bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cellular senescence in kidney biopsies is associated with tubular dysfunction and predicts CKD progression in childhood cancer patients with karyomegalic interstitial nephropathy
Authors: Knoppert Sebastiaan N , Keijzer‐Veen Mandy G , Valentijn Floris A , van den Heuvel‐Eibrink Marry M , Lilien Marc R , van den Berg Gerrit , Haveman Lianne M , Stokman Marijn F , Janssens Geert O , van Kempen Sven , Broekhuizen Roel , Goldschmeding Roel , Nguyen Tri Q
Published: October 2023

Karyomegalic interstitial nephropathy (KIN) has been reported as an incidental finding in patients with childhood cancer treated with ifosfamide. It is defined by the presence of tubular epithelial cells (TECs) with enlarged, irregular, and hyperchromatic nuclei. Cellular senescence has been proposed to be involved in kidney fibrosis in hereditary KIN patients. We report that KIN could be diagnosed 7–32 months after childhood cancer diagnosis in 6/6 consecutive patients biopsied for progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD) of unknown cause between 2018 and 2021. The morphometry of nuclear size distribution and markers for DNA damage (γH2AX), cell‐cycle arrest (p21+, Ki67−), and nuclear lamina decay (loss of lamin B1), identified karyomegaly and senescence features in TECs. Polyploidy was assessed by chromosome fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). In all six patients the number of p21‐positive TECs far exceeded the typically small numbers of truly karyomegalic cells, and p21‐positive TECs contained less lysozyme, testifying to defective resorption, which explains the consistently observed low‐molecular‐weight (LMW) proteinuria. In addition, polyploidy of TEC was observed to correlate with loss of lysozyme staining. Importantly, in the five patients with the largest nuclei, the percentage of p21‐positive TECs tightly correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate loss between biopsy and last follow‐up (R2 = 0.93, p < 0.01). We conclude that cellular senescence is associated with tubular dysfunction and predicts CKD progression in childhood cancer patients with KIN and appears to be a prevalent cause of otherwise unexplained CKD and LMW proteinuria in children treated with DNA‐damaging and cell stress‐inducing therapy including ifosfamide. © 2023 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
A simple and effective method to adjust the size of micropores on the inner surface of Polyvinylidene fluoride hollow fiber membranes
Authors: Xiang Li , Yuanyuan Mei , Zhonglin Cao , Shuhao Qin
Published: October 2023

Pore‐forming agents affect phase thermodynamics of solution‐case membranes, hence influencing the structure and properties of the membrane. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane has many advantages, but more in‐depth research is needed regarding directional control of membrane pore size. To solve this problem, a simple and efficient method is proposed. By adjusting the percentage of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in the casting solution, pore diameter is controlled between 0.01 and 10 μm. The number density and diameter of the inner surface increased significantly with increasing PVP content. The relevance of this study lies in the modulation of the inner surface micropore size of PVDF hollow fiber membranes in a simple and efficient procedure.

Highlights

Adjusting the size of micropores on the inner surface.

The size range of the inner surface is controlled between 0.01 and 10 μm.

It is possible to regulate the pore structure by limiting PVP concentration.

Significant increase in the number and size of pore on the inner surface.

A simple method for regulating the size of micropores.
Partnership with a school system to implement an Africentric rites of passage program for middle school Black boys
Authors: Williams Otis , Davis Julius , Cox Mark
Published: October 2023

This article shares how three African‐centered Black men partnered with a school system to develop and implement an Africentric rites of passage program for seventh‐ and eighth‐grade Black male students. The proposed school‐based intervention aimed to socialize, educate, and cultivate Black boys in preparation for manhood. Theoretically, the conceptual framework was anchored in African paradigms from Afrocentricity, Kawaida, and Pan‐Africanism. The authors provided an overview of the program, which included the program structure, activities, and events. We concluded with a discussion of program challenges and recommendations for future research and program implementation.
Relationship between the principal's restrictive behavior and preschool teachers' turnover intention: A serial mediation model
Authors: Guo Liping , Yang Enze , Gao Xiaoqiang , Ma Derui
Published: October 2023

Improving the management of principals has been proven to be an effective strategy to reduce preschool teachers' turnover. However, relevant empirical evidence for preschool teachers is still insufficient. A total of 3623 preschool teachers from the Chinese mainland participated in the current study through random cluster sampling and were administered self‐report questionnaires to measure their principal's restrictive behavior, work–family conflict, effort–reward imbalance (ERI), and turnover intention. This study used serial mediation models to examine the direct relationship between the principal's restrictive behavior and preschool teachers' turnover intention, as well as the indirect relationship between the two variables through the independent and serial mediating roles of ERI and work–family conflict (including work‐to‐family conflict [WFC] and family‐to‐work conflict [FWC]). Results showed that among Chinese preschool teachers, (1) the direct relationship between the principal's restrictive behavior and turnover intention was significant; (2) ERI mediated the relationship between the principal's restrictive behavior and turnover intention; (3) WFC and FWC both mediated the relationship between the principal's restrictive behavior and turnover intention; and (4) a serial mediating effect of ERI and WFC/FWC was observed. The findings have theoretical and practical significance for interventions to reduce preschool teachers' turnover.
Synthesis of well‐defined methacrylate copolymers and their use for stabilizing membrane proteins
Authors: Monjal Valentin , Moreno Alexis , Glueck David , Keller Sandro , Guillet Pierre , Durand Grégory
Published: October 2023

We describe the synthesis of a novel series of amphiphilic methacrylate copolymers composed of one hydrophobic monomer carrying a cyclohexyl group and one hydrophilic monomer carrying a short poly(ethylene glycol) chain comprising 6, 9, or 19 units. RAFT polymerization was used to yield well‐defined polymers. First, we studied the kinetic of this copolymerization and calculated the reactivity ratios according to different linear least‐squares (LLS) methods. We thus could demonstrate the statistical copolymerization of the two monomers. Then, by varying the ratio of each monomer in the copolymerization, we developed a series of polymers that were tested for their abilities to extract membrane proteins from Escherichia coli cells overexpressing the Bacillus subtilis multidrug resistance ABC transporter (BmrA) and to stabilize the light‐driven proton transporter bacteriorhodopsin (bR). While our copolymers failed to directly extract significant amounts of proteins, they were found to provide stabilizing environments for extracted membrane proteins, suggesting they could be used as non‐ionic stabilizing polymers.
Entropic barrier theory of polymer melting
Authors: Muthukumar Murugappan
Published: October 2023

We present a theory of melting kinetics of semicrystalline polymers at temperatures above the equilibrium melting temperature, by accounting for conformational entropy of chains during melting. We have derived free energy landscapes for escape of individual chains from a lamella into the amorphous phase as a function of the characteristics of the initial lamella, such as the lamellar thickness, number of chain folds, fold‐ and lateral‐surface free energies, and mean energy of a monomer inside the lamella. We show that melting of lamellae is always accompanied by a free energy barrier which is entirely entropic in origin. In terms of the parameters characterizing the lamellae and the extent of superheating, closed‐form formulas are presented for the equilibrium melting temperature, driving force for crystallization, free energy barrier height, average expulsion time of a single chain from a lamella, and the melting velocity of lamellae. The present entropic barrier theory predicts that the dependence of melting velocity on superheating is nonlinear and non‐Arrhenius, in qualitative agreement with experimental observations reported in the literature. The derived formulas open an opportunity to further explore the role of various molecular features of semicrystalline polymers on their melting kinetics.
Use of CFTR modulators in special populations, part 1: Pregnancy and lactation
Authors: Elijah Joseph , Fitzgerald Linda J. , Phan Hanna
Published: October 2023

Safety and efficacy data regarding cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator use in the setting of pregnancy or breastfeeding remains lacking due to exclusion from key trials and lack of multicenter prospective and retrospective studies in the post‐CFTR modulator era. A scoping review of English articles from the period of January 1, 2012, to July 31, 2023, was conducted utilizing PubMed and EmBase databases with the following terms: “special population (pregnancy, lactation, breastfeeding)” AND “ivacaftor OR lumacaftor OR tezacaftor OR elexacaftor”; “cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator” AND “off label drug use.” Search results were reviewed by title and abstract for duplications and relevance. Relative to pregnancy or breastfeeding, a total of 18 publications were included for review. Majority of case reports and surveys concluded maternal and infant health were preserved throughout gestation. Likewise, breastfeeding infant case reports show possible changes in liver function and lens opacities, though risk may be increased with both in‐utero and breastfeeding exposure. Ivacaftor (IVA) and lumacaftor (LUM) concentrations in fetal cord blood and maternal blood were found to be equivalent. Yet, low concentrations of IVA and LUM were detectable in breastmilk and infant plasma. Current safety data surrounding CFTR modulator use in the setting of pregnancy and lactation is relatively reassuring; however, long‐term safety remains unclear, necessitating ongoing observation, and reporting by care teams. As such, treatment decisions should be individualized and coproduced.
A comparative proteomic analysis for non‐invasive early prediction of hypoxic‐ischemic injury in asphyxiated neonates
Authors: Gurtoo Sumrati , Karthikkeyan Gayathree , Behera Santosh Kumar , Kotimoole Chinmaya Narayana , Najar Mohd. Altaf , Modi Prashant Kumar , KS Sahana , Pinto Sneha M. , AB Arun
Published: October 2023

Aim

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) is one of the principal causes of neonatal mortality and long‐term morbidity worldwide. The neonatal signs of mild cerebral injury are subtle, making an early precise diagnosis difficult. Delayed detection, poor prognosis, and lack of specific biomarkers for the disease are increasing mortality rates. In this study, we intended to identify specific biomarkers using comparative proteomic analysis to predict the severity of perinatal asphyxia so that its outcome can also be prevented.

Experimental Design

A case‐control study was conducted on 38 neonates, and urine samples were collected within 24 and 72 h of life. A tandem mass spectrometry‐based quantitative proteomics approach, followed by validation via sandwich ELISA, was performed.

Results

The LC‐MS/MS‐based proteomics analysis resulted in the identification of 1201 proteins in urine, with 229, 244, and 426 being differentially expressed in HIE‐1, HIE‐2, and HIE‐3, respectively. Axon guidance, Diseases of programmed cell death, and Detoxification of reactive oxygen species pathways were significantly enriched in mild HIE versus severe HIE. Among the differentially expressed proteins in various stages of HIE, we chose to validate four proteins – APP, AGT, FABP1, and FN1 – via sandwich ELISA. Individual and cumulative ROC curves were plotted. AGT and FABP1 together showed high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of HIE.

Conclusion

Establishing putative urinary biomarkers will facilitate clinicians to more accurately screen neonates for brain injury and monitor the disease progression. Prompt treatment of neonates may reduce mortality and neurodevelopmental impairment.
‘Going to study or plan to stay on?’ Mobility profiles of Angolan and Cape Verdean students in Portugal
Authors: Alves Elisa , King Russell , Malheiros Jorge
Published: October 2023

Although a relatively small player in the global arena of international student migration/mobility (ISM), Portugal hosts an increasing number of international students, the vast majority of whom are from its former colonies. This paper shifts the debate on ISM away from the Anglophone world by examining the future mobility intentions and outcomes of students and graduates from Angola and Cape Verde who are or were enrolled in Portuguese universities. Based on 85 interviews with 49 participants, we explore their decision‐making processes about the location of their future careers—back in their home country, in Portugal, or elsewhere. We pay particular attention to how their thinking about their future lives—and where they want to be—changes during the course of their study in Portugal. A close reading of the participants' narratives enables the construction of a fourfold typology of their sociospatial trajectories (fulfilled and envisaged) and the reasons behind them. We label them: (i) maximisers; (ii) dreamers; (iii) globally mobile; and (iv) runners. These categories are not mutually exclusive and, for any given individual, can change over time, demonstrating the complexity of international students' plans and outcomes.
Purcell‐Enhanced Single‐Photon Emission in the Telecom C‐Band
Authors: Kaupp Jochen , Reum Yorick , Kohr Felix , Michl Johannes , Buchinger Quirin , Wolf Adriana , Peniakov Giora , Huber‐Loyola Tobias , Pfenning Andreas , Höfling Sven
Published: October 2023

Purcell‐enhanced quantum dot single‐photon emission in the telecom C‐band from InAs quantum dots inside circular Bragg grating cavities is shown. The InAs quantum dots are grown by means of molecular beam epitaxy on an InP substrate and are embedded into a quaternary In0.53Al0.23Ga0.24As membrane structure. In a post‐growth flip‐chip process with subsequent substrate removal and electron beam‐lithography, circular Bragg grating (“bullseye”) resonators are defined. Micro‐photoluminescence studies of the devices at cryogenic temperatures of  K reveal individual quantum dot emission lines into a pronounced cavity mode. Time‐correlated single‐photon counting measurements under above‐band gap excitation yield Purcell‐enhanced excitonic decay times of ps corresponding to a Purcell factor of . Pronounced photon antibunching with a background limited is observed, which demonstrates that the light originated mostly from one single quantum dot.
Uniportal robotic assisted surgery for anatomical lung resection—First German experience
Authors: Stamenovic Davor , Schiller P. , Karampinis I. , Galata C. , Roessner E. D.
Published: October 2023

Background

Uniportal robotic‐assisted thoracic surgery (uRATS) has emerged as a promising technique with potential advantages over multiportal approaches. This study aims to evaluate our initial outcomes of uRATS.

Material and Methods

Five patients underwent anatomic lung resections with systematic nodal dissection through a uniportal robotic approach by one surgeon. The results were compared to the results of the first five uniportal video‐assisted thoracic surgery (uVATS) anatomical resections performed by the same surgeon.

Results

No adverse events occurred during the uRATS‐procedures. Comparable surgical outcomes were observed between uRATS and uVATS, including hospital stays, complication rates, and blood loss. The average procedural time was slightly but non‐significantly longer in the uRATS‐group. Average pain‐scores were lower in the uRATS group. One patient in each group experienced major postoperative complications, with one case of in‐hospital mortality in the uRATS‐group.

Conclusion

The outcomes of uRATS/uVATS were comparable, highlighting the potential and the feasibility of this technique. Prospective studies comparing the learning curves, complication rate and hospital‐stay are required in order to justify the superiority of robotics over uVATS.
Adaptive state feedback control of output‐constrained stochastic nonlinear systems with stochastic integral input‐to‐state stability inverse dynamics
Authors: Xie Ruiming , Xu Shengyuan
Published: October 2023

This article studies the adaptive state‐feedback control problem of output‐constrained stochastic high‐order nonlinear systems with stochastic integral input‐to‐state stability (SiISS) inverse dynamics. A key nonlinear transformation function is constructed to convert the original output‐constrained stochastic nonlinear system into an equivalent form without any output constraint. By subtly using the SiISS small‐gain condition and fully extracting the characteristics of system nonlinearities, two new control design and analysis methods are developed to guarantee that the closed‐loop system has an almost surely unique solution, all the closed‐loop signals are bounded almost surely, and the equilibrium point is stable in probability without the violation of output constraint. A simulation result is provided to show the effectiveness of this control method.
The CoFeNC@NC Catalyst with Numerous Surface Cracks Bidirectionally Catalyzes the Conversion of Polysulfides to Accelerate the Reaction Kinetics of Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Wei Hualiang , Gong Yanli , Gao Chunming , Chen Zexiang , Zhou Zhiyu , Lv Huifang , Zhao Yang , Bao Mengyao , Yu Ke , Guo Xiaowei , Wang Yan
Published: October 2023

More and more attention has been paid to lithium–sulfur (Li─S) batteries due to their high energy density and low cost. However, the intractable “shuttle effect” and the low conductivity of S and its reaction product, Li2S, compromise battery performance. To address the inherent challenges, a hollow composite catalyst as a separator coating material is designed, in which CoFe alloy is embedded in a carbon skeleton (CoFeNC@NC). In the hybrid structure, the carbon layer can endow the batteries with high electrical conductivity, while the CoFe alloy can effectively bidirectionally catalyze the conversion between lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and Li2S, accelerating the reaction kinetics and reducing the dissolution of LiPSs. Furthermore, the distinctive hollow structure with a cracked surface can facilitate the exposure of a more accessible catalytically active site and enhance Li+ diffusion. Benefiting from the synergistic effects, Li─S batteries with a CoFeNC@NC catalyst achieve a high sulfur utilization (1250.8 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C), superior rate performance (756 mAh g−1 at 2 C), and excellent cycling stability (an ultralow capacity fading of 0.054% per cycle at 1 C for 1000 cycles). Even at a sulfur loading of 5.3 mg cm−2, a high area capacity of 4.05 mAh cm−2 can still be achieved after 100 cycles, demonstrating its potential practicality.
High‐Performance, Multifunctional, and Designable Carbon Fiber Felt Skeleton Epoxy Resin Composites EP/CF‐(CNT/AgBNs)x for Thermal Conductivity and Electromagnetic Interference Shielding
Authors: Luo Jiamei , Yang Xueqin , Xue Yi , Yang Chenxi , Yang Zehao , Cai Zhixiang , Liu Yong , Ma Yu , Zhang Hui , Yu Jianyong
Published: October 2023

In this work, high‐performance epoxy resin (EP) composites with simultaneous excellent thermal conductivity (TC) and outstanding electromagnetic shielding properties are fabricated through the structural synergy of 1D carbon nanotubes and 2D silver‐modified boron nitride nanoplates (CNT/AgBNs) to erect microscopic 3D networks on long‐range carbon fiber (CF) felt skeletons. The line‐plane combination of CNT/AgBNs improve the interfacical bonding involving EP and CF felts and alleviate the phonon scattering at the interface. Eventually, the TC of the EP composites is enhanced by 333% (up to 0.91 W m−1 K−1) with respect to EP due to the efficient and orderly transmission of phonons along the 3D pathway. Meanwhile, the unique anisotropic structure of CF felt and exceptional insulating BNs diminishes the electronic conduction between CNT and CFs, which protects the through‐plane insulating properties of EP composites. Furthermore, the EP composites present favorable electromagnetic shielding properties (51.36 dB) attributed to the multiple reflection and adsorption promoted by the multiple interfaces of stacked AgBNs and heterointerface among CNT/AgBNs, CF felt and EP. Given these distinguishing features, the high‐performance EP composites open a convenient avenue for electromagnetic wave (EMW) shielding and thermal management applications.
The question of category: A reconceptualization through Luhmann's systems theory
Authors: Skoblik Konstantin
Published: October 2023

Although the problem of category has traditionally been addressed by various scholars since Aristotle, Luhmann's epistemology has kept this matter in a suspended state, occasionally prioritizing some concepts (presumably categories) over others. However, for the sake of a consistent analysis of the semantics and societal self‐descriptions, it is better to have categorical constructs as focal points of systemic analysis manifested. Drawing upon resources of Luhmann's systems theory and Durkheim's sociology, this paper aims at elaborating the concept of category as an essential element of autopoietic analytical optics. It is shown that categories possess the following attributes: the highest degree of generalization and condensation, necessity, universality despite semantic variability, historicity and evolutionary characteristics. Amid a range of distinctions, system/environment, dis‐/similar, un‐/equal and distinction itself are considered to be categorical. These serve to carry out a primordial marking of ‘unmarked space’ and prepare the essential foundation for connectivity and other distinction generation.
Exosomal miRNA‐166‐5p derived from G‐MDSCs promotes proliferation by targeting ITM3E in colorectal cancer
Authors: Ma Tao , Jiang Jinling , Shi Min , Xu Haoping
Published: October 2023

Background

The immune milieu of colorectal cancer is a complex phenomenon. It is imperative to investigate the crucial immune factors that promote the progression of colorectal cancer. Immune suppressor cells are granulocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (G‐MDSCs). However, they also increased cancer growth in other ways that need to be investigated further.

Methods

Using flow cytometry, we isolated G‐MDSCs from colorectal cancer tissues. Ultracentrifugation was used to separate exosomes from the supernatant of G‐MDSCs, and western blotting, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and flow cytometry were used to confirm their presence. RNA sequencing was used to identify unique miRNAs and transcripts, which were subsequently confirmed by RT‐qPCR (real‐time quantitative real‐time PCR). The CCK‐8 test was used to determine the rate of proliferation. Lentiviral vectors were employed to manipulate the expression of miRNAs and genes in order to investigate their role in the development of colorectal cancer.

Results

Colorectal cancer tissues have been found to contain granulocyte‐myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (G‐MDSCs) that secrete exosomes. These exosomes have been shown to accelerate cancer progression by promoting cell proliferation. Further research has identified microRNA‐166‐5p as a target from G‐MDSC‐derived exosomes. This downregulation leads to the inhibition of integral membrane protein 2B (ITM3E) transcription, which in turn activates the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. This pathway promotes cell proliferation and can be inhibited using deguelin. The accelerated development of colorectal cancer has been further confirmed in mice models.

Conclusion

The primary results of this work show that exosomes produced from G‐MDSCs and the miR‐166‐5p/ITM3E axis have therapeutic and diagnostic promise in colorectal cancer.
Study of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in vitro and molecular docking analysis of periplocin inhibits cell cycle progression and induces apoptosis in MDA‐MB‐231
Authors: Liu Xiaomin , Liu Jinsheng , Yan Bing , Quan Zhuo , Wang Xiaolong , Ma Yujing , Alarfaj Abdullah A. , Yan Lei
Published: October 2023

Breast cancer mainly affects women and is the second leading cause of cancer‐related deaths worldwide. Breast cancer affects women aged 15–59. The current study explored periplocin's anticancer activities against breast cancer MDA‐MB‐231 cells by down‐regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. The MTT assay assessed control‐treated and periplocin (2.5–50 μM) treated MDA‐MB‐231 cell viability. ROS accumulation and apoptosis levels in periplocin‐treated cells were examined using DAPI, dual staining, and Annexin V‐FITC/PI assays. Caspase enzymes were studied using assay kits. Flow cytometry was used to measure cell cycle distributions. Periplocin‐treated cells were analyzed using RT‐PCR assays and insilico analyses for the expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR molecules. The periplocin treatment remarkably reduced the viability of the MDA‐MB‐231 cells, with an IC50 concentration of 7.5 μM. The fluorescent staining assays revealed a substantial increase in ROS levels and apoptotic events in the periplocin‐treated cells. The flow cytometry analysis revealed that periplocin triggered apoptosis and arrested the cell cycle in G0/G1 phases. Periplocin increased the caspase‐3, ‐8, and ‐9 enzyme activities. In MDA‐MB‐231 cells, Periplocin decreased PI3K/Akt/mTOR activity, and in silico analysis, Periplocin was inhibited by CDK8‐Cyclin C interactions. Periplocin has anticancer properties against breast cancer and may be an effective therapeutic agent for treating breast cancer.
Clinical and imaging features of a feline lumbar myelopathy resembling ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in humans
Authors: Reus‐Coll Mar , Añor Sònia , Pumarola Martí , Montes de Oca Ignacio , de la Fuente Cristian
Published: October 2023

A 9‐year‐old, male, neutered Russian blue cat was presented for a 2‐week history of pelvic limb weakness and reluctance to jump and climb stairs. Neurological examination was consistent with an L4–L6 myelopathy. Ectopic calcification of soft tissues within the vertebral canal involving the dorsal longitudinal ligament over the L5–L6 vertebrae was diagnosed based on radiography, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. The lesion was surgically excised, and histopathological examination demonstrated fibrous connective tissue with calcification. The patient was neurologically normal 2 months after surgery, and no relapses have occurred in a follow‐up period of 2 years. The findings in this case had not been previously reported in cats, and share some similarities with a clinical entity in humans named ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament.
Deep learning based an effective hybrid model for water quality assessment
Authors: Utku Anıl , Utku Esen Damla , Kutlu Banu
Published: October 2023

Water, which is very important for life and civilizations on Earth, has been a source of life for all living things. However, freshwater resources gradually decrease due to climate change, pollution, and population growth. Water pollution is the quality changes that occur due to various activities of people, change the chemical, biological, and physical properties of water, restrict or prevent its use, and disrupt ecological balances. The water quality criteria determined to keep this pollution under control ensure the safe use of water. Water quality observations have gained more importance today due to intense environmental concerns and water pollution. This situation revealed the necessity of water quality assessment for water source use. In this study, the CNN‐LSTM‐based hybrid model was proposed to assess water quality. The proposed model was compared with AdaBoost, DT, GNB, kNN, LGBM, RF, and LSTM according to accuracy, precision, recall, F‐score, and AUC. The proposed model has 98.81% accuracy, 99.03% precision, 99.65% recall, 99.33% F‐score, and 93% AUC.

Practitioner Points

CNN‐LSTM hybrid model was developed to water quality assessment.

The proposed model is compared with established techniques like AdaBoost, DT, GNB, kNN, LGBM, RF, and LSTM.

The developed model has 98.81% classification accuracy.

Experimental results show that the developed model will ensure the use of safe water according to water quality criteria.
Who are the key workers?
Authors: Berg Janine , Duman Anil
Published: October 2023

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, key workers left the safety of their homes to produce, distribute and sell food, clean to minimize the spread of the pandemic, ensure public safety, transport essential goods and workers to their jobs, and care for and heal the sick. The pandemic made evident the extent to which societies need key workers – in both good times and bad – but also how undervalued most key jobs are, raising concerns about the sustainability of these essential activities. This chapters introduces the concept of key workers and provides basic demographic information on their composition.
Conservation II—Assessing Agricultural Intensification Near Protected Areas
Authors: Koulgi Pradeep , Madhusudan M. D.
Published: October 2023

Protected Areas (PAs) in many densely populated tropical regions are often small in area, and are enormously influenced by the broader production landscapes in which they are found. Changes in the agricultural matrix surrounding a PA can have a profound impact on the PA’s wildlife and on neighboring resident human communities. In this chapter, we will examine greening trend changes in the exteriors of 186 PAs in Western India from 2000 to 2021 using MODIS Terra vegetation indices, a Sen’s slope linear trend estimator, and other summary techniques available in Earth Engine. We will use these techniques to investigate how these greening trends are distributed in relation to the precipitation regimes of a given PA site.
The effect of a clock’s presence on trauma resuscitation times in a Dutch level-1 trauma center: a pre–post cohort analysis
Authors: Berkeveld Eva , Azijli Kaoutar , Bloemers Frank W. , Giannakópoulos Georgios F.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Interventions performed within the first hour after trauma increase survival rates. Literature showed that measuring times can optimize the trauma resuscitation process as time awareness potentially reduces acute care time. This study examined the effect of a digital clock placement on trauma resuscitation times in an academic level-1 trauma center.

Methods

A prospective observational pre–post cohort analysis was conducted for six months before and after implementing a visible clock in the trauma resuscitation room, indicating the time passed since starting the in-hospital resuscitation process. Trauma patients (age ≥ 16) presented during weekdays between 9.00 AM and 9.00 PM were included. Time until diagnostics (X-Ray, FAST, or CT scan), time until therapeutic intervention, and total resuscitation time were measured manually with a stopwatch by a researcher in the trauma resuscitation room. Patient characteristics and information regarding trauma- and injury type were collected. Times before and after clock implementation were compared.

Results

In total, 100 patients were included, 50 patients in each cohort. The median total resuscitation time (including CT scan) was 40.3 min (IQR 23.3) in the cohort without a clock compared to 44.3 (IQR 26.1) minutes in the cohort with a clock. The mean time until the first diagnostic and until the CT scan was 8.3 min (SD 3.1) and 25.5 min (SD 7.1) without a clock compared to 8.6 min (SD 6.5) and 26.6 min (SD 11.5) with a clock. Severely injured patients (Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥ 16) showed a median resuscitation time in the cohort without a clock (n = 9) of 54.6 min (IQR 50.5) compared to 46.0 min (IQR 21.6) in the cohort with a clock (n = 8).

Conclusion

This study found no significant reduction in trauma resuscitation time after clock placement. Nonetheless, the data represent a heterogeneous population, not excluding specific patient categories for whom literature has shown that a short time is essential, such as severely injured patients, might benefit from the presence of a trauma clock. Future research is recommended into resuscitation times of specific patient categories and practices to investigate time awareness.
Novel use of cryogenic cooling conditions in improving the machining performance of Al 8011/nano-SiC composites
Authors: Ross Nimel Sworna , Manasea Selvin Belsam Jeba Ananth , Nagarajan Srinivasan , Mashinini Peter Madindwa , Dharmalingam Satish Kumar , Savio Akash Paul , Gupta Munish Kumar , Korkmaz Mehmet Erdi
Published: October 2023

The inclusion of nanoparticles makes the composite not only stronger but also lighter and highly resistant towards wear among many other positive attributes. However, the high hardness and abrasive characteristics of the composites make machining a formidable task. Hence to surmount these challenges, various coolant conditions have been entailed like dry machining, flood cooling, minimum quantity lubrication (MQL), and cryogenic (cryo) CO2 cooling. This investigation encompasses the influence of diverse coolant techniques during the machining of as casted aluminium with nano silicon carbide (Al/n-SiC) composite. This study further incites the analysis of the machining temperature, surface characteristics, flank wear, and chip morphology under each coolant techniques. The outcomes of this investigation furnish a comprehensive understanding of the impact of distinct coolant environments on the machining performance of Al/n-SiC composite. The cutting temperature under cryo-CO2 was found to be lowered by 41–47%, 15–21%, and 8–12% when compared to the usage of dry, flood, and MQL, respectively. The study unveils that cryo-CO2 cooling developed the lowest machining temperature, followed by MQL, flood cooling, and dry machining. Furthermore, cryo-CO2 cooling and MQL exhibited the best outcome in terms of flank wear and surface characteristics. The verdicts of this investigation suggest the use of cryo-CO2 cooling and MQL makes eloquent improvement in the machining performances of Al/n-SiC composites.
Impact of body mass index in patients with tricuspid regurgitation after transcatheter edge-to-edge repair
Authors: Vogelhuber Johanna , Tenaka Tetsu , Sudo Mitsumasa , Sugiura Atsushi , Öztürk Can , Kavsur Refik , Donner Anika , Nickenig Georg , Zimmer Sebastian , Weber Marcel , Wilde Nihal
Published: October 2023

Background

Obesity and underweight represent classical risk factors for outcome in patients treated for cardiovascular disease. This study describes the impact of different body mass index (BMI) categories on 1-year clinical outcome in patients with tricuspid regurgitation (TR) undergoing transcatheter-edge-to-edge repair (TEER).

Methods

We analyzed 211 consecutive patients (age 78.3 ± 7.2 years, 55.5% female, median EuroSCORE II 9.6 ± 6.7) with tricuspid regurgitation undergoing TEER from June 2015 until May 2021. Patients were prospectively enrolled in our single center registry and were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were stratified according to body mass index (BMI) into 4 groups: BMI < 20 kg/m2 (underweight), BMI 20.0 to < 25.0 kg/m2 (normal weight), BMI 25.0 to > 30.0 kg/m2 (overweight) and BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 (obese).

Results

Kaplan–Meier survival curves demonstrated inferior survival for underweight and obese patients, but comparable outcomes for normal and overweight patients (global log rank test, p < 0.01). Cardiovascular death was significantly higher in underweight patients compared to the other groups (24.1% vs. 7.0% vs. 6.3% vs. 6.4%; p < 0.01). Over all, there were comparable rates of bleeding, stroke and myocardial infarction. Multivariable Cox regression analysis (adjusted for age, gender, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, left-ventricular ejection fraction) confirmed underweight (HR 3.88; 95% CI 1.64–7.66; p < 0.01) and obesity (HR 3.24; 95% CI 1.37–9.16; p < 0.01) as independent risk factors for 1-year all-cause mortality.

Conclusions

Compared to normal weight and overweight patients, obesity and underweight patients undergoing TEER display significant higher 1-year all-cause mortality.

Graphical abstract
Recent advances on the role of monoamine oxidases in cardiac pathophysiology
Authors: Kaludercic Nina , Arusei Ruth Jepchirchir , Di Lisa Fabio
Published: October 2023

Numerous physiological and pathological roles have been attributed to the formation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the individual contribution of different mitochondrial processes independently of bioenergetics remains elusive and clinical treatments unavailable. A notable exception to this complexity is found in the case of monoamine oxidases (MAOs). Unlike other ROS-producing enzymes, especially within mitochondria, MAOs possess a distinct combination of defined molecular structure, substrate specificity, and clinically accessible inhibitors. Another significant aspect of MAO activity is the simultaneous generation of hydrogen peroxide alongside highly reactive aldehydes and ammonia. These three products synergistically impair mitochondrial function at various levels, ultimately jeopardizing cellular metabolic integrity and viability. This pathological condition arises from exacerbated MAO activity, observed in many cardiovascular diseases, thus justifying the exploration of MAO inhibitors as effective cardioprotective strategy. In this context, we not only summarize the deleterious roles of MAOs in cardiac pathologies and the positive effects resulting from genetic or pharmacological MAO inhibition, but also discuss recent findings that expand our understanding on the role of MAO in gene expression and cardiac development.
Silica-based microencapsulation used in topical dermatologic applications
Authors: Green Lawrence J. , Bhatia Neal D. , Toledano Ofer , Erlich Maya , Spizuoco Amy , Goodyear Benjamin C. , York Jean Philippe , Jakus Jeannette
Published: October 2023

Microencapsulation has received extensive attention because of its various applications. Since its inception in the 1940s, this technology has been used across several areas, including the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries. Over-the-counter skin products often contain ingredients that readily and unevenly degrade upon contact with the skin. Enclosing these substances within a silica shell can enhance their stability and better regulate their delivery onto and into the skin. Silica microencapsulation uses silica as the matrix material into which ingredients can be embedded to form microcapsules. The FDA recognizes amorphous silica as a safe inorganic excipient and recently approved two new topical therapies for the treatment of rosacea and acne. The first approved formulation uses a novel silica-based controlled vehicle delivery technology to improve the stability of two active ingredients that are normally not able to be used in the same formulation due to potential instability and drug degradation. The formulation contains 3.0% benzoyl peroxide (BPO) and 0.1% tretinoin topical cream to treat acne vulgaris in adults and pediatric patients. The second formulation contains silica microencapsulated 5.0% BPO topical cream to treat inflammatory rosacea lesions in adults. Both formulations use the same amorphous silica sol–gel microencapsulation technology to improve formulation stability and skin compatibility parameters.
Effects of intermittent pneumatic compression on the recovery of cardiovascular parameters after repeated sprint exercise
Authors: Artés Arnau , Ferrer-Ramos Pau , Javierre Casimiro , Viscor Ginés , García Iker
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) applies gradual pressure to facilitate lymph and blood flow movement to reduce exercise-induced tissue fluid accumulation and plasma volume loss. This study aimed to evaluate the cardiovascular system response during the recovery with IPC compared with passive recovery (Sham).

Methods

Sixteen volunteers (7 females and 9 males) executed a cycling-based exhausting sprint interval exercise (8 × 20 s all out), followed by a 30-min IPC or Sham condition. Participants performed two trials in a randomised, counterbalanced, and crossover design. Several cardiovascular parameters (blood pressure, heart function, and peripheral vascular resistance) were recorded at baseline (5ʹ), through the recovery protocol (30ʹ), and afterwards (5ʹ).

Results

The use of IPC during the recovery phase led to a faster recovery, stated in relative values to pre-exercise, in mean blood pressure (102.5 ± 19.3% vs. 92.7 ± 12.5%; P < 0.001), and cardiac output (139.8 ± 30.0% vs. 146.2 ± 40.2%; P < 0.05) in comparison to Sham condition. Furthermore, during the IPC-based recovery, there was a slower recovery in cardiac pressure change over time (92.5 ± 25.8% vs. 100.5 ± 48.9%; P < 0.05), and a faster return to pre-exercise values in the peripheral vascular resistance (75.2 ± 25.5% vs. 64.8 ± 17.4%; P < 0.001) compared to Sham.

Conclusion

The application of IPC after high-intensity exercise promotes the recovery of the cardiovascular system, reducing cardiovascular strain. Future investigations should consider the effects on the sympathetic-parasympathetic balance, such as heart rate variability, to assess further bonds between the use of IPC and autonomous control.
Resting-state functional connectivity in an auditory network differs between aspiring professional and amateur musicians and correlates with performance
Authors: Papadaki Eleftheria , Koustakas Theodoros , Werner André , Lindenberger Ulman , Kühn Simone , Wenger Elisabeth
Published: October 2023

Auditory experience-dependent plasticity is often studied in the domain of musical expertise. Available evidence suggests that years of musical practice are associated with structural and functional changes in auditory cortex and related brain regions. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to investigate neural correlates of musical training and expertise beyond specific task influences. Here, we compared two groups of musicians with varying expertise: 24 aspiring professional musicians preparing for their entrance exam at Universities of Arts versus 17 amateur musicians without any such aspirations but who also performed music on a regular basis. We used an interval recognition task to define task-relevant brain regions and computed functional connectivity and graph-theoretical measures in this network on separately acquired resting-state data. Aspiring professionals performed significantly better on all behavioral indicators including interval recognition and also showed significantly greater network strength and global efficiency than amateur musicians. Critically, both average network strength and global efficiency were correlated with interval recognition task performance assessed in the scanner, and with an additional measure of interval identification ability. These findings demonstrate that task-informed resting-state fMRI can capture connectivity differences that correspond to expertise-related differences in behavior.
A multiphase-field approach to small strain crystal plasticity accounting for balance equations on singular surfaces
Authors: Prahs Andreas , Schöller Lukas , Schwab Felix K. , Schneider Daniel , Böhlke Thomas , Nestler Britta
Published: October 2023

An implementation of the crystal plasticity theory in the context of the multiphase-field method provides a numerically efficient tracking of evolving grain boundaries, modeled as diffuse interfaces. In literature, several approaches exist for the implementation of the plastic material behavior within the diffuse interface, based on interpolation, homogenization, or the mechanical jump conditions. Among these, only the jump condition approach exhibits an intrinsic relationship to the sharp interface (SI) theory. Therefore, in the work at hand, the implementation of the crystal plasticity theory within the jump condition approach, referred to as phase-specific plastic fields approach (PSPFA), is discussed in detail. The PSPFA is compared to the interpolation approach, referred to as common plastic fields approach (CPFA), using three-dimensional benchmark simulations of a bicrystal set-up. The comparison reveals that the PSPFA and SI coincide convincingly regarding the accumulated plastic slip and the Mises stress. In contrast, a significant deviation of CPFA and SI is observed both quantitatively and qualitatively, not only within the diffuse interface region, but throughout the complete simulation domain. A variation of the interface width illustrates that this observation can be transferred to the normal components of the total strain, even for smaller interface widths. Consequently, a quantitative estimate of the plastic material behavior, which is crucial for the prediction of the dynamic behavior of grain boundaries, is only provided by the PSPFA. The application of the crystal plasticity in the context of PSPFA to more complex microstructures is illustrated with respect to a periodic honeycomb-structure and an octotuple.
Controllability of periodic linear systems, the Poincaré sphere, and quasi-affine systems
Authors: Colonius Fritz , Santana Alexandre , Setti Juliana
Published: October 2023

For periodic linear control systems with bounded control range, an autonomized system is introduced by adding the phase to the state of the system. Here, a unique control set (i.e., a maximal set of approximate controllability) with nonvoid interior exists. It is determined by the spectral subspaces of the homogeneous part which is a periodic linear differential equation. Using the Poincaré sphere, one obtains a compactification of the state space allowing us to describe the behavior “near infinity” of the original control system. Furthermore, an application to quasi-affine systems yields a unique control set with nonvoid interior.