐term efficacy and safety of this procedure.

Level of Evidence

4. According to the Oxford Center for Evidence‐Based Medicine 2011 level of evidence guidelines, this non‐randomized retrospective cohort study is classified as level 4 evidence Laryngoscope, 2022. Laryngoscope, 133:1584–1589, 2023
Depth and basin shape constrain ecosystem metabolism in lakes dominated by benthic primary producers
Authors: Klaus Marcus , Verheijen Hendricus A. , Karlsson Jan , Seekell David A.
Published: October 2022

Metabolism is one of the most fundamental ecosystem processes, but the drivers of variation in metabolic rates among lakes dominated by benthic primary producers remain poorly constrained. Here, we report the magnitudes and potential drivers of whole‐lake metabolism across 43 Swedish arctic–alpine lakes, based on the free‐water diel oxygen technique with sondes deployed during the open‐water season near the surface and bottom of the lakes. Gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (R) were strongly coupled and ranged from 0.06 to 0.45 mg and 0.05 to 0.43 mg L−1 d−1 among lakes. On average, GPP and R decreased eightfold from relatively shallow to deep lakes (mean depth 0.5–10.9 m) and twofold from concave to convex lakes (mean depth: maximum depth 0.2–0.5). We attribute this to light limitation and shape‐specific sensitivity of benthic GPP to disturbance by lake ice. Net ecosystem production (GPP‐R) ranged from −0.09 to 0.14 mg L−1 d−1 and switched, on average, from positive to negative towards deeper lakes and lakes richer in dissolved organic carbon (DOC; 0.5–7.4 mg DOC L−1). Uncertainties in metabolism estimates were high (around one and three times mean R and GPP), especially in deep lakes with low insulation and diurnally variable wind speed. Our results confirm the role of DOC in stimulating net heterotrophy and highlight novel effects of lake shape on productivity in benthic‐dominated lake ecosystems and its response to changes in lake ice cover.
Core–Shell Structured Chitosan‐Polyethylenimine Nanoparticles for Gene Delivery: Improved Stability, Cellular Uptake, and Transfection Efficiency
Authors: Casper Jens , Nicolle Laura , Willimann Melanie , Kuzucu Evrim Ümit , Tran Alan , Robin Perrine , Detampel Pascal , Grisch‐Chan Hiu Man , Thöny Beat , Huwyler Jörg , Gerber‐Lemaire Sandrine
Published: October 2022

The delivery of nucleic acids relies on vectors that condense and encapsulate their cargo. Especially nonviral gene delivery systems are of increasing interest. However, low transgene expression levels and limited tolerability of these systems remain a challenge. The improvement of nucleic acid delivery using depolymerized chitosan–polyethylenimine DNA complexes (dCS‐PEI/DNA) is investigated. The secore complexes are further combined with chitosan‐based shells and functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and cell penetrating peptides. This modular approach allows to evaluate the effect of functional shell components on physicochemical particle characteristics and biological effects. The optimized ternary complex combines a core‐dCS‐linear PEI/DNA complex with a shell consisting of dCS‐PEG‐COOH, which results in improved nucleic acid encapsulation, cellular uptake and transfection potency in human hepatoma HuH‐7cells and murine primary hepatocytes. Effects on transgene expression are confirmed in wild‐type mice following retrograde intrabiliary infusion. After administration of only 100 ng complexed DNA, ternary complexes induced a high reporter gene signal for three days. It is concluded that ternary coreshell structured nanoparticles comprising functionalized chitosan can be used for in vitro andin vivo gene delivery.
Time regularity for generalized Mehler semigroups
Authors: Lunardi Alessandra
Published: October 2022

We study continuity and Hölder continuity of , where is a generalized Mehler semigroup in , the space of the continuous and bounded functions from a Banach space X to , and . The generators L of such semigroups are realizations of a class of differential and pseudo‐differential operators, both in finite and in infinite dimension. Examples of operators L to which this theory is applicable include Ornstein–Uhlenbeck operators with fractional diffusion in finite dimension, and Ornstein–Uhlenbeck operators with associated strong‐Feller semigroups, in infinite dimension.
Zero‐Carbon Emission Chemical Method to Remove Formaldehyde without Catalyst by Highly Porous Polymer Composites at Room Temperature
Authors: Wang Lei , Liu Zhen , Li Aihua , Pu Jiayan , Wang Zihao , Chen Tao , Jiang Degang , Yang Wenrong , Xia Yanzhi , Liu Jingquan
Published: October 2022

Herein, the fabrication of reduced graphene oxide (RGO)‐templated polymer composites for chemical removal of gaseous formaldehyde under ambient conditions is presented. The chemical removal of formaldehyde is achieved by a nucleophilic addition reaction between formaldehyde and aminooxy groups on the polymer chain ends to form the oxime bonds with the only byproduct of H2O. RGO is essential since it not only has an ultralarge surface area but also can act as a perfect template for immobilizing pyrene‐terminated and aminooxy‐functionalized polymers via strong π–π stacking interactions, while melamine foam provides a three‐dimensional skeleton for loading RGO/polymer composites to afford a porous 3D structure for efficient formaldehyde removal. Since the oxime bond can be cleaved into aminooxy group in acidic media, the RGO/polymer composite can be regenerated for repeatable usage, which shows an excellent performance of adsorbing 14 mg of formaldehyde by 100 mg of the polymer at ambient condition.
Boron addition to AISI A213/P91 steel: Preliminary investigation on microstructural evolution and microhardness at simulated heat‐affected zone
Authors: Khajuria A. , Akhtar M. , Bedi R.
Published: October 2022

The motivation behind present investigation has been a step to create preliminary understanding towards structure‐property correlation i. e., microstructure and microhardness in presence of boron in P91 steel and in its subzones of heat‐affected zone with Gleeble simulation. For microstructure characterization and its comparison amongst selected two steels, light microscopy for prior austenite grain size, morphology of prior austenite grain boundaries and scanning electron microscopy at low‐resolution and high‐resolution in order to study evolution of sub‐structure i. e. martensitic lath block structure and nano‐precipitates were employed. Electron backscatter diffraction measurements of all coupons were done to understand the distribution and contribution of relative fraction of various grain and sub‐grain boundaries within local microstructure. Main effects of addition of 100 ppm boron to standard P91 steel as observed from present microstructural evaluation are; existence of fine nano‐precipitates P91‐coarse grained heat affected zone than its P91B counterpart, grain refinement in fine‐grained heat‐affected zone of both steels with partial dissolution of nano‐precipitates, coarsened nano‐precipitates in P91‐fine‐grained heat‐affected zone after post weld heat treatment, mixed‐structure of partially transformed martensite and coarsened undissolved prior austenite grains with nano‐precipitates in P91‐inter‐critical heat‐affected zone than P91B‐inter‐critical heat‐affected zone. However, difference in microhardness was primarily owing to variation of nano‐precipitates fraction area. In addition, present work induced grounds for microstructure stability i. e., grain boundary hardening in P91B weldments that suppresses type IV failure.
Effect of tin addition on the corrosion resistance of low‐alloyed steel in simulated coastal‐industrial atmosphere environment
Authors: Chen S. , He M. , Liu B.
Published: October 2022

In simulated coastal‐industrial atmosphere, the atmospheric corrosion behavior of three different tin content low‐alloy steels has been investigated by indoor wet/dry cyclic corrosion test. The results indicate that in the early stage of atmospheric corrosion, tin addition has beneficial effect on the corrosion resistance improvement, and corrosion resistance increases as tin content increases. However, increased corrosion resistance due to tin addition does not last long. After a large amount of corrosion products are formed on the surface of the sample, the stability and compactness of rust layer are degraded by tin. Therefore, in the long‐term atmospheric corrosion process, the lower the tin content in steel, the better the corrosion resistance of steel.
Evolution mechanism of compression deformation of carbon black reinforced epoxy resin composites
Authors: Wu Z. , Jang H.F. , Bo X. , Yang C.M. , Zhang Y. , Wan J.Q.
Published: October 2022

In this paper, the double‐element composites were developed, which contained the epoxy resin as matrix phase and carbon black rubber powder as toughening materials. Quasi‐static compression tests on epoxy resin and different mass fractions carbon black rubber powder‐epoxy resin composites were performed in room temperature to test their compression properties. The energy absorption performance and the energy absorption efficiency of the composites were calculated according to the compression curve. The fracture characteristics of the micro appearance of the compressed material specimen were observed by scanning electron microscope. The deformation mode of the composite was analyzed. By systematically analyzing the effects of carbon black rubber powder content on the mechanical properties of carbon black rubber powder‐epoxy resin, it was found that carbon black rubber powder as a reinforced material could effectively improve the brittleness of epoxy resin, the yield strength and the adsorption properties and efficiency of composites. With the mass fraction of carbon black rubber powder increasing, the energy absorption performance of carbon black rubber powder‐epoxy resin first increases and then decreases. The most significant performance observed was at a mass fraction of 5 % in carbon black rubber powder‐epoxy resin composites.
Effect of ply orientation and laminate thickness on carbon fibre reinforced polymers under low‐velocity impact
Authors: Hiremath V.S. , Reddy D.M.
Published: October 2022

Composite materials, which have gained prominence in the aerospace industry due to their high strength‐to‐weight ratio, are vulnerable to delamination damage when struck by low‐speed projectiles due to their low through‐thickness strength. This paper presents the experimental evaluation of a composite plate subjected to low‐velocity impact. The plates under discussion were constructed using a carbon fibre reinforced polymer laminate with a quasi‐isotropic ply structure. Experiments were carried out using a conical‐shaped impactor on carbon/epoxy laminated plates with three different orientations ([0/0] 4 s, [0/90] 2 s, and [45/0–45/90] s) that were put through two distinct impact energies (7 J and 14 J). Impact response is determined using drop‐weight impact tests. The techniques of ultrasonic C‐scan, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and surface micrographs were integrated to provide a new and in‐depth understanding of damage evolution and failure mechanisms in composite laminates. Damage resistance appears to decrease as impact energy increases. Furthermore, thicker laminates have lower absorbed energy but, on the other hand, more widespread delamination due to increased bending stiffness. Furthermore, quasi‐isotropic laminates outperform in terms of damage resistance and increased energy absorption rates by 8 % to 15 %. The efficacy and logic of the suggested model were shown by a strong connection between experimental results.
Prediction of thermal and thermo‐mechanical behavior of nano‐zirconia reinforced aluminium matrix composites
Authors: Shekhawat D. , Agarwal P. , Singh A. , Patnaik A.
Published: October 2022

Aluminium bequeaths the same benefits to medical industry as it does to other industries: it is incredibly lightweight and possesses superior strength‐to‐weight ratio. This study‘s aim is to investigate the thermal and thermomechanical behaviour of aluminium 6061 alloy reinforced with nano zirconia (0 wt. % to 15 wt. %; in 5 % steps) for medical applications. The effect of nano zirconia loading on thermal conductivity and thermo‐mechanical (thermo‐gravimetric analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis) have been systematically investigated. The thermal conductivity (128 W/m⋅K to 79 W/m⋅K) decreases with the increasing of nano zirconia particles reinforcement. The storage modulus increases with the nano zirconia particles (64 GPa to 172 GPa), whereas loss modulus indicates an increasing trend concerning the increasing temperature. The thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis result shows that composites’ decomposition temperature improved with the weight percentage of nano zirconia particles. Furthermore, representative volume element analysis is conducted to evaluate the thermal conductivity and results indicates good agreement with the experimental results within a deviation of ∼5 %.
Investigations on the local structure and the spin Hamiltonian parameters for Cu2+ in xCuO−(68−x)V2O5−32TeO2 glasses
Authors: Liu Li , Yang Zhangzhang , Fu Jia , Wan Zhitao
Published: October 2022

The defect structure, spin Hamiltonian parameters (SHPs: anisotropic
factors
and
and the hyperfine structure constants
and
), and their compositional dependence of
in
(
= 5, 10, 20, 30 mol%) glasses are quantitatively analyzed by using the higher‐order perturbation formula of octahedral complex with tetrahedral elongation distortion. Due to the Jahn–Teller effect, the
group is subjected to tetragonal elongation distortion of varying degrees.
, and
show nonlinear changes with the concentrations of
. When
= 10 mol% CuO, the degree of distortion (
) is the smallest; when
= 30 mol% CuO, the degree of distortion (
) is the largest, which indicates that excessive distortion leads to the appearance of
‐axis oxygen vacancies and the coordination number of copper ions from six to four. The increasing tendency of the evaluated
and
reveals decreasing covalency of the whole glass system. Present theoretical studies would be useful to the explore the structural properties and optical applications of glass with different
concentrations.
Evaluation of the effect of a Nursing System Framework on Nurse Sensitive Indicators, mortality and readmission in an NHS Trust
Authors: Cannaby Ann‐Marie , Carter Vanda , Warren Katherine , Gwinnett Jason , Bailey Karla , Mahmud Sultan , Gray Richard
Published: October 2022

In 2018, an NHS Trust (UK) implemented an innovative Nursing System Framework (NSF). The NSF formalized a two‐year strategy, which provided teams with clear aims and measurable objectives to deliver care. Failures of coordination of nursing services are well‐recognized threats to the quality, safety and sustainability of care provision.

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy of introducing a NSF in an NHS Trust, using nursing sensitive indicators and pre‐selected mortality, data outcome measures.

Design

A before and after implementation, observational study.

Methods

105,437 admissions were extracted at an admission record level. Data was extracted from 1st September 2018 through to the 31st August 2019.

Results

Using SQUIRE guidelines to report the study, insufficient evidence was found to reject a null hypothesis with a chi‐squared test of association between in‐hospital death and the NSF intervention period, with a p‐value of .091. However, trends were seen in the data, which suggested a positive association.

Conclusion

The NSF is a complex intervention, which provides direction for improvements but requires further research to understand the benefits for nurses, Midwives, Health Visitors and patients.
A higher‐order hybrid spline difference method on adaptive mesh for solving singularly perturbed parabolic reaction–diffusion problems with robin‐boundary conditions
Authors: Gupta Aastha , Kaushik Aditya , Sharma Manju
Published: October 2022

We propose a hybrid numerical scheme to discretize a class of singularly perturbed parabolic reaction–diffusion problems with robin‐boundary conditions on an equidistributed grid. The hybrid difference scheme is developed by using a modified backward difference scheme in time, a combination of the cubic spline and exponential spline difference scheme in space. The proposed scheme uses a cubic spline difference scheme for the discretization of robin‐boundary conditions. For the time discretization of the problem, we use the standard uniform mesh while a layer adapted equidistributed grid is generated for the spatial discretization. By equidistributing a curvature‐based monitor function, the spatial adaptive grid is able to capture the presence of parabolic boundary layers without using any prior information about the solution. Parameter uniform error estimates are derived to illustrate an optimal convergence of first‐order in time and second‐order in space for the proposed discretization. The accuracy of the proposed scheme is confirmed by the numerical experiments that underpin the theoretical analysis.
Scalable Microreactor Concept for the Continuous Kolbe Electrolysis of Carboxylic Acids Using Aqueous Electrolyte
Authors: Baumgarten Nils , Etzold Bastian J. M. , Magomajew Juri , Ziogas Athanassios
Published: October 2022

The Kolbe electrolysis is a promising reaction to combine the usage of electrons as reagents and the application of renewable generated carboxylic acids as raw materials producing value added chemicals. Within this study, the electrolysis was conducted in a specially developed concept electrochemical microreactor and draws the particular attention to continuous operation and reuse of the aqueous electrolyte as well as of the dissolved unreacted feedstock. The electrolysis was conducted in alkaline aqueous solution using n‐octanoic acid as model substance. Platinized titanium as anode material in an undivided cell setup was shown to give Kolbe selectivity above 90 %. During the technically relevant conditions of current densities up to 0.6 A cm−2 and overall electrolysis times of up to 3 h, a high electrode stability was observed. Finally, a proof‐of‐concept continuous operation and the numbering up potential of the ECMR could be demonstrated.
TheCBDPost‐2020 biodiversity framework: People's place within the rest of nature
Authors: Friedman Kim , Bridgewater Peter , Agostini Vera , Agardy Tundi , Arico Salvatore , Biermann Frank , Brown Kate , Cresswell Ian D. , Ellis Erle C. , Failler Pierre , Kim Rakhyun E. , Pratt Christelle , Rice Jake , Rivera Vivienne Solis , Teneva Lida
Published: October 2022

Recognizing two decades of failure to achieve global goals and targets, parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity are in the final phase of negotiating a Post‐2020 Global Biodiversity Framework for the conservation, sustainable use and benefit sharing of biodiversity. The framework attempts to set out pathways, goals and targets for the next decade to achieve positive biodiversity change.

This perspective intends to help that framework set people firmly as part of nature, not apart from it. Despite work done so far through four meetings, new thinking and focus is still needed on ‘what’ changes must be conceptualized and implemented, and ‘how’ those changes are to be delivered. To help achieve that new thinking, as a broad range of people, many with a focus on aquatic systems, we highlight six key foci that offer potential to strengthen delivery of the framework and break the ‘business as usual’ logjam.

These foci are as follows: (i) a reframing of the narrative of ‘people's relationship with the rest of nature’ and emphasize the crucial role of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in delivering positive biodiversity change; (ii) moving beyond a focus on species and places by prioritizing ecosystem function and resilience; (iii) supporting a diversity of top‐down and bottom‐up governance processes; (iv) embracing new technologies to make and measure progress; (v) linking business more effectively with biodiversity and (vi) leveraging the power of international agencies and programmes.

Given they are linked to a greater or lesser degree, implementing these six foci together will lead to a much‐needed broadening of the framework, especially those of business and broader urban civil society, as well as those of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.

Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.
A critical review on mechanical and morphological characteristics of injection molded biodegradable composites
Authors: Gorrepotu Surya Rao , Debnath Kishore , Mahapatra Rabindra Narayan , Srivatsan Tirumalai S.
Published: October 2022

Factors like environmental and societal awareness often lead to a significant change of action in the development of eco‐friendly materials like the family of green composites. Green composites are becoming increasingly apparent as a sensible and potentially viable alternative to the synthetic composites. A healthy synergism of factors to include weight reduction, cost, performance improvement, biodegradable nature, nontoxic properties, and flexibility are often the key motives that provide the much needed impetus for the development of green composites for the purpose of selection and use in a spectrum of applications. The biodegradable or green composites became a viable substitute for the long‐established materials and often a challenge to the family of synthetic polymer‐based composites. The present study draws attention to the issues and challenges that come in the way of development and characterization of “green” composites primarily on the use of advanced manufacturing processes like injection molding. In this article, the chemical composition, structure, mechanical properties, and classification of the natural fibers are presented and briefly discussed. The mechanical properties, to include tensile response, flexural behavior, and impact strength, of the injection molded composites are presented and adequately discussed. The effect and role of surface treatments and coupling agents on mechanical properties of the family of polymer composites, to include the nonbiodegradable composites, partially green composites, and fully green composites, are examined and adequately discussed.
Monitoring practices of chronic lung allograft dysfunction in pediatric lung transplantation
Authors: Avdimiretz Nicholas , Radtke Thomas , Benden Christian
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) continues to negatively impact the survival of pediatric lung transplant (LTx) recipients. Current consensus guidelines are adult‐focused. We sought to examine CLAD detection and monitoring practices at pediatric LTx programs.

Methods

We conducted a survey among the International Pediatric Lung Transplant Collaborative. Questions consisted of practitioner's experience, LTx program demographics, and querying tests used for CLAD surveillance and detection. Investigations queried included: chest x‐ray (CXR), chest computed tomography (CT), lung magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ventilation/perfusion scanning, conventional pulmonary function testing (PFT), multiple breath washout (MBW), infant/preschool PFT, bronchoalveolar lavage, transbronchial biopsies (TBBx), or other tissue sampling techniques. Preferences for certain modalities over others were questioned based on a five‐point Likert scale.

Results

Twenty‐four of 25 programs responded. Chest CT and CXR are used generally for both CLAD surveillance and detection. No programs use lung MRI clinically, it may have some utility in the future. While all centers use conventional PFT, MBW, and infant/preschool PFT are used in one‐fifth and one‐third of centers, respectively. While the majority of programs use TBBx, only 41.7% would obtain a diagnosis based on tissue histopathology over noninvasive techniques if CLAD is suspected. Utilization of biomarkers is still limited.

Conclusions

Our results indicate continued use of conventional PFT along with chest CT and less so CXR for CLAD detection and monitoring in the large majority of centers. Infant/preschool PFT and novel methods such as MBW are used in a few centers only. Respondents agreed there is a timely need for pediatric consensus guidelines on CLAD detection and monitoring.
Joint modeling under competing risks: Application to survival prediction in patients admitted in Intensive Care Unit for sepsis with daily Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score assessments
Authors: Lavalley‐Morelle Alexandra , Timsit Jean‐François , Mentré France , Mullaert Jimmy ,   The OUTCOMEREA network
Published: October 2022

Joint models of longitudinal process and time‐to‐event data have recently gained attention, notably to provide individualized dynamic predictions. In the presence of competing risks, models published mostly involve cause‐specific hazard functions jointly estimated with a linear or generalized linear model. Here we propose to extend the modeling to full parametric joint estimation of a nonlinear mixed‐effects model and a subdistribution hazard model. We apply this approach on 6046 patients admitted in intensive care unit (ICU) for sepsis with daily Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score measurements. The joint model is built on a randomly selected training set of two thirds of patients and links the current predicted SOFA measurement to the instantaneous risks of ICU death and discharge from ICU, both adjusted on the patient age. Stochastic Approximation Expectation Maximization algorithm in Monolix is used for estimation. SOFA evolution is significantly associated with both risks: 0.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [0.35, 0.39] for the risk of death and −0.38, 95% CI = [−0.39, −0.36] for the risk of discharge. A simulation study, inspired from the real data, shows the good estimation properties of the parameters. We assess on the validation set the added value of modeling the longitudinal SOFA follow‐up for the prediction of death compared with a model that includes only SOFA at baseline. Time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic area under the curve and Brier scores show that when enough longitudinal individual information is available, joint modeling provides better predictions. The methodology can easily be applied to other clinical applications because of the general form of the model.
Atractylodin targets GLA to regulate D‐mannose metabolism to inhibit osteogenic differentiation of human valve interstitial cells and ameliorate aortic valve calcification
Authors: Qu Linghang , Wang Chunli , Xu Haiying , Li Lanqing , Liu Yanju , Wan Qianyun , Xu Kang
Published: October 2022

Atractylodin (ATL) has been reported to exert anti‐inflammatory effects. Osteogenic changes induced by inflammation in valve interstitial cells (VICs) play a key role in the development of calcified aortic valve disease (CAVD). This study aimed to investigate the anti‐calcification effects of ATL on aortic valves. Human VICs (hVICs) were exposed to osteogenic induction medium (OM) containing ATL to investigate cell viability, osteogenic gene and protein expression, and anti‐calcification effects. Gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) metabolomics analysis was used to detect changes in the metabolites of hVICs stimulated with OM before and after ATL administration. The compound‐reaction‐enzyme‐gene network was used to identify drug targets. Gene interference was used to verify the targets. ApoE−/− mice fed a high‐fat (HF) diet were used to evaluate the inhibition of aortic valve calcification by ATL. Treatment with 20 μM ATL in OM prevented calcified nodule accumulation and decreases in the gene and protein expression levels of ALP, RUNX2, and IL‐1β. Differential metabolite analysis showed that D‐mannose was highly associated with the anti‐calcification effect of ATL. The addition of D‐mannose prevented calcified nodule accumulation and inhibited succinate‐mediated HIF‐1α activation and IL‐1β production. The target of ATL was identified as GLA. Silencing of the GLA gene (si‐GLA) reversed the anti‐osteogenic differentiation of ATL. In vivo, ATL ameliorated aortic valve calcification by preventing decreases in GLA expression and the up‐regulation of IL‐1β expression synchronously. In conclusion, ATL is a potential drug for the treatment of CAVD by targeting GLA to regulate D‐mannose metabolism, thereby inhibiting succinate‐mediated HIF‐1α activation and IL‐1β production.
Surface analysis insight note: Synthetic line shapes, integration regions and relative sensitivity factors
Authors: Fernandez Vincent , Fairley Neal , Baltrusaitis Jonas
Published: October 2022

Methods for estimating photoemission intensity from X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy data are examined. The role played by “synthetic” bell‐shaped curves, integration intervals, background curves, and the use of relative sensitivity factors (RSFs) in reporting percentage atomic concentration for a sample is presented. In particular, photoemission lines with differing energy distributions obtained from the NaCl sample surface are used to demonstrate how a comparison of photoemission intensities is dependent on the line shapes, background curves, and appropriate use of RSFs.
Two Asymptomatic Facial Erythematous Macules in an Adult Male
Authors: Balighi Kamran , Kamyab-hesari Kambiz , Hatami Parvaneh , Aryanian Zeinab
Published: October 2022

Pemphigus is a group of autoimmune bullous disorders with different types. Pemphigus foliaceous (PF) is a difficult-to-diagnosis disorder which shares clinical features with many dermatoses. We hereby, present an interesting case of PF which serves as a reminder for clinicians that pemphigus is not always a serious condition with rapid extension of lesions and it could have a very limited and benign form.
Indomethacin Synthesis, Historical Overview of Their Structural Modifications
Authors: Torres‐Carbajal Karina R. , Segura‐Quezada Luis A. , Ortíz‐Alvarado Rafael , Chávez‐Rivera Rubén , Tapia‐Juárez Melissa , González‐Domínguez Martha I. , Ruiz‐Padilla Alan J. , Zapata‐Morales Juan R. , de León‐Solís Claudia , Solorio Alvarado César R.
Published: October 2022

One of the most important (NSAID) non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug‐containing the indol core is represented by the indomethacin. This highly relevant compound has been used for the last 50 years with excellent pharmacological results. Due to its relevant efficacy as an anti‐inflammatory treatment, several syntheses have been developed during this half of century. Herein is summarized and discussed the most representative strategies which successfully addressed the total syntheses of indomethacin as well as some of its derivatives generated by carrying out strategic modifications at the nitrogen atom, the carboxylic acid at C‐3, the methoxy group at C‐5 and the methyl group at C‐2.
Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Flavonoids as Inhibitors of Infectious Agents: Rutin as a Coronavirus Protease Inhibitor
Authors: Salarizadeh Navvabeh , Aallaei Mohammad Reza , Zarei Ali , Malekshah Rahime Eshaghi , Molaakbari Elaheh , Farajnezhadi Amirreza
Published: October 2022

3CL protease as the main protease (Mpro) of coronavirus is investigated as a potential target in medicine. Flavonoid compounds with polyphenolic structures exhibited anti‐viral, anti‐bacterial, immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory effects against infectious agents. In this study, the inhibitory effect of flavonoid‐based compounds was evaluated against coronavirus Mpro using molecular docking and dynamic simulations. Molegro Virtual Docker 6.0 (MVD) software was used to ensure the accuracy of the docking analysis. Eventually, four compounds including two herbal‐based (Rutin and Quercetin) and two chemical‐based (2‐Iodoadenosine‐5’‐O‐[(phosphonomethyl)phosphonic Acid] and Camostat) are selected based on the interaction energies and docking scores of the investigated structures. The values of MolDock Score for Rutin was −174.355 docked to Mpro enzyme. The molecular dynamics was performed by using GROMACS in 100 ns to refine the docking simulation results and evaluated the binding stability of Rutin. Potential energy of Rutin/Mpro complex stabilization was measured approximately −1.11×106 kcal/mol for 100 ns. As a result, Rutin is suggested as a potent inhibitor for Mpro and can be used as an effective drug in the treatment and prevention of covid.
Enhancement of Emission and Negative Thermal Quenching Effect of Na2TiF6:Mn4+,TEAH+ by Antenna Effect of TEAH+
Authors: Deng Daishu , Wang Lin , Yu Yan , Wang Tianman , Zhong Xue , Lei Jun , Liao Sen , Huang Yingheng
Published: October 2022

In order to develop new red‐emitting phosphors, in this work, a series of organic‐inorganic hybrid Na2TiF6 : Mn4+, (CH3CH2)3NH+ (NTF : Mn4+, TEAH+) red‐emitting phosphors have been prepared. Due to the antenna effect of TEAH+, double improvement in emission intensity and luminous thermal stability of the optimal sample are obtained: (a) The integrated emission intensity of the hybrid NTF : Mn4+,TEAH+ sample is 150 % of the un‐doping one (NTF : Mn4+), (b) The luminescent thermal stability of the hybrid NTF : Mn4+,TEAH+ sample is obviously increased because of strong negative thermal quenching (NTQ) effect. The integrated emission intensity at 150 °C is 176.2 % of the initial value at 30 °C, and the intensity at 178 °C is still 100 % of the initial one. The strong NTQ effect is attributed to the driving of the antenna effect of TEAH+. The above double improvements make the optimal sample has extensive application prospects for daily lighting white light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs).
Photonic Processing of MAPbI3 Films by Flash Annealing and Rapid Growth for High‐Performance Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Serafini Patricio , Boix Pablo P. , Barea Eva M. , Edvinson Tomas , Sánchez Sandy , Mora-Seró Iván
Published: October 2022

Defects in polycrystalline halide perovskite films can cause a decrease of the solar cell photoconversion efficiency and stability. The perovskite film enhanced during crystal growth by controlling the processing method can alleviate defects and the related recombination sites that affect the performance of cells. Herein, flash infrared annealing is employed to crystallize methylammonium lead iodide perovskite with a single heating pulse, where uniform grain domains are optically observed and mapped. Films are annealed with different temperature ramps up to 48 °C s−1 heating rate. Annealing with higher heating rates presents lower defect densities, decreases the Urbach energy tail, and improves the optoelectrical performance of the films. These improvements are rationalized by Raman spectroscopy of nucleation points and grain surface differences among the process variations. The role of crystal growth and subsequent film quality allows to achieve a champion photovoltaic device growth at 48 °C s−1 with stability around 250 h under 1 sun illumination and 60% relative humidity for 100 h under 3 sun (AM1.5G) illumination. In situ optical imaging is recorded during the process, confirming that rapid annealing, i.e., higher heating rates, contributes to obtain more stable devices with the added advantage of shorter processing time.
Light‐Enabled Access to Oxidative Polymerization: A Short Perspective on Bioinspired Oxidative Photopolymerization
Authors: Kumru Baris
Published: October 2022

Solar irradiation provides critical energy to conduct chemical reactions. Many light‐sensitive materials, such as semiconductors, guide photoredox‐induced chemical pathways to tailor favored chemical conversions. Polymer synthesis by light is popular, however mainly addressed by conducting radical‐based polymerization strategies. Oxidative photopolymerization is an advanced method to form functional polymers that are otherwise formed through complicated reactions. Herein, infant‐stage oxidative photopolymerization will be introduced with examples in the field.