bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in waiting time, need for mechanical circulatory support and outcomes in paediatric heart transplant recipients
Authors: Rosenthal Lisa‐Maria , Krauss Annemarie , Miera Oliver , Danne Friederike , Lunze Fatima , Cho Mi‐Young , Photiadis Joachim , Berger Felix , Schmitt Katharina
Published: July 2024

Aims

Heart transplantation is a well‐established treatment for end‐stage heart failure in paediatric patients, demonstrating excellent long‐term outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective study analyses 35 years of data on 244 paediatric recipients (<18 years) at a single institution from 1986 to 2022. The analysis explores changes in diagnoses, survival, waiting times and mechanical circulatory support (MCS) over three decades (1991–2000, 2001–2010 and 2011–2020).

Results

Survival outcomes significantly improved over the study period, with 1‐year survival rates increasing from 79.3% (1991–2000) to 92.3% (2011–2020, P = 0.041). The median overall survival was 18.0 years, and median conditional survival to 1 year post‐transplant was 20.9 years. Survival differences were noted among age groups, with infants under 1 year of age experiencing higher early mortality, and adolescents (aged 11–17 years) facing increased long‐term risks, possibly linked to adult donor characteristics. Waiting times for heart transplantation increased, especially for younger age groups (0–5 and 6–10 years), reflecting the growing demand for donor organs. The use of MCS, including ventricular assist devices (VAD), surged, with 67% of recipients in the most recent decade receiving pre‐transplant VAD support. Importantly, despite prolonged waiting times and increased VAD use, overall survival continued to be favourable.

Conclusions

Early and long‐term results after paediatric heart transplantation have been continuously improving over the past decades. Despite an increased demand for donor organs and the growing reliance on VAD as bridge to transplantation, post‐transplantation survival is not compromised.
Association between vitamin A intake and depression among patients with heart failure
Authors: Wang Lu , Wang Xiancheng , Su Hongyan , Xu Jing
Published: July 2024

Aims

We aim to investigate the association between vitamin A intake and depression among patients with heart failure (HF).

Methods and results

In this cross‐sectional study, data of HF patients were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2020. The independent variable was vitamin A intake, and the dependent variable was depression. Weighted univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were performed to explore the association of vitamin A intake with depression in HF patients. A total of 999 HF patients were included, with a mean age of 66.19 (0.51) years, and 566 (52.49%) were male. And 197 patients have depression. Vitamin A intake ≥731.38 mcg was associated with lower incidence of depression [odds ratio (OR) = 0.37; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.18–0.76] in HF patients. Similarly, the relationship between high vitamin A intake and lower odds of depression were also observed in subgroups of those aged >65 years (OR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.04–0.55), males (OR = 0.35; 95% CI: 0.14–0.86), without hypertension (OR = 0.25; 95% CI: 0.11–0.58), without diabetes (OR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.11–0.78), with hyperlipidaemia (OR = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.09–0.64), and with chronic kidney disease (CKD) (OR = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.13–0.80).

Conclusions

High vitamin A intake was associated with lower odds of depression in HF patients. Appropriate vitamin A supplementation may have potential benefit to the prevention of depression in HF patients. Additional prospective large‐scale studies are required to confirm whether or not vitamin A could lead to decrease in depression symptoms.
Amide‐derived Norbornadienes: Towards Efficient Molecular Solar Thermal Systems in Polar Solvents
Authors: Gimenez-Gomez Alberto , Sanosa Nil , Pozo-Gavara Victor , Hernáez-Troya Sara , Sampedro Diego , Funes-Ardoiz Ignacio
Published: July 2024

Solar energy harvesting is a promising alternative to the escalating energy demand. Among emerging technologies, MOlecular Solar Thermal (MOST) systems offer exciting avenues for solar fuel generation. However, their widespread application is partially hindered by the use of environmentally problematic and potentially hazardous organic non‐polar solvents, such as toluene. Addressing this challenge, we here developed a series of four norbornadienes (NBDs) featuring symmetric amide substituents via functionalization of the readily available diacid substituted NBD. These compounds exhibit enhanced solubility in greener solvents like ethanol, a significant advancement over non‐polar NBDs. Moreover, the reversible switching was demonstrated for three new NBDs through photoisomerization via UV‐light absorption and to form QC and reversible catalysis via a commercial heterogeneous gold‐based catalyst. By expanding the repertoire of environmentally benign solar fuel materials, this research contributes to the broader objective of sustainable energy generation and storage.
One‐Pot Double Cyclizations Involving an Aza‐Prins Process
Authors: Gouault Nicolas , Roydor Maxence , Renault Jacques , Banik Swarnayu , Subba Reddy B. V. , Lalli Claudia
Published: July 2024

Piperidine derivatives are highly abundant in natural products and pharmaceutically relevant compounds. Aza‐Prins cyclization has emerged as a step‐ atom‐economical and stereoselective method for the preparation of such azacycles. The possibility of coupling aza‐Prins process with the formation of a second cycle in a one‐pot manner is even more powerful and makes the object of this review. Cascade/domino/tandem bis‐cyclizations involving an aza‐Prins process, for the rapid construction of complex small molecules, are discussed in detail.
Functional Volatility Relationship Analysis and Prediction in International Crude Oil Futures Markets
Authors: Sun Hao , Li Xiaodong , Li Zhouzhi , Fu Qifeng
Published: July 2024

To measure intraday volatility in international crude oil futures markets, we use the functional conditional variance to measure volatility and focus on volatility relationship analysis and prediction. This paper analyzes the simultaneous and predictive volatility relationships in crude oil futures markets. For covariate markets with significantly positive predictive volatility relationships, this paper empirically extends the fGARCH‐X model so that it can introduce the volatility characteristics of covariate markets. The empirical application shows that using the fGARCH‐X model can generally improve the predictive effects of functional volatility in crude oil futures markets. The robustness results indicate that the improvement in volatility prediction is significant. This study is beneficial for the stable development of international crude oil futures markets and is valuable for investors' investment decision‐making.
How to enable highly efficient and large‐area fabrication on specific textures for monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells?
Authors: Li Xin , Ying Zhiqin , Wang Xuezhen , Zeng Yuheng , Yang Xi , Ye Jichun
Published: July 2024

Perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells (PVSK/Si TSCs) have emerged as a promising photovoltaic technology toward achieving a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) along with cost‐effective manufacturing. The PCE of PVSK/Si TSCs has skyrocketed to a certified 33.9%, surpassing the theoretical limit of any single‐junction solar cell. This achievement is partially attributed to advancements in surface textures for Si bottom cells. In this regard, we present an overview of the recent developments concerning surface textures of Si in monolithic PVSK/Si TSCs, including planar, pyramid texture, and nanotexture. Following, the prevailing perovskite deposition methods on these textures are thoroughly discussed, and the corresponding challenges are evaluated. Additionally, we provide a summary of the advanced morphological, structural, optical, and electrical characterization techniques being utilized for theses textures. Finally, the prospects for further development of PVSK/Si TSCs are outlined, including designing novel textures with industrial compatibility, developing perovskite deposition methods with scalability, and exploring more pertinent characterization techniques for textured PVSK/Si TSCs.
Diagnosis and treatment of disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis implanted in the trocar site of a previous laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Chen Yong‐Chang , Zuo Na , Li Meng‐Yuan , Zhang Ning‐Ning
Published: July 2024

Synopsis

Laparoscopy combined with retrieval bag is an effective method for disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis that can prevent the spreading of tumor fragments.
Examining alcohol use disorder treatment utilization in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations through the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations
Authors: Micale Anthony M. , Brubaker Michael D. , Richardson George B. , Acquavita Shauna P.
Published: July 2024

There is significant need for alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. Furthermore, utilization among LGB individuals is below indicated treatment need due to interpersonal and structural barriers. A hierarchical logistic regression examined relationships among perceived public, interpersonal, and healthcare discrimination in relation to treatment utilization using secondary data from a subsample of the 2012–2013 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions‐III. Findings indicate that increased public and interpersonal discrimination is associated with higher likelihood of healthcare discrimination. Healthcare discrimination predicted higher AUD treatment use. Clinical implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Piceatannol induces caspase‐dependent apoptosis by modulating intracellular reactive oxygen species/mitochondrial membrane potential and enhances autophagy in neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Güçlü Ebru , Ayan İlknur Çınar , Çetinkaya Sümeyra , Dursun Hatice Gül , Vural Hasibe
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anticancer effects of piceatannol, a natural stilbenoid, on human neuroblastoma cells. In order to accomplish this goal, we performed various cellular assays, including the XTT cell proliferation assay for cell viability, colony formation assay for colony formation capacity, FITC Annexin V and cell death detection kit for apoptosis, matrigel invasion assay for invasion capacity, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) red dye for intracellular ROS levels, TMRM staining method for mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and the CYTO‐ID autophagy detection kit for autophagy. Furthermore, we analyzed the expression levels of genes associated with apoptosis and autophagy using RT‐qPCR. Based on our findings, piceatannol exhibited cytotoxic effects on neuroblastoma cells. Besides, treatment with piceatannol at both 50 and 100 μM concentrations for 72 h decreased colony formation, induced apoptosis and autophagy, inhibited cell invasion, decreased MMP, and increased ROS levels in SH‐SY5Y cells. In addition, we observed significant upregulation in the expression levels of CASP8, BECLIN, ATG5, ATG7, and MAPILC3A genes between the two doses. These results suggest that piceatannol enhances autophagic activity and induces caspase‐dependent apoptosis, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent against neuroblastoma cells.
First principles insight into the study of the structural, stability, and optoelectronic properties of alkali‐based single halide perovskite ZSnCl3 (Z = Na/K) materials for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Geleta Tesfaye Abebe , Behera Debidatta , Bouri Nabil , Rivera Victor José Ramirez , Gonzalo Fredy Mamani
Published: July 2024

Metal halide perovskites are crystalline materials with a sharp increase in popularity and rapidly becoming a major contender for optoelectronic device applications. In this work, we provide the optoelectronic features of a possible novel candidate, ZSnCl3 (Z = Na/K) Sn‐based on a detailed numerical simulation. The output of the current computations is compared to the results that are currently available, and a respectable agreement is noted. The studied compounds were cubic in nature and structurally stabe. The mechanical properties reflect the mechanical stability and ductility of the proposed materials. The Sn‐based single perovskite compounds proposed in this study are mechanically stable and ductile. The narrow direct band gap for NaSnCl3 and KSnCl3 are 1.36 eV and 1.47 eV, respectively, using the HSE06 hybrid function with the Boltztrp2 integrated in Quantum ESPRESSO (QE) software. The effective use of these compounds in perovskite solar cells and other optoelectronic applications was confirmed by optical absorption spectral measurements conducted in the photon energy range of 0–20 eV.
Diols production from pyrolysis oil water‐soluble fraction
Authors: Luo Dan , Xia Shuqian , Guo Lixiao , Liu Yang , Zhang Yuhang , Gao Zhiting , Gao Yahua
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

The production of value‐added chemicals from pyrolysis oil or its fractions is of great significance for the valorization of biomass. Diols, including ethylene glycol (EG) and 1,2‐propylene glycol (1,2‐PG), are important bulk chemicals with widespread industrial applications. Here we investigated the production of diols from pyrolysis oil water‐soluble fraction (WS) using a hybrid catalyst (Ni + H2WO4).

RESULTS

Firstly, levoglucosan, glycolaldehyde and acetol, three main components in WS, were respectively selected as the single model compound, and their respective conversions into diols were investigated at different temperatures for different reaction times. The result showed the optimum reaction temperature and time were 180 °C and 2 h respectively, under which a EG yield of 53.8% and 1,2‐PG yield of 5.2% were obtained from levoglucosan conversion, a EG yield of 98.6% was obtained from glycolaldehyde conversion, and a 1,2‐PG yield of 98.5% was obtained from acetol conversion. The reaction pathway of levoglucosan conversion was analyzed. Secondly, the model mixture of levoglucosan, glycolaldehyde and acetol was used to simulate the real WS, and their conversion was investigated at different ratios of H2WO4 to Ni. The result showed the optimum catalyst composition was 0.15 g H2WO4 and 0.3 g Ni, under which a EG yield of 76.4% and 1,2‐PG yield of 38.4% were obtained. Thirdly, the real original WS was converted under the optimum reaction conditions and the result only gave a EG yield of 19.1% and 1,2‐PG yield of 25.8% (based on the carbon moles of main substrates), which were much less than the two yields of model mixture. That was related to the presences of other types of chemicals in original WS. After the original WS being adsorbed by activated carbon, the yields of EG and 1,2‐PG could be increased to 39.2% and 37.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The presences of certain other types of chemicals (such as acids, furans, phenolics and cyclopentanones) in original WS inhibited the production of diols. The activated carbon adsorption could efficiently remove most of furans, phenolics and cyclopentanones in original WS and increased significantly the diols yields. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Acetaminophen removal using porous activated carbon derived from corn cob: optimization and mass transfer modelling
Authors: Ramli Mohamad Razif Mohd , Shoparwe Noor Fazliani , Ahmad Mohd Azmier , Yusop Mohamad Firdaus Mohamad
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, has been notably detected in aquatic environments, including wastewater, surface water and drinking water, causing significant concern within the scientific and environmental research communities. This study focuses on two main objectives: (i) optimizing corn cob‐based activated carbon (CCAC) through response surface methodology for the adsorption of acetaminophen and (ii) simulating the acetaminophen adsorption process using the polymath mass transfer (PMT) model.

RESULTS

The optimized CCAC was prepared via physiochemical activation under microwave radiation (265 W power) for 6 min, with a KOH impregnation ratio of 0.50 g g−1. This process resulted in a high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area of 976.29 m2 g−1, accompanied by a corresponding pore volume of 0.39 cm3 g−1 and a pore diameter of 2.38 nm. The adsorption study, employing differential initial concentrations (ranging from 5 to 30 mg L−1) of acetaminophen, revealed a substantial adsorption capacity of 22.43 mg g−1 (74.77%) at 30 °C and 20.74 mg g−1 (69.13%) at pH 6. The PMT model indicated an adsorption capacity (Qm) of 21.14 mg g−1, with an error of 5.75%, demonstrating high precision compared to the experimental result. Additionally, the calculated R2 values equal to or above 0.90 indicated strong agreement between the PMT model and experimental data.

CONCLUSION

Thus, applying the PMT model proved to be economical and cost‐effective, providing accurate predictions on surface area during adsorption performance compared to the time‐consuming and costly process of conducting characterizations. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Surveillance of PFAS in sludge and biosolids at 12 water resource recovery facilities
Authors: Oza Shubhashini , Bell Katherine Y. , Xu Zhiliang , Wang Yifei , Wells Martha J. M. , Norton John W. , Winchell Lloyd J. , Huang Qingguo , Li Hui
Published: July 2024

Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are refractory anthropogenic chemicals and current treatment processes at municipal water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) cannot efficiently degrade them, hence, these chemicals cycle through the environment. Certain PFAS can be concentrated in biosolids from WRRFs and are commonly land applied for beneficial reuse. Given recent advances in measurement of PFAS, documentation of the range of concentrations in pre‐stabilized sludge and stabilized biosolids is critical to evaluating treatment best practices and assessing potential human health and ecological risks. In this study, pre‐stabilized sludge and post‐stabilized biosolids samples were collected from 12 major WRRFs across the United States. PFAS were analyzed using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Method SW846‐3500C/537.1, and Draft EPA Method 1633, by one commercial laboratory and two university research laboratories, respectively. Results comparison among laboratories demonstrated statistical differences in PFAS concentrations among split samples. For example, 5:3 FTCA (fluorotelomer carboxylic acid) concentrations in post‐stabilized sludge at Lab 1 were measured at 21 ng/g (dry), while they were detected at 151 ng/g (dry) in Lab 3. Further, higher PFAS concentrations were observed in post‐stabilized biosolids compared to pre‐stabilized sludges, regardless of the laboratory or analysis method, even when solids destruction through solids stabilization was considered. Further research is required to refine methods for analyses of PFAS in sludge and biosolids samples from WRRFs prior to being used for development of regulatory actions as well as understanding how various treatment protocols could impact concentrations of PFAS in land‐applied biosolids.
Multicolor Turán numbers II: A generalization of the Ruzsa–Szemerédi theorem and new results on cliques and odd cycles
Authors: Kovács Benedek , Nagy Zoltán Lóránt
Published: July 2024

In this paper we continue the study of a natural generalization of Turán's forbidden subgraph problem and the Ruzsa–Szemerédi problem. Let denote the maximum number of edge‐disjoint copies of a fixed simple graph that can be placed on an ‐vertex ground set without forming a subgraph whose edges are from different ‐copies. The case when both and are triangles essentially gives back the theorem of Ruzsa and Szemerédi. We extend their results to the case when and are arbitrary cliques by applying a number theoretic result due to Erdős, Frankl, and Rödl. This extension in turn decides the order of magnitude for a large family of graph pairs, which will be subquadratic, but almost quadratic. Since the linear ‐uniform hypergraph Turán problems to determine form a class of the multicolor Turán problem, following the identity , our results determine the linear hypergraph Turán numbers of every graph of girth 3 and for every up to a subpolynomial factor. Furthermore, when is a triangle, we settle the case and give bounds for the cases , as well.
Thin edges in cubic braces
Authors: He Xiaoling , Lu Fuliang
Published: July 2024

For a vertex set in a graph, the edge cut is the set of edges with exactly one end vertex in . An edge cut is tight if every perfect matching of the graph contains exactly one edge in . A matching covered bipartite graph is a brace if, for every tight cut , or , where . Braces play an important role in Lovász's tight cut decomposition of matching covered graphs. The bicontraction of a vertex of degree two in a graph, with precisely two neighbours and , consists of shrinking the set to a single vertex. The retract of a matching covered graph  is the graph obtained from by repeatedly the bicontractions of vertices of degree two. An edge of a brace with at least six vertices is thin if the retract of is a brace. McCuaig showed that every brace of order at least six has a thin edge. In a brace of order six or more, Carvalho, Lucchesi and Murty proved that has two thin edges, and conjectured that contains two nonadjacent thin edges. Further, they made a stronger conjecture: There exists a positive constant such that every brace has thin edges. By showing that, in every cubic brace of order at least six, there exists a matching of size at least such that every edge in is thin, we prove that the above two conjectures hold for cubic braces.
Stability from graph symmetrization arguments in generalized Turán problems
Authors: Gerbner Dániel , Hama Karim Hilal
Published: July 2024

Given graphs and , denotes the largest number of copies of in ‐free ‐vertex graphs. Let . We say that is F‐Turán‐stable if the following holds. For any there exists such that if an ‐vertex ‐free graph contains at least copies of , then the edit distance of and the ‐partite Turán graph is at most . We say that is weakly F‐Turán‐stable if the same holds with the Turán graph replaced by any complete ‐partite graph . It is known that such stability implies exact results in several cases. We show that complete multipartite graphs with chromatic number at most are weakly ‐Turán‐stable. Partly answering a question of Morrison, Nir, Norin, Rzażewski, and Wesolek positively, we show that for every graph , if is large enough, then is ‐Turán‐stable. Finally, we prove that if is bipartite, then it is weakly ‐Turán‐stable for large enough.
Direct Multi‐Deuterium Labelling of Pirtobrutinib
Authors: Kriegelstein Michal , Hojcsková Jana , Hroch Miloš , Marek Aleš
Published: July 2024

Herein, we demonstrate an efficient method for multi‐deuterium labelling of pirtobrutinib—a Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor recently approved by the FDA—using a straightforward hydrogen isotope exchange (HIE) reaction. A remarkably high level of deuterium incorporation was achieved using an excess of a Kerr‐type iridium catalyst. The key factor in the significant deuterium labelling was the decision to employ a deuterium uniformly labelled solvent, chlorobenzene‐d5, at an elevated temperature. Virtually, no d0–d3 species were detected, with only traces of d4–d5 isotopomers (< 5%) observable in the mass spectrum of pirtobrutinib‐d8, fulfilling requirements for stable isotope‐labelled internal standard. The labelled compound—mainly consisting of isotopomers d6–d9 at 82.4% of the total abundance—was isolated in a high yield (73%) and purity (99%). Noteworthy, fluorine group acting as a directing group was observed for the first time. Significant incorporation of deuterium in ortho‐positions, exceeding 87%, was observed. Interestingly, chlorinated solvent used in the HIE reactions was non‐specifically deuterated yielding up to 0.42 deuterium per chlorobenzene molecule even at an exceptionally low iridium catalyst loading of 4.17 × 10–2 mol%.
Understanding non‐stationarity patterns in basin‐scale hydroclimatic extremes
Authors: Singh Achala , Sharma Priyank J. , Teegavarapu Ramesh S. V.
Published: July 2024

Stationarity, a cornerstone in hydraulic design, is now under scrutiny due to anthropogenic activities and climate change. Numerous studies have sought to identify non‐stationarity (NS); however, a comprehensive assessment of time invariance in all statistical properties of a time series is less explored. This study presents a non‐overlapping block‐stratified random sampling (NBRS) framework leveraging the strengths of several nonparametric tests to assess NS. The NBRS approach exclusively detects NS and distinguishes between various forms of stationarity, including weak and strict. A variant of NBRS is proposed in this study to identify the underlying stochastic process(es) influencing NS in hydroclimatic extremes. Furthermore, a nonparametric clustering approach is used to unveil spatial clusters showcasing NS due to shifts in mean, variance, distribution of time series or a combination of these factors. A comparative assessment of the modified NBRS approach with traditional trend and change point methods is also performed. The proposed methodology is applied to assess the presence of NS in 28 hydroclimatic indices derived for the west‐central river basins of India, exhibiting diverse physio‐climatic settings, for the study period 1973–2021. The modified NBRS approach rigorously explores NS within extreme hydroclimatic indices, conclusively pinpointing its root causes and profound implications for hydrologic design. The applicability of the modified NBRS approach to gridded and point datasets is also demonstrated. The findings highlight the limitations of conventional trend and change point tests in capturing time‐invariant characteristics in heteroscedastic variables (such as streamflow and rainfall extremes) compared to the NBRS approach. The research reveals that NS in rainfall and streamflow extremes primarily results from distributional shifts, whilst temperature extremes are influenced by changes in mean and distribution properties. This research deepens our understanding of the evolving patterns in hydroclimatic extremes in a changing climate.
Toward a more complete understanding of institutional logic configuration in an merger project
Authors: Thelisson Anne‐Sophie
Published: July 2024

The frequency and scale of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have significantly increased in the last two decades, in spite of continuous reports on their high failure rates. M&A scholars call for insights to be sought on the merger process to help understand the complexity of these operations and decrease their failure rate. M&A scholars advocate paying attention to institutional logics' configuration shaping a firm's decisions to grasp merger process complexity. Institutional studies show how specific logics have a powerful influence on the strategic decisions and priorities of organizations. Yet, few studies have empirically combined multiple levels by framing logics' configuration fostering specific strategic decisions. This study addresses this issue. Using a longitudinal case study, we analyze how institutional logics' configuration at organizational and inter‐organizational levels supports firms' strategic decisions to merge and to end the deal. We demonstrate that despite the alignment of logics at the organizational level, the multiplicity of logics at the inter‐organizational level led to deal failure.
Cooperative effects of three preservatives on physiological quality, endophytic bacterial community and volatile organic compounds of postharvest Codonopsis pilosula var. modesta roots
Authors: Wang Yanping , Wen Longxia , Tao Zexin , Song Pingping , Cui Fang , Jia Yanjun , Wang Zixia , Chai Guolin , Hu Fangdi
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Codonopsis pilosula var. modesta (CPVM) is a famous medicinal and edible plant of Campanulaceae. However, fresh CPVM roots (FCPVR) are prone to softening, browning and spoilage after concentrated harvesting in the main production area of Gansu Province, China in autumn, which poses great challenges to their large‐scale storage and modern processing. In this study, effects of chitosan (CS), natamycin (NA) and modified atmosphere agent (MA) on the postharvest quality of FCPVR were first investigated. The roots after different treatments were stored at 4 °C and relative humidity of 75 ± 5% for 100 days. Their overall quality changes were evaluated from three perspectives: physiological quality, endophytic bacterial community and volatile organic compounds.

RESULTS

The clustering heatmap and principal component analysis results indicated that CS (2 g kg−1), NA (0.5 g kg−1) and MA (5 g) had a synergistic effect on physiological quality. The roots in the CS + NA + MA group maintained better physiological state, effective components and antioxidant capacity throughout the storage process. On this basis, compared with room temperature storage, the relative abundance of the main spoilage bacterium Pseudomonas in the CS + NA + MA group roots decreased by 44% on the 100th day of storage. Furthermore, after CS + NA + MA composite treatment, the roots produced richer esters with fruit aroma during low‐temperature storage.

CONCLUSIONS

The CS + NA + MA composite treatment could maintain the physiological quality and flavor of FCPVR, inhibit spoilage by microbial contamination and maintain the optimal quality during low‐temperature storage for up to 100 days. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Postbiotics in inflammatory bowel disease: efficacy, mechanism, and therapeutic implications
Authors: Wang Shuxin , Wang Pu , Wang Donghui , Shen Shenghai , Wang Shiqi , Li Yuanyuan , Chen Hao
Published: July 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is one of the most challenging diseases in the 21st century, and more than 10 million people around the world suffer from IBD. Because of the limitations and adverse effects associated with conventional IBD therapies, there has been increased scientific interest in microbial‐derived biomolecules, known as postbiotics. Postbiotics are defined as the preparation of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confer a health benefit on the host, comprising inactivated microbial cells, cell fractions, metabolites, etc. Postbiotics have shown potential in enhancing IBD treatment by reducing inflammation, modulating the immune system, stabilizing intestinal flora and maintaining the integrity of intestinal barriers. Consequently, they are considered promising adjunctive therapies for IBD. Recent studies indicate that postbiotics offer distinctive advantages, including spanning clinical (safe origin), technological (easy for storage and transportation) and economic (reduced production costs) dimensions, rendering them suitable for widespread applications in functional food/pharmaceutical. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the definition, classification and applications of postbiotics, with an emphasis on their biological activity in both the prevention and treatment of IBD. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Metaverse‐based remote support system with smooth combination of free viewpoint observation and hand gesture instruction
Authors: Numata Takashi , Ogi Yuya , Mitani Keiichi , Tajima Kazuyuki , Nakamura Yusuke , Ikeda Naohito , Shimada Kenichi
Published: July 2024

In field operations with large machines, onsite large task spaces have been typically required. In these cases, remote skilled workers have to provide a step‐by‐step guide by observing the onsite situation around the large task spaces in three dimensions, instructing onsite unskilled workers on how to perform the tasks with the correct hand gestures at the right position, and switching between observation and instruction frequently during the remote support. In this study, we developed a Metaverse‐based remote support system with a seamless user interface for switching between free viewpoint observation and hand gesture instruction. The proposed system enables remote skilled workers to observe the onsite field from any viewpoint, transfer hand gesture instruction to onsite workers, and seamlessly switch between free viewpoint observation and free hand gesture instruction without having to change devices. We compared the time efficiency of the proposed system and a conventional system through experiments with 28 users and found that our system improved the observation time efficiency by 65.7%, the instruction time efficiency by 27.9%, and the switching time efficiency between observation and instruction by 14.6%. These results indicate that the proposed system enables remote skilled workers to support onsite workers quickly and efficiently.
Crohn's disease‐related versus sporadic colorectal cancer: A stage‐matched case‐control study based on four decades of experience
Authors: Schabl Lukas , Connelly Tara M. , de Camargo Mariane Gouvea Monteiro , Sancheti Himani , Steele Scott R. , Kessler Hermann
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives

This study compares surgical and oncological outcomes in patients with Crohn's disease (CD)‐related colorectal cancer (CRC) to those with sporadic CRC.

Methods

Patients treated between 1983 and 2013 were matched by stage, age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), cancer site, and adjuvant chemotherapy.

Results

For stages I and II, 107 patients were matched (58.9% male, mean age 59 years, 59.8% with ASA score 3). Tumor sites included the right (17.7%), transverse (4.7%), left colon (15.9%), and rectum (61.7%). CD patients exhibited longer operative times, higher pT stages, and 2.60 times the odds of postoperative complications (p = 0.03). Overall and disease‐free survival were similar.

For stage III, 54 patients were matched (57.4% male, mean age 54 years, 46.3% with ASA score 3). The cancer site distribution was right (29.7%), transverse (3.7%), left colon (18.5%), and rectum (48.1%). CD patients had longer operative times, increased blood loss, more involved lymph nodes, higher pT‐ and pN‐stages. The rates of postoperative complications were not different (p = 0.19). CD‐related CRC patients had similar overall (p = 0.06), and local recurrence‐free survival (p = 0.07).

Conclusions

Despite facing worse perioperative and pathological characteristics, survival differences in stages I–III CD‐related CRC compared with sporadic CRC patients were not significantly different.
Revealing the novel metabolism‐related genes in the ossification of the ligamentum flavum based on whole transcriptomic data
Authors: Zhao Yongzhao , Xiang Qian , Jiang Shuai , Lin Jialiang , Li Weishi
Published: July 2024

Backgrounds

The ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) is one of the major causes of thoracic myelopathy. Previous studies indicated there might be a potential link between metabolic disorder and pathogenesis of OLF. The aim of this study was to determine the potential role of metabolic disorder in the pathogenesis of OLF using the strict bioinformatic workflow for metabolism‐related genes and experimental validation.

Methods

A series of bioinformatic approaches based on metabolism‐related genes were conducted to compare the metabolism score between OLF tissues and normal ligamentum flavum (LF) tissues using the single sample gene set enrichment analysis. The OLF‐related and metabolism‐related differentially expressed genes (OMDEGs) were screened out, and the biological functions of OMDEGs were explored, including the Gene Ontology enrichment analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis, and protein–protein interaction. The competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network based on pairs of miRNA‐hub OMDEGs was constructed. The correlation analysis was conducted to explore the potential relationship between metabolic disorder and immunity abnormality in OLF. In the end, the cell experiments were performed to validate the roles of GBE1 and TNF‐α in the osteogenic differentiation of LF cells.

Results

There was a significant difference of metabolism score between OLF tissues and normal LF tissues. Forty‐nine OMDEGs were screened out and their biological functions were determined. The ceRNA network containing three hub OMDEGs and five differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) was built. The correlation analysis between hub OMDEGs and OLF‐related infiltrating immune cells indicated that metabolic disorder might contribute to the OLF via altering the local immune status of LF tissues. The cell experiments determined the important roles of GBE1 expression and TNF‐α in the osteogenic differentiation of LF cells.

Conclusions

This research, for the first time, preliminarily illustrated the vital role of metabolic disorder in the pathogenesis of OLF using strict bioinformatic algorithms and experimental validation for metabolism‐related genes, which could provide new insights for investigating disease mechanism and screening effective therapeutic targets of OLF in the future.
Koebnerization of Hailey–Hailey disease into chronic prurigo nodularis: Clearance of both entities under a naloxone therapy
Authors: Witte Felix , Metze Dieter , Ständer Sonja , Zeidler Claudia
Published: July 2024

Hailey–Hailey disease (HHD) is a genetic skin disorder, accompanied by lesional pruritus and a relevant impact on quality of life of affected patients. Approved or even successful treatments are still lacking, highlighting the need for further insight in therapeutic options. µ‐opioid receptor antagonists have recently been identified as a potentially successful therapy in HHD‐patients, while already being used successfully in treating chronic pruritus. In our case of a patient with severe HHD and generalization of chronic pruritus, which led to koebnerization of HHD lesions into clinically healthy skin, intravenous naloxone treatment proved extraordinarily beneficial in improving both HHD and concomitant chronic pruritus.
Comparing camera‐based ungulate density estimates: a case study using island populations of bighorn sheep and mule deer
Authors: Coltrane Jessica , DeCesare Nicholas J. , Horne Jon S. , Lukacs Paul M.
Published: July 2024

Camera‐based abundance estimators are an alternative methodology of growing interest in both research and management applications. The statistical formulations of camera‐based abundance estimators using time‐lapse data should theoretically produce precise and unbiased estimates; however, production of unbiased results also requires meeting several important assumptions, and real‐world case studies evaluating such results remain relatively few. We applied instantaneous sampling (IS) and space‐to‐event (STE) estimators to remote camera data collected in April 2021 via time‐lapse sampling of closed populations of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) on Wild Horse Island in western Montana, USA, and compared results for bighorn sheep to aerial and ground‐based counts. Point estimates from camera‐based approaches underestimated bighorn sheep populations by 32–44% (IS estimator) and 62–69% (STE estimator) relative to aerial and ground counts. Patchy spatial distribution and group‐living behavior of sheep resulted in a high degree of noise surrounding the IS estimate. In comparison, a low point estimate with relatively narrow confidence intervals suggested potential sensitivity of the STE estimator to violating assumptions of independence among individual animals and sampling occasions. Estimates of mule deer had improved precision over sheep estimates, as indicated by lower estimated coefficients of variation of the mean (CVmean) derived from the analytic SE estimator. Using 15‐m viewsheds and the IS estimators, mule deer density estimates came with a 26% CVmean compared to 43% CVmean for bighorn sheep. This discrepancy may be a result of differences in distribution, behavior, and relative abundance between the 2 species. Accounting for group size and increasing time between sampling may improve accuracy of density estimates and adhere better to model assumptions when estimating precision. In addition, factors influencing viewshed and resulting density extrapolations must be considered carefully. While camera‐based methods theoretically provide an alternative way to estimate density when traditional methods are impractical, our results suggest that more work is needed to ensure density estimates are accurate and precise enough to inform population management.
Acute Laryngeal Injury in Patients Undergoing Airway Screening at a Long‐Term Acute Care Hospital
Authors: Pagel Jessica M. , Taffe Erin , Jonas Rachel H. , Daniero James J. , Mason Kazlin , McGarey Patrick O.
Published: July 2024

Background/Objectives

Acute laryngeal injury (ALgI) is an identified complication of prolonged intubation. Its evolution into mature stenosis and factors affecting decannulation are unclear. This retrospective review aims to characterize the incidence and characteristics of ALgI development and decannulation.

Methods

Retrospective study of post‐intubated patients with a tracheostomy seen for screening evaluation at a single long‐term acute care hospital (LTACH) from 2019 to 2022.

Results

Patients were followed for an average of 115 days after extubation. Forty‐nine of 119 adult patients had ALgI. Those with ALgI were more likely female (61% vs. 35.7%, p = 0.006) with higher body mass index (BMI; 32.9 vs. 28.1, p = 0.03) and lower height (166 vs. 171.1 cm, p = 0.01). Decannulation rates in patients with ALgI were 69.4% compared to 84.3% in patients without ALgI (p = 0.053). Patients with ALgI were scoped more quickly post‐extubation (28.8 vs. 36.6 days, p = 0.04), but time to decannulation did not differ (66.6 vs. 81.2 days, p = 0.74). Lower CCI (4.03 vs 6.93) and lack of tobacco use (41.2% vs 73.3%) were associated with successful decannulation (p = 0.038, p = 0.0008). Patients with ALgI treated conservatively (observation or medical management) were decannulated up to 71 days post‐extubation. Further decannulations only occurred with surgical intervention.

Conclusions

Female gender, higher BMI, and shorter height are associated with ALgI among patients undergoing a LTACH screening evaluation. CCI and tobacco have a negative association with decannulation success. Among the ALgI cohort, no patient treated conservatively was decannulated after 71 days.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 134:4642–4648, 2024
Substance Use Disorder as Risk Factor for Intubation in Angioedema: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Bogart Joseph , Otteson Todd
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Individuals with angioedema (AE) are at high risk for airway compromise and often require endotracheal intubation. Patient factors predisposing one to airway compromise are not well described. The objective of this study is to examine whether substance use disorder (SUD) in patients with AE is associated with need for airway intervention.

Methods

This population‐based retrospective cohort study compared AE patients with SUD versus propensity‐matched control groups. Outcomes were hospitalization, intubation, and tracheotomy. Using the TriNetX National Database, this study included 28,931 patients with SUD and 117,509 patients without SUD who presented with AE.

Results

Among patients with AE, those with each subtype of SUD (alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, tobacco, and opioids) were found to have higher risk of severe AE compared to propensity‐matched non‐SUD cohorts. Rate of hospitalization after cohort matching ranged from 20.4% for tobacco use disorder to 30.4% for cocaine use disorder, all significantly higher than the 8.0% in a population without SUD. Each SUD subtype was associated with a higher rate of intubation compared with matched non‐SUD groups, with cannabis use disorder having the highest relative risk (RR) of 3.67 (95% CI: 2.69–5.02). Tobacco (RR = 2.45, 95% CI: 1.79–3.34) and alcohol (RR = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.73–4.58) use disorders were both associated with significantly higher risk of tracheotomy.

Conclusion

These data suggest that patients with SUD, regardless of subtype, and after propensity matching for demographics and comorbidities are at higher risk for adverse outcomes when presenting with AE. This study highlights clinically relevant predictors of airway compromise.

Level of Evidence

Level 3 Laryngoscope, 2024
Research Progress and Recent Advances in Development and Applications of Infrared Stealth Materials: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Zhou Yang , Rather Luqman Jameel , Yu Kun , Yang Ming , Lu Ming , Li Qing
Published: July 2024

In modern war of “find and destroy,” hiding the target is one of the essential means to improve battlefield survivability of personnel, weapons, and equipment. Infrared stealth technology started to emerge when hiding in the visible light band could no longer meet the protection requirements. With the rapid development of infrared detection technology, infrared stealth materials are gradually diversified. At present, infrared stealth technology no longer focuses only on low infrared emissivity, but from multiple perspectives to achieve target stealth, such as the tunability of optical properties, good thermal management, and multi‐spectral compatibility stealth. At the same time, the infrared stealth of the target is gradually shifted from passive to active, emphasizing dynamic integration of the target and the environment. This review summarizes research progress, development, and application of infrared stealth materials. Camouflage dye and infrared stealth coating are classified as traditional technologies, however new developments and novel processes from literature can be constantly retrieved over the years. In addition to dyeing/coating technologies, this review also highlights advanced infrared stealth materials such as thermal insulation materials, phase change materials, electrochromic materials, metamaterials, and bionic materials. Outlines of the advanced technologies are mainly focused on those published in recent years. Challenges and prospects for the future development of infrared stealth materials are presented at the end of the review.
Challenges and Opportunities in Developing Tracheal Substitutes for the Recovery of Long‐Segment Defects
Authors: Kapat Kausik , Gondane Prashil , Kumbhakarn Sakshi , Takle Shruti , Sable Rahul
Published: July 2024

Tracheal resection and reconstruction procedures are necessary when stenosis, tracheomalacia, tumors, vascular lesions, or tracheal injury cause a tracheal blockage. Replacement with a tracheal substitute is often recommended when the trauma exceeds 50% of the total length of the trachea in adults and 30% in children. Recently, tissue engineering and other advanced techniques have shown promise in fabricating biocompatible tracheal substitutes with physical, morphological, biomechanical, and biological characteristics similar to native trachea. Different polymers and biometals are explored. Even with limited success with tissue‐engineered grafts in clinical settings, complete healing of tracheal defects remains a substantial challenge due to low mechanical strength and durability of the graft materials, inadequate re‐epithelialization and vascularization, and restenosis. This review has covered a range of reconstructive and regenerative techniques, design criteria, the use of bioprostheses and synthetic grafts for the recovery of tracheal defects, as well as the traditional and cutting‐edge methods of their fabrication, surface modification for increased immuno‐ or biocompatibility, and associated challenges.