bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermodynamics of a scale‐invariant nonlinear sigma model
Authors: Ferrari Gabriel
Published: December 2022

A recently developed variational resummation technique incorporating renormalization group properties has been shown to solve the scale dependence problem that plagues the evaluation of physical observables. This method is used in the present work to evaluate thermodynamical quantities within the two‐dimensional nonlinear sigma model, which shares some features with Yang‐Mills theories like asymptotic freedom, trace anomaly, and the nonperturbative generation of a mass gap. Besides the fact that nonperturbative results can be readily generated solely by considering lowest‐order contributions, we also show that its next‐to‐leading correction indicates convergence to the sought‐after scale invariance.
Maternal first trimester metabolic profile in pregnancies with transposition of the great arteries
Authors: Huida Johanna , Ojala Tiina , Ilvesvuo Johanna , Surcel Heljä‐Marja , Priest James R. , Helle Emmi
Published: December 2022

Background

Higher maternal body mass index (BMI) and abnormal glucose metabolism during early pregnancy are associated with congenital heart defects in the offspring, but the exact mechanisms are unknown.

Methods

We evaluated the association between maternal first trimester metabolic profile and transposition of the great arteries (TGA) in the offspring in a matched case–control study with 100 TGA mothers and 200 controls born in Finland during 2004–2014. Cases and controls were matched by birth year, child sex, and maternal age and BMI. Serum samples collected between 10‐ and 14‐weeks of gestation were analyzed for 73 metabolic measures. Conditional logistic regression was used to assess the risk for TGA in the offspring, and a subgroup analysis among mothers with high BMI was conducted.

Results

Higher concentrations of four subtypes of extremely large very‐low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles and one of large VLDL particles were observed in TGA mothers. This finding did not reach statistical significance after multiple testing correction. The pooled odds ratio (OR) of the all metabolic variables was slightly higher in TGA mothers in the subgroup with maternal BMI over 25 (OR 1.25) and significantly higher in the subgroup with maternal BMI over 30 (OR 1.95) compared to the original population (OR 1.18).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that an abnormal maternal early pregnancy metabolic profile might be associated with TGA in the offspring, especially in obese mothers. A trend indicating altered VLDL subtype composition in TGA pregnancies warrants further research.
Erfahrungen aus der Planung und Prüfung des Rückbaus von Großbrücken
Authors: Lingemann Jan , Sonnabend Stephan
Published: December 2022

Der aktuelle Brückenbestand in Deutschland zeigt u. a. aufgrund des Alters der Bauwerke, der stark gestiegenen Verkehrslasteinwirkungen, des starken Einsatzes von Salz als Taumittel und aufgrund von Abweichung heutiger Bemessungsvorschriften zu früheren Regelwerken teilweise Mängel hinsichtlich des Bauwerkszustands und teilweise auch Defizite hinsichtlich der rechnerischen Tagfähigkeit. Im Zuge des Erhalts der Verkehrsinfrastruktur wurden bereits einige Brücken durch Neubauten ersetzt und auch in Zukunft werden zahlreiche Ersatzneubauten notwendig werden. Der hierbei erforderliche Rückbau von Großbrücken stellt eine komplexe Aufgabe dar. In den vergangenen Jahren wurden bereits einige Großbrücken erfolgreich zurückgebaut und durch Ersatzneubauten ersetzt. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden ausgewählte statische Besonderheiten beim Rückbau von Großbrücken erläutert und Erfahrungen aus zurückliegenden Projekten aufgezeigt.
Drawn to the gloss: Examining the effect of product reflection on product aesthetics
Authors: Sharma Nazuk , Kumar Anand
Published: December 2022

While advertising products with reflections is a common industry practice, this research is the first to investigate their impact on product aesthetics. Reflections are endowed with an inherent shine since they are naturally formed by the interaction of light with an object and a reflecting surface. We draw upon this property along with Evolutionary Psychology (EP) research documenting an intrinsic human attraction towards gloss to predict their positive effect on product aesthetics. Further in line with the EP principles, we propose that this effect is mediated by enhanced pristineness perceptions about the product in the presence of its reflection in the ad. Finally, we draw upon the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) to identify product design complexity as a boundary condition for the positive effect of reflection on product attractiveness perceptions. For a product with relatively high (vs. low) design complexity, with design being the focal aspect that is elaborated via a central route, we predict the effect of a peripheral stylistic cue like product reflection to attenuate. Three experimentally designed studies employing different product types offer empirical support to these predictions. Our work extends prior marketing research studying the effects of executional elements in advertising on consumers' product reactions, particularly the aesthetic impact of product reflections as creative stylistic cues. The managerial implications of this work span both traditional and digital marketing channels. Incorporating a product reflection in advertising can work as an easy‐to‐implement option that can help practitioners elevate product pristineness and aesthetics. On the other hand, avoiding their use when advertising products with relatively complex designs can save both ad space and money.
Two cases of 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT positive Schloffer tumor following curative surgery of colon cancer
Authors: Uehara Hiroki , Hamada Madoka , Hatta Masahiko , Sekimoto Mitsugu , Noda Yuri , Minami Kotaro , Kono Yumiko , Kurokawa Hiroaki
Published: December 2022

We report two cases of Schloffer tumor that required resection after radical colon cancer surgery because of suspected lymph node recurrence on contrast‐enhanced (CE) CT and 18F‐FDG‐PET/CT. Case1 is a 69‐year‐old man with sigmoid colon cancer pStage IIA, and case2 is a 61‐year‐old man with descending colon cancer pStage IIIB.
Rhabdomyolysis secondary to hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae infection: A case report
Authors: Niimi Naoko , Taga Keiko , Miyagami Taiju , Naito Toshio , Mitaka Chieko
Published: December 2022

Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) is recognized as a lifethreatening community‐acquired infection associated with pyogenic liver abscess. However, rhabdomyolysis secondary to hvKP infection is rare. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first case of rhabdomyolysis due to hvKP infection in a patient who survived septic shock syndrome.
Heteroatom Doping Synergistic Iron Nitride Induced Charge Redistribution of Carbon based Electrocatalyst with Boosted Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Guo Yuyu , Xu Dianyu , Li Shuting , Han Jinxi , Yang Qi , Xia Zhengqiang , Xie Gang , Chen Sanping , Gao Shengli
Published: December 2022

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is Achilles’ heel of zinc‐air battery. The ideal electrocatalyst for ORR should combine both high activity and high stability. In order to achieve this goal, a new N, S co‐doped carbon coated Fe3N nanoparticles electrocatalyst with redistributed charge was designed and synthesized. The doping of S elements destroyed the ordered structure of carbon matrix, which cooperated with Fe3N nanoparticles to cause charge redistribution of carbon atoms. Furthermore, the carbon shell protected Fe3N from corrosion during the electrocatalytic process. Fe3N/NSC electrocatalyst showed excellent ORR property withE1/2=0.86 V, and the zinc‐air battery assembled based on it could run stably for more than 650 hours. This work provides a strategy to regulate the redistributed charge of carbon atoms to boost its electrocatalytic activity and stability together.
Full‐Color Emissive D‐D‐A Carbazole Luminophores: Red‐to‐NIR Mechano‐fluorochromism, Aggregation‐Induced Near‐Infrared Emission, and Application in Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Chen Zhao , Qin Huan , Yin Ya , Deng Dian‐dian , Qin Si‐Yong , Li Nan , Wang Kai , Sun Yue
Published: December 2022

The preparation of multifunctionalized luminophores with full‐color emission based on an identical core skeleton is a significative but challenging research topic. In this work, eight donor‐donor‐acceptor (D‐D‐A)‐type luminogens based on a central carbazole core bearing a C6hydrocarbon chain were designed by using different kinds of donor and acceptor units on the left and right, and synthesized in good yields. These D‐D‐A carbazole derivatives display deep‐blue, sky‐blue, cyan, green, yellow‐green, yellow, orange and red fluorescence in the solid state, achieving full‐color emission covering the whole visible light range under UV light illumination. Notably, the dicyano‐functionalized triphenylamine‐containing carbazole derivative exhibits rare aggregation‐induced near‐infrared emission and red‐to‐near‐infrared mechano‐fluorochromism with high contrast beyond 100 nm. Furthermore, the red‐emissive luminogen can serve as a potential candidate for cell imaging and photodynamic therapy (PDT). This work not only provides reference for the construction of full‐color emissive systems but also opens a new avenue to the preparation of multifunctionalized luminophores capable of simultaneous application in near‐Infrared mechanical‐force sensors and PDT fields.
Bimetallic Nickel Complexes Supported by a Planar Macrocyclic Diphosphoranide Ligand
Authors: Delaney Andie R. , Yu Li‐Juan , Doan Vincent , Coote Michelle L. , Colebatch Annie L.
Published: December 2022

Metal‐metal cooperativity is emerging as an important strategy in catalysis. This requires appropriate ligand scaffolds that can support two metals in close proximity. Here we report nickel‐promoted formation of a dinucleating planar macrocyclic ligand that can support bimetallic dinickel(II) and dinickel(I) complexes. Reaction outcomes can be tuned by variation of the substituents and reaction conditions to favour dinucleating macrocyclic, mononucleating macrocyclic or conventional pincer architectures.
First person profile: Alex A. Adjei, MD, PhD
Authors: Nierengarten Mary Beth
Published: December 2022

This news section offers Cancer readers timely information on events, public policy analysis, topical issues, and personalities. In this issue, Alex A. Adjei, MD, PhD, believes that oncology is at the frontier of medicine and that significant scientific advances in cancer therapies over the years are history‐making events. In addition, recent studies show that men with prostate cancer have significantly different gut microbiota than men who do not have prostate cancer, and that messenger RNA COVID‐19 vaccines are safe for people with cancer undergoing immunotherapy.
Global, regional and national burden, incidence, and mortality of cervical cancer
Authors: Momenimovahed Zohre , Mazidimoradi Afrooz , Maroofi Parang , Allahqoli Leila , Salehiniya Hamid , Alkatout Ibrahim
Published: December 2022

Aim

Among gynecological cancers, cervical cancer is the most common cause of cancer‐related death in developing countries. This study analyzes the incidence, mortality, and burden of cervical cancer using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 study.

Materials and Methods

The GBD (2019) data on cervical cancer was extracted from the Global Health Data Exchange (GHDx) query tool. Age‐standardized rate (ASR) incidence, deaths, lost years of life (YLLs), years of life with disabilities (YLDs), and adjusted years of life with disabilities (DALYs) of cervical cancer in women were extracted. Data were extracted globally for 204 countries and groups based on a socio‐demographic index (SDI), World Health Organization (WHO) regions, continents, World Bank regions, and 22 GBD regions.

Results

The higher standardized age incidence of cervical cancer is in lower SDI countries, Africa, the African region (According to the WHO), and Sub‐Saharan Africa (According to GBD regions). The highest deaths of ASR is in countries with low SDI, low‐income group, Africa, the African region (According to the World Health Organization), and Sub‐Saharan Africa (According to GBD regions). According to SDI classification, the highest DALYs ASR is in low SDI countries, World Bank Low‐income countries, African and then American continents, African region, Sub‐Saharan Africa, and then Latin America & Caribbean‐WB (Based on GBD regions).

Conclusion

In 2019, incidence, mortality, and DALYs of cervical cancer mostly affected countries with lower socioeconomic status. Given that cervical cancer is highly preventable, access to screening services and the presence of trained and knowledgeable health care staff can reduce illness, suffering, and death caused by this malignancy. It is recommended to use the national and international potentials to reduce the incidence of this malignancy.
Mixed neuroendocrine carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma in the liver
Authors: Tanaka Haruka , Sugo Hiroyuki , Iwanaga Naoki , Machida Michio , Watanobe Ikuo , Okubo Hironao , Hotchi Shiori , Ogura Kanako
Published: December 2022

Background

Mixed neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is extremely rare, thus radiological features have not been fully clarified.

Case

A male patient (age: 70 years) visited our hospital due to a tumor in the liver. Examination using contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed a tumor (diameter: 5.0 cm) in hepatic segment 5, with early enhancement of the peripheral area and slight internal heterogeneous enhancement in the arterial and delayed phases, respectively. F‐18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)‐positron emission tomography (PET)/CT revealed intratumoral heterogeneity, characterized by increased uptake (standardized uptake value, 12.10) in the corresponding low‐density area detected using enhanced CT relative to the surrounding areas of the tumor. On magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion‐weighted imaging also showed high intensity in the corresponding low‐density area detected using CT. Preoperatively, the patient was diagnosed with HCC and underwent anterior sectionectomy. Pathological findings revealed both HCC and NEC components, and the patient was diagnosed with mixed NEC and HCC. Comparison of component distribution with FDG‐PET/CT revealed an increased uptake area was congruent with the NEC component in the tumor.

Conclusion

In this case, the difference in tumor components affected the uptake in FDG‐PET/CT. Such heterogeneous uptake with an enhanced spot may be useful for suspecting the presence of mixed NEC and HCC in patients with atypical HCC.
An intelligent signboard to assign the speed limit on ways using ANN
Authors: Javadian Mohammad , Hayati Sajad , Ghasemi Vahid
Published: December 2022

This study incorporates artificial neural network (ANN) modeling to design an intelligent road signboard that uses internet of things (IoT) technology to assign the speed limit on interurban highways. The appropriate speed limit must be determined by traffic police experts based on weather conditions and times of the day. Here, an intelligent IoT‐based signboard is proposed to announce speed limits on roadways considering some effective parameters, such as temperature, humidity, time, and light. The signboard receives environmental data through its sensors and uses artificial neural networks to compute the speed limit. A feed‐forward neural network (FFNN) is provided as the most reliable model. A hybrid training method based on gray wolf optimization and Bayesian regularization is also developed to enhance model performance. The proposed hybrid model converges with an error of less than 3.0% to expert opinion. The model equations are extracted for use in a microcontroller that calculates a safe speed limit based on weather conditions. Additionally, the underlying IoT technology has enabled the police station to remotely monitor and control the developed system. Experimental results demonstrate the reliability of the designed signboard. In all experimental cases, the computed speed limits were in coincidence with the expert's estimations.
Enhanced Catalytic Activity of Modified ZSM‐5 Towards Glucose Isomerization to Fructose
Authors: Gautam Rahul , Pal Priyanka , Saravanamurugan Shunmugavel
Published: December 2022

The present study focuses on generating mesopores within H−ZSM‐5 (H−Z) zeolite via desilication and dealumination to incorporate Lewis acidic metal, such as Sn, into the framework (Sn4ZS180A15) to catalyse glucose isomerisation. Sn4ZS180A15 possesses enhanced surface area (457 m2 g−1), mesopore volume (0.585 cm3 g−1) and a high weak‐medium to strong acidic sites ratio, compared to parent H−Z (395 m2 g−1; 0.174 cm3 g−1). DRS‐UV‐Vis and XPS results corroborate Sn incorporation into the framework of Sn4ZS180A15, based on the absorbance peak around 200–220 nm and peaks appearing at 495.8 and 487.4 eV, respectively. Sn4ZS180A15 exhibits higher catalytic activity towards glucose isomerisation in ethanol−water at 110 °C, yielding 44.2 % fructose with 80.0 % selectivity. Conversely, the parent H−Z afforded negligible glucose conversion with a fructose yield of <1 % under identical conditions. Moreover, Sn‐incorporated on dealuminated (Sn4ZS0A15) and desilicated (Sn4ZS180A0) catalysts give a low yield of fructose (7–10 %), signifying the requirement of the desilication‐dealumination process before incorporating Sn into the framework.
Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline Mesophases of Lithium Dihydrogen Phosphate and 10‐Lauryl Ether Stabilized with Water or Phosphoric Acid
Authors: Topuzlu Ezgi Yılmaz , Ulgut Burak , Dag Ömer
Published: December 2022

The molten phase of transition metal and lithium salts self‐assemble with non‐ionic surfactants to form lyotropic liquid crystalline (LLC) mesophases, which are important in the development of gel‐electrolytes and mesoporous materials. Here, we show that LiH2PO4 forms a semi‐stable LLC mesophase with 10‐lauryl ether (C12H25(OCH2CH2)10OH, C12E10), decoded as Li−EO−X (X is LiH2PO4/C12E10 mole ratio and between 2 and 200). The stability of the Li−EO−X phase is improved by increasing salt concentration (X>20) in the media. The semi‐stable Li−EO−X mesophase is further stabilized by adding either water by controlling the humidity or H3PO4 (PA) to the media. The phase behaviour of the above samples was investigated using POM, XRD, conductivity, and ATR‐FTIR measurements. The addition of PA not only brings stability and higher conductivity (increase from 0.1 to 8.9 mS/cm) to the mesophase but also produce an LLC gel‐electrolyte with a high buffer capacity that may be useful and important in various applications.
Circularly Polarized Luminescent Bis(Boron Difluoride) Complexes with Chiral Schiff‐base Ligands
Authors: Ikeshita Masahiro , Oka Taichi , Kitahara Maho , Imai Yoshitane , Tsuno Takashi
Published: December 2022

The syntheses, structures, and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) properties of bis(boron difluoride) complexes with chiral Schiff‐base ligands are described herein. A series of chiral Schiff‐base bis(boron difluoride) complexes based on the naphthalene backbone were prepared by reacting BF3⋅OEt2with the corresponding precursors, and the molecular structures were identified by NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. These complexes exhibited efficient photoluminescence in dilute solution with high emission quantum yields (Φ) up to 0.99. The circularly polarized luminescence properties of the molecules were also investigated. Compared to solution, in the KBr dispersed pellet state the absolute value of the luminescence dissymmetry factor (glum) was significantly increased up to 1.2×10−2. The photophysical properties were further investigated by means of DFT calculations.
UAV‐based LoRaWAN flying gateway for the internet of flying things
Authors: Moheddine Aya , Patrone Fabio , Marchese Mario
Published: December 2022

The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the paradigms related to the evolution of telecommunication networks which is contributing to the evolution of numerous use cases, such as smart city and smart agriculture. However, the current communication infrastructure and wireless communication technologies are not always able to guarantee a proper service for these IoT scenarios. Smart solutions are needed to overcome current terrestrial network limitations offering a cost‐effective way to extend the current terrestrial network coverage. For example, temporary extensions “on‐request” of the terrestrial infrastructure may be a viable solution to allow collecting data generated by nodes outside the current network coverage. Flying objects can help achieve this goal. Various studies supported the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as intermediate nodes between IoT devices and the network. However, such solutions have not been exhaustively tested yet in real‐case scenarios. This paper proposes an efficient solution to collect data from multiple IoT sensors in rural and remote areas based on UAVs. It describes the implementation of the proposed UAV‐based Long RangeWide Area Network (LoRaWAN) flying gateway able to collect data directly from LoRaWAN sensors during its flight, keep them stored in an onboard memory, and forward them at the end of its flying path to a platform where the authorized users can access them. A prototype of the gateway has been developed to assess the proposed solution through both indoor and outdoor tests aiming to test its feasibility both in terms of communication performance and UAV‐required hardware resources.
Exceptional preservation in Quaternary Atacama Desert Tufas: Evidence for increased groundwater and surface water in the Calama Basin, Atacama, Chile
Authors: de Wet Carol , Driscoll Elizabeth , de Wet Andrew , Godfrey Linda , Jordan Teresa , Luethje Melina , Caterham Catherine , Mortlock Richard
Published: December 2022

Exceptionally well‐preserved tufas located west of Calama, Atacama Desert, Chile, designated Santa Juana tufas, record episodic wetter conditions, relative to today, over the past 500,000 years. Globally, tufa architecture and depositional details are poorly understood as most described tufas have been degraded by weathering and erosion. In the hyperarid Atacama, post‐depositional alteration is negligible, therefore, the exceptional preservation of Santa Juana tufas documented in this study provides new information about tufa facies and their complex interactions. Santa Juana facies include microbial stromatolites, phytoherms, cascadestone, flowstone and porous limestone. Phytoherms, consisting of former plant stems coated with calcite, developed in channels, within pools, and along spring discharge aprons. Cascadestone, representing former waterfalls, preserves microbial filaments and delicate V‐shaped calcite crystals. Flowstone lines shallow subvertical to subhorizontal channels, representing sites of rapidly sluicing water flow. Porous limestone, containing sparse calcite and/or gypsum and anhydrite cement crystals, represents detrital accumulations. Stable isotope results, coupled with U/Th ages, show that by the Quaternary, relative to the Neogene, groundwater was less supercharged with volcanogenic CO2 so degassing was moderated. The δ18O ratios from Miocene–Pliocene palustrine and lacustrine freshwater carbonates that underlie Santa Juana tufas indicate significant evaporation, but the tufa δ18O signal indicates a less evaporative trend due to shorter atmosphere exposure time. Biological fractionation in δ13C is largely masked by the region's volcanogenic carbon footprint, although tufa petrography shows well‐preserved microbial filaments and laminations. The range of tufa ages in this study shows that there were wetter time periods within the drainage basin headwater area in the Quaternary, but that by the late Pleistocene to early Holocene, aridity to hyperaridity became established. The lack of diagenesis or alteration within the Santa Juana tufas indicates that there has been minimal rainfall since their deposition.
Butterflies teach beautiful lessons about leadership
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: December 2022

I've lived an hour away from Callaway Gardens in Georgia for over 20 years now. I've driven past the gates numerous times but never stopped.
South American Dry Chaco rangelands: Positive effects of cattle trampling and transit on ecohydrological functioning
Authors: Magliano Patricio N. , Breshears David D. , Murray Francisco , Niborski Marcos J. , Nosetto Marcelo D. , Zou Chris B. , Jobbágy Esteban G.
Published: December 2022

Livestock production in drylands requires consideration of the ecological applications of ecohydrological redistribution of water. Intensive cattle trampling and the associated increase of surface runoff are common concerns for rangeland productivity and sustainability. Here, we highlight a regional livestock production system in which cattle trails and trampling surrounding an artificial impoundment are purposely managed to enhance redistribution and availability of water for cattle drinking. Based on literature synthesis and field measurements, we first describe cattle production systems and surface water redistribution in the Dry Chaco rangelands of South America, and then develop a conceptual framework to synthesize the ecohydrological impacts of livestock production on these ecosystems. Critical to this framework is the pioshere—a degraded overgrazed and overtrampled area where vegetation has difficulties growing, usually close to the water points. The Dry Chaco rangelands have three key distinctive characteristics associated with the flat sedimentary environment lacking fresh groundwater and the very extensive ranching conditions: (1) cattle drinking water is provided by artificial impoundments filled by runoff, (2) heavy trampling around the impoundment and its adjacent areas generates a piosphere that favors runoff toward the impoundment, and (3) the impoundment, piosphere, and extensive forage areas are hydrologically connected with a network of cattle trails. We propose an ecohydrological framework where cattle transit and trampling alter the natural water circulation of these ecosystems, affecting small fractions of the landscape through increased runoff (compaction in piosphere and trails), surface connectivity (convergence of trails to piosphere to impoundment), and ponding (compaction of the impoundment floor) that operate together making water harvesting and storage possible. These effects have likely generated a positive water feedback on the expansion of livestock in the region with a relatively low impact on forage production. We highlight the role of livestock transit as a geomorphological agent capable of reshaping the hydrology of flat sedimentary rangelands in ways that can be managed positively for sustainable ranching systems. We suggest that the Dry Chaco offers an alternative paradigm for rangelands in which cattle trampling may contribute to sustainable seminatural production systems with implications for other dry and flat rangelands of the world.
Lung diffusion capacity correlates with pre‐implant pulmonary hypertension and predicts outcome after LVAD implantation
Authors: Macera Francesca , Dewachter Céline , Stefanidis Constantin , Vanden Eynden Frédéric , Bondue Antoine , Vachiéry Jean‐Luc , Roussoulières Ana
Published: December 2022

Aims

Diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) reduction is common in heart failure (HF) and is associated with a worse prognosis. Correlations between DLCO and pulmonary hypertension (PH) are unclear, and published data are conflicting; it has been shown that DLCO impairment may persist or even worsen after normalization of pulmonary pressures following left ventricle assist device (LVAD) implantation, maybe reflecting persistent pulmonary damage. We aimed to investigate the impact of pre‐implant DLCO and central haemodynamics on outcome in patients with advanced HF implanted with a LVAD.

Methods and results

We retrospectively analysed pre‐implant and post‐implant data from 42 patients implanted with a LVAD at our institution.

Out of 42 patients, 35 had post‐capillary PH before implantation, including 17 with combined post‐ and pre‐capillary PH (Cpc‐PH). Median DLCO was 59% (IQR 47–68%), and it inversely correlated with pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (P 0.037) and diastolic pulmonary gradient (DPG) (P 0.042).

Compared with baseline, LVAD resulted in improvement in LV diameter (LVDd, P < 0.001), mitral regurgitation (P 0.022), and PH (mPAP 24 vs. 36 mmHg, P < 0.001; PAWP 12 vs. 23 mmHg, P 0.001; pulmonary artery compliance, CPA 3.1 vs. 1.9 mL/mmHg, P 0.021).

Lower DLCO and Cpc‐PH at baseline were associated with a better LV reverse remodelling post‐implantation (P 0.027 for LVDd) but also with a smaller gain in CPA (P 0.049).

Conclusions

Before LVAD implantation, DLCO impairment is associated with higher PVR and DPG, suggesting that it might be an expression of persistent pulmonary damage occurring in Cpc‐PH.

After LVAD implantation, both LV dimension and haemodynamics improve. Lower pre‐implant DLCO is associated with better LV reverse remodelling.
Playing to their strengths: Can focusing on typical in‐group strengths be detrimental to people of colour?
Authors: Debrosse Régine
Published: December 2022

With increasing awareness about racism, portrayals of communities of colour are shifting away from negative representations. Emphasizing their strengths could counter negative stereotypes about who they are and low expectations for who they can be, but could also backfire. In two experiments centring adolescents (n = 198) and adults of colour (n = 321), the effect of reflecting on a typical strength was moderated by perceived misalignments between racial/ethnic and ideal future selves (i.e., ethnic–ideal self‐discrepancy). For participants perceiving them as aligned, reflecting on a typical in‐group strength reduced actual–ideal self‐discrepancy. However, for participants perceiving them as misaligned, reflecting on a typical in‐group strength increased actual–ideal self‐discrepancy. Reflecting on a typical strength also indirectly influenced engagement, through actual–ideal self‐discrepancy. Reflecting on an atypical in‐group strength did not yield significant effects. Thus, emphasizing typical aspects of stigmatized communities, even when positive, sometimes impede identity and motivation.
Investigation of the Interactions between Refrigerant, Flowsheet, and Compressor in Residential Heat Pumps
Authors: Höges Christoph , Roskosch Dennis , Brach Jona , Vering Christian , Venzik Valerius , Müller Dirk
Published: December 2022

The refrigerant used in heat pumps significantly influences the overall system performance. However, selecting a proper refrigerant is no trivial matter due to the heat pumps’ sensitivity to the selected flowsheet, components, and operating conditions. Herein, a holistic approach is used that covers all these interdependencies simultaneously considering the flowsheet, fluid‐dependent compressor efficiencies, and the operating point. Six low global warming potential (GWP<150) refrigerants are investigated, which include pure fluids, azeotropic mixtures, and zeotropic mixtures from different substance groups. For four flowsheets, the seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP) by EN 14825 is calculated and serves as the assessment metric. The case study is based on typical conditions of residential heat pumps. The results show that the SCOPs substantially differ depending on the refrigerant and the flowsheet (reaching from 3.8 to 4.6). Differences in the performance of refrigerants for an equal flowsheet are mainly driven by compressor efficiency. However, these differences can be overcome by adjusting the flowsheet. In particular, when an internal heat exchanger is added, the refrigerant ranking is substantially changed. It is shown that R436A, which is inferior to R290 for the basic cycle, benefits more from an internal heat exchanger and reaches a competitive SCOP than R290.
The efficacy and safety of ginger supplementation in patients with multiple sclerosis: A rationale and study protocol for a double‐blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Foshati Sahar , Poursadeghfard Maryam , Heidari Zahra , Amani Reza
Published: December 2022

Background and Aims

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease characterized by axonal damage, demyelination, inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune cell infiltration. This disease is the first cause of nontraumatic disability in young adults leading to a decline in patients' quality of life. Patients with MS may also suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms due to the disease or prescription drugs. Unfortunately, no treatment for MS has been discovered yet, and prescribed drugs can only help control its clinical course. Interestingly, recent animal studies have shown positive effects of ginger administration in the MS model. Therefore, we aim to determine the effect of ginger supplementation on neurofilament light chain, matrix metalloproteinase‐9, interleukin‐17, nitric oxide, complete and differential blood counts, disability status, quality of life, gastrointestinal symptoms, and body mass index (BMI) in MS patients.

Methods

This study is a double‐blind randomized controlled trial. Fifty‐two patients with relapsing‐remitting MS will be assigned to intervention and control groups using stratified permuted block randomization. The intervention and control groups will take 1500 mg/day ginger and placebo (as corn) supplements for 12 weeks, respectively. All outcomes will be assessed before and after the trial. Serum concentrations of neurofilament light chain, matrix metalloproteinase‐9, and interleukin‐17 will be measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Nitric oxide serum levels will be detected using colorimetry. Complete and differential blood counts will be assessed by an automated hematology analyzer. Disability status, quality of life, and gastrointestinal symptoms will be evaluated by the Expanded Disability Status Scale, MS Impact Scale, and Visual Analog Scale, respectively. BMI will be calculated by dividing weight in kilograms by height in meters squared. Potential side effects of ginger supplementation will also be closely monitored during the study.

Trial Registration

This protocol was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir) under the registration number IRCT20180818040827N3.
Problematic internet use and depressive symptoms among the school‐going adolescents in Bangladesh during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional study findings
Authors: Islam Md. Rabiul , Tushar Md. Ismail , Tultul Papia Sen , Akter Rabeya , Sohan Md. , Anjum Ramisa , Roy Arpita , Hossain Md. Jamal , Rahman Md. Ashrafur , Nahar Zabun , Shahriar Mohammad , Bhuiyan Mohiuddin Ahmed
Published: December 2022

Background and Aims

Problematic internet use (PIU) by children and adolescents is a concern for many parents. Several factors, including students’ education level, the method of instruction, the dependence on the internet, and their intended use of the internet, could all be contributing factors to PIU and depression. Disturbed mental health may be attributed to the cancellation of physical education classes because of the COVID‐19 outbreak. This study aimed to assess the association of COVID‐19 pandemic with PIU and depressive symptoms in adolescent students.

Methods

We performed this cross‐sectional study among 491 school‐going adolescents of 10 to 16 years. Self‐administered questionnaires were applied to collect sociodemographic information and the internet usage pattern of the participants. We measured the prevalence of PIU and depressive symptoms using the PIU questionnaire (PIUQ‐SF‐6) and patient health questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9).

Results

The estimations of the risk group for PIU and depressive symptoms among school‐going adolescents were 80.04% and 77.80%, respectively. The latent profiling of PIU scores for obsession, neglect, and control sub‐groups were 5.82, 6.12, and 6.35, respectively. Moreover, we observed mild, moderate, and severe depressive symptoms in 48.68%, 27.70%, and 1.43% of cases. Age, education level, medium of education, financial impression, internet connection, the device used, the purpose for internet use, and the living status of respondents were significantly associated with the PIU. Reported mental health issues was associated with education level, medium of education, financial impression, and internet connection.

Conclusion

The present study revealed an association of PIU and depressive symptoms with sociodemographic factors and internet usage patterns. Therefore, these results might have practical implications in clinical psychology, psychiatry, and psychotherapy. The healthcare professional can develop a context‐specific comprehensive clinical intervention plan for children and adolescents.
Survey of critical care pharmacists on sedation and analgesia practices in adult and pediatric patients receiving continuous neuromuscular blocking agents
Authors: Kenneally Allison M. , Behal Michael L. , Beckman Elizabeth J. , Mefford Breanne M.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

There is a lack of recommendations regarding sedation/analgesia practices for patients receiving continuous or frequent boluses of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs), which may cause variation among different clinical practice sites.

Objectives

The primary objective of this study was to determine critical care pharmacist's perceptions and practices regarding sedation/analgesia for patients receiving NMBAs and to compare sedation/analgesia regimens among adult and pediatric populations.

Methods

A 10‐question survey was provided to critical care pharmacists regarding practice site, comfort using NMBAs, and monitoring practices. Respondents could select all sedation/analgesia regimens they commonly see, would recommend, and would consider inappropriate. Responses from adult and pediatric pharmacists were compared.

Results

Of the 2435 pharmacists who received the survey, 192 (7.9%) completed the survey. Most respondents practiced in the United States (97.9%), cared for adult patients (60.7%), and worked in a medical intensive care unit (ICU) (81.3%). Most respondents reported monitoring sedation depth (82.6%) with vitals (49%) and bispectral index (30.3%) being the most common methods. The most commonly observed regimens were continuous infusion (CI) benzodiazepine and CI opioid (n = 114, 66.7%), followed by propofol and CI opioid (n = 104, 60.8%). These were also the most commonly recommended regimens (n = 102, 59.6%; n = 108, 63.2%), respectively. Most respondents would not recommend monotherapy regimens. Dexmedatomidine was utilized and recommended significantly more by pediatric pharmacists while propofol was utilzied and recommended more by adult pharmaicsts. Regimens deemed inappropriate were similar between adult and pediatric pharmacists except for dexmedetomidine‐containing regimens which significantly more adult pharmacists deemed inappropriate.

Conclusion

Despite a lack of guideline recommendations, use of combination therapy with sedation/analgesia was frequently reported; however, the choice of sedation agent was variable. Given concern with the inability to achieve deep sedation with dexmedetomidine and a high response rate recommending/utilizing dexmedetomidine, further research is needed to guide recommendations for providing appropriate sedation/analgesia to patients receiving NMBAs.
Peer learning can modify the reciprocal relationship between peer support and victimization in middle school
Authors: Low Sabina , Van Ryzin Mark J. , Roseth Cary J.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

This research investigated how peer victimization and support are reciprocally related and how Cooperative Learning (CL) can reverse the progressive cascade that, unchecked, can culminate in youth mental health problems.

Methods

The sample (N = 1890; 53% male) was derived from a randomized trial of CL in 15 middle schools in the United States. Students were recruited in the 7th grade. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to fit our cross‐lag difference score model across four waves of data.

Results

The results indicated a reciprocal relationship between peer support and victimization across time, suggesting the potential for negative experiences with peers to become amplified over time in a “vicious cycle,” negatively impacting mental health. Students in intervention schools reported significantly higher levels of peer support and lower levels of victimization, suggesting that CL can intervene in this cycle, with salutary effects on mental health; CL also demonstrated direct effects on mental health.

Conclusions

The present study indicates that low peer support can be both a precursor to and an outcome of victimization, serving to maintain a vicious cycle that compounds negative effects on student mental health. Further, results demonstrate how CL can reverse this cycle. We conclude that CL can be of particular importance to the prevention field as a universal mental health program that does not require the associated stigma of identifying youth at elevated risk for referral to treatment programs.
Safety evaluation of Veillonella atypica FB0054 with genotoxicity and subchronic toxicological studies
Authors: Preece Kayla E. , Glávits Róbert , Murbach Timothy S. , Endres John R. , Hirka Gábor , Vértesi Adél , Béres Erzsébet , Szakonyiné Ilona Pasics
Published: December 2022

Veillonella atypica is a nonmotile, nonsporulating anaerobic bacteria commonly found in various human biofilms. V. atypica FB0054 was isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of marathon runners, who have increased amounts of this species after athletic events. Interestingly, the consumption of this strain by rodents has been shown to increase their treadmill endurance, leading to the hypothesis that consumption of this species may improve athletic performance in humans as well. Further evaluation, in humans, of the usefulness of this strain should be preceded by safety studies. Therefore, the genotoxic and subchronic toxicological potential was evaluated as a contribution to this effort. Genotoxicity investigation was performed using the in vivo comet assay and in vivo mammalian micronucleus assay due to the anaerobic characteristic of the strain. A 90‐day, repeated‐dose oral toxicity study was performed in rats up to 2200 mg/kg bw/d to investigate general toxicity and identify any target organs. Mitsuoka buffer, a solution shown to preserve the viability of anaerobic bacteria, was used as the vehicle. All three studies revealed no toxicological effects from exposure to FB0054 was isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of marathon runners, who have increased amounts of this species after athletic events. Interestingly, the consumption of this strain by rodents has been shown to increase their treadmill endurance, leading to the hypothesis that consumption of this species may improve athletic performance in humans as well. Further evaluation, in humans, of the usefulness of this strain should be preceded by safety studies. Therefore, the genotoxic and subchronic toxicological potential was evaluated as a contribution to this effort. Genotoxicity investigation was performed using the in vivo comet assay and in vivo mammalian micronucleus assay due to the anaerobic characteristic of the strain. A 90‐day, repeated‐dose oral toxicity study was performed in rats up to 2200 mg/kg bw/d to investigate general toxicity and identify any target organs. Mitsuoka buffer, a solution shown to preserve the viability of anaerobic bacteria, was used as the vehicle. All three studies revealed no toxicological effects from exposure to FB0054 at the highest doses tested.
HTLV‐1 persistent infection and ATLL oncogenesis
Authors: Zuo Xiaorui , Zhou Ruoning , Yang Sikai , Ma Guangyong
Published: December 2022

Human T‐cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) is an oncogenic retrovirus; whereas HTLV‐1 mainly persists in the infected host cell as a provirus, it also causes a malignancy called adult T‐cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) in about 5% of infection. HTLV‐1 replication is in most cases silent in vivo and viral de novo infection rarely occurs; HTLV‐1 rather relies on clonal proliferation of infected T cells for viral propagation as it multiplies the number of the provirus copies. It is mechanistically elusive how leukemic clones emerge during the course of HTLV‐1 infection in vivo and eventually cause the onset of ATLL. This review summarizes our current understanding of HTLV‐1 persistence and oncogenesis, with the incorporation of recent cutting‐edge discoveries obtained by high‐throughput sequencing.
METTL3 is aberrantly expressed in endometriosis and suppresses proliferation, invasion, and migration of endometrial stromal cells
Authors: Zhang Qian‐Chen
Published: December 2022

Endometriosis (EM) is one of the leading gynecological disorders, and associated with excessive functioning of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs). The current study was conducted to determine the expression and role of methyltransferase‐like 3 (METTL3) in the proliferation, invasion, and migration of ESCs in EM. The documented expression levels of METTL3, microRNA (miR)‐21‐5p, and WNT inhibitory factor 1 (WIF1) in eutopic (Eut) and ectopic (Ect) endometrial tissues and ESCs were determined by a combination of real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assay. After transfection with pcDNA3.1‐METTL3, miR‐21‐5p mimic, and WIF1 small interfering RNA, cell counting kit‐8, colony formation, and Transwell assays were performed in the Ect ESCs (Ect‐ESCs). Subsequently, the binding of miR‐21‐5p to METTL3 was analyzed, along with quantification of the N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) level, the enrichments of METTL3 and m6A on WIF1, and the mRNA stability of WIF1. In our findings, METTL3 was downregulated in the EM tissues and cells. METTL3 overexpression intrinsically reduced the proliferation, invasion, and migration of Ect‐ESCs. miR‐21‐5p inhibited the METTL3 expression while METTL3 enhanced the mRNA stability and expression of WIF1 via m6A modification. Additionally, a negative correlation of METTL3 was identified with miR‐21‐5p along with a positive correlation with the WIF1 mRNA in EM tissues. The miR‐21‐5p overexpression or WIF1 downregulation enhanced the proliferation, invasion, and migration of Ect‐ESCs. Collectively, miR‐21‐5p inhibited the METTL3‐mediated m6A modification and mRNA stability of WIF1, thereby facilitating the proliferation, invasion, and migration of Ect‐ESCs.
Synthesis of PMMA Nanoparticles Loaded with Geopropolis Extract from the Brazilian Stingless Bee Melipona quadrifasciata Lepeletier, 1836 by Miniemulsion Polymerization
Authors: da Silva Thiago S. , Nogueira André L. , Lafratta Fernando H.
Published: December 2022

The present work aims to encapsulate the concentrated geopropolis extract from the Brazilian stingless bee Melipona quadrifasciata quadrifasciata Lepeletier, 1836 in poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles produced by miniemulsion polymerization. The concentrated geopropolis extract is obtained by hydroalcoholic maceration and characterized by ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry (UV–Vis) to quantify flavonoids and polyphenols in terms of quercetin (Q) and galic acid (GA), respectively. The PMMA‐Propolis nanoparticles is characterized by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), UV–Vis and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR1H). UV–Vis results of the geopropolis extract revealed an average flavonoid content of 22.51 mg Q g–1 and an average polyphenol content of 10.15 mg GA g–1. TEM images showed that the produced PMMA nanoparticles are spherical, and their average diameter reduced from 72.62 to 44.60 nm by increasing the propolis concentration from 0% to 40%. Additionally, the kinetic data reveal a reduction of the polymerization reaction rate as well as the average molecular weight when raising the propolis extract concentration in the reaction media. These results suggest that propolis extract may be used as a biocompatible and biodegradable co‐stabilizer and chain transfer agent in miniemulsion polymerization reactions of vinyl monomers.