bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Production Potential of Fodder Crops in Sapota Based Hortipasture System under Shallow Degraded Soils in Transitional Tract of Peninsular India
Authors: Shivakumar B. G. , Kulkarni N. S.
Published: February 2023

An experiment was conducted during 2013-14 to 2015-16 for 3 consecutive years to study the performance of fodder crops in sapota based hortipasture systems under rainfed conditions on shallow degraded soils. The experiment comprised of 7 treatments viz., sole signal grass, signal grass intercropped with stylosanthes, sole grazing guinea, grazing intercropped with stylosanthes, sole stylosanthes, sole annual fodder sorghum and sole perennial fodder sorghum in 3 years old sapota orchard. The highest green fodder yield in the first year (19.1 t/ha) was observed in perennial fodder sorghum followed by sole signal grass in the second (23.5 t/ha) and third year (26.2 t/ha). Similar trend was observed in dry fodder yield (3.85, 5.76 and 6.58 t/ha in 1st, 2nd and 3rd year, respectively). This was followed by intercropped signal grass with stylosanthes. The lowest green and dry fodder yield was observed in sole stylosanthes in all the 3 years (4.9, 8.6 and 9.3 t/ha green fodder and 1.98, 2.65 and 3.05 t/ha dry fodder, respectively). The highest net return (Rs. 31450/ha) and B:C ratio (2.93) in first year was observed with perennial fodder sorghum while signal grass intercropped with stylosanthes recorded higher net returns (Rs. 49940/ha and Rs.56990/ha) and B:C ratio (6.37 and 7.13) in 2nd and 3rd year respectively. There was significant improvement in the organic carbon content, available N, P and K content in the soil as compared to initial status in all the treatments.
Resuscitating Ecological Balance in Palnadu District Watershed Development Programme Using Micro-Watershed Approach
Authors: Reddy P. Venkataram Muni , Sasidhar Kona , Reddy C. P. , Reddy R. V. Sagar Kumar , Reddy B. Janardhan , Deshpande Shilpa
Published: February 2023

Aim: This study was taken up to understand the impact of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) Integrated Watershed Management Project (IWMP) interventions on components of Natural Resource Management (NRM) including land productivity, reclamation,land use pattern, water resource replenishment and conservation along with availability and access of drinking waterin Palnadu District of Andhra Pradesh.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted by Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department, Andhra Pradesh from 2009 to 2022.

Methodology: The primary data was collected through the field surveys conducted by the MEL&D team of NABCONS during May 2022, covering all 17 Micro Watersheds under four sanctioned PMKSY projects. The secondary data about the projects and watershed interventions was obtained from the DPRs of the projects.

Results: There is a significant reduction in the wasteland area from 198.2 Acres to 126 Acres, which indicates there is an improvement in cultivated area. Irrigated area and fodder area increased by 61.9 Acresand 47 acres respectively. As a result of Natural Resource Management (NRM) works the gross cropped area in the micro watershed increased by 114.5 acres which generate additional employment and income for the farmers.

Conclusion: Implementation of watershed projects had resulted in a significant improvement in natural resource management as evidenced in terms of increases in wasteland reclamation, improving the quantum of green cover, increasing the availability of fodder and fuelwood for local use by the indigenous households, enhancements in crop production and productivity with higher acreage under horticulture crops, which have had positive spin-offs in terms of higher employment opportunities and better wages both for men and women within the project area itself; resulting in a reduction of migration to contiguous areas as well.
Effect of Plant Growth Regulator on Growth, Yield, Quality and Economic of Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo L. Var. Pattypan) in Mid Hills of Uttarakhand
Authors: Dobhal Ankita , Pant S. C. , Chandola J. C. , Panwar Anita , Kumar Vijay
Published: February 2023

Field study on the Effect of Plant Growth Regulator on Growth and Yield of Summer Squash (Cucurbita pepo L. Var. Pattypan) was conducted during   2017 (summer season). Ten treatments of plant growth regulator consist of T1 Control; T2 Ethrel 150 ppm; T3 Ethrel 200 ppm; T4 Ethrel @ 250 ppm; T5 Gibberellic acid (GA3) @ 25 ppm; T6 Gibberellic acid (GA3) @ 50 ppm; T7 Gibberellic acid (GA3) @ 75 ppm; T8 Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) @ 50 ppm; T9 Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) @ 100 ppm; T10 Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) @ 150 ppm were tried in Randomized Complete Block Design having three replications. Results revealed that the maximum number of male flowers per plant (13.63) was found under T5 that was closely followed by T4, T7, T3 and the lowest number of male flowers per plant (7.06) in T9. In contrast, the maximum number of female flowers per plant (7.86) was found under T9 while the lowest number of female flowers per plant (4.76) was found under T7.The lowest sex ratio (1.26) was observed with T9, while the highest sex ratio (2.43) was observed with T6.The maximum fruit set percent (71.58) were found under T8 that was statistically identical by T10: Naphthalene acetic acid 150 ppm while the minimum fruit set (49.02) were found under T2. Different plant growth regulators showed a statistically significant variation on number of fruits per plant. The maximum (6.03) fruits per plant in number were recorded under T9 and the minimum fruits per plant were recorded in T2. The yield of summer squash was recorded the maximum (403.75 q ha-1) in treatment T4 which was closely followed by T10. The quality parameters i.e., TSS (4.66) and shelf life (114.6 days) of summer squash was determined the maximum in T8 as compared to other treatments. The economics of using different growth regulators revealed that the benefit cost ratio was the maximum with Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) @ 100 ppm (T9) followed by Ethrel 250 ppm (T4). The overall results showed that the effective treatment for increasing femaleness and yield of Summer Squash was Ethrel (250 ppm) with the satisfactory benefit cost ratio (4.23).
Vaginal Sarcoma: A Rare Case Report and Review of Literature from Tertiary Care Hospital of Northern India
Authors: Kaur Harpreet , Kaur Sarvjeet , Nandrajog Anchal , Aggarwal Muskaan
Published: February 2023

Primary vaginal cancer is a rare entity, representing 1-2% of female genital neoplasia since 80-90% vaginal cancers are due to metastasis from primary site. We present a case of 21-year-old unmarried nulliparous woman with pathological diagnosis of sarcoma of the vagina who presented with complain of sensation of pressure in vagina for four months accompanied by discharge for two months and had difficulty in micturition. On local examination a 4*4 cm pedunculated mass was felt arising from right anterolateral wall of vagina. After routine investigations, she was undertaken for examination under anaesthesia which confirmed a pedunculated mass 4*4 cm arising from anterior vaginal wall by a thick stalk for which polypectomy with excision at the base was done. A diagnosis of sarcoma was made at the final pathology report, and it was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Adjuvant Chemotherapy was given for 6 cycles and patient was followed up.
Malignant Melanoma of the Anorectal Region: A Case Study and Review of the Contemporary Treatment Options
Authors: Ramesh Bhat Rakshita , Prakash Namitha
Published: February 2023

Aims: Anorectal melanoma, an uncommon malignancy of mucosal origin accounts for 0.05 per cent of all colorectal malignancies and 1 per cent of tumours of the anal canal. The typical clinical presentation includes local pain, palpable mass, bleeding, change in bowel habits, and weight loss. The symptoms are somewhat nondescript and unremarkable and can be easily confused with other conditions native to the region. Hence, a careful and timely assessment is imperative in treating this condition.

Presentation of Case: A case involving a 54-year-old male who presented with a 3-month history of rectal bleeding and pain. Further assessment revealed a malignant melanoma of the anal canal. After undergoing laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection, the patient was on 6 cycles of dacarbazine. He was subsequently found to have liver metastasis. He subsequently started oral Temozolomide for 2 cycles. He has been on close follow-up for the last 6 months and the disease has not progressed since.

Discussion: The course of evaluation in suspected cases of anorectal melanoma is a rectal examination, biopsy and histopathologic examination. Immunohistochemistry aids in the confirmation of the diagnosis. Laparoscopic abdominoperineal resection demonstrates good response rates. Adjuvant chemotherapy in anorectal melanoma can be given in patients following surgical resection of the primary anorectal tumour and with a high risk of recurrence. Targeted therapies like c-kit inhibitors, BRAF inhibitors, anti- CTLA-4 antibodies and anti-PD-1 antibodies can also be used.

Conclusion: Melanomas of the anorectal region present a diagnostic dilemma and carry poor prognoses. Despite an aggressive management approach, the disease maintains an average five-year survival rate of 20%.
Pollution Status of Dumpsites within Uyo Metropolis, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Ubong U. U. , Ekwere I. O. , Obadimu C. O. , Uwanta E. J.
Published: February 2023

The study evaluates the heavy metals, geo-accumulation index and contamination factor in soil around dumpsites in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected, during rainy season, at depth of 0-15cm and 15-30cm from two study sites (A, B) and a control site (C). Soil samples were all analyzed for heavy metals (Pb, Ni, Cd and Cu) using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The concentration of Lead at site A for depth 0-15 cm ranged from 13.71 -14.90 mg/kg with a mean value of 14.38 ± 0.61 mg/kg; Nickel varied from 2.35 – 3.22 mg/kg (2.74 ± 0.44 mg/kg); Cadmium ranged from 3.78 – 4.13 mg/kg (3.93 ± 1.18 mg/kg); Copper ranged from 27.84 – 28.34 mg/kg (28.14 ± 0.27 mg/kg). The heavy metals concentration in soil at sites A and B followed the sequence, Cu > Pb > Cd > Ni while at the control site; Cu > Cd > Ni > Pb. The calculated geo-accumulation index (Igeo) showed that the soil samples from sites A and B for Pb, Ni and Cu belong to class 2, which implies that the soil was moderately contaminated. The Igeo values for Cd at sites A and B were classified as 4, indicating a strongly contaminated soil. However, Igeo of Cd at the control site is class 3, implying moderately to strongly contaminated soil. Calculated contamination factor (CF) showed that Pb, Ni and Cu for sites A, B and control at depths 0-15cm were in class 1 (low contamination), while Cd contamination was class 4 except at control site (15 -30cm) which showed CF of class 3.  The contamination degrees (CD) for the sampling sites A and B showed considerable contamination and their pollution load index (PLI) indicated a progressive deterioration of the sites; however, the control site recorded very minimal state of pollution. Generally, the results found that the top soil (0 – 15 cm) was more contaminated than the sub soil (15 – 30 cm) of all sample sites studied. The results of this study imply that the inhabitants around Sites A and B are exposed to Cadmium pollution and the soil is not suitable for agricultural practice, since plants can take up these toxic metals and bio-accumulate them in their tissues. Cadmium, at high concentration in plants, can cause serious clinical and physiological effects on humans when consumed as food.
Flat Tummy Water Attenuates Lipid Profile and Serum Glucose of High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Female Wistar Rats
Authors: Chinedu Alor Patrick , Chukwuemeka Chinko Bruno
Published: February 2023

Background: Flat tummy water (FTW) is an herbal tonic preparation made from cucumber (Cucumis sativus), lemon (Citrus limon), ginger (Zingerber officinale) and mint leaf (Mentha piperita) and is believed to be effective in the reduction of central/abdominal fat. While the potency and efficacy of FTW are hardly known, the present study presents a scientific investigation of its effect on high-fat-induced obese Wistar rat models.

Methods: FTW was constituted using measured quantities of cut and infused cucumber, lemon and mint leaf while the individual plants were extracted and mixed to obtain an extract mixture (EM). Twenty-five (25) female Wistar rats were used for the study. They were divided into five (5) groups of five (5) animals each. Groups 1 & 2 served as the normal and negative controls and received standard rat chow/distilled water and high-fat diet/distilled water respectively. Groups 3, 4 & 5 served as the experimental groups. Group 3 received FTW ad libitum while groups 4 & 5 received 25 and 50mg/kg of extract mixtures (EM) respectively alongside the formulated high-fat diet. Lipid profile and serum glucose were determined using standard colourimetric methods. The body weight, naso-anal length, abdominal and thoracic circumferences (AC/TC) of the animals were measured before and after the experiment.  

Results: There was a significantly reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins, very low-density lipoproteins and serum glucose and significantly increased high-density proteins among the obese animals treated with FTW and EM compared to the untreated obese negative control (p<0.05). The study also observed reduced body weight, AC/TC ratio and lee obesity index among treated obese animals when compared with the untreated negative control (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The present study shows that the oral administration of flat tummy water (FTW) as well as extracts mixtures (EM) led to a moderate decrease in central abdominal obesity. FTW and EM showed potent anti-hyperlipidaemic, anti-hyperglycaemic and anti-obesity activity. This study concludes that these observed effects could be due to the synergistic action of cucumber (Cucumis sativus), lemon (Citrus limon), ginger (Zingerber officinale) and mint leaf (Mentha piperita).
Association of Academic Medical Center Presence With Clinical Outcomes at Neighboring Community Hospitals Among Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Burke Laura G. , Burke Ryan C. , Orav E. John , Duggan Ciara E. , Figueroa Jose F. , Jha Ashish K.
Published: February 2023

Importance

Studies suggest that academic medical centers (AMCs) have better outcomes than nonteaching hospitals. However, whether AMCs have spillover benefits for patients treated at neighboring community hospitals is unknown.

Objective

To examine whether market-level AMC presence is associated with outcomes for patients treated at nonteaching hospitals within the same markets.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective, population-based cohort study assessed traditional Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years and older discharged from US acute care hospitals between 2015 and 2017 (100% sample). Data were analyzed from August 2021 to December 2022.

Exposures

The primary exposure was market-level AMC presence. Health care markets (ie, hospital referral regions) were categorized by AMC presence (percentage of hospitalizations at AMCs) as follows: no presence (0%), low presence (>0% to 20%), moderate presence (>20% to 35%), and high presence (>35%).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were 30-day and 90-day mortality and healthy days at home (HDAH), a composite outcome reflecting mortality and time spent in facility-based health care settings.

Results

There were 22 509 824 total hospitalizations, with 18 865 229 (83.8%) at non-AMCs. The median (IQR) age of patients was 78 (71-85) years, and 12 568 230 hospitalizations (55.8%) were among women. Of 306 hospital referral regions, 191 (62.4%) had no AMCs, 61 (19.9%) had 1 AMC, and 55 (17.6%) had 2 or more AMCs. Markets characteristics differed significantly by category of AMC presence, including mean population, median income, proportion of White residents, and physicians per population. Compared with markets with no AMC presence, receiving care at a non-AMC in a market with greater AMC presence was associated with lower 30-day mortality (9.5% vs 10.1%; absolute difference, −0.7%; 95% CI, −1.0% to −0.4%; P < .001) and 90-day mortality (16.1% vs 16.9%; absolute difference, −0.8%; 95% CI, −1.2% to −0.4%; P < .001) and more HDAH at 30 days (16.49 vs 16.12 HDAH; absolute difference, 0.38 HDAH; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.64 HDAH; P = .005) and 90 days (61.08 vs 59.83 HDAH; absolute difference, 1.25 HDAH; 95% CI, 0.58 to 1.92 HDAH; P < .001), after adjustment. There was no association between market-level AMC presence and mortality for patients treated at AMCs themselves.

Conclusions and Relevance

AMCs may have spillover effects on outcomes for patients treated at non-AMCs, suggesting that they have a broader impact than is traditionally recognized. These associations are greatest in markets with the highest AMC presence and persist to 90 days.
Etiology of the Broad Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder Phenotype in Swedish Twins Aged 6 to 12 Years
Authors: Dinkler Lisa , Wronski Marie-Louis , Lichtenstein Paul , Lundström Sebastian , Larsson Henrik , Micali Nadia , Taylor Mark J. , Bulik Cynthia M.
Published: February 2023

Importance

Avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is characterized by an extremely limited range and/or amount of food eaten, resulting in the persistent failure to meet nutritional and/or energy needs. Its etiology is poorly understood, and knowledge of genetic and environmental contributions to ARFID is needed to guide future research.

Objective

To estimate the extent to which genetic and environmental factors contribute to the liability to the broad ARFID phenotype.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This nationwide Swedish twin study includes 16 951 twin pairs born between 1992 and 2010 whose parents participated in the Child and Adolescent Twin Study in Sweden (CATSS) at twin age 9 or 12 years. CATSS was linked to the National Patient Register (NPR) and the Prescribed Drug Register (PDR). Data were collected from July 2004 to April 2020, and data were analyzed from October 2021 to October 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

From CATSS, NPR, and PDR, all parent reports, diagnoses, procedures, and prescribed drugs that were relevant to the DSM-5 ARFID criteria were extracted when twin pairs were aged 6 to 12 years and integrated into a composite measure for the ARFID phenotype (ie, avoidant/restrictive eating with clinically significant impact, such as low weight or nutritional deficiency, and with fear of weight gain as an exclusion). In sensitivity analyses, autism and medical conditions that could account for the eating disturbance were controlled for. Univariate liability threshold models were fitted to estimate the relative contribution of genetic and environmental variation to the liability to the ARFID phenotype.

Results

Of 33 902 included children, 17 151 (50.6%) were male. A total of 682 children (2.0%) with the ARFID phenotype were identified. The heritability of ARFID was 0.79 (95% CI, 0.70-0.85), with significant contributions from nonshared environmental factors (0.21; 95% CI, 0.15-0.30). Heritability was very similar when excluding children with autism (0.77; 95% CI, 0.67-0.84) or medical illnesses that could account for the eating disturbance (0.79; 95% CI, 0.70-0.86).

Conclusions and Relevance

Prevalence and sex distribution of the broad ARFID phenotype were similar to previous studies, supporting the use of existing epidemiological data to identify children with ARFID. This study of the estimated genetic and environmental etiology of ARFID suggests that ARFID is highly heritable, encouraging future twin and molecular genetic studies.
Assessing the Prevalence of Medical Optimization Therapy in Vascular Surgery Clinics
Authors: Jano Antalya , Mak Allison K. , Reitz Katherine M. , McPhee James , Ahuja Vanita , Goodney Philip , Tzeng Edith
Published: February 2023

This cross-sectional study uses checklist data to assess optimal medical therapy prescribed for veterans with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Constructing Mal‐Efferocytic Macrophage Model and Its Atherosclerotic Spheroids and Rat Model for Therapeutic Evaluation
Authors: Zou Dan , Yang Ping , Liu Jianan , Dai Fanfan , Xiao Yangyang , Zhao Ansha , Huang Nan
Published: February 2023

Efferocytosis, responsible for apoptotic cell clearance, is an essential factor against atherosclerosis. It is reported that efferocytosis is severely impaired in fibroatheroma, especially in vulnerable thin cap fibroatheroma. However, there is a shortage of studies on efferocytosis defects in cell and animal models. Here, the impacts of oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) and glut 1 inhibitor (STF31) on efferocytosis of macrophages are studied, and an evaluation system is constructed. Through regulating the cell ratios and stimulus, three types of atherosclerotic spheroids are fabricated, and a necrotic core emerges with surrounding apoptotic cells. Rat models present a similar phenomenon in that substantial apoptotic cells are uncleared in time in vulnerable plaque, and the model period is shortened to 7 weeks. Mechanism studies reveal that ox‐LDL, through mRNA and miRNA modulation, downregulates efferocytosis receptor (PPARγ/LXRα/MerTK), internalization molecule (SLC29a1), and upregulates the competitive receptor CD300a that inhibits efferocytosis receptor‐ligand binding process. The foam cell differentiation has also confirmed that CD36 and Lp‐PLA2 levels are significantly elevated, and macrophages present an interesting transition into prothrombic phenotype. Collectively, the atherosclerotic models featured by efferocytosis defect provide a comprehensive platform to evaluate the efficacy of medicine and biomaterials for atherosclerosis treatment.
Rational Design of a Self‐Assembling High Performance Organic Nanofluorophore for Intraoperative NIR‐II Image‐Guided Tumor Resection of Oral Cancer
Authors: Sun Xianwei , Chintakunta Praveen Kumar , Badachhape Andrew A. , Bhavane Rohan , Lee Huan‐Jui , Yang David S. , Starosolski Zbigniew , Ghaghada Ketan B. , Vekilov Peter G. , Annapragada Ananth V. , Tanifum Eric A.
Published: February 2023

The first line of treatment for most solid tumors is surgical resection of the primary tumor with adequate negative margins. Incomplete tumor resections with positive margins account for over 75% of local recurrences and the development of distant metastases. In cases of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the rate of successful tumor removal with adequate margins is just 50–75%. Advanced real‐time imaging methods that improve the detection of tumor margins can help improve success rates,overall safety, and reduce the cost. Fluorescence imaging in the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) window has the potential to revolutionize the field due to its high spatial resolution, low background signal, and deep tissue penetration properties, but NIR‐II dyes with adequate in vivo performance and safety profiles are scarce. A novel NIR‐II fluorophore, XW‐03‐66, with a fluorescence quantum yield (QY) of 6.0% in aqueous media is reported. XW‐03‐66 self‐assembles into nanoparticles (≈80 nm) and has a systemic circulation half‐life (t1/2) of 11.3 h. In mouse models of human papillomavirus (HPV)+ and HPV‐ OSCC, XW‐03‐66 outperformed indocyanine green (ICG), a clinically available NIR dye, and enabled intraoperative NIR‐II image‐guided resection of the tumor and adjacent draining lymph node with negative margins. In vitro and in vivo toxicity assessments revealed minimal safety concerns for in vivo applications.
Genome‐wide association study for bacterial leaf streak resistance in maize
Authors: Ruiz Marcos , Rossi Ezequiel A. , Bonamico Natalia C. , Balzarini Mónica G.
Published: February 2023

Maize (Zea mays L.), one of the most important crops worldwide, is affected by foliar diseases that limit its global production. Bacterial diseases have increased in Argentina during the last years. The aim of this work was to explore a maize panel provided by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) to identify alleles associated with resistance to bacterial leaf streak (BLS) of maize, a disease caused by Xanthomonas vasicola pv. vasculorum, in central Argentina. A diverse panel of 200 maize lines was evaluated for resistance to bacterial diseases in four environments of central Argentina in 2020 and 2021. The predictor of the genetic merit does not include environmental effects and 46,990 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms obtained by genotyping‐by‐sequencing were used in the genome‐wide association study (GWAS). The 10 lines with the lowest severity across environments belonged to different environmental adaptation programs defined by CIMMYT. The GWAS allowed us to identify 11 genomic regions associated with BLS, located in chromosomes 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, and 9. Five of those regions, located in bins 1.04, 2.01, 5.03, 8.06, and 9.03, were associated with plant defense candidate genes such as strictosidine synthase‐like 11, protein‐serine/threonine phosphatase, and a putative Leucine‐Rich repeats receptor‐like serine/threonine‐protein kinase gene. Our study provides potential resistance alleles to BLS that can be incorporated to improve maize breeding programs.
High‐Speed and Low‐Energy Actuation for Pneumatic Soft Robots with Internal Exhaust Air Recirculation
Authors: Feng Miao , Yang Dezhi , Majidi Carmel , Gu Guoying
Published: February 2023

Multichamber soft pneumatic actuators (m‐SPAs) are widely used in soft robotic systems to achieve versatile grasping and locomotion. However, existing m‐SPAs have slow actuation speed and are either limited by a finite air supply or require energy‐consuming hardware to continuously supply compressed air. Herein, these shortcomings by introducing an internal exhaust air recirculation (IEAR) mechanism for high‐speed and low‐energy actuation of m‐SPAs are addressed. This mechanism recirculates the exhaust compressed air and recovers the energy by harnessing the rhythmic actuation of multiple chambers. A theoretical model to guide the analysis of the IEAR mechanism, which agrees well with the experimental results, is developed. Comparative experimental results of several sets of m‐SPAs show that the IEAR mechanism significantly improves the actuation speed by more than 82.4% and reduces the energy consumption per cycle by more than 47.7% under typical conditions. The promising applications of the IEAR mechanism in various pneumatic soft machines and robots such as a robotic fin, fabric‐based finger, and quadruped robot are further demonstrated. An interactive preprint version of the article can be found at: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.166428178.80668101/v1.
Carotid intima media thickness and white matter hyperintensity volume among midlife women
Authors: Thurston Rebecca C. , Wu Minjie , Barinas‐Mitchell Emma , Chang Yuefang , Aizenstein Howard , Derby Carol A. , Maki Pauline M.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Carotid atherosclerosis may be associated with brain white matter hyperintensities (WMH). Few studies consider women at midlife, a critical time for women's cardiovascular and brain health. We tested the hypothesis that higher carotid intima media thickness (IMT) would be associated with greater WMH volume (WMHV) among midlife women. We explored interactions by apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 status.

Methods

Two hundred thirty‐nine women aged 45 to 67 underwent carotid artery ultrasound, phlebotomy, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). One hundred seventy participants had undergone an ultrasound 5 years earlier.

Results

Higher IMT was associated with greater whole brain (B[standard error (SE)] = 0.77 [.31], P = 0.01; multivariable) and periventricular (B[SE] = 0.80 [.30], P = 0.008; multivariable) WMHV. Associations were observed for IMT assessed contemporaneously with the MRI and 5 years prior to the MRI. Associations were strongest for APOE ε4–positive women.

Discussion

Among midlife women, higher IMT was associated with greater WMHV. Vascular risk is critical to midlife brain health, particularly for APOE ε4–positive women.
Effect of polyethylene internal structure on antibacterial properties of nanosilver composites
Authors: Tian Chengcheng , Li Yang , Wang Ying , Hu Xinlu , Liu Li‐Zhi , Shi Ying
Published: February 2023

The antibacterial properties of nanosilver polyethylene packaging play a pivotal role in the fields of food packaging. The difference in the crystalline structure of the materials will affect the migration of nanosilver in polyethylene, thereby affecting the antibacterial rate. A series of nanosilver/polyolefin composite films were prepared by melt blending. The investigation included scanning electron microscope‐energy‐dispersed analysis of X‐ray, melt index, thermal properties, small‐angle laser scattering, small‐angle X‐ray scattering, and optical properties, as well as antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli. The results indicate that the material with a higher melt index has better fluidity and the higher antibacterial rate. Moreover, nanosilver is uniformly dispersed in the substrate. Nanosilver can increase the long period without affecting the crystalline region. For these neat materials, HDPE has the thickest lamellae, which is easier to inhibit the migration of silver, and has the lowest antibacterial rate. Meanwhile, materials with low crystallinity exhibited high antibacterial properties. The crystallinity of the composites was slightly increased by the induction of silver nanoparticles. The optical properties show that nanosilver can reduce the size of spherulites and improve the optical properties of the composites. The research has guiding significance for the commercial production of polyethylene antibacterial packaging materials.
Fe‐containing metal–organic framework with D‐penicillamine for cancer‐specific hydrogen peroxide generation and enhanced chemodynamic therapy
Authors: Ji Han Bi , Kim Cho Rim , Min Chang Hee , Han Jae Hoon , Kim Se‐Na , Lee Cheol , Choy Young Bin
Published: February 2023

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) is based on the production of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species, such as hydroxyl radicals (•OH). Thus, CDT can be advantageous when it is cancer‐specific, in terms of efficacy and safety. Therefore, we propose NH2‐MIL‐101(Fe), a Fe‐containing metal–organic framework (MOF), as a carrier of Cu (copper)‐chelating agent, d‐penicillamine (d‐pen; i.e., the NH2‐MIL‐101(Fe)/d‐pen), as well as a catalyst with Fe‐metal clusters for Fenton reaction. NH2‐MIL‐101(Fe)/d‐pen in the form of nanoparticles was efficiently taken into cancer cells and released d‐pen in a sustained manner. The released d‐pen chelated Cu that is highly expressed in cancer environments and this produces extra H2O2, which is then decomposed by Fe in NH2‐MIL‐101(Fe) to generate •OH. Therefore, the cytotoxicity of NH2‐MIL‐101(Fe)/d‐pen was observed in cancer cells, not in normal cells. We also suggest a formulation of NH2‐MIL‐101(Fe)/d‐pen combined with NH2‐MIL‐101(Fe) loaded with the chemotherapeutic drug, irinotecan (CPT‐11; NH2‐MIL‐101(Fe)/CPT‐11). When intratumorally injected into tumor‐bearing mice in vivo, this combined formulation exhibited the most prominent anticancer effects among all tested formulations, owing to the synergistic effect of CDT and chemotherapy.
Novel VEGFR‐2 Kinase Inhibitors as Anticancer Agents: A Review Focusing on SAR and Molecular Docking Studies (2016–2021)
Authors: S. Vishakha , Kajal Kumari , Mondal Sitanshu , Wahan Simranpreet K. , Das Kurmi Balak , Das Gupta Ghanshyam , Patel Preeti
Published: February 2023

Cancer growth, annexation, and metastatic spread are all aided by the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). The commencement of the VEGF pathway leads to signal transduction that enhances endothelial cell survival, relocation, and divergence from pre‐existing vasculature. The ability of solid malignancies to bloom and spread depends critically on their ability to establish their independent blood circulation (tumor angiogenesis). VEGFR is a major receptor tyrosine kinase that regulates angiogenesis, cell growth, and metastasis, diminishing apoptosis, cytoskeletal function, and other biological processes VEGFR has proven to be a remarkable focus for a variety of anticancer medicines in clinical studies. This Review explores the development of anti‐VEGF‐based antiangiogenic therapies having different scaffolds. This review had focused on SAR and docking studies of previously reported molecules.
The relationship between the fine structure of amylopectin and the type of crystalline allomorph of starch granules in rice endosperm
Authors: Nakamura Yasunori , Yashiro Kazuki , Matsuba Go , Wang Yifei , Mizutani Goro , Ono Masami , Bao Jinsong
Published: February 2023

Background and Objectives

It is known that any wild‐type varieties of cereals so far examined have A‐type starch crystals in their endosperm whereas their starch branching enzyme 2b (be2b) mutants that are usually referred to as amylose‐extender (ae) mutants produce B‐type starch crystals. The present study aimed to examine the structural features of amylopectin which are responsible for the A‐type or B‐type crystalline allomorphs of starch granules by using starches in wild‐type japonica and indica rice varieties and their be2b (ae) mutants.

Findings

The average length of chains of A‐type amylopectin was markedly shorter than that of B‐type amylopectin. It was also thought that A‐type amylopectin had two types of branches, namely the first branches were formed mainly by BEI in the basal region of the cluster and the second branches were synthesized specifically by BEIIb inside the cluster. These differences caused the average length of double helices formed by cluster constituent chains to be shorter in wild‐types than that in their be2b mutants, and these differences changed the crystalline allomorph of starch granules to B‐type in the mutants from A‐type in their wild‐types, as examined by wide angle X‐ray diffraction and sum frequency generation spectroscopy.

Conclusions

Combined with these observations and calculations of chain‐length of hypothetical A chains in four types of amylopectin molecules, it was concluded that both the average length of external segments of cluster chains and the formation of the second branches inside the cluster greatly affect the crystal types of starch granules.

Significance and Novelty

The novel findings in the present study can provide new insights into the structural features of amylopectin which determine the A‐type or B‐type crystalline allomorph of starch granules of cereals.
Recent advances in quantum dot catalysts for hydrogen evolution: Synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic application
Authors: Su Haiwei , Wang Weikang , Shi Run , Tang Hua , Sun Lijuan , Wang Lele , Liu Qinqin , Zhang Tierui
Published: February 2023

Photocatalytic water splitting is beneficial for the effective mitigation of global energy and environmental crises. Owing to multi‐exciton generation, impressive light harvesting, and excellent photochemical properties, the quantum dot (QD)‐based catalysts reveal a considerable potential in photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) production compared with bulk competitors. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in QDs for photocatalytic H2 production by enumerating different synthetic and characterization strategies for QDs. Various QDs‐based photocatalysts are introduced and summarized in categories, and the role of different QDs in varied systems, as well as the mechanism and key factors that enhance the photocatalytic H2 generation performance, is discussed. Finally, conclusions and future perspectives in the exploration of highly efficient QDs‐based photocatalysts for innovative applications are highlighted.
High‐Throughput Experimentation as an Accessible Technology for Academic Organic Chemists in Europe and Beyond**
Authors: Caldentey Xisco , Romero Eugénie
Published: February 2023

For years now, High‐Throughput Experimentation (HTE) have been applied to organic chemistry for reaction optimization and reaction discovery as a powerful tool for time and cost reduction. If this technology has been first developed by and for industry, and used as a routine method today, some academic researchers, including in Europe, are still challenging the accessibility of HTE as a general and daily used technology. One of the reasons is probably the expensive cost of such facilities development, which generally involves automation with robots, dedicated research teams, and expensive analytical instrumentation. This paper aims at bringing to light the accessibility of batch HTE with a minimum of instrumentation and cost, in order to help organic chemists to accelerate the discovery and optimization of new synthetic methodology, leading them to reduce their costs and empower their innovative research.
In Silico Design of Dihydroazulene/Vinylheptafulvene Photoswitches for Solar‐Energy Storage Guided by an All‐Around Performance Descriptor**
Authors: Arpa Enrique M. , Durbeej Bo
Published: February 2023

A major challenge in the development of molecular photoswitches capable of storing and releasing solar energy is to simultaneously realize many of the performance criteria required of the switches for such applications. Here, we take on this challenge by introducing an all‐around performance descriptor that combines three key criteria (related to energy density, storage time and light‐absorption characteristics), and by using density functional theory methods to calculate its values for 52 newly designed dihydroazulene/vinylheptafulvene (DHA/VHF) switches. Thereby, we are able to identify several switches with excellent overall properties that contain a structural motif absent in all DHA/VHF compounds previously considered for solar‐energy storage. For some of these switches, we also provide retrosynthetic analyses and demonstrate that they form the energy‐storing VHF isomer through a facile DHA→VHF photoisomerization reaction. All in all, we conclude that these switches show great promise for further development towards applications in solar‐energy storage.
Levothyroxine therapy, calculated deiodinases activity and basal metabolic rate in obese or nonobese patients after total thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid cancer, results of a retrospective observational study
Authors: Le Moli Rosario , Malandrino Pasqualino , Russo Marco , Tumino Dario , Piticchio Tommaso , Naselli Adriano , Rapicavoli Valentina , Belfiore Antonino , Frasca Francesco
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Therapy for hypothyroid obese patients is still under definition since the thyrotropin‐stimulating hormone (TSH) level is a less reliable marker of euthyroidism than nonobese patients. Indeed, TSH levels positively correlate with body mass index (BMI), and this increase may be a compensatory mechanism aimed at increasing energy expenditure in obese people. In contrast, the correlation of BMI with thyroid hormone levels is not completely clear, and conflicting results have been obtained by several studies. The L‐T4 replacement dose is more variable in obese hypothyroid patients than in nonobese patients, and a recent study indicated that the L‐T4 replacement dose is related to lean body mass in obese thyroidectomized patients. We aimed to study the correlations of L‐T4‐administered dose, thyroid hormone levels and TSH secretion with basal metabolic rate (BMR) and total calculated deiodinase activity (GD) in obese and nonobese athyreotic patients. We also looked for individualized L‐T4 replacement dose set points to be used in clinical practice.

Methods

We studied retrospectively 160 athyreotic patients, 120 nonobese and 40 obese. GD was calculated by SPINA Thyr 4.2, the responsiveness of the hypothalamic/pituitary thyrotrope by Jostel's thyrotropin (TSH) index and BMR by the Mifflin‐St. Jeor formula, the interplay of GD and BMR with L‐T4, thyroid hormones and TSH index (TSHI) was also evaluated.

Results

In our study, the L‐T4 dose was an independent predictor of GD, and approximately 30% of athyreotic patients under L‐T4 therapy had a reduced GD; FT4 levels were higher and negatively modulated by BMR in obese athyreotic patients respect to nonobese, in these patients a T4 to T3 shunt, in terms of TSHI suppression is observed suggesting a defective hypothalamic pituitary T4 to T3 conversion and a resistance to L‐T4 replacement therapy.

Conclusions

L‐t4 dose is the most important predictor of GD, BMR modulates T4 levels in obese athyreotic patients that are resistant to L‐T4 replacement therapy.
The cardiovascular effects of SGLT2 inhibitors, RAS inhibitors, and ARN inhibitors in heart failure
Authors: Ji Peng‐juan , Zhang Zhuo‐ya , Yan Qi , Cao Hui‐li , Zhao Ya‐jing , Yang Bin , Li Jin
Published: February 2023

Aims

No studies have comprehensively compared the efficacy of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, renin–angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor neprilysin (ARN) inhibitors based on different type of heart failure, including heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The aim of this network meta‐analysis was to evaluate the relative efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitor (SGLT2i), RAS inhibitor (RASi) and ARN inhibitor (ARNI) in different types of heart failure.

Methods

A systemic literature search was performed from inception to 19 November 2022 for randomized control trials assessing the risk of cardiovascular (CV) death or hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) of these drugs in HF. A network meta‐analysis was performed. Risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were synthesized.

Results

Seventeen studies were selected with a total of 61 489 patients. In patients with HFrEF, ARNI led to a reduced risk of a composite outcome of CV death or HHF when compared with placebo (RR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.77–0.89). Similar trends were observed when focusing on the outcome of CV death or HHF alone. In patients with HFpEF, SGLT2i showed the beneficial effects on the CV death or HHF events when compared with placebo and RASi (RR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.74–0.92; RR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.02–1.31). For CV death, all these three drugs could not show beneficial effects in HFpEF. For the incidence of HHF in HFpEF, both SGLT2i and ARNI demonstrated the beneficial effects but SGLT2i was superior to ARNI. There were no differences in the events of discontinuation under these drugs when compared with placebo or each other in either HFrEF or HFpEF patients. SGLT2i showed the least renal injury among these interventions in HFrEF and there were no differences in the incidence of renal injury of these interventions in HFpEF.

Conclusions

Among these drugs, ARNI showed the greatest ability to lower the incidence of CV death or HHF and SGLT2i exerted the least renal injury in patients with HFrEF. In patients with HFpEF, SGLT2i was associated with a reduction in the risk of CV death or HHF. There were no differences in the incidence of renal injury of these interventions in HFpEF. The intolerance of these drugs were comparable in both HFrEF and HFpEF.
Omecamtiv mecarbil augments cardiomyocyte contractile activity both at resting and systolic Ca2+ levels
Authors: Ráduly Arnold Péter , Tóth Attila , Sárkány Fruzsina , Horváth Balázs , Szentandrássy Norbert , Nánási Péter P. , Csanádi Zoltán , Édes István , Papp Zoltán , Borbély Attila
Published: February 2023

Aims

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a disease with high mortality and morbidity. Recent positive inotropic drug developments focused on cardiac myofilaments, that is, direct activators of the myosin molecule and Ca2+ sensitizers for patients with advanced HFrEF. Omecamtiv mecarbil (OM) is the first direct myosin activator with promising results in clinical studies. Here, we aimed to elucidate the cellular mechanisms of the positive inotropic effect of OM in a comparative in vitro investigation where Ca2+‐sensitizing positive inotropic agents with distinct mechanisms of action [EMD 53998 (EMD), which also docks on the myosin molecule, and levosimendan (Levo), which binds to troponin C] were included.

Methods

Enzymatically isolated canine cardiomyocytes with intact cell membranes were loaded with Fura‐2AM, a Ca2+‐sensitive, ratiometric, fluorescent dye. Changes in sarcomere length (SL) and intracellular Ca2+ concentration were recorded in parallel at room temperature, whereas cardiomyocyte contractions were evoked by field stimulation at 0.1 Hz in the presence of different OM, EMD, or Levo concentrations.

Results

SL was reduced by about 23% or 9% in the presence of 1 μM OM or 1 μM EMD in the absence of electrical stimulation, whereas 1 μM Levo had no effect on resting SL. Fractional sarcomere shortening was increased by 1 μM EMD or 1 μM Levo to about 152%, but only to about 128% in the presence of 0.03 μM OM. At higher OM concentrations, no significant increase in fractional sarcomere shortening could be recorded. Contraction durations largely increased, whereas the kinetics of contractions and relaxations decreased with increasing OM concentrations. One‐micromole EMD or 1 μM Levo had no effects on contraction durations. One‐micromole Levo, but not 1 μM EMD, accelerated the kinetics of cardiomyocyte contractions and relaxations. Ca2+ transient amplitudes were unaffected by all treatments.

Conclusions

Our data revealed major distinctions between the cellular effects of myofilament targeted agents (OM, EMD, or Levo) depending on their target proteins and binding sites, although they were compatible with the involvement of Ca2+‐sensitizing mechanisms for all three drugs. Significant part of the cardiotonic effect of OM relates to the prolongation of systolic contraction in combination with its Ca2+‐sensitizing effect.
New remote method to systematically extract bedrock channel width of small catchments across large spatial scales using high‐resolution digital elevation models
Authors: Eidmann Johanna Sophie , Gallen Sean
Published: February 2023

Bedrock river width is an essential geometric parameter relevant to understanding flood hazards and gauging station rating curves, and is critical to stream power incision models and many other landscape evolution models. Obtaining bedrock river width measurements, however, typically requires extensive field campaigns that take place in rugged and steep topography where river access is often physically challenging. Although prior work has turned to measuring channel width from satellite imagery, these data present a snapshot in time, are typically limited to rivers ≥ 10–30 m wide due to the image resolution, and are physically restricted to areas devoid of vegetation. For these reasons, we are generally data limited, and the factors impacting bedrock channel width remain poorly understood. Due to these limitations, researchers often turn to assumptions of width‐scaling relationships with drainage area or discharge to estimate bedrock channel width. Here we present a new method of obtaining bedrock channel width at a desired river discharge through the incorporation of a high‐resolution bare‐earth digital elevation model (DEM) using MATLAB Topotoolbox and the HEC‐RAS river analysis system. We validate this method by comparing modeled results to US Geological Survey (USGS) field measurements at existing gauging stations, as well as field channel measurements. We show that this method can capture general characteristics of discharge rating curves and predict field‐measured channel widths within uncertainty. As high‐resolution DEMs become more available across the United States through the USGS three‐dimensional elevation program (3DEP), the future utility of this method is notable. Through developing and validating a streamlined, open‐source, and freely available workflow of channel width extraction, we hope this method can be applied to future research to improve the quantity of channel width measurements and improve our understanding of bedrock channels.