bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction and Diffuse Myocardial Fibrosis in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Using Quantitative Perfusion MRI
Authors: Zhao Wenjin , Li Kang , Tang Leting , Zhang Jiamin , Guo Hu , Zhou Xiaoyue , Luo Meichen , Liu Hongduan , Cui Rongrong , Zeng Mu
Published: February 2024

Background

Imaging techniques that quantitatively and automatically measure changes in the myocardial microcirculation in patients with diabetes are lacking.

Purpose

To detect diabetic myocardial microvascular complications using a novel automatic quantitative perfusion MRI technique, and to explore the relationship between myocardial microcirculation dysfunction and fibrosis.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

101 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (53 without and 48 with complications), 20 healthy volunteers.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0T; modified Look‐Locker inversion‐recovery sequence; saturation recovery sequence and dual‐bolus technique; segmented fast low‐angle shot sequence.

Assessment

All participants underwent MRI to determine the rest myocardial blood flow (MBF), stress MBF, myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR), and extracellular volume (ECV), which represents the extent of myocardial fibrosis.

Statistical Tests

Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Shapiro–Wilk test, Kruskal–Wallis H test, Mann–Whitney U test, chi‐square test, Spearman correlation coefficient, multivariable linear regression analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The rest MBF was not significantly different between the T2DM without complications group (1.1, IQR: 0.9–1.3) and the control group (1.1, 1.0–1.3) (P = 1.000), but it was significantly lower in the T2DM with complications group (0.8, 0.6–1.0) than in both other groups. The stress MBF and MPR were significantly lower in the T2DM without complications group (1.9, 1.5–2.3, and 1.7, 1.4–2.1, respectively) than in the control group (3.0, 2.6–3.5, and 2.7, 2.4–3.1, respectively), and were also significantly lower in the T2DM with complications group (1.1, 0.9–1.4, and 1.4, 1.2–1.8, respectively) than in the T2DM without complications group. A decrease in MBF and MPR were significantly associated with an increase in the ECV.

Data Conclusion

Quantitative perfusion MRI can evaluate myocardial microcirculation dysfunction. In T2DM, there was a significant decrease in both MBF and MPR compared to healthy controls, with the decrease being significantly different between T2DM with and without complications groups. The decrease of MBF was significantly associated with the development of myocardial fibrosis, as determined by ECV.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3
Influence of offset on osseointegration in cementless total hip arthroplasty: A finite element study
Authors: Meisterhans Michel , Dimitriou Dimitris , Fasser Marie‐Rosa , Hoch Armando , Jud Lukas , Zingg Patrick O.
Published: February 2024

Early aseptic loosening is caused by deficient osteointegration of the femoral stem due to increased micromotions and represents a common mode of failure in uncemented total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study hypothesized that a higher femoral offset, a smaller stem size and obesity increase femoral micromotion, potentially resulting in early aseptic loosening. A finite element analysis was conducted based on computed tomography segmented model of four patients who received a THA with a triple‐tapered straight stem (Size 1, 3, 6). The influence of femoral stem offset (short neck, standard, lateral), head length (S to XXL), femoral anteversion and obesity during daily activities of fast walking and stair climbing was analyzed. The micromotions for the femoral stem zones were compared to a threshold representing a value above which only partial osseointegration is expected. The minimum femoral offset configuration compared to the maximum offset configuration (short neck stem, S head vs. lateral stem, XXL head) leads to a relative mean micromotion increase of 24% for the upper stem zone. Increasing the body weight (body mass index 30–35 kg/m2) increases the micromotion by 20% for all stem zones. The obese population recorded threshold‐exceeding micromotions for stem sizes 1 and 3 for all offset configurations during stair climbing. Higher femoral offset, a smaller stem size, and higher loading due to obesity lead to an increase in micromotion between the prosthesis and proximal femur and represent a risk configuration for impaired osseointegration of a triple‐tapered straight stem, especially when these three factors are present simultaneously.
Sex‐Based Differences in the Sonographic Characterization of Diaphragm Thickness in Preterm Infants With Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia at Term Corrected Age
Authors: Yeung Telford , Ibrahim Jenna , Mohamed Adel
Published: February 2024

Objective

To determine the sex‐specific diaphragm thickness in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) as well as in healthy term and near‐term infants.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of an observational study to compare the sonographic diaphragm thickness at end expiration (DTexp) in female and male infants. The study included infants with BPD and healthy near‐term and term infants. To account for differences in anthropometric measurements, we calculated the DTexp as a ratio of body surface area (BSA). Statistical analysis was performed using R statistical software.

Results

Of the 111 infants included, 54 (48.6%) were female. There were no significant differences in mean (SD) birth gestation [26.2 (2.1) vs 26.3 (2.1) weeks] and mean study age [38.0 (2.0) vs 37.4 (1.1) weeks] of male vs female infants with BPD. The mean (SD) DTexp [1.5 (0.4) mm vs 1.2 (0.3) mm, P = .02] and DTexp/BSA [8.3 (2.3) mm/m2 vs 6.7 (1.6) mm/m2, P < .01] were significantly thicker in female than male infants with BPD. In contrast, there were no significant differences in DTexp between sexes [1.5 (0.4) mm vs 1.5 (0.3) mm, P = .89] within the healthy control group. Moreover, there were no differences in inspiratory diaphragm thickness, diaphragm thickness fraction, or excursion between males and females in the BPD or healthy groups.

Conclusions

Male infants with BPD exhibit thinner diaphragm thickness compared with female infants. Its implication on higher rates of BPD in preterm males is unclear, but this finding highlights the need for further investigation.
Infinite time blow‐up with arbitrary initial energy for a damped plate equation
Authors: Li Xiatong , Fang Zhong Bo
Published: February 2024

This paper deals with the infinite blow‐up phenomena for a class of damped plate equations with logarithmic nonlinearity under the Navier boundary condition. Combining potential well method and modified differential inequality technique, we establish the infinite blow‐up result of solutions with arbitrary initial energy. In particular, it is not necessary to suppose that the initial velocity and the initial displacement should have the same sign in the sense of the inner product, that is, the solution may blow up at infinity even , more precisely, .
Chasing spammers: Using the Internet protocol address for detection
Authors: Sáez‐Ortuño Laura , Forgas‐Coll Santiago , Huertas‐Garcia Ruben , Puertas‐Prats Eloi
Published: February 2024

The proliferation of reviews evaluating different services on social networks and online platforms and their importance in consumer decision‐making has led some unscrupulous individuals to take advantage of the anonymity offered by the Internet to manipulate these reviews and influence customers' decisions. The main objectives of this study are: (1) to test whether spammers usually perform their misdemeanors from the same IP address; (2) to explore whether there are differences between stated sexes in this regard; (3) to detect the main motivations for posting fraudulent reviews; and (4) to determine the motivations for doing so from the same IP address. These objectives were achieved by means of a quasi‐experiment with a sample of 7,192,487 users, and a qualitative investigation in which 37 users who had falsified information were interviewed. The results show that spammers who tend to fake their identity do so from the same IP address and that they tend to be male. Four types of motivation are presented: revenge, entertainment, opportunity for profit, and self‐esteem; as well as a further three to explain the use of the same IP: convenience, limited resources, and complacency.
Effects of interaction between brand positioning and chatbot conversational style on perceived fit and brand attitudes
Authors: Cheng Li‐Keng , Toung Chung‐Lin
Published: February 2024

Although an underdog brand positioning can elicit positive consumer responses, maintaining a brand's positioning requires maintaining consistent brand associations. If the associations created by the company's service providers do not align with the brand's positioning, this discrepancy can lead to consumer confusion or to a decline in brand attitudes. Chatbots, as customer‐facing representatives, play a crucial role in how consumers perceive and evaluate a brand. However, the role of chatbots in shaping brand attitude has not been extensively studied. Therefore, this study investigates the effects of chatbot conversational styles on consumers' perceptions of the fit between a brand's positioning and its messaging, focusing on both “top‐dog” and “underdog” brands. This study demonstrates that underdog brands using chatbots with warm conversational styles and top‐dog brands using chatbots with competent (i.e., professional) conversational styles foster positive brand evaluations by consumers through perceived fit. Additionally, this study introduces the concept of power state—an individual's degree of perceived control over their surroundings—as a moderator in human–chatbot interactions, demonstrating that high‐power‐state consumers of top‐dog brands favor a competent conversational style, whereas low‐power‐state consumers favor a warm conversational style regardless of the brand's positioning.
Effect of the polysaccharide capsule and its heptose on the resistance of Campylobacter jejuni to innate immune defenses
Authors: Myles Matthew , Barnawi Heba , Mahmoudpour Mahmoud , Shlimon Sargon , Chang Adrienne , Zimmermann Daniel , Choi Chiwon , Zebian Najwa , Creuzenet Carole
Published: February 2024

Campylobacter jejuni is a commensal in many animals but causes diarrhea in humans. Its polysaccharide capsule contributes to host colonization and virulence in a strain‐ and model‐specific manner. We investigated if the capsule and its heptose are important for interactions of strain NCTC 11168 with various hosts and their innate immune defenses. We determined that they support bacterial survival in Drosophila melanogaster and enhance virulence in Galleria mellonella. We showed that the capsule had limited antiphagocytic activity in human and chicken macrophages, decreased adherence to chicken macrophages, and decreased intracellular survival in both macrophages. In contrast, the heptose increased uptake by chicken macrophages and supported adherence to human macrophages and survival within them. While the capsule triggered nitric oxide production in chicken macrophages, the heptose mitigated this and protected against nitrosative assault. Finally, the C. jejuni strain NCTC 11168 elicited strong cytokine production in both macrophages but quenched ROS production independently from capsule and heptose, and while the capsule and heptose did not protect against oxidative assault, they favored growth in biofilms under oxidative stress. This study shows that the wild‐type capsule with its heptose is optimized to resist innate defenses in strain NCTC 11168 often via antagonistic effects of the capsule and its heptose.
Preoperative photoacoustic versus indocyanine green lymphography in lymphaticovenular anastomosis outcomes for lower extremity lymphedema: A pilot study
Authors: Suzuki Yushi , Kajita Hiroki , Watanabe Shiho , Otaki Marika , Okabe Keisuke , Sakuma Hisashi , Imanishi Nobuaki , Kishi Kazuo
Published: February 2024

Background

Identification of the proper lymphatics is important for successful lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA) for lymphedema; however, visualization of lymphatic vessels is challenging. Photoacoustic lymphangiography (PAL) can help visualize lymphatics more clearly than other modalities. Therefore, we investigated the usefulness of PAL and determined whether the clear and three‐dimensional image of PAL affects LVA outcomes.

Methods

We recruited 22 female patients with lower extremity lymphedema. The operative time, number of incisions, number of anastomoses, lymphatic vessel detection rate (number of functional lymphatics identified during the operation/number of incisions), and limb volume changes preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively were compared retrospectively. The patients were divided according to whether PAL was performed or not, and results were compared between those undergoing PAL (PAL group; n = 10) and those who did not (near‐infrared fluorescence [NIRF] group, n = 12).

Results

The mean age of the patients was 55.9 ± 15.1 years in the PAL group and 50.7 ± 14.9 years in the NIRF group. One patient in the PAL group and three in the NIRF group had primary lymphedema. Eighteen patients (PAL group, nine; and NIRF group, nine) had secondary lymphedema. Based on preoperative evaluation using the International Society of Lymphology (ISL) classification, eight patients were determined to be in stage 2 and two patients in late stage 2 in the PAL group. In contrast, in the NIRF group, one patient was determined to be in stage 0, three patients each in stage 1 and stage 2, and five patients in late stage 2.

Lymphatic vessel detection rates were 93% (42 LVAs and 45 incisions) and 83% (50 LVAs and 60 incisions) in the groups with and without PAL, respectively (p = 0.42). Limb volume change was evaluated in five limbs of four patients and in seven limbs of five patients in the PAL and NIRF groups as 336.6 ± 203.6 mL (5.90% ± 3.27%) and 52.9 ± 260.7 mL (0.71% ± 4.27%), respectively. The PAL group showed a significant volume reduction. (p = .038).

Conclusions

Detection of functional lymphatic vessels on PAL is useful for treating LVA.
Rehabilitation protocols in neonates undergoing primary nerve surgery for upper brachial plexus palsy: A scoping review
Authors: Mendiratta Dhruv , Levidy Michael F. , Chu Alice , McGrath Aleksandra
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Surgical management is recommended in patients with severe neonatal brachial plexus palsy (NBPP) within the first 6 months of age to regain best possible function. Rehabilitation post‐surgery remains relatively unexplored. This is a scoping review that explores, which rehabilitation modalities exist and how they vary for different microsurgical approaches in NBPP.

Materials and Methods

A systematic search was conducted to include articles about upper trunk obstetric brachial plexus nerve microsurgery in pediatric patients that made mention of rehabilitation protocols. The aims of rehabilitation modalities varied and were grouped: “passive” movement to prevent joint contracture or stiffness, “active” or task‐oriented movement to improve motor function, or “providing initial motor recovery”. Surgical approach was described as either exploration of the brachial plexus (EBP) or nerve transfer without root exploration (NTwoRE). Technique was categorized into transfers and non‐transfers.

Results

Thirty‐six full‐text articles were included. Initiation of rehabilitation was 22.26 days post‐surgery. Twenty‐eight studies were EBP, and six were NTwoRE. Of studies classifiable by aims, nine were “passive”, nine were “active”, and five were “providing initial motor recovery”. Only 27.7% of EBP studies mentioned active therapy, while 75.0% of NTwoRE studies mentioned active therapy. The average age of patients in the EBP procedure category was 7.70 months, and NTwoRE was 17.76 months. Within transfers, the spinal accessory to suprascapular group was more likely to describe an active shoulder exercise therapy, whereas contralateral C7 group was more likely to describe “initial motor recovery”, especially through the use of electrostimulation. All articles on electrostimulation recommended 15–20‐minute daily treatment.

Conclusion

Information on rehabilitation is limited post‐nerve surgery in NBPP. However, when mentioned, the aims of these therapies vary with respect to surgical approach and technique. The type of therapy to employ may be a multifaceted decision, involving factors such as patient age, initial deformity, and goals of the care team.
Motion correction of 3D dynamic contrast‐enhanced ultrasound imaging without anatomical B‐Mode images: Pilot evaluation in eight patients
Authors: Chen Jia‐Shu , Goubran Maged , Kim Gaeun , Kim Matthew J. , Willmann Jürgen K. , Zeineh Michael , Hristov Dimitre , Kaffas Ahmed El
Published: February 2024

Background

Dynamic contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (DCE‐US) is highly susceptible to motion artifacts arising from patient movement, respiration, and operator handling and experience. Motion artifacts can be especially problematic in the context of perfusion quantification. In conventional 2D DCE‐US, motion correction (MC) algorithms take advantage of accompanying side‐by‐side anatomical B‐Mode images that contain time‐stable features. However, current commercial models of 3D DCE‐US do not provide side‐by‐side B‐Mode images, which makes MC challenging.

Purpose

This work introduces a novel MC algorithm for 3D DCE‐US and assesses its efficacy when handling clinical data sets.

Methods

In brief, the algorithm uses a pyramidal approach whereby short temporal windows consisting of three consecutive frames are created to perform local registrations, which are then registered to a master reference derived from a weighted average of all frames. We applied the algorithm to imaging studies from eight patients with metastatic lesions in the liver and assessed improvements in original versus motion corrected 3D DCE‐US cine using: (i) frame‐to‐frame volumetric overlap of segmented lesions, (ii) normalized correlation coefficient (NCC) between frames (similarity analysis), and (iii) sum of squared errors (SSE), root‐mean‐squared error (RMSE), and r‐squared (R2) quality‐of‐fit from fitted time‐intensity curves (TIC) extracted from a segmented lesion.

Results

We noted improvements in frame‐to‐frame lesion overlap across all patients, from 68% ± 13% without correction to 83% ± 3% with MC (p = 0.023). Frame‐to‐frame similarity as assessed by NCC also improved on two different sets of time points from 0.694 ± 0.057 (original cine) to 0.862 ± 0.049 (corresponding MC cine) and 0.723 ± 0.066 to 0.886 ± 0.036 (p ≤ 0.001 for both). TIC analysis displayed a significant decrease in RMSE (p = 0.018) and a significant increase in R2 goodness‐of‐fit (p = 0.029) for the patient cohort.

Conclusions

Overall, results suggest decreases in 3D DCE‐US motion after applying the proposed algorithm.
Nutrition and outcomes in venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: An observational cohort study
Authors: Pelekhaty Stacy , Gessler Julie , Dante Siddhartha , Rector Nicholas , Galvagno Samuel , Stachnik Stephen , Rabin Joseph , Tabatabai Ali
Published: February 2024

Background

Overfeeding and underfeeding are associated with negative outcomes during critical illness. The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the association between nutrition intake and outcomes for patients receiving venovenous (VV) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Methods

Adults who received VV ECMO August 2017 to June 2020 were screened. Patients with <3 ECMO nutrition support days were excluded. Age, sex, height, weight, ideal body weight (IBW), body mass index, sequential organ failure assessment score, respiratory ECMO survival prediction score, energy, and protein goals were collected. All nutrition intake was collected for the first 14 days of ECMO or until death, decannulation, or oral diet initiation. Outcomes analyzed included mortality and VV ECMO duration. The relationship between nutrition delivery and outcomes was tested with multivariate analysis. Univariate analyses were conducted on obese and nonobese subgroups.

Results

A total of 2044 nutrition days in 178 patients were analyzed. The median estimated needs were 24 (interquartile range: 22.3–28.3) kcal/kg/day and 2.25 (interquartile range: 2.25–2.77) g/kg/day of protein using IBW in patients with obesity and actual weight in patients without obesity. Patients received 83% of energy and 63.3% of protein targets. Patients with obesity who received ≥2 g/kg IBW of protein had a significantly shorter ECMO duration (P = 0.037). Increased protein intake was independently associated with a reduced risk of death (odds ratio: 0.06; 95% confidence interval: 0.01–0.43).

Conclusion

Higher protein intake was associated with reduced mortality. Optimal energy targets for patients receiving ECMO are currently unknown and warrant further study.
Wildlife and public perceptions of opportunities for psychological restoration in local natural settings
Authors: Johansson Maria , Hartig Terry , Frank Jens , Flykt Anders
Published: February 2024

Wildlife might be important to psychologically restorative values and disvalues of nature, as interactions with wildlife could trigger both positive and negative feelings. Research on positive experiences of human–wildlife interactions has largely involved participants who voluntarily sought out wildlife experiences or it has addressed encounters with non‐threatening animals in urban green spaces. Less is known about the opportunities for psychological restoration in landscapes shared with mammals that are perceived to pose a threat to human activities and health.

This study provides a nuanced understanding of the role of wildlife in public perceptions of the restorative potential and experience of psychological restoration in local natural settings.

Twenty‐eight participants (15 women, 13 men, 18–75 years) took part in focus group interviews subject to a reflexive thematic analysis. As an analytical framework, we used a theoretical model for how people appraise the relevance, implications, coping potential and norm congruence of human–wildlife interactions and how such appraisals may support or hinder the restoration experienced in local natural settings.

Relevance appraisals revealed shifts in consideration of the presence of wildlife from an integrated part of the natural scenery (background) to a distinct figure (foreground).

Implication appraisals revealed that wildlife encounters would hinder the experienced psychological restoration if the animal was appraised as dangerous, disgusting, causing a nuisance or destructive. Wildlife encounters would promote restoration if the animal displayed attractive traits, features or fascinating behaviour or movements, and if it opened engaging interaction situations.

Coping strategies perceived as feasible to deal with negative implications of wildlife involved avoidance of the local natural setting, preparatory behaviour displayed before a visit and precautionary behaviour displayed during the visit.

Important public health effects might be gained if wildlife policy and management explicitly consider what animals mean to the perceived restorative potential of local natural settings.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
One‐year status of hepatic venous pressure gradient measurement from 85 hospitals in China
Authors: Wang Jitao , Cui Ting , Zhang Linpeng , Yan Zhiping , Li Lei , Chen Jinjun , Sun Junhui , Xiang Hua , Zhu He , Wu Hao , Gengzang Jiancuo , Zhang Feng , Wu Wei , Cao Guohong , Guo Wuhua , Shi Haibin , Xue Hui , Huang Guangjun , Yu Qiang , Niu Meng , Xiang Huiling , Kong Derun , Gou Wei , Luo Xuefeng , He Fuliang , Yuan Min , Liu Wei , Wang Yong , Hu Hongjie , Zhu Xiaoli , Yu Tao , Sun Qinxue , Qu Wei , Lu Ting , Ma Deqiang , Zhang Li , Ma Jun , Yang Jun , Mu Ketao , Zhu Xiaoliang , Xiong Kai , Ding Huiguo , Yao Shengjuan , Huang Mingsheng , Wang Fang , Wang Zexin , Huang Yong , Li Jianan , Yi Hongfeng , Huang Birun , Zhao Zhongwei , Feng Duiping , Lei Yanming , Hou Changlong , Guo Wenbo , Liu Shirong , Teng Gaojun , Zhu Kangshun , Wu Fan , Hu Xiaogang , Zhang Wenfeng , Yang Shaoqi , Hu Zhouchao , Pang Pengfei , Zhuang Shaowu , Wang Weidong , Zhu Qingliang , Zhang Kunpeng , Liu Chengyu , Li Dongliang , Ma Chao , Jiang Hong , Zhao Xingong , Ren Weixin , Wang Zhiwei , Yu Lei , Lin Fuhuang , Yan Chaoguang , Wang Feng , Yu Lei , Huan Hui , Shen Wenyong , He Shaofei , Zhang Chengda , Bao Jinlun , Liu Jiangtao , Wu Jun , Zhao Jianbo , Zhang Jian , Qi Xiaolong
Published: February 2024

Aims

Surveys and research on the applications of the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) are important for understanding the current status and future development of this technology in China. This article aimed to investigate the status of hepatic venous pressure gradient measurement in China in 2022.

Methods

We investigated the overall status of HVPG technology in China—including hospital distribution, hospital level, annual number of cases, catheters used, average cost, indications, and current challenges by using online questionnaire. By counting the number and percentages of cases of these results, we hope to clarify the current status of HVPG measurements in China.

Results

According to the survey, 85 hospitals in China used HVPG technology in 2022 distributed across 29 provinces. A total of 4989 HVPG measurements were performed in all of the surveyed hospitals in 2022, of which 2813 cases (56.4%) were measured alone. The average cost of HVPG measurement was 5646.8 ± 2327.9 CNY. Of the clinical teams who performed the measurements (sometimes multiple per hospital), 94.3% (82/87) used the balloon method, and the majority of the teams (72.4%, 63/87) used embolectomy catheters.

Conclusions

This survey clarified the clinical application status of HVPG in China and confirmed that some medical institutions in China have established a foundation for this technology. It is still necessary to continue promoting and popularizing this technology in the future.
A review on the effect of ageing on the ballistic properties of solid gun and rocket propellants
Authors: Pettifer Ruth , Tod Dave
Published: February 2024

This review covers the effect of ageing on solid gun and rocket propellants in terms of their ballistic properties. A brief overview of the types of methods, which can be used to determine such parameters, is provided and the literature is described in terms of broad motivation areas for the research. It has been demonstrated that understanding the effects and outputs of propellants, and how these might be affected by ageing, remains an important area of research in the field of energetic materials.
Comparison of the self‐assembly and cytocompatibility of conjugates of Fmoc (9‐fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl) with hydrophobic, aromatic, or charged amino acids
Authors: Castelletto Valeria , de Mello Lucas , da Silva Emerson Rodrigo , Seitsonen Jani , Hamley Ian W.
Published: February 2024

The self‐assembly in aqueous solution of three Fmoc‐amino acids with hydrophobic (aliphatic or aromatic, alanine or phenylalanine) or hydrophilic cationic residues (arginine) is compared. The critical aggregation concentrations were obtained using intrinsic fluorescence or fluorescence probe measurements, and conformation was probed using circular dichroism spectroscopy. Self‐assembled nanostructures were imaged using cryo‐transmission electron microscopy and small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS). Fmoc‐Ala is found to form remarkable structures comprising extended fibril‐like objects nucleating from spherical cores. In contrast, Fmoc‐Arg self‐assembles into plate‐like crystals. Fmoc‐Phe forms extended structures, in a mixture of straight and twisted fibrils coexisting with nanotapes. Spontaneous flow alignment of solutions of Fmoc‐Phe assemblies is observed by SAXS. The cytocompatibility of the three Fmoc‐amino acids was also compared via MTT [3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide] mitochondrial activity assays. All three Fmoc‐amino acids are cytocompatible with L929 fibroblasts at low concentration, and Fmoc‐Arg shows cell viability up to comparatively high concentration (0.63 mM).
Flow and sediment measurement for the Three Gorges Project
Authors: Duan Guanglei , Peng Yanbo
Published: February 2024

Flow and sediment problem is one of the key factors which affect the dispatching operation and life of the Three Gorges Project (TGP). Many approaches have been employed to research the flow and sediment problems of the TGP during its demonstration, planning, design, construction and operation, and many important results have been obtained. To understand the progress of flow and sediment measurement in China's representative projects and the experience of sediment observation in super large reservoirs, the flow and sediment measurement of the TGP is mainly introduced in this paper. It includes the general situation of the TGP, the distribution of the hydrological station network, the measurement factors, the new measurement technology, and the sediment changes in the reservoir and downstream after the impoundment of the TGP. The sediment measurement results show that the basic situation of sediment problems is good, and these sediment problems may probably accumulate, develop, and transform over time, so they should be paid continuous attention.
Surface analysis insight note: Accounting for X‐ray beam damage effects in positive electrode‐electrolyte interphase investigations
Authors: Fantin Roberto , Van Roekeghem Ambroise , Rueff Jean‐Pascal , Benayad Anass
Published: February 2024

We investigated the effects of X‐ray beam damage during X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurement on LiNiO2 electrodes. The degree of damage induced by lab‐based and synchrotron X‐ray radiation has been compared between pristine and cycled electrodes, highlighting the role of positive solid electrode–electrolyte interphase to protect the cycled LiNiO2 surface from beam damage. The possible steps to avoid or at least reduce the beam‐induced effects are outlined.
An Ultrasensitive Ti3C2Tx MXene‐based Soft Contact Lens for Continuous and Nondestructive Intraocular Pressure Monitoring
Authors: Duan Zhongyi , Yuan Miao , Liu Zhiduo , Pei Weihua , Jiang Kai , Li La , Shen Guozhen
Published: February 2024

Wearable soft contact lens sensors for continuous and nondestructive intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring are highly desired as glaucoma and postoperative myopia patients grow, especially as the eyestrain crowd increases. Herein, a smart closed‐loop system is presented that combines a Ti3C2Tx MXene‐based soft contact lens (MX‐CLS) sensor, wireless data transmission units, display, and warning components to realize continuous and nondestructive IOP monitoring/real‐time display. The fabricated MX‐CLS device exhibits an extremely high sensitivity of 7.483 mV mmHg−1, good linearity on silicone eyeballs, excellent stability under long‐term pressure‐release measurement, sufficient transparency with 67.8% transmittance under visible illumination, and superior biocompatibility with no discomfort when putting the MX‐CLS sensor onto the Rabbit eyes. After integrating with the wireless module, users can realize real‐time monitoring and warning of IOP via smartphones, the demonstrated MX‐CLS device together with the IOP monitoring/display system opens up promising platforms for Ti3C2Tx materials as the base for multifunctional contact lens‐based sensors and continuous and nondestructive IOP measurement system.
Supported Ionic Liquid Membrane with Highly‐permeable Polyamide Armor by In Situ Interfacial Polymerization for Durable CO2 Separation
Authors: Xue Yu‐Ren , Liu Chang , Yang Hao‐Cheng , Liang Hong‐Qing , Zhang Chao , Xu Zhi‐Kang
Published: February 2024

Supported ionic liquid membranes (SILMs), owing to their capacities in harnessing physicochemical properties of ionic liquid for exceptional CO2 solubility, have emerged as a promising platform for CO2 extraction. Despite great achievements, existing SILMs suffer from poor structural and performance stability under high‐pressure or long‐term operations, significantly limiting their applications. Herein, a one‐step and in situ interfacial polymerization strategy is proposed to elaborate a thin, mechanically‐robust, and highly‐permeable polyamide armor on the SILMs to effectively protect ionic liquid within porous supports, allowing for intensifying the overall stability of SILMs without compromising CO2 separation performance. The armored SILMs have a profound increase of breakthrough pressure by 105% compared to conventional counterparts without armor, and display high and stable operating pressure exceeding that of most SILMs previously reported. It is further demonstrated that the armored SILMs exhibit ultrahigh ideal CO2/N2 selectivity of about 200 and excellent CO2 permeation of 78 barrers upon over 150 h operation, as opposed to the full failure of CO2 separation performance within 36 h using conventional SILMs. The design concept of armor provides a flexible and additional dimension in developing high‐performance and durable SILMs, pushing the practical application of ionic liquids in separation processes.
Metal–Organic Framework‐Based Nanomaterials for Regulation of the Osteogenic Microenvironment
Authors: Zheng Wenzhuo , Meng Zihan , Zhu Zhou , Wang Xu , Xu Xiangrui , Zhang Yaowen , Luo Yankun , Liu Yanhua , Pei Xibo
Published: February 2024

As the global population ages, bone diseases have become increasingly prevalent in clinical settings. These conditions often involve detrimental factors such as infection, inflammation, and oxidative stress that disrupt bone homeostasis. Addressing these disorders requires exogenous strategies to regulate the osteogenic microenvironment (OME). The exogenous regulation of OME can be divided into four processes: induction, modulation, protection, and support, each serving a specific purpose. To this end, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are an emerging focus in nanomedicine, which show tremendous potential due to their superior delivery capability. MOFs play numerous roles in OME regulation such as metal ion donors, drug carriers, nanozymes, and photosensitizers, which have been extensively explored in recent studies. This review presents a comprehensive introduction to the exogenous regulation of OME by MOF‐based nanomaterials. By discussing various functional MOF composites, this work aims to inspire and guide the creation of sophisticated and efficient nanomaterials for bone disease management.
Layered S‐Bridged Covalent Triazine Frameworks via a Bifunctional Template‐Catalytic Strategy Enabling High‐Performance Zinc‐Ion Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Bei , Qian Yirong , Zhang Jun , Yang Mei , Liu Yijiang , Zhang Shiguo
Published: February 2024

Exploring covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) with high capacitative activity is highly desirable and challenging. Herein, the S‐rich CTFs cathode is pioneeringly introduced in Zn‐ion hybrid supercapacitors (ZSC), achieving outstanding capacity and energy density, and satisfactory anti‐freezing flexibility. Specifically, the S‐bridged CTFs are synthesized by a bifunctional template‐catalytic strategy, where ZnCl2 serves as both the catalyst/solvent and in situ template to construct triazine frameworks with interconnected pores and layered gaps. The resultant CTFs (CTFS‐750) are employed as a reasonable pattern‐like system to more deeply scrutinize the synergistic effect of S‐bridged triazine and layered porous architecture for polymer‐based cathodes in Zn‐ion storage. The experimental results indicate that the adsorption barriers of Zn‐ions on CTFS‐750 are effectively weakened, and accessible Zn2+‐absorption sites provided by the C─S─C and C═N bonds have been confirmed via DFT calculations. Consequently, the CTFS‐750 cathode‐assembled ZSC displays an ultra‐high capacity of 211.6 mAh g−1 at 1.0 A g−1, an outstanding energy density of 202.7 Wh kg−1, and attractive cycling performance. Moreover, the resulting flexible ZSC device shows superior capacity, good adaptability, and satisfactory anti‐freezing behavior. This approach sheds new light on constructing advanced polymer‐based cathodes at the atom level and paves the way for fabricating high‐performance ZSC and beyond.
Glassy State Hydroxide Materials for Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysis
Authors: Wang Jing , Chen Jingyu , Zhang Jian , Gao Qiang , Han Bo , Sun Ruimin , Zhou Chenggang , Cai Zhao
Published: February 2024

Hydroxides are the archetype of layered crystals with metal‐oxygen (M‐O) octahedron units, which have been widely investigated as oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts. However, the better crystallinity of hydroxide materials, the more perfect octahedral symmetry and atomic ordering, resulting in the less exposed metal sites and limited electrocatalytic activity. Herein, a glassy state hydroxide material featuring with short‐range order and long‐range disorder structure is developed to achieve high intrinsic activity for OER. Specifically, a rapid freezing point precipitation method is utilized to fabricate amorphous multi‐component hydroxide. Owing to the freezing‐point crystallization environment and chaotic M‐O (M = Ni/Fe/Co/Mn/Cr etc.) structures, the as‐fabricated NiFeCoMnCr hydroxide exhibit a highly‐disordered glassy structure, as‐confirmed by X‐ray/electron diffraction, enthalpic response, and pair distribution function analysis. The as‐achieved glassy‐state hydroxide materials display a low OER overpotential of 269 mV at 20 mA cm−2 with a small Tafel slope of 33.3 mV dec−1, outperform the benchmark noble‐metal RuO2 catalyst (341 mV, 84.9 mV dec−1) . Operando Raman and density functional theory studies reveal that the glassy state hydroxide converted into disordered active oxyhydroxide phase with optimized oxygen intermediates adsorption under low OER overpotentials, thus boosting the intrinsic electrocatalytic activity.
ZIF‐8@CsPbBr3 Nanocrystals Formed by Conversion of Pb to CsPbBr3 in Bimetallic MOFs for Enhanced Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Guo Sai‐Nan , Wang Dan , Wang Jie‐Xin
Published: February 2024

Perovskite nanocrystals are embedded into metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) to create composites with high light absorption coefficients, tunable electronic properties, high specific surface area, and metal atom tunability for enhanced photocatalytic carban dioxide (CO2) reduction. However, existing perovskite‐MOF structures with a large particle size are achieved based on Pb source adsorption into the pores of MOFs, which can significantly break down the porous structure, thereby resulting in a decreased specific surface area and impacting CO2 adsorption. Herein, a novel perovskite‐MOF structure based on the synthesis of bimetallic Pb‐containing MOFs and post‐processing to convert Pb to CsPbBr3 nanocrystals (NCs) is proposed. It is discovered that the additional Pb is not introduced by adsorption, but instead engages in coordination and generates Pb‐N. The produced ZIF‐8@CsPbBr3 NCs are ≈40 nm and have an ultra‐high specific surface area of 1325.08 m2g−1, and excellent photovoltaic characteristics, which are beneficial for photocatalytic CO2 reduction. The electronic conversion rate of composites is 450 mol g−1h−1, which is more than three times that of pure perovskites. Additionally, the superior reduction capacity is sustained after undergoing four cycles. Density Functional Thoery (DFT) simulations are used to explore the 3D charge density at the ZIF‐8@CsPbBr3 NCs interface to better understand the electrical structure.
Overexpression of YAP confers radioresistance to esophageal cancer by altering the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Yao Guangyue , Shao Mengqing , Nie Yuanliu , Zhang Wentao , Yang Zhe , Li Qiang
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to investigate the role of yes‐associated protein (YAP) in the radiotherapy sensitivity of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The clonogenic ability of ESCC cells was reduced after YAP silencing and radiotherapy. Overexpression of YAP promoted cell survival and had a synergistic effect with the hypoxic microenvironment. YAP was found to directly regulate hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α). Bioinformatics analysis revealed the involvement of YAP in modulating the tumor immune microenvironment. Inhibition of YAP expression reduced myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and influenced the immunosuppressive state, leading to radio resistance. These findings provide insights into the YAP‐HIF‐1α interaction and support YAP as a potential target for enhancing radiotherapy sensitivity in esophageal cancer.
Structured Data and Knowledge in Model-Based Engineering
Authors: Ryckelynck David , Casenave Fabien , Akkari Nissrine
Published: February 2024

Model-based engineering refers to the applied mathematical methods and tools used in the industry in the design processes. In this chapter we introduce how geometrical, thermal and mechanical models are used and combined in complex systems. These models are implemented in computer platforms. They generate structured data that enable engineers to design future products.
Resources: Software and Tutorials
Authors: Ryckelynck David , Casenave Fabien , Akkari Nissrine
Published: February 2024

MORDICUS is the French acronym for “Méthodes d’Ordre RéDuIt Conçues pour des Usages induStriels”, translated to “reduced-order methods designed for industrial usage”. It is the name of a collaborative project that took place from 2018 to 2023, with the objective of developing a standard for a datamodel and basic computational treatment for reduced-order modeling in the French community.
Understanding social and clinical associations with unemployment for people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorders: large-scale health records study
Authors: Chilman Natasha , Laporte Dionne , Dorrington Sarah , Hatch Stephani L. , Morgan Craig , Okoroji Celestin , Stewart Robert , Das-Munshi Jayati
Published: February 2024

Purpose

People with severe mental illness (SMI) experience high levels of unemployment. We aimed to better understand the associations between clinical, social, and demographic inequality indicators and unemployment.

Methods

Data were extracted from de-identified health records of people with SMI in contact with secondary mental health services in south London, UK. A Natural Language Processing text-mining application was applied to extract information on unemployment in the health records. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations with unemployment, in people with SMI.

Results

Records from 19,768 service users were used for analysis, 84.9% (n = 16,778) had experienced unemployment. In fully adjusted models, Black Caribbean and Black African service users were more likely to experience unemployment compared with White British service users (Black Caribbean: aOR 1.62, 95% CI 1.45–1.80; Black African: 1.32, 1.15–1.51). Although men were more likely to have experienced unemployment relative to women in unadjusted models (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.26–1.47), differences were no longer apparent in the fully adjusted models (aOR 1.05, 95% CI 0.97–1.15). The presence of a non-affective (compared to affective) diagnosis (1.24, 1.13–1.35), comorbid substance use (2.02, 1.76–2.33), previous inpatient admissions (4.18, 3.71–4.70), longer inpatient stays (78 + days: 7.78, 6.34–9.54), and compulsory admissions (3.45, 3.04–3.92) were associated with unemployment, in fully adjusted models.

Conclusion

People with SMI experience high levels of unemployment, and we found that unemployment was associated with several clinical and social factors. Interventions to address low employment may need to also address these broader inequalities.
Orientierungswerte in der isometrischen Kraftdiagnostik
Authors: Schröder Jan , Reer Rüdiger
Published: February 2024

Hintergrund

Isometrische Kraftdiagnostik sichert im Rahmen orthopädisch-physiotherapeutischer Interventionen die Qualität der Wirksamkeit von Therapie und Rehabilitation. Zur klinischen Einordnung bedarf es dafür Referenz- oder zumindest Orientierungswerte für jedes einzelne Kraftdiagnosesystem, da direkte Vergleiche problematisch sind. Ob das auch für funktionelle Quotienten gilt, ist bislang kaum untersucht. In dieser Arbeit werden für zwei Kraftdiagnosesysteme Orientierungswerte für die isometrische Maximalkraft der Rumpf- und Kniegelenkbeugung, sowie -streckung und die daraus errechneten funktionellen Quotienten vorgestellt und im Hinblick auf ihre Reproduzierbarkeit und Vergleichbarkeit geprüft.

Methodik

In einer punktuellen Querschnittstudie wurden für 98 gesunde Erwachsene (47 Frauen, Alter 25,7±8,2 Jahre, BMI 23,3±2,6 kg/m2) Orientierungswerte (M, SD, Median, IQR, 5%- und 95%-Perzentile) für die isometrische Maximalkraft und funktionelle Quotienten der Rumpf- und Kniegelenkbeugung bzw. -streckung für zwei Diagnosesysteme (Myoline, Frei medical) ermittelt. Anhand von 20 Probanden (50 % Frauen) wurden gegenseitige Varianzaufklärung (r2) und Reproduzierbarkeit (ICC3.1, SEM, VK%) überprüft.

Ergebnisse

Beide Messsysteme ermöglichen reproduzierbare Krafttests (ICC3.1 0,76–0,95), die Quotienten waren weniger reliabel (ICC3.1 0,62–0,92). Die gegenseitige Varianzaufklärung (r2) der Krafttests variierte stark zwischen 19 und 68 %; für die Quotienten zwischen 5 und 21 %.

Diskussion

Die Testergebnisse der Krafttests von Myoline und Frei medical sind nicht miteinander vergleichbar, was insbesondere auch für die funktionellen Quotienten gilt. Jedes System für sich ist reliabel. Die gerätespezifischen auf das Körpergewicht relativierten Orientierungswerte sind für die Praxis nützlich.
Erfahrungen mit der orthopädischen Einlagenversorgung – Eine Querschnittsstudie
Authors: Stamer Tjorven , Herchenröder Minettchen , Klee Malte W. , Götz Katja , Steinhäuser Jost
Published: February 2024

Hintergrund

Orthopädische Einlagen (OE) werden zur Behandlung einer Vielzahl von Fußproblemen eingesetzt.

Fragestellung

Ziel dieser Querschnittsstudie war es, die Wahrnehmungen zur Versorgung mit OE unter den Herstellern der OE, den Orthopädietechniker*innen (OT), zu untersuchen.

Methodik

OT aus den Bundesländern Schleswig-Holstein und Niedersachsen in Deutschland wurden eingeladen, an einem Fragebogen teilzunehmen. Die Fragen umfassten, unter anderem, die Menge der Verordnungen zur Herstellung einer OE pro Monat sowie die verwendeten Materialien. Es wurden deskriptive Statistiken, Subgruppenanalysen sowie eine lineare Regressionsanalyse durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse

Von den 312 verteilten Fragebögen wurden 159 vollständig ausgefüllt (Rücklaufquote 51 %). Die meisten der Befragten waren männlich (80 %). Das Durchschnittsalter lag bei 50 Jahren. Im Durchschnitt stellten die OT 290 OE pro Monat her, wobei Kunststoff das am häufigsten verwendete Material war (73 %). OT mit einer Berufserfahrung von weniger als 20 Jahren kommen bei der Herstellung von OE eher den ärztlichen Vorgaben nach als OT mit mehr als 20 Jahren Berufserfahrung. Letztere stützen ihre Entscheidungen bei der Herstellung sowie Ausgabe von OE eher auf eigene Erfahrungen.

Schlussfolgerungen

Der Herstellungs- und Ausgabeprozess von OE gestaltet sich im Vergleich der OT unterschiedlich. Verschiedene berufliche Perspektiven der OT könnten hierbei eine Rolle spielen. Ebenso der Mangel eines standardisierten Vorgehens.