bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the use of paracetamol to prevent fasting headache during the first week of Ramadan: A randomized, open‐label, clinical trial
Authors: Almohammed Omar A. , Alsanea Sary , Albishi Nouf , AlMuhareb Lamia , AlMotawa Rana , Alrasheed Sara , Alasmari Fawaz , Almutairi Faris , Assiri Mohammed A. , Alghamdi Ali , Albilali Abdulrazaq , A.ElToukhy Riham , Alwhaibi Abdulrahman
Published: September 2024

Background

Fasting headaches frequently occur during the first few days of Ramadan, and treatment is challenging because of fasting.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of extended‐release paracetamol on preventing fasting headaches.

Methods

A randomized, open‐label clinical trial investigated the efficacy of extended‐release paracetamol at a daily dose of 1330 mg in preventing fasting headache. Adults aged 18 years and older were recruited through the Clinical Trial Unit at the King Saud University Medical City. The eligible participants in the study fasted 13.5 h daily during the first week of Ramadan. Participants in the treatment and control arms were followed up to investigate the occurrence, severity, and timing of headache symptoms via self‐reporting using a standardized headache diary scale with a daily online link or phone call. The primary outcome was the frequency of headache episodes while fasting during the first week of Ramadan.

Results

A total of 238 participants were enrolled and randomized. Of these, 173 followed the protocol (80 treated, 93 control) for at least the first day and were included in the analysis. Most participants were young and healthy, with a mean age of 32.2 ± 10.2 years. More men were included in the study (102/173; 59.0%), a small proportion of participants were smokers (31/173; 17.9%), and almost all participants reported being coffee drinkers (165/173; 95.4%); nonetheless, these characteristics were evenly distributed between the two groups in the study. The overall incidence of headache episodes was 33.0% (57/173) on day 1 and decreased to 11.3% (18/159) on day 7. On average over the 7 days, no significant effect was observed for the treatment on the incidence of headache, as the findings from the generalized estimating equation model indicated (β = −0.398, p = 0.084; odds ratio = 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.42–1.06). Moreover, there was initially no significant difference in the incidence of headache episodes between the treatment and control groups. However, the treatment group had significantly fewer headache episodes during fasting than the control group on day 3 (4/72 [5.6%] vs. 15/91 [16.5%], p = 0.031; relative risk [RR] = 0.34, 95% CI 0.12–0.97) and day 6 (5/69 [7.2%] vs. 20/90 [22.2%], p = 0.010; RR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.13–0.82). No adverse effects were observed during the study period.

Conclusion

No significant differences were observed in the occurrence of fasting headaches between the two groups on most days during the study period. Additional studies are required to address fasting headaches during the first week of Ramadan.
Anti‐ageing mechanism of topical bioactive ingredient composition on skin based on network pharmacology
Authors: Feifei Wang , Wenrou Su , Jinyue Sun , Qiaochu Du , Jingjing Li , Jin Liu , Junxiang Li , Xuhui Li , Xiao Lin , Congfen He
Published: September 2024

Objective

To elucidate the anti‐ageing mechanism of the combination of eight ingredients on the skin from a multidimensional view of the skin.

Methods

The target pathway mechanisms of composition to delay skin ageing were investigated by a network pharmacology approach and experimentally validated at three levels: epidermal, dermal, and tissue.

Results

We identified 24 statistically significant skin ageing‐related pathways, encompassing crucial processes such as epidermal barrier repair, dermal collagen and elastin production, inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as modulation of acetylcholine and acetylcholine receptor binding. Furthermore, our in vitro experimental findings exhibited the following outcomes: the composition promotes fibroblast proliferation and the expression of barrier‐related genes in the epidermis; it also stimulated the expression of collagen I, collagen III, and elastic fibre while inhibiting ROS and β‐Gal levels in HDF cells within the dermis. Additionally, Spilanthol in the Acmella oleracea extract contained in the composition demonstrated neuro‐relaxing activity in Zebrafish embryo, suggesting its potential as an anti‐wrinkle ingredient at the hypodermis level.

Conclusions

In vitro experiments validated the anti‐ageing mechanism of composition at multiple skin levels. This framework can be extended to unravel the functional mechanisms of other clinically validated compositions, including traditional folk recipes utilized in cosmeceuticals.
A multicentre clinical trial evaluating the outcomes of two application regimens of a unique keratin‐based graft in the treatment of Wagner grade one non‐healing diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Armstrong David G. , Orgill Dennis P. , Galiano Robert D. , Glat Paul M. , Carter Marissa J. , Hanft Jason , Surprenant Maria , Isaac Adam L. , Zelen Charles M.
Published: September 2024

Diabetic foot complications that lead to lower extremity amputations pose a significant challenge to the entire global health system. In this multicentre clinical trial, 26 patients with chronic Wagner one diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) were treated with a unique human keratin matrix graft applied either weekly or bi‐weekly, in addition to standard of care. The hypothesis was that bi‐weekly application would be similar to weekly application. The primary endpoint was complete wound closure by 12 weeks, and secondary endpoints included healing time, percent area reduction and weekly changes in peripheral neuropathy, pain and quality of life. In the intent‐to‐treat population, 77% (10/13) of DFUs treated with bi‐weekly application healed compared with 69% (9/13) treated with weekly application. The mean time to heal within 12 weeks in the bi‐weekly group was 61 days and in the weekly group was 54 days. The mean percent area reduction at 12 weeks was 94.7% in the bi‐weekly group compared with 84.8% in the weekly group. The number of grafts used in the bi‐weekly group was 3.9 compared with 6.2 in the weekly group. The results of this trial confirm our hypothesis that whether bi‐weekly or weekly application of the unique keratin matrix graft is used to treat nonhealing indolent DFUs, there is a high rate of complete healing. Based on these results, future studies should be conducted that further investigate the use of this novel human keratin matrix graft for the treatment of chronic DFUs.
Predictors and mechanisms of self‐stigma in five chronic skin diseases: A systematic review
Authors: Stuhlmann Caroline F. Z. , Traxler Juliane , Paucke Valentina , da Silva Burger Neuza , Sommer Rachel
Published: September 2024

Background

People with skin disease suffer due to disease‐related physical symptoms, as well as due to significant psychosocial burden. A major contributor of this burden is the experience of stigmatization. Research indicates that people with visible skin diseases deal with both social stigma and self‐stigma.

Objective

This systematic literature review aimed to aggregate existing research on correlates and mechanisms that contribute to self‐stigmatization among people with atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo, alopecia areata or hidradenitis suppurativa and to, ultimately, identify targets for psychosocial interventions.

Methods

The review followed PRISMA guidelines. Four databases, PubMed, OVID, Web of Science and PsycINFO were searched for peer‐reviewed articles. Studies were identified by two independent researchers and were eligible if they (1) assessed adults with one of five chronic skin diseases—atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo, alopecia areata or hidradenitis suppurativa, (2) measured self‐stigma or relevant synonyms, (3) evaluated psychosocial correlates, predictors or explanatory mechanisms of self‐stigma and (4) were published in German or English in a peer‐reviewed journal. The Johanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Analytical Cross Sectional Studies was used to evaluate the quality of studies.

Results

Twenty‐seven studies were included with a mean quality rating of 7.04 (out of 8). Social stigma, coping strategies (such as lack of acceptance) and lack of social support were identified as main predictors of self‐stigma. Although study quality was good, all but one study had a cross‐sectional design that does not allow examining causal relationships among the determinants of self‐stigma.

Conclusions

Findings from the present review revealed several psychosocial variables that are malleable and potentially suitable as intervention targets. Those variables such as acceptance should be targeted in evidence‐based interventions specifically developed to reduce self‐stigma to, ultimately, improve mental health of people affected.
Ectopic thyroid adenoma diagnosed in a Senegal seabream (Diplodus bellottii, Steindachner 1882): Towards an accurate diagnosis
Authors: da Silva Gabriela Fernandes , Faria Fátima , Gil Fátima , Leitão Nuno , Ribeiro Paulo , Pinello Katia , Niza‐Ribeiro João , Amorim Irina
Published: September 2024

Thyroid tissue in teleosts is located mainly in the pharyngeal region, usually reaching other adjacent anatomical locations. Herein, a nodular lesion located in the left operculum of a Senegal seabream (Diplodus bellottii) was surgically excised and sent for microscopical evaluation. Microscopically, the lesion presented irregular borders and consisted in columnar epithelial cells arranged in a tubulopapillary pattern, surrounding a central lumen filled with acellular, acidophilic and homogeneous, material (‘colloid’). To determine the lesion's histogenesis, immunohistochemistry was performed employing antibodies for AE1/AE3, CK7, thyroglobulin and vimentin. The neoplastic cells presented low mitotic index and positive immunolabelling for CK7 and thyroglobulin. Therefore, a diagnosis of ectopic thyroid adenoma was made. Herein, the successful employment of antibodies classically used in mammals for accurate diagnosis of thyroid disorders is described. Proliferation of thyroid tissue in fish may reflect environmental and physiological imbalances, making the study and correct diagnosis of these tumours in this species important.
Recurrent pericarditis in older adults: Clinical and laboratory features and outcome
Authors: Bizzi Emanuele , Cavaleri Francesco , Mascolo Ruggiero , Conte Edoardo , Maggiolini Stefano , Decarlini Caterina Chiara , Maestroni Silvia , Collini Valentino , Sicignano Ludovico Luca , Verrecchia Elena , Manna Raffaele , Pancrazi Massimo , Trotta Lucia , Lopalco Giuseppe , Malandrino Danilo , Pallini Giada , Catenazzi Sara , Carrozzo Luisa , Emmi Giacomo , Lazaros George , Brucato Antonio , Imazio Massimo
Published: September 2024

Background

Current guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pericarditis refer to the general adult population. Few and fragmentary data regarding recurrent pericarditis in older adults exist.

Objective of the Study

Given the absence of specific data in scientific literature, we hypothesized that there might be clinical, laboratory and outcome differences between young adults and older adults affected by idiopathic recurrent pericarditis.

Materials and Methods

We performed an international multicentric retrospective cohort study analyzing data from patients affected by recurrent pericarditis (idiopathic or post‐cardiac injury) and referring to tertiary referral centers. Clinical, laboratory, and outcome data were compared between patients younger than 65 years (controls) and patients aged 65 or older.

Results

One hundred and thirty‐three older adults and 142 young adult controls were enrolled. Comorbidities, including chronic kidney diseases, atrial fibrillation, and diabetes, were more present in older adults. The presenting symptom was dyspnea in 54.1% of the older adults versus 10.6% in controls (p < 0.001); pain in 32.3% of the older adults versus 80.3% of the controls (p < 0.001). Fever higher than 38°C was present in 33.8% versus 53.5% (p = 0.001). Pleural effusion was more prevalent in the older adults (55.6% vs 34.5%, p < 0.001), as well as severe pericardial effusion (>20 mm) (24.1% vs 12.7%, p = 0.016) and pericardiocentesis (16.5% vs 8.5%, p = 0.042). Blood leukocyte counts were significantly lower in the older adults (mean + SE: 10,227 + 289/mm3 vs 11,208 + 285/mm3, p = 0.016). Concerning therapies, NSAIDS were used in 63.9% of the older adults versus 80.3% in the younger (p = 0.003), colchicine in 76.7% versus 87.3% (p = 0.023), corticosteroids in 49.6% versus 26.8% (p < 0.001), and anakinra in 14.3% versus 23.9% (p = 0.044).

Conclusions

Older adults affected by recurrent pericarditis show a different clinical pattern, with more frequent dyspnea, pleural effusion, severe pericardial effusion, and lower fever and lower leukocyte count, making the diagnosis sometimes challenging. They received significantly less NSAIDs and colchicine, likely due to comorbidities; they were also treated less commonly with anti‐IL1 agents, and more frequently with corticosteroids.
Reply to: Deprescribing is associated with reduced readmission to hospital: An updated meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Fontana Andrea , Carollo Massimo , Crisafulli Salvatore , Trifirò Gianluca
Published: September 2024

See the related letter by Lee et al. in this issue.
Longitudinal associations between deviant peer affiliation and externalizing behavior in Chinese preadolescence: Differentiating between‐person effects from within‐person effects
Authors: Huang Linhui , Chen Yuanyuan , Zhu Jianjun , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2024

The present study employed the cross‐lagged panel model and the random intercepts cross‐lagged panel model to investigate the longitudinal association between deviant peer affiliation and externalizing behavior in Chinese preadolescents. A sample of 1987 students, comprising 56.10% male participants with a mean age of 12.32 years (SD = 0.53), from Guangdong and Shandong provinces, completed the Deviant Peer Affiliation Scale and the Externalizing Behavior Scale in biannual surveys. The surveys were conducted in the autumn semester of 7th grade, the spring semester of 7th grade, and the autumn semester of 8th grade. The cross‐lagged panel model illustrated a bidirectional association between adolescents' involvement with deviant peers and externalizing behavior. Conversely, the random intercepts cross‐lagged panel model indicated a positive association between deviant peer affiliation and externalizing behavior at the between‐person level. At the within‐person level, a significant predictive correlation was identified between the association with deviant peers and subsequent externalizing behavior, whereas the reverse pathway was determined to be statistically insignificant. To comprehend the connection between deviant peer association and externalizing behavior in preadolescence, it is essential to differentiate between between‐person and within‐person effects and utilize a sophisticated research methodology.
Effect of Cuminum cyminum essential oil on growth, histology, intestinal histomorphology, blood parameters, gonadal development, antioxidant activity, and disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in Cyprinus carpio
Authors: Yigit Nalan Ozgur , Metin Secil , Didinen Hakan , Cetinkaya Berrin , Ozmen Ozlem
Published: September 2024

This study investigated the effects on growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, blood parameters, gonadal development, antioxidant activity, and disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila of carp fed with cumin. Fish were fed diets containing 0, 1.0, and 3.0 mL kg−1 cumin for 60 days. At the end of the experiment, the use of cumin oil did not affect growth performances and survival rate after challenge with A. hydrophila (p > 0.05). However, villi length and goblet cells increased in carp fed with cumin diets. In addition, no pathological findings were observed in the hepatopancreas, gonad, and intestine tissues of carp fed with cumin. Total protein; albumin; aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase levels; superoxide dismutase; and catalase activity were similar in cumin oil supplemented groups compared with the control. Both male and female fecundity increased with the addition of 1.0 mL kg−1 cumin, whereas the addition of 3.0 mL kg−1 cumin caused a slight decrease in fertility. As a result, the use of cumin essential oil at 1 mL kg−1 concentration can be recommended to improve fish health and increase fertility in carp culture.
Drug‐induced liver injury related to gene therapy: A new challenge to be managed
Authors: Larrey Dominique , Delire Benedicte , Meunier Lucy , Zahhaf Amel , De Martin Eleonora , Horsmans Yves
Published: September 2024

Gene therapy is being successfully developed for the treatment of several genetic disorders. Various methods of gene transfer have been developed to enable the production of the deficient enzyme or protein. One of the most important is adeno‐associated virus vectors, which have been shown to be viable for use in in vivo gene therapy. Several gene therapies have already been approved. They are also promising for acquired diseases. Important examples include gene therapy for haemophilia A and B, X‐linked myotubular myopathy, spinal muscular atrophy and several liver diseases such as Criggler‐Najjar disease, alpha‐1 antitrypsin deficiency and Fabry disease. However, the introduction of a foreign compound into hepatocytes leads to hepatic reactions with heterogeneous phenotypic expression and a wide spectrum of severity, ranging from mild transaminase elevation to acute liver failure. Several mechanisms appear to be involved in liver injury, including an immune response, but also direct toxicity depending on the method of gene transfer. As a result, the incidence, expression and severity of liver injury vary from indication to indication and from patient to patient. Patients treated for haemophilia A are more prone to transaminase elevation than those treated for haemophilia B. Corticosteroids are successfully used to correct liver reactions but also to prevent degradation of the transferred gene and loss of therapeutic activity. The aim of this review is to describe the risk of liver injury according to the indication for gene therapy and the short‐ and long‐term management currently proposed to prevent or correct liver reactions in clinical practice.
Digital quantitation of bridging fibrosis and septa reveals changes in natural history and treatment not seen with conventional histology
Authors: Naoumov Nikolai V. , Kleiner David E. , Chng Elaine , Brees Dominique , Saravanan Chandra , Ren Yayun , Tai Dean , Sanyal Arun J.
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims

Metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with bridging fibrosis is a critical stage in the evolution of fatty liver disease. Second harmonic generation/two‐photon excitation fluorescence (SHG/TPEF) microscopy with artificial intelligence (AI) provides sensitive and reproducible quantitation of liver fibrosis. This methodology was applied to gain an in‐depth understanding of intra‐stage fibrosis changes and septa analyses in a homogenous, well‐characterised group with MASH F3 fibrosis.

Methods

Paired liver biopsies (baseline [BL] and end of treatment [EOT]) of 57 patients (placebo, n = 17 and tropifexor n = 40), with F3 fibrosis stage at BL according to the clinical research network (CRN) scoring, were included. Unstained sections were examined using SHG/TPEF microscopy with AI. Changes in liver fibrosis overall and in five areas of liver lobules were quantitatively assessed by qFibrosis. Progressive, regressive septa, and 12 septa parameters were quantitatively analysed.

Results

qFibrosis demonstrated fibrosis progression or regression in 14/17 (82%) patients receiving placebo, while the CRN scoring categorised 11/17 (65%) as ‘no change’. Radar maps with qFibrosis readouts visualised quantitative fibrosis dynamics in different areas of liver lobules even in cases categorised as ‘No Change’. Measurement of septa parameters objectively differentiated regressive and progressive septa (p < .001). Quantitative changes in individual septa parameters (BL to EOT) were observed both in the ‘no change’ and the ‘regression’ subgroups, as defined by the CRN scoring.

Conclusion

SHG/TPEF microscopy with AI provides greater granularity and precision in assessing fibrosis dynamics in patients with bridging fibrosis, thus advancing knowledge development of fibrosis evolution in natural history and in clinical trials.
The Freiburg Index of Post‐TIPS Survival accurately predicts mortality in patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis
Authors: Kalo Eric , Sturm Lukas , Schultheiss Michael , Moore Oliver , Kurup Rajiv , Gahm Chiara , Read Scott , Reincke Marlene , Huber Jan Patrick , Müller Lukas , Kloeckner Roman , George Jacob , Thimme Robert , Bettinger Dominik , Ahlenstiel Golo
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The recently developed Freiburg Index of Post‐TIPS Survival (FIPS) allows improved risk classification of patients with decompensated cirrhosis allocated to transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) implantation. This study investigated the prognostic value of the FIPS in patients hospitalized with acute decompensation of cirrhosis (AD), outside the setting of TIPS implantation.

Methods

A total of 1133 patients with AD were included in a retrospective, multi‐centre study. Ninety‐day, 180‐day and 1‐year mortality were recorded and the FIPS' performance in predicting mortality at these time points was analysed using ROC analyses.

Results

Ninety‐day, 180‐day and 1‐year mortality were 17.7%, 24.4% and 30.8%. Uni‐ and multivariable Cox regression models showed that the FIPS independently predicted 1‐year mortality in the study cohort (HR 1.806, 95% CI 1.632–1.998, p < .0001). In ROC analyses, the FIPS offered consistently high performance in the prediction of mortality within 1 year after AD (area under the receiver operator characteristic [AUROC]: 1‐year mortality .712 [.679–.746], 180‐day mortality .740 [.705–.775] and 90‐day mortality .761 [.721–.801]). In fact, in the subgroup of patients presenting with variceal bleeding, the FIPS even showed significantly improved discriminatory performance in the prediction of long‐term mortality (AUROC 1‐year mortality: .782 [.724–.839]) in comparison with established prognostic scores, such as the CLIF‐C AD score (.724 [.660–.788], p = .0071) or MELD 3.0 (.726 [.662–.790], p = .0042).

Conclusions

The FIPS accurately predicts mortality in patients with AD and seems to offer superior prognostication of long‐term mortality in patients with variceal bleeding.
Benefits and limitations of implantable loop recorders in the very elderly
Authors: Engelke Hauke , Willy Kevin , Reinke Florian , Rath Benjamin , Könemann Hilke , Eckardt Lars , Frommeyer Gerrit
Published: September 2024

Background

Implantable loop recorder (ILR) allows rhythm‐monitoring up to 3 years. They are recommended in patients with recurrent syncope and for the detection of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with cryptogenic thromboembolic events. AF and syncope occur more often in elderly patients. However, data in this cohort is limited.

Methods and results

All patients ≥ 80 years undergoing ILR‐implantation between 2011 and 2022 in our center were included. Permanent pacemaker implantation (PPI) and oral anticoagulation due AF were defined as primary endpoints. Forty‐five patients ≥ 80 years were included, 33 because of recurrent syncope and 12 because of suspected AF. The average follow up (FU) was 17.6 months. Overall in 22 patients, ILR‐implantation led to a therapeutic consequence (48.9%). In the 12 patients who underwent ILR‐implantation for detection of AF, AF was detected in nine patients (75%). In the 33 elderly patients who received ILR‐implantation after syncope, 11 underwent PPI during FU (33.3%). One patient accidentally removed the ILR himself via the implantation‐wound, and no other ILR‐related complications were observed.

Conclusion

ILR are effective and safe in elderly patients. AF was often found in patients with suspected AF, especially in patients after catheter ablation of only documented atrial flutter (AFlu). PPI‐rate was high in patients with recurrent syncope and ILR‐implantation. Further investigations are necessary to determine whether PPI may be considered in elderly patients with syncope even in the absence of a bifascicular block.
Sly‐miR398b Mediates Mature Leaf Flattening by Orchestrating Auxin and H2O2 Signalling in Tomato
Authors: Zhang Xinshan , Wang Xiujuan , Deng Fei , Liu Yuanyuan , Ru Lei , Yan Guochao , Xu Yunmin , Zhu Zhujun , He Yong
Published: September 2024

Leaf flattening plays a pivotal role in optimizing light capture and enhancing photosynthesis efficiency. While extensive research has clarified the molecular mechanisms governing the initial stages of leaf flattening, understanding the maintenance of this process in mature leaves remains limited. Our investigation focused on sly‐miR398b in tomatoes and revealed its crucial role in maintaining leaf flattening. In situ hybridization experiments indicated predominant expression of sly‐miR398b in the abaxial side. Disrupting sly‐miR398b using CRISPR/Cas9 relieved its suppression on target gene (Cu/Zn‐SOD, SlCSD1), elevating SlCSD1 levels specifically on the abaxial side. Consequently, this asymmetrical expression of SlCSD1 increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels in the abaxial side, hindering auxin influx genes while promoting auxin efflux gene expression. This shift reduced auxin response gene expression in the abaxial side of mature leaves compared to the adaxial side, leading to leaf epinasty in sly‐miR398b mutants. Exogenous H2O2 spraying induced leaf epinasty, downregulating SlGH3.5 and upregulating SlPIN3 and SlPIN4. Remarkably, spraying with 1‐naphthalacetic acid (NAA) restored leaf flattening in sly‐miR398b mutants. Our findings offer novel insights into mature leaf flattening maintenance via sly‐miR398b's regulation of auxin and H2O2 signalling pathways.
Glioneuronal and neuronal tumors: A perspective
Authors: Komori Takashi
Published: September 2024

Glioneuronal and neuronal tumors (GNTs) are slow‐growing, lower‐grade neuroepithelial tumors characterized by mature neuronal differentiation and, less consistently, glial differentiation. Their identification has traditionally relied on histological proof of neuronal differentiation, reflecting the well‐differentiated nature of GNTs. However, after discovering genetic alterations in GNTs, particularly those in the MAP‐kinase pathway, it became evident that histological diagnoses do not always correlate with genetic alterations and vice versa. Therefore, molecular‐based classification is now warranted since several inhibitors targeting the MAP‐kinase pathway are available. The World Health Organization classification published in 2021 applied DNA methylation profiling to segregate low‐grade neuroepithelial tumors. As GNTs are essentially indolent, radical resection and unnecessary chemoradiotherapy may be more harmful than beneficial for patients. Preserving tumor tissue for potential future treatments is more important for patients with GNTs.
Adjustment of storage capacity for non‐structural carbohydrates in response to limited water availability in two temperate woody species
Authors: Jupa Radek , Plichta Roman , Plavcová Lenka , Paschová Zuzana , Gloser Vít
Published: September 2024

Reserves of non‐structural carbohydrates (NSC) stored in living cells are essential for drought tolerance of trees. However, little is known about the phenotypic plasticity of living storage compartments (SC) and their interactions with NSC reserves under changing water availability. Here, we examined adjustments of SC and NSC reserves in stems and roots of seedlings of two temperate tree species, Acer negundo L. and Betula pendula Roth., cultivated under different substrate water availability. We found that relative contents of soluble NSC, starch and total NSC increased with decreasing water availability in stems of both species, and similar tendencies were also observed in roots of A. negundo. In the roots of B. pendula, soluble NSC contents decreased along with the decreasing water availability, possibly due to phloem decoupling or NSC translocation to shoots. Despite the contrast in organ responses, NSC contents (namely starch) positively correlated with proportions of total organ SC. Individual types of SC showed markedly distinct plasticity upon decreasing water availability, suggesting that water availability changes the partitioning of organ storage capacity. We found an increasing contribution of parenchyma‐rich bark to the total organ NSC storage capacity under decreasing water availability. However, xylem SC showed substantially greater plasticity than those in bark. Axial storage cells, namely living fibers in A. negundo, responded more sensitively to decreasing water availability than radial parenchyma. Our results demonstrate that drought‐induced changes in carbon balance affect the organ storage capacity provided by living cells, whose proportions are sensitively coordinated along with changing NSC reserves.
Rare legumes are missing mutualists, but herbivory and environmental filtering are more important determinants of reintroduction success
Authors: Galloway Emily , Price Paul A. , Grman Emily , Bauer Jonathan T.
Published: September 2024

Soil microbial mutualists like rhizobia bacteria can promote the establishment of rare, late‐successional legumes. Despite restoration efforts, these mutualists are often absent in the microbiome. Therefore, restoring this mutualism by directly inoculating rare legumes with rhizobia mutualists may increase plant establishment. We inoculated seedlings of Amorpha canescens, Dalea purpurea, and Lespedeza capitata with three strains of species‐specific rhizobia each to investigate how this mutualism would promote growth in the field and in the greenhouse. Because many herbaceous plants are vulnerable to herbivory, we used exclosures for half of our field transplantations to prevent mammalian herbivory. We did not find that rhizobia bacteria directly promoted the growth of our legumes in the field but rather that herbivory and environmental conditions overwhelmed the effects of the rhizobia. Of the plants transplanted, only 17.78% of 180 survived to the end of the growing season, all of which were protected from herbivory. Survival at the end of the growing season was also greater in the northern, drier end of the field site. In the second growing season, plants were more likely to survive in the exclosure treatment, while only four recovered in the open treatment. In the greenhouse, we found increased nodulation with inoculations, supporting the hypothesis that species‐specific mutualists are absent from restoration sites. Though several recent studies have shown that restoring mutualistic interactions has the potential to dramatically improve the outcomes of ecological restoration, our results show that protecting rare species from herbivory after transplantation might achieve greater gains in establishment.
Characterisation of the novel KIR2DL1*00308 allele identified in a Chinese Han individual
Authors: Jiang Renhui , Li Yunan , Zhen Jianxin , Deng Zhihui
Published: September 2024

The novel KIR2DL1*00308 allele differs from the closest allele KIR2DL1*00302 by a single sense mutation.
In-Situ Calibration of Six-Axis Force/Torque Transducers on a Six-Legged Robot
Authors: Wu Ziyou , Revzen Shai
Published: September 2024

Ground contact modeling for multilegged locomotion is challenging due to the possibility of multiple slipping legs. To understand the interplay of contact forces among multiple legs, we integrated a robot with six high-precision 6 degree-of-freedom (DoF) force-torque sensors, and measured the wrenches (forces and torques) produced in practice. Here, we present an in situ calibration procedure for simultaneously measuring all foot contact wrenches of a hexapod using 6-DoF load cells installed at the hips. We characterized transducer offset, leg gravity offset, and the wrench transformation error in our calibration model. Our calibration reduced the root-mean-square-error (RSME) by 63% for forces and 90% for torques in the residuals of the robot standing in different poses, compared with naive constant offset removal.
Design and Validation Strategy for an X-Ray Target Subject to Ultra-High Heat Flux Loading
Authors: Ravichandran Mahadevan , Winter Johanna , Dimroth Anton , Bartzsch Stefan , Kraus Kim Melanie , Zimmermann Markus
Published: September 2024

Sub-atomic particles impinging on metallic surfaces is a commonly encountered load case in nuclear engineering, medical physics, and particle research. Microbeam X-ray therapy is a promising cancer therapy that can be applied using high-power, spatially fractionated X-rays generated by an electron beam hitting a metallic target. For a clinical microbeam therapy X-ray source, an impinging electron beam of a power of 1 MW onto a rectangular focal spot of 0.05 × 20 mm size is needed, with a penetration depth of 0.1 mm. This corresponds to a heat flux input of 1 TW/m2 on the surface, an order of magnitude higher than that encountered in state-of-the-art nuclear fusion reactors and conventional imaging X-ray sources. Thus, it is essential to simulate and validate the thermo-mechanical capability of the metallic target’s material to withstand this extreme heat flux. This paper introduces a simplified mathematical model for evaluating temperature during the impact of such an electron beam on a rotating metallic target with a tungsten focal track. The model dissects the maximum temperature requirement into local and global temperatures at the focal spot and focal track, respectively. Numerical simulations based on surface heat flux loading and volumetric heat loading are also presented in this work. Further, the local temperature around the focal spot is modeled in a separate numerical model of a much lower scale with a minimum mesh element size of 10 μm and volumetric heat loading. This differs from the state-of-the-art numerical simulations, in which electron beam impinging on metals is modeled as purely surface heat flux loads. A metal target design of Titanium-Zirconium-Molybdenum (TZM) alloy structure and tungsten focal track is presented and is shown to withstand the thermal requirement of not exceeding the melting point of tungsten and TZM alloy. The simulation temperature results agree with the mathematical estimates within an error of 10 %. Results of various discretization levels are presented, and the spatial and temporal grid independence of the numerical simulations are validated. Further, a novel validation strategy is proposed to address the lack of available test facilities to replicate this extreme heat flux load case. The critical parameters describing the high heat flux loading are identified as temperature, thermal strain, thermal stress, and strain rate. Scaled-down test specifications are determined to use a test facility of power less than 100 kW and recreate the critical parameters. With the numerical simulation model validated using the scaled-down test, it is proposed to verify the material’s capability to withstand the concentrated 1 MW heat load numerically without requiring a 1 MW test facility.
Rapid Cooling Technology for Extreme Sample Environment Neutron Vacuum Furnaces
Authors: Adhikari Daksh , Radyjowski Patryk , Carlson David , Davis Reese , Zou An , Rao Parthib , Chen Chien-Hua
Published: September 2024

One of the main limitations of experimental throughput in high temperature neutron experiments is the lengthy cooldown time of the test furnace. Neutron furnaces typically rely on radiation-based cooling under vacuum to reach safe opening temperatures (< 100 °C) to change test samples. The lengthy cooldown, often taking 2–3 times longer than the test itself, is due to the furnace design optimized for minimizing heat loss. A rapid cooling technology for neutron furnaces is presented, where closed-loop circulation of low-pressure helium is utilized. The new cooling technology reduces the most impactful 500–100°C cooldown phase from over 2 hours down to as low as < 5 minutes for low thermal mass cases with no sample. The gas mass flowrate had the dominant impact on cooling time, while the system pressure had negligible effects.
A Comprehensive Thermodynamics Investigation of a Solar-Powered Hydrogen Production Plant
Authors: Alsaleem Sulaiman M.
Published: September 2024

Green hydrogen production utilizing a solar-powered proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer is a promising technology for generating clean energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This work presents a comprehensive thermodynamics study to investigate producing hydrogen gas through PEM electrolysers driven by solar-powered Rankine cycles. Parabolic trough solar collectors supply thermal energy to a single-stage Rankine cycle (SRC) and a binary steam-organic Rankine cycle (SRC-ORC) using different refrigerants to generate electricity that powers the electrolysers. First and second law analysis on solar collectors, power cycles, and PEM electrolysers are presented. Over the solar irradiation range (Gb = 600–1000 W/m2), results show that (SRC-ORC) configuration produced the highest hydrogen rate when using the R134a and R744 as working refrigerants in the ORC. Moreover, at a Gb = 800 W/m2, the model shows that (SRC-ORC) yields higher energetic and exergetic efficiencies compared to the corresponding (SRC) by about 12% and 14%, respectively. The analytical model reveals that more than half of the exergy input to the system was destroyed in the electrolysers followed by solar collectors and then power cycles. This highlights the necessity to optimize the design of PEM electrolysers to enhance the hydrogen production rate.
Two-Degrees of Freedom Flow-Induced Vibrations and Heat Transfer of Twin Cylinders in Tandem and Staggered Arrangements
Authors: Ali Ussama , Islam Md. , Janajreh Isam
Published: September 2024

The emergence of flow-induced vibrations (FIV) is critical in industrial systems like heat exchanger tubes and marine risers, posing challenges in modern shell-and-tube heat exchanger design due to tube failures from fatigue damage. This work explores the impact of cylinder configurations on flow-induced oscillations and heat transfer in laminar regime at a Reynolds number of 100. Both cylinders were allowed to oscillate in two-degrees of freedom, experiencing motion both along the flow direction (streamwise) and transverse to it. The configuration of the two identical circular cylinders varied from tandem alignment (α = 0°) to staggered (α = 30° and 60°). The spacing between the two cylinders remained at 6D, with D representing the cylinder’s diameter. The cylinders were heated at a constant temperature to observe the heat transfer characteristics influenced by the two-dimensional FIV. To investigate the FIV, the reduced velocity (Ur) was systematically adjusted within the range of 2 to 12. The findings revealed the responsiveness of the cylinders to variations in reduced velocity and cylinder configurations, particularly with regard to vibrations and heat transfer. The tandem alignment resulted in most pronounced vibrational responses in both cylinders. Both cylinders exhibited lock-in behavior within the range of Ur = 6 to 8, with significant transverse vibration amplitudes. Downstream cylinder (DC) experienced the widest span of lock-in in the tandem configuration. Streamwise vibrations were insignificant when compared to their transverse counterparts. Different vorticity patterns emerged in the wake of the cylinders, due to the different configurations. The staggered setup with α = 60° lead to a substantial 75% reduction in transverse vibrations and a 9% elevation in the Nusselt number for DC compared to the tandem configuration.
Flow and Heat Transfer Characteristics in Arrays of Stationary and Elastically Supported Cylinders
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Islam Md. , Fatt Yap Yit , Janajreh Isam
Published: September 2024

This study investigates FIV and heat transfer in arrays of stationary and elastically supported cylinders by considering nine heated circular cylinders with inline arrangements. A 2-D numerical simulations considering low Reynolds number and forced convection heat transfer are carried out using ANSYS Fluent loaded with user-defined function (UDF). User-defined function (UDF) governs cylinders’ displacements in y-directions for elastically supported cylinders. Several parameters are considered, including a reduced velocity range of 2–12, a fixed centre-to-centre distance between cylinders of 3D in both direction i.e. transverse and streamwise, a Reynolds number of 100, a Prandtl number of 0.7, and a constant mass ratio of 2. The heat transfer performance is investigated in elastically supported cylinders and then results are compared with arrays of stationary cylinders to understand the significance of FIV. The results of this study indicate that the flow pattern for arrays of elastically supported cylinders depends on the reduced velocity, and it is different from that of arrays of stationary cylinders. At lower reduced velocities, it follows the almost same flow pattern as stationary cylinders. Additionally, it is observed that FIV in elastically supported cylinders shows a significant improvement in the average Nusselt number up to 39% for arrays of elastically supported cylinders when compared with arrays of stationary cylinders.
A Convolution Neural Network Design for Combined Image and Sensor Data Analysis to Determine Droplet Vaporization Regime and Heat Transfer Performance
Authors: Tchouteng Njike Ursan , Silva Anisa , Carey Van P.
Published: September 2024

Combining high-speed video cameras and optimal measurement techniques with digital sensors controlled by a data acquisition system can yield a combination of experimental tools to explore boiling process thermophysics and heat transfer mechanisms. Imaging can provide qualitative and quantitative information that complements data provided by temperature, pressure, and more sensors. This paper summarizes the results of an exploration of machine learning strategies to optimally combine and analyze boiling process images and digital sensor information from experiments. We specifically sought a convolution neural network to analyze the vaporization of deposited water droplets on superheated surfaces that may have varying degrees of nucleate boiling effects. Through experimentation, we found that a hybrid parallel-series convolution/neuron neural network design worked very effectively. The network could extract the regime of droplet vaporization (conduction driven only, conduction plus nucleate boiling, or explosive boiling), the liquid morphology, and could predict the vaporization regime, the wall superheat, and mean heat transfer rate as a function of image input and operating system parameters. Using data collected from the droplet deposition experiment, this network design has been trained to predict the mean heat transfer rate with a root mean square percent error (RMSPE) of only 3.3% and 7.2% on a training and testing dataset respectively. The hybrid network developed in this research appears to be a promising strategy for analyzing experimental data for physical systems that are best investigated experimentally with a combined use of imaging and digital sensor instrumentation.
Prediction of Airflow and Temperature Distribution in Data Centers With Focus on Containments
Authors: Karki Kailash , Radmehr Amir , Patankar Suhas
Published: September 2024

This study uses CFD modeling to predict the behavior of containments in data centers under various operational and design conditions. The focus is placed on cold-aisle containments, but the discussion and results are equally applicable to hot-aisle containments. The parameters considered are the flow rate of cooling air entering the aisle in relation to the airflow demand of the racks, leakage areas on the containment walls and racks, and airflow characteristics of the servers. Results are presented for both steady-state and transient scenarios.
Enhanced Heat Transfer Through Additively Manufactured Architectured Lattice Frame Materials in SS316L and Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Aider Youssef , Kaur Inderjot , Mujahid Shiraz , Paudel YubRaj , Rhee Hongjoo , Singh Prashant
Published: September 2024

High porosity metal foams have been proven to yield high rates of heat dissipation. However, metal foams are available in limited configurations in terms of pore density and porosity as well as in limited materials, such as aluminum, copper etc. For the design and development of next generation high temperature heat exchangers, a significant increase in the heat transfer performance is required at a reasonable increase in pumping power, while at the same time, the materials should withstand the high temperatures as well as the mechanical loads. To this end, novel architectured materials with superior thermal performance as well as load bearing capabilities are designed and developed, with the support of state-of-the-art metal additive manufacturing. Three different unit cell topologies, viz. Tetrakaidecahedron (TKD), Rhombic-Dodecahedron (DDC) and Octet, are additively manufactured for porosities ranging between 0.7 and 0.9, in two materials Stainless Steel 316L and Ti-6Al-4V. Experiments have been conducted to determine the effective thermal conductivity and the convective heat transfer coefficient for the above samples with air as working fluid. The convective heat transfer experiments were carried out for air flow velocities ranging from 1–7 m/s through lattice frame samples which were one unit cell thick. The single unit cell configuration was designed to fully leverage the conjugate heat transfer capabilities where the struts are directly attached to the wall subjected to heat load. In general, the heat transfer for the lowest porosity samples of each topology was higher compared to the two higher porosity samples. The same is true for the pressure drop. For the highest porosity (0.9) samples, Octet performed marginally better than the TKD and DDC configurations for SS316L materials, while for the Ti-6Al-4V, the performance of the three unit cells were nearly similar for the 0.9 porosity. SS316L test articles exhibited higher convective heat transfer compared to the Ti-6Al-4V samples.
Flow Boiling Heat Transfer Characteristics of R32 Outside Three-Dimensional Enhanced Tubes
Authors: Zhang Chenglin , Li Wei , Wang Xu , Kukulka David John , Ma Keshuai , Sherif S. A. , Wang Zepeng
Published: September 2024

Flow boiling heat transfer characteristics of R32 on the outside surface of three-D enhanced copper tubes have been experimentally investigated. One enhanced tube has been studied along with a smooth tube (ST tube) of the same diameter for comparison purposes. The enhanced tube has diamond stripes and a spherical shape (referred to here as the LEHT tube). Experimental conditions included saturation temperatures of 279, 283, and 288K; average vapor qualities ranging from 0.2 to 0.8; and mass fluxes ranging from 70 to 230 kg/(m2s). Both the heat transfer coefficient and frictional pressure drop in the LEHT tube increased with an increase in the mass flux. For the smooth tube, the effect of the average vapor quality on the heat transfer coefficient was found to be less significant compared to that of the LEHT tube. The heat transfer coefficient of the LEHT tube was also found to first increase and then decrease as the vapor quality increased. Finally, the frictional pressure drop in both tubes has been found to be inversely proportional to the saturation temperature, with the saturation temperature having little impact on the heat transfer coefficient.