bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Efficacy of Nasal Corticosteroids in COVID‐19‐Related Olfactory Dysfunction: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Ru‐Dong , Yang Cong‐Wen , Chen Xiao‐Bin , Hu Hai‐Feng , Cui Guan‐Zheng , Zhu Qing‐Run , Kuang Ming‐Jie
Published: December 2023

Objective

Olfactory disturbance is one of the main symptoms of coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19). Various olfactory disorders caused by viral infections are treated with nasal corticosteroids. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of nasal corticosteroids in the treatment of olfactory disorders caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Data Sources

We searched the Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases for clinical trials of nasal corticosteroids for treating COVID‐19 olfactory dysfunction.

Review Methods

We assessed the effect of nasal corticosteroids on olfactory function in COVID‐19‐affected individuals using a Meta‐analysis of published studies, considering the number of patients who fully recovered from olfactory dysfunction, olfactory scores following treatment, and olfactory recovery time.

Results

Seven studies involving 930 patients were analyzed. The Meta‐analysis results revealed that the olfactory score of the experimental group was 1.40 points higher than that of the control group (standardized mean difference [MD]: 1.40, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.34‐2.47, P < .00001). However, the differences in the outcomes of cure rate (risk ratio: 1.18, 95% CI: 0.89‐1.69, P = .21) and recovery time (MD: −1.78, 95% CI: −7.36 to 3.81, P = .53) were not statistically significant. Only 1 study reported adverse effects of nasal steroid treatment, namely tension, anger, and stomach irritation.

Conclusion

Although nasal steroid therapy does not result in significant adverse effects, it proves ineffective in the treatment of COVID‐19 olfactory dysfunction.
The association between rheumatoid arthritis and masticatory muscles through the utilization of diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Hirahara Naohisa , Ito Kotaro , Muraoka Hirotaka , Sawada Eri , Komatsu Tomohiro , Kaneda Takashi
Published: December 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and masticatory muscles by analyzing the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) obtained from diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW‐MRI).

Materials and Methods

In this retrospective study, we analyzed data from 36 patients who underwent MRI examinations at our hospital from August 2006 to March 2022. We also included a control group consisting of 39 patients with normal TMJs who were examined during the same time frame. To compare the ADC values of the masticatory muscles between the two groups, DW‐MRI was employed.

Results

RA patients exhibited significantly higher mean ADC values in the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles compared to the control group. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated cutoff values of 1.14, 1.15, and 1.28 for the ADC values of the masticatory muscles in RA patients, with corresponding maximum ADC under the curve values of 0.53, 0.60, and 0.65.

Conclusions

The study revealed a notable distinction in the condition of the masticatory muscles between patients with RA and the control group, implying that the ADC measured through DWI holds promise for evaluating the association between masticatory muscles and RA. Furthermore, these findings suggest that DWI could serve as a valuable tool in identifying the presence of RA.
Identification of monocyte‐associated pathways participated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension based on omics‐data
Authors: Zhong Caiming , Si Yachen , Yang Huanhuan , Zhou Chao , Chen Yang , Wang Chen , Liu Yalong , Chen Cheng , Shi Hui , Lai Xueli , Tang Hao
Published: December 2023

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is one kind of chronic and uncurable diseases that can cause heart failure. Immune microenvironment plays a significant role in PAH. The aim of this study was to assess the role of immune cell infiltration in the pathogenesis of PAH. Differentially expressed genes based on microarray data were enriched in several immune‐related pathways. To evaluate the immune cell infiltration, based on the microarray data sets in the GEO database, we used both ssGSEA and the CIBERSORT algorithm. Additionally, single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) data was used to further explicit the specific role and intercellular communications. Then receiver operating characteristic curves and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator were used to discover and test the potential diagnostic biomarkers for PAH. Both the immune cell infiltration analyses based on the microarray data sets and the cell proportion in scRNA‐seq data exhibited a significant downregulation in the infiltration of monocytes in PAH. Then, the intercellular communications showed that the interaction weighs of most immune cells, including monocytes changed between the control and PAH groups, and the ITGAL‐ITGB2 and ICAM signaling pathways played critical roles in this process. In addition, ITGAM and ICAM2 displayed good diagnosis values in PAH. This study implicated that the change of monocyte was one of the key immunologic features of PAH. Monocyte‐associated ICAM‐1 and ITGAL‐ITGB2 signaling pathways might be involved in the pathogenesis of PAH.
Cumulative incidence and mortality rate of cardiovascular complications due to laboratory‐confirmed influenza virus infection: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ouranos Konstantinos , Vassilopoulos Stephanos , Vassilopoulos Athanasios , Shehadeh Fadi , Mylonakis Eleftherios
Published: December 2023

Influenza infection is associated with cardiovascular complications that range significantly in presentation and severity. The cumulative incidence of cardiovascular complications due to laboratory‐confirmed influenza, however, is not reported in the literature. We conducted a systematic review and random‐effects meta‐analysis to evaluate the cumulative incidence and mortality rate of influenza virus‐related cardiovascular complications in hospitalized patients. We searched the PubMed and EMBASE databases for studies reporting acute myocardial infarction (AMI), heart failure (HF), arrhythmia of any kind, stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), and myocarditis in hospitalized patients with laboratory‐confirmed influenza virus infection. Prospective studies, retrospective cohort studies, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the analysis. We followed the PRISMA checklist and used 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to report meta‐analysis outcomes. This study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023427849). After retrieving 2803 studies, we identified 19 studies (18 observational and 1 RCT) with relevant data, and we included 6936 patients in our analysis, of whom 690 (9.9%) developed a cardiovascular outcome of interest. The cumulative incidence of HF was 17.47% (95% CI: 5.06%–34.54%), arrhythmia of any kind 6.12% (95% CI: 0.00%–21.92%), myocarditis 2.56% (95% CI: 0.66%–5.38%), AMI 2.19% (95% CI: 1.03%–3.72%), and stroke or TIA 1.14% (95% CI: 0.00%–4.05%). The in‐hospital mortality rate from cardiovascular events was 1.38% (95% CI: 0.00%–4.80%). Cardiovascular complications occur in patients with influenza virus infection, with the cumulative incidence of specific cardiac manifestations varying considerably (1.51%–17.47%). Preventive strategies and close clinical monitoring after infection remain a priority.
Reliable quantized sampled‐data LFC for semi‐Markov jump interconnected multi‐area power systems: Dealing with incomplete TRs
Authors: Li Yulong , Li Xiaoqing , Cheng Jun , Shi Kaibo , Qiu Kun
Published: December 2023

This article aims to address the reliable quantized sampled‐data load frequency control (LFC) synthesis problem for semi‐Markov jump interconnected multi‐area power systems (IMAPSs) suffering from incomplete transition rates (TRs) and actuator failures. Primarily, the semi‐Markov process configurated with incomplete TRs is utilized to model the structural and coefficient switchings of IMAPSs, which enables a more precise representation of reality and a wider range of application. Subsequently, in order to reduce the control cost and facilitate data processing, an aperiodic quantization sampling mechanism is introduced. Furthermore, a mode‐dependent and comprehensive actuator faulty model is scheduled to portray various stochastically occurring actuator failures, which is more in line with practical application. Then, by fully utilizing the state information of sampled intervals, a two‐sided looped functional with some matrices that are not required to be strictly positive is constructed to enhance the flexibility. In what follows, on the basis of stochastic analysis technique and looped functional, sufficient conditions with two scenarios are established in the form of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) to guarantee the stochastic stability with an performance of the resultant semi‐Markov jump IMAPSs. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed control synthesis methodology is validated through a numerical simulation.
Hydroisomerization of n‐dodecane over ZSM‐48 with different metal properties
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Sai , Zhang Haipeng , Ma Mengxi , Wang Shuzhen , Xiang Jiangnan , Wang Yan , Fan Binbin , Zheng Jiajun , Li Ruifeng
Published: December 2023

The distance between the two active sites of a bifunctional catalyst (acid sites and metal sites) is critical for the hydroisomerization performance. However, the influences of the dehydrogenation/hydrogenation species (Pt or Ni) and the intimacy between the acid sites and the metal sites over the distribution of the isomers have rarely been investigated. Herein, the bifunctional catalysts were prepared by loading the hydrogenation component (Pt or Ni) on γ‐Al2O3 or HZSM‐48 zeolite separately and then mixing them with equal mass of HZSM‐48 molecular sieves and γ‐Al2O3, respectively. The hydroisomerization performance of n‐dodecane was investigated on a fixed‐bed reactor. The loading position of the metal can directly affect the activity of the hydroisomerization reaction. However, the distribution of the isomer products is not affected by the loading position and the metal type (Pt or Ni) obviously, and the middle‐positioned isomer is the main isomer product regardless of the position and the type of the metal. The catalysis results indicate that the isomerization of n‐dodecane mainly follows the “Key‐Lock” catalysis mode on HZSM‐48.
Mixed‐Dimensional Partial Dealloyed PtCuBi/C as High‐Performance Electrocatalysts for Methanol Oxidation with Enhanced CO Tolerance
Authors: Li Sichen , Ajmal Sara , Zhou Xiaoxing , Lu Maoni , Li Xinghao , Sun Zhenjie , Liu Shoujie , Zhu Manzhou , Li Peng
Published: December 2023

Developing efficient electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) is crucial in advancing the commercialization of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs). Herein, carbon‐supported 0D/2D PtCuBi/C (0D/2D PtCuBi/C) catalysts are fabricated through a solvothermal method, followed by a partial electrochemical dealloying process to form a novel mixed‐dimensional electrochemically dealloyed PtCuBi/C (0D/2D D‐PtCuBi/C) catalysts. Benefiting from distinctive mixed‐dimensional structure and composition, the as‐obtained 0D/2D D‐PtCuBi/C catalysts possess abundant accessible active sites. The introduction of Cu as a water‐activating element weakens the COads, and oxophilic metal Bi facilitates the OHads, thereby enhancing its tolerance to CO poisoning and promoting MOR activity. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (XAFS) collectively reveal the electron transfer from Cu and Bi to Pt, the electron‐enrichment effect induced by dealloying, and the strong interactions among Pt‐M (Cu, Pt, and Bi) multi‐active sites, which improve the tuning of the electronic structure and enhancement of electron transfer ability. Impressively, the optimized 0D/2D D‐PtCuBi/C catalysts exhibit the superior mass activity (MA) of 17.68 A mgPt−1 for MOR, which is 14.86 times higher than that of commercial Pt/C. This study offers a proposed strategy for Pt‐based alloy catalysts, enabling their use as efficient anodic materials in fuel cell applications.
Highly aqueously stable C60‐polymer nanoparticles with excellent photodynamic property for potential cancer treatment
Authors: Wang Dan , Zhao Jianyang , Mulder Roger J. , Ratcliffe Julian , Wang Chunru , Wu Bo , Wang Jinquan , Hao Xiaojuan
Published: December 2023

Fullerenes are a class of carbon nanomaterials that find a wide range of applications in biomedical fields, especially for photodynamic cancer therapy because of its photosensitive effect. However, hydrophobic fullerenes can only be dispersed in organic solvents which hinders their biomedical applications. Here, we report a facile method to prepare highly water‐dispersible fullerene (C60)‐polymer nanoparticles with hydrodynamic sizes of 50–70 nm. Hydrophilic random copolymers containing different ratios of polyethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate and 2‐aminoethylmethacrylamide were synthesized for conjugating with C60 molecules through efficient nucleophilic Michael addition reaction between amine groups from hydrophilic polymer and carbon‐carbon double bonds from C60. As a result, the amphiphilic C60‐polymer conjugates could be well dispersed and nano‐assembled in water with a C60 concentration as high as 7.8 mg/mL, demonstrating a significant improvement for the solubility of C60 in an aqueous system. Owing to the high C60 content, the C60‐polymer nanoparticles showed a strong photodynamic therapy effect on human lung cancer cells (A549) under light irradiation (450 nm) in both 2D cell culture and 3D spheroid culture, while demonstrating ignorable cytotoxicity under dark. This highly efficient and convenient method to prepare water‐dispersible C60‐polymer conjugates may have a great impact on the future biomedical applications of fullerenes.
Tescalcin modulates bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells osteogenic differentiation via the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Wu Dong , Piao Longhuan , Wang Guangbin
Published: December 2023

Background

Bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are recognized for their intrinsic capacity for self‐renewal and differentiation into osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondrocytes, making them pivotal entities within the field of bone research. Tescalcin (TESC) is known to play a role in specific cellular processes related to proliferation and differentiation. However, the precise involvement of TESC in the regulation of BMSCs remains unclear. The present study was designed to verify the functional implications of TESC in BMSCs.

Methods

An adenovirus vector was engineered to downregulate TESC expression, and the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway was activated using BML‐284. The assessment of mRNA was conducted by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). The assessment of protein expression was conducted by Western blotting and immunofluorescence techniques (IF), respectively. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and activity assays were performed to verify ALP changes, while Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining and quantitative analysis were employed to assess mineralization capacity.

Results

Initially, we observed an upregulation of TESC expression during osteogenic differentiation. Subsequently, TESC knockdown was demonstrated to decrease the osteogenic‐related genes expression and diminish BMSCs mineralization. Concomitantly, we identified the inhibition of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling following the TESC knockdown. Furthermore, the administration of BML‐284 effectively activated the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, successfully rescuing the compromised TESC‐mediated osteogenic differentiation.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that TESC knockdown exerts an inhibitory effect on the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs through the modulation of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. This study unveils a novel target with potential applications for enhancing the regenerative potential of BMSCs in the realm of regenerative medicine.
Surveying and localized screening of soil contamination with the growth of urban community agriculture in Northern Utah
Authors: Oliver Frank , Stock Melanie N. , Grossl Paul , Cardon Grant
Published: December 2023

Urban soil contamination has become an increasing concern within residential developments and with the expansion of urban agriculture, which has grown across the United States. In Salt Lake County, Utah, there are 39 community gardens and urban farms, with more in development. Only limited data exist to determine whether these soils may be considered contaminated. The purpose of this study was to conduct an urban soil survey in Salt Lake County for initial screening of soils in community gardens and urban farms for common contaminants, including the trace elements lead and arsenic (total concentrations), along with organic contaminant benzo (A) pyrene (BAP). Site selection included an emphasis on sites serving at least nine families and those with greater potential for soil contamination based on identified risk factors. Measured soil test concentrations were compared to US EPA regional screening levels (RSLs) and other US background levels. Lead concentrations ranged from 14.8 to 516 mg kg−1, with a mean concentration of 91.8 mg kg−1. Measured arsenic ranged from 2.83 to 39.3 mg kg−1 with a mean of 11.8 mg kg−1. All measured arsenic concentrations exceeded the US EPA RSL of 0.68 mg kg−1. BAP was the primary hydrocarbon of concern, and concentrations above detectable limits ranged from 0.01 to 0.44 mg kg−1, with a mean concentration of 0.09 mg kg−1. By determining the baseline degree of soil contamination in key urban agricultural sites in Utah's most populated county, local screening levels were developed into soil management plans for producers.
Potential pollution risks of historic landfills in England: Further analysis of climate change impacts
Authors: Brand James H. , Spencer Kate L.
Published: December 2023

Five years ago, an article in WIREs Water provided the first comprehensive analysis of historic (legacy) landfill sites vulnerable to coastal flooding and erosion at a national scale (England). This update expands upon that article by considering the potential impacts of climate change upon inland historic landfills. Globally, there are hundreds of thousands of landfills that predate modern environmental regulations, and where waste is not isolated from the surrounding environment, but climate change impacts on the pollution risk from historic landfills in freshwater environments has received little attention. Where climate change causes an increase in the frequency and magnitude of fluvial flood events, this will increase leachate generation and the probability of landfill erosion and solid waste release. Where there is increased drought the landfill capping materials may crack, opening up new pollutant pathways, and increasing the risk of solid waste release. Changes to groundwater movement resulting from climate change may open new leachate pathways, and in England alone, thousands of historic landfills are in (groundwater) Source Protection Zones where modern regulations to protect drinking water supplies would not permit their construction. This increased contaminant release from historic landfills in freshwater environments may impact surface and/or groundwater quality and ecological health, increase costs for drinking water monitoring/treatment, or make some abstraction sources unviable. This is especially of concern where receptors are subject to multiple pressures and may cause tipping points to be reached. Further research is warranted into contaminant behavior, receptor vulnerability, historic landfill risk prioritization, and mitigation/remediation methods.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Engineering Water

Science of Water > Water Quality

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change

Water and Life > Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems
Sustainability impacts of sediments on the estuary, ports, and fishing communities of Cartagena Bay, Colombian Caribbean
Authors: Tosic Marko , Restrepo Ángel Juan D.
Published: December 2023

This article reviews research on sediment flux impacts on the receiving estuary, ports, and society in Cartagena, Colombia. The city hosts both the country's largest touristic and coastal industrial sectors and is home to vulnerable coastal communities whose health and livelihoods are impacted by pollution. These marginalized artisanal fishing communities lack basic water and health services but have finally been recognized in a new intersectoral committee for Cartagena Bay's environmental management. To support the governance of these complex socioenvironmental challenges, the Cartagena Bay Observatory has been developed as a scientific tool to monitor the bay's conditions and forecast the effects of future sediment remediation plans. Cartagena Bay receives large freshwater discharges from the Dique Canal, draining from the 260,000 km2 Magdalena River watershed where 80% of the national population resides. This runoff transports sediment loads of 2.3 Mt/year, dispersing large plumes that affect the marine ecosystems and tourism and make the bay one of the Caribbean's largest sediment‐receiving estuaries. Following decades of watershed deforestation and erosion, the upward trending sediment inputs and accretion of the Dique delta have resulted in deposition rates of 1.8 cm/year, and the need for frequent dredging. Mercury dumped by a chemical industry in the 1970s can be found in concentrations as high as 18.8 μg/g buried below the bay's bottom. Mercury has also been found in the bay's biota and human populations, and so the dredging needed for the port's sustainability thereby presents a health risk by allowing this trapped mercury to surface.

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes

Science of Water > Water Quality

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change
Historical Background
Authors: Aigner Wolfgang , Miksch Silvia , Schumann Heidrun , Tominski Christian
Published: December 2023

This chapter takes a look back in time and presents a selection of historical visual representations of time-oriented data. The representation of time in the arts is a second aspect covered in this chapter.
Time and Time-Oriented Data
Authors: Aigner Wolfgang , Miksch Silvia , Schumann Heidrun , Tominski Christian
Published: December 2023

This chapter investigates in detail the characteristics of time and time-oriented data. Design aspects for modeling time and time-oriented data are introduced and discussed using examples. The chapter also sheds some light on data quality.
Die QScore-Kriterien Q1 bis Q10
Authors: Gleißner Werner , Weissman Arnold
Published: December 2023

Zur Beurteilung der Zukunftsfähigkeit dient der QScore, der basierend auf zehn Kriteriendimensionen (Q1 bis Q10) und einer Vielzahl von Einzelkriterien (und Subkriterien) bestimmt wird (vgl. Tab. 3.1).
Sprach- und Zeichengeschichte von OKAY
Authors: Herzberg Laura
Published: December 2023

Zunächst wird die Entstehungsgeschichte von OKAY von der Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts bis zum Ende des 20. Jahrhunderts dargestellt. Im Anschluss daran werden neue Entwicklungen der Sprach- und Zeichengeschichte von OKAY in der digitalen Welt des 21. Jh. vorgestellt.
2b or not 2b: on the rejection of g → $$ b\overline{b} $$ jets
Authors: Pazar Beni , Lunghi Enrico
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Motivated by new physics models which lead to final states containing a high multiplicity of bottom and top quarks, we develop a tagging strategy to suppress reducible and non-reducible multi-jet backgrounds. The idea takes advantage of the properties of light parton showers and of the gluon fragmentation into heavy quarks to reject jets that do not originate from a bottom quark.
Multiplicative anomaly matches Casimir energy for GJMS operators on spheres
Authors: Aros R. , Bugini F. , Díaz D. E. , Zúñiga B.
Published: December 2023

Abstract

An explicit formula to compute the multiplicative anomaly or defect of ζ-regularized products of linear factors is derived, by using a Feynman parametrization, generalizing Shintani-Mizuno formulas. Firstly, this is applied on n-spheres, reproducing known results in the literature. Then, this framework is applied to a closed Einstein universe at finite temperature, namely $$ {S}_{\beta}^1\times {S}^{n-1} $$

S
β
1

×

S

n
−
1

. In doing so, it is shown that the standard Casimir energy (as computed via ζ regularization) for GJMS operators coincides with the accumulated multiplicative anomaly for the shifted Laplacians that build them up. This equivalence between Casimir energy and multiplicative anomaly within ζ regularization, unnoticed so far to our knowledge, brings about a new turn regarding the physical significance of the multiplicative anomaly, putting both now on equal footing. An emergent improved Casimir energy, that incorporates the multiplicative anomaly among the building Laplacians, is also discussed.
Approximate Sampling of Graphs with Near-P-Stable Degree Intervals
Authors: Erdős Péter L. , Mezei Tamás Róbert , Miklós István
Published: December 2023

The approximate uniform sampling of graph realizations with a given degree sequence is an everyday task in several social science, computer science, engineering etc. projects. One approach is using Markov chains. The best available current result about the well-studied switch Markov chain is that it is rapidly mixing on P-stable degree sequences (see ). The switch Markov chain does not change any degree sequence. However, there are cases where degree intervals are specified rather than a single degree sequence. (A natural scenario where this problem arises is in hypothesis testing on social networks that are only partially observed.) Rechner, Strowick, and Müller–Hannemann introduced in 2018 the notion of degree interval Markov chain which uses three (separately well studied) local operations (switch, hinge-flip and toggle), and employing on degree sequence realizations where any two sequences under scrutiny have very small coordinate-wise distance. Recently, Amanatidis and Kleer published a beautiful paper (), showing that the degree interval Markov chain is rapidly mixing if the sequences are coming from a system of very thin intervals which are centered not far from a regular degree sequence. In this paper, we substantially extend their result, showing that the degree interval Markov chain is rapidly mixing if the intervals are centered at P-stable degree sequences.
Generic optimal power flow for active distribution networks
Authors: Sepulveda Simon , Garcés-Ruiz Alejandro , Mora-Florez Juan
Published: December 2023

Active distribution networks (ADN) may operate in different modes according to the generation demand balance and the capacity of the primary grid for imposing a constant frequency. Conventionally, a customized optimization model is used for each operating mode. Unlike that conventional approach, this article proposes a general optimization model capable of operating the system in three different modes: grid-connected, islanded with a surplus of generation, and islanded with a deficit of generation. Real-time operation is required in this framework with guarantees such as global optimum, uniqueness of the solution, and fast algorithm convergence; for this reason, a convex approach is employed for grid modeling. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the proposed optimization-based operation model can handle the three types of operation while ensuring the safety operation with frequency and voltage within expected limits.
Applying a risk assessment guided evaluation for verifying comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography to analyse complex pharmaceuticals
Authors: Schwalb Lukas , Tiemann Ole , Käfer Uwe , Rüger Christopher Paul , Gröger Thomas , Zimmermann Ralf
Published: December 2023

The reliability of analytical results is critical and indispensable when applied in regulated environments such as the pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, analytical workflows must be validated. However, validation guidelines are often designed for quantitative targeted analysis and rarely apply to qualitative untargeted approaches. In this study, we employ a risk assessment approach to identify critical parameters which might influence the qualitative results derived by online derivatisation — comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled to a high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometer (GC × GC-HR-ToF–MS) for the analysis of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) sodium bituminosulfonate (SBS). To show the complexity and feasibility of such an approach, we focus on investigating three potential risk factors: sample preparation, vapourability, and the thermal stability of sulfonates. Through the individual evaluation of these potential risk factors due to the application of sample preparation approaches and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), we demonstrate the high derivatisation efficiency and repeatability of the online derivatisation method and confirm the absence of derivatisation-induced side reactions. In addition, we also show the potential thermal instability of an incompletely derivatised API. To address the limitation of these individual assessments, we applied a holistic evaluation step with negative electrospray ionisation Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI( −) FT-ICR MS) as an orthogonal technique. This confirms that most of the API is detected via the presented GC-based method. Thereby, we demonstrated the practical feasibility of the risk assessment-based approach to ensure the validity of the qualitative data for a complex untargeted method.

Graphical Abstract
A phantom on a rational surface
Authors: Krah Johannes
Published: December 2023

We construct a non-full exceptional collection of maximal length consisting of line bundles on the blow-up of the projective plane in 10 general points. As a consequence, the orthogonal complement of this collection is a universal phantom category. This provides a counterexample to a conjecture of Kuznetsov and to a conjecture of Orlov.
Exceptional sea ice loss leading to anomalously deep winter convection north of Svalbard in 2018
Authors: Fu Chuanshuai , Myers Paul G.
Published: December 2023

An important question is will deep convection sites, where deep waters are ventilated and air-gas exchange into the deep ocean occurs, emerge in the Arctic Ocean with the warming climate. As sea ice retreats northward and as Arctic sea ice becomes younger and thinner, air-sea interactions are strengthening in the high-latitude oceans. This includes new and extreme deep convection events. We investigate the associated physical processes and examine impacts and implications. Focusing on a region near the Arctic gateway of Fram Strait, our study confirms a significant sea ice cover reduction north of Svalbard in 2018 compared to the past decade, shown in observations and several numerical studies. We conduct our study using the regional configuration Arctic and North Hemisphere Atlantic of the ocean/sea ice model NEMO, running at 1/12° resolution (ANHA12). Our numerical study shows that the open water condition during the winter of 2018 allows intense winter convection over the Yermak Plateau, as more oceanic heat is lost to the atmosphere without the insulating sea ice cover, causing the mixed layer depth to reach over 600 m. Anomalous wind prior to the deep convection event forces offshore sea ice movement and contributes to the reduced sea ice cover. The sea ice loss is also attributed to the excess heat brought by the Atlantic Water, which reaches its maximum in the preceding winter in Fram Strait. The deep convection event coincides with enhanced mesoscale eddy activity on the boundary of the Yermak Plateau, especially to the east. The resulting substantial heat loss to the atmosphere also leads to a heat content reduction integrated over the Yermak Plateau region. This event can be linked to the minimum southward sea ice volume flux through Fram Strait in 2018, which is a potential negative freshwater anomaly in the subpolar Atlantic.
Prevalence of perilymphatic fistula in patients with sudden-onset sensorineural hearing loss as diagnosed by Cochlin-tomoprotein (CTP) biomarker detection: its association with age, hearing severity, and treatment outcomes
Authors: Sasaki Akira , Ikezono Tetsuo , Matsuda Han , Araki Ryuichiro , Matsumura Tomohiro , Saitoh Shiho , Wasano Koichiro , Matsubara Atsushi
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To determine the prevalence of perilymphatic fistula (PLF) in sudden-onset sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) patients by employing the Cochlin-tomoprotein (CTP) detection test, a specific diagnostic marker for perilymph. We also analyzed the clinical characteristics associated with hearing outcomes in this cohort.

Methods

A total of 74 eligible patients were prospectively enrolled. Following myringotomy, middle ear lavage (MEL) samples underwent the CTP test to identify perilymph leakage. Intratympanic dexamethasone (IT-DEX) therapy was administered, and hearing outcomes were assessed. Control groups comprised patients with chronic otitis media (n = 40) and non-inflammatory middle ears (n = 51) with concurrent MEL sample collection.

Results

CTP was positive in 16 (22%) patients. No control samples showed positive results. Multiple regression analysis indicated that age and pre-treatment hearing levels significantly contributed to the CTP value. We found a positive correlation between CTP values, age, and pre-treatment pure-tone averages. Notably, CTP values in SSNHL cases aged 60 and above were significantly higher than in those below 60 years. Patients with positive CTP had significantly worse recovery rates after IT-DEX treatment.

Conclusion

This study is the first prospective investigation demonstrating a positive relationship between CTP values, age, and hearing severity in SSNHL, indicating that PLF might be the essential cause of SSNHL, particularly in the elderly. Our findings suggest that IT-DEX may be less effective for PLF-associated SSNHL. Future research could reveal that PLF repair surgery is a viable treatment strategy for SSNHL. This study was registered under the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000010837) on 30/May/2013.
Effect of vestibular rehabilitation games in patients with persistent postural perceptual dizziness and its relation to anxiety and depression: prospective study
Authors: Ibrahim Nadia Mohamed Kamal , Hazza Nagwa Mohamed Abdelmonem , Yaseen Dhiaa Mohammed , Galal Eman Mohamed
Published: December 2023

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) for management of patients with persistent postural perceptual dizziness (PPPD) utilizing subjective and objectives outcome measures and to study the effect of degree of both anxiety and depression in patients on the response of vestibular rehabilitation therapy.

Methods

Thirty-three PPPD patients participated in this study. Selection of patients was based on the diagnostic criteria for PPPD stated by Barany society in the International Classification of Vestibular Disorders (2017). Every patient was subjected to history taking, anxiety and depression assessment, Arabic version of Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), and sensory organization test (SOT). All patients received vestibular rehabilitations therapy. Assessment of VRT outcome was conducted after 6 weeks of VRT.

Results

The mean patients’ age was 40.9 ± 16.3 years, and nearly equal gender distribution. Vestibular migraine was the most precipitating condition (24.2%) in patients with PPPD. (39.4%) of patients had abnormal scores of anxiety and depression tests, all patients had from moderate to severe degrees of handicap caused by dizziness as measured by DHI, most of patients had abnormal findings in all conditions of SOT. After vestibular rehabilitation therapy, DHI and SOT scores showed significant improvement after VRT. More improvement was found among the group with no anxiety and depression.

Conclusion

VRT were effective in improving balance abnormalities in patients with PPPD evidenced by subjectively by DHI scores and objectively by SOT results. PPPD patients with concomitant psychiatric disorders; anxiety and depression experienced the least degree of improvement.
Novel host plant use by a specialist insect depends on geographic variation in both the host and herbivore species
Authors: Michielini James P. , Yi Xianfeng , Brown Leone M. , Gao Shan Ming , Orians Colin , Crone Elizabeth E.
Published: December 2023

Understanding the circumstances under which insect herbivores will adopt a novel host plant is a longstanding question in basic and applied ecology. While geographic variation in host use can arise through differences in both herbivore preference and plant characteristics, there is a tendency to attribute geographic variation in host use to regional differences in herbivore preference alone. This is especially true for herbivores specialized to one or a few plant species. We compared how geographic variation in herbivore preference and host plant origin shape regional differences in host plant use by the specialized herbivore, Euphydryas phaeton. In parts of its range, E. phaeton uses only a native host, Chelone glabra, while in others, it also uses an introduced host, Plantago lanceolata. We offered female butterflies from each region the non-native host plant sourced from both regions and compared their oviposition behavior. The non-native host was almost universally rejected by butterflies in the region where only the native plant is used. In the region where butterflies use both hosts, females accepted non-native plants from their natal region twice as often as non-native plants from the other region where they are not used. Acceptance differed substantially among individual butterflies within regions but not among plants within regions. Thus, both individual preference and regional differences in both the insect and non-native host contributed to the geographic variation in different ways. These results highlight that, in addition to herbivore preference, regional differences in perceived plant suitability may be an important driver of diet breadth.
Transient high-frequency spherical wave propagation in porous medium using fractional calculus technique
Authors: Soltani Kamran , Seyedpour Seyed Morteza , Ricken Tim , Rezazadeh Ghader
Published: December 2023

Transient high-frequency spherical wave propagation in the porous medium is studied using the Biot-JKD theory. The porous media is considered to be a composed of deformable solid skeleton and viscous incompressible fluid inside the pores. In order to treat the fractional proportionality of the dynamic tortuosity to the frequency (or equivalently, to time) due to the viscous interaction between solid and fluid phases, the fractional calculus theory along with the Laplace and Fourier transforms are used to solve the coupled governing partial differential equations of the scaler and vector potential functions obtained from the Helmholtz’s decomposition in the Laplace domain. Both the longitudinal and transverse waves, additionally the reflection and transmission kernels are determined in detail at the Laplace domain. For the Laplace-to-time inversion transform, Durbin’s numerical formula is used and the independence of the results from the involved tuning and accuracy parameters is checked. The effects of the porosity, dynamic tortuosity, characteristics length, etc. on the reflected pressure and stress are investigated. The general pattern of the results is similar to our previous knowledge of wave propagation. Further works and experiments may be conducted in future works for various applications.
Electrochemical reduction of tantalum and titanium halides in 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis (trifluoromethyl-sulfonyl)imide and 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium trifluoromethanesulfonate ionic liquids
Authors: Engemann Thomas , Ispas Adriana , Bund Andreas
Published: December 2023

The electrodeposition of tantalum-titanium–based films using different tantalum and titanium halides was investigated in two ionic liquids, namely, 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium bis (trifluoromethyl-sulfonyl)imide ([BMP][TFSI]) and 1-butyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium trifluoromethanesulfonate ([BMP][OTf]). Cyclic voltammetry was used to analyse the electrochemistry of the electrolytes and potentiostatic deposition was performed to evaluate the feasibility of electrodepositing tantalum-titanium–based layers. Both the metal salts and the ionic liquid influenced the electrochemical reduction of the tantalum and titanium halides significantly. While titanium halides considerably retarded the reduction of tantalum pentahalides and inhibited electrodeposition in many electrolytes, an electrolyte composition from which tantalum and titanium-containing layers could be deposited was identified. Specifically, in TaBr5 and TiBr4 in [BMP][TFSI], TiBr4 did not inhibit the deposition of tantalum and titanium was co-deposited itself by a three-step reduction mechanism as confirmed by cyclic voltammetry and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Furthermore, [BMP][TFSI] led to smoother and more compact deposits.
Genetic Characterization of Myf5 and POU1F1 Genes in Different Egyptian Local Rabbit Breeds and Their Association with Growth Traits
Authors: Ahmed Sahar , Ali Neama Ibrahim , Darwish Hassan Ramadan , Salem Lamiaa Mohamed , Elsayad Reda Ismail , El-Keredy Amira
Published: December 2023

Genetic characterization and its association with quantitative traits in local breeds are important tools for the genetic improvement and sustainable management of animal genetic resources. Myogenic regulatory factor 5 (MYf5) and POU class 1 homeobox 1 (POU1F1) are candidate genes which play important roles in growth and development of mammals. The present study aims to detect the genetic diversity of the MYf5 and POU1F1 genes in four local Egyptian rabbit breeds and their association with growth traits, using PCR-restriction enzyme (PCR–RFLP), PCR-single-strand conformational polymorphism (PCR–SSCP), and direct sequencing techniques. The results showed that MYF5 exon 1 was observed with two genotypes in Baladi Black (BB), Gabali (GB) and New Zealand White (NZW) breeds while APRI-line (APRI) presented one genotype. The genetic diversity of Myf5 exon 2 between breeds showed two genotypes in APRI compared to three in NZW and four genotypes in BB and GB breeds. The genetic diversity of the POU1F1 gene (intron 5 and partial cds) in different rabbit breeds was two genotypes in NZW and three genotypes in BB, GB, and APRI breeds with different frequencies for each genotype. Based on the statistically significant difference between genes genotypes and growth weight, the results suggested that the genotypes of Myf5 exon 2 (1 and 2) of the BB breed, Myf5 exon 2 genotype 2 of the APRI breed, and genotype 1 of Myf5 exon 1 and genotype 1 of POU1F1 of the NZW breed compared to genotypes for each gene can be considered candidate molecular markers associated with the improvement of growth traits in these breeds.
Quasilinear elliptic equations involving measure valued absorption terms and measure data
Authors: Gkikas Konstantinos T.
Published: December 2023

Let 1 < p < N and Ω ⊂ ℝN be an open bounded domain. We study the existence of solutions to equation $$(E) - {\Delta _p}u + g(u)\sigma = \mu $$
(
E
)
−

Δ
p

u
+
g
(
u
)
σ
=
μ
in Ω, where g ∈ C(ℝ) is a nondecreasing function, μ is a bounded Radon measure on Ω and σ is a nonnegative Radon measure on ℝN. We show that if σ belongs to some Morrey space of signed measures, then we may investigate the existence of solutions to equation (E) in the framework of renormalized solutions. Furthermore, imposing a subcritical integral condition on g, we prove that equation (E) admits a renormalized solution for any bounded Radon measure μ. When $$g(t) = |t{|^{q - 1}}t$$
g
(
t
)
=
|
t

|

q
−
1

t
with q > p − 1, we give various sufficient conditions for the existence of renormalized solutions to (E). These sufficient conditions are expressed in terms of Bessel capacities.
SJORS: A Semantic Recommender System for Journalists
Authors: Garrido Ángel Luis , Pera Maria Soledad , Bobed Carlos
Published: December 2023

Recommender Systems support a broad range of domains, each with peculiarities that recommendation algorithms must consider to produce appropriate suggestions. In the paper, we bring attention to a little-studied scenario related to the news domain: recommendations catering to media journalists. Based on the particular needs inherent to a newsroom, the authors introduce SJORS, a wire news Recommender System that takes into account the activities of each journalist as well as other critical factors that arise in this particular domain, such as wire news recency. Given the nature of the items recommended, SJORS deals with the inherent ambiguity of natural language by exploiting different semantic techniques and technologies. The authors have conducted several experiments in a media company, which validated the performance and applicability of the system. Outcomes emerging from this work could be extended to other domains of interest, such as online stores, streaming platforms, or digital libraries, to name a few.
Morpho-anatomical attributes of the Egyptian Conocarpus erectus L. (Combretaceae R.Br.) with its phytochemicals and fungal-endophytes
Authors: Hussein Nagwa R. A. , El-Dawy Eman G. A. M.
Published: December 2023

Egyptian Conocarpus erectus L., or the buttonwood, was studied in different terms. This study used light and scanning electron microscopy, HPLC, and GC–MS analyses. Foliar morphology, anatomy of stems and leaves, pollen morphology, and phytochemical and endofungal attributes were investigated. It was an evergreen shrub with alternate leaves, a pair of nectary glands on the leaf base, and a few indumentums. Trichomes of both non- and glandular hairs were found. Stomata were sized, reaching 37.5 × 25.0 µm. They appeared on both abaxial and adaxial surfaces. The stem and leaf interior structure was typically like most dicots. Their internal structure revealed the mycelium of Aspergillus flavus throughout. Similarly, the accumulation of phenolic compounds as colored particles and integrated phytochemicals in crystalloid druses are observed internally. The endophytic fungus A. flavus, isolated from the leaves of C. erectus, contained the highest concentration of kojic acid. As a result, we could consider this A. flavus strain as a source of kojic acid for application in industry. Fungal and C. erectus extracts showed broad-range antifungal activity against three opportunistic human pathogenic fungi (Geotrichum candidum OL960606, Neoscytalidium dimidiatum OL960610, and Scopulariopsis coprophila OL960621). The major bioactive compounds of C. erectus leaf extracts were gallic acid, rutin, and rosmarinic acid. In conclusion, the endophytic A. flavus isolated from C. erectus has a variety of biological and medicinal uses that make it a potential commercial resource.