bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influencing factors of stroke occurrence and recurrence in hypertensive patients: A prospective follow‐up studies
Authors: Jin Yuelong , Jiang Minmin , Pan Na , Chen Yan , Chang Weiwei , Zhu Lijun , Fang Zhengmei , Fei Shizao , Zhou Zixuan , Zhou Siyun , He Lianping , Yao Yingshui
Published: September 2022

Objective

To understand the related risk factors of occurrence and recurrence of hypertension and provide scientific basis for relevant departments to better guide prevention and control work.

Methods

From September 2017 to September 2018, a prospective follow‐up study was performed on patients with hypertension who visited the Second People's Hospital of Wuhu City, Anhui Province. Multivariate Cox regression was used to analyze influencing factors of stroke occurrence and recurrence in follow‐up of hypertensive patients.

Results

A total of 769 hypertensive patients were enrolled in this study. The average age of hypertensive patients was 65.66 ± 11.70 years old and the BMI index was 24.99 ± 4.17. In this study, 769 patients with hypertension were followed up for 1 year, and the incidence of stroke was 14.69%. This study found that higher levels of blood glucose (RR = 2.027, 95% CI: 1.195–3.438), HCY (RR = 5.928,95% CI: 1.438–24.440), aggravated extent of carotid artery stenosis (RR = 2.620, 95% CI: 1.532–4.481), and drinking (RR = 3.867, 95% CI: 2.038–7.339) were risk factors, and maintaining exercise (RR = 0.325, 95% CI: 0.117–0.907) was a protective factor for stroke occurrence; however, aggravated extent of carotid artery stenosis (RR = 3.158, 95% CI: 1.797–5.550) and smoking (RR = 2.271, 95% CI: 1.142–4.517) were risk factors for stroke recurrence for hypertensive patients.

Conclusions

For people with high blood pressure, it is necessary to exercise properly, control body weight, avoid obesity, quit smoking, reduce alcohol consumption, and reasonably control blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood lipid.
Comparative Study of Nano‐liposome and Nano‐niosome for Delivery ofAchillea MillefoliumEssential Oils: Development, Optimization, Characterization and Their Cytotoxicity Effects on Cancer Cell Lines and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Emtiazi Hamideh , Salari Sharif Ali , Hemati Mahdie , Fatemeh Haghiralsadat Bibi , Pardakhti Abbas
Published: September 2022

Nanoencapsulation of essential oils (EOs) in drug delivery systems leads to their capability of improving their solubility, stability, and bioavailability of them. The aim of this study was preparation, optimization, and characterization of nano‐liposomes/nano‐niosomes containingAchillea millefoliumessential oils (A. millefoliumEOs) and comparison of their properties. In the experimental study, characteristics of nanoparticles including size, zeta potential, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), % encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and the release amount of essential oils from nano‐liposome or niosome were assessed using different techniques. Then to determine cell viability at different concentrations, the MTT assay was used. Also, the dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of antimicrobial agents. The optimized formulations provided potential advantages, including an appropriate nano‐size scale, and a negative charge, and also showed a continuous drug release behavior, which successfully encapsulated essential oil with high entrapment efficiency. In terms of size and release amount, nano‐niosome had superiority to nano‐liposome with smaller size and also slower release but nano‐liposome could encapsulate essential oils in a higher percentage compared to nano‐niosome. Also, there was a significant difference between the toxicity of encapsulated EOs and free EOs in terms of viability (P<0.05). In addition, the antimicrobial effect of liposomal and niosomal EO was greater than free EO. In conclusion, the designed nano‐based systems were determined as promising lipid‐based nano‐carriers for essential oil delivery that proffered a novel, high potential therapy for breast cancer and favorable antimicrobial effects.
Metformin encapsulated gold nanoparticles (MTF‐GNPs): A promising antiglycation agent
Authors: Alenazi Fahaad , Saleem Mohd , Khaja Azharuddin Sajid Syed , Zafar Mubashir , Alharbi Mohammed Salem , Hagbani Turki Al , Ashraf Jalaluddin Mohammad , Qamar Mohammad , Rafi Zeeshan , Ahmad Saheem
Published: September 2022

The generation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) through nonenzymatic protein glycation contributes to the pathogenesis of long‐lived diabetic problems. Metformin (MTF) is the very first drug having antihyperglycemic effects on type II diabetes mellitus which also possess interaction with dicarbonyl compounds and blocks the formation of AGEs. In the current study, MTF is bioconjugated with glycation‐derived synthesized gold nanoparticles (GNPs) of significant size. Additionally, using various biophysical and biochemical approaches, we investigated the antiglycating capacity MTF‐GNPs in contrast to MTF against d‐ribose‐derived glycation of bovine serum albumin. Our key findings via utilizing various assays demonstrated that MTF‐GNPs were able to inhibit AGEs development by reducing hyperchromicity, early glycation products, carbonyl content, hydxoxymethylfurfural content, production of fluorescent AGEs, normalizing the loss of secondary structure (i.e., α‐helix and β‐sheets) of proteins, elevating the levels of free lysine and free arginine more efficiently compared to pure MTF. Based on these results, we concluded that MTF‐GNPs possess a considerable antiglycation property and may be developed as an outstanding anti‐AGEs treatment drug. Further in vivo and clinical research are necessary to determine the therapeutic effects of MTF‐GNPs against AGE‐related and metabolic disorders.
Benign or premalignant? Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis later diagnosed as ductal carcinoma breast cancer: Case report and review of literature
Authors: Zangouri Vahid , Niazkar Hamid Reza , Nasrollahi Hamid , Homapour Farhad , Ranjbar Aliyeh , Seyyedi Mahdiyeh Sadat
Published: September 2022

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) is a rare benign infectious disease of the breast, commonly presenting with a unilateral breast mass. Since GM's clinical presentation and imaging can be very similar to breast cancer, diagnosing GM can be challenging. So far, various reports have demonstrated the probable correlation and co‐occurrence of granulomatous mastitis and breast cancer. This report presents a 38‐year‐old female with invasive ductal carcinoma, previously diagnosed as IGM.
Eumycotic mycetoma involving the right foot: A new Tunisian case
Authors: Ben Tekaya Aicha , Yosra Gzam , Saidane Olfa , Rouached Leila , Bouden Salma , Tekaya Raoudha , Mahmoud Ines , Abdelmoula Leila
Published: September 2022

A Tunisian patient with painless swelling and discharging sinuses of the right foot was diagnosed with Eumycetoma after 1 year of evolution. Mycetoma is a neglected disease relatively rare in our country. An early and accurate diagnosis, based on histopathological and microbiological examinations, limits functional and esthetical damage.
Fatal invasive gastric mucormycosis: Two case reports
Authors: Khsiba Amal , Moalla Manel , Nechi Salwa , Bani Amina , Elloumi Aicha , Jemal Sana , Azouz Mohamed Moussaddek , Medhioub Mouna , Hamzaoui Lamine
Published: September 2022

Mucormycosis is a fungal infection affecting most commonly immunocompromised patients. Hereby, we report two cases: the first one is about a 61‐year‐old female with diabetes who presented with vomiting. The upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed a budding grayish process which corresponded to an invasive mucormycosis in histology. As laboratory tests showed renal dysfunction, conventional amphotericin B was started at low doses since liposomal form was unavailable in Tunisia. Evolution was marked by a worsening of renal function leading to drug therapy withdrawal. Total gastrectomy was delayed because of a pulmonary embolism and was practiced 2 months later. The patient passed away 10 days after surgery. The second patient was a 59‐year‐old man who presented with vomiting and fast worsening of general state. At admission, he had a septic shock. Explorations revealed an invasive gastric mucormycosis. He died few days after admission. Thus, prompt diagnosis of mucormycosis and rapid initiation of treatment based on amphotericin B and surgical debridement is necessary to improve prognosis.
Untersuchung des Prozesses zum Unterwasserkleben von Halterungssystemen
Authors: Fröck Linda , Glück Nikolai , Flügge Wilko
Published: September 2022

Betrieb und Wartung von Wasserbauwerken und ‐fahrzeugen erfordern häufig die nachträgliche Montage von Ausrüstungsgegenständen, wie Sensoren, Sonarsender oder Korrosionsschutzequipment unter Wasser. Durch Schweißen und oder mechanisches Fügen entstehen metallurgische/mechanische Kerben, weshalb im abgeschlossenen IGF‐Projekt „Unterwasserkleben“ ein geklebtes Haltersystem grundlegend entwickelt wurde. Ziel des Vorhabens „Unterwasserklebprozess“ ist die Untersuchung des Einflusses der Prozessparameter des mehrstufigen Injektionsprozesses (Medien, Zeiten, Drücke, etc.) auf die Verbindungsgüte und die Entwicklung eines entsprechenden teilautomatisierten Werkzeugs für den Einsatz durch Taucher oder ferngesteuerte Systeme.

Investigation of the process of underwater bonding of holder systems. Operation and maintenance of waterway structures and vehicles often requires the subsequent installation of equipment such as sensors, sonar transmitters or corrosion protection equipment under water. Welding and or mechanical joining creates metallurgical/mechanical notches, which is why a glued holder system was fundamentally developed in the completed IGF project “Underwater Bonding”. The intent of the project “Underwater Bonding Process” is to investigate the influence of the process parameters of the multi‐stage injection process (media, times, pressures, etc.) on the bonding quality and the development of a corresponding semi‐automated tool for use by divers or remote operated vehicles.
Efficient Copper‐Catalyzed Highly Stereoselective Synthesis of Unprotected C‐Acyl Manno‐, Rhamno‐ and Lyxopyranosides
Authors: Boehlich Gordon Jacob , Sterzel Hannes , Rehbein Julia , Schützenmeister Nina
Published: September 2022

Due to their high stability towards enzymatic hydrolysis C‐acyl glycosidic compounds are useful synthetic intermediates for potential candidates in drug discovery. Syntheses for C‐acyl mannosides have remained scarce and usually employ donors obtained from lengthy syntheses. Furthermore, syntheses of unprotected C‐acyl mannosides have not been reported so far, due to the incapability of the C‐acyl mannoside motif with deprotection conditions for protective groups commonly used in carbohydrate chemistry. Herein, we report an efficient and highly α‐selective four‐step one‐pot method for the synthesis of C‐acyl α‐d‐manno‐, l‐rhamno‐ and d‐lyxopyranosides from easily accessible persilylated monosaccharides and dithianes requiring only trace amounts of a copper source as catalyst and explain the crucial role of the catalyst by mechanistic studies. Furthermore, the C‐acyl α‐glycosides were easily isomerized to give rapid access to their β‐anomers.
A structured reflection for improving third party interventions and mediation practice: Reconsidering debrief
Authors: Peleg‐Baker Tzofnat , Lang Michael
Published: September 2022

We make a case for structured reflective practice for improving third‐party interventions and mediation decision‐making and outcomes. We propose that a lack of awareness of the automatic, intuitive nature of judgments that dominate the fast‐paced and uncertain mediation circumstances risk a proper treatment of implicit social‐psychological matters driving conflict and suitably addressing substantive issues. Implicit matters include parties' feelings about themselves and relational and process‐related issues. The quality of intuitive unconscious decisions could improve by conscious structured reflective practice. This reflection presents a learning opportunity to gain an awareness of unconscious judgments and advance a beneficial interplay between conscious and unconscious processing. To support the significance of conscious, reflective practice for improving automated decisions in third‐party interventions and mediation, we present the context of mediation and findings on cognitive processing, intuitive decision‐making, expertise, and reflective practice. Empirical findings in negotiation, management, and medicine confirm the effectiveness of structured reflective practice. A research‐based, four‐dimensional Structured Reflective Instrument (SRI) developed by Tzofnat Peleg‐Baker is offered. It was designed to systematically help mediators improve judgments, particularly the response to implicit mediation goals and outcomes. We provide an example of one dimension of the SRI in the Appendix.
Urinary excretion patterns and potential risks of beta‐blocker ophthalmic drops in sports
Authors: Lin Yi‐An , Chiang Wei‐Yu , Chang William Chih‐Wei , Kuo Ming‐Tse , Chen Alexander , Hsu Mei‐Chich
Published: September 2022

Beta‐blockers have been prohibited by the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) in certain sports, but insufficient research data make it difficult to distinguish between therapeutic uses or misuses. This study aimed at investigating the urinary excretion pattern following beta‐blocker ophthalmic drops and the potential risk of constituting an adverse analytical finding (AAF) in sports. Prescribed timolol and carteolol ophthalmic drops were used in healthy participants and glaucoma patients. The urine samples were then collected to investigate the urinary excretion pattern following acute and chronic administration of the above beta‐blocker ophthalmic drops. The liquid chromatograph‐tandem mass spectrometry method was applied for measuring urinary beta‐blockers. Our results demonstrated that the levels of both urinary timolol and carteolol exceeded the minimum reporting levels (MRL) following acute and chronic administration. The highest levels of urinary timolol and carteolol observed in the present study were 255.7 and 923.8 ng/ml, respectively. Regarding the acute administration of timolol ophthalmic drop, 26.19 (11/42) of urine samples were detected with timolol higher than the MRL in timed and random sampling. In contrast, the acute administration of carteolol ophthalmic drops made the carteolol levels higher than the MRL among most urine samples. On the other hand, 36.36% (4/11) of urine samples were detected with beta‐blockers higher than the MRL during the chronic administration of timolol and carteolol ophthalmic drops. In the context of receiving ophthalmic beta‐blocker medications, the present study has highlighted the potential risk of constituting an AAF in specific sports and suggests strengthening athletes' awareness of therapeutic use exemptions.
Association of immune cell subsets with incident heart failure in two population‐based cohorts
Authors: Sinha Arjun , Sitlani Colleen M. , Doyle Margaret F. , Fohner Alison E. , Buzkova Petra , Floyd James S. , Huber Sally A. , Olson Nels C. , Njoroge Joyce N. , Kizer Jorge R. , Delaney Joseph A. , Shah Sanjiv S. , Tracy Russell P. , Psaty Bruce , Feinstein Matthew
Published: September 2022

Aims

Circulating inflammatory markers are associated with incident heart failure (HF), but prospective data on associations of immune cell subsets with incident HF are lacking. We determined the associations of immune cell subsets with incident HF as well as HF subtypes [with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)].

Methods and results

Peripheral blood immune cell subsets were measured in adults from the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) and Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS). Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for demographics, HF risk factors, and cytomegalovirus serostatus were used to evaluate the association of the immune cell subsets with incident HF. The average age of the MESA cohort at the time of immune cell measurements was 63.0 ± 10.4 years with 51% women, and in the CHS cohort, it was 79.6 ± 4.4 years with 62% women. In the meta‐analysis of CHS and MESA, a higher proportion of CD4+ T helper (Th) 1 cells (per one standard deviation) was associated with a lower risk of incident HF [hazard ratio (HR) 0.91, (95% CI 0.83–0.99), P = 0.03]. Specifically, higher proportion of CD4+ Th1 cells was significantly associated with a lower risk of HFrEF [HR 0.73, (95% CI 0.62–0.85), <0.001] after correction for multiple testing. No association was observed with HFpEF. No other cell subsets were associated with incident HF.

Conclusions

We observed that higher proportions of CD4+ Th1 cells were associated with a lower risk of incident HFrEF in two distinct population‐based cohorts, with similar effect sizes in both cohorts demonstrating replicability. Although unexpected, the consistency of this finding across cohorts merits further investigation.
A prospective study on myocardial injury after BNT162b2 mRNA COVID‐19 fourth dose vaccination in healthy persons
Authors: Levi Nir , Moravsky Gil , Weitsman Tatyana , Amsalem Itshak , Bar‐Sheshet Itach Sarit , Algur Nurit , Lapidus Ira , Mitz Ofir , Glikson Michael , Wiener‐Well Yonit , Hasin Tal
Published: September 2022

Aims

To prospectively evaluate the incidence of myocardial injury after the administration of the fourth dose BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine (Pfizer‐BioNTech) against COVID‐19.

Methods and results

Health care workers who received the BNT162b2 vaccine during the fourth dose campaign had blood samples collected for high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs‐cTn) during vaccine administration and 2–4 days afterward. Vaccine‐related myocardial injury was defined as hs‐cTn elevation above the 99th percentile upper reference limit and >50% increase from baseline measurement. Participants with evidence of myocardial injury underwent assessment for possible myocarditis. Of 324 participants, 192 (59.2%) were female and the mean age was 51.8 ± 15.0 years. Twenty‐one (6.5%) participants had prior COVID‐19 infection, the mean number of prior vaccine doses was 2.9 ± 0.4, and the median time from the last dose was 147 (142–157) days. Reported vaccine‐related adverse reactions included local pain at injection site in 57 (17.59%), fatigue in 39 (12.04%), myalgia in 32 (9.88%), sore throat in 21 (6.48%), headache in 18 (5.5%), fever ≥38°C in 16 (4.94%), chest pain in 12 (3.7%), palpitations in 7 (2.16%), and shortness of breath in one (0.3%) participant. Vaccine‐related myocardial injury was demonstrated in two (0.62%) participants, one had mild symptoms and one was asymptomatic; both had a normal electrocardiogram and echocardiography.

Conclusion

In a prospective investigation, an increase in serum troponin levels was documented among 0.62% of healthy health care workers receiving the fourth dose BNT162b2 vaccine. The two cases had mild or no symptoms and no clinical sequela.

Clinical Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05308680.
Control of Ca2+ signals by astrocyte nanoscale morphology at tripartite synapses
Authors: Denizot Audrey , Arizono Misa , Nägerl U. Valentin , Berry Hugues , De Schutter Erik
Published: September 2022

Much of the Ca2+ activity in astrocytes is spatially restricted to microdomains and occurs in fine processes that form a complex anatomical meshwork, the so‐called spongiform domain. A growing body of literature indicates that those astrocytic Ca2+ signals can influence the activity of neuronal synapses and thus tune the flow of information through neuronal circuits. Because of technical difficulties in accessing the small spatial scale involved, the role of astrocyte morphology on Ca2+ microdomain activity remains poorly understood. Here, we use computational tools and idealized 3D geometries of fine processes based on recent super‐resolution microscopy data to investigate the mechanistic link between astrocytic nanoscale morphology and local Ca2+ activity. Simulations demonstrate that the nano‐morphology of astrocytic processes powerfully shapes the spatio‐temporal properties of Ca2+ signals and promotes local Ca2+ activity. The model predicts that this effect is attenuated upon astrocytic swelling, hallmark of brain diseases, which we confirm experimentally in hypo‐osmotic conditions. Upon repeated neurotransmitter release events, the model predicts that swelling hinders astrocytic signal propagation. Overall, this study highlights the influence of the complex morphology of astrocytes at the nanoscale and its remodeling in pathological conditions on neuron‐astrocyte communication at so‐called tripartite synapses, where astrocytic processes come into close contact with pre‐ and postsynaptic structures.
Enabling Green Digital Transformation through a Sustainable Systems Engineering Leadership Model
Authors: Kroculick Joseph B.
Published: September 2022

Digital transformation initiatives are seeking to apply technology to connect people through technology. Sustainable use of technology as part of digital transformation is almost an afterthought. Furthermore, a literature search suggests a gap in applying an overarching system engineering process (SEP) to achieving sustainable digital transformations. This paper contributes a definition of Sustainable Systems Engineering Leadership (SustSEL) to influenced green digital transformation derived from a systems thinking model (STM) that uses cultural considerations and environmental challenges to feed team learning. Because leadership pathways are being codified into system models that are accessible by cross‐functional teams, there is an opportunity for systems engineering leaders to use information technology to improve communications and collaboration.
Datasheet: where is requirements engineering gone? A case in Benchmarking Mobile Robotics
Authors: Brisacier‐Porchon Lorraine , Hammami Omar
Published: September 2022

The lifecycle of a system is extended from its early conception to its retirement of service. The lifespan of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) can be expected to last over 50 years in the defence market. In this context, the rising complexity of UGV systems imposes engineering steps that would ensure both capabilities of the system and resilience to its future inclusion in a system‐of‐system context. During its operational usage, the UGV is supposed to be manoeuvred for specifically designed purposes following user manual datasheet of the components off‐the‐shelf (COTS) that were integrated. This paper exposes the public user datasheet relevance compared to the system engineering requirements that are the artefacts of system design architecture. The use of connecting COTS user manual to system requirements is discussed, all the more if the systems are to be re‐used in a system production line.
Integrating Reliability in Conceptual Design Trade‐Off Analysis: A look at the Literature
Authors: Barker Tevari J. , Parnell Gregory S. , Pohl Edward A.
Published: September 2022

This research focuses on developing models to estimate the system reliability of Unmanned Ground Vehicles using knowledge and data from similar systems. Reliability is often a stand‐alone requirement and not always fully included in performance and life cycle cost models. Traditional reliability approaches require detailed knowledge of a system and are used in later design sta ges as well as development, operational test and evaluation, and operations. The critical role of reliability and its impact on acquisition program performance, cost, and schedule motivates the need for improved system reliability models in the early design stages. This research seeks to integrate reliability, performance, and cost models in a trade‐off analysis framework in the early acquisition stages. This research uses functional analysis methods to estimate reliability Pre‐Milestone A and assess the impact of reliability on performance and cost models of early system concepts. This research us es technology readiness level (TRL), which is indexed, to assess different levels of reliability for design. An integrated cost and performance model will inform decision ‐makers on the impact of reliability before choosing a system concept for further development.
LncRNA FOXD3‐AS1 aggravates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by inactivating the Redd1/AKT/GSK3β/Nrf2 signaling pathway via the miR‐128/TXNIP axis
Authors: Chen Baozeng , Zheng Lingling , Zhu Teng , Jiao Kai
Published: September 2022

Long noncoding RNA forkhead box D3‐antisense RNA 1 (FOXD3‐AS1) is associated with cardiovascular diseases, but its roles in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and the related signaling pathway have not been fully reported. We aimed to investigate the roles and mechanism of action of FOXD3‐AS1 in myocardial I/R injury. An in vivo myocardial I/R injury mouse model and an in vitro hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) cardiomyocyte model was established. Quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunofluorescent assays were performed to examine the expression levels of FOXD3‐AS1, microRNA (miR)‐128, thioredoxin‐interacting protein/regulation of development and DNA damage response 1/protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase 3β/nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (TXNIP/Redd1/AKT/GSK3β/Nrf2) pathway‐related proteins and apoptosis‐related proteins. The interactions between FOXD3‐AS1 and miR‐128 and miR‐128 and TXNIP were analyzed by Spearman's correlation test, predicted by ENCORI, and verified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. In addition, the levels of cardiac injury markers and oxidative stress markers were evaluated by corresponding kits. Cell Counting Kit‐8 assays and flow cytometry were performed to assess cell viability and apoptosis. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was applied to observe the effect of FOXD3‐AS1 on the morphology of myocardial I/R injured tissues. The results showed that the FOXD3‐AS1 and TXNIP were highly expressed, whereas miR‐128 was expressed at low levels in I/R myocardial tissues and H/R‐induced H9c2 cells. FOXD3‐AS1 directly targeted miR‐128 to reduce its expression. TXNIP was confirmed as a downstream target of miR‐128. Knockdown of FOXD3‐AS1 led to the alleviation of I/R injury in vivo and in vitro. FOXD3‐AS1 enhanced the expression of TXNIP by sponging miR‐128, which inhibited the Redd1/AKT/GSK3β/Nrf2 pathway. Both inhibition of miR‐128 and overexpression of TXNIP reversed the cardioprotective effect of FOXD3‐AS1 small interfering RNA in H/R‐induced H9c2 cells.
Analysis of genotype–phenotype correlation in patients with α‐thalassemia from Fujian province, Southeastern China
Authors: Pan Yali , Chen Meihuan , Zhang YanHong , Zhang Min , Chen Lingji , Lin Na , Xu Liangpu , Huang Hailong
Published: September 2022

Background

There is a high carrying rate of α‐thalassemia in Fujian province. However, there are few large‐scale studies on the correlation between genotype and phenotype in Fujian province. The purpose of this study was to analyze the phenotype and genotype in a cohort of 2923 patients with α‐thalassemia in Fujian province, so as to provide reference data for screening and diagnosis of α‐thalassemia in Fujian province.

Methods

The genotype of α‐thalassemia was detected by PCR reverse dot blot assay, gap‐PCR, single PCR, nested PCR, and sequencing. Clinical and hematological indices of 2923 patients were collected, and the correlation between genotype and phenotype was analyzed.

Results

Among 10,350 patients, 2923 cases were found with α‐thalassemia, with a detection rate of 28.24%. Among them, ‐‐SEA/αα was the most common genotype, accounting for 64.80%. In addition, rare α‐thalassemia genotypes were detected in Fujian province, including ‐‐THAI/αα (0.41%), HKαα/‐‐SEA (0.03%), and the novel α‐thalassemia gene mutation CD5 (GCC>ACC) (HGVS named HBA1: c.16G>A) (0.03%). Patients with deletional genotypes of α‐thalassemia were found to have higher RBC and lower Hb, MCV, MCH, and HbA2 than patients with non‐deletional genotypes of α‐thalassemia (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The clinical phenotype of α‐thalassemia is influenced by molecular mechanisms. HBA1: c.16G>A mutation is a novel mutation that was first reported in Fujian province, which enriches the human hemoglobin mutation spectrum.
Differential recruitment of monocyte‐derived macrophages in control and stellate cell‐depleted mice during recurrent carbon tetrachloride‐induced acute liver injury
Authors: Sharma Akanksha , Kudira Ramesh , Wang Jiang , Miethke Alexander , Gandhi Chandrashekhar R.
Published: September 2022

Liver depleted of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is resistant to ischemia/reperfusion‐, concanavalin A‐, and acetaminophen‐induced acute injury. Whether HSCs regulate carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced acute liver injury is not known. CCl4 treatment damages pericentral hepatocytes that express CCl4‐metabolizing Cyp2E1 and activates HSCs. We investigated whether HSC‐depletion in mice transgenic for thymidine kinase under the glial fibrillary acidic protein promoter (GFAP‐TK‐Tg) confers resistance to injury and inflammation due to CCl4 rechallenge. GFAP‐TK‐Tg or wild type (WT) mice were administered 0.16 ml/kg CCl4 (3× at 3 days intervals), then 40 μg/g/day ganciclovir for 10 days. The treatment depletes ~70%–75% HSCs from GFAP‐TK‐Tg but not WT mice while the liver recovers from earlier CCl4‐induced injury. Mice were then administered CCl4, and liver injury and inflammation were determined at 24 h. HSC‐depleted and HSC‐sufficient mice showed similar CCl4‐induced hepatocyte necrosis and oxidative stress. However, increase in F4/80+ macrophages, but not CD68+ cells, was greater in CCl4 rechallenged HSC‐depleted compared to HSC‐sufficient mice. Expression of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), CCL2, and CXCL1 increased similarly, whereas increase in interleukin‐6 (IL6), IL1β, and IL10 expression was higher in CCl4 rechallenged HSC‐depleted compared to HSC‐sufficient mice. CCl4 rechallenge of HSC‐sufficient mice rapidly activated HSCs causing significant fibrosis with increased expression of Col1a1, transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP1); increase in TIPM1 was much lower and metalloproteinases 13 (MMP13) greater in CCl4 rechallenged HSC‐depleted mice. Interestingly, hepatic recruitment of both profibrogenic (Ly6Chi) and antifibrogenic restorative (Ly6Clo) macrophages, and neutrophils was significantly greater in CCl4 rechallenged HSC‐depleted mice. These data suggest that CCl4 directly damages hepatocytes but HSCs regulate inflammation. Rapid fibrogenesis in CCl4 rechallenged HSC‐sufficient mice recovered from earlier injury indicates that even transiently activated HSCs that had reverted to the quiescent phenotype remain primed to become reactivated.
Towards sustainable separation and recovery of dichloromethane and methanol azeotropic mixture through process design, control, and intensification
Authors: Kong Zong Yang , Yang Ao , Segovia‐Hernández Juan Gabriel , Putranto Aditya , Sunarso Jaka
Published: September 2022

Background

Here we analysed the possibility of improving the sustainability performance for the recovery of dichloromethane and methanol from a binary azeotropic mixture using different energy‐intensified extractive distillation‐based processes: side‐stream extractive distillation (SSED), thermally coupled extractive distillation (TCED), and extractive dividing wall column (EDWC). The sustainability performance of the different processes was analysed based on three main factors: total annual cost (TAC), CO2 emissions, and condition number.

Results

The EDWC was found to give the best improvement in terms of TAC and CO2 emissions by about 18% and 21%, relative to conventional extractive distillation (CED). These however were traded‐off by the increase in conditional number (CN) by 186 times, signifying a complex dynamic characteristic for the EDWC. Thus, the SSED was suggested as an alternative sustainable option as it also provides significant improvement in TAC and CO2 emissions by about 11%, and 18% with respect to the CED, whilst providing the least reduction in operational controllability, as evidenced by the marginal increase in the CN of about 1.5 times. We also investigated the dynamic performance of the SSED and found that the SSED provides identical dynamic performance in handling both ±10% throughput and ±5% feed composition disturbances as those of the CED.

Conclusion

Among the different processes, SSED is the best sustainable alternative that provides compromised steady‐state (i.e. TAC and CO2 emissions) and dynamic (i.e. control) performance for the recovery of dichloromethane and methanol. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Perspectives of people living with HIV‐1 on implementation of long‐acting cabotegravir plus rilpivirine in US healthcare settings: results from the CUSTOMIZE hybrid III implementation‐effectiveness study
Authors: Garris Cindy P. , Czarnogorski Maggie , Dalessandro Marybeth , D'Amico Ronald , Nwafor Toyin , Williams Will , Merrill Deanna , Wang YuanYuan , Stassek Larissa , Wohlfeiler Michael B. , Sinclair Gary I. , Mena Leandro A. , Thedinger Blair , Flamm Jason A. , Benson Paul , Spreen William R.
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The CUSTOMIZE hybrid III implementation‐effectiveness study evaluated implementation of once‐monthly long‐acting (LA) cabotegravir + rilpivirine in diverse US healthcare settings. Here, we report patient participant perspectives after 12 months in CUSTOMIZE.

Methods

CUSTOMIZE was a phase IIIb, 12‐month study conducted from July 2019 to October 2020 at eight diverse US HIV clinics that enrolled virologically suppressed people living with HIV‐1 (PLHIV) on a stable oral regimen to receive monthly cabotegravir + rilpivirine LA injections after a 1‐month oral lead‐in. Participants were administered quantitative surveys before injections at months 1 (baseline), 4 and 12. A randomly selected subset of participants was interviewed at baseline and month 12. Data collection at month 12 was completed by October 2020 (during the COVID‐19 pandemic).

Results

At baseline, 109 and 34 participants completed surveys and interviews, respectively; 87% were male; 35% were Black or African American. All participants who remained in the study at month 12 (n = 102) maintained HIV‐1 RNA <50 copies/ml; two participants withdrew due to injection‐related reasons. Mean total scores measuring acceptability and appropriateness of cabotegravir + rilpivirine LA were high at baseline (4.5–4.6 out of 5) and month 12 (4.7–4.9). At month 12, 74% of participants reported nothing interfered with receiving LA injections; injection pain or soreness was the most common concern (15%). Time spent in the clinic and coming to the clinic for monthly injections was very or extremely acceptable after 12 months for most participants (93% and 87%, respectively), with 64% reporting having spent ≤30 minutes in the clinic for injection visits. At month 12, 92% of participants preferred LA injections to daily oral tablets (3%); 97% plan to continue LA treatment going forward. In month 12 interviews, 24 (77%) of 31 participants reported the COVID‐19 pandemic did not impact their ability to receive treatment.

Conclusions

Once‐monthly cabotegravir + rilpivirine LA was highly acceptable among PLHIV who were virologically suppressed on a stable antiretroviral regimen and interested in trying LA therapy, with few participants reporting challenges receiving LA injections. Implementation data from CUSTOMIZE suggest that monthly LA injections provide a convenient and appealing treatment option for PLHIV.
‘We help them, and they help us’: Reciprocity and relationality in Chinese aid to Africa
Authors: Rudyak Marina
Published: September 2022

This paper applies Marcel Mauss'Gift Theoryin conjunction with Qin Yaqing'sRelational Theoryto Chinese foreign aid. It proposed that this approach allows to conceptualise Chinese aid to Africa as a continuous gift cycle initiated in Bandung and has been going uninterrupted till today. The paper argues through the language of reciprocity and relationality, Chinasymbolicallyaffords the recipientstatusin a way that Northern aid does not. Therealexisting power asymmetries between China and Africa do not per se translate into unlimited influence as China can never be sure of reciprocity and is obliged to keep giving continuously.
#CoreCosmeticSpecialties: An analysis of nonsurgical cosmetic procedure hashtags on Instagram
Authors: Murray Taryn N. , Guo Emily L. , Friedman Paul M.
Published: September 2022

Objectives

In this study, we seek to characterize both the account credentials and content type for posts among the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedure hashtags on Instagram.

Methods

Twenty‐five hashtags related to nonsurgical cosmetic procedures were identified with over 250,000 posts each, ranging from 256,000 to 12.1 million posts per hashtag. The first 10 posts displayed under the “Top” section for each hashtag within Instagram, as sorted by Instagram's proprietary algorithm, were analyzed for account type and content type. Posts unrelated to the cosmetic procedure or with non‐English captions were excluded. In total, 680 posts were queried with 250 posts meeting the inclusion criteria.

Results

Content creators included nonphysician providers (68%), core cosmetic physicians (12%), noncore cosmetic physicians (8%), and consumers or others (13%). Content type included before and after (45%), self‐promotional (23%), educational (17%), personal (5%), entertainment (5%), and promotional (5%). Among the different content creator types, core cosmetic physicians had the largest proportion of educational content at 38%.

Conclusions

High‐quality educational content on Instagram from core cosmetic specialties is scarce. By increasing their presence on Instagram, core cosmetic physicians can provide patient education, counteract misinformation, and raise awareness on training and qualifications regarding nonsurgical cosmetic procedures.
Traces of some weighted function spaces and related non‐standard real interpolation of Besov spaces
Authors: Besoy Blanca F. , Haroske Dorothee D. , Triebel Hans
Published: September 2022

We study traces of weighted Triebel–Lizorkin spaces on hyperplanes , where the weight is of Muckenhoupt type. We concentrate on the example weight when , , and otherwise, where . Here we use some refined atomic decomposition argument as well as an appropriate wavelet representation in corresponding (unweighted) Besov spaces. The second main outcome is the description of the real interpolation space , , , , sufficiently large, , . Apart from the case the question seems to be open for many years. Based on our first result we can now quickly solve this long‐standing problem. Here we benefit from some very recent finding of Besoy, Cobos and Triebel.
Task‐based validation and application of a scanner‐specific CT simulator using an anthropomorphic phantom
Authors: Shankar Sachin S. , Felice Nicholas , Hoffman Eric A. , Atha Jarron , Sieren Jessica C. , Samei Ehsan , Abadi Ehsan
Published: September 2022

Background

Quantitative analysis of computed tomography (CT) images traditionally utilizes real patient data that can pose challenges with replicability, efficiency, and radiation exposure. Instead, virtual imaging trials (VITs) can overcome these hurdles through computer simulations of models of patients and imaging systems. DukeSim is a scanner‐specific CT imaging simulator that has previously been validated with simple cylindrical phantoms, but not with anthropomorphic conditions and clinically relevant measurements.

Purpose

To validate a scanner‐specific CT simulator (DukeSim) for the assessment of lung imaging biomarkers under clinically relevant conditions across multiple scanners using an anthropomorphic chest phantom, and to demonstrate the utility of virtual trials by studying the effects or radiation dose and reconstruction kernels on the lung imaging quantifications.

Methods

An anthropomorphic chest phantom with customized tube inserts was imaged with two commercial scanners (Siemens Force and Siemens Flash) at 28 dose and reconstruction conditions. A computational version of the chest phantom was used with a scanner‐specific CT simulator (DukeSim) to simulate virtual images corresponding to the settings of the real acquisitions. Lung imaging biomarkers were computed from both real and simulated CT images and quantitatively compared across all imaging conditions. The VIT framework was further utilized to investigate the effects of radiation dose (20–300 mAs) and reconstruction settings (Qr32f, Qr40f, and Qr69f reconstruction kernels using ADMIRE strength 3) on the accuracy of lung imaging biomarkers, compared against the ground‐truth values modeled in the computational chest phantom.

Results

The simulated CT images matched closely the real images for both scanners and all imaging conditions qualitatively and quantitatively, with the average biomarker percent error of 3.51% (range 0.002%–18.91%). The VIT study showed that sharper reconstruction kernels had lower accuracy with errors in mean lung HU of 84–94 HU, lung volume of 797–3785 cm3, and lung mass of −800 to 1751 g. Lower tube currents had the lower accuracy with errors in mean lung HU of 6–84 HU, lung volume of 66–3785 cm3, and lung mass of 170–1751 g. Other imaging biomarkers were consistent under the studied reconstruction settings and tube currents.

Conclusion

We comprehensively evaluated the realism of DukeSim in an anthropomorphic setup across a diverse range of imaging conditions. This study paves the way toward utilizing VITs more reliably for conducting medical imaging experiments that are not practical using actual patient images.
The unexpected activist: Catholic women who donate to pro‐choice causes
Authors: O'Connor Heather A.
Published: September 2022

Social identity informs philanthropic behavior. Prior research demonstrates that donors are more likely to support individuals and groups with whom they identify. Yet individuals hold multiple social identities simultaneously. At times, these identities may be experienced as incongruent. This grounded theory study examines how the presence of incongruent identities informs philanthropic behavior by considering the experiences of Catholic women who identify as pro‐choice donors and activists. Semi‐structured interviews explore how participants' religious beliefs and practices influence their pro‐choice philanthropy and vice versa. Findings reveal a common process that participants shared in their development from children raised in conservative, pro‐life Catholic households to adults identifying as Catholic pro‐choice donors and activists. The identified process extends research into social identity in donor decision‐making while illustrating implications for practice by organizations representing controversial causes.
Energy labelling of alcoholic drinks: An important or inconsequential obesity policy?
Authors: Robinson Eric , Boyland Emma , Evans Rebecca , Finlay Amy , Halsall Lauren , Humphreys Gabrielle , Langfield Tess , McFarland‐Lesser India , Patel Zina , Jones Andrew
Published: September 2022

Alcohol is calorie dense, but unlike food products, alcoholic drinks tend to be exempt from nutritional labelling laws that require energy content information to be displayed on packaging or at point of purchase. This review provides a perspective on the likely efficacy of alcoholic drink energy labelling as a public health policy to reduce obesity and discusses key questions to be addressed by future research. First, the contribution that alcohol makes to population level daily energy intake and obesity is outlined. Next, consumer need for alcohol energy labelling and the potential impacts on both consumer and industry behavior are discussed. Pathways and mechanisms by which energy labelling of alcoholic drinks could reduce obesity are considered, as well as possible unintended consequences of alcoholic drink energy labelling. Would widespread energy labelling of alcoholic drinks reduce obesity? The unclear effect that alcohol has on population level obesity, the modest contribution calories from alcohol make to daily energy intake and limited impact nutritional labelling policies tend to have on behavior, suggest alcohol energy labelling may have limited impact on population obesity prevalence as a standalone policy. However, there are a number of questions that will need to be answered by future research to make definitive conclusions on the potential for alcohol energy labelling policies to reduce obesity.
Synthesis of ZnFe2O4@Mg‐Al‐SDBS LDH composites for regulating heat and fire safety properties of polyurea
Authors: Lyu Ping , Hou Yongbo , Wang Rongzhen , Ma Mingliang , Chen Yan , Xing Qiyang , Ma Yong , Wang Shuang , Wu Yuefeng , Huang Weibo
Published: September 2022

The flame retardant zinc ferrite@Mg‐Al‐sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate layered double hydroxide (ZnFe2O4@Mg‐Al‐SDBS LDH) was prepared successfully by simple hydrothermal method and co‐precipitation method. ZnFe2O4 nanoparticle was used as the core on which Mg‐Al LDH was encapsulated to form a spherical structure with a lamellar intercalation layer. The microstructure, the phase structure, and the thermal properties of flame retardant were characterized in detail. Compared with pure polyurea (PUA), the total heat release (THR), peak heat release rate (PHRR) and smoke factor (SF) of PUA/ZnFe2O4@Mg‐Al‐SDBS LDH 3.0 wt% decreased by 17.64%, 20.13%, and 28.42%, respectively. In the combustion process, Mg‐Al LDH could generate porous metal oxides (Al2O3 and MgO), and ZnFe2O4 could also be decomposed into ZnO and Fe2O3. These oxides catalyzed cross‐linking of polymer molecules, to promote the formation of a dense char layer, and isolated heat and combustible gases from the underlying material. The improved flame retardant properties of the modified intercalated microspheres could be attributed to catalytic carbonization and physical barrier. Moreover, the mechanical properties of PUA composites were tested by universal tensile testing machine. The results showed that the addition of ZF@MASL flame retardant had little influence on the mechanical properties of PUA composites.
Fabrication of the polyethersulfone/functionalized mesoporous carbon nanocomposite nanofiltration membrane for dyes and heavy metal ions removal: Experimental and quantum mechanical simulation method
Authors: Moradi Golshan , Rahimi Masoud , Zinadini Sirus , Hadidi Saba
Published: September 2022

The presence of industrial pollutants, especially salts, heavy metals ions, and dyes in water and wastewater is considered a serious environmental issue. To eliminate these pollutants, a high‐performing nanofiltration (NF) membrane was prepared by blending the functionalized mesoporous carbon CMK‐5 (F‐CMK‐5) nanofiller. This membrane was synthesized by introducing the active groups of sulfonyl and amide to the surface of mesoporous carbon CMK‐5 through covalent functionalization. Characterizations were conducted to study the membranes' physical properties and separation performance in terms of antifouling properties and rejection of salts, heavy metal ions, and dyes. The interactions between the active sites of the nanocomposite membrane and the studied solutes, including dyes and heavy metal ions in aqueous solutions, were studied by the density functional based tight binding method and structural optimization was carried out. Insertion of the F‐CMK‐5 nanofiller was eventuated in a remarkable increase in surface hydrophilicity, pure water flux, and antifouling properties. For all membranes, the lowest and the highest salt rejection was obtained for NaCl and Na2SO4, respectively, exhibiting the characteristics of NF membranes. Moreover, M0.3 with 0.3 wt% nanofiller showed the highest rejection for heavy metal ions (Fe2+ = 99.9%, Zn2+ = 99.9%, Cu2+ = 99.7%, and Pb2+ = 99.2%) and dyes (RB5 = 99.21, DR16 = 98.87, and MB = 98.12%), as well as high separation performance for filtration of multipollutant solutions. The reusability and 144 h uninterrupted filtration experiments for M0.3 confirmed the stability of the membrane. The findings suggest that the PES/F‐CMK‐5 nanocomposite NF membrane is a promising candidate for water and wastewater treatment.