bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One‐year outcomes of rate versus rhythm control of atrial fibrillation in the Kerala‐AF Registry
Authors: Calvert Peter , Chen Yang , Gue Ying , Gupta Dhiraj , Azariah Jinbert Lordson , George Koshy A. , Zachariah Geevar , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Gopalan Bahuleyan Charantharayil ,   the Kerala AF Registry Investigators
Published: May 2024

Background

There is ongoing debate around rate versus rhythm control strategies for managing atrial fibrillation (AF), however, much of the data comes from Western cohorts. Kerala‐AF represents the largest prospective AF cohort study from the Indian subcontinent.

Objectives

To compare 12‐month outcomes between rate and rhythm control strategies.

Methods

Patients aged ≥18 years with non‐transient AF were recruited from 53 hospitals across Kerala. Patients were stratified by rate or rhythm control. The primary outcome was a composite of all‐cause mortality, arterial thromboembolism, acute coronary syndrome or hospitalization due to heart failure or arrhythmia at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included bleeding events and individual components of the primary. Predictors of the composite outcome were analysed by logistic regression.

Results

A total of 2901 patients (mean age 64.6 years, 51% female) were included (2464 rate control, 437 rhythm control). Rates of the primary composite outcome did not differ between groups (29.7% vs 30.0%; p = .955), nor did any component of the primary. Bleeding outcomes were also similar (1.6% vs 1.9%; p = .848). Independent predictors of the primary composite outcome were older age (aOR 1.01; p = .013), BMI <18 (aOR 1.51; p = .025), permanent AF (aOR 0.78; p = .010), HFpEF (aOR 1.40; p = .023), HFrEF (aOR 1.39; p = .004), chronic kidney disease (aOR 1.36; p < .001), and prior thromboembolism (aOR 1.31; p = .014).

Conclusion

In the Kerala‐AF registry, 12‐month outcomes did not differ between rate and rhythm control cohorts.
Achalasia in Klinefelter syndrome: A suspected pediatric case as well as prevalence analysis suggesting increased risk in this population
Authors: Miller Lacey , Cho Hyung‐Gyo , Banayan Charlotte , Vega Lemus Vivian , Sharma Shagun , Wallach Thomas
Published: May 2024

A 4‐year‐old male with Klinefelter syndrome (KS), speech delay, and intermittent history of coughing and choking during meals was referred for evaluation. Prior evaluation with computed tomography showed a dilated esophagus at the gastroesophageal junction. The patient was unable to tolerate a barium swallow. Upper endoscopy was performed, and an intraoperative esophagogram, demonstrated a “birds beak” appearance suggestive of achalasia. There is no documented relationship between achalasia and KS. However, we utilized TriNetX (a large‐scale data clearinghouse) to demonstrate a higher prevalence of achalasia in patients with KS as compared to the general population.
Comparative study on nutraceutical and sensorial characteristics of saffron (Crocus sativusL.) cultivated in Iran, Spain, and Türkiye
Authors: Amanpour Armin , Soltani Mostafa , Lipan Leontina , Garcia‐Garví Jose Miguel , Hernández‐García Francisca , Carbonell‐Barrachina Ángel A. , Nadal Esther Sendra
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Quality properties of 14 saffron samples from Iran, Spain, and Türkiye were compared.

RESULTS

Significant differences were observed between anthocyanins, volatile compounds, fatty acids, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity of saffron samples (P < 0.05). Besides, significant differences in color parameters were observed. Moreover, a total of 13 volatile compounds were identified in the saffron samples using. headspace–solid‐phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, safranal and α‐isophorone being the two predominant aroma compounds. Regarding fatty acids, significant differences were seen in the fatty acid profiles of saffron samples (P < 0.05), while linoleic acid was the most concentrated fatty acid. In terms of sensory properties, different concentrations of safranal, α‐isophorone and 4‐ketoisophorone may lead to significant differences in the odor and taste attributes of saffron samples (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Changes in corm origin along with climate and agricultural conditions may affect the quality characteristics of saffron cultivated in different geographical areas to a significant degree. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Application of Cystoseira myrica phycosynthesized selenium nanoparticles incorporated with nano‐chitosan to control aflatoxigenic fungi in fish feed
Authors: Tayel Ahmed A , El‐madawy Karima M , Moussa Shaaban H , Assas Mona A
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

The recurrent contaminations of feed materials with mycotoxigenic fungi can endanger both farmed animals and humans. Biosynthesized nanomaterials are assumingly the ideal agents to overcome fungal invasion in feed/foodstuffs, especially when utilizing sustainable sources for synthesis. Herein, the phycosynthesis of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) was targeted using Cystoseira myrica algal extract (CE), and the conjugation of CE/SeNPs with chitosan nanoparticles (NCt) to produce potential antifungal nanocomposites for controlling Aspergillus flavus isolates in fish feed.

RESULTS

The phycosynthesis of SeNPs with CE was effectually carried out and validated using visible/UV analysis, X‐ray diffraction and transmission microscopy; CE/SeNPs had diameters of 8.7 nm and spherical shapes. NCt/CE/SeNPs nanocomposite (173.3 nm mean diameter) was achieved and the component interactions were validated via infrared spectroscopic analysis. The antifungal assessment of screened nanomaterials against three Aspergillus flavus strains indicated that NCt/CE/SeNPs exceeded the fluconazole action using qualitative/quantitative assays. Severe alteration/distortions in A. flavus mycelial structure and morphology were microscopically observed within 48 h of NCt/CE/SeNPs treatment. The treatment of feed ingredients (crushed corn and feed powder) by blending with nanomaterials (NCt, CE/SeNPs and NCt/CE/SeNPs) led to significant reduction in A. flavus count/growth after storage for 7 days; NCt/CE/SeNPs could completely inhibit any fungal growth in feed material.

CONCLUSION

The pioneering phycosynthesis of CE/SeNPs and their nanoconjugation with NCt generated bioactive antifungal agents to control A. flavus strains. The innovatively constructed NCt/CE/SeNPs nanocomposite is advised for application as an effectual, biosafe and natural fungicidal conjugate for the protection of fish feed from mycotoxigenic fungi. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Improved brain metastases segmentation using generative adversarial network and conditional random field optimization mask R‐CNN
Authors: Wang Yiren , Wen Zhongjian , Su Lei , Deng Hairui , Gong Jiali , Xiang Hongli , He Yongcheng , Zhang Huaiwen , Zhou Ping , Pang Haowen
Published: May 2024

Background

In radiotherapy, the delineation of the gross tumor volume (GTV) in brain metastases using computed tomography (CT) simulation localization is very important. However, despite the criticality of this process, a pronounced gap exists in the availability of tools tailored for the automatic segmentation of the GTV based on CT simulation localization images.

Purpose

This study aims to fill this gap by devising an effective tool specifically for the automatic segmentation of the GTV using CT simulation localization images.

Methods

A dual‐network generative adversarial network (GAN) architecture was developed, wherein the generator focused on refining CT images for more precise delineation, and the discriminator differentiated between real and augmented images. This architecture was coupled with the Mask R‐CNN model to achieve meticulous GTV segmentation. An end‐to‐end training process facilitated the integration between the GAN and Mask R‐CNN functionalities. Furthermore, a conditional random field (CRF) was incorporated to refine the initial masks generated by the Mask R‐CNN model to ensure optimal segmentation accuracy. The performance was assessed using key metrics, namely, the Dice coefficient (DSC), intersection over union (IoU), accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity.

Results

The GAN+Mask R‐CNN+CRF integration method in this study performs well in GTV segmentation. In particular, the model has an overall average DSC of 0.819 ± 0.102 and an IoU of 0.712 ± 0.111 in the internal validation. The overall average DSC in the external validation data is 0.726 ± 0.128 and the IoU is 0.640 ± 0.136. It demonstrates favorable generalization ability.

Conclusion

The integration of the GAN, Mask R‐CNN, and CRF optimization provides a pioneering tool for the sophisticated segmentation of the GTV in brain metastases using CT simulation localization images. The method proposed in this study can provide a robust automatic segmentation approach for brain metastases in the absence of MRI.
Comprehensive quality evaluation of Lysimachia christinae Hance via fingerprint, spectrum–effect relationship, and quantitative analyses of multiple components by single marker
Authors: LuoRong Quji , Tan Li‐Hong , Yu Bao , Wu Yingqin , Luo Juan , Cao Wei‐Guo , Li Jingjing , Chen Huan , Zhang Dan
Published: May 2024

Background

Lysimachia christinae Hance (LCH) is a traditional medicine used to treat gallstone disease and cholecystitis. Despite its known anti‐inflammatory and choleretic effects, its quality has not been extensively evaluated.

Objective

In this study, we aimed to establish a reliable quality evaluation method for LCH via fingerprint, spectrum–effect relationship, and quantitative analyses of multicomponents by a single marker (QAMS).

Methods

First, the fingerprints and anti‐inflammatory and choleretic activities of 14 LCH batches were determined. Then, the gray relation analysis method was used to analyze the peak areas of the fingerprint profile and pharmacodynamic data. Subsequently, the characteristic peaks were tentatively identified using high‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Finally, rutin was selected as the internal reference material, and QAMS was used to analyze the LCH components.

Results

Pharmacodynamic experiments confirmed that LCH exerted anti‐inflammatory and choleretic effects. Moreover, 15 flavonoids related to the anti‐inflammatory and choleretic effects of LCH were identified. Notably, relative error percentage between the QAMS and external standard method was less than 5%.

Conclusion

This study successfully established a comprehensive evaluation method for the qualitative and quantitative analyses of LCH.
Temporal trends in use of antisecretory agents among patients administered clopidogrel‐based dual antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Lee Yonghyuk , Choi Hye‐Jeong , Park Susin , Je Nam Kyung
Published: May 2024

Background

Antisecretory drugs are commonly prescribed with clopidogrel‐based dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) to prevent gastrointestinal bleeding in high‐risk patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, omeprazole and esomeprazole (inhibiting proton pump inhibitors [PPIs]) may increase cardiovascular event rates on co‐administration with clopidogrel.

This study aimed to examine trends in the use of antisecretory agents in patients administered clopidogrel‐based DAPT and the concomitant use of clopidogrel and inhibiting PPIs.

Methods

We used National Inpatient Sample data compiled by the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service from 2009 to 2020. Further, we identified patients who were prescribed clopidogrel‐based DAPT after PCI and investigated the concomitant use of antisecretory agents with clopidogrel. To verify the annual trend of drug utilization, we used the Cochran–Armitage trend test.

Results

From 2009 to 2020, the percentage of H2 receptor antagonist users decreased steadily (from 82.5% in 2009 to 25.3% in 2020); instead, the percentage of PPI users increased (from 23.7% in 2009 to 82.0% in 2020). The use of inhibiting PPI also increased (from 4.2% in 2009 to 30.7% in 2020). Potassium competitive acid blockers (P‐CABs) were rarely used before 2019; however, in 2020, it accounted for 7.8% of the antisecretory users.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that the use of inhibiting PPIs increased steadily in patients administered clopidogrel‐based DAPT therapy. This is a major concern since the concomitant use of inhibiting PPIs with clopidogrel could increase the risk of cardiovascular events.
The efficacy and safety of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors in solid organ transplant recipients: A scoping review
Authors: Mreyoud Hansa , Walter Krysta , Wilpula Elizabeth , Park Jeong M.
Published: May 2024

Sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are used for the treatment of diabetes and for their cardiovascular and kidney benefits in patients with or without diabetes. Use in solid organ transplant recipients is controversial because transplant recipients were excluded from the major clinical trials assessing SGLT2 inhibitors. The goal of this review was to assess the available literature regarding the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in solid organ transplant recipients. A PubMed search was conducted for studies published in English through December 31, 2023. Studies were excluded if they were meta‐analyses, review articles, commentaries, single case reports, or in vitro studies, or did not involve the use of SGLT2 inhibitors in solid organ transplant recipients with a diabetic, cardiovascular, or kidney outcome being assessed. In the final review, 20 studies were included: kidney (n = 15), heart (n = 4), and liver/lung/kidney (n = 1) transplant recipients. SGLT2 inhibitors had similar A1c reduction efficacy and were found to be weight neutral with possible weight reduction effects. Cardiovascular and kidney outcomes were not adequately assessed in the available studies. Adverse effects were reported to occur at a similar rate in transplant recipients compared to the general population. SGLT2 inhibitors were initiated ≥1‐year post‐transplant in most transplant recipients included in these studies. The overall safety and antihyperglycemic efficacy of SGLT2 inhibitors in kidney and heart transplant recipients is similar to the general population. Data assessing SGLT2 inhibitors use in solid organ transplant recipients for longer durations are needed.
Causes and Processes of Thermo‐Erosional Gully Initiation Near Tiksi Settlement, Arctic Eastern Siberia
Authors: Tarbeeva Anna , Tikhonravova Yana , Lebedeva Lyudmila , Kut Anna , Shamov Vladimir
Published: May 2024

Climatic and environmental change is leading to increased frequency and intensity of permafrost degradation processes; however, our knowledge of their mechanisms and rate is still limited. We examined structure of deposits, surface topography, and weather conditions during the initiation of a thermo‐erosion gully in eastern Siberia and monitored its changes between 2020 and 2022. The initiation of the gully was caused by a combination of processes: (1) the catchment area of the gully was artificially increased several decades ago as a result of the interception of runoff by the winter road; (2) ice‐wedge degradation led to surface runoff concentration above the gully head, while a large volume of ground ice remained in other parts of the slope, and frost cracking continued; (3) the entry of water into frost cracks formed underground tunnels; and (4) high air temperatures and heavy rainfall immediately before the gully appearance resulted in the expansion of the tunnels and collapse of their roof. In 2 years, the volume of the gully reached 1000 m3; at least 40% of that volume consists of ground ice. The gully development did not significantly change the water chemistry due to significant water freshening caused by melting of ground ice.
Computational analysis of propeptide‐containing proteins and prediction of their post‐cleavage conformation changes
Authors: Pei Jimin , Kinch Lisa N. , Cong Qian
Published: May 2024

A propeptide is removed from a precursor protein to generate its active or mature form. Propeptides play essential roles in protein folding, transportation, and activation and are present in about 2.3% of reviewed proteins in the UniProt database. They are often found in secreted or membrane‐bound proteins including proteolytic enzymes, hormones, and toxins. We identified a variety of globular and nonglobular Pfam domains in protein sequences designated as propeptides, some of which form intramolecular interactions with other domains in the mature proteins. Propeptide‐containing enzymes mostly function as proteases, as they are depleted in other enzyme classes such as hydrolases acting on DNA and RNA, isomerases, and lyases. We applied AlphaFold to generate structural models for over 7000 proteins with propeptides having no less than 20 residues. Analysis of residue contacts in these models revealed conformational changes for over 300 proteins before and after the cleavage of the propeptide. Examples of conformation change occur in several classes of proteolytic enzymes in the families of subtilisins, trypsins, aspartyl proteases, and thermolysin‐like metalloproteases. In most of the observed cases, cleavage of the propeptide releases the constraints imposed by the covalent bond between the propeptide and the mature protein, and cleavage enables stronger interactions between the propeptide and the mature protein. These findings suggest that post‐cleavage propeptides could play critical roles in regulating the activity of mature proteins.
Population pharmacokinetics and dose rationale for aciclovir in term and pre‐term neonates with herpes
Authors: D'Agate S. , Ruiz Gabarre D. , Della Pasqua O.
Published: May 2024

Aciclovir is considered the first‐line treatment against Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections in new‐borns and infants. As renal excretion is the major route of elimination, in renally‐impaired patients, aciclovir doses are adjusted according to the degree of impairment. However, limited attention has been given to the implications of immature renal function or dysfunction due to the viral disease itself. The aim of this investigation was to characterize the pharmacokinetics of aciclovir taking into account maturation and disease processes in the neonatal population. Pharmacokinetic data obtained from 2 previously published clinical trials (n = 28) were analyzed using a nonlinear mixed effects modeling approach. Post‐menstrual age (PMA) and creatinine clearance (CLCR) were assessed as descriptors of maturation and renal function. Simulation scenarios were also implemented to illustrate the use of pharmacokinetic data to extrapolate efficacy from adults. Aciclovir pharmacokinetics was described by a one‐compartment model with first‐order elimination. Body weight and diagnosis (systemic infection) were statistically significant covariates on the volume of distribution, whereas body weight, CLCR and PMA had a significant effect on clearance. Median clearance varied from 0.2 to 1.0 L/h in subjects with PMA <34 or ≥34 weeks, respectively. Population estimate for volume of distribution was 1.93 L with systemic infection increasing this value by almost 3‐fold (2.67 times higher). A suitable model parameterization was identified, which discriminates the effects of developmental growth, maturation, and organ function. Exposure to aciclovir was found to increase with decreasing PMA and renal function (CLCR), suggesting different dosing requirement for pre‐term neonates.
Palliative effects of carnosol on lung‐deposited pollutant particles‐induced thrombogenicity and vascular injury in mice
Authors: Beegam Sumaya , Zaaba Nur Elena , Elzaki Ozaz , Alzaabi Abdulrahman , Alkaabi Abdulrahman , Alseiari Khalifa , Alshamsi Nasser , Nemmar Abderrahim
Published: May 2024

The toxicity of inhaled particulate air pollution perseveres even at lower concentrations than those of the existing air quality limit. Therefore, the identification of safe and effective measures against pollutant particles‐induced vascular toxicity is warranted. Carnosol is a bioactive phenolic diterpene found in rosemary herb, with anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant actions. However, its possible protective effect on the thrombotic and vascular injury induced by diesel exhaust particles (DEP) has not been studied before. We assessed here the potential alleviating effect of carnosol (20 mg/kg) administered intraperitoneally 1 h before intratracheal (i.t.) instillation of DEP (20 μg/mouse). Twenty‐four hours after the administration of DEP, various parameters were assessed. Carnosol administration prevented the increase in the plasma concentrations of C‐reactive protein, fibrinogen, and tissue factor induced by DEP exposure. Carnosol inhibited DEP‐induced prothrombotic effects in pial microvessels in vivo and platelet aggregation in vitro. The shortening of activated partial thromboplastin time and prothrombin time induced by DEP was abated by carnosol administration. Carnosol inhibited the increase in pro‐inflammatory cytokines (interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor α) and adhesion molecules (intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1, E‐selectin, and P‐selectin) in aortic tissue. Moreover, it averted the effects of DEP‐induced increase of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, depletion of antioxidants and DNA damage in the aortic tissue. Likewise, carnosol prevented the decrease in the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) caused by DEP. We conclude that carnosol alleviates DEP‐induced thrombogenicity and vascular inflammation, oxidative damage, and DNA injury through Nrf2 and HO‐1 activation.
UGT201H1 overexpression confers cyflumetofen resistance in Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Boisduval)
Authors: Wen Xiang , Chen Yini , Chen Qingying , Tang Xuejing , Feng Kaiyang , He Lin
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Tetranychus cinnabarinus is one of the most common polyphagous arthropod herbivores, and is primarily controlled by the application of acaricides. The heavy use of acaricides has led to high levels of resistance to acaricides such as cyflumetofen, which poses a threat to global resistance management programs. Cyflumetofen resistance is caused by an increase in metabolic detoxification; however, the role of uridine diphosphate (UDP)‐glycosyltransferase (UGT) genes in cyflumetofen resistance remains to be determined.

RESULTS

Synergist 5‐nitrouracil (5‐Nul) significantly enhanced cyflumetofen toxicity in T. cinnabarinus, which indicated that UGTs are involved in the development of cyflumetofen resistance. Transcriptomic analysis and quantitative (q)PCR assays demonstrated that the UGT genes, especially UGT201H1, were highly expressed in the YN‐CyR strain, compared to those of the YN‐S strain. The RNA interference (RNAi)‐mediated knockdown of UGT201H1 expression diminished the levels of cyflumetofen resistance in YN‐CyR mites. The findings additionally revealed that the recombinant UGT201H1 protein plays a role in metabolizing cyflumetofen. Our results also suggested that the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) probably regulates the overexpression of the UGT201H1 detoxification gene.

CONCLUSION

UGT201H1 is involved in cyflumetofen resistance, and AhR may regulates the overexpression of UGT201H1. These findings provide deeper insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying UGT‐mediated metabolic resistance to chemical insecticides. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Solvent effects on the spectroscopic properties of cannabinoids derivatives: A theoretical study using PCM
Authors: Prado Richard Costa , Filho Verônyca Santos , Portes Samanta Aparecida , Colherinhas Guilherme , Oliveira Leonardo Bruno Assis
Published: May 2024

Using the Polarizable Continuum Model (PCM), we investigated the solvent effect on the spectroscopic properties of three different groups of molecules with potential antitumor: three endocannabinoids—Anandamide, Met‐Anandamide, and Chloroethylamide; three phytocannabinoid—Cannabichromene, Cannabidiol and Cannabigerol—and two flavonoids—Morin and Quercetin. Our findings indicate increases in the dipole moment whereas the optical absorption spectrum shows a small effect of water on absorption peaks for all molecules, but with an impact on absorption intensity for some compounds. Our calculations indicated NMR shifts up to 7 ppm for carbon atoms and between 11 and 63 ppm for the oxygen ones.
Denaturalizing “Intelligence” in Higher Education: AI as a Rupture to Imagining and Manifesting Sustainable and Anti‐colonial Literacies
Authors: Bradley Lisa , Perry Mia , Fassetta Giovanna , Ryan Sadie Durkacz , Nelson Elizabeth L.
Published: May 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has threatened higher education (HE). In doing so it has granted a portal that makes visible the dominant paradigm that has long defined what “intelligence” is and the narrow set of knowledges and literacies sanctioned for its pursuit. In this paper, we orient our thinking from this clarifying moment, asking: beyond these limits, what intelligences should educators value and nurture for sustainable and anti‐colonial futures, and how might we support these through educational practices in HE? We also pause to reflect on the ways in which AI might move learners' pursuits of intelligence in more expansive directions. This orientation, we argue, provides a means to unsettle the hierarchies of intelligence that we live with/out, and a pathway to (re)direct AI's potential toward just and hopeful ends.
Integrating AI language models in qualitative research: Replicating interview data analysis with ChatGPT
Authors: Jalali Mohammad S. , Akhavan Ali
Published: May 2024

The recent advent of artificial intelligence (AI) language tools like ChatGPT has opened up new opportunities in qualitative research. We revisited a previous project on obesity prevention interventions, where we developed a causal loop diagram through in‐depth interview data analysis. Utilizing ChatGPT in our replication process, we compared its results against our original approach. We discuss that ChatGPT contributes to improved efficiency and unbiased data processing; however, it also reveals limitations in context understanding. Our findings suggest that AI language tools currently have great potential to serve as an augmentative tool rather than a replacement for the intricate analytical tasks performed by humans. With ongoing advancements, AI technologies may soon offer more substantial support in enhancing qualitative research capabilities, an area that deserves more investigation. © 2024 The Authors. System Dynamics Review published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of System Dynamics Society.
Scalable Dual In Situ Synthesis of Polyester Nanocomposites for High‐Energy Storage
Authors: Luo Fei‐Yan , Li Yan‐Tong , Zhang Jia‐Yu , He Li , Li Jia‐Le , Sun Nan , Li Gui‐Lin , Jiang Yong , Zhou Ke , Liang Qian‐Qian , Guo Lei , Wei Hong‐Yuan , Wei Xian‐Hua , Zhou Yuan‐Lin , Yuan Jinkai , Zhang Quan‐Ping
Published: May 2024

Incorporating ultralow loading of nanoparticles into polymers has realized increases in dielectric constant and breakdown strength for excellent energy storage. However, there are still a series of tough issues to be dealt with, such as organic solvent uses, which face enormous challenges in scalable preparation. Here, a new strategy of dual in situ synthesis is proposed, namely polymerization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) synchronizes with growth of calcium borate nanoparticles, making polyester nanocomposites from monomers directly. Importantly, this route is free of organic solvents and surface modification of nanoparticles, which is readily accessible to scalable synthesis of polyester nanocomposites. Meanwhile, uniform dispersion of as ultralow as 0.1 wt% nanoparticles and intense bonding at interfaces have been observed. Furthermore, the PET‐based nanocomposite displays obvious increases in both dielectric constant and breakdown strength as compared to the neat PET. Its maximum discharged energy density reaches 15 J cm−3 at 690 MV m−1 and power density attains 218 MW cm−3 under 150 Ω resistance at 300 MV m−1, which is far superior to the current dielectric polymers that can be produced at large scales. This work presents a scalable, safe, low‐cost, and environment‐friendly route toward polymer nanocomposites with superior capacitive performance.
Advances in Nanomaterials for Immunotherapeutic Improvement of Cancer Chemotherapy
Authors: Liu Jie , Li Bei , Li Li , Ming Xin , Xu Zhi Ping
Published: May 2024

Immuno‐stimulative effect of chemotherapy (ISECT) is recognized as a potential alternative to conventional immunotherapies, however, the clinical application is constrained by its inefficiency. Metronomic chemotherapy, though designed to overcome these limitations, offers inconsistent results, with effectiveness varying based on cancer types, stages, and patient‐specific factors. In parallel, a wealth of preclinical nanomaterials holds considerable promise for ISECT improvement by modulating the cancer‐immunity cycle. In the area of biomedical nanomaterials, current literature reviews mainly concentrate on a specific category of nanomaterials and nanotechnological perspectives, while two essential issues are still lacking, i.e., a comprehensive analysis addressing the causes for ISECT inefficiency and a thorough summary elaborating the nanomaterials for ISECT improvement. This review thus aims to fill these gaps and catalyze further development in this field. For the first time, this review comprehensively discusses the causes of ISECT inefficiency. It then meticulously categorizes six types of nanomaterials for improving ISECT. Subsequently, practical strategies are further proposed for addressing inefficient ISECT, along with a detailed discussion on exemplary nanomedicines. Finally, this review provides insights into the challenges and perspectives for improving chemo‐immunotherapy by innovations in nanomaterials.
Promoting Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysis by Coordination Engineering in Cobalt Phosphate
Authors: Qi Jing , Chen Qizhen , Chen Mingxing , Zhang Wei , Shen Xinxin , Li Jing , Shangguan Enbo , Cao Rui
Published: May 2024

Understanding the structure‐activity correlation is an important prerequisite for the rational design of high‐efficiency electrocatalysts at the atomic level. However, the effect of coordination environment on electrocatalytic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remains enigmatic. In this work, the regulation of proton transfer involved in water oxidation by coordination engineering based on Co3(PO4)2 and CoHPO4 is reported. The HPO42− anion has intermediate pKa value between Co(II)‐H2O and Co(III)‐H2O to be served as an appealing proton‐coupled electron transfer (PCET) induction group. From theoretical calculations, the pH‐dependent OER properties, deuterium kinetic isotope effects, operando electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Raman studies, the CoHPO4 catalyst beneficially reduces the energy barrier of proton hopping and modulates the formation energy of high‐valent Co species, thereby enhancing OER activity. This work demonstrates a promising strategy that involves tuning the local coordination environment to optimize PCET steps and electrocatalytic activities for electrochemical applications. In addition, the designed system offers a motif to understand the structure‐efficiency relationship from those amino‐acid residue with proton buffer ability in natural photosynthesis.
The intellectual endeavours of OR and systems scholars: The dynamic evolution of intellectual interactions
Authors: Ormerod Richard
Published: May 2024

In conducting their research, academics engage in intellectual work. To illustrate the dynamic evolution of scholars collaborating over time, the development and use of critical systems heuristics (CSH) is taken as an example; historically, CSH consists of an intergenerational chain involving Churchman, Ulrich and Midgley, each a highly productive intellectual worker. Twenty‐four published papers are selected to provide qualitative empirical data. The data was then examined using a theoretical model developed by the sociologist Randall Collins. The Collins model is developed from an analysis of a wide variety of intellectual endeavours and depicts the rules of the dynamics of intellectual competition between academics. The purpose of this paper is to develop a simple method whereby systems and OR academics can evaluate past research strategies and actions, and inform future research decisions, big or small, that involve qualitative (soft) or quantitative (hard) OR and systems thinking.
Hampton University launches School of Religion
Authors: Elfman Lois
Published: May 2024

Hampton University, a renowned historically Black university in Virginia, recently announced the establishment of a School of Religion. The university has hosted the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference (HUMC, a professional development conference) for more than a century, and took this year's conference as the time to announce the new school.
The Agenda 2030 and the Imperative for Research and Education for the Climate and the Oceans
Authors: Panieri Giuliana , Poto Margherita Paola , Murray Emily Margaret
Published: May 2024

This chapter sets the scene and provides background information regarding the primary objective of the book: to contribute to the knowledge base for climate education and research, with a specific focus on the oceans and water. Within this framework, the chapter situates educational and research strategies that specifically focus on ocean literacy, developed and coordinated by the authors over the past years. Drawing upon the intersection of ecological literacy and inclusive learning, firmly grounded in sustainability and ocean literacy, the chapter describes the steps in developing an education and research platform that responds to the primary purpose of advancing knowledge and effectively contributing to climate knowledge-in-action. These steps encompass the ideation, development, and implementation of The Ocean Senses Activity Book (and connected outputs) as a pilot project for Ocean Literacy (OL) and its translation, validation, and application in various cultural contexts. The Ocean Senses Activity Book marks an important contribution in promoting OL in research and education settings. Some further reflections on the importance of OL stem from the experience of a student-led course on Agenda 2030, with a particular emphasis on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14 on Life Below Water. Additionally, the chapter highlights how the preliminary conclusions of the Ocean Interconnectedness workshop sparked new ideas on how to develop cross-disciplinary research and educational tools on OL. To wrap up this introductory chapter, a general overview of the book’s structure and conceptual framework is provided.
The Ocean Senses Activity Book: Enriching Ocean Literacy Through a Multisensory Approach
Authors: Panieri Giuliana , Sancak Sert Zeynep , Maric Filip , Poto Margherita Paola , Murray Emily Margaret
Published: May 2024

This chapter outlines the development of “The Ocean Senses Activity Book” integrating a multisensory approach to ocean education for pupils and the general public. Originating from an expedition in the Arctic Ocean, the project aimed to cultivate more effective cognitive approaches to ocean literacy education and communication. It bridged the gap between scientific exploration and public engagement, immersing learners in a multisensory, experiential educational experience. This innovative approach intended to enhance understanding and foster a deeper connection to ocean science, transcending traditional cognitive methodologies. The book’s development is traced from the conceptualisation stage before and during the expedition, where scientists, educators, and creative professionals collaborated to design learning activities engaging the human senses. The development process involves interdisciplinary collaboration across multicultural and multilingual settings, ensuring an inclusive and immersive experience for diverse audiences.
Arctic Vulnerability: Examining Biosecurity Risks Amidst Climate Change
Authors: Ali Sareen , Poto Margherita Paola , Murray Emily Margaret
Published: May 2024

Building on the objectives of a working paper, this chapter explores the intricate relationship between the Arctic Circle, climate change, and One Health. The Arctic is exceptionally susceptible to climate change, warming three times faster than the global average, leading to increased melting of snow, ice sheets, and permafrost. These changes heighten the vulnerability of flora, fauna, and Indigenous communities that thrive in this ecosystem. Additionally, thawing permafrost releases numerous toxins and revives dormant microorganisms, increasing biosecurity risks to human, animal, and plant health. Urgent enhancement of health surveillance is essential to identify and contain potential zoonotic disease outbreaks promptly. Informed by the One Health approach which emphasises the interconnection of environmental, animal, and human well-being, this working paper aims to enrich existing literature by systems mapping diverse One Health surveillance systems in this region. The overarching goal is to improve public health outcomes in the Arctic Circle by fostering transdisciplinary collaborations and addressing challenges associated with implementing the One Health framework in this vast and unique landscape. Aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasising transformative actions for planet protection, this paper advocates for the successful integration of the One Health framework to improve the holistic health of the ecosystem. In doing so, it supports ecological education and contributes to the overall goal of safeguarding the planet.
The soaring kite: a tale of two punctured tori
Authors: Giroux Mathieu , Pokraka Andrzej , Porkert Franziska , Sohnle Yoann
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We consider the 5-mass kite family of self-energy Feynman integrals and present a systematic approach for constructing an ε-form basis, along with its differential equation pulled back onto the moduli space of two tori. Each torus is associated with one of the two distinct elliptic curves this family depends on. We demonstrate how the locations of relevant punctures, which are required to parametrize the full image of the kinematic space onto this moduli space, can be extracted from integrals over maximal cuts. A boundary value is provided such that the differential equation is systematically solved in terms of iterated integrals over g-kernels and modular forms. Then, the numerical evaluation of the master integrals is discussed, and important challenges in that regard are emphasized. In an appendix, we introduce new relations between g-kernels.
Covid-19 lockdown, gender and income dynamics in household energy consumption: evidence from Japan
Authors: Matsumoto Shigeru , Hoang Viet-Ngu , Wilson Clevo
Published: May 2024

Residential electricity consumption and time spent at home by household members increased while household income decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Using survey data of Japanese households purchasing electricity from the Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, before and during the pandemic, we examine the various dynamics at play involving income, increased time spent at home by both partners and the role of genders in energy consumption. Results show a positive relationship between changes in electricity consumption and changes in household income, suggesting that households reduced their electricity usage following a decrease in income. Interestingly, the results also show that consumption changes are positively correlated to changes in hours spent at home by working husbands but negatively correlated to changes in the hours spent at home by working wives.
Nanosilver-based materials as feed additives: Evaluation of their transformations along in vitro gastrointestinal digestion in pigs and chickens by using an ICP-MS based analytical platform
Authors: Ben-Jeddou Khaoula , Bakir Mariam , Jiménez María S. , Gómez María T. , Abad-Álvaro Isabel , Laborda Francisco
Published: May 2024

The use of a new nanomaterial in the feed chain requires a risk assessment that involves in vitro gastrointestinal digestions to predict its degradation and oral exposure to nanoparticles. In this study, a nanosilver-based material was incorporated into pig and chicken feed as a growth-promoting additive and subjected to the corresponding in vitro gastrointestinal digestions. An inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) analytical platform was used to obtain information about the silver released in the different digestion phases. It included conventional ICP-MS for total silver determination, but also single particle ICP-MS and coupling to hydrodynamic chromatography for detection of dissolved and particulate silver. The bioaccessible fraction in the intestinal phase accounted for 8–13% of the total silver, mainly in the form of dissolved Ag(I) species, with less than 0.1% as silver-containing particles. Despite the additive behaving differently in pig and chicken digestions, the feed matrix played a relevant role in the fate of the silver.
Machine learning-based preoperative analytics for the prediction of anastomotic leakage in colorectal surgery: a swiss pilot study
Authors: Taha-Mehlitz Stephanie , Wentzler Larissa , Angehrn Fiorenzo , Hendie Ahmad , Ochs Vincent , Wolleb Julia , Staartjes Victor E. , Enodien Bassey , Baltuonis Martinas , Vorburger Stephan , Frey Daniel M. , Rosenberg Robert , von Flüe Markus , Müller-Stich Beat , Cattin Philippe C. , Taha Anas , Steinemann Daniel
Published: May 2024

Background

Anastomotic leakage (AL), a severe complication following colorectal surgery, arises from defects at the anastomosis site. This study evaluates the feasibility of predicting AL using machine learning (ML) algorithms based on preoperative data.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data including 21 predictors from patients undergoing colorectal surgery with bowel anastomosis at four Swiss hospitals. Several ML algorithms were applied for binary classification into AL or non-AL groups, utilizing a five-fold cross-validation strategy with a 90% training and 10% validation split. Additionally, a holdout test set from an external hospital was employed to assess the models' robustness in external validation.

Results

Among 1244 patients, 112 (9.0%) suffered from AL. The Random Forest model showed an AUC-ROC of 0.78 (SD: ± 0.01) on the internal test set, which significantly decreased to 0.60 (SD: ± 0.05) on the external holdout test set comprising 198 patients, including 7 (3.5%) with AL. Conversely, the Logistic Regression model demonstrated more consistent AUC-ROC values of 0.69 (SD: ± 0.01) on the internal set and 0.61 (SD: ± 0.05) on the external set. Accuracy measures for Random Forest were 0.82 (SD: ± 0.04) internally and 0.87 (SD: ± 0.08) externally, while Logistic Regression achieved accuracies of 0.81 (SD: ± 0.10) and 0.88 (SD: ± 0.15). F1 Scores for Random Forest moved from 0.58 (SD: ± 0.03) internally to 0.51 (SD: ± 0.03) externally, with Logistic Regression maintaining more stable scores of 0.53 (SD: ± 0.04) and 0.51 (SD: ± 0.02).

Conclusion

In this pilot study, we evaluated ML-based prediction models for AL post-colorectal surgery and identified ten patient-related risk factors associated with AL. Highlighting the need for multicenter data, external validation, and larger sample sizes, our findings emphasize the potential of ML in enhancing surgical outcomes and inform future development of a web-based application for broader clinical use.
Activity of ceftolozane/tazobactam and imipenem/relebactam against clinical isolates of Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa collected in Greece and Italy—SMART 2017–2021
Authors: Karlowsky James A. , Lob Sibylle H. , Hawser Stephen P. , Kothari Nimmi , Siddiqui Fakhar , Alekseeva Irina , DeRyke C. Andrew , Young Katherine , Motyl Mary R. , Sahm Daniel F.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The current study evaluated the in vitro activities of ceftolozane/tazobactam (C/T), imipenem/relebactam (IMI/REL), and comparators against recent (2017–2021) clinical isolates of gram-negative bacilli from two countries in southern Europe.

Methods

Nine clinical laboratories (two in Greece; seven in Italy) each collected up to 250 consecutive gram-negative isolates per year from lower respiratory tract, intraabdominal, urinary tract, and bloodstream infection samples. MICs were determined by the CLSI broth microdilution method and interpreted using 2022 EUCAST breakpoints. β-lactamase genes were identified in select β-lactam-nonsusceptible isolate subsets.

Results

C/T inhibited the growth of 85–87% of Enterobacterales and 94–96% of ESBL-positive non-CRE NME (non-Morganellaceae Enterobacterales) isolates from both countries. IMI/REL inhibited 95–98% of NME, 100% of ESBL-positive non-CRE NME, and 98–99% of KPC-positive NME isolates from both countries. Country-specific differences in percent susceptible values for C/T, IMI/REL, meropenem, piperacillin/tazobactam, levofloxacin, and amikacin were more pronounced for Pseudomonas aeruginosa than Enterobacterales. C/T and IMI/REL both inhibited 84% of P. aeruginosa isolates from Greece and 91–92% of isolates from Italy. MBL rates were estimated as 4% of Enterobacterales and 10% of P. aeruginosa isolates from Greece compared to 1% of Enterobacterales and 3% of P. aeruginosa isolates from Italy. KPC rates among Enterobacterales isolates were similar in both countries (7–8%). OXA-48-like enzymes were only identified in Enterobacterales isolates from Italy (1%) while GES carbapenemase genes were only identified in P. aeruginosa isolates from Italy (2%).

Conclusion

We conclude that C/T and IMI/REL may provide viable treatment options for many patients from Greece and Italy.
Association between chronic pain and dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Zhenzhi , Sun Zhen , Zheng Hui
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Dementia and chronic pain (CP) are prevalent among older adults. However, no study has systematically reviewed the association between dementia and CP. Therefore, we performed this study to gather evidence about the potential relationship between the two.

Methods

Two authors independently searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science to identify all records published up to 1 September 2022 that explored the association between CP and dementia. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS). A fixed or random-effects model was used to pool the risk estimates.

Results

Among the initial 3296 articles retrieved, 19 were included in the review (1 cross-sectional, and 18 cohort). The pooled result showed the risk of dementia was 1.42 times higher in CP patients (HR = 1.42, 95% CI 1.23–1.64, P < 0.001). dementia and CP subtypes, gender, and age did not significantly affect the results.

Conclusion

Our study shows that people who suffered from CP are at an increased risk of developing dementia, regardless of gender, age, and dementia and CP subtypes.