bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Trends of In-Patient Mortality between 2018 and 2019 at Kisumu County Level Four Hospital, Kenya
Authors: Musungu Vincent , Muchiri Joseph , Some Eliab
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Due to a lack of information on patient mortality, healthcare planners rarely use local data for resource allocation and hospital management. This results in missed opportunities to build hospital capacity to address common causes of death, as well as a poor hospital reputation, fewer patients seeking hospital care, increased medical errors, and increased inpatient mortality.

Objective: To determine trends of hospital mortality between 2018 and 2019 at Level Four Kisumu County Hospital, Kenya.

Methods: The study was a cross sectional retrospective study design. The study targeted files of patients who died between January 2018 and December 2022. Systematic sampling was used in which every file per ward was given a serial number. Each department formed a stratum. Sample size was determined using Yamane Taro formula (N/1+N(e2) which yielded 203 as sample size from population of 680. The risk of death based on the presence or absence of doctor and nurse was analyzed by odds ratio. Chi-square was used to check association of appropriateness of facility, delay of care and distance and mortality. Variation in ward mortalities was analyzed using ANOVA to assess and data presented as line graphs.

Results: According to the current study, the medical ward had the highest 2-year in-hospital mortality rate of 13.86%, while obstetrics and gynecology (reproductive health) had the lowest mortality rate of 0.47 percent. Infections were responsible for 42% of hospital deaths in patients under the age of 35, while noncommunicable diseases were responsible for 41% of hospital deaths in patients over the age of 60. According to the study, 3% of hospital deaths could have been avoided. When a nurse and a doctor were all present, there was a significant difference in the odds of a patient dying (OR=0.697). Comorbidity was a significant risk factor for death among patients who died in 2018 and 2019 (p=0.05). Patient characteristics such as age, education level, and gender were not associated with hospital deaths (p>0.05).

Conclusion: The study found that 3% of hospital deaths were avoidable. More deaths occurred in medical ward from infectious diseases such as pneumonia and pulmonary TB among patients aged <35 years while non-communicable diseases such as cancer, hypertension and diabetes mellitus were important causes of death among the people aged >60 years. The results seem to suggest that more deaths occurred during rainy season between February and August. Patient factors such as age, sex and education level were not significantly associated with hospital mortality. Comorbidities particularly the non-infectious diseases were associated with more deaths.
Influence of Molybdenum and Foliar Application of Boron on Growth and Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)
Authors: Kumar A. B. Yeswanth , C. Umesha
Published: June 2023

The field experiment was undertaken at Crop Research Farm (CRF) during the Zaid season (march to June – 2022). The Department of Agronomy at SHUATS in Prayagraj (UP). Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is one of the important pulse crops grown mainly in Zaid season under rainfed conditions. Cowpea is considered as an important crop of Uttar Pradesh because of its short duration, high yielding and quick growing capacity. Boron has emerged as an important micronutrient in Indian agriculture in the context of the spread of its deficiency. About one third of the cultivated soils in India are deficient in Boron. Likewise, molybdenum is another micronutrient leading to poor seed yield of pulses in molybdenum deficient soils of Uttar Pradeshis looking into how molybdenum and foliar boron applications affect cowpea growth and yield on soil with a sandy loam texture. To find out the correct doses of molybdenum and boron, this research was aimed. The treatments consist of three doses of Molybdenum viz., 0.5kg ha-1, 0.75kg ha-1 and 1kgha-1 and Boron 0.5% at 3 intervals viz., 30DAS, 45DAS and 30DAS & 45DAS whose effect is observed on Cowpea (var. Gomati). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with Ten treatments replicated thrice. The treatment with application of Molybdenum 1kg ha-1 + Boron 0.5% at 30DAS & 45 DAS recorded significantly higher plant height (72.55cm), number of branches plant-1 (15.33) and plant dry weight (43.68 g), number of pods per plant (16.73), number of seeds per pod (11.67), seed index (18.38g), seed yield (1.59 t ha-1) and Haulm yield (4.16 t ha-1) compared to other treatment combinations.
A Comprehensive Approach to Sexuality Education in Adult Education: Exploring Important Themes
Authors: Ilivinski Dirlei Cherme da Cruz , Silva Luiz Augusto Da , Malfatti Carlos Ricardo Maneck , Soares Kelly Cristina Nogueira , Silva Marcielli Cristina da , Brasil Marcos Roberto
Published: June 2023

This article discusses the important themes of a proposed project that aims to address sexuality education in adult education. The project emphasizes a differentiated approach to sexuality, integrating it with various knowledge domains. The article highlights the significance of formal and systematic planning within educational institutions, as well as the role of educators in facilitating the intervention. It explores the use of instructional sequences, comprising main topics and subtopics, to be tailored according to the needs of teachers and students. The content, methodologies, activities, and assessment strategies are designed to suit the context of adult education, particularly the first segment of elementary education for young adults. The article emphasizes the need for diverse content and methodological approaches to cater to the students' varied learning needs and prior knowledge. It also examines the four themes proposed for the project, which include discussions on body and health, gender, and diversity. The article underscores the importance of promoting critical thinking, dialogue, and reflection to foster transformative learning experiences. Overall, the project aims to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of sexuality beyond reproduction and to foster an inclusive and respectful learning environment that values diversity.
Performance of an Antigen Rapid Test Compared to RT-PCR for the Detection of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Suliman Bandar A. , Aljuhani Ahmed , Almohammadi Zuhur Ramadan , Abdou Yasser A. , Alahmadi Sultan Saud , Khattab Amin , Almikhlafi Mohannad , Elbadawy Hossein M.
Published: June 2023

Background: Rapid and accurate diagnosis of COVID-19 is critical for the management of patients and to limit the spread of the infection. real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT- PCR) is the gold standard for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection, however, it is costly and requires time to obtain a result. A number of alternative rapid tests are available now to provide a faster and more convenient solution for the diagnosis of COVID-19. The aim of this work was to compare the performance of a SARS-Cov-2 Antigen Rapid Test (ART) Cassette to the RT-PCR conventional method.

Methods: Two nasopharyngeal swabs were taken from each of the 126 patients included in this study. Of those, 23 were healthy individuals, 9 were confirmed COVID-19 patients and 103 patients from COVID-19 isolation ward in the hospital. For each patient, one sample was processed for RT-PCR and a second swab was used on the ART kit.

Results: Participants were 57.5% males and 42.5% females. The average age was 54.7 (±14). The QPCR swabs returned 67.9% positivity while the antigen rapid test returned 27.4% positivity. In 56.6% of patients the QPCR results concurred with the rapid test results. Using Fagan nomogram analysis, the 95% confidence interval was (2-20) with a negative likelihood of 0.18. Posterior probability was 0.1. Positive test (blue) prior probability was set at 26%. The 95% confidence interval was (31-41) with a positive likelihood of 1.56. Posterior probability was 0.6.

Conclusion: The ART is a useful and efficient test for diagnosing COVID-19, however, QPCR sensitivity is higher. It is recommended to use ART twice for confirming COVID-19 positivity, which will give a statistically more accurate finding.
MULTIFACES DE GRETA: ADOLESCÊNCIA, ATIVISMO E INSPIRAÇÃO
Authors: Doretto Juliana , Casaqui Vander
Published: June 2023

Este artigo analisa as imagens de Greta Thunberg, adolescente e ativista do meio ambiente, em sua presença midiática na rede social Instagram. O quadro teórico trata da questão da adolescência em perspectiva sociocultural; discute os sentidos da prática ativista no contexto globalizado da comunicação; e reflete sobre a cultura da inspiração nesse contexto. A metodologia está baseada na proposta de Landowski, na expressão imagética de identidade e diferença; e nos contratos comunicativos de Charaudeau. Entre as conclusões do estudo, destacamos as contradições da condição de adolescente de Greta, de seu papel político e da projeção global de sua imagem como líder inspiradora.
JORNALISMO DECLARATÓRIO E A NATURALIZAÇÃO DOS FATOS NA SELEÇÃO DAS FONTES
Authors: Chagas Luãn José Vaz
Published: June 2023

O artigo analisa a percepção dos profissionais sobre a seleção das fontes e a naturalização dos fatos com o jornalismo declaratório presente na cobertura cotidiana. Os dados foram obtidos a partir de entrevistas semiestruturadas com radiojornalistas da BandNews e da CBN no Rio Janeiro e de uma afiliada da CBN no interior do Paraná. Os resultados contrastam com valores da comunidade interpretativa do jornalismo e demonstram formas de dependência e passividade dos profissionais na relação com fontes profissionalizadas em questões que apontam para a naturalização de “pseudofatos”. A “fonte que fala bem” e a sonora como materialização do acontecimento integram valores compartilhados por jornalistas radiofônicos na escolha das vozes nas notícias.
CORREDORES ECOLÓGICO-ECONÔMICOS: UMA FORMA DE USO PARA ORDENAMENTO TERRITORIAL
Authors: Camargo Pedro Luiz Teixeira de , Martins Junior Paulo Pereira , Carneiro João Álvaro , Teixeira Marcílio Baltazar
Published: June 2023

Fundamentar as Geociências agrárias e ambientais com a Engenharia Florestal para desenvolver soluções de reflorestamento em áreas degradadas e áreas sob agricultura intensiva é o escopo dos métodos aqui discutidos. Esses fazem parte de um conjunto maior de metodologias para tratar com o Ordenamento do Território, que permite uma correta abordagem epistemológica, metodológica e gestionária que correspondem aos desafios ecológicos e geo-ambientais, no quadro da ocupação territorial e de paisagismos de um território degradado em séculos de colonização exploratória. Por outro lado, apresenta-se uma discussão sobre parte da lógica da gestão que diz respeito ao aproveitamento ecológico e econômico do território, como modo de emulação à adoção de políticas de gestão pelos proprietários rurais.
POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES OF CLIMATE CHANGES ALONG A TROPICAL COASTAL REGION OF BRAZIL
Authors: Bittencourt Abilio Carlos da Silva Pinto , Silva Iracema Reimão , Santos Adeylan Nascimento , Dominguez José Maria Landim , Kikuchi Ruy Kenji Papa de , Leão Zelinda Margarida de Andrade Nery
Published: June 2023

RESUMO. Potencias consequências das mudanças climáticas ao longo de uma região costeira tropical do Brasil. O presente estudo avalia qualitativamente os potenciais impactos induzidos pelas mudanças climáticas ao longo de uma faixa litorânea do estado da Bahia, a qual apresenta grande diversidade geomorfológica e exuberante beleza cênica. Entre esses impactos salientamos: um ganho significativo da energia das ondas podendo acelerar processos erosivos na linha das praias; intrusão de água salgada nos aquíferos costeiros; rápido recuo das falésias ativas; mudanças nas zonas baixas como terras úmidas e manguezais; represamento de salinidade nos estuários e aumento da turbidez e sedimentação sobre os recifes de corais. Estes efeitos irão gerar enormes prejuízos econômicos nas áreas urbanas. A aproximação de primeira ordem referente às avaliações feitas no presente estudo, crivado de incertezas, requerem, ainda, estudos posteriores que venham a refinar os cenários perspectivos quanto às mudanças climáticas na área de estudo. Todavia, mesmo com incertezas, essas avaliações podem vir a serem úteis como um instrumento válido para o planejamento e gerenciamento das zonas costeiras.Palavras chave: Mudanças climáticas; zonas costeiras; nível do mar; impactos ambientais, Brasil.ABSTRACT. The present study has a qualitative assessment of potential impacts induced by climate changes along a coastal region from the State of Bahia, which presents great geomorphological diversity and exhibits lush scenic beauty. Among these impacts we include: a significant increase of wave energy that will accelerate erosion processes along the beaches; intrusion of seawater into shallow coastal aquifers, a rapid retreat of active cliffs, changes in low-lying areas, such as wetlands and mangroves, increasing in salinity within estuaries and turbidity and sedimentation around coral reefs. These impacts will generate enormous economic losses in urban areas. The first-order approach for the assessments made in the present study, which is riddled with uncertainties, still requires further study to refine its prospects with regard to climate change scenarios along Brazilian coastal regions. However, even with these uncertainties, these evaluations can be useful as valid instruments for coastal zones planning and management.Key words: Climate change; coastal zone; sea-level; environmental impacts; Brazil
COMPLEXIDADES DO ESTUDO DO LÍTIO GEOGÊNICO
Authors: Cruz Manoel Jeronimo  Moreira , Neves Maria Orquídia Teixeira Neves , Otero Olga Maria Fragueiro Otero , Gonçalves Manuel Vitor Portugal Gonçalves , Pena Lana Caroline Sena Pena
Published: June 2023

No Brasil, a existências de duas importantes províncias pegmatíticas localizadas uma na região do Seridó, no nordeste do Brasil e outra mais a sudeste, ao norte do estado de Minas Gerais, limites com o estado da Bahia, apresentam referências da presença de Lítio Geogênico.

O Lítio, geogênico, secundário é um elemento químico que ocorre nos reservatórios geoquímicos superficiais, provenientes da ação do intemperismo químico das fases minerais, portadoras deste elemento. O enriquecimento supergênico fornece este elemento para os solos, sedimentos e água, ou seja, para os reservatórios geoquímicos superficiais. O Lítio é um elemento que traz diversos benefícios terapêuticos, entre eles cita-se o tratamento de distúrbios da saúde mental, como na doença afetiva bipolar, na prevenção de alterações do comportamento, podendo ser relacionado em alguma medida, na redução do suicídio e violência.

O suicídio é a décima causa de morte em todo o mundo. As taxas de suicídio variam muito de país para país e de regiões dentro de um país. O Brasil possui uma das menores taxas de suicídio mundial, no entanto esses números vêm aumentando em torno de 30%, nas últimas décadas.

As relações entre o Lítio e saúde mental podem ser abordadas pela geoquímica médica, que é um novo campo da Geologia, que investiga a distribuição dos materiais geológicos e as possíveis influências sobre a saúde humana. Este artigo apresenta as dificuldades da tentativa de relacionar os constatados teores de Lítio geogênico, existentes no Nordeste do Brasil, com os números das estatísticas de suicídio de levantamentos do sistema de saúde Brasileiro.
An Updated Report on the Prevalence of Prior Cancer Among Persons Newly Diagnosed With Cancer in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program
Authors: Murphy Caitlin C. , Tortolero Guillermo A. , Gerber David E. , Pruitt Sandi L.
Published: June 2023

This cohort study uses population-based data from the National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program of cancer registries to estimate prevalence of prior cancer among adults diagnosed with an incident cancer in 2019.
Unilateral Conjunctivitis With Multifocal Granulomatous Lesions in a Child Aged 10 Years
Authors: Arsenault Samantha M. , Luse Erica , Kim Eric J.
Published: June 2023

This case report discusses a diagnosis of Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome in a child aged 10 years who presented with a granulomatous conjunctivitis in the left eye.
Association of Bilateral Vestibulopathy With and Without Hearing Loss With Cognitive-Motor Interference
Authors: Danneels Maya , Van Hecke Ruth , Leyssens Laura , van de Berg Raymond , Dhooge Ingeborg , Cambier Dirk , Van Rompaey Vincent , Maes Leen
Published: June 2023

Importance

The past years, evidence suggested that the primary symptoms traditionally associated with bilateral vestibulopathy (BV) do not represent the full picture of this patient population. Recent literature also demonstrated cognitive impairment. However, although multitasking and dual-tasking are widely present in everyday activities, most of these studies assessed cognitive function only in single-task conditions.

Objective

To uncover the association of BV with and without hearing loss with cognitive and motor performance and cognitive-motor interference.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective case-control study assessed persons with an isolated BV and persons with BV and a concomitant hearing loss compared with a healthy control group. Data were analyzed in December 2022. The study was conducted at Ghent University (Ghent, Belgium). Data collection took place between March 26, 2021, and November 29, 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

All participants completed the 2BALANCE dual-task protocol, comprising a static and a dynamic motor task that was combined with 5 visual cognitive tasks. These cognitive tasks assessed mental rotation, visuospatial memory, working memory, response inhibition (executive function), and processing speed. All cognitive tasks were performed in a single-task condition (while seated) and in a dual-task condition (combined with a static and a dynamic motor task). The static task comprised balancing on a force platform with foam pad, and the dynamic task comprised walking at a self-selected speed on the GAITRite Walkway. Both motor tasks were performed in the single-task and dual-task condition.

Results

Nineteen persons with BV and hearing loss (mean [SD] age, 56.70 [10.12] years; 10 women [52.6%]), 22 persons with an isolated BV (mean [SD] age, 53.66 [13.35] years; 7 women [31.8%]), and 28 healthy control participants were included (mean [SD] age, 53.73 [12.77] years; 12 women [42.9%]). Both patient groups had mental rotation and working memory impairment in a single-task condition and slower processing speed when walking (ie, during the dynamic dual-task condition). Additionally, the patient group with hearing loss had impaired visuospatial memory and executive function deficits in single-task and dual-task conditions, while this could only be elicited when performing a motor task in persons with isolated BV (ie, when dual-tasking).

Conclusion and Relevance

The findings of this case-control study suggest an association between vestibular function and cognitive and motor performance, even greater in persons with a concomitant hearing loss than in persons with an isolated BV.
Liquid‐State Cathode Enabling a High‐Voltage and Air‐Stable Fe‐Al Hybrid Battery
Authors: Yang Haoyi , Liu Wenhao , Wu Feng , Zheng Lumin , Bai Ying , Wu Chuan
Published: June 2023

Aluminum (Al) is an ideal anode material in low‐cost battery system for energy storage, with high theoretical capacities. However, the sluggish Al3+‐involved kinetics challenges the selection of common cathode materials (Al3+ intercalation or conversion). Herein, a redox‐active Fe–Cl complex serves as the liquid‐state cathode to couple with a low‐cost Al anode, which synergizes the advantages of redox flow batteries and Al rechargeable batteries. The interplay of Fe‐Cl coordinated formula and electrochemical properties are revealed for the first time. It is found that [Fe2Cl7]− molecule has a high voltage versus Al anode (1.3 V), and the novel Fe‐Al hybrid battery fulfills a capacity of 1.6 mAh cm−2 (20 Ah L−1) record high in a coin cell among Al‐based batteries. Furthermore, the energy efficiency, which is a vital parameter to evaluate the energy cost of the energy storage technology, reaches 85% (superior to most Al‐based batteries) and an average of 70% over ≈900 h cycling. Particularly, the unique air‐stable character enables normal operation of the battery assembled in ambient air. This work establishes a new application scenario for Al anode toward low‐cost large‐scale energy storage.
Composition Waves in Solution‐Processed Organic Films and Its Propagations from Kinetically Frozen Surface Mesophases
Authors: Yu Jinde , Shen Zichao , Lu Wanlong , Zhu Yuanwei , Liu Yi-Xin , Neher Dieter , Koch Norbert , Lu Guanghao
Published: June 2023

Organic thin films deposited from solution attract wide interest for next‐generation (opto‐)electronic and energy applications. During solvent evaporation, the phase evolution dynamics for different components at different locations are not synchronic within the incrementally concentrated liquid films, determining the final anisotropic morphology and performance. Herein, by examining tens of widely investigated optoelectronic organic films, the general existence of composition wave propagating along the surface‐normal direction upon solidification is identified. The composition wave is initiated by a few nanometers thick surface mesophase kinetically forming at the foremost stage of phase transition, and afterward propagates toward the substrate during solvent evaporation. The composition waves exhibit well‐defined wave properties, including spatial wavelength, period, amplitude, and propagation velocity. These wave properties are closely correlated with the evaporation rate and the diffusion rate of organic molecules, which determines the dynamically varied local composition gradient along the surface‐normal direction. Such composition waves are commonly found for more than 80% of randomly examined solution‐processed thin films for high‐performance organic electronic devices including photovoltaic cells and field‐effect transistors.
In Situ Reconstruction of Helical Iron Borophosphate Precatalyst toward Durable Industrial Alkaline Water Electrolysis and Selective Oxidation of Alcohols
Authors: Yang Hongyuan , Vijaykumar Gonela , Chen Ziliang , Hausmann J. Niklas , Mondal Indranil , Ghosh Suptish , Nicolaus Victor C. J. , Laun Konstantin , Zebger Ingo , Driess Matthias , Menezes Prashanth W.
Published: June 2023

Iron‐based (pre)catalysts have attracted enormous attention for various electrooxidation reactions due to the low cost, high abundance, and multiple accessible redox states of iron. Herein, a well‐defined helical iron borophosphate (LiFeBPO) is developed as an electro(pre)catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and selective alcohol oxidation. When deposited on nickel foam (NF), LiFeBPO exhibits an exceptional OER performance at ambient conditions attaining a current density of 100 mA cm−2 at ≈276 mV overpotential in 1 m KOH. Notably, this anode sustains durable alkaline water electrolysis at 500 mA cm−2 for over 330 h under industrial conditions (6 m KOH and 85 °C). In –situ and ex situ investigations reveal a deep reconstruction of LiFeBPO during OER, which transforms into a 3D open porous skeleton assembled by ultrasmall, low‐crystalline α‐FeOOH nanoparticles (interfacing with NiOOH of NF). This structure contributes to exposing accessible surface active sites, as well as accelerating mass transport and bubble detachment. Moreover, this electrode also catalyzes the electrooxidation of alcohols (methanol, ethylene glycol, and glycerol) to formic acid (FA) with high selectivity and full conversion. This study provides promising solutions for designing suitable anodes for the simultaneous production of green hydrogen fuel and value–added FA from electrooxidation reactions.
Excellent Liquid Unidirectional Transport Inner Tilted‐Sector Arrayed Tubes
Authors: Liu Yihe , Zhan Haiyang , He Xixing , Zhang Mengfan , Xue Juncheng , Ouyang Tianhao , Zhao Lei , Liu Yahua , Feng Shile
Published: June 2023

Liquid unidirectional transport exhibits critical applications from water harvesting to microfluidics. Despite extensive progress, implementation of liquid unidirectional transport that is not subjected to the liquid surface tension and injecting velocity also remains a great challenge. Here, a tilted‐sector arrayed tube for excellent liquid unidirectional transport is proposed that applies to a vast width domain of liquid surface tension and injecting velocity. In addition, the transport direction is abnormally against the tilted direction of structure, in stark contrast to the traditional understanding that is along tilted direction. This excellent and unique liquid unidirectional transport is caused by synergistic effects of tilted sectors and tube structures, which induce a unique 3D liquid propagation mode as well as a large Laplace pressure asymmetry between the front and rear sides of the liquid. Moreover, the antigravity climbing, circuit isolating, and chemical reaction controlling can be achieved based on the excellent liquid unidirectional transport. It is envisioned that the design can be extensively applied in microfluidics, lab‐on‐a‐chip devices, and biochemistry microreactors.
Tracing the Effects of Nitrogen Doping and Sulfur Vacancy in Surging OER Electrocatalytic Activity of Bismuth Sulfide Nanorods
Authors: Zeng He , Lv Miao , Wang Hui , Li Xin , Jin Shengming , Liu Zhiliang , Chang Xinghua
Published: June 2023

Bismuth sulfide has become an attractive candidate in the electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER), owing to its open coordination sites, unpaired electron orbitals, and mild electronegativity, but its OER performance is hindered by many deficiencies. The combination of heteroatom construction and vacancy engineering has been used to improve the OER performance of bismuth‐based electrocatalysts, but few studies can clearly describe the roles of dopants and vacancies in improving OER performance. Herein, N dopants and S vacancies in Bi2S3 nanorods via one‐step NH3/Ar plasma etching to investigate the enhanced OER performance are constructed. N dopants and S vacancies both regulated the intrinsic charge ordering of Bi2S3 nanorods, enhancing the p‐band center and Fermi level while also boosting the electroconductivity and wettability of the material. In addition, density functional theory calculations suggest that N doping promoted the adsorption of Bi sites, while S vacancies favored the desorption of S sites. Under the synergistic effects of N dopants and S vacancies, Bi2S3‐based electrocatalysts exhibited a low overpotential of 374 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and satisfactory durability, demonstrating a feasible strategy for exploiting main group element OER electrocatalysts.
HCV Core Protein–ISX Axis Promotes Chronic Liver Disease Progression via Metabolic Remodeling and Immune Suppression
Authors: Wang Li‐Ting , Wang Shen‐Nien , Chiou Shyh‐Shin , Tsai Jhih‐Peng , Chai Chee‐Yin , Tseng Li‐Wen , Lee Jin‐Ching , Lin Ming‐Hong , Huang Shau‐Ku , Hsu Shih‐Hsien
Published: June 2023

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important public health issue. However, knowledge on how the virus remodels the metabolic and immune response toward hepatic pathologic environment is limited. The transcriptomic and multiple evidences reveal that the HCV core protein–intestine‐specific homeobox (ISX) axis promotes a spectrum of metabolic, fibrogenic, and immune modulators (e.g., kynurenine, PD‐L1, and B7‐2), regulating HCV‐infection relevant pathogenic phenotype in vitro and in vivo. In a transgenic mice model, the HCV core protein–ISX axis enhance metabolic disturbance (particularly lipid and glucose metabolism) and immune suppression, and finally, chronic liver fibrosis in a high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced disease model. Mechanistically, cells with HCV JFH‐1 replicons upregulate ISX and, consequently, the expressions of metabolic, fibrosis progenitor, and immune modulators via core protein‐induced nuclear factor‐κB signaling. Conversely, cells with specific ISX shRNAi inhibit HCV core protein‐induced metabolic disturbance and immune suppression. Clinically, the HCV core level is significantly correlated with ISX, IDOs, PD‐L1, and B7‐2 levels in HCC patients with HCV infection. Therefore, it highlights the significance of HCV core protein–ISX axis as an important mechanism in the development of HCV‐induced chronic liver disease and can be a specific therapeutic target clinically.
Logic‐In‐Memory Characteristics of Reconfigurable Feedback Field‐Effect Transistors with Double‐Gated Structure
Authors: Shin Yunwoo , Son Jaemin , Jeon Juhee , Cho Kyoungah , Kim Sangsig
Published: June 2023

The reconfigurable feedback field‐effect transistors (R‐FBFETs) with a double‐gated structure are designed and the logic and memory operations of a logic‐in‐memory (LIM) inverter comprising two R‐FBFETs are investigated. The R‐FBFETs exhibit an extremely low subthreshold swing of ≈1 mV dec−1, a high on/off current ratio of ≈107, and a long retention time of 10 s, owing to a positive feedback loop mechanism. The on‐current ratio of the p‐ to n‐channel modes is 1.03, which indicates a high degree of reconfigurability. The LIM inverter retains the output logic “1” and “0” states for over 50 s under zero‐bias conditions. The symmetric reconfigurable switching and memory operations of the R‐FBFETs enable the LIM inverter to perform logic and memory operations for a long retention time without a power supply.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbonylative Difunctionalization of Unactivated Alkenes Initiated by Unstabilized Enolates
Authors: Zhang Pengpeng , Newhouse Timothy R.
Published: June 2023

This report describes the first example of palladium‐catalyzed carbonylative difunctionalization of unactivated alkenes initiated by enolate nucleophiles. The approach involves initiation by an unstabilized enolate nucleophile under an atmospheric pressure of CO and termination with a carbon electrophile. This process is compatible with a diverse range of electrophiles, including aryl, heteroaryl, and vinyl iodides to yield synthetically useful 1,5‐diketone products, which were demonstrated to be precursors for multi‐substituted pyridines. A PdI‐dimer complex with two bridging CO units was observed although its role in catalysis is not yet understood.
Why is there no service to support taxonomy?
Authors: Sigwart Julia D. , Chen Chong , Tilic Ekin , Vences Miguel , Riehl Torben
Published: June 2023

Increasing complexity and specialisation of modern sciences has led to increasingly collaborative publications, as well as the involvement of commercial services. Modern integrative taxonomy likewise depends on many lines of evidence and is increasingly complex, but the trend of collaboration lags and various attempts at ‘turbo taxonomy’ have been unsatisfactory. We are developing a taxonomic service in the Senckenberg Ocean Species Alliance to provide fundamental data for new species descriptions. This will also function as a hub to connect a global network of taxonomists, assembling an alliance of scientists working on potential new species to tackle both the extinction and inclusion crises we face today. The current rate of new species descriptions is simply too slow; the discipline is often dismissed as old fashioned, and there is a crisis level need for taxonomic descriptions to come to grips with the scale of Anthropocene biodiversity loss. Here, we envision how the process of describing and naming species would benefit from a service supporting the acquisition of descriptive data. Also see the video abstract here: https://youtu.be/E8q3KJor_F8
Glucose metabolism and function of CD4+ Tregs are regulated by the TLR8/mTOR signal in an environment of SKOV3 cell growth
Authors: Wu Ming , Fu Xin , Xu Rui , Liu Shuna , Li Rong , Xu Juan , Shang Wenwen , Chen Xian , Wang Ting , Wang Fang
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To investigate the role of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signal in Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 8‐mediated regulation of glucose metabolism and its effect on reversing immunosuppression in CD4+ regulatory T‐cells (Tregs) in ovarian cancer (OC).

Methods

Fluorescence‐activated cell sorting was used to detect the expression levels of mTOR+ and 4E‐BP1+ cells in CD4+ Tregs. The prognosis and immune infiltration analysis of mTOR mRNA in OC were performed using the TIMER and Kaplan–Meier plotter database. Furthermore, real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and western blot (WB) were used to detect expression levels of glucose metabolism‐related genes and proteins in CD4+ Tregs. Glucose uptake and glycolysis levels were detected by colorimetry, while the effects of CD4+ Tregs on the proliferation of CD4+ T‐effector cells (Teffs) were evaluated by carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE).

Results

mTOR expression in CD4+ Tregs was significantly higher in patients with OC compared with controls and in CD4+ Tregs than in CD4+ Teffs in OC. Additionally, the expression level of mTOR mRNA was related to prognosis and immune infiltration levels in patients with OC. Blocking the mTOR signal resulted in downregulation of glucose metabolism in CD4+ Tregs. Simultaneous inhibition of the mTOR signal while activation of the TLR8 signal had a coordinated inhibitory effect on glucose metabolism and the immunosuppressive function of CD4+ Tregs. Furthermore, the mTOR signal played an essential role in TLR8‐mediated reversal of immunosuppressive function in CD4+ Tregs.

Conclusion

These findings imply that activation of the TLR8 signal inhibits glucose metabolism in CD4+ Tregs by downregulating mTOR signaling, thereby reversing the immunosuppressive function of these cells in an OC cell growth environment.
Ultrasound‐guided hookwire localization of non palpable cervical lymphadenopathy: A case–control study of operative time
Authors: Bran William , Sahli‐Vivicorsi Sonia , Cadieu Romain , Alavi Zarrin , Leclere Jean‐Christophe
Published: June 2023

Objective

We aimed at evaluating the impact of ultrasound‐guided (US) hookwire localization of nonpalpable cervical lymphadenopathy on operating time.

Design and Methods

Retrospective case control study (January 2017 and May 2021) of 26 patients with lateral nonpalpable cervical lymphadenopathy undergoing surgery with (H+) and without (H−) per operative US‐guided hook‐wire localization. Operative time (general anesthesiology onset, hookwire placement, end of surgery) and surgery‐related adverse events data were collected.

Results

Mean operative time was significantly shorter in H+ group versus H− group (26 ± 16 min vs. 43 ± 22 min) (p = 0.02). Histopathological diagnosis accuracy was 100% versus 94% (H+ vs. H−, p = 0.1). No significant between group difference in surgery‐related adverse events was reported (wound healing, p = 0.162; hematomas, p = 0.498; neoplasms removal failure, p = 1).

Conclusion

US‐guided hookwire localization of lateral nonpalpable cervical lymphadenopathy allowed a significant reduction in operative time, comparable histopathological diagnosis accuracy and adverse events compared with H−.
Recurrent pneumonia in a child with Jacobsen syndrome and common variable immune deficiency
Authors: Thomas Ryan G.
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Recurrent severe respiratory infections in Jacobsen syndrome (JS) are unusual and should prompt evaluation of the immune system. A variety of immune defects have been reported in JS and intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) treatment reduces severe infections.
Delayed perforation of an atrial pacemaker electrode: Lifelong risk for a rare but serious complication
Authors: Waechter Christian , Koenig Alexander M. , Chatzis Georgios , Mueller Julian , Schieffer Bernhard , Luesebrink Ulrich
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Nonspecific symptoms such as pleuritic or pericardial chest pain in cardiovascular implantable electronic devices patients, even with unremarkable ECG or device parameters, should always raise suspicion of electrode perforation, regardless of how long ago the implantation was performed.

We report the successful percutaneous management of a 77‐year‐old woman who had a dual‐chamber pacemaker implanted more than 1 year ago and presented with pericarditis pain and compensated pericardial hemorrhagic tamponade. The symptoms were due to very late acute perforation of the atrial lead. This report is intended to raise awareness of procedure‐related complications in the large group of cardiovascular implantable electronic device patients. Pleuritic or pericardial pain in these patients should raise suspicion of electrode perforation, as the risk of perforation is not restricted to the period immediately after implantation and a lifelong risk cannot apparently be excluded.
Parapharyngeal hematoma following transesophageal echo in a patient with hemophilia A
Authors: McKenna Dominic , Pampu Teodora , Korda Marian , Benson Gary
Published: June 2023

Key Clinical Message

Hemophilia A is an X‐linked disorder caused by deficiency of Factor VIII. Postoperative patients with mild hemophilia A, or those requiring intensive factor replacement, should be proactively screened for factor inhibitor development. This is a major complication of factor replacement that can induce severe factor resistant coagulopathy and life‐threatening bleeding.
Direct cellular reprogramming and transdifferentiation of fibroblasts on wound healing—Fantasy or reality?
Authors: Du Juan , Liu Xuelai , Wong Carol Wing Yan , Wong Kenneth Kak Yuen , Yuan Zhixin
Published: June 2023

Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology is one of the de novo approaches in regeneration medicine and has led to new research applications for wound healing in recent years. Fibroblasts have attracted wide attention as the first cell line used for differentiation into iPSCs. Researchers have found that fibroblasts can be induced into different types of cells in variable mediums or microenvironments. This indicates the potential “stem” characteristics of fibroblasts in terms of direct cellular reprogramming compared with the iPSC detour. In this review, we described the morphology and biological function of fibroblasts. The stem cell characteristics and activities of fibroblasts, including transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts, osteogenic cells, chondrogenic cells, neurons, and vascular tissue, are discussed. The biological values of fibroblasts are then briefly reviewed. Finally, we discussed the potential applications of fibroblasts in clinical practice.
Sex different abdominal artery anatomy may induce different displacement force on stent‐graft after endovascular aneurysm repair
Authors: Teng Anna , Sun Anqiang , Chen Zengsheng , Deng Xiaoyan , Fan Yubo
Published: June 2023

Women with abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) have a higher incidence of complications after Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR), most of which are related to the migration of stent‐graft. The different force acting on the stent‐graft after EVAR caused by different abdominal artery anatomy of male and female AAA patients may be the reason for the sex‐different complications. This article aims to explore the possible biomechanical mechanisms of sex differences by making a comparison of displacement force acting on the stent graft of male and female AAA patients. To explore the effect of different vascular anatomy on stent‐graft migration, the uniformed models were constructed according to the specific vascular anatomy parameters of AAA patients of different sex, which have been measured before. The computational fluid dynamics method was used to quantitate the pulsatile force acting on the stent‐graft after EVAR in a cardiac cycle. Then the displacement force was calculated with the pressure and the wall shear stress, and the total and area‐weighted average of displacement force acting on the stent‐graft were compared respectively. In one cardiac cycle, the wall pressure for the male model is greater than that of the female model (2.7–4.4 vs. 2.2–3.4 N), and the wall shear force for the female model is slightly greater (0–0.0065 vs. 0–0.0055 N). The displacement force is mainly provided by the wall pressure, which is also greater in the male model. However, the area‐averaged displacement force is greater for the female model than that for the male model (180–290 vs. 160–250 Pa). Because of the different vascular anatomies, the impact caused by the pulsating aortic blood flow on the AAA stent‐graft of women after EVAR was greater than that of men. Women's vascular anatomy leads to greater area‐averaged displacement force after stent‐graft implantation, resulting in a greater risk of stent‐graft migration, which might be one of the reasons why women had a higher incidence of complications after EVAR.
Association between a hospitalization for heart failure and the initiation/discontinuation of guideline‐recommended treatments: An analysis from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry
Authors: Schrage Benedikt , Lund Lars H. , Benson Lina , Braunschweig Frieder , Ferreira João Pedro , Dahlström Ulf , Metra Marco , Rosano Giuseppe M.C. , Savarese Gianluigi
Published: June 2023

Aims

To investigate whether a heart failure (HF) hospitalization is associated with initiation/discontinuation of guideline‐directed medical HF therapy (GDMT) and consequent outcomes.

Methods and results

Among patients in the Swedish HF registry with an ejection fraction <50% enrolled in 2009–2018, initiation/discontinuation of GDMT was investigated by assessing dispensations of GDMT in those with versus without a HF hospitalization. Of 14 737 patients, 6893 (47%) were enrolled when hospitalized for HF. Initiation of GDMT was more likely than discontinuation following a HF hospitalization compared to a control group of patients without a HF hospitalization (odds ratio range 2.1–4.0 vs. 1.4–1.6 for the individual medications), although the proportion of patients not on GDMT was still high (8.1–44.0%). Key patient characteristics triggering less use of GDMT (i.e. less initiation or more discontinuation) were older age and worse renal function. Following a HF hospitalization, initiation of renin–angiotensin system inhibitors/angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitors or beta‐blockers was associated with lower and their discontinuation with higher mortality risk, but no association with mortality was observed for initiation/discontinuation of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists.

Conclusions

Following a HF hospitalization, initiation of GDMT was more likely than discontinuation, although still limited. Perceived or actual low tolerance were barriers to GDMT implementation. Early re‐/initiation of GDMT was associated with better survival. Our findings represent a call for further implementing the current guideline recommendation for an early re‐/initiation of GDMT following a HF hospitalization.
Analysis of select utilities passing fuel costs and risks onto customers
Authors: Gakpetor Godfred , Shober Maggie
Published: June 2023

An electric utility bill often includes a fuel adjustment clause (FAC) charge that can be changed up or down to recoup the utility's fuel costs. The fuel adjustment clause was first introduced after fluctuations in coal prices during World War 1. The continued use of the FAC, which shifts the risk of fuel price spikes to the customer, is particularly concerning where energy burdens for vulnerable residents are high. To estimate the impact of an increase in natural gas prices on residential electricity bills because of the rise in the use of gas to generate energy in recent years. In 2020, electricity production accounted for around 33% of gas usage. One approach to address the high‐energy burden is providing clean and efficient energy for households, reducing energy bills, and freeing up household resources for other necessities. To determine this; first, a few utilities were selected, then the residential rate schedules were examined so a model could be built to calculate the bill based on a range of usage levels. The selected utilities, Florida Power & Light, Duke Energy Florida, Duke Energy Progress, and Duke Energy Carolinas, all rely on different fuel mixes to serve customers. Our findings suggest that with a heavy reliance on gas and a direct pass‐through of gas prices to customers, customers bear the risks of the volatile gas market. A slight increase in electric bills can have an outsized impact on customers, particularly low‐income households and individuals on fixed incomes.
The antagonistic effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on cadmium‐caused pulmonary toxicity: MiR‐182‐5p/TLR4 axis
Authors: Hao Rili , Zhou Xing , Lv Xiaqing , Zhu Xiangyang , Jiang Yang , Li Dapeng
Published: June 2023

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal toxic that can cause health problems including lung injury. This study was set out to meet the growing demand for effective treatment of lung diseases and explore the mechanism of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE, a natural phenolic acid) protect against Cd‐caused lung damage. In this study, CAPE significantly increased mice body weight, decreased lung W/D ratio, and alleviated histomorphological injury. CAPE mitigated CdCl2‐induced oxidative stress through Nrf2/HO‐1/NQO1 pathway, suppressed inflammation via MyD88/NF‐κB pathway, and alleviated apoptosis by modulating apoptosis mediators. CAPE also inhibited the CdCl2‐caused decreasing of TLR4 level and the increasing of miR‐182‐5p level, which is achieved by miR‐182‐5p sponging TLR4. Collectively, miR‐182‐5p is involved in CAPE against CdCl2‐caused lung damage by targeting TLR4. MiR‐182‐5p/TLR4 is a new pathway for inhibiting oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation in CAPE‐mediated lung protection, which provides a novel avenue for treatment therapies.
Gas‐kinetic unified algorithm for two‐dimensional planar and axisymmetric nozzle flows
Authors: Li Fan , Li Zhi‐Hui , Jiang Xin‐Yu , Hu Wen‐Qiang , Li Zhong‐Hua , Luo Wan‐Qing
Published: June 2023

For high‐altitude nozzle or micronozzle flows and other gas flows in the slip or transition flow regime, how to solve it reliably has always been a difficult problem. In this paper, a unified gas kinetic expression is presented to describe the two‐dimensional planar and the axisymmetric nozzle flows, and the computable modeling of the Boltzmann equation is developed at the first time for the nozzle flows by introducing the gas molecular collision relaxing parameter and the local equilibrium distribution function integrated in the unified expression with the flow state controlling parameter, including the macroscopic flow variables, the gas viscosity transport coefficient, the thermodynamic effect, the molecular power law, and molecular models, covering a full spectrum of flow regimes. The boundary conditions involved in the nozzle flow have been mathematically expressed at the level of the gas molecular velocity distribution function, and the model equations have been solved uniformly by the gas‐kinetic unified algorithm (GKUA) for rarefied transition to continuum flows. The presented simulated results from the test cases show promising of simulating gas flow from transitional flow to continuum flow in the same flow domain, especially for those flow involving low‐speed gas flow in rarefied regime, which is otherwise practically difficult using direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC).