bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Progresses and Prospects of Asymmetrically Coordinated Single Atom Catalysts for Lithium−Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhou Rong , Gu Shaonan , Guo Meng , Xu Shuzheng , Zhou Guowei
Published: February 2024

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) are widely regarded as promising next‐generation batteries due to their high theoretical specific capacity and low material cost. However, the practical applications of LSBs are limited by the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs), electronic insulation of charge and discharge products, and slow LiPSs conversion reaction kinetics. Accordingly, the introduction of catalysts into LSBs is one of the effective strategy to solve the issues of the sluggished LiPS conversion. Because of their nearly 100% atom utilization and high electrocatalytic activity, single‐atom catalysts (SACs) have been widely used as reaction mediators for LSBs' reactions. Excitingly, the SACs with asymmetric coordination structures have exhibited intriguing electronic structures and superior catalytic activities when compared to the traditional M–N4 active sites. In this review, we systematically describe the recent advancements in the installation of asymmetrically coordinated single‐atom structure as reactions catalysts in LSBs, including asymmetrically nitrogen coordinated SACs, heteroatom coordinated SACs, support effective asymmetrically coordinated SACs, and bimetallic coordinated SACs. Particularly noteworthy is the discussion of the catalytic conversion mechanism of LiPSs spanning asymmetrically coordinated SACs. Finally, a perspective on the future developments of asymmetrically coordinated SACs in LSB applications is provided.
Enhancing Direct Electrochemical CO2 Electrolysis by Introducing A‐Site Deficiency for the Dual‐Phase Pr(Ca)Fe(Ni)O3−δ Cathode
Authors: Wang Wanhua , Li Haixia , Park Ka‐Young , Lee Taehee , Ding Dong , Chen Fanglin
Published: February 2024

High‐temperature CO2 electrolysis via solid oxide electrolysis cells (CO2–SOECs) has drawn special attention due to the high energy convention efficiency, fast electrode kinetics, and great potential in carbon cycling. However, the development of cathode materials with high catalytic activity and chemical stability for pure CO2 electrolysis is still a great challenge. In this work, A‐site cation deficient dual‐phase material, namely (Pr0.4Ca0.6)xFe0.8Ni0.2O3−δ (PCFN, x = 1, 0.95, and 0.9), has been designed as the fuel electrode for a pure CO2–SOEC, which presents superior electrochemical performance. Among all these compositions, (Pr0.4Ca0.6)0.95Fe0.8Ni0.2O3−δ (PCFN95) exhibited the lowest polarization resistance of 0.458 Ω cm2 at open‐circuit voltage and 800 °C. The application of PCFN95 as the cathode in a single cell yields an impressive electrolysis current density of 1.76 A cm−2 at 1.5 V and 800 °C, which is 76% higher than that of single cells with stoichiometric Pr0.4Ca0.6Fe0.8Ni0.2O3−δ (PCFN100) cathode. The effects of A‐site deficiency on materials' phase structure and physicochemical properties are also systematically investigated. Such an enhancement in electrochemical performance is attributed to the promotion of effective CO2 adsorption, as well as the improved electrode kinetics resulting from the A‐site deficiency.
Association of global longitudinal strain by feature tracking cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with adverse outcomes among community‐dwelling adults without cardiovascular disease: The Dallas Heart Study
Authors: Subramanian Vinayak , Keshvani Neil , Segar Matthew W. , Kondamudi Nitin J. , Chandra Alvin , Maddineni Bhumika , Matulevicius Susan A. , Michos Erin D. , Lima Joao A.C. , Berry Jarett D. , Pandey Ambarish
Published: February 2024

Aim

Left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) may detect subtle abnormalities in myocardial contractility among individuals with normal LV ejection fraction (LVEF). However, the prognostic implications of GLS among healthy, community‐dwelling adults is not well‐established.

Methods and results

Overall, 2234 community‐dwelling adults (56% women, 47% Black) with LVEF ≥50% without a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) from the Dallas Heart Study who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with GLS assessed by feature tracking CMR (FT‐CMR) were included. The association of GLS with the risk of incident major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE; composite of incident myocardial infarction, incident heart failure [HF], hospitalization for atrial fibrillation, coronary revascularization, and all‐cause death), and incident HF or death were assessed with adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. A total of 309 participants (13.8%) had MACE during a median follow‐up duration of 17 years. Participants with the worst GLS (Q4) were more likely male and of the Black race with a history of tobacco use and diabetes with lower LVEF, higher LV end‐diastolic volume, and higher LV mass index. Cumulative incidence of MACE was higher among participants with worse (Q4 vs. Q1) GLS (20.4% vs. 9.0%). In multivariable‐adjusted Cox models that included clinical characteristics, cardiac biomarkers and baseline LVEF, worse GLS (Q4 vs. Q1) was associated with a significantly higher risk of MACE (hazard ratio [HR] 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–2.24, p = 0.02) and incident HF or death (HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.03–2.38, p = 0.04).

Conclusions

Impaired LV GLS assessed by FT‐CMR among adults free of cardiovascular disease is associated with a higher risk of incident MACE and incident HF or death independent of cardiovascular risk factors, cardiac biomarkers and LVEF.
A Palladium‐Catalyzed Regioselective [3+2] Annulation Strategy to 1,2,3‐Oxathiazolidine‐2‐oxides
Authors: Liang Qian , Bu Ganggang , Jiao Hongjian , Gao Bing
Published: February 2024

A palladium‐catalyzed [3+2] annulation reaction of N‐sulfinylanilines with vinylethylene carbonates and vinyl epoxides is developed. It affords 1,2,3‐oxathiazolidine‐2‐oxides under mild reaction conditions through allylic palladium intermediates. The versatile synthetic utility of 1,2,3‐oxathiazolidine‐2‐oxides in preparing sulfoxides, β‐amino alcohols, and substituted amines has also been demonstrated.
Bispidine‐Based S,N‐Chiral Ligands for Palladium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Arylation of Cyclic N‐Sulfonyl Ketimines
Authors: Li Gonglin , Wang Ruifeng , Ye Dong , Pu Maoping , Feng Xiaoming , Lin Lili
Published: February 2024

Development of new chiral ligands is essentially important in the field of asymmetric metal catalysis. Bispidines, steming from natural alkaloids, represent an intriguing yet underexplored class of chiral ligands. In this article, we developed a series of bispidine‐based chiral ligands with chirality locked in the side chain, and explore their properties by applying in the palladium‐catalyzed asymmetric addition of arylboric acids to cyclic N‐sulfonyl ketimines. A S,N‐bispidine ligand was found especially efficient, affording a series of chiral benzosultams with a quaternary chiral center in excellent yields with excellent ee values. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and crystal structure of catalyst helped to propose a reasonable mechanism including a possible transition state model to explain the origin of stereoselectivity.
Electrokinetic transport of CTAB induces multiphasic behavior during capillary adsorption and desorption
Authors: Abrams Austin S. , Eden Alexander , Coy Bennett C. , Huber David E. , Pennathur Sumita
Published: February 2024

Cationic surfactant coatings (e.g., CTAB) are commonly used in CE to control EOF and thereby improve separation efficiencies. However, our understanding of surfactant adsorption and desorption dynamics under EOF conditions is limited. Here, we apply automated zeta potential analysis to study the adsorption and desorption kinetics of CTAB in a capillary under different transport conditions: diameter, length, voltage alternation pattern and frequency, and applied pressure. In contrast to other studies, we observe slower kinetics at distinct capillary wall zeta potential ranges. Within these ranges, which we call “stagnant regimes,” the EOF mobility significantly counteracts the electrophoretic (EP) mobility of CTA+ and hinders the net transport. By constructing a numerical model to compare with our experiments and recasting our experimental data in terms of the net CTA+ transport volume normalized by surface area, we reveal that the EP mobility of CTA+ and the capillary surface‐area‐to‐volume ratio dictate the zeta potential range and the duration of the stagnant regime and thereby govern the overall reaction kinetics. Our results indicate that further transport‐oriented studies can significantly aid in the understanding and design of electrokinetic systems utilizing CTAB and other charged surfactants.
Improving Sediment Toxicity Testing for Very Hydrophobic Chemicals: Part 1—Spiking, Equilibrating, and Exposure Quantification
Authors: Jonker Michiel T. O. , Diepens Noël J.
Published: February 2024

Sediment toxicity tests have applications in ecological risk and chemical safety assessments. Despite the many years of experience in testing and the availability of standard protocols, sediment toxicity testing remains challenging with very hydrophobic organic chemicals (VHOCs; i.e., chemicals with a log octanol/water partition coefficient of more than 6). The challenges primarily relate to the chemicals’ low aqueous solubilities and slow kinetics, due to which several experimental artifacts may occur. To investigate the potential artifacts, experiments were performed, focusing on spiking and equilibrating (aging) sediments, as well as exposure quantification with passive sampling. The results demonstrated that generally applied, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development–recommended spiking (coating) methods may lead to significant chemical losses and the formation of nondissolved, nonbioavailable VHOCs. Direct spiking appeared to be the most optimal, provided that intensive mixing was applied simultaneously. Passive dosing was tested as a novel way of spiking liquid VHOCs, but the approach proved unsuccessful. Intensive postspiking mixing during sediment equilibration for 1 to 2 weeks was shown to be essential for producing a homogeneous system, minimizing the presence of nondissolved chemical (crystals or nonaqueous phase liquids; NAPLs), and creating a stable toxicological response in subsequent toxicity tests. Finally, exposure quantification of VHOCs in sediments through passive sampling was found to be feasible with different polymers, although prolonged equilibration times may be required, and determining sampler/water partition coefficients can be extremely challenging. The results of additional experiments, focusing on toxicity test exposure duration, concentrations above which NAPLs will occur, and ways to distinguish actual toxicity from false-positive results, are presented in Part 2 of this publication series. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1717–1727. © 2024 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Culturally responsive evaluation teaching and learning in higher education: A higher calling
Authors: Hall Jori N. , Avent Cherie M. , Boyce Ayesha S. , Acheampong Kwame O.
Published: February 2024

Culturally responsive evaluation (CRE) education has gained traction over the past 15 years, yet there is a dearth of literature on this topic. In response, we offer guidance on CRE education in higher education. Influenced by Stafford Hood, we engage CRE education as a social responsibility or a higher calling. Accordingly, in this article, we describe the importance of culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP) to fulfill our social responsibility in CRE education. We also highlight signature CRP used in our CRE courses, namely the incorporation of diverse practical field experiences and innovative instructional technology. We conclude with lessons learned.
Prognostic significances of systemic inflammatory response markers in patients with synchronous esophageal and head and neck cancers
Authors: Wang Chih‐Chun , Hsu Ming‐Hung , Lee Ching‐Tai , Chen Chi‐Jen , Hwang Tzer‐Zen , Wang Hsiu‐Po , Lin Jaw‐Town , Wang Wen‐Lun
Published: February 2024

Background

Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) frequently develop synchronous esophageal cancer (ESCC), but there is a lack of clinical predictors. The neutrophil to lymphocyte (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte (PLR), and lymphocyte to monocyte ratios (LMRs), reflect the balance between pro‐cancer inflammation and anti‐cancer immune responses, but their role in HNSCC and synchronous cancer remain uncertain.

Method

The study consecutively enrolled a total of 717 patients with newly diagnosed HNSCC who received pre‐treatment esophageal endoscopic screening. The pretreatment NLR, LMR and PLRs were calculated and analyzed in comparison with the clinical factors.

Results

A total of 103 patients (14.4%) were found to have synchronous ESCCs, and were associated with a significantly lower absolute lymphocyte count (p < 0.001), higher NLRs (p = 0.044) and lower LMRs (p = 0.001), but not PLRs (p = 0.49). The ROC curve for the presence of synchronous ESCC verified the optimal cutoff value as 2.5 for NLRs and 4.0 for LMRs. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that a LMR <4 (OR 2.22; 95% CI 1.27–3.88, p = 0.005), alcohol consumption (OR 4.19; 95% CI 1.47–11.91, p = 0.007), tumor location over the pharynx (OR 1.68; 95% CI 1.07–2.64, p = 0.025), and low body mass index (OR 0.94; 95% CI 0.88–0.99, p = 0.039) were risk factors for developing synchronous ESCC. A low‐LMR was significantly associated with decreases in overall survival (p < 0.0001), in both synchronous and non‐synchronous groups. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that LMR <4 (HR 1.97; 95% CI 1.38–2.81, p < 0.001), a low‐BMI (HR 0.96; 95% CI 0.93–0.99, p = 0.044) and presence of synchronous ESCC (HR 1.56; 95% CI 1.10–2.22, p = 0.013) were independent prognostic factors for HNSCC patients.

Conclusion

Incorporation of LMR into other identified risk factors, such as alcohol consumption, tumor location over pharynx, and low‐BMI, may establish a more efficient screening program for esophageal exploration in HNSCC patients. The significances of LMR also suggest that anti‐cancer immunity may play a role in the filed cancerization to initiate multiple cancers, and the immunotherapy may have potentials for prevention or as an adjuvant treatment for synchronous SCC in the future.
The methodological and reporting quality of randomized controlled trials of tyrosine kinase inhibitors for advanced differentiated thyroid cancer: Meta‐research study
Authors: Dedivitis Rogério Aparecido , Castro Mario Augusto Ferrari de , Boni Alice Matos Dal , Alvares Ana Carolina Beltrão , Tresso Ana Júlia Piazentin , Oliveira Andrea Davedovicz de , Vieira Amanda Gonçalves da Silva Dourado , Mendes Fernanda Assaf , Rossi Giovana de Oliveira , Fava Giullia Neworal , Pouza Isabela Santos , Santana Izabelle Pimenta , Laino Julia Gibran , Lima Letícia Barbosa de , Martimbianco Ana Luiza Cabrera
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Clinical trials on tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) treatment have shown an improvement in overall and progression‐free survival in patients with advanced differentiated thyroid cancer. However, it is necessary to evaluate these studies to assess methodological biases and inconsistencies that may impact the effects.

Objective

To map and assess the methodological quality of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) regarding randomization, allocation concealment, blinding, and selective reporting bias.

Methods

RCTs assessing the efficacy and safety of TKI for the treatment of advanced differentiated thyroid cancer were included. The search was performed in the MEDLINE database. The included RCTs were assessed for the adequacy of the methodological steps, as recommended by the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool.

Results

Nine studies were analyzed, of which 77.7% were classified as low risk of bias regarding selective reporting and 33.3% as high risk of reporting bias. The mean time between protocol registration and study publication was approximately 5.11 years. Moreover, 66.7% were classified as low risk of bias for randomization and allocation concealment, and 33.3% did not specify the randomization process and allocation concealment in a way that would allow the identification of occurrences of bias. Concerning blinding of participants and outcome assessors, 77.8% of the RCTs reported adequate blinding and were classified as having a low risk of bias, 11.1% had a high risk of bias, and 11.1% had insufficient information and were classified as having unclear risk of bias. Regarding the blinding of the outcome assessors, 33.3% did the blinding correctly, 11.1% did not blind, and 55.6% did not provide enough information.

Conclusion

Overall, the assessed RCTs were predominantly at low risk of bias. The critical evaluation of these studies is essential to have confidence in the treatment estimated effect that will support clinical decision‐making and provide information to preclude future clinical study flaws.
Experimental investigation of three fluid heat exchangers using roughness on the outer surface of a helical coil
Authors: Ahamad Sakeel , Verma Suresh Kant
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study is to utilize waste thermal energy from industries into useful heat for water and air heating. In this paper, the thermal modeling and performance of three fluid heat exchangers (TFHE) have been experimentally investigated. The TFHE considered here is an enhanced version of the double‐pipe heat exchanger. A novel TFHE having fin (1 mm thin copper wire of 10 mm pitch) acts as a roughness element, which is wrapped on the helical coil's outer surface for increasing heat transfer (HT) rate and the turbulence effect for normal water, and this outer surface finned helical coil is inserted between two concentric straight tubes. The innermost tube carries atmospheric air, the finned helical coil tube carries waste hot fluid while normal water flows in the inner annulus of the outermost tube. The coiled‐side Reynolds number is varied in the range of 7000–30,000, while the curvature ratio of 0.1315, pitch‐to‐inside diameter ratio of 2.88 and wire‐to‐tube diameter of the helical tube is kept constant. A counterflow arrangement has been made for experimentation. Nusselt number is calculated using the traditional Wilson plot method that is compared and validated with results available in the literature. The overall HT coefficient is found to increase by increasing the volume flow rate of fluids, while effectiveness decreases or increases depending on residence time and capacity ratio. The percentage increment in the Nusselt number, maximum friction factor, overall HT coefficient between waste hot fluid to normal water, effectiveness is found to be 21.10%–23.88%, 90.91%, 3.40%–29.45%, 3.40%–25.33%, respectively, for the coil side. TFHE is thus proposed for heating water and space simultaneously.
Systematic enhancement of microbial decontamination efficiency in bone graft processing by means of high hydrostatic pressure using Escherichia coli as a model organism
Authors: Loeffler Henrike , Waletzko‐Hellwig Janine , Fischer Ralf‐Joerg , Basen Mirko , Frank Marcus , Jonitz‐Heincke Anika , Bader Rainer , Klinder Annett
Published: February 2024

To obtain bone allografts that are safe for transplantation, several processing steps for decellularization and decontamination have to be applied. Currently available processing methods, although well‐established, may interfere with the biomechanical properties of the bone. High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) is known to devitalize tissues effectively while leaving the extracellular matrix intact. However, little is known about the inactivation of the contaminating microorganisms by HHP. This study aims to investigate the ability of high‐pressure decontamination and to establish a treatment protocol that is able to successfully inactivate microorganisms with the final goal to sterilize bone specimens. Using Escherichia coli (E. coli) as a model organism, HHP treatment parameters like temperature and duration, pressurization medium, and the number of treatment cycles were systematically adjusted to maximize the efficiency of inactivating logarithmic and stationary phase bacteria. Towards that we quantified colony‐forming units (cfu) after treatment and investigated morphological changes via Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). Additionally, we tested the decontamination efficiency of HHP in bovine cancellous bone blocks that were contaminated with bacteria. Finally, two further model organisms were evaluated, namely Pseudomonas fluorescens as a Gram‐negative microorganism and Micrococcus luteus as a Gram‐positive representative. A HHP protocol, using 350 MPa, was able to sterilize a suspension of stationary phase E. coli, leading to a logarithmic reduction factor (log RF) of at least −7.99 (±0.43). The decontamination of bone blocks was less successful, indicating a protective effect of the surrounding tissue. Sterilization of 100% of the samples was achieved when a protocol optimized in terms of treatment temperature, duration, pressurization medium, and number and/or interval of cycles, respectively, was applied to bone blocks artificially contaminated with a suspension containing 104 cfu/mL. Hence, we here successfully established protocols for inactivating Gram‐negative model microorganisms by HHP of up to 350 MPa, while pressure levels of 600 MPa were needed to inactivate the Gram‐positive model organism. Thus, this study provides a basis for further investigations on different pathogenic bacteria that could enable the use of HHP in the decontamination of bone grafts intended for transplantation.
SCARB1‐encoded circ _0029343 induces p73 splicing to promote growth and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma via miR‐486‐5p/SRSF3 axis
Authors: Zhu Shuo , Cao Shengya , Che Jinhui , Zhao Le , Su Zhan , Li Deqiang , Pei Ruifeng , Xu Lu , Ding Yiren , Zhou Wuyuan
Published: February 2024

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) exhibit essential regulation in the malignant development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aims to investigate the physiological mechanisms of circ_0029343 encoded by scavenger receptor class B member 1 (SCARB1) involved in the growth and metastasis of HCC. Differentially expressed mRNAs in HCC were obtained, followed by the prediction of target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs and gene ontology and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis on the differentially expressed mRNAs. Moreover, the regulatory relationship between circRNAs encoded by SCARB1 and differentially expressed miRNAs was predicted. In vitro cell experiments were performed to verify the effects of circ_0029343, miR‐486‐5p, and SRSF3 on the malignant features of HCC cells using the gain‐ or loss‐of‐function experiments. Finally, the effects of circ_0029343 on the growth and metastasis of HCC cells in xenograft mouse models were also explored. It was found that miR‐486‐5p might interact with seven circRNAs encoded by SCARB1, and its possible downstream target gene was SRSF3. Moreover, SRSF3 was associated with the splicing of various RNA. circ_0029343 could sponge miR‐486‐5p to up‐regulate SRSF3 and activate PDGF‐PDGFRB (platelet‐derived growth factor and its receptor, receptor beta) signaling pathway by inducing p73 splicing, thus promoting the proliferation, migration, and invasion and inhibiting apoptosis of HCC cells. In vivo, animal experiments further confirmed that overexpression of circ_0029343 could promote the growth and metastasis of HCC cells in nude mice. circ_0029343 encoded by SCARB1 may induce p73 splicing and activate the PDGF‐PDGFRB signaling pathway through the miR‐486‐5p/SRSF3 axis, thus promoting the growth and metastasis of HCC cells.
The impact Dodd Frank's Act on audit firm tenure
Authors: Akono Henri
Published: February 2024

This study examines the effect of Dodd Frank's Act of 2010 (Dodd's Act) on the duration of the auditor‐client relationship. One of the provisions of Dodd's Act was to permanently exempt nonaccelerated filers from mandatory internal control audits and to maintain the internal control requirement for accelerated filers. The results indicate that average audit firm tenure has increased significantly in the post‐Dodd period, and there is a post‐Dodd increase (decrease) in long and medium (short) tenure. Furthermore, the increase is more pronounced for nonaccelerated filers on average, and varies across big4 and non‐big4 auditors. The inferences are robust to the inclusion of various controls, and to the exclusion of the financial crisis period (2008–2010). Collectively, the findings suggest that Dodd's Act permanent exemption has resulted in lower margins for auditors, and thus motivated audit firms, particularly non‐big4 auditors, to extend their tenure with clients.
Repurposing FDA‐approved drugs to target malaria through inhibition of dihydrofolate reductase in the folate biosynthesis pathway: A prospective approach
Authors: Verma Kanika , Chaturvedi Rini , Lahariya Ayush K. , Verma Anil K. , Schneider Kristan A. , Anvikar Anup R. , Bharti Praveen K.
Published: February 2024

Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) is a ubiquitous enzyme that regulates the biosynthesis of tetrahydrofolate among various species of Plasmodium parasite. It is a validated target of the antifolate drug pyrimethamine (Pyr) in Plasmodium falciparum (Pf), but its clinical efficacy has been hampered due to the emergence of drug resistance. This has made the attempt to screen Food & Drug Administration‐approved drugs against wild‐ and mutant PfDHFR by employing an in‐silico pipeline to identify potent candidates. The current study has followed a virtual screening approach for identifying potential DHFR inhibitors from DrugBank database, based on a structure similarity search of candidates, followed by absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion estimation. The screened drugs were subjected to various parameters like docking, molecular mechanics with generalized born and surface area solvation calculations, and molecular simulations. We have thus identified two potential drug candidates, duloxetine and guanethidine, which can be repurposed to be tested for their efficacy against wild type and drug resistant falciparum malaria.
4D Flow Cardiac MR in Primary Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Gorecka Miroslawa , Cole Charlotte , Bissell Malenka M. , Craven Thomas P. , Chew Pei G. , Dobson Laura E. , Brown Louise A.E. , Paton Maria F. , Higgins David M. , Thirunavukarasu Sharmaine , Sharrack Noor , Javed Wasim , Kotha Sindhoora , Giannoudi Marilena , Procter Henry , Parent Martine , Kidambi Ananth , Swoboda Peter P. , Plein Sven , Levelt Eylem , Garg Pankaj , Greenwood John P.
Published: February 2024

Background

Four‐dimensional‐flow cardiac MR (4DF‐MR) offers advantages in primary mitral regurgitation. The relationship between 4DF‐MR‐derived mitral regurgitant volume (MR‐Rvol) and the post‐operative left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling has not yet been established.

Purpose

To ascertain if the 4DF‐MR‐derived MR‐Rvol correlates with the LV reverse remodeling in primary mitral regurgitation.

Study Type

Prospective, single‐center, two arm, interventional vs. nonintervention observational study.

Population

Forty‐four patients (male N = 30; median age 68 [59–75]) with at least moderate primary mitral regurgitation; either awaiting mitral valve surgery (repair [MVr], replacement [MVR]) or undergoing “watchful waiting” (WW).

Field Strength/Sequence

5 T/Balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP) sequence/Phase contrast imaging/Multishot echo‐planar imaging pulse sequence (five shots).

Assessment

Patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), phase‐contrast MR (PMRI), 4DF‐MR and 6‐minute walk test (6MWT) at baseline, and a follow‐up PMRI and 6MWT at 6 months. MR‐Rvol was quantified by PMRI, 4DF‐MR, and TTE by one observer. The pre‐operative MR‐Rvol was correlated with the post‐operative decrease in the LV end‐diastolic volume index (LVEDVi).

Statistical Tests

Included Student t‐test/Mann–Whitney test/Fisher's exact test, Bland–Altman plots, linear regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05.

Results

While Bland–Altman plots demonstrated similar bias between all the modalities, the limits of agreement were narrower between 4DF‐MR and PMRI (bias 15; limits of agreement −36 mL to 65 mL), than between 4DF‐MR and TTE (bias −8; limits of agreement −106 mL to 90 mL) and PMRI and TTE (bias −23; limits of agreement −105 mL to 59 mL). Linear regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between the MR‐Rvol and the post‐operative decrease in the LVEDVi, when the MR‐Rvol was quantified by PMRI and 4DF‐MR, but not by TTE (P = 0.73). 4DF‐MR demonstrated the best diagnostic performance for reduction in the post‐operative LVEDVi with the largest area under the curve (4DF‐MR 0.83; vs. PMRI 0.78; and TTE 0.51; P = 0.89).

Data Conclusion

This study demonstrates the potential clinical utility of 4DF‐MR in the assessment of primary mitral regurgitation.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 5
Comparative analysis of symptom profile and risk of death associated with infection by SARS‐CoV‐2 and its variants in Hong Kong
Authors: Kwok Kin On , Wei Wan In , Mcneil Edward B. , Tang Arthur , Tang Julian W.‐T. , Wong Samuel Y. S. , Yeoh Eng Kiong
Published: February 2024

The recurrent multiwave nature of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) necessitates updating its symptomatology. We characterize the effect of variants on symptom presentation, identify the symptoms predictive and protective of death, and quantify the effect of vaccination on symptom development. With the COVID‐19 cases reported up to August 25, 2022 in Hong Kong, an iterative multitier text‐matching algorithm was developed to identify symptoms from free text. Multivariate regression was used to measure associations between variants, symptom development, death, and vaccination status. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator technique was used to identify a parsimonious set of symptoms jointly associated with death. Overall, 70.9% (54 450/76 762) of cases were symptomatic with 102 symptoms identified. Intrinsically, the wild‐type and delta variant caused similar symptoms among unvaccinated symptomatic cases, whereas the wild‐type and omicron BA.2 subvariant had heterogeneous patterns, with seven symptoms (fatigue, fever, chest pain, runny nose, sputum production, nausea/vomiting, and sore throat) more frequent in the BA.2 cohort. With ≥2 vaccine doses, BA.2 was more likely than delta to cause fever among symptomatic cases. Fever, blocked nose, pneumonia, and shortness of breath remained jointly predictive of death among unvaccinated symptomatic elderly in the wild‐type‐to‐omicron transition. Number of vaccine doses required for reducing occurrence varied by symptoms. We substantiate that omicron has a different clinical presentation compared to previous variants. Syndromic surveillance can be bettered with reduced reliance on symptom‐based case identification, increased weighing on symptoms predictive of death in outcome prediction, individual‐based risk assessment in care homes, and incorporating free‐text symptom reporting.
The human papillomavirus late life cycle and links to keratinocyte differentiation
Authors: Kirk Anna , Graham Sheila V.
Published: February 2024

Regulation of human papillomavirus (HPV) gene expression is tightly linked to differentiation of the keratinocytes the virus infects. HPV late gene expression is confined to the cells in the upper layers of the epithelium where the virus capsid proteins are synthesized. As these proteins are highly immunogenic, and the upper epithelium is an immune‐privileged site, this spatial restriction aids immune evasion. Many decades of work have contributed to the current understanding of how this restriction occurs at a molecular level. This review will examine what is known about late gene expression in HPV‐infected lesions and will dissect the intricacies of late gene regulation. Future directions for novel antiviral approaches will be highlighted.
Breakthrough infection by hepatitis B virus in a vaccinated blood donor: An emerging threat for transfusion safety in low‐endemic countries?
Authors: Blanco Sebastián , Castro Gonzalo M. , Sicilia Paola E. , Carrizo Luis H. , Gallego Sandra V.
Published: February 2024

We present the case of a breakthrough infection by hepatitis B virus (HBV), intending to warn about the challenge that HBV represents for transfusion safety. Virological markers for HBV infection were assayed during a blood donor screening by detection of HBsAg, anti‐HBc, and viral nucleic acid (HBV DNA) by a nucleic acid test (NAT). Additionally, samples were analyzed for detection of immunoglobulin M anti‐HBc, HBeAg, anti‐HBe, and anti‐HBs. A first‐time donor repeatedly tested positive for HBV DNA by NAT and nonreactive for HBV‐serological markers of infection. He stated having completed the anti‐HBV vaccination schedule; thus, study of anti‐Hbs resulted in reactive at protective level (18 mIU/mL). The donor denied clinical symptoms of hepatitis and remained healthy during the follow‐up period. 95 days postdonation, NAT was negative, seroconversion of anti‐HBc ab was detected, and a significant increase in anti‐HBs concentration was measured (>1000 mIU/mL). This is the first case of HBV‐breakthrough infection reported in Argentina and to our knowledge, this potential threat to transfusion safety is novel in an HBV low‐endemic region with high coverage of HBV vaccination. The occurrence of breakthrough infections challenges the current protocols for the identification of HBV‐infected subjects, could be a source of silent HBV transmission.
Dynamic m6A profiles reveal the role of YTHDC2‐TLR2 signaling axis in Talaromyces marneffei infection
Authors: Chu Jiemei , Zheng Ruili , Chen Hubin , Chen Yaxin , Lin Yao , Li Jingyi , Wei Wudi , Chen Rongfeng , Deng Peixue , Su Jinming , Jiang Junjun , Ye Li , Liang Hao , An Sanqi
Published: February 2024

Talaromyces marneffei (TM) immune evasion is an important factor leading to the high mortality rate of Penicilliosis marneffei. N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) plays important roles in host immune response to various pathogen infections, yet its role in TM and HIV/TM coinfection remains largely unexplored. Here we reported genome‐wide transcriptional m6A profiles of TM mono‐infection and HIV/TM coinfection. Our finding revealed dynamic alterations in global m6A levels and upregulation of the m6A reader YTH N6‐methyladenosine RNA binding protein C2 (YTHDC2) in TM‐infected macrophages. Knockdown of YTHDC2 in TM‐infected cells showed an elevated expression of TLR2 through m6A‐dependence, along with upregulation of TNF‐α and IL1‐β. Overall, we characterized the m6A profiles of the host and fungus before and after TM infection, and demonstrated that YTHDC2 mediates the key m6A site of TLR2 to exert its function. These findings provide new insights into the underlying mechanisms and novel therapeutic approaches for TM diseases.
Graphene based T‐shaped monopole antenna sensor for food quality evaluation
Authors: Nitika  , Kaur Jaswinder , Khanna Rajesh
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Food adulteration has long been considered a major problem. It compromises the quality, safety, and nutritional value of food, posing significant risks to public health. Novel techniques are required to control it.

RESULTS

A graphene‐based T‐shaped monopole antenna sensor was tested for its ability to detect adulteration in liquid foods. Mustard oil was the pure reference sample used for product quality analysis. Olive oil and rice bran oil were adulterants added to the pure sample. It was found that the sensor could be immersed easily in the liquid sample and provided precise results.

CONCLUSION

The graphene‐based T‐shaped monopole antenna sensor can be used for the quality assessment of liquid food products and is suitable for real‐time monitoring. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Natural antioxidants (rosemary and parsley) in microwaved ground meat patties: effects of in vitro digestion
Authors: Ansorena Diana , Astiasaran Iciar
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Minimizing food oxidation remains a challenge in several environments. The addition of rosemary extract (150 mg kg−1) and lyophilized parsley (7.1 g kg−1) at equivalent antioxidant activity (5550 μg Trolox equivalents kg−1) to meat patties was assessed in terms of their effect during microwave cooking and after being subjected to an in vitro digestion process.

RESULTS

Regardless of the use of antioxidants, cooking caused a decrease of the fat content as compared to raw samples, without noticing statistical differences in the fatty acid distribution between raw and cooked samples [44%, 47% and 6.8%, of saturated fatty acid (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), respectively]. However, the bioaccessible lipid fraction obtained after digestion was less saturated (around 34% SFA) and more unsaturated (35% MUFA +30% PUFA). Cooking caused, in all types of samples, an increased lipid [thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)] and protein (carbonyls) oxidation values. The increase of TBARS during in vitro digestion was around 7 mg malondialdehyde (MDA) kg−1 for control and samples with parsley and 4.8 mg MDA kg−1 with rosemary. The addition of parsley, and particularly of rosemary, significantly increased the antioxidant activity (DPPH) of cooked and digested microwaved meat patties.

CONCLUSION

Whereas rosemary was effective in minimizing protein oxidation during cooking and digestion as compared to control samples, parsley could only limit it during digestion. Lipid oxidation was only limited by rosemary during in vitro digestion. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Feasibility of using colorimetric devices for whole and ground coffee roasting degrees prediction
Authors: de Carvalho Pires Fabiana , da Silva Mutz Yhan , de Carvalho Thaís Cristina Lima , Lorenzo Natasha Dantas , Pereira Rosemary Gualberto Fonseca Alvarenga , da Rocha Roney Alves , Nunes Cleiton Antônio
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Coffee roasting is one of the crucial steps in obtaining a high‐quality product as it forms the product's color and flavor characteristics. Roast control is made by visual inspection or traditional instruments such as the Agtron spectrophotometer, which can have high implementation costs. Therefore, the present study evaluated colorimetric approaches (a bench colorimeter, smartphone digital images, and a colorimetric sensor) to predict the Agtron roasting degrees of whole and ground coffee. Two calibration approaches were assessed, that is, multiple linear regression and least‐squares support vector machine. For that, 70 samples of whole and ground roasted coffees comprising the Agtron roasting range were prepared.

RESULTS

The results showed that all three colorimetric acquisition types were efficient for the model building, but the bench colorimeter and the smartphone digital images generally performed with good determination coefficients and low errors as measured by external validation. For the whole bean coffee, the best model presented a determination coefficient (R2) of 0.99 and a root‐mean‐squared error (RMSE) of 1.91%, while R2 of 0.99 and RMSE of 0.87% was obtained for ground coffee, both using the colorimeter.

CONCLUSION

The obtained models presented good prediction capability, as assessed by external validation and randomization tests. The obtained findings point to an alternative for coffee roasting monitoring that can lead to higher digitalization and local control of the process, even for smaller producers, due to its lower costs. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Revealing the synergistic effect of hydration and pulsed ultrasound on the emulsifying properties of silkworm pupa protein and its stabilized emulsion
Authors: Han Lishu , Tang Chengjiang , Ma Yue , Liu Xiaoling , Jiang Yi , Jiang Hongrui , Min Douyong
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Silkworm (Bombyx moil L.) Pupa protein (SPP) is a high‐quality insect protein and is considered a sustainable alternative source for traditional animal food protein. However, the utilization of SPP is limited because of its low solubility and emulsifying ability. In the present study, the synergistic effect of hydration and pulsed ultrasound on the physicochemical properties of SPP and SPP‐stabilized Pickering emulsions was evaluated.

RESULTS

Pulsed ultrasound changed the particle size of SPP and its conformation. As the pulsed ultrasound increased from 0 s to 5 s, the α‐helix and SS contents of SPP decreased, whereas the β‐sheet and SH contents increased, which in turn improved its solubility and amphiphilicity. As a result, the SPP treated by a combination of 12 h of hydration and 3 s of ultrasound exhibited a contact angle of 74.95°, hydrophobicity of 904.83, EAI of 6.66 m2 g−1 and ESI of 190.69 min. Compared with the combination of 1 h of hydration and 5 s of ultrasound, the combination of 12 h of hydration and 3 s of ultrasound exerted more soluble and hydrophobic SPP, whereas the EAI and ESI of the samples were higher. Notably, the ultrasound‐treated SPP can form a stable gel‐like emulsion (oil fraction ranging from 70% to 80%).

CONCLUSION

The combination of hydration and ultrasound can effectively improve the physicochemical characteristics of SPP as well as its emulsion stability. Sufficient hydration is a cost‐effective method for facilitating the modification of proteins by ultrasound treatment. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Associations among posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, life satisfaction, and well‐being comparisons: A longitudinal investigation
Authors: Schlechter Pascal , Hoppen Thole H. , Morina Nexhmedin
Published: February 2024

Many individuals who encounter potentially traumatic events go on to develop symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research suggests that survivors of traumatic events frequently compare their current well‐being to different standards; yet, knowledge regarding the role of comparative thinking in well‐being is limited to a few cross‐sectional studies. We therefore examined the temporal associations among aversive well‐being comparisons (i.e., comparisons threatening self‐motives), PTSD symptoms, and life satisfaction in individuals exposed to traumatic events. Participants (N = 518) with a trauma history completed measures of PTSD symptoms and life satisfaction, as well as the Comparison Standards Scale for Well‐being (CSS‐W), at assessment points 3 months apart. The CSS‐W assesses the frequency, perceived discrepancy, and affective impact of aversive social, temporal, counterfactual, and criteria‐based comparisons related to well‐being. All participants reported having engaged in aversive well‐being comparisons during the last 3 weeks. Comparison frequency emerged as a significant predictor of PTSD symptoms, β = .24, beyond baseline PTSD symptom severity. Life satisfaction contributed unique variance to the comparison process by predicting comparison frequency, β = −.18; discrepancy, β = −.24; and affective impact, β = .20. The findings suggest that frequent aversive comparisons may lead to a persistent focus on negative aspects of well‐being, thereby exacerbating PTSD symptoms, and further indicate that comparison frequency, discrepancy, and affective impact are significantly influenced by life satisfaction. Taken together, the findings support the need for a thorough examination of the role of comparative thinking in clinical populations, which may ultimately help improve clinical care.
Shortcomings of the dissipation rate for understanding the turbulent environment of plankton—And a potential solution
Authors: Franks Peter J. S. , Inman Bryce G.
Published: February 2024

Fundamental marine ecosystem dynamics such as mating, predation, and infection require individual plankton to move relative to one another. Ambient turbulence is often invoked as a mechanism to facilitate such interactions. The local intensity of turbulence is quantified as the dissipation rate of turbulent kinetic energy. While the dissipation rate is central to understanding large‐scale fluxes of heat, salt, and nutrients in the ocean, we show that it can be a poor descriptor of the turbulent environment experienced by individual plankton. A dissipation rate is a single integrated quantity representing all the complex motions in a turbulent region; the instantaneous turbulent environment of plankton may bear little resemblance to that predicted by the dissipation rate or quantities derived from it. Most importantly, the statistics (probabilities) of the relative motions of plankton in turbulence cannot be recovered from the dissipation rate or its spectrum: the probabilities of the plankton experiencing any given turbulent relative velocity are lost in the calculation. This presents a fundamental barrier to our understanding of the effects of ambient turbulence on planktonic ecosystem dynamics in the ocean. Rather than relying on dissipation rates, we show that quantifying the probability distributions of the microscale turbulent motions can provide much richer insights into the turbulent environment of individual plankton. Expanding such statistical analyses, and improving our understanding of the Lagrangian properties of ocean turbulence as experienced by plankton in the ocean will lead to significant increases in our ability to understand and quantify the effects of turbulence on plankton.
Effects of Ferulic Acid on Cognitive Function: A Systematic Review
Authors: Karademir Yesim , Mackie Alan , Tuohy Kieran , Dye Louise
Published: February 2024

Scope

Plant (poly) phenolic compounds have been reported to decrease the risk of developing dementia and have been associated with maintenance of cognitive performance in normal ageing. Ferulic acid (FA) is a phenolic acid, present in a wide variety of foods including cereals, fruits, vegetables, and coffee. The aim of this systematic review is to examine the effect of FA on cognitive function in humans and animals.

Methods and results

The search terms “Ferulic acid AND cognit*” and “Ferulic acid OR feruloyl OR ferula AND (memory OR attention OR learning OR recognition)” are used in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMED, OVID (Medline/PsycInfo), and CINAHL through October 2023. No human studies are identified that matched the inclusion criteria. Twenty‐six animal studies are identified. A small number (n = 5) of these studies examined FA in healthy animals whilst the remainder examined animal models of dementia. Alzheimer's disease (n = 11) is the most prevalent model.

Conclusion

Overall, results from studies employing disease models suggest that FA ameliorates induced cognitive decline in a time and dose‐dependent manner. Similarly, studies in healthy animals show a beneficial effect of FA. However, further studies are required to determine the effects of FA on human cognitive function.