bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Versatile Passivated Protein‐Adsorption Platform for Rapid Healing of Vascular Stents by Modulating the Microenvironment
Authors: Li Linhua , Cao Zhengjiang , Zhang Chunle , Li Li , Li Qingying , Liu Chang , Qu Chao , Luo Rifang , Fu Ping , Wang Yunbing
Published: January 2024

Biodegradable stents have paved the way to treat coronary artery disease. However, rapid reendothelialization is required to solve the problems of mismatched degradation rates, localized inflammation, and insufficient biocompatibility. Herein, a novel passivated protein‐adsorption coating is synthesized by coordination chelation, oxidation, cross‐linking, polymerization, and deposition of dopamine, (‐)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and copper ions (Cu2+) using two‐electron oxidation. This coating exhibits hierarchical functionality, that is, at the macroscale, its superhydrophilicity conveys antifouling ability; whereas at the microscale, the active groups (quinone‐, amino‐, hydroxyphenyl groups and aromatic ring) facilitate protein adsorption. Antifouling ability prevents acute thrombosis and inflammation and maintains initial microenvironment stability post‐implantation. The active groups facilitate gradual endothelial cells (ECs) adhesion. Meanwhile, the decomposition of nitric oxide (NO) donors to release NO is catalyzed by Cu2+, and EGCG alleviates or prevents oxidative stress damage, inflammatory responses, thrombosis formation, and excessive smooth muscle cells proliferation in the stent microenvironment. This provides favorable conditions for the rapid and healthy growth of ECs. This study proposes a novel strategy for rapid neointima formation comprising healthy ECs on the surfaces of biodegradable stents by depositing a passivated protein‐adsorption coating (polydopamine/EGCG/Cu), opening new possibilities for the efficient treatment of coronary artery disease.
Stroking through Electrolyte: Liquid Metal Droplet Propulsion through Pulse Time Modulation
Authors: Fuchs Richard , Abdoli Shiva , Kilani Mohamed , Nor‐Azman Nur‐Adania , Yu Ruohan , Tang Shi‐Yang , Dickey Michael D. , Mao Guangzhao , Kalantar‐Zadeh Kourosh , Tang Jianbo
Published: January 2024

Active droplets play important roles in microfluidics, robotics, and micro‐electromechanical systems. As a special class of active droplets that are conductive, reactive, and of high surface tension, liquid metal droplets (LMDs) can be driven by electric‐field‐induced surface (Marangoni) flows to function as reconfigurable components in actuators, sensors, catalytic reactors, and antennas. Stimulating LMDs using an electric field induces concurrent electro‐hydrodynamic flows and electrochemical surface oxidation (passivation). It is however difficult to decouple these two effects which brings complexity in controlling LMD motions. To address this challenge, pulse time modulation (PTM) signals are used. PTM enables controlled LMD displacement by propelling the droplets forward during the voltage‐on phases and facilitating surface recovery from oxidation during the voltage‐off phases. Counterintuitively, by taking such intermittent “rests”, the LMDs effectively inhibit the unfavorable impact of oxidation, granting high motion controllability. Combining high‐speed imaging, motion tracking, machine learning, and electrochemical analysis, the study reveals how electro‐hydrodynamic flows and surface oxide formation/dissolution interplay to generate well‐defined motion regimes. The study further develops a quasi‐analytical model to describe droplet motions and designs a rotary LMD motor to showcase the versatility of the approach. This work provides the fundamental framework and viable strategy for designing innovative liquid metal‐based systems.
Exploiting the Mechanical Bond Effect for Enhanced Molecular Recognition and Sensing
Authors: Wilmore Jamie T. , Beer Paul D.
Published: January 2024

The ubiquity of charged species in biological and industrial processes has resulted in ever‐increasing interest in their selective recognition, detection, and environmental remediation. Building on the established coordination chemistry principles of the chelate and macrocyclic effects, and host preorganization, supramolecular chemists seek to construct specific 3D binding cavities reminiscent of biotic systems to enhance host‐guest binding affinity and selectivity. Mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) present a wholly unique platform for synthetic host design, wherein topologies afforded by the mechanical bond enable the decoration of 3D cavities for non‐covalent interactions with a range of target guest geometries. Notably, MIM host systems exhibit mechanical bond effect augmented affinities and selectivities for a variety of charged guest species, compared to non‐interlocked acyclic and macrocycle host analogs. Furthermore, the modular nature of MIM synthesis facilitates incorporation of optical and electrochemical reporter groups, enabling fabrication of highly sensitive and specific molecular sensors. This review discusses the development of recognition and sensing MIMs, from the first reports in the late 20th century through to the present day, delineating how their topologically preorganized and dynamic host cavities enhance charged guest recognition and sensing, demonstrating the mechanical bond effect as a potent tool in future chemosensing materials.
The role of crop simulation modeling in assessing potential climate change impacts
Authors: Timlin Dennis , Paff Kirsten , Han Eunjin
Published: January 2024

Agriculture is weather dependent, and changes in climate can have a drastic impact on our ability to feed, fuel, and clothe the world's population. Climate change is causing more frequent and unprecedented extreme weather events that are already negatively affecting agriculture. We need to assess the effects of extreme temperatures and rainfall on agriculture. Patterns of short‐term extreme weather events, such as elevated temperatures, flooding, and strong winds, are not predictable enough to design field experiments around. Process‐based crop and soil simulation models allow us to explore new management options and thus provide whole‐system‐based knowledge and management guides for different locations over variable climate conditions. By using crop simulation models, researchers can test different adaptation strategies and assess their effectiveness in reducing the impacts of climate change on agricultural production. In this paper, we discuss the development of crop models and how they have been used to assess the effects of a changing climate on agricultural productivity and propose methods for agriculture to adapt to those changes. We describe potential applications of crop models to assess regional issues such as irrigation demand, greenhouse gas emissions, and policy decisions. Better understanding of how weather and climate forecasts at various scales are provided and the reliability of these forecasts is important for using crop models as a planning tool. Different approaches for simulating long‐term climate change impacts on crop yield and seasonal yield forecasting are discussed. The use of ensemble models to better assess climate change impacts is also discussed.
Three years of cover crops management increased soil organic matter and labile carbon pools in a subtropical vegetable agroecosystem
Authors: Nyabami Precious , Weinrich Ethan , Maltais‐Landry Gabriel , Lin Yang
Published: January 2024

Cover crops have been widely adopted to improve soil functions in agroecosystems, including providing carbon (C) inputs that can contribute to soil C sequestration. However, soil C changes may be slow after introducing cover crops in unfavorable environments for soil organic matter (SOM) accumulation, like the Southeast United States subtropical region characterized by a warm humid climate, and coarse‐textured soils. We examined labile C pools as potential early indicators of SOM changes after cover crop introduction in a sandy subtropical vegetable production system. We compared the effects of four cover crop monocultures namely two grasses [sorghum sudangrass, Sorghum bicolor × S bicolor var. Sudanese and pearl millet, Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.], two legumes (sunn hemp, Crotalaria juncea L., and cowpea, Vigna unguiculata Walp.), and one four‐species mixture on soil organic carbon pools for 3 years. Soil samples were collected at a 15‐cm depth before cover crop planting and post cover crop incorporation to assess changes in SOM, permanganate‐oxidizable carbon (POX‐C), mineralizable carbon (Cmin), and water extractable organic carbon (WEOC). The incorporation of cover crops increased concentrations of SOM, POX‐C, and Cmin in year 3 relative to their baseline values in year 1. Concentration of SOM increased by 0.24 ± 0.05% (mean ± standard error) after 3 years of cover crop management. However, concentrations of WEOC significantly decreased in years 2 and 3 relative to the baseline. Monocultures and the mixture had similar effects on measured C pools, likely due to comparable aboveground biomass production. Our findings highlight the potential of POX‐C and Cmin as early indicators of SOM accumulation driven by cover crops use, as well as the capacity of cover crops to build SOM in similar subtropical systems and coarser textured soils.
Oxygen‐driven cuproptosis synergizes with radiotherapy to potentiate tumor immunotherapy
Authors: Pei Pei , Wang Yuhong , Shen Wenhao , He Qing , Han Xiangming , Zhang Chonghai , Xie Yuyuan , Zhou Guangming , Zhao Ye , Hu Lin , Yang Kai
Published: January 2024

The immunological implications of cuproptosis, a form of cell death highly sensitive to oxygen presence, remain largely unexplored in the context of tumor immunotherapy. Herein, we initially investigate the positive correlation between cuproptosis and tumor immunotherapy through bioinformatics analysis. Subsequently, an oxygen generator loaded with copper ions (Cu/APH‐M) has been constructed, which serves as an effective carrier of copper ions and crucially enhances the oxygenation of the tumor microenvironment. Importantly, Cu/APH‐M‐mediated dual strengthening of cuproptosis and radiotherapy could not only trigger a powerful antitumor immunity related to immunogenic cell death by RNA‐sequencing analysis, but also effectively inhibit the growth of both distal and in situ low rectal tumors after combined immunotherapy, creating a robust immune memory effect. Our work reveals the beneficial effects of enhanced cuproptosis in radio‐immunotherapy and elucidates its underlying mechanisms, which provides a novel approach for the synergistic integration of cuproptosis with immunotherapy and radiotherapy, broadening the scope of cuproptosis‐mediated tumor therapy.
Pickering multiphase materials using plant‐based cellulosic micro/nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Wei , Pang Bo , Zhang Meng , Lv Jiayi , Xu Ting , Bai Long , Cai Xu‐Min , Yao Shuangquan , Huan Siqi , Si Chuanling
Published: January 2024

Pickering multiphase systems stabilized by solid particles have recently attracted increasing attention due to their excellent stability. Among various solid stabilizers, natural and renewable cellulosic micro/nanoparticles that are derived from agricultural and forestry sources have become promising candidates for Pickering stabilization due to their unique morphological features and tunable surface properties. In this review, recent progress on forming and stabilizing Pickering multiphase systems using cellulosic colloidal particles is summarized, including the physicochemical factors affecting their assembly at the interfaces and the preparation methods suitable for producing Pickering emulsions. In addition, relevant application prospects of corresponding Pickering multiphase materials are outlined. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives of such renewable Pickering multiphase systems are presented. This review aims to encourage the utilization of cellulosic micro/nanoparticles as key components in the development of Pickering systems, leading to enhanced performance and unique functionalities.
Evaluation of the characteristics of injured workers and employer compliance with OSHA's reporting requirement for work‐related amputations
Authors: Reilly Mary Jo , Wang Ling , Rosenman Kenneth D.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

In 2014, the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enacted a standard requiring employers to report work‐related amputations to OSHA within 24 hours. We studied the characteristics of the injured workers and employer compliance with the regulation in Michigan.

Methods

Two independent data sets were used to compare work‐related amputations from 2016 to 2018: employer reports to OSHA and the Michigan Multi‐Source Injury and Illness Surveillance System (MMSIISS). We deterministically linked employer reports to OSHA with the MMSIISS by employee name, employer name, date, and type of amputation.

Results

We identified 1366 work‐related amputations from 2016 to 2018; 575 were reported by employers to OSHA and 1153 were reported by hospitals to the MMSIISS. An overlap of 362 workers were reported in both systems, while 213 workers were only reported by employers to OSHA and 791 workers were only reported by hospitals. Employer compliance with the regulation was 42.1%. Employer compliance with reporting was significantly less in: agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (14.6%); construction (27.4%); retail trade (20.7%); arts, entertainment, and recreation (7.7%); accommodation and food services (13.0%); and other services (27.0%). Large employers and unionized employers were significantly more likely (67.9% and 92.7%, respectively) and small employers were significantly less likely (18.2%) to comply with the reporting rule. Enforcement inspections at 327 workplaces resulted in 403 violations; of those, 179 (54.7%) employers had not corrected the amputation hazard before the time of inspection.

Discussion

Michigan employers reported less than half of the work‐related amputations required by OSHA's reporting regulation. Noncompliance was greatest in small employers, and agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting; construction; arts, entertainment, and recreation; accommodation and food services; and retail and other service industries. Inspections found that over half of the employers had not corrected the hazard that caused the amputation at the time of the inspection's initial opening date; in these cases, abatement of any hazards identified would have occurred after the inspection. Improved compliance in employer reporting of work‐related amputations will identify hazards posing a high risk of recurrence of injury to other workers from the same injury source. Greater compliance can also help target safety‐related preventive and intervention efforts in industries that might otherwise be overlooked.
Nuclear modification factor for quarkonium production in high energy proton‐nucleus collisions within the parton saturation approach
Authors: Rocha Érison S. , Machado Magno V. T.
Published: January 2024

In this work, we analyze nuclear effects in the inclusive production of quarkonium in proton‐nucleus collisions at high energy regime. A theoretical framework that includes initial state effects like nuclear shadowing and gluon density saturation is considered. Numerical results for nuclear modification factor, , as a function of meson rapidity in proton‐nucleus collisions are presented. The parameter‐free predictions are compared to the available data from the Large Hadron Collider. Discussion on the main theoretical uncertainties is made, with emphasis on the phenomenological models for the nuclear saturation scale.
Sexually and non‐sexually transmitted infections and the risk of prostate cancer: Results from the EPICAP study
Authors: Sawaya Melissa , Cordina‐Duverger Emilie , Lamy Pierre‐Jean , Rébillard Xavier , Trétarre Brigitte , Menegaux Florence
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Prostate cancer (PCa) is by far the most common type of cancer among men in western countries. However, relatively little is known about its etiology despite the high morbidity and mortality. It has been suggested that chronic inflammation may be involved in prostate carcinogenesis. We investigated the role of sexually and non‐sexually transmitted infections in prostate cancer risk with a specific interest in the aggressive types.

Methods

We used data from epidemiological study of prostate cancer (EPICAP), a population‐based case–control study. A total of 819 incident cases and 879 controls were interviewed face‐to‐face using a standardized questionnaire gathering information on known or suspected risk factors of prostate cancer and personal history of specific sexually and non‐sexually transmitted infections: gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomonas, herpes, mononucleosis, Epstein–Barr virus, varicella‐zoster, and dengue. Odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence interval were estimated using multivariate unconditional logistic regression.

Results

There was no significant association between gonorrhea (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.61–1.33), trichomonas (OR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.27–2.07), genital herpes (OR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.38–1.27), and the risk of prostate cancer. No association emerged for overall sexually transmitted bacterial and viral infections (OR 1.05, 95% CI: 0.86–1.29) and overall non‐sexually transmitted viral infections (OR 1.11, 95% CI: 0.90–1.35) and the risk of prostate cancer.

Conclusion

Our results showed that sexually or non‐sexually transmitted infections, either bacterial or viral, were not associated to prostate cancer. Therefore, further investigation is needed to help advance our understanding of the role of chronic inflammation in the etiology of prostate cancer, with a particular focus on its most aggressive types.
Early diagnosis of thoracic spinal dural arteriovenous fistula using lumbar magnetic resonance imaging: A case report
Authors: Kyaw May Pyae , Tanaka Tatsuya , Anai Satoshi , Takase Yukinori , Kamitoko Kiku , Minagawa Hiromu , Yukitake Motohiro , Sasaki Junpei , Nagata Oya , Matsuno Akira , Morimoto Tadatsugu
Published: January 2024

Key Clinical Message

In middle‐aged and older men, clinicians often suspect lumbar spine disease when gait is impaired with intermittent claudication, but spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) may be the etiology. An understanding of the key magnetic resonance imaging findings of SDAVF is necessary for early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and minimization of complications.
Management of a permanent lateral incisor with a talon cusp and immature apex: A case report
Authors: van der Vyver Peet , Potgieter Nicoline , Vorster Martin
Published: January 2024

Key Clinical Message

This case report focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of a maxillary lateral incisor affected by a talon cusp, a rare developmental dental anomaly. The case presented with irreversible pulpitis and an immature apex. The article discusses the prevalence, etiology, classification, and treatment options for talon cusps, highlighting their clinical significance and potential complications. Clinical and radiographic findings obtained from a periapical radiograph and a cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan are outlined. The treatment approach involved the removal of the talon cusp, endodontic therapy including apexification with mineral trioxide aggregate, and aesthetic restoration of the tooth. The report underscores the value of precise diagnosis, careful treatment planning, and the utility of CBCT scans in effectively managing talon cusps.
Preparation of carbon‐coated Fe2O3@Ti3C2Tx composites by mussel‐like modifications as high‐performance anodes for lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Li Shaoqing , Ye Yong , Liu Xiang , Yang Xuerui , Fang Shan , Zhou Naigen
Published: January 2024

Fe2O3 with high theoretical capacity (1007 mA h g−1) and low cost is a potential anode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs), but its practical application is restricted by its low electrical conductivity and large volume changes during lithiation/delithiation. To solve these problems, Fe2O3@Ti3C2Tx composites were synthesized by a mussel‐like modification method, which relies on the self‐polymerization of dopamine under mild conditions. During polymerization, the electronegative group (−OH) on dopamine can easily coordinate with Fe3+ ions as well as form hydrogen bonds with the −OH terminal group on the surface of Ti3C2Tx, which induces a uniform distribution of Fe2O3 on the Ti3C2Tx surface and mitigates self‐accumulation of MXene nanosheets. In addition, the polydopamine‐derived carbon layer protects Ti3C2Tx from oxidation during the hydrothermal process, which can further improve the electrical conductivity of the composites and buffer the volume expansion and particle agglomeration of Fe2O3. As a result, Fe2O3@Ti3C2Tx anodes exhibit ~100 % capacity retention with almost no capacity loss at 0.5 A g−1 after 250 cycles, and a stable capacity of 430 mA h g−1 at 2 A g−1 after 500 cycles. The unique structural design of this work provides new ideas for the development of MXene‐based composites in energy storage applications.
Recycalyse – New Sustainable and Recyclable Catalytic Materials for Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysers
Authors: Melke Julia , Maletzko Annabelle , Gomez Villa Eduardo Daniel , Bornet Aline , Wiberg Gustav K. H. , Arenz Matthias , Sandig-Predzymirska Lesia , Thiere Alexandra , Charitos Alexandros , Stelter Michael , Wang Zhangqi , Pitscheider Simon , Bertheussen Erlend , Pedersen Christoffer M. , Finsdóttir Sára , Kokborg Morten S. , Berman Daniel G. , Dalvang Simone , Müller Sebastian S. , Seidel Fabian , Seselj Nedjeljko , Höglinger Martin , Kartusch Stefan , Eder Joshua , Macherhammer Marie , Trattner Alexander , Kallesøe Christian
Published: January 2024

Within the Recycalyse project different research organization and industrial partners worked together to develop catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction for proton exchange membrane electrolysis that reduce the use of critical raw materials. The catalysts are applied to polymer electrolyte membranes via a direct coating process and tested both in single cells and at stack level. In order to reduce the dependence on material imports in Europe in the long term, recycling is considered for the catalysts, electrodes and the entire system.
Optimized massively parallel solving of N‐Queens on GPGPUs
Authors: Pantekis Filippos , James Phillip , Kullmann Oliver , O'Reilly Liam
Published: January 2024

Continuous evolution and improvement of GPGPUs has significantly broadened areas of application. The massively parallel platform they offer, paired with the high efficiency of performing certain operations, opens many questions on the development of suitable techniques and algorithms. In this work, we present a novel algorithm and create a massively parallel, GPGPU‐based solver for enumerating solutions of the N‐Queens problem. We discuss two implementations of our algorithm for GPGPUs and provide insights on the optimizations we applied. We also evaluate the performance of our approach and compare our work to existing literature, showing a clear reduction in computational time.
Mechanism of gambogic acid repressing invasion and metastasis of colorectal cancer by regulating macrophage polarization via tumor cell‐derived extracellular vesicle‐shuttled miR‐21
Authors: Li You , Liao Wenqi , Huang Wei , Liu Fenglin , Ma Lin , Qian Xiaoping
Published: January 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity. Gambogic acid (GA) is a promising antitumor drug for treating CRC. We aimed to elucidate its mechanism in CRC invasion/metastasis via tumor cell‐derived extracellular vesicle (EV)‐carried miR‐21. Nude mice peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) model was subjected to GA treatment liver collection, followed by observation/counting of metastatic liver tissues/liver metastatic nodules by hematoxylin and eosin staining. miR‐21 expression in metastatic liver tissues/CD68 + CD86, CD68 + CD206 cell percentages and M2 macrophage marker CD206 level in tumor tissues/interleukin (IL)‐12 and IL‐10 levels were determined by reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR)/flow cytometry/enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. HT‐29 cells were treated with GA/miR‐21 mimics/negative control for 48 h. miR‐21 expression/cell proliferation/migration/invasion/apoptosis were assessed by RT‐qPCR/cell counting kit‐8/scratch assay/transwell assay/flow cytometry. EVs were extracted from HT‐29 cells and identified by transmission electron microscope/nanoparticle tracking analysis/Western blot. IL‐4/IL‐13‐induced macrophages/PC nude mice were treated with GA and EVs, with the internalization of EVs by macrophages assessed through the uptake test. After intraperitoneal injection of GA, PC nude mice exhibited decreased tumor cell density/irregular cell number/liver metastatic nodule number/miR‐21 expression, and CRC cells manifested reduced CD68 + CD206 cells/IL‐10/miR‐21/proliferation/migration/invasion and increased CD68 + CD86 cells/IL‐12/apoptosis, while these trends were opposite after miR‐21 overexpression, implying that GA curbed CRC/cell invasion/metastasis and macrophage polarization by diminishing miR‐21 levels. miR‐21 was encapsulated in HT‐29 cell‐derived EVs. M2 polarization elevated CD206 cells/IL‐10, which were decreased by simultaneous GA treatment. EVs could be uptaken by macrophages. CRC cell‐EV‐miR‐21 annulled the suppression effects of GA on macrophage M2 polarization. GA suppressed macrophage M2 polarization by lessening tumor cell derived‐EV‐shuttled miR‐21, thereby weakening CRC invasion/metastasis.
Prevalence of carboxy‐Δ8‐tetrahydrocannabiniol in antidoping samples
Authors: Nair Vinod S. , Heybroek Mari , Boyle Emily , Rogers Mason , Campbell Thane , Eichner Daniel , Hill Kevin
Published: January 2024

Δ9‐Tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC) is usually the primary psychoactive agent in cannabis preparations. Recently, products containing another isomer, Δ8‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8‐THC), have become available for sale. Δ8‐THC exists naturally in the cannabis plant at very low concentrations; hence, the Δ8‐THC present in most of the above‐mentioned products is likely to be manufactured synthetically. A surge in popularity of these products, coupled with little oversight to ensure purity and potency, has led to reports of adverse events. Workplace drug testing programs as well as many sporting organizations prohibit the use of cannabinoids. Carboxy‐Δ9‐THC (Δ9‐THC‐COOH) is the targeted urinary metabolite for detection of cannabis use. The proliferation of products containing Δ8‐THC, which metabolizes to Δ8‐THC‐COOH, presents analytical complexity with respect to separation and quantification of the individual isomers as well as legal complexity with respect to lack of clarity around the legal status of Δ8‐THC. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of Δ8‐THC use in the athlete community by monitoring for Δ8‐THC‐COOH in samples collected for antidoping. A high‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method was utilized to resolve Δ8 and Δ9‐THC‐COOH. One thousand samples with a presumptive Δ9‐THC‐COOH finding in routine screening were analyzed by the above LC–MS/MS method. Approximately 12% of samples contained Δ8‐THC‐COOH at relative abundances between 5% and 100% of total carboxy‐THC content.
GLGPGVG derived from bovine elastin repairs UV‐induced photoaging in human foreskin fibroblasts and its potential bioavailability
Authors: Sun Huaxing , Liu Liyu , Liu Yang , Wang Shuguang , Hua Yanglin , Zhao Mouming , Su Guowan
Published: January 2024

Studies have indicated the potential of oral elastin hydrolysates in repairing photoaging skin. To reveal the underlying mechanism, this study examined how two elastin‐derived peptides (Gly‐Leu‐Gly‐Pro‐Gly‐Val‐Gly [GLGPGVG] and Pro‐Tyr [PY]) repair ultraviolet (UV)‐induced damage in human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) and explored their digestive stability using UPLC‐MS/MS. Results showed that UV‐damaged HFFs treated with GLGPGVG showed higher superoxide dismutases (SOD) activity and cell viability compared with PY treatment. Furthermore, GLGPGVG even reversed UV‐induced increase in reactive oxygen species, MMP‐12 (elastase), elastin mRNA and intercellular Ca2+ levels, and decrease in elastin content. Intriguingly, in vitro digestion products from GLGPGVG retained approximately 60% of elastase inhibitory activity. Furthermore, a portion of GLGPGVG was observed to pass through the Caco‐2 monolayer intact. These findings revealed that elastin‐derived peptide GLGPGVG holds promise for passing through the gastrointestinal tract and exerting protective effects against photoaging through increasing SOD activity and inhibiting MMP‐12 expression.
Major fluvial erosion and a 500‐Mt sediment pulse triggered by lava‐dam failure, Río Coca, Ecuador
Authors: Barrera Crespo Pedro D. , Espinoza Girón Pablo , Bedoya Renán , Gibson Stanford , East Amy E. , Langendoen Eddy J. , Boyd Paul
Published: January 2024

The failure of a 144‐m‐high lava‐dam waterfall on the Río Coca, Ecuador, in February 2020 initiated a catastrophic watershed reset—regressive erosion upstream and a massive sediment pulse downstream—as the river evolves towards a new equilibrium grade. The evolution of this river corridor after a sudden base‐level fall embodies the “complex response” concepts long understood through laboratory experiments, numerical modelling and smaller‐scale field studies, but that have not been observed in the field before on this scale. This paper presents geomorphic and geotechnical data to characterize the evolution of the Río Coca since 2020. In the three years after the lava‐dam failure, the erosion front migrated almost 13 km upstream along the mainstem river and triggered secondary headcuts that began migrating up tributaries. Erosion of the mainstem and tributary valleys generated a sediment pulse estimated to be 277 million m3 and ~500 million tonnes (Mt) over three years, depositing sediment tens of meters thick over tens of kilometres downstream from the former waterfall. This sediment pulse is one of the largest in modern times, comparable to the annual sediment load of a major continent‐draining river but with orders‐of‐magnitude greater sediment yield. Geomorphic adjustment of the Río Coca represents a highly unusual natural disaster threatening life, property, water quality, the regional economy, major infrastructure and energy security. However, this event also provides a rare opportunity to learn how a large autogenic watershed disturbance and recovery evolve, with important lessons for interpreting the sedimentary record of volcanic landscapes.
Exploring diagnostic strategies for memory complaints in older adults: A retrospective general practice database study
Authors: Linden Iris , Perry Marieke , Wolfs Claire , Schers Henk , Dirksen Carmen , Ponds Rudolf
Published: January 2024

Objectives

For older people who worry about their memory, their general practitioner (GP) is often the first healthcare professional they turn to. This study aims to increase knowledge of GPs' daily practice on diagnostic strategies for patients who present themselves with memory complaints and/or worries about dementia for the first time in general practice and to explore associations of patients' characteristics with these strategies.

Method

Retrospective observational study using electronic patient records from patients presenting with memory complaints between 2012 and 2019. The patient records are derived from a Dutch primary care registration network. The decision on diagnostic strategy was extracted and categorized as (1) wait and see, (2) diagnostic testing in primary care, or (3) referral. Patient characteristics (gender, age, general practice, level of comorbidities, chronic polypharmacy, and the number of consultations on memory complaints), fear of developing dementia, and information on why the first consultation on memory complaints was scheduled were extracted.

Results

A total of 228 patients were included. Most patients were cared for within primary care, either for further primary care diagnostics (56.1%) or because a wait‐and‐see strategy was pursued (14.9%). One‐third (28.9%) of patients were referred. Differences between diagnostic strategies in patient characteristics, fear of developing dementia, or reason for first consultation between these diagnostic strategies were not found, nor were these variables predictive of referral.

Conclusion

Most Dutch patients with memory complaints and/or worries about dementia who seek help from their GP for the first time are cared for in the primary care setting for the following 6 months. The lack of association between included patient characteristics and diagnostic strategies highlights the complexity of the decision‐making process on diagnostic testing for dementia in general practice.
Role of feature tracking cardiac magnetic resonance imaging in early detection of cardiac dysfunction in β‐thalassemia patients recovered from COVID‐19: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Houshmand Golnaz , Parsaee Mozhgan , Najmafshar Leila , Rajablou Nadia , Golroudbari Hasti T. , Hosseini Rana , Omidi Negar
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims

β‐Thalassemia patients may have cardiac complications due to iron overload, which puts them at higher risk of cardiac complications induced by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) compared with the normal population. The present study aims to evaluate early cardiovascular complications following iron overload in β‐thalassemia patients who had early recovery from COVID‐19 by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and feature‐tracking technique.

Methods

Thirty‐two confirmed COVID‐19‐recovered β‐thalassemia cases were evaluated within 3 weeks to 3 months after a positive reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction COVID‐19 test. Both the heart and liver of all patients were examined using cardiac MRI.

Results

We analyzed 32 patients with mean age of 32.84 ± 6.45 years at baseline. Left ventricular global strain values were significantly associated with myocardial T2*. A cut‐off value of −15.08% for global longitudinal strain (GLS) with sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 61.1% (p = 0.017), 32.33% for global radial strain (GRS) with sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 94.4% (p = 0.001) and −16.21 for global circumferential strain (GCS), with sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 89.9% (p = 0.013) may indicate cardiac iron overload.

Conclusion

GLS, GRS, and GCS were significantly decreased in patients with myocardial T2* <20 ms (iron overload), while no significant change was observed in the right and left ventricular ejection fraction (RV‐ and LVEF). Cardiac MRI feature‐tracking may be helpful in the early detection of cardiac complications resulting from iron overload in β‐thalassemia patients who had early recovery from COVID‐19.
Spatio‐temporal analysis of deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning in Iran between 2011 and 2018: An ecological study
Authors: Alimohamadi Yousef , Rahimi Danial , Mehri Ahmad
Published: January 2024

Background and Aims

Mortality caused by carbon monoxide every year threatens the lives of Iranian people, whose spatial and temporal distribution is not known for formulating prevention policies and interventions. This study was conducted to determine the trend of mortality rate changes due to carbon monoxide CO poisoning by Spatio‐temporal analysis in Iran from 2011 to 2018.

Methods

An ecological study was conducted based on data from the reports at the National Center for Statistics of Iran for 8 years from 21 March 2011 to 21 March 2018. The number of deaths due to CO poisoning and the annual mortality rates of CO poisoning per 100,000 populations were calculated. To determine the geographical and temporal distribution of death caused by carbon monoxide, spatiotemporal statistical analysis was used.

Results

A total of 6078 deaths were reported due to CO poisoning 4497 deaths were male (74%) and 1596 were female (26%) from 2011 to 2018. Both sexes' mortality rate due to CO poisoning was 1.26 from 2011 to 0.91 in 2018. According to the results, the overall male‐to‐female ratio was 2.8. The mortality rate due to CO Poisoning had a decreasing trend. However, this trend did not have a linear trend (p = 0.37). The highest mortality due to CO poisoning was seen in the northern and western provinces of Iran.

Conclusion

Our results showed that the mortality rate due to CO poisoning had a decreasing trend during the understudied period. Also, most of the deaths due to CO poisoning occurred in the northern and western provinces of Iran. So, designing prevention programs as well as increasing people's awareness in these regions is recommended.
Time‐dependent double phase dusty fluid flow over an oscillatory rotating disk
Authors: Alahmadi H. , Rauf A. , Mushtaq T. , Tanveer N. , Omar M. , Shehzad S. A.
Published: January 2024

The dispersion of solid particles in a viscous fluid leads to a two‐phase flow nature. The present study incorporates the time‐dependent three‐dimensional dusty fluid flow generated by a periodically oscillatory rotating disk. The disk is stretchable along the radial axis with time‐based sinusoidal fluctuations. The governing incompressible flow equations for two‐phase equilibrium are normalized in the form of similarity systems consisting of the fluid stage and dust phase. The whole normalized system reduces to the familiar Von Kármán similarity system for the flow configuration of rotating disk by removing the dust phase and periodic oscillations of the disk. The two‐phase flow model is then numerically solved by a built‐in method namely “pdsolve” in Maple built program. The graphical aspects of the obtained physical parameters on velocity and thermal fields of the dust particle stage are investigated to show how the oscillatory disk contributes to the dusty flow features. The wall shears and thermal rates of the fluid and dust particles are also calculated in limiting case of disk rotation. It is observed that in time‐based flow, the oscillatory profiles preserve a phase shifting phenomenon. For centrifugal forces, the particle cloud moves away from the surface along a tangential direction. The thermal field is reduced by the dust particle stages.
Experimental evaluation of the wind convection heat transfer on the glass cover of the single‐slope solar still
Authors: Rahmani Ahmed , Chouaf Fethi , Bouzid Lakhdar , Bedoui Samir
Published: January 2024

Accurate evaluation of the wind convection heat transfer coefficient (hw) for solar‐based systems is essential, especially for solar desalination systems. Thermal behavior and productivity of solar stills are highly affected by the external heat loss through the glass cover. This paper describes a new experimental approach to estimate the hw on the glass cover of the conventional single‐slope solar distiller (CSS). Indoor experiments have been conducted under steady‐state conditions for a wind speed between 0 and 3 m/s. The hw has been evaluated through an energy balance performed on the distiller's glass cover. The results showed that increasing the wind speed increases the hw (from 5.64 to 31.57 W/m2 K) and enhances the distillation rate (from 5.28 to 7.61 mL/min). A new relationship for the hw was proposed for the CSS and compared with the experimental data available in the literature. The comparison shows that the obtained results are close to the data from solar systems, with a deviation ranging from 27.4% to 37%. However, a significant deviation was obtained with earlier models derived from flat plates (from 29.5% to 59%).
Molecular analysis of cancer genomes in children with Lynch syndrome: Exploring causal associations
Authors: Weijers Dilys D. , Hirsch Steffen , Bakhuizen Jette J. , van Engelen Nienke , Kester Lennart A. , Kranendonk Mariëtte E. G. , Hiemcke‐Jiwa Laura S. , de Vos‐Kerkhof Evelien , Loeffen Jan L. C. , Autry Robert J. , Pajtler Kristian W. , Jäger Natalie , Jongmans Marjolijn C. J. , Kuiper Roland P.
Published: January 2024

Lynch syndrome (LS) predisposes to cancer in adulthood and is caused by heterozygous germline variants in a mismatch repair (MMR) gene. Recent studies show an increased prevalence of LS among children with cancer, suggesting a causal relationship. For LS‐spectrum (LSS) cancers, including high‐grade gliomas and colorectal cancer, causality has been supported by typical MMR‐related tumor characteristics, but for non‐LSS cancers, causality is unclear. We characterized 20 malignant tumors of 18 children with LS, including 16 non‐LSS tumors. We investigated second hits, tumor mutational load, mutational signatures and MMR protein expression. In all LSS tumors and three non‐LSS tumors, we detected MMR deficiency caused by second hit somatic alterations. Furthermore, these MMR‐deficient tumors carried driver variants that likely originated as a consequence of MMR deficiency. However, in 13 non‐LSS tumors (81%), a second hit and MMR deficiency were absent, thus a causal link between LS and cancer development in these children is lacking. These findings demonstrate that causality of LS in children with cancer, which can be determined by molecular tumor characterization, seems to be restricted to specific tumor types. Large molecular and epidemiological studies are needed to further refine the tumor spectrum in children with LS.
Clostridium butyricum and carbohydrate active enzymes contribute to the reduced fat deposition in pigs
Authors: Ma Lingyan , Tao Shiyu , Song Tongxing , Lyu Wentao , Li Ying , Wang Wen , Shen Qicheng , Ni Yan , Zhu Jiang , Zhao Jiangchao , Yang Hua , Xiao Yingping
Published: January 2024

Pig gastrointestinal tracts harbor a heterogeneous and dynamic ecosystem populated with trillions of microbes, enhancing the ability of the host to harvest energy from dietary carbohydrates and contributing to host adipogenesis and fatness. However, the microbial community structure and related mechanisms responsible for the differences between the fatty phenotypes and the lean phenotypes of the pigs remained to be comprehensively elucidated. Herein, we first found significant differences in microbial composition and potential functional capacity among different gut locations in Jinhua pigs with distinct fatness phenotypes. Second, we identified that Jinhua pigs with lower fatness exhibited higher levels of short‐chain fatty acids in the colon, highlighting their enhanced carbohydrate fermentation capacity. Third, we explored the differences in expressed carbohydrate‐active enzyme (CAZyme) in pigs, indicating their involvement in modulating fat storage. Notably, Clostridium butyricum might be a representative bacterial species from Jinhua pigs with lower fatness, and a significantly higher percentage of its genome was dedicated to CAZyme glycoside hydrolase family 13 (GH13). Finally, a subsequent mouse intervention study substantiated the beneficial effects of C. butyricum isolated from experimental pigs, suggesting that it may possess characteristics that promote the utilization of carbohydrates and hinder fat accumulation. Remarkably, when Jinhua pigs were administered C. butyricum, similar alterations in the gut microbiome and host fatness traits were observed, further supporting the potential role of C. butyricum in modulating fatness. Taken together, our findings reveal previously overlooked links between C. butyricum and CAZyme function, providing insight into the basic mechanisms that connect gut microbiome functions to host fatness.
Glucomannan promotes Bacteroides ovatus to improve intestinal barrier function and ameliorate insulin resistance
Authors: Nie Qixing , Sun Yonggan , Hu Wenbing , Chen Chunhua , Lin Qiongni , Nie Shaoping
Published: January 2024

Bioactive dietary fiber has been proven to confer numerous health benefits against metabolic diseases based on the modification of gut microbiota. The metabolic protective effects of glucomannan have been previously reported in animal experiments and clinical trials. However, critical microbial signaling metabolites and the host targets associated with the metabolic benefits of glucomannan remain elusive. The results of this study revealed that glucomannan supplementation alleviated high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced insulin resistance in mice and that its beneficial effects were dependent on the gut microbiota. Administration of glucomannan to mice promoted the growth of Bacteroides ovatus. Moreover, colonization with B. ovatus in HFD‐fed mice resulted in a decrease in insulin resistance, accompanied by improved intestinal barrier integrity and reduced systemic inflammation. Furthermore, B. ovatus‐derived indoleacetic acid (IAA) was established as a key bioactive metabolite that fortifies intestinal barrier function via activation of intestinal aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), leading to an amelioration in insulin resistance. Thus, we conclude that glucomannan acts through the B. ovatus‐IAA‐intestinal AhR axis to relieve insulin resistance.
Between conflict and coexistence: Wildlife in rubber‐dominated landscapes
Authors: Harich‐Wloka Franziska K. , Treydte Anna C. , Ogutu Joseph O. , Savini Chution , Sribuarod Kriangsak , Savini Tommaso
Published: January 2024

The continuing loss and degradation of their natural habitats forces some wildlife species to increasingly extend their habitats into farmlands, thereby intensifying conflicts with people as resources diminish. Despite massive expansion in rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) plantations in recent decades, little is known about the diversity and distribution of wild mammals in rubber‐dominated landscapes or the associated human‐wildlife conflicts. We assessed the presence and diversity of mammalian wildlife and damage occurrence in such rubber landscapes in southern Thailand, in and around Tai Rom Yen National Park. We interviewed 180 farmers about wildlife visits to their farms and the resulting damage. We conducted 50 transect walks within and adjacent to a natural forest and deployed camera traps at the boundary between the plantations and the forest, as well as deeper into the forest, to assess wildlife presence. A total of 35 mammal species were recorded inside the forest. More than 70% of these were also present at the forest boundary, but species presence and diversity were far lower in the farmland. Elephants (Elephas maximus) were responsible for 90% of wildlife damage incidents within the rubber plantations, with 86% of these cases affecting young plants that had not yet been tapped. Although almost half of the survey respondents reported elephants visiting their farms, less than half of them reported damage. These results suggest that rubber‐dominated landscapes surrounding protected areas have the potential to facilitate coexistence between people and certain wildlife species, particularly if young plants are better protected and plantation management is made more wildlife friendly.
Companion robot communication with road infrastructure as part of IoRT
Authors: Siergiejczyk Mirosław , Krzykowska‐Piotrowska Karolina , Olearnik Piotr
Published: January 2024

International Federation of Robotics (IFR) forecasts and the conducted literature analysis prove that part of the research should be focused on adapting the companion robot to moving around in open space in external conditions. There is a visible interest in the use of robotic devices in the care and assistance of the elderly or disabled people. However, the external environment still contains many obstacles and barriers. According to the authors, the solution to some of the problems related to movement in outdoor conditions would be to communicate the companion robot with the road infrastructure, inter alia, via Internet of Robotic Things (IoRT). This is why the purpose of this article is to present the concept of communication of the companion robot with the road infrastructure.