bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitric Oxide: Physiological Functions, Delivery, and Biomedical Applications
Authors: Andrabi Syed Muntazir , Sharma Navatha Shree , Karan Anik , Shahriar S. M. Shatil , Cordon Brent , Ma Bing , Xie Jingwei
Published: August 2023

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous molecule that has a central role in signaling pathways involved in numerous physiological processes (e.g., vasodilation, neurotransmission, inflammation, apoptosis, and tumor growth). Due to its gaseous form, NO has a short half‐life, and its physiology role is concentration dependent, often restricting its function to a target site. Providing NO from an external source is beneficial in promoting cellular functions and treatment of different pathological conditions. Hence, the multifaceted role of NO in physiology and pathology has garnered massive interest in developing strategies to deliver exogenous NO for the treatment of various regenerative and biomedical complexities. NO‐releasing platforms or donors capable of delivering NO in a controlled and sustained manner to target tissues or organs have advanced in the past few decades. This review article discusses in detail the generation of NO via the enzymatic functions of NO synthase as well as from NO donors and the multiple biological and pathological processes that NO modulates. The methods for incorporating of NO donors into diverse biomaterials including physical, chemical, or supramolecular techniques are summarized. Then, these NO‐releasing platforms are highlighted in terms of advancing treatment strategies for various medical problems.
Non‐Fermi‐Liquid Behavior of Superconducting SnH4
Authors: Troyan Ivan A. , Semenok Dmitrii V. , Ivanova Anna G. , Sadakov Andrey V. , Zhou Di , Kvashnin Alexander G. , Kruglov Ivan A. , Sobolevskiy Oleg A. , Lyubutina Marianna V. , Perekalin Dmitry S. , Helm Toni , Tozer Stanley W. , Bykov Maxim , Goncharov Alexander F. , Pudalov Vladimir M. , Lyubutin Igor S.
Published: August 2023

The chemical interaction of Sn with H2 by X‐ray diffraction methods at pressures of 180–210 GPa is studied. A previously unknown tetrahydride SnH4 with a cubic structure (fcc) exhibiting superconducting properties below TC = 72 K is obtained; the formation of a high molecular C2/m‐SnH14 superhydride and several lower hydrides, fcc SnH2, and C2‐Sn12H18, is also detected. The temperature dependence of critical current density JC(T) in SnH4 yields the superconducting gap 2Δ(0) = 21.6 meV at 180 GPa. SnH4 has unusual behavior in strong magnetic fields: B,T‐linear dependences of magnetoresistance and the upper critical magnetic field BC2(T) ∝ (TC – T). The latter contradicts the Wertheimer–Helfand–Hohenberg model developed for conventional superconductors. Along with this, the temperature dependence of electrical resistance of fcc SnH4 in non‐superconducting state exhibits a deviation from what is expected for phonon‐mediated scattering described by the Bloch‐Grüneisen model and is beyond the framework of the Fermi liquid theory. Such anomalies occur for many superhydrides, making them much closer to cuprates than previously believed.
Root Cause Analysis of Degradation in Protonic Ceramic Electrochemical Cell with Interfacial Electrical Sensors Using Data‐Driven Machine Learning
Authors: Wu Wei , Wang Congjian , Bian Wenjuan , Hua Bin , Gomez Joshua Y. , Orme Christopher J. , Tang Wei , Stewart Frederick F. , Ding Dong
Published: August 2023

Protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (PCECs) offer promising paths for energy storage and conversion. Despite considerable achievements made, PCECs still face challenges such as physiochemical compatibility between componenets and suboptimal solid–solid contact at the interfaces between the electrolytes and electrodes. In this study, a novel approach is proposed that combines in situ electrochemical characterization of interfacial electrical sensor embedded PCECs and machine learning to quantify the contributions of different cell components to total degradation, as well as to predict the remaining useful life. The experimental results suggest that the overpotential induced by the oxygen electrode is 48% less than that of oxygen electrode/electrolyte interfacial contact for up to 1171 h. The data‐driven machine learning simulation predicts the RUL of up to 2132 h. The root cause of degradation is overpotential increase induced by oxygen electrode, which accounts for 82.9% of total cell degradation. The success of the failure diagnostic model is demonstrated by its consistency with degradation modes that do not manifest in electrolysis fade during early real operations. This synergistic approach provides valuable insights into practical failure diagnosis of PCECs and has the potential to revolutionize their development by enabling improved performance prediction and material selection for enhanced durability and efficiency.
Highly Efficient Photothermal Icephobic/de‐Icing MOF‐Based Micro and Nanostructured Surface
Authors: Zhang Lei , Luo Bingcai , Fu Kun , Gao Chunlei , Han Xuefeng , Zhou Maolin , Zhang Tiance , Zhong Lieshuang , Hou Yongping , Zheng Yongmei
Published: August 2023

Photothermal materials have gained considerable attention in the field of anti‐/de‐icing due to its environmental friendliness and energy saving. However, it is always significantly challenging to obtain solar thermal materials with hierarchical structure and simultaneously demonstrate both the ultra‐long icing delay ability and the superior photothermal de‐icing ability. Here, a photothermal icephobic MOF‐based micro and nanostructure surface (MOF‐MNS) is presented, which consists of micron groove structure and fluorinated MOF nanowhiskers. The optimal MOF‐M250NS can achieve solar absorption of over 98% and produce a high temperature increment of 65.5 °C under 1‐sun illumination. Such superior photothermal‐conversion mechanism of MOF‐M250NS is elucidated in depth. In addition, the MOF‐M250NS generates an ultra‐long icing delay time of ≈3960 s at −18 °C without solar illumination, achieving the longest delay time, which isn't reported before. Due to its excellent solar‐to‐heat conversation ability, accumulated ice and frost on MOF‐M250NS can be rapidly melted within 720 s under 1‐sun illumination and it also holds a high de‐icing rate of 5.8 kg m−2 h−1. MOF‐M250NS possesses the versatility of mechanical robustness, chemical stability, and low temperature self‐cleaning, which can synergistically reinforce the usage of icephobic surfaces in harsh conditions.
Regioselective Electrophilic Addition to Propargylic B(MIDA)s Enabled by β‐Boron Effect
Authors: Li Yin , Chen Zhi‐Hao , Lin Shuang , Liu Yuan , Qian Jiasheng , Li Qingjiang , Huang Zhi‐Shu , Wang Honggen
Published: August 2023

Electrophilic addition reaction to alkynes is of fundamental importance in organic chemistry, yet the regiocontrol when reacting with unsymmetrical 1,2‐dialkyl substituted alkynes is often problematic. Herein, it is demonstrated that the rarely recognized β‐boron effect can confer a high level of site‐selectivity in several alkyne electrophilic addition reactions. A broad range of highly functionalized and complex organoborons are thus formed under simple reaction conditions starting from propargylic MIDA (N‐methyliminodiacetic acid) boronates. These products are demonstrated to be valuable building blocks in organic synthesis. In addition to the regiocontrol, this study also observes a drastic rate enhancement upon B(MIDA) substitution. Theoretical calculation reveals that the highest occupied molecular obital (HOMO) energy level of propargylic B(MIDA) is significantly raised by 0.3 eV, and the preferential electrophilic addition to the γ position is due to its higher HOMO orbital coefficient and more negative natural bond orbital (NBO) charge compared to the β position. This study demonstrates the potential of utilizing the β‐boron effect in stereoelectronic control of chemical transformations, which can inspire further research in this area.
Catalytic Undirected Meta‐Selective C–H Borylation of Metallocenes
Authors: Zheng Hao , Liu Chang‐Hui , Wang Xiao‐Yu , Liu Yan , Chen Bing‐Zhi , Hu Yan‐Cheng , Chen Qing‐An
Published: August 2023

Metallocenes are privileged backbones in the fields of synthetic chemistry, catalysis, polymer science, etc. Direct C–H functionalization is undoubtedly the simplest approach for tuning the properties of metallocenes. However, owing to the presence of multiple identical C(sp2)‐H sites, this protocol often suffers from low reactivity and selectivity issues, especially for the regioselective synthesis of 1,3‐difunctionalized metallocenes. Herein, an efficient iridium‐catalyzed meta‐selective C–H borylation of metallocenes is reported. With no need of preinstalled directing groups, this approach enables a rapid synthesis of various boronic esters based on benzoferrocenes, ferrocenes, ruthenocene, and related half sandwich complex. A broad range of electron‐deficient and ‐rich functional groups are all compatible with the process. Notably, C–H borylation of benzoferrocenes takes place exclusively at the benzene ring, which is likely ascribed to the shielding effect of pentamethylcyclopentadiene. The synthetic utility is further demonstrated by easy scalability to gram quantities, the conversion of boron to heteroatoms including N3, SePh, and OAc, as well as diverse cross‐coupling reactions.
Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome with multiple hepatic and cutaneous hemangiomas in a female patient of Albanian origin: Diagnostic and therapeutic considerations
Authors: Moutafi Maria , Gkiourtzis Nikolaos , Ververi Athina , Kavga Maria , Morichovitou Anthi , Papadopoulou‐Legbelou Kyriaki , Fotoulaki Maria , Panagopoulou Paraskevi
Published: August 2023

We describe a 2‐month‐old female infant with macroglossia, macrosomia, omphalocele, neonatal hypoglycemia, earlobe creases, low nasal bridge, midface retrusion, syndromic facies and multiple cutaneous and hepatic hemangiomas (HH). Genetic evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of Beckwith–Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS) with mosaic uniparental disomy 11 as the underlying genetic mechanism suggested by partial hypermethylation of H19/IGF2:IG‐DMR and partial hypomethylation of KCNQ1OT1:TSS‐DMR on chromosome 11p15.5. Pediatric endocrinology and cardiology assessments were normal. No malignant liver or renal tumors were detected during the follow‐up period. Treatment with propranolol was started for the multiple HH, according to international recommendations. At 3‐, 6‐, and 9‐month follow up, a gradual decrease in the size of the hemangiomas and AFP levels was observed, without side effects. This is the fifth case in the literature combining HH and BWS, and among these, the third case with this specific genetic defect suggesting a possible association between HH and BWS caused by 11 paternal uniparental disomy [upd(11)pat]. The case also highlights that if treatment is warranted, then oral propranolol can be used for the management of infantile HH in BWS patients similarly to non‐BWS patients.
The Holocene record of the slow loris (Nycticebus sp.) in Java (Indonesia)
Authors: Gruwier Ben , Amano Noel
Published: August 2023

Objectives

(Sub)fossil lorises are rare in Southeast Asia. Their taxonomic relationship with extant populations, and the extent to which their distribution and morphology are influenced by changing environmental conditions, remains poorly understood. This study provides a synthesis of Nycticebus occurrences in Holocene Java. A morphometric analysis of a sample of craniodental remains aims to improve our understanding of their taxonomic status. Morphometrics were also used to explore potential size changes during the Holocene.

Materials and Methods

Based on the literature and a review of museum catalogs, a synthesis was compiled of (sub)fossil slow loris occurrences in Java. Morphometric data on the mandible and maxilla of 10 (sub)fossil lorises were compared with a dataset of extant specimens to assess variation in size and shape.

Results

Five Holocene Nycticebus occurrences were identified in eastern Java. All specimens fall in the range of N. javanicus and N. coucang. The specimens from Hoekgrot, Gua Jimbe, and Sampung suggest an affinity to N. javanicus. The remains from Gua Jimbe and Hoekgrot gave values close to the largest N. javanicus specimens, but the (presumably older) Song Terus specimen was of average size.

Discussion and Conclusions

The distribution of Nycticebus suggests that it originally occurred throughout the island. The remains are probably best identified as N. javanicus or N. coucang, but the Neolithic finds from Hoekgrot and Gua Jimbe are presumably N. javanicus. Size variation in Nycticebus was clinal, but although some large specimens were present, no evidence was found for size diminution during the Holocene.
Rapid visualization molecular fluorescence detection of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus using the multiplex MIRA‐qPCR method
Authors: Heng Pengfei , Shi Bo , Li Dongmei , Ou Hua , He Yang , Zhou Lili
Published: August 2023

Multidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacterial infections constitute a major public health problem worldwide. A rapid method for the detection of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is critical for the timely prevention of bacterial infections and the accurate clinical use of drugs. The nuc and mecA genes are potentially indicative of MRSA infection and in this study, a multiplex molecular fluorescence multi‐enzyme isothermal rapid amplification visual assay was proposed and established. The method is capable of detecting MRSA at 17 min, 40°C amplification, and is well differentiated from common clinical bacteria in specific assays, with 500 colony‐forming units (CFU) mL−1 of MRSA detected under optimal conditions. This method has excellent diagnostic capabilities versus classical methods to detect clinical samples and shows potential in the identification of pathogenic microorganisms in a clinical setting.
Electrospinning of bovine serum albumin‐based nano‐fibers: From synthesis to medical prospects; Challenges and future directions
Authors: Hayat Minahil , Bukhari Sayyad Ali Raza , Irfan Muhammad
Published: August 2023

Bovine serum albumin (BSA) is a globular non‐glycoprotein that has gotten a lot of attention because of its unique properties like biocompatibility, biodegradability, non‐immunogenicity, non‐toxicity, and strong resemblance to the natural extracellular matrix (ECM). Given its robust mechanical properties, such as interfacial tension, conductivity, swelling resistance, and viscoelasticity, it can be concluded that it is an appropriate matrix for producing novel BSA‐based nanoconstructs. Thus, simple analytic methods are required for accurately detecting BSA as a model protein in medical sciences and healthcare. Furthermore, the characteristics mentioned above aid BSA in the electrospinning process, which results in fibers conjugated with other polymers. Electrospun synthesis has recently received much attention for its ability to produce stable, biomimicking, highly porous, 3D BSA‐derived nano‐fibers. As a result, BSA‐based nano‐fibers have achieved exclusive developments in the medical sector, such as tissue engineering for the remodeling of damaged tissue or organ repair by creating artificial ones. Meanwhile, they could be used as drug delivery systems (DDS) for target‐specific drug delivery, wound dressings, and so on. This study illustrates the structural and physicochemical properties of BSA and the determination of BSA using various methods, by citing recent reports and current developments in the medical field. Furthermore, current challenges and future directions are also highlighted.
A solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography–mass spectrometry technique for urinary metabolomics of human samples infected with schistosomiasis—Case of the Okavango Delta, Botswana
Authors: Tawana‐Ndolo Sedireng M. , Zachariah Matshediso , Phaladze Nthabiseng A. , Sichilongo Kwenga F.
Published: August 2023

We present a GC–MS metabolomics workflow for analyzing metabolites in urine samples infected with schistosomiasis. Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease, affects 85% of the global population, with the majority residing in Sub‐Saharan Africa. The workflow utilized in this study involved the utilization of the AMDIS freeware, Metab R for pre‐processing, and multivariate statistical classification through partial least squares‐discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA). This classification aimed to categorize volatile metabolites found in urine samples from humans infected with schistosomiasis. All samples were collected from individuals in Botswana. A solid‐phase microextraction–fused silica fiber was used to adsorb volatile metabolites from the urine samples and inserted into the GC–MS injection port for data acquisition. The acquired data were then subjected to AMDIS auto‐deconvolution, Metab R pre‐processing, and statistical evaluation for metabolite mining. A total of 12 metabolites, including 3‐chloropropionic acid and heptadecyl ester with an AMDIS match factor of 96% at an approximated amount of 0.35% and cyclohexylamine with an AMDIS match factor of 100% and approximated amount of 0.39%, were identified. PLS‐DA was used for the classification of the metabolites. The method showed good sensitivity and specificity as indicated by the receiver operating characteristic measured by the areas under the curves. Results indicated that metabolomics is a useful tool for mining metabolites because of the variance in metabolite composition of infected and non‐infected urine samples.
Is there a relationship between executive functions and resilience in youth elite soccer players?
Authors: Lehmann Jennifer
Published: August 2023

Background

While the relationship between cognitive performance and sport performance in youth elite soccer players has proponents as well as opponents, many aspects of this relationship remain unclear. Therefore, this quasi‐experimental study wants to contribute to this relationship including the psychological aspect of resilience when investigating youth elite soccer players during an assessment selection for a representative team.

Methods

Questionnaires as well as computer‐based tests were conducted.

Results

Results of this study showed no relationship between resilience and executive function in youth elite soccer players. Furthermore, no differences in executive functions or in resilience were found between those players who are selected for a representative team and those who were not selected.

Conclusion

The results indicate that further research needs to be conducted to clarify possible relationships in more detail.
Comparing 5G mobile stroke unit and emergency medical service in patients acute ischemic stroke eligible for t‐PA treatment: A prospective, single‐center clinical trial in Ya'an, China
Authors: Zheng Bo , Li Yan , Gu Gangfeng , Yang Jian , Jiang Junyao , Chen Zhao , Fan Yang , Wang Sheng , Pei Han , Wang Jian
Published: August 2023

Background

This study aims to assess and compare the functional outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) eligible for tissue plasminogen activator (t‐PA) treatment who received care from either a fifth‐generation(5G) mobile stroke unit (MSU) or traditional emergency medical service (EMS).

Method

The study recruited patients between February 2020 and January 2022, with the final 90‐day follow‐up concluded in April 2022. Prior to enrollment, patients were assigned to either EMS or MSU care based on predetermined rules. The primary outcome measure was the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days, with secondary outcome measures including time metrics, mRS and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores at 7‐day follow‐up, and hospitalization costs.

Results

Of the 2281 enrolled patients, 207 were eligible for t‐PA treatment, with 101 allocated to MSU care and 106 to EMS care. The percentage of patients achieving a favorable mRS score (0–2) at 90 days was 82.2% in the MSU group compared to 72.6% in the EMS group (p < .05). Median times from symptom onset to thrombolysis were 146 min in the MSU group and 204 min in the EMS group, while median times from ambulance alert to computed tomography (CT) completion were 53 and 128 min, respectively. Hospitalization charges averaged approximately $3592 in the MSU group and $4800 in the EMS group.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that 5G MSU care significantly reduces the time from symptom onset to stroke diagnosis and intravenous thrombolysis in patients with AIS, resulting in improved functional outcomes compared to EMS care. As China continues its deployment of 5G technology and other digital infrastructures, the adoption of 5G MSU care on a broader scale may eventually supplant traditional stroke treatment approaches.
Mood swings are causally associated with intracranial aneurysm subarachnoid hemorrhage: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Peng Kang , Li Yanwen , Adegboro Abraham Ayodeji , Wanggou Siyi , Li Xuejun
Published: August 2023

Background

Mood swings have been observed in patients with intracranial aneurysm (IA), but it is still unknown whether mood swings can affect IA.

Aim

To explore the causal association between mood swings or experiencing mood swings and IA through a two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study.

Methods

Summary‐level statistics of mood swings, experiencing mood swings, IA, aneurysm‐associated subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), and non‐ruptured IA (uIA) were collected from the genome‐wide association study. Two‐sample MR and various sensitivity analyses were employed to explore the causal association between mood swings or experiencing mood swings and IA, or aSAH, or uIA. The inverse‐variance weighted method was used as the primary method.

Results

Genetically determined mood swings (odds ratio [OR] = 5.23, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.65–16.64, p = .005) and experiencing mood swings (OR = 2.50, 95%CI: 1.37–4.57, p = .003) were causally associated with an increased risk of IA. Mood swings (OR = 5.67, 95%CI: 1.40–23.04, p = .015) and experiencing mood swings were causally associated with the risk of aSAH (OR = 2.91, 95%CI: 1.47–5.75, p = .002). Neither mood swings (OR = 1.95, 95%CI: .31–12.29, p = .478) nor experiencing mood swings (OR = 1.20, 95%CI: .48–3.03, p = .693) were associated with uIA.

Conclusions

Mood swings and experiencing mood swings increased the risk of IA and aSAH incidence. These results suggest that alleviating mood swings may reduce IA rupture incidence and aSAH incidence.
Water risk and financial analysts' information environment: Empirical evidence from China
Authors: Liu Chengyun , Zhou Ziting , Su Kun , Liu Ke , An Hui
Published: August 2023

We examined the relationship between water risk and the information environment of financial analysts using data from Chinese listed companies from 2010 to 2020. We theorized that corporate water risk deteriorates analysts' information environment by affecting operational and financial uncertainty and corporate legitimacy. Specifically, we found that corporate water risk is associated with higher analyst forecast errors and analyst forecast dispersion and lower analyst following. This relationship weakens with corporate water information disclosure and strengthens with the environmental attention of local governments. Furthermore, we explored the impact of corporate water risk on financial risk and future financial performance and discovered that water risk increases corporate financial risk and reduces future earnings. This suggests that corporate nonfinancial risk may also include subtle financial risk, and current water risk has a certain predictive effect on future earnings, which is an interesting finding. Our results are robust to a range of tests, including instrumental variable, generalized method of moments estimates, propensity score matching, and alternative measures of analysts' information environment. Generally, our study provides insights into the complementary role of nonfinancial risks represented by water risk in understanding financial risk and has important implications for academia and practitioners in understanding the economic consequences of corporate water risk.
A systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis of eco‐innovation on financial performance: Identifying barriers and drivers
Authors: López Pérez Germán , García Sánchez Isabel María , Zafra Gómez José Luis
Published: August 2023

Eco‐innovation strategies are essential elements for companies developing core competencies in the circular economy model. The academic world has begun to study the knowledge of these business decisions, and there is incipient literature on the subject. In this context, this paper aims to contribute to the current knowledge on the impact of eco‐innovation strategies on corporate performance by exposing and synthesizing the distinct positions found in the literature. For this purpose, a systematic and bibliometric review of 81 articles related to the economic impact of eco‐innovation on firm performance, as well as the barriers and drivers of these strategies, was carried out. After analyzing the several types of eco‐innovation, our results show that although previous empirical evidence suggests the existence of a positive effect, it is not generalizable due to the existence of several factors that may condition the impact of eco‐innovation on corporate performance and its implementation. This study delves into the current academic literature on eco‐innovation and firm performance, determining that both size and the environment in which a company is framed constitute a series of conditioning factors that may clarify why there is no consensus in the academic literature in this regard. In addition, this work encourages future lines of research with the aim of shedding light on this field of knowledge.
Data‐driven insights for circular and sustainable food supply chains: An empirical exploration of big data and predictive analytics in enhancing social sustainability performance
Authors: Bag Surajit , Srivastava Gautam , Cherrafi Anass , Ali Ahad , Singh Rajesh Kumar
Published: August 2023

Although the circular economy is commonly used among industries in developing countries to achieve carbon neutrality targets, its impact on social sustainability must be clarified. Stakeholders (for instance, community stakeholders) have been observed to be unaware of the focal firm's circular supply chain activities. Because this gap has not been generally reflected in the literature, it is critical to perform an empirical study to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The goal of this research was to determine whether new technologies such as big data and predictive analytics might influence an organization's propensity to share information related to circular economy practices with stakeholders as well as to increase connectivity with those stakeholders in the Industry 4.0 era. We also investigated whether these actions could increase stakeholder trust and engagement and social sustainability as a result. We tested our theoretical model using samples from food supply chain firms in South Africa. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using WarpPLS 7.0 software. The findings show that firms that deploy big data and predictive analytics are more likely to share information related to the circular economy with stakeholders and that these firms are also well‐connected with those stakeholders, resulting in increased trust and engagement. This, in turn, contributes to the social sustainability of supply chains. Our research has made a significant contribution by encouraging a theoretical debate regarding the willingness to share information regarding the circular economy and the social sustainability of the supply chain.
Impact of corporate governance diversity on carbon emission under environmental policy via the mandatory nonfinancial reporting regulation
Authors: Muktadir‐Al‐Mukit Dewan , Bhaiyat Firoz Haroon
Published: August 2023

This study builds on the expanding literature on the interplay of corporate governance and corporate environment behaviour following the introduction of the carbon reporting directives of the UK Companies Act in 2013. We specifically focus on seeking clarity on the relationship between gender diversity, board independence, and board size with corporate environmental performance. The study examines these relationships under a mandatory nonfinancial reporting (NFR) requirement and tests the impact of regulatory shocks on board composition and channels affecting carbon emission. The findings confirm that board gender diversity and independence improve a firm's environmental performance. And while larger board sizes lead to larger environmental investments, the study finds that larger board sizes leads to poor environmental performance for the firm. The findings contribute to developments in countries, such as the United States, where there is an ongoing debate on the adoption of a mandatory NFR of carbon and the response of corporate boards.
Pituitary metastasis from renal cell carcinoma presenting with significant hyperprolactinemia, case report
Authors: Mazar‐Atabaki Ali , Mohamadzadeh Omid , Sadrehosseini Seyed Mousa , Tabari Azin , Zeinalizadeh Mehdi
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

Kidney metastasis to the pituitary gland can cause hyperprolactinemia even above 250 ng/mL. Although the treatment of metastasis is palliative, surgical decompression could play a major role in the recovery of symptoms and improve quality of life. Pituitary metastasis should be considered in the evaluation of an unusual pituitary mass.

Pituitary tumors are frequently encountered in the neurosurgical setting. Although the majority of them are pituitary adenomas, rare entities encompass pituitary metastasis. They should be differentiated from pituitary adenomas because their management and prognosis are different. We report a 53‐year‐old female who complained of headache and had remarkable hyperprolactinemia (271.1 ng/mL). Having considered macroprolactinoma as the initial diagnosis, medical treatment was initiated with Cabergoline. Subsequently, the patient's vision deteriorated which prompted us to perform endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery. Histologic examination of the resected tumor revealed metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Main treatment for these subjects is palliative; and unlike the pituitary adenoma, the prognosis is unfortunately poor. Pituitary metastasis should be considered in the evaluation of an unusual pituitary mass associated with hyperprolactinemia.
The natural history of Pelizaeus–Merzbacher disease caused by PLP1 duplication: A multiyear case series
Authors: Trepanier Angela M. , Aguilar Sienna , Kamholz John , Laukka Jeremy J.
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

This study aimed to characterize the clinical features, developmental milestones, and the natural history of Pelizaeus–Merzbacher disease (PMD) associated with PLP1 gene duplications. The study examined 16 PMD Patients ranging in age from 7 to 48 years, who had a documented PLP1 gene duplication. The study examined and analyzed the medical and developmental histories of the subjects utilizing a combination of resources that included medical history questionnaires, medical record reviews, and a 31‐point functional disability scale that had been previously validated. The data extracted from the medical records and questionnaires for analysis included information related to medical and developmental histories, level of ambulation and cognition, and degree of functional disability. The summation of findings among the study population demonstrated that the presenting symptoms, developmental milestones achieved, and progression of symptoms reported are consistent with many previous studies of patients with PLP1 duplications. All patients exhibited onset within the first year of life, with nystagmus predominating as the first symptom noticed. All patients exhibited delays in both motor and language development; however, many individuals were able to meet several developmental milestones. They exhibited some degree of continued motor impairment with none having the ability to walk independently. All patients were able to complete at least some of the cognition achievements and although not all were verbal, a number were able to use communication devices to complete these tasks. A critical tool of the study was the functional disability scale which provided a major advantage in helping quantify the clinical course of PMD, and for several, we were able to gather this information at more than one point in time. These reported findings in our cohort contribute important insight into the clinical heterogeneity and potential underlying mechanisms that define the molecular pathogenesis of the disease. This is one of only a small number of natural history studies examining the clinical course of a cohort of patients with PLP1 duplications within the context of a validated functional disability scoring system. This study is unique in that it is limited to subjects with PLP1 gene duplications. This study demonstrated many commonalities to other studies that have characterized the features of PMD and other PLP1‐related disorders but also provide significant new insights into the evolving story that marks the natural history.
Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis: A case report and literature review
Authors: Shabani Shiva , Sadeghi Bahman , Zarinfar Nader , Sarmadian Roham
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a challenging chronic inflammatory disease in diagnosis with unknown etiology. Although the most appropriate treatment protocol has not yet been identified, prednisolone was used in our patient as an effective and practical choice in the treatment of IGM.

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the breast and mimics disorders such as breast cancer and breast abscess. Due to the uncommon of this disease, there is no definitive etiology, or treatment. A 38‐year‐old woman presented with a 3‐week history of painful right retro‐areolar mass. She had no history of breast trauma and a family history of breast cancer. She had a history of breastfeeding her second child for 12 months in the past year. Diagnostic tests and investigations led to the IGM diagnosis. Therefore, the patient was successfully treated with a course of corticosteroids, but after 2 months, during treatment, she developed Brucellosis. Despite the patient's Brucella infection and treatment with anti‐Brucella drugs, prednisolone as an anti‐inflammatory corticosteroid therapy was influential in the treatment of IGM.
Magnetic resonance imaging pontine signal abnormality in neurological Wilson disease: A case report
Authors: Gajurel Bikram Prasad , Karki Susmin , Parajuli Asmita , Khanal Sunil Babu
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

WD is diagnosed with the help of a brain MRI, which frequently reveals hyperintensities in the lentiform nucleus. But occasionally, high signals can be seen in the pons, thalamus, and midbrain.

Wilson disease is a rare inherited disorder due to impaired copper excretion. The brain MRI mainly shows hyperintensities in the lentiform nucleus. We report the case of an 18 years old female diagnosed with neurological Wilson disease, presenting with uncommon brain MRI hyperintensities, predominantly in the pons, thalamus, and midbrain.
Iron Cobalt Phosphonate Derived Heteroatom Doped Metal Oxides as Superior Electrocatalysts for Water Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Mohanty Rupali Ipsita , Mukherjee Ayan , Basu Suddhasatwa , Bhanja Piyali , Jena Bikash Kumar
Published: August 2023

The development of low cost‐effective and highly efficient heterogeneous electrocatalysts is most appreciable in the research community. A newly designed microporous organic‐inorganic hybrid iron cobalt phosphonate (FeCoDPAM) is synthesized using diphenylphosphinamide as an organophosphorus ligand through a hydrothermal pathway without any template. To synthesize N, P‐codoped bimetallic oxides (NP/FeCoO350, NP/FeCoO550, and NP/FeCoO750), the as‐synthesized material FeCoDPAM has undergone pyrolysis at three different temperatures, i. e., 350, 550, 750 °C, respectively. The high specific surface area and a regular microporous array of N, P‐codoped iron cobalt oxide (NP/FeCoO350) material provide excellent oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity. The NP/FeCoO350 material catalyzes OER with the overpotential of 331 mV at a current density of 10 mAcm−2 and Tafel slope of 56.7 mV dec−1 in 1.0 M KOH solution. The inclusion of iron in the cobalt phosphonate framework can change the electronic structure, and electron transfer can be feasible to the d‐orbital of cobalt. Due to the doping of heteroatoms such as N and P into the bimetallic oxide matrix, a synergistic effect can occur, which is the driving force for the efficient electrocatalytic OER activity. Also, the FeCoO350 displays stability with outstanding oxidative current up to 50 h time in chronoamperometry measurement.
Acetylene Semi‐Hydrogenation at Room Temperature over Pd−Zn Nanocatalyst
Authors: Tiwari Garima , Sharma Gunjan , Verma Rishi , Gakhad Pooja , Singh Abhishek Kumar , Polshettiwar Vivek , Jagirdar Balaji R.
Published: August 2023

A reaction of fundamental and commercial importance is acetylene semi‐hydrogenation. Acetylene impurity in the ethylene feedstock used in the polyethylene industry poisons the Ziegler‐Natta catalyst which adversely affects the polymer quality. Pd based catalysts are most often employed for converting acetylene into the main reactant, ethylene, however, it often involves a tradeoff between the conversion and the selectivity and generally requires high temperatures. In this work, bimetallic Pd−Zn nanoparticles capped by hexadecylamine (HDA) have been synthesized by co‐digestive ripening of Pd and Zn nanoparticles and studied for semi‐hydrogenation of acetylene. The catalyst showed a high selectivity of ~85 % towards ethylene with a high ethylene productivity to the tune of ~4341 μmol g−1 min−1, at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. It also exhibited excellent stability with ethylene selectivity remaining greater than 85 % even after 70 h on stream. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of room temperature acetylene semi‐hydrogenation, with the catalyst effecting high amount of acetylene conversion to ethylene retaining excellent selectivity and stability among all the reported catalysts thus far. DFT calculations show that the disordered Pd−Zn nanocatalyst prepared by a low temperature route exhibits a change in the d‐band center of Pd and Zn which in turn enhances the selectivity towards ethylene. TPD, XPS and a range of catalysis experiments provided in‐depth insights into the reaction mechanism, indicating the key role of particle size, surface area, Pd−Zn interactions, and the capping agent.
Self‐sacrificial Templated Synthesis of Fe/N Co‐doping TiO2 for Enhanced CO2 Photocatalytic Reduction
Authors: Liu Tao , Qileng Aori , Wubulikasimu Nuermaimaitijiang , Liu Zhixiong , Liu Weipeng , Liu Yingju
Published: August 2023

As a green photocatalyst, TiO2 has been widely used in adsorption, desorption and redox reactions, but the wide energy band and moderate visible light absorption have greatly inhibited its applications in photocatalysis. The effective method of enhancing the performance of catalysts is the development of heterojunction and metal‐nonmetal co‐doping. Herein, Fe−N co‐doped TiO2 heterojunction photocatalysts (FexTi@C) were successfully synthesized by calcining a self‐sacrificial template (NH2−MIL‐125(Ti)) injected with Fe3+ solution. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), N2 adsorption/desorption analysis, and photoelectrochemical tests were used to characterize FexTi@C, showing multiple rutile/anatase TiO2 heterojunction structure, low bandgap, and significant absorption in visible light. In addition, the Ti−O−Fe tetrahedra and more oxygen vacancies were provided since the doped N is from the pristine MOF and the radii of Fe3+ and Ti4+ are similar, which improved the photocatalytic efficiency of CO2 reduction to CH4, especially the Fe0.8Ti@C reached 7.8‐fold and 10.2‐fold CH4 yield increase compared with the original TiMOF template and the undoped Ti@C, respectively. This work presents a simple method for the fabrication of low bandgap semiconductors, and also makes a new attempt at the synergistic effect between the in‐situ elements and valence bonds of MOF‐derived catalysts.
Using postural data and recurrent learning to monitor shoplifting activities in megastores
Authors: Ansari Mohd Aquib , Singh Dushyant Kumar , Jayaswal Ruchi
Published: August 2023

Recently, researchers have placed a great deal of emphasis on modeling activity patterns to better understand human behavior. Several approaches have been researched so far to develop automatic human activity recognition systems that infer detailed semantics from visual images, aiming to understand real human behavior patterns. However, there is still a need for a cost effective solution to distinguish human actions in the real‐world environment. With this encouragement, a novel approach is proposed to recognize shoplifting acts by examining the posture evidence of the human being. This approach begins by obtaining the two‐dimensional pose reflecting human's body joints as a skeleton from the recorded frames. Subsequently, a preprocessing step is used to preprocess skeleton data, which can handle the occlusion too. Postural feature generation is then used to extract pertinent features from such preprocessed skeletons. Finally, feature deduction is performed to downsize the derived features to a smaller dimension, and activity classification is performed on such reduced features to identify shoplifting behaviors in real time. A synthetic shoplifting dataset and real store recorded videos are used to conduct the experiments, the findings of which appear more promising than those obtained using other cutting‐edge methods, with an accuracy of 97.36% and 91.66% for synthesized and real store recorded inputs.
Production of 2,5‐Furandicarboxylic Acid Methyl Esters from Pectin‐Based Aldaric Acid: from Laboratory to Bench Scale
Authors: van Strien Nicolaas , Niskanen Jukka , Berghuis Anneloes , Pöhler Holger , Rautiainen Sari
Published: August 2023

2,5‐Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is one of the most attractive emerging renewable monomers, which has gained interest especially in polyester applications, such as the production of polyethylene furanoate (PEF). Recently, the attention has shifted towards FDCA esters due to their better solubility as well as the easier purification and polymerisation compared to FDCA. In our previous work, we reported the synthesis of FDCA butyl esters by dehydration of aldaric acids as stable intermediates. Here, we present the synthesis of FDCA methyl esters in high yields from pectin‐based galactaric acid using a solid acid catalyst. The process enables high substrate concentrations (up to 20 wt %) giving up to 50 mol % FDCA methyl esters with total furancarboxylates yields of up to 90 mol %. The synthesis was successfully scaled up from gram‐scale to kilogram‐scale in batch reactors showing the feasibility of the process. The stability of the catalyst was tested in re‐use experiments. Purification of the crude product by vacuum distillation and precipitation gave furan‐2,5‐dimethylcarboxylate with a 98 % purity.
Augmentation of spectral efficiency in optical wireless communication networks using grid‐based elephant swarm optimization protocol
Authors: Bujjingappan Rajammal Sathishkumar
Published: August 2023

The emergence of 5G and 6G technologies has resulted in a faster, more automated, and more intelligent data flow in the digital world. A wide spectrum of optical wireless communication is made available to support 5G and 6G technologies, and it can meet the demands of high‐speed optical wireless communication. Trade‐offs involving latency, power consumption, deployment costs, and hardware/computational overhead have always been a part of 5G/6G technologies. The decline in the trade‐offs indicated above has major implications for networking capacity. The proposed work modulated a new grid‐based communication protocol (GCP) with elephant swarm optimization (ESO) to surpass those issues with optical wireless communication devices. This protocol employs an integrated strategy to split the network and choose the cluster head effectively. Different GCP‐ESO‐related algorithms have been explored. Various components of the OSNs, including network energy usage, cluster, and non‐cluster header nodes, are also calculated using mathematical analysis. The results have been simulated using MATLAB software. The simulation precisely demonstrates that the proposed GCP‐ESO outperforms the emerging MCH‐EOR and RDSAOA‐EECP methods concerning energy consumption (0.46 J), packet loss ratio (PLR) (0.60%), end‐to‐end latency (11.0 s), packet delivery rate (PDR) (99.41%), routing (0.112), the lifetime of the network (3718 s), and throughput (0.989 Mbps).
Effect of COVID‐19 infection on the gastrointestinal tract considering preventive methods during endoscopic procedures
Authors: Naito Sakiko , Nakamura Itaru , Umezu Tomohiro , Hata Akihiro , Madarame Akira , Uchida Kumiko , Koyama Yohei , Morise Takashi , Yamaguchi Hayato , Kono Shin , Sugimoto Mitsushige , Kawai Takashi , Harada Yuichiro , Kuroda Masahiko , Fukuzawa Masakatsu , Itoi Takao
Published: August 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to prevent the infection risk of environmental contamination by feces during endoscopic procedures. We evaluated the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) on the gastrointestinal tract using fecal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and examined risk factors affecting endoscopic procedures, to develop infection prevention strategies.

Methods

This single‐center prospective observational study enrolled 32 patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 at Tokyo Medical University Hospital between January and December 2022. We performed reverse transcriptase‐PCR to detect severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in human stool specimens and evaluated the COVID‐19 positivity rate in stool, the effect of vaccination on infection detection, and differences in positivity rates considering different patient backgrounds.

Results

Among the 32 nasal PCR‐positive patients who underwent fecal PCR testing, the fecal PCR positivity rate was 21.8%. Compared to the negative cases, 71.4% vs. 32% were older than 65 years (p < 0.016), 71.4% vs. 0.8% (p < 0.001) had malignant tumors, the rate during BA.5 variant outbreaks was significantly higher (100% vs. 60% [p = 0.044]), and the rate of diarrheal symptoms was also higher (42.9% vs. 24%). The median collection period for fecal PCR‐positive cases was 2 days after sampling.

Conclusions

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 affects not only the upper respiratory tract but also the gastrointestinal tract. These findings may indicate the risk of digestive fluid infection in older patients with gastrointestinal symptoms and immunocompromised patients with malignant tumor comorbidities, especially during the early stages of viral infection. Therefore, it is advisable to establish a system to prevent infection by using personal protective equipment, including eye guards, in future endoscopic procedures.