bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytochemistry of Genus Buxus and Pharmacology of Cyclovirobuxine D
Authors: Li Sen , Yan Meng‐Qi , Wang Zhen‐Yue , Wang Zhi‐Bin , Kuang Hai‐Xue
Published: May 2024

Background: Genus Buxus plants, commonly known as “boxwood”, are widely distributed in China. The stems, branches, and leaves of the plant are traditionally used for rheumatism, toothache, chest pain, abdominal gas, and other diseases. However, an overview of the genus Buxus remains to be provided. Purpose: To provide a scientific basis for the appropriate use and further research the recent advancements in the traditional usage, phytochemistry, and, pharmacology of Buxus. Study Design: Chemical composition and pharmacological correlation studies through a literature review. Methods: Between 1970 and 2023, the available data concerning Buxus was compiled from online scientific sources, such as Sci‐Finder, PubMed, CNKI, Google Scholar, and the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Plant names were verified from “The Plant List” (http://www.theplantlist.org/). Results: To date, 266 structurally diverse chemicals have been extracted and identified from the genus Buxus. Alkaloids constitute one of its primary bioactive phytochemicals. A summary of the channels of action of Cyclovirobuxine D on the cytotoxicity of a variety of cancers has been provided. Conclusion: Numerous findings from contemporary phytochemical and pharmacological studies support the traditional use, facilitating its application. Further research is necessary to address various shortcomings, including the identification of the active ingredients and quality control of the genus Buxus.
Improving Hydrogen Release From Oxygen‐Functionalized LOHC Molecules by Ru Addition to Pt/C Catalysts
Authors: Maurer Lukas A. , Pham Chuyen v. , Fritsch Birk , Jeppesen Henrik S. , Etter Martin , Hutzler Andreas , Neder Reinhard B. , Wolf Moritz , Auer Franziska , Thiele Simon , Wasserscheid Peter
Published: May 2024

Bimetallic PtRu/C catalysts have been prepared by depositing Ru onto a commercial Pt/C catalyst and subsequent thermal annealing. Different Pt : Ru ratios of 1 : 1, 2 : 1, 4 : 1, 8 : 1, and 16 : 1 have been investigated with annealing temperatures of 350 and 500 °C. Using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), synchrotron powder X‐ray diffraction (SPXRD) combined with pair distribution function (PDF) analysis and scanning transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray spectrum imaging (STEM‐EDXS), we show that diffusion of Ru into the fcc crystal structure of the Pt nanoparticles takes place during thermal annealing. Partial segregation and the formation of Pt nanoclusters on the bimetallic surface was observed depending on the Pt : Ru ratio. The annealing process does not only cause a high Pt dispersion but also affects the electronic structure of the Pt surface by broadening the d‐band thus facilitating the product's desorption from the surface of the bimetallic particle. These beneficial effects have been exemplified for the catalytic dehydrogenation of dicyclohexylmethanol, a promising hydrogen carrier compound with 7.2 wt% hydrogen capacity. The most active catalyst material among the tested supported alloys and monometallic reference materials was Pt4Ru1/C after annealing at 500 °C, which increased the hydrogen release productivity by 65 % compared to the unmodified Pt/C catalyst.
Optimal withdrawal frequency for sustainable retirement withdrawals
Authors: Horan Stephen M.
Published: May 2024

Researchers have studied factors that influence the sustainability of retirement withdrawals (e.g., withdrawal rate, withdrawal rules, volatility, asset allocation, taxes, longevity) for 30 years. The frequency of withdrawal patterns (e.g., annual, quarterly, monthly) has escaped inquiry. This study uses Monte Carlo simulation to show that, despite intuitive reasons to believe that dividing retirement withdrawals into smaller amounts over more frequent intervals might control volatility or sequence of return risk, withdrawal frequency has no effect on retirement withdrawal sustainability. This result is robust to simulated markets characterized by: (1) a random walk, (2) simulated markets that are autocorrelated, (3) historical returns series randomly chosen from historical return records, and (4) historical returns in their original sequence. It also highlights factors (e.g., time in market, matching withdrawals to spending patterns, and maximizing optionality) that can enhance value or increase retiree utility.
A Mechanistic Spectrum of O−H Bond Cleavage Observed for Reactions of Phenols with a Manganese Superoxo Complex
Authors: Tian Yao‐Cheng , Zhang Peng , Lin Kuan‐Ting , Fu Chung‐Wei , Ye Shengfa , Lee Way‐Zen
Published: May 2024

Reaction of a rare and well‐characterized MnIII‐superoxo species, Mn(BDPBrP)(O2⋅) (1, H2BDPBrP=2,6‐bis((2‐(S)‐di(4‐bromo)phenylhydroxylmethyl‐1‐pyrrolidinyl)methyl)pyridine), with 4‐dimethylaminophenol at −80 °C proceeds via concerted proton electron transfer (CPET) to produce a MnIII‐hydroperoxo complex, Mn(BDPBrP)(OOH) (2), alongside 4‐dimethylaminophenoxy radical; whereas, upon treatment with 4‐nitrophenol, complex 1 undergoes a proton transfer process to afford a MnIV‐hydroperoxo complex, [Mn(BDPBrP)(OOH)]+ (3). Intriguingly, the reactions of 1 with 4‐chlorophenol and 4‐methoxyphenol follow two routes of CPET and sequential proton and electron transfer to furnish complex 2 in the end. UV‐vis and EPR spectroscopic studies coupled with DFT calculations provided support for this wide mechanistic spectrum of activating various phenol O−H bonds by a single MnIII‐superoxo complex, 1.
Cyanogel‐Induced Facile Synthesis of Palladium Hydride for Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Liu Qicheng , Du Han , Li Zhijuan , Wang Caikang , Zeng Xin , Wang Ruotong , Liu Qinyi , Jiang Xian , Fu Gengtao , Tang Yawen
Published: May 2024

Palladium hydride (PdHx) is one of the well‐known electrocatalytic materials, yet its synthesis is still a challenge through an energy‐efficient and straightforward method. Herein, we propose a new and facile cyanogel‐assisted synthesis strategy for the preparation of PdH0.649 at a mild environment with NaBH4 as the hydrogen source. Unlike traditional inorganic Pd precursors, the unique Pd−CN−Pd bridge in Pdx[Pd(CN)4]y ⋅ aH2O cyanogel offers more favourable spatial sites for insertion of H atoms. The characteristic three‐dimensional backbone of cyanogel also acts as a support scaffold resulting in the interconnected network structure of PdH0.649. Due to the incorporation of H atoms and interconnected network structure, the PdH0.649 achieves a high half‐wave potential of 0.932 V, a high onset potential of 1.062 V, and a low activation energy, as well as a long‐term lifetime for oxygen reduction reaction. Theoretical calculation demonstrates a downshift of the d‐band centre of Pd in PdH0.649 owing to the dominant Pd−H incorporation that weakens the binding energies of the *OH intermediate species. Zn‐air batteries (ZAB) based on PdH0.649 exhibits high power density, competitive open circuit voltage, and good stability, exceeding that of commercial Pt black. This work not only opens up a new avenue for the development of high‐efficiency Pt‐free catalysts but also provides an original approach and insight into the synthesis of PdHx.
Upcycling of Agricultural Waste Stream to High‐Molecular‐Weight Bio‐based Poly(ethylene 2,5‐furanoate)
Authors: Niskanen Jukka , Mahlberg Riitta , van Strien Nicolaas , Rautiainen Sari , Kivilahti Essi , Koivuranta Kari , Anghelescu‐Hakala Adina
Published: May 2024

Invited for this issue's cover is the group of Dr. Adina Anghelescu‐Hakala at the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. The image shows that high‐molecular‐weight poly(ethylene 2,5‐furanoate) (PEF) polymer can be produced from furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) or its esters as bio‐based alternative to replace fossil‐based poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). The Research Article itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.202301551.
Exploring Flower‐Structured Bifunctional VCu Layered Double Hydroxide and its Nanohybrid with g‐C3N4 for Electrochemical and Photoelectrochemical Seawater Electrolysis
Authors: Lavate Sneha S. , Srivastava Rohit
Published: May 2024

Seawater electrolysis holds great promise for sustainable green hydrogen generation, but its implementation is hindered by high energy consumption and electrode degradation. Two dimensional (2D) layered double hydroxide (LDH) exhibits remarkable stability, high catalytic activity, and excellent corrosion resistance in the harsh electrolytic environment. The synergistic effect between LDH and seawater ions enhances the oxygen evolution reaction, enabling efficient and sustainable green hydrogen generation. Here, we report a synthesis of low cost, novel 2D Vanadium Copper (VCu) LDH first time in the series of LDH's as a highly efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst. The electrochemical (EC) and photoelectrochemical (PEC) study of VCu LDH and VCu LDH/Graphite Carbon Nitride (g‐C3N4) nanohybrid was performed in 0.5 M H2SO4 (acidic), 1 M KOH (basic), 0.5 M NaCl (artificial seawater), 0.5 M NaCl+1 M KOH (artificial alkaline seawater), real seawater and 1 M KOH+real seawater (alkaline real seawater) electrolyte medium. It was found that VCu LDH shows a remarkable lower overpotential of 72 mV hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and 254 mV oxygen evolution reaction (OER) at current density of 10 mA/cm2 under alkaline real seawater electrolysis exhibiting bifunctional activity and also showing better stability.
Identification of ROS and KEAP1‐related genes and verified targets of α‐hederin induce cell death for CRC
Authors: Wang Gang , Zhu Zhi‐Min , Wang Kun
Published: May 2024

In this study, we analyzed and verified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in ROS and KEAP1 crosstalk in oncogenic signatures using GEO data sets (GSE4107 and GSE41328). Multiple pathway enrichment analyses were finished based on DEGs. The genetic signature for colorectal adenocarcinoma (COAD) was identified by using the Cox regression analysis. Kaplan–Meier survival and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were used to explore the prognosis value of specific genes in COAD. The potential immune signatures and drug sensitivity prediction were also analyzed. Promising small‐molecule agents were identified and predicted targets of α‐hederin in SuperPred were validated by molecular docking. Also, expression levels of genes and Western blot analysis were conducted. In total, 48 genes were identified as DEGs, and the hub genes such as COL1A1, CXCL12, COL1A2, FN1, CAV1, TIMP3, and IGFBP7 were identified. The ROS and KEAP1‐associated gene signatures comprised of hub key genes were developed for predicting the prognosis and evaluating the immune cell responses and immune infiltration in COAD. α‐hederin, a potential anti‐colorectal cancer (CRC) agent, was found to enhance the sensitivity of HCT116 cells, regulate CAV1 and COL1A1, and decrease KEAP1, Nrf2, and HO‐1 expression significantly. KEAP1‐related genes could be an essential mediator of ROS in CRC, and KEAP1‐associated genes were effective in predicting prognosis and evaluating individualized CRC treatment. Therefore, α‐hederin may be an effective chemosensitizer for CRC treatments in clinical settings.
Plant mass variations of Leymus chinensis (Poaceae) and their relationships with environmental factors on a large‐scale gradient, northeastern China
Authors: Zheng Yuebin , Xue Jing , Lv Yixia , Zhang Chaoxue , Wang Renzhong
Published: May 2024

Body size (or mass) variations and their relationships with environmental variability have been well documented for many species at the local scale, while the effects of climate, combined with soil nutrients, on plant mass in large‐scale gradient remain unclear. Herein, detailed surveys were conducted to investigate plant mass (PM, aboveground mass per plant) variations of Leymus chinensis and their relationship with environmental factors (e.g., climate, soil nutrient, and microbial diversity) at 18 wild sites along a large‐scale gradient from 114 to 124° E in northeastern China. Based on site‐by‐site analyses, the plant mass of the species varied significantly from east to west along the gradient. It initially increased, peaking at middle sites, and then dropped with the increase of drought in both dry and rainy seasons. Plant mass at the eastern end was almost equal to that at the western end and was equivalent to 1/2 and 1/3 of middle sites. The average plant mass in the rainy season was about 50% greater than that in the dry season (F1,1078 = 489.80, p < .001). The effects of environmental variables on plant mass differed in dry and rainy seasons. Mean annual temperature and temperature seasonality were the critical restrictions of plant mass in the dry season, while temperature and precipitation seasonality and soil resources (total C, Mn, Zn) had significant impacts in the rainy season (p < .05). In general, plant mass had not dropped linearly with the increase of drought along large‐scale gradient, suggesting that precipitation decrease was not the critical restriction regulating the growth and settlement of the species.
Feasibility of using superelastic shape memory alloy in plastic hinge regions of steel bridge columns for seismic applications
Authors: Rahmzadeh Ahmad , Alam M. Shahria
Published: May 2024

This paper contributes to the further development of seismic resilient infrastructure by introducing a novel prototype bridge which integrates tubular steel piers with superelastic shape memory alloy (SMA). The proposed bridge pier is composed of a circular steel tube which is bonded to a superelastic SMA tube in regions of high stress. The pier is distinguished by its ability to minimize residual drifts following inelastic deformations induced by cyclic loading. Three‐dimensional continuum finite element (FE) models are utilized to examine its lateral behavior. Experimental data is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the continuum FE procedure in replicating the cyclic response and capturing both global and localized behaviors. A novel composite material model is proposed to represent the degradation of strength and accumulation of irreversible strains in the cyclic response of superelastic SMAs. An iterative procedure for the calibration of this material is presented. Investigations, employing the calibrated FE procedure, focus on the quasi‐static cyclic response of steel piers with superelastic SMA in the plastic hinge zone, aiming to identify the optimal length of the SMA tube for achieving a self‐centering response with reduced residual deformation. The study is then further expanded to examine the seismic response of a bridge structure incorporating such piers. Development of the FE model for the prototype bridge includes the modelling of the piers using continuum elements, while the superstructure, bearing units, abutment walls, and backfill material are modelled using discrete elements. Nonlinear time history analyses are undertaken to investigate the effects of column wall thickness and materials used in the plastic hinge zones of the piers. Dynamic FE study results indicate that bridges employing such piers are capable of returning to their original position, provided the SMA tube is of adequate length.
Revising the taxonomic status of Isachne henryi S.R. Sriniv. & Sreek. (Poaceae)
Authors: Punchiri Anil Kumar Lekshmi Dhanya , Venugopalan Nair Saradamma Anil Kumar
Published: May 2024

Isachne henryi, a species reported from Wayanad district of Kerala is allied to I. miliacea which is currently a synonym of I. globosa. The taxonomic status of I. henryi collected from the type locality has been evaluated and compared with variant accessions of I. globosa. As per reports, the traits that differentiate I. henryi from I. globosa are lanceolate or linear lanceolate leaves up to 8 cm long, 8 mm long pedicels, 9–11 nerved setose hairy glumes, staminate lower floret with 1.5–2 mm long anthers, bisexual upper floret and glabrous palea and lemma. These traits were found to be overlapping with that of I. globosa. The authors explain that I. henryi reported during 1988 could be a misidentification.
Could the YEARS algorithm be applied to evaluate suspected pulmonary embolism in hospitalized women after cesarean section?
Authors: Wu Yuxia , Shan Dan , Chen Qian , Hu Yayi
Published: May 2024

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of the YEARS algorithm for excluding pulmonary embolism (PE) in hospitalized women after cesarean section.

Methods

This retrospective study included postpartum women who gave birth by cesarean section and received computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) because of suspected PE in the obstetric department between 2015 and 2021. We used the YEARS algorithm in these women retrospectively and assessed its performance to evaluate whether the algorithm could be reliably applied in such cases.

Results

In all, 225 women were included in the study, of whom 29 (12.9%) women were positive for PE according to the results of CTPA. Upon retrospective application of the YEARS algorithm, 188 (83.6%) women had no YEARS items, while 37 (16.4%) women had YEARS items. Combining the results with D‐dimer levels revealed that only 12 (5.3%) women did not need to undergo CTPA, and none showed PE.

Conclusion

The YEARS algorithm could be applied to exclude PE in hospitalized women in the early post‐cesarean period. However, the specificity of the YEARS algorithm was very low, and the D‐dimer cut‐off for ruling out PE in women after early cesarean section should be further studied and optimized.
Prevalence threshold and positive predictive value of noninvasive prenatal testing
Authors: Sivakumar Aditi , Balayla Jacques
Published: May 2024

Objective

Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) has increased the number of conditions that can be screened. However, the prevalence of conditions assessed by NIPT has remained stable. The “prevalence threshold,” a novel epidemiological concept, uses a test's sensitivity and specificity to determine the prevalence below which a test's positive predictive value declines most sharply relative to disease prevalence. In this article, we calculated the prevalence threshold for common conditions assessed through NIPT and compared the value with the actual prevalence of each condition to best ascertain the reliability of NIPT results.

Methods

Six databases and PubMed were searched from January 2010 to March 2023 for sensitivity and specificity parameters of common conditions tested through NIPT. Using an equation previously derived by the authors of the current paper, the prevalence threshold for each condition was calculated. The theoretical number of test iterations required to reach the prevalence threshold was also reported.

Results

None of the conditions tested through the NIPT had a prevalence rate that met or exceeded the calculated prevalence threshold. Trisomy 21 had the greatest concordance between the prevalence rate and the prevalence threshold. In contrast, Angelman, Cri‐du‐chat, and Prader‐Willi syndromes had the most significant discordance. Apart from trisomy 21 and XXY, all remaining conditions required more than one test iteration to reach their respective prevalence threshold.

Conclusion

We conclude that at the current prevalence levels, the positive predictive value of NIPT remains low, with the prevalence of disease levels significantly lower than the prevalence threshold for each condition tested.
Duck gut metagenome reveals the microbiome signatures linked to intestinal regional, temporal development, and rearing condition
Authors: Ma Lingyan , Lyu Wentao , Zeng Tao , Wang Wen , Chen Qu , Zhao Jiangchao , Zhang Guolong , Lu Lizhi , Yang Hua , Xiao Yingping
Published: May 2024

The duck gastrointestinal tract (GIT) harbors an abundance of microorganisms that play an important role in duck health and production. Here, we constructed the first relatively comprehensive duck gut microbial gene catalog (24 million genes) and 4437 metagenome‐assembled genomes using 375 GIT metagenomic samples from four different duck breeds across five intestinal segments under two distinct rearing conditions. We further characterized the intestinal region‐specific microbial taxonomy and their assigned functions, as well as the temporal development and maturation of the duck gut microbiome. Our metagenomic analysis revealed the similarity within the microbiota of the foregut and hindgut compartments, but distinctive taxonomic and functional differences between distinct intestinal segments. In addition, we found a significant shift in the microbiota composition of newly hatched ducks (3 days), followed by increased diversity and enhanced stability across growth stages (14, 42, and 70 days), indicating that the intestinal microbiota develops into a relatively mature and stable community as the host duck matures. Comparing the impact of different rearing conditions (with and without water) on duck cecal microbiota communities and functions, we found that the bacterial capacity for lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis was significantly increased in ducks that had free access to water, leading to the accumulation of pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic‐resistance genes. Taken together, our findings expand the understanding of the microbiome signatures linked to intestinal regional, temporal development, and rearing conditions in ducks, which highlight the significant impact of microbiota on poultry health and production.
Shame and love in a city high school: Understanding Chinese rural students' narratives of critical world making
Authors: Zhou Xuanya , Kohnen Angela M.
Published: May 2024

In this Narrative Inquiry, we share the stories of three Chinese rural students who grew up in a southeastern county in China before moving to the county seat for high school. By inviting our participants to read their own life, we aimed to understand how Chinese rural students make sense of their experience in an exam‐centered school system that seemed to offer them opportunities of upward social mobility but at the same time perpetuated the mindset of rural deficiency. Data analysis shows that the visceral feelings of shame and love played an important role in our participants' critical consciousness about school, allowing them to work within and against school norms to transform a strictly stratified school space. We argue that marginalized youth's storytelling can become a practice of critical literacy, enabling them to construct critical meaning makings in embodied ways.
Formation of partially embedded Au nanostructures: Ion beam irradiation on thin film
Authors: Chaudhary Shivani , Srivastava Vinay K. , Kumar Mukesh , Lakshmi G. B. V. S. , Agarwal D. C. , Ojha Sunil , Kumar Manish , Kumar Tanuj , Pandey Ratnesh K. , Ghosh Santanu , Avasthi D. K. , Yadav R. P. , Singh Ravi S. , Singh Udai B.
Published: May 2024

The Au partially embedded nanostructure (PEN) is synthesized by ion irradiation on an Au thin film deposited on a glass substrate using a 50 keV Ar ion. Scanning electron microscopy results show ion beam‐induced restructuring from irregularly shaped nanostructures (NSs) to spherical Au NSs, and further ion irradiation leads to the formation of well‐separated spherical nanoparticles. Higuchi's algorithm of surface analysis is utilized to find the evolution of surface morphology with ion irradiation in terms of the Hurst exponent and fractal dimension. The Au PEN is evidenced by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry and optical studies. Also, the depth of the mechanism behind synthesized PEN is explained on the basis of theoretical simulations, namely, a unified thermal spike and a Monte Carlo simulation consisting of dynamic compositional changes (TRIDYN). Another set of plasmonic NSs was formed on the surface by thermal annealing of the Au film on the substrate. Glucose sensing has been studied on the two types of plasmonic layers: nanoparticles on the surface and PEN. The results reveal the sensing responses of both types of plasmonic layers. However, PEN retains its plasmonic behavior as the NSs are still present after washing with water, which demonstrates the potential for reusability.

Research Highlights

Synthesis of PENs by ion irradiation

Utilization of Higuchi's algorithm to explore the surface morphology.

Unified thermal spike and TRIDYN simulations being used to explain the results.

Glucose is only used as a test case for reusability of substrate.
Low‐dose decitabine plus venetoclax as post‐transplant maintenance for high‐risk myeloid malignancies
Authors: Parks Katherine , Diebold Kendall , Salzman Donna , Di Stasi Antonio , Al‐Kadhimi Zaid , Espinoza‐Gutarra Manuel , Bhatia Ravi , Jamy Omer
Published: May 2024

Relapse remains a major cause of treatment failure following allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT) for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). We retrospectively investigated low‐dose decitabine and venetoclax (DEC/VEN) as post‐transplant maintenance in 26 older patients with AML and MDS. The cumulative incidence of day 100 gIII‐IV acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) and 1‐year moderate‐severe chronic GVHD was 5% and 26%, respectively. One patient relapsed 14 m after transplant. The 1‐year non‐relapse mortality and survival were 11% and 84%, respectively. DEC/VEN is a safe and potentially effective strategy to reduce the risk of post‐transplant relapse.
Autophagy‐related protein 5 (ATG5) interacts with bone marrow stromal cell antigen 2 (BST2) to stimulate HBV replication through antagonizing the antiviral activity of BST2
Authors: Li Qingyuan , Wen Wenxian , Wang Yijin , Gong Tao , Wang Xinwei , Tan Qi , Fan Bin , Xie He , Li Yujia , Li Shilin , Yang Chunhui , Zhou Zhonghui , Duan Xiaoqiong , Lin Wenyu , Chen Limin
Published: May 2024

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global health burden with 820 000 deaths per year. In our previous study, we found that the knockdown of autophagy‐related protein 5 (ATG5) significantly upregulated the interferon‐stimulated genes (ISGs) expression to exert the anti‐HCV effect. However, the regulation of ATG5 on HBV replication and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we screened the altered expression of type I interferon (IFN‐I) pathway genes using RT² Profiler™ PCR array following ATG5 knock‐down and we found the bone marrow stromal cell antigen 2 (BST2) expression was significantly increased. We then verified the upregulation of BST2 by ATG5 knockdown using RT‐qPCR and found that the knockdown of ATG5 activated the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK‐STAT) signaling pathway. ATG5 knockdown or BST2 overexpression decreased Hepatitis B core Antigen (HBcAg) protein, HBV DNA levels in cells and supernatants of HepAD38 and HBV‐infected NTCP‐HepG2. Knockdown of BST2 abrogated the anti‐HBV effect of ATG5 knockdown. Furthermore, we found that ATG5 interacted with BST2, and further formed a ternary complex together with HBV‐X (HBx). In conclusion, our finding indicates that ATG5 promotes HBV replication through decreasing BST2 expression and interacting with it directly to antagonize its antiviral function.
Multi‐locus sequence typing indicates multiple strains of Mycoplasma in desert bighorn sheep and aoudad in Texas
Authors: Wright Emily A. , Brugette Georgina G. , Buckert Kai F. , Hernández Froylán , Reed J. Hunter , Wyckoff Sara R. , Taylor Jace C. , Manlove Kezia R. , Phillips Caleb D. , Bradley Robert D.
Published: May 2024

Epizootic events of pneumonia, presumably caused by Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, in bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) have been observed in the western United States and Canada. Until recently, it was thought that populations of Mexican (O. c. mexicana) and Nelson's (O. c. nelsoni) desert bighorn sheep in Texas, USA, had not been exposed to Mycoplasma. Evidence of disease and potential population decline from outbreaks of M. ovipneumoniae are now known from several populations across the Trans‐Pecos Ecoregion with documented instances of pneumonia and bluetongue in desert bighorn sheep from the Van Horn Mountains and Black Gap Wildlife Management Area. These disease events, especially those in 2019–2021, may be a result of increasing populations of aoudad (Ammotragus lervia), an introduced and invasive ungulate, in the region. With large population sizes and similar movement patterns as desert bighorn sheep, aoudad potentially are the reservoirs for bacterial and viral diseases, such as pneumonia and bluetongue, and are possibly contributing to the decline of desert bighorn sheep. Herein, we optimized the multi‐locus sequence typing (MLST) with modifications in the Taq polymerase and annealing temperatures to determine the genetic identity of Mycoplasma strains or species within the nasal passages of desert bighorn sheep and aoudad in the Trans‐Pecos Ecoregion of Texas. Four loci (small ribosomal unit, 16S; 16S‐23S intergenic spacer region, IGS; RNA polymerase B, rpoB; gyrase B, gyrB) were characterized using MLST. Based on results from the modified MLST technique, we identified 9 desert bighorn sheep and 5 aoudad with M. ovipneumoniae, 9 aoudad with bacterial sequences genetically similar to M. conjunctivae, and 10 aoudad with bacterial sequences genetically similar M. hyopneumoniae. Of these, 9 aoudad possessed bacterial sequences genetically similar to both M. conjunctivae and M. hyopneumoniae. Among the 4 diagnostic loci, genetic divergence of M. ovipneumoniae ranged from 0.00–0.90% among desert bighorn sheep and aoudad. Future sampling efforts of seemingly asymptomatic aoudad, and asymptomatic, visibly sick, or deceased desert bighorn sheep, are important to monitor the spread of disease in desert bighorn sheep populations across mountain ranges in western Texas. It is imperative that aoudad removal plans are implemented to reduce and eliminate current infections and putative transmission of M. ovipneumoniae, prevent future disease outbreaks of pneumonia, and ultimately conserve desert bighorn sheep for future generations.
Total knee arthroplasty survival rates are lower in younger men, as well as rheumatoid patients and after previous high‐tibial osteotomy: A registry study
Authors: Pardo Francesco , Bordini Barbara , Salerno Manuela , Castagnini Francesco , Cosentino Monica , Filardo Giuseppe , Traina Francesco
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate if patient's gender significantly affected the long‐term outcome of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to provide a cross‐gender comparison of a large patient sample from a single regional register.

Methods

The Registry of Prosthetic Orthopedic Implant of Emilia Romagna (RIPO) investigated all primary TKAs performed from July 2000 to December 2020 by collecting data of men and women separately. Primary bicompartmental and tricompartmental TKAs were included. The survival rates and the reasons for revision were assessed to check if any other factor could have influenced implant failure.

Results

In total, 66,032 TKAs were included and analysed, comprising 46,774 women and 19,258 men. The 15‐year Kaplan–Meier survival percentage was 93.6% for women and 92.5% for men (p = 0.001). Men exhibited a higher revision risk following primary TKA (p = 0.012), particularly when the primary diagnosis was arthritis resulting from rheumatic disorders (p = 0.018) and arthritis following high‐tibial osteotomy (p = 0.024). Failure risk was also higher for men below the age of 60 years (p = 0.038).

Conclusion

The long‐term outcome in TKA showed significant differences between men and women, with a significantly lower survival rate in men at 15 years, especially when they are under 60 years old or with a diagnosis of rheumatic disorders or arthritis following high‐tibial osteotomy. It is necessary to design specific studies to have relevant data concerning gender differences in prosthetic surgery and to customise treatments to improve outcome and patient satisfaction.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Patient‐reported, clinical and radiological factors associated with the result after non‐surgical management of acute AC joint dislocation Rockwood type III and V
Authors: Haugaard Kristine B. , Bak K. , Ryberg D. , Muharemovic O. , Hölmich P. , Barfod K. W.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The treatment of Rockwood type III and V acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocations is controversial, and an individualized treatment algorithm is yet to be developed. The objective of this study was to investigate the association of demographical, clinical, patient‐reported and radiological variables with the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) score and risk of surgery.

Methods

Inclusion criteria for this prospective cohort study were patients aged 18–60 with an acute AC joint dislocation with >25% increase in the coracoclavicular distance on bilateral Zanca radiographs. Patients were treated non‐surgically with 3 months of home‐based training and the option of delayed surgical intervention. The outcomes were the WOSI score and surgery yes/no. Demographical, clinical, patient‐reported (WOSI and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index [SPADI]) and radiological variables were collected at baseline and 6 weeks after the injury and investigated for association with the outcomes at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year.

Results

Ninety‐five patients with Rockwood type III/V AC joint dislocation were included. Pre‐injury participation in overhead/collision sports was a risk factor for surgery with an odds ratio of 5 (p = 0.03). Reduced range of motion (ROM) at baseline was associated with reduced WOSI scores and increased risk of surgery. At 6 weeks, reduced ROM, increased SPADI and increased pain during cross‐over were associated with the outcomes. Radiological measurements were not correlated with the result. At the 6 weeks follow‐up, patients eventually requiring surgery could be detected with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 94% based on a SPADI score of >30 and a ROM ≤ 140° in shoulder flexion or abduction.

Conclusion

ROM was the only variable consistently associated with both WOSI and risk of surgery. Six weeks after the injury, it was possible to detect patients in need of surgery based on ROM and SPADI with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 94%.

Level of Evidence

Level II.
Biochemical Variability of Nasal Cartilages: Implications in Functional Rhinoplasty
Authors: Kim Sul G. , Mims Mark M. , Menapace Denna C. , Stack Taylor , Shockley William W. , Clark J. Madison
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Nasal valve compromise is a common issue for patients presenting to an otolaryngologist. Anatomically, the dorsal septal cartilage (DSA) articulates with the upper lateral nasal cartilage (ULC). When the ULC weakens, it is prone to collapse and may result in nasal obstruction. Our objectives were to analyze histological differences between quadrangular and DSA nasal cartilages and compare histological composition of these tissues among patients with diagnosis of nasal valve compromise (NVC) versus those without NVC (no NVC).

Methods

Prospective cross‐sectional study of nasal cartilages from seventy‐three (73) live donors. Quadrangular cartilage (QC), and DSA from patients undergoing septorhinoplasty were collected. Safranin O histochemical staining was used to observe glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) content and cell count. Masson's Trichrome staining was used to assess collagen content in these nasal cartilages.

Results

Mean GAG content was lower in DSA compared with QUAD cartilage (68.18% vs. 87.22%, p < 0.0001), and was lowest in DSA of patients with NVC (59.07%). Mean collagen content was higher in DSA compared with QUAD cartilage, (65.43% vs. 46.65%, p = 0.0002), and was highest in DSA of patients with NVC (74.86%).

Conclusion

The DSA showed decreased GAG and increased collagen content compared with quadrangular cartilage. Within the DSA subsite, patients with presurgical NVC had the lowest GAG and highest collagen levels. This observation suggests that the biochemical composition of the DSA may contribute to its weakening, potentially resulting in its inability to withstand minor trauma and/or the effects of aging, ultimately leading to NVC.

Level of Evidence

N/A Laryngoscope, 134:4252–4258, 2024
O‐B(F)←N Functionalized Copolymers with Delayed Fluorescence and P‐Type Semiconducting Characteristics
Authors: Wang Xiaoling , Tan Xueyan , Jian Junyang , Zheng Xueqiong , Zhao Jinying , Huang Jianhua
Published: May 2024

Conjugated polymers with integrating properties of delayed fluorescence and photovoltaic responses simultaneously are scarcely reported due to the generally contradictory requirements for molecular structures to achieve the two properties. Herein, an O‐B(F)←N functionalized fused unit (M) with multiple resonance features, small energy gap between lowest singlet excited state (S1) and triplet excited state (T1) (ΔEST = 0.23 eV), and delayed fluorescence (τD = 0.75 µs), is designed. Selecting three benzodithiophene (BDT) derivatives as co‐units to copolymerize with M, leading to a series of O‐B(F)←N embedded polymers also maintaining delayed fluorescence (τD = 0.4–0.5 µs). Moreover, p‐type semiconductor characteristics are tested for these polymers with hole mobilities in the range of 10−6–10−5 cm2/Vs. Devices with obviously photovoltaic responses are prepared using these polymers as donors and Y6 as the acceptor, affording a preliminary efficiency of 5.05%. This work successfully demonstrates an effective strategy to design conjugated polymers with integrating properties of delayed fluorescence and photovoltaic performance simultaneously by introducing O‐B(F)←N functional groups to polymer backbones.
Vertebral chemistry distinguishes regional populations of Blacktip Sharks in the northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Hayne Abigail H. P. , Richards Travis M. , Drymon J. Marcus , Falterman Brett , Miller Nathan R. , Wells R. J. David , Mohan John A.
Published: May 2024

Objective

Understanding the spatial connectivity of elasmobranch populations is critical for regional fisheries management. The Blacktip Shark Carcharhinus limbatus is abundant in coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) and important in recreational and commercial fisheries. Based on genetic and tagging studies, GoM Blacktip Sharks are currently managed under separate quotas between the eastern and western GoM (divided at 88°W), but no studies have used vertebral chemistry to assess the population structure of adult Blacktip Sharks.

Methods

We compared vertebral elemental signatures (barium [Ba], magnesium [Mg], manganese [Mn], strontium [Sr], and zinc [Zn]) for the first year of life with last occupied habitats (vertebral edges) in Blacktip Sharks collected from the western (Texas and Louisiana) and eastern (Alabama and Florida) coastal waters of the northern GoM.

Result

We found significant regional differences in Ba, Mg, Mn, and Sr vertebral edge signatures, suggesting ecological separation of Blacktip Sharks. Significant correlation between first-year and edge signatures suggested a high degree of residency between life stages. Cross-validated discriminant function analyses yielded highest regional classification accuracies when Florida sharks were grouped separately west of 88°W (90%), demonstrating the unique elemental signatures of eastern versus western GoM Blacktip Sharks under current management delineations.

Conclusion

Combined, these findings demonstrate that trace element markers can distinguish regional populations of Blacktip Sharks and provide a complimentary approach in addition to genetics and physical tagging to support current stock management efforts.
A series‐fed high‐quality linear array antenna for 5G maritime communications
Authors: Xie Lingxiao , Chi Lidong , Lin Bin , Qi Yihong
Published: May 2024

A compact series‐fed high‐quality linear array antenna for 5G maritime communication is proposed. Building upon the wideband high‐efficiency electromagnetic radiation structure (WHEMS), a linear integrated series‐fed method is proposed, enhancing applicability in maritime environments. A self‐decoupling structure without the parasitic elements is introduced, resulting in a 7 dB increase in isolation while achieving array spacing of less than half the wavelength. The antenna has an impedance bandwidth of 19.9% (676–825 MHz) to cover the maritime 700 MHz application band, a high gain of 13–14.2 dBi, and a smaller volume compared to classical Yagi arrays with the same gain level. Furthermore, it exhibits characteristics such as low wind load, cost‐effectiveness, and high voltage resistance. The proposed antenna will play a vital role in the construction of the current 5G maritime communication network.
Swin MoCo: Improving parotid gland MRI segmentation using contrastive learning
Authors: Xu Zi'an , Dai Yin , Liu Fayu , Wu Boyuan , Chen Weibing , Shi Lifu
Published: May 2024

Background

Segmentation of the parotid glands and tumors by MR images is essential for treating parotid gland tumors. However, segmentation of the parotid glands is particularly challenging due to their variable shape and low contrast with surrounding structures.

Purpose

The lack of large and well‐annotated datasets limits the development of deep learning in medical images. As an unsupervised learning method, contrastive learning has seen rapid development in recent years. It can better use unlabeled images and is hopeful to improve parotid gland segmentation.

Methods

We propose Swin MoCo, a momentum contrastive learning network with Swin Transformer as its backbone. The ImageNet supervised model is used as the initial weights of Swin MoCo, thus improving the training effects on small medical image datasets.

Results

Swin MoCo trained with transfer learning improves parotid gland segmentation to 89.78% DSC, 85.18% mIoU, 3.60 HD, and 90.08% mAcc. On the Synapse multi‐organ computed tomography (CT) dataset, using Swin MoCo as the pre‐trained model of Swin‐Unet yields 79.66% DSC and 12.73 HD, which outperforms the best result of Swin‐Unet on the Synapse dataset.

Conclusions

The above improvements require only 4 h of training on a single NVIDIA Tesla V100, which is computationally cheap. Swin MoCo provides new approaches to improve the performance of tasks on small datasets. The code is publicly available at https://github.com/Zian‐Xu/Swin‐MoCo.
Understanding social determinants of health and physical therapy outcomes in patients with low back pain: A scoping review
Authors: Pottkotter Kristy , Hazlett Miriam , Mansfield Cody J. , Rethman Katherine , Fritz Julie M. , Quatman‐Yates Catherine C. , Briggs Matthew S.
Published: May 2024

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is the number one cause of disability worldwide; however, it is not clear how social determinants of health (SDOH) impact care management and outcomes related to physical therapy (PT) services for patients with LBP.

Objective

The purposes of this scoping review are to examine and assimilate the literature on how SDOH and PT care relate to non‐specific LBP outcomes and identify gaps in the literature to target for future research.

Methods

Data were extracted from eight electronic databases from January 2011 to February 2022. Reviewers independently screened all studies using the PRISMA extension for scoping review guidelines. Data related to study design, type of PT, type of non‐specific LBP, patient demographics, PT intervention, SDOH, and PT outcomes were extracted from the articles.

Results

A total of 30,523 studies were screened, with 1961 articles undergoing full text review. Ultimately, 76 articles were identified for inclusion. Sex and age were the most frequent SDOH examined (88% and 78% respectively) followed by education level (18%). Approximately half of the studies that examined age, sex, and education level identified no effect on outcomes. The number of studies examining other factors was small and the types of outcomes evaluated were variable, which limited the ability to pool results.

Conclusions

Sex and age were the most frequent SDOH examined followed by education level. Other factors were evaluated less frequently, making it difficult to draw conclusions. Study design and heterogeneity of determinants and outcomes were barriers to examining the potential impact on patients with LBP.
An extended graphical solution for undrained cylindrical cavity expansion in K0‐consolidated Mohr–Coulomb soil
Authors: Wang Xu , Chen Sheng‐Li , Han Yan‐Hui , Abousleiman Younane N. , Lin Hai
Published: May 2024

This paper develops a general and complete solution for the undrained cylindrical cavity expansion problem in nonassociated Mohr‐Coulomb soil under nonhydrostatic initial stress field (i.e., arbitrary values of the earth pressure coefficient), by expanding a unique and efficient graphical solution procedure recently proposed by Chen and Wang in 2022 for the special in situ stress case with . It is interesting to find that the cavity expansion deviatoric stress path is always composed of a series of piecewise straight lines, for all different case scenarios of K0 being involved. When the cavity is sufficiently expanded, the stress path will eventually end, exclusively, in a major sextant with Lode angle θ in between and or on the specific line of . The salient advantage/feature of the present general graphical approach lies in that it can deduce the cavity expansion responses in full closed form, nevertheless being free of the limitation of the intermediacy assumption for the vertical stress and of the difficulty existing in the traditional zoning method that involves cumbersome, sequential determination of distinct Mohr–Coulomb plastic regions. Some typical results for the desired cavity expansion curves and the limit cavity pressure are presented, to investigate the impacts of soil plasticity parameters and the earth pressure coefficient on the cavity responses. The proposed graphical method/solution will be of great value for the interpretation of pressuremeter tests in cohesive‐frictional soils.
Influence of synthesis conditions and raw materials on the properties of N‐chlorosulfonamides immobilized on granular styrene–divinylbenzene polymer carriers
Authors: Murashevych Bohdan , Girenko Dmitry , Stepanskyi Dmytro , Koshova Iryna , Toropin Nikolay , Burmistrov Konstantin
Published: May 2024

Polymer materials with immobilized functional groups–donors of active chlorine are widely used to create products with a microbiocidal effect and increased resistance to microbial contamination. In this work, various methods for the synthesis of granular styrene–divinylbenzene polymers with N‐chlorosulfonamide groups were investigated. It has been shown that the synthesis of polymers with chlorine‐active SO2NNaCl groups from a non‐functionalized styrene–divinylbenzene polymer matrix through the stage of its sulfochlorination with chlorosulfonic acid in dichloromethane for 6–7 h is optimal. These products contain approximately 11% of active chlorine and maintain a stable particle size distribution. When cation exchangers such as Purolite C100 are used as the initial polymer carrier, the content of chlorine‐active groups in the target product is approximately 9%, and an increase in the content of the dust fraction is observed. The obtained samples, regardless of the synthesis method, are capable of releasing active chlorine into solutions containing amino compounds. The microbial impurities in water also cause the emission of active chlorine in an amount that does not depend on the loading of the polymer, but is determined by the concentration of microbes, due to which a pronounced antimicrobial effect is observed. In this case, the resulting products do not cause further decomposition of the functional groups of the polymer, which indicates the high service life of the latter. The availability of raw materials, relative ease of synthesis, stability, possibility of regeneration and microbiocidal properties of the studied polymers make them promising for use as components of water and air purification systems and other products for medical and industrial purposes. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.