bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel PVA/MWCNTs hydrogel with high toughness and electromagnetic shielding properties
Authors: Xu Yuhuan , Tan Yanyan , Xue Yu , Pei Meng , Zhang Daohai , Liu Shan , Qin Shuhao
Published: August 2023

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are widely utilized as conductive fillers due to their high conductivity, lightweight, and ease of modification. However, their poor dispersion limits their otherwise excellent performance. In this study, we successfully prepared a high toughness, strong electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding hydrogel by blending polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) modified by anionic surfactant sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) and (3‐aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (KH550). We found that the modifiers can not only promote the uniform dispersion of MWCNTs but also improve the mechanical properties of the hydrogel. The results demonstrate that the stress (≈14.86 MPA), elongation at break (233.9%), and compressive strength (≈2.89 MPA) of PVA/MWCNTs composite hydrogel with 1 wt% MWCNTs and 5 wt% PVA were increased by 533.6%, 241.4%, and 206.5%, respectively. Encouragingly, the total electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (SET) is 123.6 dB at a thickness of 5 mm. In summary, this work provides a general approach to functionalizing MWCNTs, which has great potential for developing EMI shielding materials with high toughness.
Eosinophilic plastic bronchitis: Case series and review of the literature
Authors: Gipsman Alexander I. , Feld Lance , Johnson Brandy , Needleman Joshua P. , Boas Heather , Lin Nancy , DePasquale Brittany , Pogoriler Jennifer , McDowell Karen M. , Piccione Joseph C.
Published: August 2023

Plastic bronchitis is a term used to describe group of life‐threatening disorders characterized by the presence of large obstructing casts in the airways. Eosinophilic plastic bronchitis is a subtype of plastic bronchitis that occurs mainly in children and has not been well‐described in the literature. Patients may have a history of asthma or atopy, but many do not. They often present with cough and wheezing, and frequently have complete collapse of one lung seen on imaging. The severity of presentation varies depending on the location of the casts, ranging from mild symptoms to severe airway obstruction and death. Bronchoscopy is often required to both diagnose and treat this condition. A variety of medical therapies have been used, although no formal studies have evaluated their efficacy. Symptoms may resolve after initial cast removal, but in some patients, cast formation recurs. Here, we report a case series of nine patients with eosinophilic plastic bronchitis and review the existing literature of this condition.
Comparative analysis of sublimation and thermal decomposition of TATB
Authors: Koroglu Batikan , Burnham Alan K. , Mashiana Imren , Racoveanu Ana , Arose Christopher , Crowhurst Jonathan C. , Reynolds John G.
Published: August 2023

This experimental study investigated the effects of confinement, starting mass, and heating rate on TATB thermal decomposition and sublimation using a combined Thermo‐Gravimetric Analyzer and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TGA/DSC) instrument. The confinement of volatile products was varied using different pinhole sizes with TGA/DSC pans. The measurements showed the open pan experiments without lids/pinholes resulted in complete sublimation of TATB between 320 °C and 360 °C. The heat of sublimation was determined to be 176 kJ/mol (42 kcal /mol), consistent with literature data obtained from other experimental techniques. The use of pinholes suppressed the sublimation of TATB such that the decrease in pinhole size resulted in 1) an increase in the enthalpy of reaction and an increase in the amount of carbonaceous material remaining at the end of decomposition, and 2) convergence of the two peak temperatures corresponding to maximum heat flow and maximum weight loss. Also, a transition from a two‐exotherm thermal decomposition behavior towards a single‐exotherm occurred as the pinhole size was decreased for a given starting mass or as the starting mass was increased for a given pinhole size. These results indicate the kinetics of TATB sublimation, TATB thermal decomposition, and gas diffusion out of a TGA/DSC pan can all compete and result in significantly different enthalpies, amounts of remaining materials, and peak temperatures depending on the pinhole size and starting mass used in the measurements. The results also indicate precise control of process variables (pinhole size, starting mass, and heating rate) in TGA/DSC measurements is required for thermal safety assessment of explosives.
The difference in multifidus muscle morphology and motor control in non‐specific low back pain with clinical lumbar instability and healthy subjects: A case‐control study
Authors: Abdelaty Eman Masry , Shendy Salwa , Lotfy Osama , Hassan Karima Abdelaty
Published: August 2023

Background

Low back pain (LBP) with clinical lumbar instability (CLI) is considered a subgroup of back pain. Poor core stability function and/or lack of motor controls are thought to play a role in inappropriate inter‐segmental movements and pain. There is no study investigating the changes in the lumbar multifidus muscle (LMM) morphology and motor control in this subgroup of patients.

Objective

To assess motor control components and morphological changes of LMM in the patients suffering from chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP) with CLI.

Design

Observational case‐control study.

Methods

Thirty‐two patients suffering from (CNSLBP) with CLI and 32 healthy individuals were included. The muscle force element of lumbar motor control was assessed by using (the active straight‐leg raise test, leg lowering test, and Trendelenburg test). Ultrasonography was used to assess changes in the LMM morphology.

Results

There was a significant decrease in motor control (p = 0.0001), an increase in LMM fatty infiltration (p = 0.002), and a decrease in the thickness of LMM in patients suffering from CNSLBP during contraction (p = 0.006), during rest (p = 0.018). The cross‐section area of the LMM showed no statistically significant differences during rest on the right and left sides (p = 0.827, 0.220 respectively) and contraction (p = 0.160, 0.278 respectively) between patients and healthy subjects.

Conclusion

Motor control and the morphology of LMM in patients with CNSLBP with CLI may provide insight into the mechanisms of underlying pain and their effect on muscle function and structure.
New and rapid visual detection assay for Trogoderma granarium everts based on recombinase polymerase amplification and CRISPR/Cas12a
Authors: Zeng Lingyu , Zheng Sizhu , Stejskal Vaclav , Opit George , Aulicky Radek , Li Zhihong
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Khapra beetle (Trogoderma granarium Everts), one of the most important quarantine pests globally, is capable of causing severe infestation and huge economic loss to stored grain, and its interception rate has increased in major global trade countries over the past few years. However, difficulties remain in distinguishing this species with similar ones. In order to assist border ports and warehouses in khapra beetle's effective rapid identification as well as pest control at the early stages of monitoring or interception, we herein developed a new and rapid visual detection assay for T. granarium based on recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and the CRISPR/Cas12a system.

RESULTS

We designed and selected the first khapra beetle‐specific RPA primers and crRNA, and optimized the visualization reaction system (Cas12a/CrRNA = 100 nM/500 nM). With only a 37 °C‐heat‐source and a blue light torch, RPA and CRISPR/CAS12a‐based visualization assays can be completed within 40 min to differentiate between khapra beetle and nine similar Dermestidae species. After DNA extraction using a kit (4–5 h) or a simple method (5 min), the specific amplicons were obtained after a 15 min RPA reaction at 37 °C, followed by a 15 min color reaction under 37 °C in dark conditions using a CRISPR/CAS12a system and a fluorescent probe (5′‐FAM/3′‐BHQ1 labeled). This method is ingenious to low levels of DNA (10−1 ng μL−1) and meets the sensitivity requirements for detecting a single khapra beetle's egg (≈0.7 mm).

CONCLUSION

Our specificity and sensitivity analysis inferred that the present visualization system is effective to quickly and uniquely detect khapra beetle at room temperature (37 °C), thereby preventing this species before they spread widely. Our study is suitable for being pushed forward in storage pest management, and provides value as a reference for monitoring and identification of other pests. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Pharmacokinetic evaluation of 24 representative components of Ling‐Gui‐Zhu‐Gan decoction in acute myocardial infarction model rats via a validated ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method
Authors: Li Jing , Ge Ruirui , Wang Feng , Gu Jinfan , Zuo Mengyu , Tang Tongjuan , Ge Xinru , Niu Yingchao , Wang Liang , Huang Jinling , Chen Jian
Published: August 2023

Rationale

Ling‐Gui‐Zhu‐Gan decoction (LGZGD), one of the 100 herbal classic formulas, is clinically used to treat chronic heart failure with remarkable curative effect. However, LGZGD pharmacokinetic parameters in pathological model rats are poorly understood, in particular for special components. As physicochemical properties are specific to each representative component, no standard sample preparation is available for absolute quantification of representative components of LGZGD in rat plasma.

Methods

A specific, sensitive and high‐throughput ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC/MS/MS) method capturing 24 representative components was developed and applied to evaluate the pharmacokinetic parameters of LGZGD in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) rat plasma after intragastric administration (2.4, 4.8 and 9.6 g/kg). Precipitation and extraction were selected and optimized for plasma preparation, and isopropanol precipitation could offer higher recovery and broader coverage.

Results

It was expected that AMI could cause less absorption and slower elimination of most of active components of LGZGD. Most of newly reported special components absorbed quickly and eliminated slowly. The average elimination half‐life of the 24 representative components was 10.09 h, which is consistent with the dosage of LGZGD (twice daily).

Conclusions

The specificity, linearity, precision and accuracy, recovery, matrix effect and stability were validated according to Food and Drug Administration guidance. The validation results demonstrated that the method could be applied to evaluate the pharmacokinetic parameters of LGZGD in AMI rats. The pharmacokinetic parameters showed substantial improvement in quality research of LGZGD, thereby laying the groundwork for preclinical and clinical trials in chronic heart failure clinical efficacy.
Small GTP‐binding protein Rap1 mediates EGF and HB‐EGF signaling and modulates EGF receptor expression in HTR‐8/SVneo extravillous trophoblast cells
Authors: Yoshie Mikihiro , Ohishi Kensuke , Ishikawa Gen , Tsuru Atsuya , Kusama Kazuya , Azumi Mana , Tamura Kazuhiro
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) invade the endometrium to establish a fetomaternal interaction during pregnancy. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and heparin‐binding EGF‐like growth factor (HB‐EGF) stimulate EVT invasion by binding to the EGF receptor (EGFR). We examined the role of the small GTP‐binding protein Rap1 in EGF‐ and HB‐EGF‐stimulated EVT invasion.

Methods

Expression of Rap1 in the first‐trimester placenta was examined by immunohistochemistry. Effect of EGF or HB‐EGF on Rap1 activation (GTP‐Rap1) and Rap1 knockdown on invasion was assessed in EVT cell line (HTR‐8/SVneo). In addition, effect of Rap1 knockdown and Rap1GAP (a Rap1 inactivator) overexpression on the activation of EGF signaling and EGFR expression were examined.

Results

Rap1 was expressed by EVTs, villous cytotrophoblasts, and syncytiotrophoblasts in the placenta. EGF and HB‐EGF activated Rap1 and promoted invasion of HTR‐8/SVneo, and these effects were inhibited by Rap1 knockdown. The EGF‐ and HB‐EGF‐induced phosphorylation of AKT, ERK1/2, p38MAPK, and Src was inhibited by Rap1 knockdown. Furthermore, the knockdown of Rap1 reduced the EGFR protein level. Overexpression of Rap1GAP repressed EGF‐ and HB‐EGF‐induced Rap1 activation and reduced EGFR expression.

Conclusion

Rap1 may function as a mediator of EGF and HB‐EGF signaling pathways and can modulate EGFR expression in EVTs during placental development.
Dynamics of viral disease outbreaks: A hundred years (1918/19–2019/20) in retrospect ‐ Loses, lessons and emerging issues
Authors: Nii‐Trebi Nicholas I. , Mughogho Thomas S. , Abdulai Anisa , Tetteh Francis , Ofosu Priscilla M. , Osei Mary‐Magdalene , Yalley Akua K.
Published: August 2023

Infectious diseases continue to be the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, and a formidable obstacle to the development and well‐being of people worldwide. Viruses account for more than half of infectious disease outbreaks that have plagued the world. The past century (1918/19–2019/20) has witnessed some of the worst viral disease outbreaks the world has recorded, with overwhelming impact especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC). The frequency of viral disease outbreak appears to be increasing. Generally, although infectious diseases have afflicted the world for centuries and humankind has had opportunities to examine the nature of their emergence and mode of spread, almost every new outbreak poses a formidable challenge to humankind, beating the existing pandemic preparedness systems, if any, and causing significant losses. These underscore inadequacy in our understanding of the dynamics and preparedness against viral disease outbreaks that lead to epidemics and pandemics. Despite these challenges, the past 100 years of increasing frequencies of viral disease outbreaks have engendered significant improvements in response to epidemics and pandemics, and offered lessons to inform preparedness. Hence, the increasing frequency of emergence of viral outbreaks and the challenges these outbreaks pose to humankind, call for the continued search for effective ways to tackle viral disease outbreaks in real time. Through a PRISMA‐based approach, this systematic review examines the outbreak of viral diseases in retrospect to decipher the outbreak patterns, losses inflicted on humanity and highlights lessons these offer for meaningful preparation against future viral disease outbreaks and pandemics.
Developing an instrument to examine students' analogical modeling competence: An example of electricity
Authors: Lin Jing‐Wen , Chao Hsiu‐Yi
Published: August 2023

Science education reforms advocate modeling as a core practice in which analogy is a significant form and analogical modeling is a creative process for scientific explanation and discovery. This study adopts the self‐generated analogical modeling approach involving electricity, which considers all the modeling subprocesses and includes two subtopics (circuits and energy) with incompatible ontological presuppositions as a conceptual space to develop an analogical modeling competence (AMC) instrument. Two constructs, phenomenon‐related abductive premises (Phenomenon‐AbPr) and analogical modeling processes (AMP), that describe the increasing sophistication of students' AMC (i.e., Level 0 experience to Level 4 high‐order relation) are considered. The procedures utilize a construct‐based approach of developing an assessment to validate the underlying constructs and subtopics to develop the mapping between the target and the analogical models, design items, and determine outcome spaces. Data were collected from 294 Grade 6 students to examine their AMC. The item response theory technique based on the Rasch partial credit model was used to validate the two‐phase model. Student results revealed that the infit and outfit mean square values were between 0.75 and 1.33, indicating acceptable item fit. Results revealed that students scored highest on the open series circuit and lowest on electric energy in the Phenomenon‐AbPr phase. Most students demonstrated relational mapping in the analogical model validation (Level 3) stage, which performed best in the AMP phase. However, they struggled to transfer factors during the analogical model application and deployment (Level 0). Implications for science assessment and teaching are discussed.
Sustainable food consumption and Sustainable Development Goal 12: Conceptual challenges for monitoring and implementation
Authors: Mensah Kristina , Wieck Christine , Rudloff Bettina
Published: August 2023

In recent years, policy initiatives have been developed to promote sustainability. Although sustainable food production is an integral part of many national agricultural policies, this is not the case for sustainable food consumption. This article systematically reviews key elements of sustainable food consumption and evaluates how they align with existing policy indicators, specifically SDG 12, within the context of the agricultural policy of the European Union. Through a cross‐referencing approach, this article identifies gaps and possible improvements in policy indicator frameworks to better capture elements of sustainable food consumption. We find that SDG 12 targets are not suitable to assess progress to sustainable food consumption. While targets are closely linked to environmental and economic issues, they are insufficient to monitor sustainable food consumption. Our findings suggest the necessity for enhanced or modified policy indicators that encompass the key elements of sustainable food consumption as well as a comprehensive definition of the latter to effectively design and evaluate polices on this matter.
The importance of green competencies in advancing organizational sustainability: The empirical perspective
Authors: Gadomska‐Lila Katarzyna , Sudolska Agata , Łapińska Justyna
Published: August 2023

This study addresses an existing research gap on individual green competences (GC) and their application in business settings, and discusses the concept GC in the context of a firm's organizational sustainability (OS). Namely, the study aims to examine the importance of organization members' (managers' and employees') GC for advancing a firm's OS. The theoretical grounding is exemplified by the empirical study based on individual interviews with managers. Study results explain how managers understand GC and how they see GC's role in enhancing companies' OS, as well as what are crucial barriers encountered in this process. The results show that GC, from a managerial perspective, are seen through the lens of people's pro‐environmental awareness and knowledge followed by behaviors related to environmental protection. They indicate the economic, environmental, and social benefits of GC development, required for a firm's competitive advantage. The research contributes to the studies on GC being a significant antecedent of achieving the desired business results in terms of OS.
Shrinkage estimators of the spatial relative risk function
Authors: Hazelton Martin L.
Published: August 2023

The spatial relative risk function describes differences in the geographical distribution of two types of points, such as locations of cases and controls in an epidemiological study. It is defined as the ratio of the two underlying densities. Estimation of spatial relative risk is typically done using kernel estimates of these densities, but this procedure is often challenging in practice because of the high degree of spatial inhomogeneity in the distributions. This makes it difficult to obtain estimates of the relative risk that are stable in areas of sparse data while retaining necessary detail elsewhere, and consequently difficult to distinguish true risk hotspots from stochastic bumps in the risk function. We study shrinkage estimators of the spatial relative risk function to address these problems. In particular, we propose a new lasso‐type estimator that shrinks a standard kernel estimator of the log‐relative risk function towards zero. The shrinkage tuning parameter can be adjusted to help quantify the degree of evidence for the existence of risk hotspots, or selected to optimize a cross‐validation criterion. The performance of the lasso estimator is encouraging both on a simulation study and on real‐world examples.
Selection of a statistical analysis method for the Glasgow Outcome Scale‐Extended endpoint for estimating the probability of favorable outcome in future severe TBI clinical trials
Authors: Wang Yu , Yeatts Sharon D. , Martin Renee' H. , Silbergleit Robert , Rockswold Gaylan L. , Barsan William G. , Korley Frederick K. , Rockswold Sarah , Gajewski Byron J.
Published: August 2023

The Glasgow outcome scale‐extended (GOS‐E), an ordinal scale measure, is often selected as the endpoint for clinical trials of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Traditionally, GOS‐E is analyzed as a fixed dichotomy with favorable outcome defined as GOS‐E ≥ 5 and unfavorable outcome as GOS‐E < 5. More recent studies have defined favorable vs unfavorable outcome utilizing a sliding dichotomy of the GOS‐E that defines a favorable outcome as better than a subject's predicted prognosis at baseline. Both dichotomous approaches result in loss of statistical and clinical information. To improve on power, Yeatts et al proposed a sliding scoring of the GOS‐E as the distance from the cutoff for favorable/unfavorable outcomes, and therefore used more information found in the original GOS‐E to estimate the probability of favorable outcome. We used data from a published TBI trial to explore the ramifications to trial operating characteristics by analyzing the sliding scoring of the GOS‐E as either dichotomous, continuous, or ordinal. We illustrated a connection between the ordinal data and time‐to‐event (TTE) data to allow use of Bayesian software that utilizes TTE‐based modeling. The simulation results showed that the continuous method with continuity correction offers higher power and lower mean squared error for estimating the probability of favorable outcome compared to the dichotomous method, and similar power but higher precision compared to the ordinal method. Therefore, we recommended that future severe TBI clinical trials consider analyzing the sliding scoring of the GOS‐E endpoint as continuous with continuity correction.
Bone Homeostasis Modulating Orthopedic Adhesive for the Closed‐Loop Management of Osteoporotic Fractures
Authors: Liu Can , Liu Weilu , Qi Baoyu , Fan Lei , Liu Shencai , Yang Qinfeng , Yang Yusheng , Yang Shuofei , Zhang Yili , Wei Xu , Zhu Liguo
Published: August 2023

Patients with osteoporotic fractures often require effective fixation and subsequent bone repair. However, currently available materials are often limited functionally, failing to improve this cohort's outcomes. Herein, kaempferol‐loaded mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNs)‐doped orthopedic adhesives are prepared to assist osteoporotic fracture fixation and restore dysregulated bone homeostasis, including promoting osteoblast formation while inhibiting osteoclastic bone‐resorbing activity to synergistically promote osteoporotic fracture healing. The injectability, reversible adhesiveness and malleable properties endowed the orthopedic adhesives with high flexibility and hemostatic performance to adapt to complex clinical scenarios. Moreover, Ca2+ and SiO44− ions released from MBGNs can accelerate osteogenesis via the PI3K/AKT pathway, while kaempferol mediated osteoclastogenesis inhibition and can slow down the bone resorption process through NF‐κB pathway, which regulated bone regeneration and remodeling. Importantly, implementing the orthopedic adhesive is validated as an effective closed‐loop management approach in restoring the dysregulated bone homeostasis of osteoporotic fractures.
Is history repeating itself? A black woman faculty member's journey in a higher education and student affairs graduate preparation program
Authors: Garrett Stacey D.
Published: August 2023

The author provides a look into her experiences as a Black woman faculty member in a higher education and student affairs graduate preparation program using existing literature, scholarly personal narrative, and Black feminist thought. Author concludes with a vision for change and a message for Black women seeking to thrive in academia.
Unraveling the Effect of the Chemical and Structural Composition of ZnxNi1−xFe2O4 on the Electron Transfer at the Electrochemical Interface
Authors: Madagalam Mallikarjun , Bartoli Mattia , Rosito Michele , Blangetti Nicola , Etzi Coller Pascuzzi Marco , Padovano Elisa , Bonelli Barbara , Carrara Sandro , Tagliaferro Alberto
Published: August 2023

In order to deepen the understanding of the role of transition metal oxides in electron transfer at the electrochemical interface, the performance of Zn
x
Ni1−x
Fe2O4 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1) nanomaterials in electrochemical sensing is studied. Nanomaterials are synthesized by simple autocombustion synthesis procedure. Field‐emission scanning electron microscopy characterization shows that the particles have a size between 30 and 70 nm with an average crystallite size between 24 and 35 nm. The bandgap energies of the nanomaterials, as estimated by UV–vis experiments, are in the 2.32–2.56 eV range. The valence band maximum is evaluated using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and the position of the conduction band minimum is estimated. The ZnFe2O4 sensor has the best performances: highest rate constant (13.1 ± 2.8 ms−1), lowest peak‐to‐peak separation (386 ± 2 mV), and highest sensitivity (37.75 ± 0.17 μA mM−1). Its limit of detection (7.94 ± 0.04 μM) is second best, and its sensitivity is more than twice the sensitivity of the bare sensor (16.7 ± 0.9 μA mM−1). Nanomaterials energy bands mapping with the experimental redox potentials is performed to predict the electron transfer at the electrochemical interface, and the importance of surface states/defects is highlighted in the electron transfer mechanism.
Entwicklung einer Orthoverbundfahrbahnplatte für Straßenbrücken
Authors: Stroetmann Richard , Wisnewski Joachim , Lewerenz Camilla , Mansperger Tobias
Published: August 2023

Stark angestiegene Verkehrsbelastungen führten zu umfangreichen Ermüdungsschäden an existierenden orthotropen Stahlfahrbahnplatten. Stahlbetonbrücken und herkömmliche Verbundbrücken sind zwar weniger ermüdungsanfällig, aber erheblich schwerer. Die sog. Orthoverbundfahrbahnplatte ist eine vergleichsweise leichte und robuste alternative Bauweise, die die Vorteile der zuvor genannten Bauweisen beibehält, deren Nachteile jedoch beseitigt. Im Rahmen des AiF‐FOSTA‐Forschungsprojekts P 1265 wird die Konstruktion des Brückendecks unter Verwendung von Dübelleisten als Verbundmittel mit hoher Tragfähigkeit und Ermüdungsfestigkeit entwickelt. Dabei wird das Prinzip des Flächenverbunds mit Beanspruchung der Leisten in Längs‐ und Querrichtung genutzt. Es wurden umfangreiche experimentelle und strukturmechanische Untersuchungen durchgeführt, im Rahmen derer insbesondere die Tragwirkung und Ermüdungsfestigkeit der Orthoverbundfahrbahnplatte unter lokaler Lasteinleitung sowie der Dübelleisten bei Beanspruchung in Querrichtung analysiert wurden. Der folgende Beitrag geht auf die Motivation zum Forschungsvorhaben ein und gibt eine Übersicht über die durchgeführten Untersuchungen. Darüber hinaus wird ein Pilotprojekt vorgestellt, das zur Anwendung der Bauweise ausgeführt wurde.
Melatonin alleviates 3,3′,4,4′,5‐pentachlorobenzene induced colon injury by relieving oxidative stress
Authors: Zhang Jintao , Li Shanshan , Xia Yu , Luo Dongliu , Wang Xixi , Li Shiping , Li Shu
Published: August 2023

3,3′,4,4′,5‐pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126) is widely distributed, non‐degradable and bioaccumulative, which can affect the function of tissues and organs of the living organisms. Melatonin (MT) is a sort of indole neurohormone that is mainly secreted by the pineal gland. Numerous studies have shown that MT can alleviate intestinal injury through various mechanisms such as antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐apoptosis. For the above reasons, the aim of this study is to explore the mechanism of intestinal injury in mice after exposure to PCB126 as well as the antagonistic effect of MT. Mice were respectively fed PCB126 (0.326 mg/kg) and/or MT (10 mg/kg) in vivo. In vitro, colonic epithelial cells (MCEC) were treated with PCB126 (150 μM) and/or MT (2 mM). We found that the microscopic structure of colon tissue was impaired after exposure to PCB126. The levels of oxidative stress, the protein and mRNA levels of expression of inflammatory related factors were significantly increased and the expression levels of intestinal tight junction protein were decreased. Notably, MT can promote Nrf2/HO‐1 expression level and reduce the colonic injury caused by PCB126. Further in vitro treatment with reactive oxygen species inhibitors (NAC) showed that it significantly alleviated PCB126‐induced in MCEC cell damage. In summary, the above results suggested that MT alleviates PCB126‐induced colon inflammation by inhibiting the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and up‐regulating the expression level of intestinal tight junction protein. Our results contribute to the further comprehension of the intestinal toxicity effects of PCB126 and the significant role of MT in preserving the mechanisms of intestinal injury.
A molecular survey of Chlamydia spp. infection in commercial poultry and detection of Chlamydia pneumoniae in a commercial turkey flock in Iran
Authors: Hashemian Seyed Mohammad Mahdi , Madani Seyed Ahmad , Allymehr Manoochehr , Talebi Alireza
Published: August 2023

Background

Chlamydiaceae are a group of gram‐negative intracellular bacteria which can infect a wide variety of hosts. Some chlamydial agents are capable of crossing the host barrier and though they are potentially a risk to very different species. They also pose a zoonotic risk for human and different chlamydial agents are linked to several medical maladies.

Objectives

In this study, the presence of chlamydial agents in different commercial poultry flocks in Iran was investigated.

Methods

Swab and tissue samples were collected from 435 birds in 24 different commercial poultry flocks. These samples were examined using a Chlamydiaceae‐specific real‐time PCR assay targeting 23S rRNA gene. Positive samples then were subjected to intergenic spacer rRNA (IGS) gene and major outer membrane protein gene (ompA) PCRs. Finally, positive PCR products were sequenced and analysed.

Results

Only one flock of commercial turkey became positive. Partial DNA sequencing of IGS gene revealed that all positive samples from the infected flock were Chlamydia pneumoniae and were identical to previously studied isolates from koala (LPCoLN) and frog (DC9). Further investigations showed slight dissimilarity in ompA gene of C. pneumoniae from different hosts. The detected turkey isolates were located in a different clade of phylogenetic tree, close to Western barred bandicoot and koala isolates.

Conclusion

C. pneumoniae has passed the cross‐species barrier in the past and therefor it could potentially be zoonotic. To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of C. pneumoniae infection in commercial turkey.
Factors associated with the implementation of a comprehensive tobacco cessation benefit among California Medicaid managed care plans
Authors: Yoeun Sara W. , Cummins Sharon E. , McMenamin Sara B.
Published: August 2023

Although tobacco control efforts have been successful at reducing the rate of tobacco use in the general population, rates of use among low‐income populations persist. As a leader in tobacco control efforts, the U.S. state of California recently issued regulations regarding comprehensive tobacco cessation service requirements for state Medicaid plans (i.e., Medi‐Cal MCPs) providing health care to low‐income Californians. This research aims to evaluate the potential factors associated with the adoption of a comprehensive tobacco control program among Medi‐Cal's MCPs. In 2018, UC San Diego researchers distributed a survey to a listserv of 25 Medi‐Cal MCP health educators, for a response rate of 96%. The survey was comprised of questions related to All Plan Letter (APL) implementation of tobacco cessation services and policies. Health educators were also recruited to participate in a semi‐structured interview upon survey completion. Two years postrelease of the APL, Medi‐Cal's MCPs demonstrate low implementation of tobacco cessation services and related policies, with only one MCP (5%) fully implementing all 10 core provisions. Five consistent patterns were identified as being associated with implementation: larger MCP enrollment and staffing, lower median household income, noncapitated provider payment, participation in county tobacco control meetings, and high‐quality scores for preventive care and treatment of chronic disease. Small‐sized MCPs have been slow in fully implementing tobacco cessation services. State policymakers and tobacco control stakeholders may consider providing support to small‐sized MCPs to aid in their continued adoption of comprehensive tobacco cessation services. DHCS should also consider releasing guidance on how to engage in activities to ensure APL compliance.
Introduction to a Practical Guide on Conducting Qualitative Research in Parliaments
Authors: Berthet Valentine , Gaweda Barbara , Kantola Johanna , Miller Cherry , Ahrens Petra , Elomäki Anna
Published: August 2023

The first chapter introduces the focus and goals of the volume, by explaining its hands-on approach to research and outlining its qualitative interpretive methodological nature. The aim is to provide concrete tips on how to overcome fieldwork obstacles as well as serve as invaluable background or context material for anyone who aims to research the European Parliament, with useful pointers for anyone who wants to work on political institutions and do qualitative interviews. Attention is drawn to the utility of the volume for researchers who examine highly divisive subjects like equality policies or the ways of dealing with radical-right actors in qualitative research when holding opposing views. Instead of merely analysing research results, the book is an honest account of how they were obtained.
Interpreting the Data
Authors: Berthet Valentine , Gaweda Barbara , Kantola Johanna , Miller Cherry , Ahrens Petra , Elomäki Anna
Published: August 2023

Once the data (or part of it) is coded it becomes possible to move on to the next step, which is to interpret the data in view of answering research questions. Interpreting the data is a crucial step in the qualitative research process—it is core to qualitative data analysis. Hence, the volume dedicates a whole chapter to it. This Chapter presents key methodological steps and strategies to interpret the data for the purpose of individual studies for peer-reviewed articles. It covers practical steps such as exporting code reports from Atlas.ti and reviewing them in a collaborative fashion. It also includes methodological steps, such as the review of epistemological reflections pertaining to interpreting qualitative data. The chapter further digs into the specificities of interpreting frames and discourses from coded qualitative data, but also interpreting formal and informal practices from ‘text’ and, finally, extracting information about the parliamentary policy processes. The chapter provides a guide to conducting qualitative analysis driven by research questions that are inherently constructivist, interpretivist and/or post-structuralist. In particular, we explore how qualitative data can be interpreted in a way that sheds light on the power dynamics, genderedness and informality of parliamentary work.
Ecocide, a New Legal Figure Under Construction
Authors: Baeza Jesús Verdú
Published: August 2023

Ecocide is a profoundly innovative legal figure that has arisen in the context of extremely serious international environmental degradation, particularly in the context of climate change. It can be an extraordinarily useful tool for preventing and punishing major environmental violations. In a certain way, civil society, mainly NGOs and universities have a key role to play in defining the future of this figure, with an enormous potential for transforming the law.
The Digital Divide
Authors: Krüger Maleika
Published: August 2023

The empirical evidence provided in Section 2.2 showed widespread ownership and use of modern technological equipment in Germany and Switzerland. While it might be tempting to think of the resulting media preferences and media use as a personal preference and an individual choice, data from media studies have repeatedly shown the influence of two social factors: gender and socio-economic background. The following chapter will introduce the theory of social (media) habitus and the concept of doing gender to explain how social disparity lines create a digital divide and still influence these media preferences and media habits.
Data
Authors: Krüger Maleika
Published: August 2023

This dissertation was part of the project Measuring English Writing at Secondary Level (MEWS). The MEWS project was co-founded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) and the German Research Foundation (DFG). The study aimed to be the first large scale study in Germany and the German speaking part of Switzerland that focused especially on English writing skills in upper secondary education.
Summary and Discussion
Authors: Krüger Maleika
Published: August 2023

This chapter summarizes and discusses the central results of the present study and embeds them once again into the theoretical framework. The discussion for each research question will be presented in a separate subchapter. In addition, further limitations of the present study, recommendations for future research, and implications for the educational setting will be discussed.
Conclusion
Authors: Krüger Maleika
Published: August 2023

While a growing number of empirical findings reveal the high level of extramural English contacts in smaller countries, reliable empirical data for Germany and Switzerland has been scarce. The present study aimed to close this research gap by providing insight into the frequencies and forms of extramural English contact by students in their penultimate year in upper secondary education.
Free field realization of the BMS Ising model
Authors: Yu Zhe-fei , Chen Bin
Published: August 2023

Abstract

In this work, we study the inhomogeneous BMS free fermion theory, and show that it gives a free field realization of the BMS Ising model. We find that besides the BMS symmetry there exists an anisotropic scaling symmetry in BMS free fermion theory. As a result, the symmetry of the theory gets enhanced to an infinite dimensional symmetry generated by a new type of BMS-Kac-Moody algebra, different from the one found in the BMS free scalar model. Besides the different coupling of the u(1) Kac-Moody current to the BMS algebra, the Kac-Moody level is nonvanishing now such that the corresponding modules are further enlarged to BMS-Kac-Moody staggered modules. We show that there exists an underlying W (2, 2, 1) structure in the operator product expansion of the currents, and the BMS-Kac-Moody staggered modules can be viewed as highest-weight modules of this W-algebra. Moreover we obtain the BMS Ising model by a fermion-boson duality. This BMS Ising model is not a minimal model with respect to BMS3, since the minimal model construction based on BMS Kac determinant always leads to chiral Virasoro minimal models. Instead, the underlying algebra of the BMS Ising model is the W (2, 2, 1)-algebra, which can be understood as a quantum conformal BMS3 algebra.
Quantum parameters of the geometric Langlands theory
Authors: Zhao Yifei
Published: August 2023

Fix a smooth, complete algebraic curve X over an algebraically closed field k of characteristic zero. To a reductive group G over k, we associate an algebraic stack $${\text {Par}}_G$$

Par
G

of quantum parameters for the geometric Langlands theory. Then we construct a family of (quasi-)twistings parametrized by $${\text {Par}}_G$$

Par
G

, whose module categories give rise to twisted $${\mathcal {D}}$$
D
-modules on $${\text {Bun}}_G$$

Bun
G

as well as quasi-coherent sheaves on the DG stack $${\text {LocSys}}_G$$

LocSys
G

.
Patients with trochlear dysplasia have dysplastic medial femoral epiphyseal plates
Authors: Kong Lingce , Kang Huijun , Niu Yingzhen , Hao Kuo , Fan Chongyi , Wang Fei
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To investigate the growth of the epiphyseal plate in patients with trochlea dysplasia using a 3D computed tomography (CT)‐based reconstruction of the bony structure of the distal femur. The epiphysis plate was divided into a medial part and a lateral part to compare their differences in patients with trochlear dysplasia.

Methods

This retrospective study included 50 patients with trochlea dysplasia in the study group and 50 age‐ and sex‐matched patients in the control group. Based on the CT images, MIMICS was used to reconstruct the bony structure of the distal femur. Measurements included the surface area and volume of the growth plate (both medial and lateral), the surface area and capacity of the proximal trochlea, trochlea‐physis distance (TPD) (both medial and lateral), and height of the medial and lateral condyle.

Results

The surface area of the medial epiphyseal plate (1339.8 ± 202.4 mm2 vs. 1596.6 ± 171.8 mm2), medial TPD (4.9 ± 2.8 mm vs. 10.6 ± 3.0 mm), height of the medial condyle (1.1 ± 2.5 mm vs. 4.9 ± 1.3 mm), and capacity of the proximal trochlear groove (821.7 ± 230.9 mm3 vs. 1520.0 ± 498.0 mm3) was significantly smaller in the study group than in the control group. A significant positive correlation was found among the area of the medial epiphyseal plate, the medial TPD, the height of the medial condyle and the capacity of the proximal trochlear groove (r = 0.502–0.638).

Conclusion

The medial epiphyseal plate was dysplastic in patients with trochlea dysplasia. There is a significant positive correlation between the surface area of the medial epiphyseal plate, medial TPD, height of the medial condyle and capacity of the proximal trochlear groove, which can be used to evaluate the developmental stage of the trochlea in clinical practice and to guide targeted treatment of trochlear dysplasia.

Level of evidence

III.
Comparative analysis of the cutting performances of SiAlON ceramic, cubic boron nitride and carbide cutting tools for titanium machining
Authors: Phokobye Solomon Ntshiniki , Desai Dawood Ahmed , Tlhabadira Isaac , Sadiku Rotimi Emmanuel , Daniyan Ilesanmi Afolabi
Published: August 2023

The efficiency of machining operation is partly a function of the cutting parameters, such as the cutting speed, depth of cut and cutting feed rate. With an effective cutting performance of any cutting tool, manufacturing industries will remain competitive and hence strive to meet the dynamic service and functional requirements expected of the material. Hence, the purpose of this research is to experimentally perform a comparative analysis of the cutting performances of SiAlON, a ceramic alloy consisting of the elements: silicon, aluminium, oxygen and nitrogen; cubic boron nitride (CBN) and carbide cutting tools, during a titanium machining process. A face milling operation was performed on a computer numerical control (CNC) milling machine from these three different types of cutting tools, for the determination of the cutting forces, cutting temperatures, cutting vibrations produced and the surface roughness, achieved during the machining of titanium (Ti-6Aℓ-4 V) alloy. The response surface methodology was adopted for the possible combination of the cutting parameters for the determination of the practical experimental results of the cutting responses.
Nd:YAG-photobiomodulation enhanced ADSCs multilineage differentiation and immunomodulation potentials
Authors: He Linhai , Zheng Yi , Liu Meng , Dong Xian , Shen Lihang , He Yang , An Jingang , Zhang Yi
Published: August 2023

To investigate the effects of Nd: YAG (1064 nm) photobiomodulation on multilineage differentiation and immunomodulation potentials of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in vitro and in vivo. For in vitro experiments, cells were divided into the control group (non-irradiated control ADSCs) and photobiomodulation groups. 0.5 J/cm2, 1 J/cm2, 2 J/cm2, and 4 J/cm2 were used for proliferation assays; for ADSCs adipogenic differentiation assays, 0.5 J/cm2, 1 J/cm2 were applied; 1 J/cm2 was used for migration and immunomodulation assays. The differentiation abilities were assessed by qPCR, Oil Red O staining, and Alizarin Red staining. The immunomodulation potential was assessed by qPCR and human cytokine array. DSS-induced colitis model. was used to test the effect of photobiomodulation on ADSCs immunomodulation potentials in vivo. Nd:YAG-based photobiomodulation dose-dependently promoted ADSCs proliferation and migration; 1 J/cm2 showed the best promotion effect on proliferation. Moreover, Nd:YAG photobiomodulation promoted ADSCs osteogenic differentiation and brown adipose adipogenic differentiation. The potential immunomodulation assays showed Nd:YAG photobiomodulation improved Anti-inflammation capacity of ADSCs and photobiomodulation irradiated ADSCs effectively alleviated DSS-induced colitis severity in vivo. Our study suggests Nd:YAG photobiomodulation might enhance the ADSCs multilineage differentiation and immunomodulation potentials. These results might help to enhance ADSCs therapeutic effects for clinical application. However, further studies are needed to explore the mechanisms of Nd:YAG photobiomodulation promoting multilineage differentiation and immunomodulation potentials of ADSCs.
In-vitro screening of compatible synbiotics and (introducing) “prophybiotics” as a tool to improve gut health
Authors: Wishna-Kadawarage Ramesha N. , Jensen Martin , Powałowski Szymon , Hickey Rita M. , Siwek Maria
Published: August 2023

Synbiotics have been intensively studied recently to improve gut health of humans and animals. The success of synergistic synbiotics depends on the compatibility of the prebiotic and probiotic components. Certain plant extracts possess both antimicrobial and prebiotic properties representing a potential use in combination with probiotics to improve the gut health. Here, we coined the term “prophybiotics” to describe this combined bioactivity. The current study aimed to select prebiotics that are preferred as an energy source and antimicrobial plant extracts which do not inhibit the growth, of six strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB namely; Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus casei, Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, and Pediococcus pentosaceus) in-vitro to identify compatible combinations for potential synbiotic/prophybiotic use, respectively. Their growth kinetics were profiled in the presence of prebiotics: Inulin, Raffinose, and Saccharicterpenin with glucose, as the control, using carbohydrate free MRS broth media. Similarly, their growth kinetics in MRS broth supplemented with turmeric, green tea, and garlic extracts at varying concentrations were profiled. The results revealed the most compatible pairs of prebiotics and LAB. Turmeric and garlic had very little inhibitory effect on the growth of the LAB while green tea inhibited the growth of all LAB in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, we conclude that turmeric and garlic have broad potential for use in prophybiotics, while the prebiotics studied here have limited use in synbiotics, with these LAB.