bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross‐regional power supply‐demand analysis model based on clustered unit commitment
Authors: Negishi Shintaro , Kimura Keisuke , Suzuki Ikumi , Ikegami Takashi
Published: February 2022

In this paper, a new model of electric power supply‐demand analysis based on a clustered unit commitment (CUC) model is proposed. This method enables to derive daily generation plans in multi‐area by minimizing daily generation cost. In the CUC model, the generation units are clustered for the purpose of saving calculation time of the optimization. The proposed model is formulated by Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP). The numerical experiment of annual supply‐demand analysis was done to evaluate the availability of the proposed model. As a result, the availability of proposed model was clarified in the view of calculation time and operational results, which are derived by the numerical experiment.
Media coverage, attention cycles and the governance of plastics pollution
Authors: Bailey Ian
Published: February 2022

Fluctuations in media and public attention create major challenges for the governance of environmental problems but detailed investigations of how issue‐attention cycles affect environmental governance processes remain limited. This article addresses this gap using a literature analysis to examine the effects of issue‐attention cycles on policy responses to plastics pollution. It explores trends and features of media coverage of plastics, their influence on public pressure for action, linkages between shifts in attention and measures to govern plastics at the international, national, sub‐national and corporate levels, and options to utilise issue‐attention cycles to support greater action on plastics. The review indicates that heightened media coverage has encouraged greater public engagement with plastics overall but that elements of media reporting raise questions about the coherence and longevity of public pressure for change. Links between attention peaks and increased policy activity also remain unclear, though some policy‐makers have used peaks to inject momentum into policy processes and initiate longer‐term reforms that buffer policy against declining interest. Alongside these techniques, new framings emphasising the economic, social and health impacts of plastics may assist in extending concern and pressure for action. The article concludes by arguing the need to deepen understandings of the properties of attention cycles for different environmental problems and their implications for governance efforts.
Replacement of Fish Oil by ALA‐Rich Vegetable Oils in Diets of Gilthead Sea Bream: Effect on Final Eating Quality
Authors: Ofori‐Mensah Samuel , Yıldız Mustafa , Arslan Murat , Ünal Şengör Gülgün F. , Kahraman Tolga , Gelibolu Serap , Kaplan Çağlayan
Published: February 2022

This study assesses the effect of inclusion of n–3 C18 rich oils on nutrient profile and quality of flesh in gilthead seabream (≈ 61.5 g) after feeding isoproteic and isolipidic diets in which camelina seed (CSO) or chia oil (CO) totally or partially replaces fish oil (FO) for 110 days. Fillet fatty acid (FA) profile reflects dietary FA profile, characterized by increased C18 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) and a reduced highly unsaturated FA, whereas n–3/n–6 ratios are increased in fish fed diets with CSO or CO content. However, indices of atherogenicity and thrombogenicity, calculated from the fillet FA profile as indices for the health quality for consumers, are reduced with dietary addition of CSO or CO due to the increased fillet content of C18 n–3 PUFA in CSO and CO fed fish. In spite of the differences in fillet FA profiles, sensory quality of flesh does not vary among fish from different dietary groups. Instrumental texture and color analyses reveal significantly different values in cooked fillets in comparison to the raw fillets. Overall, dietary inclusion of CSO or CO enhances the nutritional value of fish flesh as well as the production of healthier fillets.

Practical Applications: This study suggests fish oil could be totally replaced with camelina or chia oil in the diet of gilthead sea bream without negatively affecting sensory characteristics. The dietary inclusion of these oils could enhance the nutritional quality of fish fillets, and could receive wide application in the aquafeed and animal feed producing sector.
Enhanced energy storage properties of epitaxial (Ba0.955Ca0.045)(Zr0.17Ti0.83)O3 ferroelectric thin films
Authors: Puli Venkata Sreenivas , Pradhan Dhiren K. , Madgula Kalpana , Babu S. Narendra , Laad Meena , Chrisey Douglas B. , Katiyar Ram S. , Reed Amber , Back Tyson , Mc Conney Michael E. , Van Ginhoven Renee M. , Heidger Susan
Published: February 2022

(Ba0.955Ca0.045)(Zr0.17Ti0.83)O3 [BCZT] epitaxial were grown on La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO)‐coated (100)‐oriented MgO single crystal substrates by the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. Herein, we report crystal structure, ferroelectric, piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM), and energy storage properties near the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) composition of [Ba0.850Ca0.15Zr0.1Ti0.90O3] solid solution. Epitaxial growth of the films was confirmed using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) spectra. Room‐temperature Raman spectroscopy confirms perovskite phase of BCZT films. Room‐temperature polarization‐electric field (P‐E) loops confirm the ferroelectric nature of BCZT films. Ferroelectric hysteresis loops demonstrate high saturation polarization (Pmax ~ 97.96 μC/cm2) and remanant polarization (Pr ~ 70.1 μC/cm2) at an applied maximum electric field ~2.77 MV/cm. The optimized BCZT epitaxial thin films have shown moderate dielectric properties at different measured frequencies (10‐100 kHz). Nanoscale piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) images demonstrate switchable ferroelectric polarization of these thin films above ±9 V of dc voltage applied. Energy storage properties measured from ferroelectric loops revealed a high discharge curve energy density ~27.5 J/cm3 at a maximum electric field of 2.77 MV/cm. Epitaxial‐grown BCZT films are suitable candidate materials for capacitor applications.
Optimal planning of renewable integrated rural microgrid for sustainable energy supply
Authors: Kama Md Mustafa , Ashraf Imtiaz , Fernandez Eugene
Published: February 2022

Renewable resources can help reduce carbon emissions, but their inconsistency causes inconsistent energy generation, mandating the introduction of a battery bank to overcome the demand‐supply gap. The integration of renewables for electrical supply systems in rural regions has received much attention, as has the hybrid energy system with storage for microgrids. This work presents an optimization technique for the design and operation of a standalone microgrid with load demand. The research framework is demonstrated by a case study in a remote rural location in Uttarakhand (India). This research proposes an integrated techno‐economic optimization and power management of a standalone integrated renewable energy system to meet the electrical energy demand. The levelized cost of energy (LCOE), the net present cost (NPC), and pollution emission are minimized using grey wolf optimization. Four alternative models are compared based on environmental considerations and economic research. According to the simulation findings, the optimal configuration has a 0.203 $/kWh LCOE and a 92% renewable portion. In addition, the optimization results have been presented and compared. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is performed to determine the impact of various factors on the system in question.
A novel unmanned aerial vehicle‐sink enabled mobility model for military operations in sparse flying ad‐hoc network
Authors: Agrawal Juhi , Kapoor Monit , Tomar Ravi
Published: February 2022

The flying ad‐hoc network (FANET) is a self‐configured, rapidly deployable network for a variety of time‐critical applications such as military and disaster relief operations. Most mobility models view FANETs as dense networks leading to unrealistic network scenarios and may not provide real‐world results. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) may not always be connected due to low battery, malfunction, budget constraints, or the nature of the application. Existing mobility models do not work in realistic FANET scenarios, that is, sparse FANETs, and simulate the model in a two‐dimensional domain. To address the issues, a novel mobility model has been proposed for military operations in sparse FANETs. This is the first paper that addresses the issue of sparse networks as well as implementing the proposed work in the simulator in three‐dimensional space. The proposed UAV‐sink enabled mobility model (US‐MM) increases the network performance without impeding the mobility of UAVs as UAVs perform critical functions in military operations. The simulation has been done using NS‐3.25. The obtained results show the efficiency of our proposed model which achieves increased network connectivity and stability of UAV's connection to the base station in the sparse FANETs.
The interplay between location and strategy in a turbulent age
Authors: Bathelt Harald , Li Pengfei
Published: February 2022

Research Summary

The spread of protectionist policies and the COVID‐19 pandemic force policymakers and managers to fundamentally rethink the relationship between location and strategy. We examine this location‐strategy interplay through a structure‐agency perspective by investigating how the economic landscape shapes and, simultaneously, is shaped by firm strategies. Increasing spatial disparity and diversity of innovation and wealth in clusters and city‐regions create both tremendous challenges and opportunities for multinational enterprises to strategically leverage knowledge over space. Locational choices and actions of multinationals, in turn, affect regional economic development paths and geographies of innovation. We argue for deep dialogue and collaboration between economic geography, international business and strategy to untie the knots in the intricate interplay between location and strategy and solve the grand challenges in our turbulent age.

Managerial Summary

The wide spread of protectionism and the COVID‐19 pandemic have disrupted global value chains unprecedently, forcing policymakers and firm managers to rethink the relationship between business strategies and locations. We suggest that this relationship can be understood in a bilateral way. The concentration of innovation and economic activities in city‐regions and clusters creates big challenges but also tremendous opportunities for multinational enterprises. Multinationals need to direct knowledge across space but also have to deal with local resistance and opposition. The choices and actions of these firms are shaped by and, simultaneously, influence spatial patterns of economic activities. We argue for deep collaboration between economic geographers and international business scholars to solve the grand challenges for business, community and society in our turbulent time.
Antibacterial composite hydrogels of graphene quantum dots and bacterial cellulose accelerate wound healing
Authors: Zmejkoski Danica Z. , Marković Zoran M. , Mitić Dijana D. , Zdravković Nemanja M. , Kozyrovska Natalia O. , Bugárová Nikol , Todorović Marković Biljana M.
Published: February 2022

The increased antibiotic resistance of pathogenic bacteria requires intense research of new wound healing agents. Novel wound dressings should be designed to provide wound disinfection, good moisture, and fast epithelization. In this study, bacterial cellulose (BC) was impregnated with graphene quantum dots (GQDs) for potential use in wound healing treatment. The BC was successfully loaded with approximately 11.7 wt% of GQDs. The actual release of GQDs from new designed composite hydrogels were 13%. Novel GQDs‐BC hydrogel composites are biocompatible and showed significant inhibition towards Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae and bactericidal effect towards Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The in vitro healing analysis showed significant migration of human fibroblasts after the GQDs‐BC hydrogels application. Furthermore, after 72 h exposure to GQDs‐BC, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, vascular endothelial growth factor A, matrix metallopeptidase 9, and Vimentin gene expression in fibroblast were significantly upregulated promoting angiogenesis. GQDs‐BC hydrogel composites showed very good wound fluid absorption and water retention, which satisfies good dressing properties. All obtained results propose new designed GQDs‐BC hydrogels as potential wound dressings.
EGFR Signaling Is Required for Maintaining Adult Cartilage Homeostasis and Attenuating Osteoarthritis Progression
Authors: Wei Yulong , Ma Xiaoyuan , Sun Hao , Gui Tao , Li Jun , Yao Lutian , Zhong Leilei , Yu Wei , Han Biao , Nelson Charles L. , Han Lin , Beier Frank , Enomoto-Iwamoto Motomi , Ahn Jaimo , Qin Ling
Published: February 2022

The uppermost superficial zone of articular cartilage is the first line of defense against the initiation of osteoarthritis (OA). We previously used Col2-Cre to demonstrate that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a tyrosine kinase receptor, plays an essential role in maintaining superficial chondrocytes during articular cartilage development. Here, we showed that EGFR activity in the articular cartilage decreased as mice age. In mouse and human OA samples, EGFR activity was initially reduced at the superficial layer and then resurged in cell clusters within the middle and deep zone in late OA. To investigate the role of EGFR signaling in postnatal and adult cartilage, we constructed an inducible mouse model with cartilage-specific EGFR inactivation (Aggrecan-CreER EgfrWa5/flox, Egfr iCKO). EdU incorporation revealed that postnatal Egfr iCKO mice contained fewer slow-cycling cells than controls. EGFR deficiency induced at 3 months of age reduced cartilage thickness and diminished superficial chondrocytes, in parallel to alterations in lubricin production, cell proliferation, and survival. Furthermore, male Egfr iCKO mice developed much more severe OA phenotypes, including cartilage erosion, subchondral bone plate thickening, cartilage degeneration at the lateral site, and mechanical allodynia, after receiving destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) surgery. Similar OA phenotypes were also observed in female iCKO mice. Moreover, tamoxifen injections of iCKO mice at 1 month post-surgery accelerated OA development 2 months later. In summary, our data demonstrated that chondrogenic EGFR signaling maintains postnatal slow-cycling cells and plays a critical role in adult cartilage homeostasis and OA progression. © 2022 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Interleukin‐6 potentiates endurance training adaptation and improves functional capacity in old mice
Authors: Leuchtmann Aurel B. , Furrer Regula , Steurer Stefan A. , Schneider‐Heieck Konstantin , Karrer‐Cardel Bettina , Sagot Yves , Handschin Christoph
Published: February 2022

Background

Interventions to preserve functional capacities at advanced age are becoming increasingly important. So far, exercise provides the only means to counteract age‐related decrements in physical performance and muscle function. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of exercise interventions in elderly populations is hampered by reduced acceptance and compliance as well as disuse complications. We therefore studied whether application of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), a pleiotropic myokine that is induced by skeletal muscle activity and exerts broad systemic effects in response to exercise, affects physical performance and muscle function alone or in combination with training in aged mice.

Methods

Sedentary old male mice (Sed+Saline, n = 15) were compared with animals that received recombinant IL‐6 (rIL‐6) in an exercise‐mimicking pulsatile manner (Sed+IL‐6, n = 16), were trained with a moderate‐intensity, low‐volume endurance exercise regimen (Ex+Saline, n = 13), or were exposed to a combination of these two interventions (Ex+IL‐6, n = 16) for 12 weeks. Before and at the end of the intervention, mice underwent a battery of tests to quantify endurance performance, muscle contractility in situ, motor coordination, and gait and metabolic parameters.

Results

Mice exposed to enhanced levels of IL‐6 during endurance exercise bouts showed superior improvements in endurance performance (33% more work and 12% greater peak power compared with baseline), fatigue resistance in situ (P = 0.0014 vs. Sed+Saline; P = 0.0199 vs. Sed+IL‐6; and P = 0.0342 vs. Ex+Saline), motor coordination (rotarod performance, P = 0.0428), and gait (gait speed, P = 0.0053) following training. Pulsatile rIL‐6 treatment in sedentary mice had only marginal effects on glucose tolerance and some gait parameters. No increase in adverse events or mortality related to rIL‐6 treatment was observed.

Conclusions

Administration of rIL‐6 paired with treadmill running bouts potentiates the adaptive response to a moderate‐intensity low‐volume endurance exercise regimen in old mice, while being safe and well tolerated.
The morphology of stigma of Asteraceae observed by scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Lu Xiaojian , Ye Xiufen , Hu Ziming , Liu Jiaxi
Published: February 2022

The morphology of stigma has taxonomic values. To further explore the taxonomy of family Asteraceae, the morphological characteristics of stigma of 28 genera, 32 species, and two varieties in the family were observed using scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated that the stigma morphology of these Asteraceae plants could be divided into 10 types, of which eight are reported for the first time. The morphological characteristics of stigma support the close relationship between genera Aster and Erigeron and among genera Sonchus, Taraxacum, and Youngia. Our results enriched the stigma type diversity data and provided a morphological basis for the study of the phylogenetic evolution of Asteraceae.
A retrospective study of HIV pre‐exposure prophylaxis counselling among non‐Hispanic Black youth diagnosed with bacterial sexually transmitted infections in the United States, 2014–2019
Authors: Watson Dovie L. , Shaw Pamela A. , Petsis Danielle T. , Pickel Julia , Bauermeister José A. , Frank Ian , Wood Sarah M. , Gross Robert
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Youth account for a disproportionate number of new HIV infections; however, pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use is limited. We evaluated PrEP counselling rates among non‐Hispanic Black youth in the United States after a bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosis.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of Black youth receiving care at two academically affiliated clinics in Philadelphia between June 2014 and June 2019. We compared PrEP counselling for youth who received primary care services versus those who did not receive primary care services, all of whom met PrEP eligibility criteria due to STI diagnosis per U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention clinical practice guidelines. Two logistic regression models for receipt of PrEP counselling were fit: Model 1 focused on sexual and gender minority (SGM) status and Model 2 on rectal STIs with both models adjusted for patient‐ and healthcare‐level factors.

Results

Four hundred and sixteen patients met PrEP eligibility criteria due to STI based on sex assigned at birth and sexual partners. Thirty patients (7%) had documentation of PrEP counselling. Receipt of primary care services was not significantly associated with receipt of PrEP counselling in either Model 1 (adjusted OR (aOR) 0.10 [95% CI 0.01, 0.99]) or Model 2 (aOR 0.52 [95% CI 0.10, 2.77]). Receipt of PrEP counselling was significantly associated with later calendar years of STI diagnosis (aOR 6.80 [95% CI 1.64, 29.3]), assigned male sex at birth (aOR 26.2 [95% CI 3.46, 198]) and SGM identity (aOR 317 [95% CI 39.9, 2521]) in Model 1 and later calendar years of diagnosis (aOR 3.46 [95% CI 1.25, 9.58]), assigned male sex at birth (aOR 18.6 [95% CI 3.88, 89.3]) and rectal STI diagnosis (aOR 28.0 [95% CI 8.07, 97.5]) in Model 2. Fourteen patients (3%) started PrEP during the observation period; 12/14 (86%) were SGM primary care patients assigned male sex at birth.

Conclusions

PrEP counselling and uptake among U.S. non‐Hispanic Black youth remain disproportionately low despite recent STI diagnosis. These findings support the need for robust investment in PrEP‐inclusive sexual health services that are widely implemented and culturally tailored to Black youth, particularly cisgender heterosexual females.
Molybdenum cofactor deficiency: A natural history
Authors: Spiegel Ronen , Schwahn Bernd C. , Squires Liza , Confer Nils
Published: February 2022

Molybdenum cofactor deficiency (MoCD) includes three ultrarare autosomal recessive inborn errors of metabolism (MoCD type A [MoCD‐A], MoCD‐B, and MoCD‐C) that cause sulfite intoxication disorders. This natural history study analyzed retrospective data for 58 living or deceased patients (MoCD‐A, n = 41; MoCD‐B, n = 17). MoCD genotype, survival, neuroimaging, and medical history were assessed retrospectively. Prospective biomarker data were collected for 21 living MoCD patients. The primary endpoint was survival to 1 year of age in MoCD‐A patients. Of the 58 MoCD patients, 49 (MoCD‐A, n = 36; MoCD‐B, n = 13) had first presenting symptoms by Day 28 (neonatal onset; median: 2 and 4 days, respectively). One‐year survival rates were 77.4% (overall), 71.8% (neonatal onset MoCD‐A), and 76.9% (neonatal onset MoCD‐B); median ages at death were 2.4, 2.4, and 2.2 years, respectively. The most common presenting symptoms in the overall population were seizures (60.3%) and feeding difficulties (53.4%). Sequelae included profound developmental delay, truncal hypotonia, limb hypertonia that evolved to spastic quadriplegia or diplegia, dysmorphic features, and acquired microcephaly. In MoCD‐A and MoCD‐B, plasma and urinary xanthine and S‐sulfocysteine concentrations were high; urate remained below the normal reference range. MOCS1 mutation homozygosity was common. Six novel mutations were identified. MoCD is a severe neurodegenerative disorder that often manifests during the neonatal period with intractable seizures and feeding difficulties, with rapidly progressive significant neurologic disabilities and high 1‐year mortality rates. Delineation of MoCD natural history supports evaluations of emerging replacement therapy with cPMP for MoCD‐A, which may modify disease course for affected individuals.
Priapism caused by partial deficiency of tetrahydrobiopterin through hypofunction of the sympathetic neurons in sepiapterin reductase gene‐disrupted mice
Authors: Sumi‐Ichinose Chiho , Suganuma Yui , Kano Taiki , Ikemoto Kazuhisa , Ihira Noriko , Ichinose Hiroshi , Kondo Kazunao
Published: February 2022

6R‐L‐erythro‐5,6,7,8‐tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an essential cofactor for aromatic L‐amino acid hydroxylases, including tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), alkylglycerol monooxygenase, and three types of nitric oxide (NO) synthases (NOS). Sepiapterin reductase (SPR) catalyzes the third step of BH4 biosynthesis. SPR gene‐disrupted (Spr−/−) mice exhibit a dystonic posture, low body weight, hyperphenylalaninemia, and unstable hypertension with endothelial dysfunction. In this study, we found that Spr−/− mice suffered from a high incidence of severe priapism. Their erections persisted for months. The biopterin, BH4, and norepinephrine contents, and TH protein levels in the penile tissue of Spr−/− mice without and with priapism were significantly reduced compared to those of Spr+/+ mice. In contrast, their neural NOS (nNOS) protein levels were increased, and the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels were remarkably elevated in the penises of Spr−/− mice with priapism. The symptoms were relieved by repeated administration of BH4. The biopterin, BH4, and norepinephrine contents were increased in penile homogenates from BH4‐supplemented Spr−/− mice, and the TH protein levels tended to increase, and their nitrite plus nitrate levels were significantly lower than those of vehicle‐treated Spr−/− mice and were approximately the same as vehicle‐ and BH4‐supplemented Spr+/+ mice. Thus, we deduced that the priapism of Spr−/− mice is primarily caused by hypofunction of the sympathetic neurons due to cofactor depletion and the loss of TH protein and, further, dysregulation of the NO/cGMP signaling pathway, which would be caused by disinhibition of nNOS‐containing neurons and/or abnormal catabolism of cyclic nucleotides is suggested.
Links between precipitation, circulation weather types and orography in central Italy
Authors: Silvestri Lorenzo , Saraceni Miriam , Bongioannini Cerlini Paolina
Published: February 2022

Recent analyses of satellite and surface observations reported a negative annual rainfall trend in central Italy. The complex orography of the Apennines and the strong influence of climate change in the Mediterranean basin complicates the explanation of such trends and their spatial variability. This work aims at describing the link between circulation weather types, orography and precipitation patterns observed in central Italy, as a first step towards the understanding of such climate trends. Using ERA5 reanalysis data from 1951 to 2019, four weather types are identified as most responsible for the spatial variability of rainfall in central Italy. They are associated with cyclonic circulations characterized by high water vapour transport coming from west, south‐west, south‐east and north‐east. The analysis of wind speed and precipitation climatology for the period 1951–2019, as derived from both surface observations and reanalysis, confirms a strong influence of moist south‐westerly fluxes over all the domain, while the effect of north‐easterly fluxes remains confined to the Apennines and the Adriatic coast. ERA5 overestimates annual rainfall in most parts of the region, except on the north‐central Apennines where the underestimation reaches average values of 300 mm. The analysis of circulation weather types and their associated precipitation variability demonstrates that this deficit can be ascribed to a wrong representation of the orographic precipitation component as seen by ERA5 in correspondence of cyclonic north‐easterly and westerly flows impinging towards the north‐central Apennines. Indeed the precipitation associated with north‐easterly and westerly fluxes shows the strongest modulation by orography. This interaction and its possible modification by climate change effects should be considered in future studies investigating recent climate trends in central Italy.
Mental illnesses as a potential risk factor for non‐medical use of prescription opioids: a narrative review
Authors: De Guzman Keshia R. , Puljevic Cheneal , Snoswell Centaine L.
Published: February 2022

This review summarises the available evidence on mental illnesses as a potential risk factor for non‐medical use of prescription opioids (NUPO) and discusses how these findings may be applicable to clinicians in the Australian healthcare setting. A literature search of PubMed and Embase was conducted in November 2019 to identify articles on NUPO and mental illnesses; articles were considered relevant if they examined associations between NUPO and mental illnesses. A narrative synthesis was used to summarise the findings. The evidence synthesised from this review shows that mental illness may be a risk factor for NUPO. Although there is limited literature in Australia, strong associations between mental illness and NUPO were identified among various study cohorts, including people receiving treatment for risky substance use, chronic pain patients and community‐based samples. Pharmacists can be involved in potential strategies to reduce NUPO‐related harm, particularly for individuals who are more likely to engage in NUPO. Understanding potential risk factors for NUPO, such as the diagnosis of a mental illness, may inform safer and more effective opioid dispensing and prescribing by clinicians.
Management of heart failure in older people
Authors: Warner Victoria , Nguyen David , Bayles Timothy , Hopper Ingrid
Published: February 2022

Heart failure contributes substantially to morbidity and mortality in older people. It is a chronic and progressive disease, with prevalence set to increase with the ageing population as incidence is strongly associated with age. There are many pharmacotherapies available for the treatment of heart failure which reduce morbidity and mortality. These include angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, beta‐blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and more recently angiotensin receptor‐neprilysin inhibitor and sodium glucose co‐transporter type 2 inhibitors. Older people are under‐represented in large randomised clinical trials and therefore data supporting efficacy and safety of heart failure treatments for older people is not as strong as it is for younger people. Additionally, older people with heart failure have higher rates of polypharmacy, comorbidity, cognitive impairment and frailty. This article summarises the principles of heart failure therapy based on evidence‐based guidelines as well as the challenges of appropriate management in older people.
Preparation of Porous UHMWPE Composites with Functional Bimodal Cellular Structure and Research on its Oil Absorption Performance
Authors: Wang Lixia , Bi Zhaojie , Wang Chen , Wang Dongfang , Li Qian
Published: February 2022

Porous polymers with bimodal cellular structure have excellent hydrophobicity and structure, while preparation of porous polymers with functional bimodal cellular structures is challengeable. In this work, porous ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)/polyethylene glycol (PEG) composites with functional bimodal cellular structures are fabricated based on the simple and environmentally friendly supercritical carbon dioxide microfoaming technology. The thermal performance, the foaming performance of UHMWPE/PEG composites, and the oil absorption performance under various extreme environments of UHMWPE/PEG porous samples are investigated. Representative sea‐island structures are observed on the fracture surface of various UHMWPE/PEG composites by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). When the PEG content exceeds 3%, the porous UHMWPE shows a distinctive bimodal cellular structure. The results of the water contact angle test in various extreme environments indicates that the porous UHMWPE has stable hydrophobicity, exhibits good absorption performance and excellent reusability for different oils. The permeation pressure tests demonstrate that the permeation pressure of water is significantly higher than that of oil. Therefore, the functional porous UHMWPE/PEG has good application prospects in oil water separation and oil absorption.
Microbial biominers: Sequential bioleaching and biouptake of metals from electronic scraps
Authors: García‐Balboa Camino , Martínez‐Alesón García Paloma , López‐Rodas Victoria , Costas Eduardo , Baselga‐Cervera Beatriz
Published: February 2022

Electronic scraps (e‐scraps) represent an attractive raw material to mine demanded metals, as well as rare earth elements (REEs). A sequential microbial‐mediated process developed in two steps was examined to recover multiple elements. First, we made use of an acidophilic bacteria consortium, mainly composed of Acidiphilium multivorum and Leptospidillum ferriphilum, isolated from acid mine drainages. The consortium was inoculated in a dissolution of e‐scraps powder and cultured for 15 days. Forty‐five elements were analyzed in the liquid phase over time, including silver, gold, and 15 REEs. The bioleaching efficiencies of the consortium were >99% for Cu, Co, Al, and Zn, 53% for Cd, and around 10% for Cr and Li on Day 7. The second step consisted of a microalgae‐mediated uptake from e‐scraps leachate. The strains used were two acidophilic extremotolerant microalgae, Euglena sp. (EugVP) and Chlamydomonas sp. (ChlSG) strains, isolated from the same extreme environment. Up to 7.3, 4.1, 1.3, and 0.7 µg by wet biomass (WB) of Zn, Al, Cu, and Mn, respectively, were uptaken by ChlSG biomass in 12 days, presenting higher efficiency than EugVP. Concerning REEs, ChlSG biouptake 14.9, 20.3, 13.7, 8.3 ng of Gd, Pr, Ce, La per WB. Meanwhile, EugVP captured 1.1, 1.5, 1.4, and 7.5, respectively. This paper shows the potential of a microbial sequential process to revalorize e‐scraps and recover metals and REEs, harnessing extremotolerant microorganisms.
Research on in‐band stealth of antenna based on phase gradient metasurface
Authors: Zhu Lin , Sun Jiwen , Cao Qunsheng , Li Huangyan
Published: February 2022

In this letter, a low in‐band radar cross section (RCS) antenna with radiation and scattering characteristics based on phase gradient metasurface (PGM) is proposed. The proposed structure consists of periodic arrays of metallic patches printed on a 1.2 mm dielectric substrate with a metallic ground plane, and the RCS is reduced between 7.8 and 12 GHz under normal incidence. Without increasing the structural complexity, some units on the metasurface are used directly as the radiators of the antenna array, which maintains the radiation characteristics of the antenna and reduces its RCS in the working band. The performance test for metasurface antenna agrees well with simulation.
Four‐dimensional computed tomography of the left ventricle, Part II: Estimation of mechanical activation times
Authors: Manohar Ashish , Pack Jed D. , Schluchter Andrew J. , McVeigh Elliot R.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

We demonstrate the viability of a four‐dimensional X‐ray computed tomography (4DCT) imaging system to accurately and precisely estimate mechanical activation times of left ventricular (LV) wall motion. Accurate and reproducible timing estimates of LV wall motion may be beneficial in the successful planning and management of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).

Methods

We developed an anthropomorphically accurate in silico LV phantom based on human CT images with programmed septal‐lateral wall dyssynchrony. Twenty‐six temporal phases of the in silico phantom were used to sample the cardiac cycle of 1 s. For each of the 26 phases, 1 cm thick axial slabs emulating axial CT image volumes were extracted, 3D printed, and imaged using a commercially available CT scanner. A continuous dynamic sinogram was synthesized by blending sinograms from these static phases; the synthesized sinogram emulated the sinogram that would be acquired under true continuous phantom motion. Using the synthesized dynamic sinogram, images were reconstructed at 70 ms intervals spanning the full cardiac cycle; these images exhibited expected motion artifact characteristics seen in images reconstructed from real dynamic data. The motion corrupted images were then processed with a novel motion correction algorithm (ResyncCT) to yield motion corrected images. Five pairs of motion uncorrected and motion corrected images were generated, each corresponding to a different starting gantry angle (0 to 180 degrees in 45 degree increments). Two line profiles perpendicular to the endocardial surface were used to sample local myocardial motion trajectories at the septum and the lateral wall. The mechanical activation time of wall motion was defined as the time at which the endocardial boundary crossed a fixed position defined on either of the two line profiles while moving toward the center of the LV during systolic contraction. The mechanical activation times of these myocardial trajectories estimated from the motion uncorrected and the motion corrected images were then compared with those derived from the static images of the 3D printed phantoms (ground truth). The precision of the timing estimates was obtained from the five different starting gantry angle simulations.

Results

The range of estimated mechanical activation times observed across all starting gantry angles was significantly larger for the motion uncorrected images than for the motion corrected images (lateral wall: 58 ± 15 ms vs 12 ± 4 ms, p < 0.005; septal wall: 61 ± 13 ms vs 13 ± 9 ms, p < 0.005).

Conclusions

4DCT images processed with the ResyncCT motion correction algorithm yield estimates of mechanical activation times of LV wall motion with significantly improved accuracy and precision. The promising results reported in this study highlight the potential utility of 4DCT in estimating the timing of mechanical events of interest for CRT guidance.
Use of computed tomography for the diagnosis of surgical sarcopenia: Review of recent research advances
Authors: Xiao Yu , Xiao‐yue Zhou , Yue Wu , Ruo‐tao Liu , Xiang‐jie Li , Xing‐yuan Wang , Qian Wang , Xiao‐hua Qian , Zhen‐yi Jia
Published: February 2022

Sarcopenia, also known as muscle decay, is associated with high morbidity among surgical patients. It is highly correlated with adverse clinical outcomes, such as increased postoperative complications, prolonged hospital stay, and increased mortality. Computed tomography (CT) is one of the main methods for diagnosing sarcopenia, which has the advantages of intuitiveness, rapidity, and accuracy. Clinical studies have shown that CT‐defined sarcopenia can help predict the clinical outcomes and prognosis of surgical patients and provide an important reference for the formulation of antitumor treatment protocols. In recent years, some scholars have tried to construct an intelligent CT‐based diagnostic model, which is expected to improve the diagnostic efficiency and establish standardized diagnostic criteria for CT‐defined sarcopenia. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in the understanding of the diagnosis of sarcopenia and its potential prognostic value in surgery.
Characterization of a river embankment using a non‐destructive direct current electrical survey
Authors: Umezawa Ryosuke , Jinguuji Motoharu , Yokota Toshiyuki
Published: February 2022

River embankments are earthen structures constructed to protect areas from flooding. If a river embankment collapses, it can cause major damage to human lives; therefore, proper inspection and evaluation are essential to determine the problem areas in river embankments, and repair them if necessary, before any damage occurs. Electrical surveys are a reliable method that has been used widely. Recently, electrical surveys have been used to inspect long structures such as river embankments, highlighting the need for developing non‐destructive and less fieldwork electrical survey methods. In this study, we examined a direct current electrical exploration system using polyvinyl alcohol sponge roller electrodes, which are non‐destructive and can be moved smoothly without damaging the ground surface. We conducted initial experiments on a test ground in which this new system was towed by an unmanned ground vehicle to perform an electrical survey and compared the results with those obtained using conventional methods that utilize stainless steel electrodes driven into the ground. The results indicate that the direct current electrical survey using the polyvinyl alcohol electrodes yielded almost the same results as those obtained using the stainless steel electrodes. In addition, both methods were tested on a river embankment to investigate the effectiveness of the towed direct current electrical survey. We confirmed that the towed survey method was effective by comparing the resistivity cross‐sections and fieldwork required for both survey types.
Three‐month Chan‐Chuang qigong program improves physical performance and quality of life of patients with cognitive impairment: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hsu Chin‐Yun , Yeh Mei‐Ling , Liu Yu‐Chi E.
Published: February 2022

This randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of a 3‐month‐long Chan‐Chuang qigong program on patients' physical performance and quality of life while excluding the influence caused by the progression of their cognitive impairment. Patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment were recruited from two dementia daycare centers in Taiwan. The control group (n = 41) received the standardized plan of treatment, and the qigong group (n = 39) received the standardized plan of treatment plus the Chan‐Chuang qigong program. The outcomes were muscle strength, muscle endurance, exercise capacity, and quality of life. After controlling for the progression of cognitive impairment, the qigong group showed significant improvements over the control group and baseline in muscle strength and exercise capacity at Months 2 and 3 (p < 0.05) and in muscle endurance at Months 1, 2, and 3 (p < 0.05). The Cognitron test scores were significantly associated with muscle strength (p = 0.03), whereas the Corsi block‐tapping test scores were significantly associated with exercise capacity (p = 0.001). Furthermore, a significant between‐group difference was detected in the physical (p = 0.01), not mental (p = 0.83), component of quality of life. The 3‐month Chan‐Chuang qigong program can be applied for patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment as complementary therapy to improve their muscle strength, muscle endurance, exercise capacity, and physical quality of life. This program should be practiced for at least 2 months to achieve satisfactory results.
Solvent Influence on Absorption Spectra and Tautomeric Equilibria of Symmetric Azomethine‐Functionalized Derivatives: Structural Elucidation and Computational Studies
Authors: Salih Kifah S. M.
Published: February 2022

A new series of azomethine‐functionalized compounds was synthesized from the condensation of 2‐hydroxy‐1,3‐propanediamine and 2‐thienylcarboxaldehydes in the presence of a drying agent. The derivatives were spectroscopically characterized by NMR, LC‐MS, UV/Vis, IR and elemental analysis. Variable temperature 1H‐NMR (−60 to +60 °C) was performed to investigate the effect of solvent polarity; the capability of solvent to form H‐bond was found to dramatically influencing the tautomerization process of the desired structures. The calculated thermochemical parameters (ΔH298, ΔG298 and ΔS298) at DFT and MP2 levels of theory explained that 3 b exists in equilibrium with two tautomers. The basis of the electronic absorptions was pursued through Time‐Dependent Density‐Functional Theory (TD‐DFT). Analysis of the structural surfaces was inspected and the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) demonstrated that the three functionalized compounds were relatively analogous in the electronic distributions. Furthermore, the electrophilic and nucleophilic centers lying on the molecular surfaces were probably playing a key‐role in stabilizing the compounds through the nonclassical C−H⋅⋅⋅π interactions and hydrogen bonding. The impact of solvent polarity on absorption spectra were investigated via solvatochromic shifts. For instance, compound 3 c displayed a gradual shift of the maximum absorption to the red area when the solvent polarity was increased, recording a 21 nm of bathochromic shift. In contrast, no significant solvent‐effect on 3 a and 3 b was observed. The solvation relation was pursued between Gutmann's donicity numbers the experimental λmax; exhibited almost positive linear performance with a minor oscillation, that ascribe to the possible weak interface between the molecules of solute and designated solvents. The bandgap energy of all products were assessed experimentally using optical absorption spectra following Tauc approach, giving −4.050 (3 a), −3.900 (3 b) and −3.210 (3 c) eV. However, the ΔE were computationally figured out from TD‐DFT simulation to be −4.258 (3 a), −4.022 (3 b) and −3.390 (3 c) eV.
Fetal lung regeneration using stem cell‐derived extracellular vesicles: A new frontier for pulmonary hypoplasia secondary to congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Figueira Rebeca Lopes , Antounians Lina , Zani‐Ruttenstock Elke , Khalaj Kasra , Zani Augusto
Published: February 2022

The poor outcomes of babies with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) are directly related to pulmonary hypoplasia, a condition characterized by impaired lung development. Although the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypoplasia is not fully elucidated, there is now evidence that CDH patients have missing or dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate lung development. A prenatal therapy that supplements these missing/dysregulated miRNAs could be a strategy to rescue normal lung development. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), also known as exosomes when of small dimensions, are lipid‐bound nanoparticles that can transfer their heterogeneous cargo (proteins, lipids, small RNAs) to target cells to induce biological responses. Herein, we review all studies that show evidence for stem cell‐derived EVs as a regenerative therapy to rescue normal development in CDH fetal lungs. Particularly, we report studies showing that administration of EVs derived from amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSC‐EVs) to models of pulmonary hypoplasia promotes fetal lung growth and maturation via transfer of miRNAs that are known to regulate lung developmental processes. We also describe that stem cell‐derived EVs exert effects on vascular remodeling, thus possibly preventing postnatal pulmonary hypertension. Finally, we discuss future perspectives and challenges to translate this promising stem cell EV‐based therapy to clinical practice.
Background rates of five thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndromes of special interest for COVID‐19 vaccine safety surveillance: Incidence between 2017 and 2019 and patient profiles from 38.6 million people in six European countries
Authors: Burn Edward , Li Xintong , Kostka Kristin , Stewart Henry Morgan , Reich Christian , Seager Sarah , Duarte‐Salles Talita , Fernandez‐Bertolin Sergio , Aragón María , Reyes Carlen , Martinez‐Hernandez Eugenia , Marti Edelmira , Delmestri Antonella , Verhamme Katia , Rijnbeek Peter , Horban Scott , Morales Daniel R. , Prieto‐Alhambra Daniel
Published: February 2022

Background

Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) has been reported among individuals vaccinated with adenovirus‐vectored COVID‐19 vaccines. In this study, we describe the background incidence of non‐vaccine induced TTS in six European countries.

Methods

Electronic medical records from France, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom informed the study. Incidence rates of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke, all with concurrent thrombocytopenia, were estimated among the general population of persons in a database between 2017 and 2019. A range of additional potential adverse events of special interest for COVID‐19 vaccinations were also studied in a similar manner.

Findings

A total of 38 611 617 individuals were included. Background rates ranged from 1.0 (95% CI: 0.7–1.4) to 8.5 (7.4–9.9) per 100 000 person‐years for DVT with thrombocytopenia, from 0.5 (0.3–0.6) to 20.8 (18.9–22.8) for PE with thrombocytopenia, from 0.1 (0.0–0.1) to 2.5 (2.2–2.7) for SVT with thrombocytopenia, and from 1.0 (0.8–1.2) to 43.4 (40.7–46.3) for myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke with thrombocytopenia. CVST with thrombocytopenia was only identified in one database, with incidence rate of 0.1 (0.1–0.2) per 100 000 person‐years. The incidence of non‐vaccine induced TTS increased with age, and was typically greater among those with more comorbidities and greater medication use than the general population. It was also more often seen in men than women. A large proportion of those affected were seen to have been taking antithrombotic and anticoagulant therapies prior to their event.

Interpretation

Although rates vary across databases, non‐vaccine induced TTS has consistently been seen to be a very rare event among the general population. While still remaining very rare, rates were typically higher among older individuals, and those affected were also seen to generally be male and have more comorbidities and greater medication use than the general population.