bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular health‐related quality of life in cancer: a prospective study comparing the ESC HeartQoL and EORTC QLQ‐C30 questionnaire
Authors: Anker Markus S. , Potthoff Sophia K. , Lena Alessia , Porthun Jan , Hadzibegovic Sara , Evertz Ruben , Denecke Corinna , Fröhlich Ann‐Kathrin , Sonntag Frederike , Regitz‐Zagrosek Vera , Rosen Stuart D. , Lyon Alexander R. , Lüscher Thomas F. , Spertus John A. , Anker Stefan D. , Karakas Mahir , Bullinger Lars , Keller Ulrich , Landmesser Ulf , Butler Javed , von Haehling Stephan
Published: June 2023

Aims

Health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is highly relevant in cancer and often assessed with the EORTC QLQ‐C30. Cardiovascular HRQoL in cancer can be measured with the ESC HeartQoL questionnaire. We compared these instruments and examined their prognostic value.

Methods and results

Summary scores for EORTC QLQ‐C30 (0–100 points) and ESC HeartQoL (0–3 points) questionnaires were prospectively assessed in 290 patients with mostly advanced cancer (stage 3/4: 81%, 1‐year mortality: 36%) and 50 healthy controls (similar age and sex). Additionally, physical function and activity assessments were performed. Both questionnaires demonstrated reduced HRQoL in patients with cancer versus controls (EORTC QLQ‐C30: 67 ± 20 vs. 91 ± 11, p < 0.001; ESC HeartQoL: 1.8 ± 0.8 vs. 2.7 ± 0.4, p < 0.001). The instruments were strongly correlated with each other (summary scores [r = 0.76], physical [r = 0.81], and emotional subscales [r = 0.75, all p < 0.001]) and independently associated with all‐cause mortality (best cut‐offs: EORTC QLQ‐C30 <82.69: hazard ratio [HR] 2.33, p = 0.004; ESC HeartQoL <1.50: HR 1.85, p = 0.004 – adjusted for sex, age, left ventricular ejection fraction, N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide [NT‐proBNP], high‐sensitivity troponin T, cancer stage/type), with no differences in the strength of the association by sex (p‐interaction > 0.9). Combining both questionnaires identified three risk groups with highest mortality in patients below both cut‐offs (vs. patients above both cut‐offs: HR 3.60, p < 0.001). Patients with results below both cut‐offs, showed higher NT‐proBNP and reduced physical function and activity.

Conclusions

The EORTC QLQ‐C30 and ESC HeartQoL – assessing cancer and cardiovascular HRQoL – are both associated with increased mortality in cancer patients, with even greater stratification by combing both. Reduced HRQoL scores were associated with elevated cardiovascular biomarkers and decreased functional status.
Intra‐ and interindividual reliability of muscle pain induced by an intramuscular injection of hypertonic saline injection into the quadriceps
Authors: Smith Samuel A. , Norbury Ryan , Hunt Adam J. , Mauger Alexis R.
Published: June 2023

Background

Intramuscular injections of hypertonic saline are commonly used to induce experimental muscle pain, but reliability data on this technique are lacking. This study investigated the intra‐ and interindividual reliability of pain measures from a hypertonic saline injection into the vastus lateralis.

Methods

Fourteen healthy participants (6 female) attended three laboratory visits where they received an intramuscular injection of 1 mL hypertonic saline into the vastus lateralis. Changes in pain intensity were recorded on an electronic visual analogue scale, and pain quality was assessed after pain had resolved. Reliability was assessed with the coefficient of variation (CV), minimum detectable change (MDC) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% CIs.

Results

Mean pain intensity displayed high levels of intraindividual variability (CV = 16.3 [10.5–22.0]%) and ‘poor’ to ‘very good’ relative reliability (ICC = 0.71 [0.45–0.88]) but had a MDC of 11 [8–16] au (out of 100). Peak pain intensity exhibited high levels of intraindividual variability (CV = 14.8 [8.8–20.8]%) with ‘moderate’ to ‘excellent’ levels of relative reliability (ICC = 0.81 [0.62–0.92]), whereas the MDC was 18 [14–26] au. Measures of pain quality exhibited good reliability. Interindividual variability in pain measures was high (CV > 37%).

Conclusions

Intramuscular injections of 1 mL of hypertonic saline into the vastus lateralis display substantial levels of interindividual variability, but MDC is below the clinically important changes in pain. This model of experimental pain is suitable for studies involving repeated exposures.

Significance

Many pain research studies have performed intramuscular injections of hypertonic saline to investigate responses to muscle pain. However, the reliability of this technique is not well established. We examined the pain response over three repeated sessions of a hypertonic saline injection. The pain induced by hypertonic saline has considerable interindividual variability but has largely acceptable intraindividual reliability. Therefore, the injections of hypertonic saline to induce muscle pain are a reliable model of experimental muscle pain.
Mitochondrial DNA control region typing from highly degraded skeletal remains by single‐multiplex next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Vinueza‐Espinosa Diana C. , Cuesta‐Aguirre Daniel R. , Malgosa Assumpció , Santos Cristina
Published: June 2023

Poor nuclear DNA preservation from highly degraded skeletal remains is the most limiting factor for the genetic identification of individuals. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) typing, and especially of the control region (CR), using next‐generation sequencing (NGS), enables retrieval of valuable genetic information in forensic contexts where highly degraded human skeletal remains are the only source of genetic material. Currently, NGS commercial kits can type all mtDNA‐CR in fewer steps than the conventional Sanger technique. The PowerSeq CRM Nested System kit (Promega Corporation) employs a nested multiplex‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) strategy to amplify and index all mtDNA‐CR in a single reaction. Our study analyzes the success of mtDNA‐CR typing of highly degraded human skeletons using the PowerSeq CRM Nested System kit. We used samples from 41 individuals from different time periods to test three protocols (M1, M2, and M3) based on modifications of PCR conditions. To analyze the detected variants, two bioinformatic procedures were compared: an in‐house pipeline and the GeneMarker HTS software. The results showed that many samples were not analyzed when the standard protocol (M1) was used. In contrast, the M3 protocol, which includes 35 PCR cycles and longer denaturation and extension steps, successfully recovered the mtDNA‐CR from highly degraded skeletal samples. Mixed base profiles and the percentage of damaged reads were both indicators of possible contamination and can provide better results if used together. Furthermore, our freely available in‐house pipeline can provide variants concordant with the forensic software.
Optimal Strategies for Hybrid Battery‐Storage Systems Design
Authors: Koleva Mariya , Shi Ying , McKenna Killian , Craig Michael , Nagarajan Adarsh
Published: June 2023

As stationary hybrid energy‐storage systems (HESS) for power systems applications have recently drawn interest due to their enhanced performance and decreasing cost, developing systematic approaches for HESS design while considering controls is gaining traction. Herein, a method is presented to optimally design hybrid battery storage by proposing a mathematical modeling framework, formulated as a mixed integer linear programming model. The optimization is capable of handling multiple subsystems of batteries, considering their economic and technological performance. Decisions involve sizing of the batteries, optimal temporal and strategic dispatch to end uses, and energy sources for charging each battery. The applicability of the model is tested on four case studies for three battery chemistries representing distinct objectives: high‐power, high‐energy, and second life. Compared to traditionally designed battery storage with a homogeneous battery, optimally designed hybrid systems can save 12%–26% of system costs, depending on the nature of the dispatch profile. Findings point to design preference toward the second life battery supplemented with some high‐power or high‐energy battery capacity, or both. With the utilized electricity price structure, customers can experience approximately 10%–35% reduction in their bills.
Intelligent Control for Floating Offshore Wind Turbines Based on Game Theory with Data‐Driven and Reliability Awareness
Authors: Zhang Yanfeng , Yang Xiyun
Published: June 2023

To address the challenges of complex modeling and control objective conflicts, a game control scheme based on data‐driven and reliability awareness is proposed for floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs). In this scheme, first, an enhanced model‐free adaptive control method with the integration of iterative learning is proposed, which utilized online data for driving modeling and control command derivation to ensure the functionality of the FOWT and maintain stable power generation. Then, a healthy reliability‐aware model of the pitching system is developed and integrated into the controller of FOWTs. Finally, a trade‐off between the reliability and functionality of FOWTs is intelligently made through bargaining game theory to derive reasonable control commands. Simulation experiments of the proposed control scheme are carried out using FAST under different wind conditions. The results show that, compared with the gain‐scheduled PI controller and model‐free adaptive controller, the output power of the proposed controller is more stable and the pitch motion of the FOWT is significantly reduced; compared with the improved model‐free adaptive controller, the proposed controller improves the reliability of the pitch system.
Study of the Disruptive Design of a Thermal Power Plant Implemented by Several Power Units Coupled in Cascade
Authors: Ferreiro Garcia Ramon
Published: June 2023

This work discusses a study of the disruptive design of a thermal power plant implemented by several power units coupled in cascade aiming at increase the heat utilizations factor. Thus, the study addresses the phases prior to the implementation of a prototype of a heat‐to‐work converter and analyzes the performance using a vacuum carried out by cooling. Vacuums have been used in steam engines according to open processes with changes of state for several centuries. In the case under study, a disruptive technique is proposed by which a vacuum is used in closed processes without a change of phase. Likewise, a plant structure based on the cascading coupling of three thermal cycles is designed to achieve a high heat utilization factor. Although the average thermal efficiency obtained in this study is 59.8 for air and 66.7 for helium as working fluids, the most relevant criterion deals with plant performance, for which the heat utilization factor surpasses 85% for air and 96% for helium as a working fluid. Despite the unprecedentedly high heat utilization factor, this study indicates some potential to further increase the heat utilization factor because the power plant can be implemented using heat regeneration strategies.
Long‐Term Performance of a Zinc–Silver/Air Hybrid Flow Battery with a Bifunctional Gas‐Diffusion Electrode at High Current Density
Authors: Genthe Sascha , Arenas Luis F. , Kunz Ulrich , Turek Thomas
Published: June 2023

This work demonstrates an improved cell design of a zinc–silver/air hybrid flow battery with a two‐electrode configuration intended to extend the cycling lifetime with high specific capacities up to 66.7 mAh cm−2 at a technically relevant current density of 50 mA cm−2. A hybrid approach combines the advantages of both zinc–air and zinc–silver batteries enabling enhanced energy efficiency while maintaining high battery capacity. A pulsed charging protocol is applied to maintain compact zinc deposits on a porous copper foam, which extends capacity compared to a planar surface. The single‐cell battery is successfully operated for 216 cycles (t = 756.10 h) after an interruption after 47 cycles (t = 163.20 h), which reveals that the gas‐diffusion electrode aging is the first cycling lifetime limitation. At the end of operation, an accumulation of zinc in the inlet zone of the cell sets a second‐lifetime limitation driven by progressively shorter discharge associated again with the aging of the gas‐diffusion electrode. Despite zincate ion depletion and the final irregular deposition, postmortem analysis shows no dendrites, only the compact zinc structure, confirming the benefits of a pulsed current. Developments within this path can further raise the technological prospects of the zinc–silver/air battery.
Subcritical hydrothermal purification from oily sludge recovered from petroleum oily sludge by adding sodium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, and formic acid
Authors: Duan Yuanwang , Wang Shuzhong , He Chao , Zhang Fan , Liu Rentong , Li Yanhui , Wang Yulong , Zhang Lanxin
Published: June 2023

Subcritical water upgrading has received a great deal of attention because of its high efficiency and environmental protection technology features, but its high temperature and high‐pressure reaction conditions have limited its further development. This article investigates the hydrothermal upgrading recovered oil from oily sludge at 350°C and for a residence time of 60 min recovered oil. The effects of the type and concentration of various additives sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) and formic acid (CH3COOH) on the yield and quality of recovered oil were analyzed and discussed. The addition of 2 wt % NaOH increases the recovered oil yield to 78.6%, due to the demulsification effect of alkaline additives. Meanwhile, the CH3COOH effectively increased the H/C ratio of the recovered oil to 1.69, which can be attributed to the hydrogenation of large molecules in the sludge with hydrogen generated from the added CH3COOH. The effect characteristics and mechanisms of adding additives on the increase in the recovered oil yield and quality of oil‐bearing sludge in a sub‐critical hydrothermal environment were revealed. Subcritical water upgrading technology provides a new technological route for resource recovery of oily sludge with mild reaction conditions and high efficiency and simplicity.
Planar frame models considering system‐level interactions of a two‐story low‐damage concrete wall building
Authors: Gu Anqi , Zhou Ying , Lu Yiqiu , Yang Qun , Henry Richard S. , Rodgers Geoffrey W.
Published: June 2023

A system‐level shake‐table test of a two‐story low‐damage concrete wall building was conducted in 2019. The test building consisted of unbonded post‐tensioned (UPT) walls with perimeter frames and different wall‐to‐floor connections to provide deformation compatibility. The test results highlighted that the measured lateral strength of the building notably exceeded the design value. This over‐strength was largely attributed to the compatibility deformations imposed on the floor systems. Previous simulation results from planar models also underestimated the building global response and lateral strength, so a modified model was developed to improve the accuracy by accounting for the system‐level interactions. The floor slab out‐of‐plane strength was assessed by the floor slab models using shell elements to quantify their response when subjected to deformations induced by the UPT wall uplift. In addition, the unintended effects of the beam‐to‐floor connection strength were also calculated. The strength contributions from the floor and connections were included in the planar frame models using lumped rotational springs located at the slotted‐beam joints. Lastly, the models were also updated to include flexibility in the connections of the energy dissipations at the wall bases based on test observations. Nonlinear time history analysis of the updated models for unidirectional loading cases demonstrated an improved calculation of the test results for both the global and local responses. When considering the floor interaction in the updated models, the absolute relative errors of peak overturning moments reduced from 35.4% to 15.6% averagely for the longitudinal direction, and from 23.1% to 14.1% averagely for the transverse direction.
Unreliable determination of in situ stress orientation by cross multipole array acoustic logging in fractured shale reservoirs
Authors: Yang Haimeng , Yu Jifeng , Liu Jingshou , Hu Caifu , Zhang Binxin , Chen Peng
Published: June 2023

With the development of shale gas exploration in China, the use of conventional logging tools has been introduced, and cross multipole array acoustic logging tools have gradually been used to determine the stress orientation in shale. The direction of fast shear waves (FSWs) is generally parallel to the horizontal maximum principal compression stress (SHmax). However, the azimuth of FSWs is found to be parallel to the main strike (but not to the SHmax) direction of structural fractures in shale reservoirs. Outcrop and image logging data indicate that the natural fractures in this area strike NE‒SW. If the shear wave anisotropy is caused by only the stress around the borehole and the FSWs are known to be NE‒SW, SHmaxshould be parallel to NE‒SW; however, according to statistics of land movement in adjacent areas, anelastic strain recovery, earthquake focal mechanism, borehole breakouts, hydraulic fracturing data, deviated well data, and drilling‐induced fracture data in local regions, SHmaxis oriented in the NW‒SE direction, and the directions of FSWs are generally parallel to the structural fracture direction. This contradiction indicates that the development of structural fractures may affect the orientation of FSWs. Therefore, it is not reliable to use XMAC (Cross‐Multipole Array Acoustilog) logging only to determine the direction of in situ stress in fractured shale reservoirs. In addition, the direction of the FSWs in the middle of thick mudstones is NW‒SE, which may represent accurate information about the in situ stress direction.
Gastrochilus flabelliformis (Blatt. & McCann) C.J.Saldanha (Epidendroideae: Vandeae: Aeridinae), an addition to the orchid flora of Sri Lanka, with taxonomic notes on Gastrochilus dasypogon (Sm.) Kuntze
Authors: Amerasinghe Kumudu , Weerasinghe Nadeera , Abeysinghe Muditha , Bandara Champika , Wojtas K. Philip , Kumar Pankaj
Published: June 2023

Gastrochilus flabelliformis (Blatt. & McCann) C.J.Saldanha is added to the orchid flora of Sri Lanka from the lowland intermediate zone and G. obliquus (Lindl.) Kuntze is omitted from the list. A detailed taxonomic description, color plates, and line drawings with habitat ecology and distribution are provided for the former. Taxonomic notes on the identity of true Gastrochilus dasypogon (Sm.) Kuntze are also discussed in this paper, resulting in the merger of G. acutifolius (≡S. acutifolium), G. denticulatus (≡S. denticulatum), and G. dentatus (≡S. dentatum) under the synonymy of the former.
Orientin suppresses osteoclastogenesis and ameliorates ovariectomy‐induced osteoporosis via suppressing ROS production
Authors: Zheng Yan , Wang Xing , Pan Ya‐Jing , Shi Xiao‐Feng , Yang Lei , Lou Yong‐Liang
Published: June 2023

The aberrant differentiation of osteoclasts is a key feature of the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, which has a devastating impact on human health. While the effects of Orientin (Ori) on osteoporosis, particularly on RANKL‐stimulated osteoclast production and activation, remain still unclear, Ori has been found to display several biological activities, including antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory. In this work, we investigated the possible pathways through which Ori suppressed RANKL‐induced osteoclast development and showed for the first time that it does so. The macrophages from the bone marrow (BMMs) were cultivated and then treated with Ori after being stimulated with RANKL. Then, TRAP‐positive multinucleated cells were counted, and F‐actin ring analysis was used to assess Ori's impact on mature osteoclast development. In addition, dihydroethidium (DHE) staining was used to evaluate the impact of Ori on RANKL‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, we performed western blotting and quantitative RT‐PCR analysis to investigate probable causes of these downregulation effects. We discovered that Ori inhibits the creation of osteoclasts, the gene and protein expressions unique to osteoclasts, and the ROS production. By activating Nrf2 and other ROS‐scavenging enzymes, Ori reduces intracellular ROS levels. The expression of the main transcription factor of osteoclast development, c‐Fos, was downregulated together with NFATc1, CTSK, and NFATc2, thanks to Ori's inhibition of RANKL‐induced NF‐κB. Consistent with its in vitro antiosteoclastogenic action, Ori therapy in the ovariectomized (OVX) rat model was also able to restore bone mass and improve microarchitecture in the distal femurs. Together, our results demonstrate that Ori is a flavonoid molecule with therapeutic promise for bone illnesses associated with osteoclasts, such as osteoporosis.
Impact of solar energy generation on carbon footprint: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhao Huiqing , Li Yuling
Published: June 2023

To investigate the impact of solar energy on the carbon footprint, to find effective measures to reduce the carbon footprint and slow global warming as soon as possible, this paper takes 30 provinces in China as an example. First, the inter‐regional input–output model is used to calculate the carbon footprint of each province. Then, the panel quantile regression model is used to investigate the impact of solar energy generation on different quantiles of carbon footprint. The results show that from 2012 to 2020, China's carbon footprint is at a high level, which is not conducive to the achievement of the goal of peaking carbon dioxide emissions. The eastern region has the highest carbon footprint, followed by the western region, the central region has the lowest carbon footprint, and its carbon footprint proportion continues to decline. The increase of solar energy generation can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of high quantile location, but has no significant impact on the carbon footprint of the middle and low quantile locations. Except for the negative impact of afforestation area on carbon footprint, the others control variables are all positive. Therefore, to reduce the carbon footprint of China, it is necessary to upgrade solar technology, increase solar energy generation, reduce energy consumption per unit of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and the share of coal consumption, strengthen forestry management and reduce reliance on private vehicles.
Differential effects of expectancy on memory formation in young and older adults
Authors: Steiger Tineke K. , Yousuf Mushfa , Bunzeck Nico
Published: June 2023

Novelty can promote subsequent long‐term memory via the mesolimbic system, including the medial temporal lobe and midbrain structures. Importantly, these and other brain regions typically degenerate during healthy aging, which suggests a reduced impact of novelty on learning. However, evidence in favor of such a hypothesis is scarce. Thus, we used functional MRI in combination with an established paradigm in healthy young (19–32 years, n = 30) and older (51–81 years, n = 32) humans. During encoding, colored cues predicted the subsequent presentation of either a novel or previously familiarized image (75% cue validity), and approximately 24 h later, recognition memory for novel images was tested. Behaviorally, expected novel images, as compared to unexpected novel images, were better recognized in young and, to a lesser degree, older subjects. At the neural level, familiar cues activated memory related areas, especially the medial temporal lobe, whereas novelty cues activated the angular gyrus and inferior parietal lobe, which may reflect enhanced attentional processing. During outcome processing, expected novel images activated the medial temporal lobe, angular gyrus and inferior parietal lobe. Importantly, a similar activation pattern was observed for subsequently recognized novel items, which helps to explain the behavioral effect of novelty on long‐term memory. Finally, age‐effects were pronounced for successfully recognized novel images with relatively stronger activations in attention‐related brain regions in older adults; younger adults, on the other hand, showed stronger hippocampal activation. Together, expectancy promotes memory formation for novel items via neural activity in medial temporal lobe structures and this effect appears to be reduced with age.
COVID‐19 pandemic and socio‐environmental inequality: A narrative review
Authors: Kalankesh Laleh R. , Rezaei Zahed , Mohammadpour Ali , Taghavi Mahmoud
Published: June 2023

Background and Aims

The COVID‐19 pandemic has provided preliminary evidence of the existence of health, social, and environmental inequalities. This inequality encompasses inadequate access to safe water, clean air, and wastewater management, as well as limited socioeconomic and educational opportunities. These issues have not received sufficient attention during the pandemic. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide a comprehensive summary and analysis of the existing literature on a specific topic, ultimately leading to a conclusion based on the evidence presented.

Methods

The search methodology for this study involved conducting comprehensive searches of scientific databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, LILACS, and Google Scholar, from 2019 to 2023. The study focused on a specific theme and its relevant aspects related to global environmental health and society. Keywords such as COVID‐19, inequities, and environmental health were used for searching. Additionally, the Boolean operator “AND” was used to combine these descriptors.

Results

Unequal exposure to air pollution has been reported in Africa, as well as in large parts of Asia and Latin America, according to the data that has been obtained. The pandemic has also resulted in a surge in healthcare waste generation, exacerbating the environmental impact of solid waste. Furthermore, there is evidence indicating significant disparities in the severe lack of access to sanitation services between developing nations and low‐income regions. The issues related to water availability, accessibility, and quality are subject to debate. It has been reported that SARS‐CoV‐2 is present not only in untreated/raw water, but also in water bodies that act as reservoirs. Moreover, insufficient education, poverty, and low household income have been identified as the most significant risk factors for COVID‐19 infection and mortality.

Conclusion

It is evident that addressing socio‐environmental inequality and striving to narrow the gap by prioritizing vulnerable populations are imperative.
The role of IL‐6/JAK/STAT signal in female infertility caused by hydrosalpinx
Authors: Deng Jia , Huang Yufu , Wang Luying , Sun Xin
Published: June 2023

Introduction

To explore the role of IL‐6/JAK/STAT signaling in tubal infertility.

Methods

The fimbriae tissues of 14 patients with a history of infertility and hydrosalpinx and 14 patients with no history of infertility and no fallopian tube disease were collected. The tissues were then divided into hydrosalpinx group and control group followed by analysis of the protein expression of key factors in the IL‐6/JAK/STAT signaling by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.

Results

Immunohistochemical staining showed significantly higher level of IL‐6, JAK1, p‐JAK1, JAK2, p‐JAK2, STAT1, p‐STAT1, STAT3, and p‐STAT3 in hydrosalpinx group than those in control group with IL‐6 being mainly located in the cytoplasm and p‐JAK2, STAT1, p‐STAT1, STAT3, and p‐STAT3 in the cytoplasm and nucleus. JAK1 and p‐JAK1 was mainly located in the cytoplasm and JAK2 is in the cytoplasm and nucleus without difference of their expression between two groups. Consistently, hydrosalpinx group presented significantly higher protein levels of IL‐6, JAK1, p‐JAK1, JAK2, p‐JAK2, STAT1, p‐STAT1, STAT3, and p‐STAT3 than control group without difference of JAK1, p‐JAK1, JAK2 level.

Conclusion

The activation of IL‐6/JAK2/STAT1 and STAT3 signaling pathways are found in the hydrosalpinx in infertile patients, indicating that they might be involved in the pathogenesis of hydrosalpinx.
The clinical characteristics of patients with asthma exposed to different environmental risk factors: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Luo Laiheng
Published: June 2023

Background

Smoking, biomass, and occupational exposure are the main environmental risk factors for asthma. The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics of exposure to these risk factors in patients with asthma.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study enrolled patients with asthma from an outpatient department according to the Global Initiative for Asthma. Demographics, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1%pred, FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC), laboratory tests, asthma control test (ACT), asthma control questionnaire (ACQ) scores, and the inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) dose were recorded. A generalized linear mixed model was used to adjust for potential confounders.

Results

A total of 492 patients with asthma were included in this study. Of these patients, 13.0% were current smokers, 9.6% were former smokers, and 77.4% were never smokers. Compared with never smokers, the current and former smokers had a longer duration of asthma; lower ACT scores, FEV1, FEV1%pred, and FEV1/FVC; and higher ACQ scores, IgE, FeNO, blood eosinophils, and ICS dose (p < .05). In addition, the patients exposed to biomass alone were older; had higher exacerbation in the past year; a longer duration of asthma; and lower FEV1, FEV1%pred, FEV1/FVC, IgE, and FeNO compared with smoking or occupational exposure alone. Compared with smoking exposure alone, patients with occupational exposure alone had a longer duration of asthma and lower FEV1, FEV1%pred, FVC, IgE, FeNO, and ICS dose (p < .05).

Conclusions

There are significant differences in the clinical characteristics of patients with asthma depending on the smoking status. In addition, significant differences also observed among smoking, biomass, and occupational exposure.
Intraoperative temporary internal iliac arterial occlusion (Polat's technique) for severe placenta accreta spectrum: A description of the technique and outcomes in 61 patients
Authors: Daggez Mine , Aslanca Tufan , Dursun Polat
Published: June 2023

Objective

To report the results of prophylactic use of intraoperative temporary internal iliac arterial occlusion by Bulldog clamps in patients clinically diagnosed with abnormally invasive placenta.

Methods

This retrospective study included 61 patients diagnosed with FIGO grade 3 abnormally invasive placenta between January 2018 and March 2022. After transfundal incision and fetal delivery, bilateral temporary internal iliac arterial occlusion by Bulldog clamps was performed in all patients. The grades 3b and 3c group underwent cesarean hysterectomy whereas selected cases of grade 3a abnormally invasive placenta underwent fertility‐preserving procedures. Preoperative and postoperative findings were compared.

Results

Cesarean hysterectomy was performed in 50 (82%) patients and cesarean plus conservative procedures were performed in 11 (18%) patients. Intraoperative blood replacement was not performed in 83.6% of all patients. Mean blood loss was 1.37 ± 0.53 L (range 0.5–2.5) in all patients. Estimated blood loss was significantly higher in cesarean hysterectomy group. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups in terms of peroperative blood replacement, bladder, and ureteral injury.

Conclusion

Prophylactic bilateral temporary internal iliac arterial occlusion by Bulldog clamps should be performed in cases of grade 3 abnormally invasive placenta. Fertility‐preserving steps may be undertaken safely in selected cases with this approach.
Agile MBSE: Doing the Same Thing We Have Always Done, but in an Agile Way with Models
Authors: Hause Matthew
Published: June 2023

Agile systems engineering is not new. Work has progressed on this for many years to the point that criteria has been established regarding best practice as well as a means of quantifying adherence. The future of systems engineering (FuSE) initiative is reexamining how agile systems engineering fits into the FuSE (Willette et al. 2021). As model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) is also a FuSE theme, it is only proper to look at how agile systems engineering and MBSE complement and enable each other. This article examines some of the aspects of MBSE–specifically the Systems Modeling Language® (SysML) – and show at how an agile approach to MBSE can help with the concepts of stakeholder engagement, continual integration, and dynamic learning and evolution. For reasons of space, the article will only provide minimal definitions and explanations of the basics of MBSE, agile, and SysML and as these are well known concepts.
An Agile Systems Engineering Process for Stakeholder Needs Identification and Solution Concept Design
Authors: Castro Lymari
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a case study where an agile systems engineering process was used to identify stakeholder needs to design an improved cross‐organizational proposal development process during the proposal formulation phase of a program. The agile systems engineering process leveraged the incremental application of design thinking techniques to engage the stakeholders and identify the care‐abouts of an organization during proposal formulation in support of a change management effort. The goal of the change management effort was to design solutions that increased collaboration and engagement across the various internal and external stakeholders without changing the overarching corporate proposal development process. The identified solutions broke existing organizational silos and changed the dynamics of the organization impacting over 1,200 employees. The case study relates to the future of systems engineering (FuSE) concepts of stakeholder engagement and agility across organizational boundaries.
Applying Agility for Sustainable Security
Authors: Rosser Larri Ann
Published: June 2023

Systems engineering faces ongoing challenges due to the pace of change in technology and needs as well as the complexity, resilience, and adaptability demanded of solutions. System security needs and challenges are a prominent factor in the increasing demands placed on solutions and the systems engineers who design and develop them. The adoption of program level agile execution is one strategy for addressing these escalating challenges. In this article we describe how the broadly adopted technical processes from the ISO/IEEE/IEC 15288:2015 standard can be executed using agile methods to realize a large complex solution. In addition, we provide specific recommendations for executing these processes in a manner that enables systems to be sustainably secure – that is, to retain the desired level of security throughout the life cycle.
Physiological and biochemical responses of Carthamus tinctorius L. to zinc at vegetative stage
Authors: Smaoui Ameni , Mahmoudi Hela , Medimagh Sana , Taheri Ali , Zribi Fethia , Ouerghi Zeineb , Ben Salah Imene
Published: June 2023

Background

Environment contamination with heavy metals is a major problem both to the environment and human health.

Aims

The aim of this work is to evaluate the physiological, nutritional, and biochemical responses of safflower plants (Carthamus tinctorius L.) grown under different zinc concentrations at vegetative stage.

Methods

The effect of zinc on safflower plants was studied through the evaluation of growth parameters, colorimetric assay of phenolic compounds, and antioxidant enzymes activities.

Results

Zinc inhibited shoot and root growth and resulted in leaf chlorosis at 75, 225, and 1000 µM zinc concentrations. At higher concentrations, Zn also reduced photosynthetic parameters except the internal CO2 concentration that was higher at these levels. Zinc reduced potassium content of the shoots at 75 µM of zinc. The presence of Zn at 1000 µM concentration reduced the iron content and led to the accumulation of the copper content in the shoots. In roots, iron and copper contents were reduced from 15 µM Zn. In the case of copper, this content was canceled out at 225 and 1000 µM of zinc. Lipid peroxidation (evaluated as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances content) increased with zinc treatment. Safflower plants generally responded to this oxidative stress by enhancing the antioxidant enzymes activities, namely, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, and guaiacol peroxidase. There was no increase in superoxide dismutase activity in shoots and roots, except at the highest zinc concentration in the roots. Total soluble sugars (TSS) and starch contents increased, whereas proline content decreased in shoots. In roots, TSS was not altered, whereas starch was decreased, and proline content was increased. There were no changes in the protein content in both organs under different Zn treatments. There was a gradual increase in the total polyphenols in shoots with increasing zinc concentration; however, no changes were observed in the roots. Flavonoids decreased in roots at 225 and 1000 µM Zn. Total antioxidant activity increased in shoots but it decreased in roots with increasing zinc concentration. The inverse trend was observed for the DPPH and ABTS tests.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the decline in safflower plant growth under high zinc concentrations is related to altered photosynthetic activity and antioxidant response to oxidative stress.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Anticancer Potency of Branched Poly (p‐Hydroxy Styrene) Schiff‐Bases
Authors: Kenawy El‐Refaie , El‐Khalafy Sahar H. , Abosharaf Hamed A. , El‐nshar Esraa M. , Ghazy Ahmed R. , Azaam Mohamed M.
Published: June 2023

A significant issue in cancer biology is finding anticancer therapies that effectively kill cancer cells. Through the use of several aldehydes, Schiff bases based on branched poly (p‐hydroxy styrene) are created. The branched polymer is first chloroacetylated, then aminated with 1,4‐phenylenediamine, and finally, aldehydes are reacted with the aminated polymer to produce the Schiff base compounds. Through the utilization of FTIR, TGA, XRD, NMR, and elemental analysis, all synthesized Schiff‐bases are identified and characterized. Further, the antineoplastic potential of all Schiff bases is evaluated against different cancer cell lines. The results gained from this study indicate that the Schiff base polymers have cytotoxic power against cancer cells depending on cancer cell type and this antiproliferation potency is dose‐concentration dependent. Importantly, the prepared S1 Schiff‐base polymer shows potent cytotoxicity and is able to trigger the apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in MCF‐7 cells. Further, it downregulates VEGFR protein expression. The Schiff base polymers would have extensive applications in the biological disciplines.
How Phosphorous Flame Retardant Additives Affect Benzoxazine‐Based Monomer and Polymer Properties
Authors: Haubold Thorben S. , Wolter Nick , Sandinge Anna , Blomqvist Per , Mayer Bernd , Koschek Katharina
Published: June 2023

The phosphorous‐based flame retardant additives poly(m‐phenylene methylphosphonate) (PMP) and resorcinol bis(diphenyl phosphate) (RDP) are reacted with bisphenol F and aniline–based benzoxazine (BF‐a). DSC, rheological analysis, FT‐IR, and soxhlet extraction reveal the covalent incorporation of both FR additives—initiating phenols in PMP structure as well as free phenols generated via transesterification reaction in the case of RDP. In contrast to PMP, RDP elongates the processing window but decreases the thermo–mechanical properties. Both additives increase the resistance in reactions against small flames with solely a phosphorous loading of 0.3 wt%, resulting in a V‐0 rating and an improvement in the OI value by up to 2% for RDP and 4% for PMP. Both FRs reduce the heat release rate but increase the smoke production and the smoke toxicity in the case of RDP.
A Transparent Additive‐Free Fibrous Facial Mask for Skin Moisturizing
Authors: Fan Xiaoyan , Bai Xue , Tan Langqun , Fang Cheng , Shen Xinlei , Xu Haijuan , Wang Yuanduo , Ma Yulong , Li Yuewen , Song Xinyi , Hu Jiang , Lu Yuhan , Wei Xinfang , Zhang Junxin , Li Fengguang , Zhu Zhenghui , Duan Shuxia , Zhou Yongheng , Wu Haibo , Liu Wanjun
Published: June 2023

Most sheet facial masks for skincare are made of nonwovens and loaded with liquid active ingredients, which are usually opaque and require additives for long‐term preservation. Herein, a Transparent Additive‐Free Fibrous (TAFF) facial mask is reported for skin moisturizing. The TAFF facial mask consists of a bilayer fibrous membrane. The inner layer is fabricated by electrospinning functional components of gelatin (GE) and hyaluronic acid (HA) into a solid fibrous membrane to get rid of additives, the outer layer is an ultrathin PA6 fibrous membrane that is highly transparent, especially after absorbing water. The results indicate that the GE‐HA membrane can quickly absorb water and become a transparent hydrogel film. By employing the hydrophobic PA6 membrane as the outer layer, directional water transport is achieved, which enables TAFF facial mask with excellent skin moisturizing effect. The skin moisture content is up to 84% ± 7% after placing the TAFF facial mask on the skin for 10 min. In addition, the relative transparency of the TAFF facial mask on the skin reaches 97.0% ± 1.9% when ultrathin PA6 membrane is used as the outer layer. The design of the transparent additive‐free facial mask may serve as a guideline for developing new functional facial masks.
Tandem mass tag (TMT) quantitative protein analysis‐based proteomics and parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) validation revealed that MST4 accelerates osteosarcoma proliferation by increasing MRC2 activity
Authors: Liu Yunyan , Zhang Xiaoyu , Ren Xingguang , Sun Jin , Wen Yanhua , Guo Zheng , Ma Qiong
Published: June 2023

Osteosarcoma is one of the most common orthopedic malignancies and is characterized by rapid disease progression and a poor prognosis. Currently, research on methods to inhibit osteosarcoma proliferation is still limited. In this study, we found that MST4 levels were significantly increased in osteosarcoma cell lines and tumor tissues compared to normal controls and demonstrated that MST4 is an influential factor in promoting osteosarcoma proliferation both in vivo and in vitro. Proteomic analysis was performed on osteosarcoma cells in the MST4 overexpression and vector expression groups, and 545 significantly differentially expressed proteins were identified and quantified. The candidate differentially expressed protein MRC2 was then identified using parallel reaction monitoring validation. Subsequently, MRC2 expression was silenced with small interfering RNA (siRNA), and we were surprised to find that this alteration affected the cell cycle of MST4‐overexpressing osteosarcoma cells, promoted apoptosis and impaired the positive regulation of osteosarcoma growth by MST4. In conclusion, this study identified a novel approach for suppressing osteosarcoma proliferation. Reduction of MRC2 activity inhibits osteosarcoma proliferation in patients with high MST4 expression by altering the cell cycle, which may be valuable for treating osteosarcoma and improving patient prognosis.
Self‐compassion facilitates responsiveness to existential threat: A brief report
Authors: Gerber Zach , Gez Lidar , Anaki David
Published: June 2023

Terror management theory posits that validation of worldview and self‐esteem are primary defense mechanisms in keeping mortal concerns at bay, although potentially leading to the devaluation of others. Self‐compassion is considered a more inclusive defense mechanism. Drawing on preliminary research, we extended a previous investigation regarding the buffering role of self‐compassion within the Terror management theory paradigm. We embedded within a dot‐probe task a continuous death priming together with abstract and concrete threat images. We confirmed among 126 university students that following death priming, self‐compassion facilitated attentional attraction toward concrete threat and avoidance of abstract threat. These findings demonstrate the contribution of self‐compassion in coping simultaneously with different types of attentional threat and has potential to spawn future innovative research.
Global asymptotic stability and projective lag synchronization for uncertain inertial competitive neural networks
Authors: Hao Caiqing , Wang Baoxian , Tang Dandan
Published: June 2023

In this paper, the global asymptotic stability and projective lag synchronization of second‐order competitive neural networks with mixed time‐varying delays and uncertainties are studied without converting the original system into the usual first‐order system. Firstly, according to the Lyapunov functional method, inequality technique and the designed adaptive control strategy, the algebraic criteria of stability, and projective lag synchronization are derived by adjusting the control gain parameters in the controller. The obtained sufficient conditions are simple and easy to verify. Different from the traditional feedback controller, the adaptive controller can adjust its characteristics according to the system model, and external disturbance makes the system have better control performance. Besides, unlike the existing ones, this stability and synchronization problem is directly analyzed by constructing some new Lyapunov functionals with state variables and state variable derivatives. Finally, the effectiveness and practicability of the results are verified by numerical examples.
Feasibility of online non‐rigid motion correction for high‐resolution supine breast MRI
Authors: Isaieva Karyna , Meullenet Camille , Vuissoz Pierre‐André , Fauvel Marc , Nohava Lena , Laistler Elmar , Zeroual Mohamed Aziz , Henrot Philippe , Felblinger Jacques , Odille Freddy
Published: June 2023

Purpose

Conventional breast MRI is performed in the prone position with a dedicated coil. This allows high‐resolution images without breast motion, but the patient position is inconsistent with that of other breast imaging modalities or interventions. Supine breast MRI may be an interesting alternative, but respiratory motion becomes an issue. Motion correction methods have typically been performed offline, for instance, the corrected images were not directly accessible from the scanner console. In this work, we seek to show the feasibility of a fast, online, motion‐corrected reconstruction integrated into the clinical workflow.

Methods

Fully sampled T2‐weighted (T2w) and accelerated T1‐weighted (T1w) breast supine MR images were acquired during free‐breathing and were reconstructed using a non‐rigid motion correction technique (generalized reconstruction by inversion of coupled systems). Online reconstruction was implemented using a dedicated system combining the MR raw data and respiratory signals from an external motion sensor. Reconstruction parameters were optimized on a parallel computing platform, and image quality was assessed by objective metrics and by radiologist scoring.

Results

Online reconstruction time was 2 to 2.5 min. The metrics and the scores related to the motion artifacts significantly improved for both T2w and T1w sequences. The overall quality of T2w images was approaching that of the prone images, whereas the quality of T1w images remained significantly lower.

Conclusion

The proposed online algorithm allows a noticeable reduction of motion artifacts and an improvement of the diagnostic quality for supine breast imaging with a clinically acceptable reconstruction time. These findings serve as a starting point for further development aimed at improving the quality of T1w images.