bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What drives US consumer confidence? The asymmetric effects of economic uncertainty
Authors: Choudhry Taufiq , Wohar Mark
Published: August 2023

This paper empirically investigates the asymmetric effects of different economic variables including uncertainty caused by government policies on the two main US consumer confidence indices. This paper further investigates whether COVID‐19 has any significant effect on the relationship between US consumer confidence indices and their determinants. The empirical investigation is conducted by means of non‐linear asymmetric autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) tests, so that the asymmetric effect of uncertainty and other determinants on consumer confidence may be studied. The paper applies monthly data from January 2010 to December 2021. Results indicate that the COVID‐19 pandemic did not alter the stability of the long‐term relationship between the consumer confidence indices and their determinants. Uncertainty imposed by government policies plays a significant role before and, more prominently, during the pandemic. The increased effect of the uncertainty may be due to the jump in economic uncertainty during the COVID era. Our work may help to foster consumer confidence in terms of macroeconomic policy variables. The results can also expand the scope of investors' decision making as it provides an in‐depth understanding of the drivers of consumers' confidence in the US economy.
Nomogram for predicting pulmonary embolism in gynecologic inpatients with isolated distal deep venous thrombosis
Authors: Jin Zhen‐Yi , Li Chun‐Min , Zheng Kai , Qu Hong , Yang Wen‐Tao , Wen Jia‐Hao , Zhang Wang‐De , Ren Hua‐Liang
Published: August 2023

Objective

To investigate the incidence of isolated distal deep venous thrombosis (IDDVT) concurrent with pulmonary embolism (PE) in gynecologic inpatients, analyze the risk factors for IDDVT with PE, and establish a nomogram model for IDDVT patients with PE.

Methods

A total of 260 patients were diagnosed with IDDVT between December 2017 and November 2020. The incidence of PE in these patients was determined using computed tomography pulmonary angiography. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the related risk factors. On this basis, nomogram risk prediction models were established.

Results

Among 260 patients with IDDVT, 106 (40.8%) had concurrent PE, of whom 74 (28.5%) experienced silent PE. Univariate logistic analysis demonstrated statistical significance for body mass index (BMI; P = 0.044), glucocorticoid therapy (P = 0.009), hypertension (P < 0.001), and diabetes (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that these were independent risk factors for IDDVT with PE that retained statistical significance. A nomogram based on these factors was constructed to predict PE in patients with IDDVT. Its receiver operating characteristic (ROC) showed an area under the curve of 0.710 (95% confidence interval 0.642–0.779), with prediction sensitivity of 64.2% and prediction specificity of 76.6%.

Conclusions

In the present study, a high prevalence of PE was found in gynecologic inpatients with IDDVT. Glucocorticoid therapy, hypertension, diabetes, and BMI were independent risk factors for IDDVT patients with PE. Taking these risk factors into account, a nomogram risk prediction model was developed to help facilitate early detection of concurrent PE.
Multi‐classificationof brain tumor by using deep convolutional neural network model inmagnetic resonance imagingimages
Authors: Singh Ngangbam Herojit , Merlin N. R. Gladiss , Prabu R. Thandaiah , Gupta Deepak , Alharbi Meshal
Published: August 2023

Brain tumors are still diagnosed and classified based on the results of histopathological examinations of biopsy samples. The existing method requires extra effort from the user, takes too long, and can lead to blunders. These limitations underline the need of employing a fully automated deep learning system for the multi‐classification of brain tumors. In order to facilitate early detection, this study employs a convolutional neural network (CNN) to multi‐classify brain tumors. In this research, we present three distinct CNN models for use in three separate categorization tasks. The first CNN model can correctly categorize brain tumors 99.74% of the time. The second CNN model is 96.27% accurate in differentiating between normal, glioma, meningioma, pituitary, and metastatic brain tumors. The third CNN model successfully distinguishes between Grades II, III, and IV brain tumors 99.18% of the time. The Hybrid Particle Swarm Grey Wolf Optimization (HPSGWO) technique is used to quickly and accurately determine optimal values for all of CNN models most important hyperparameters. An HPSGWO algorithm is used to fine‐tune all the necessary hyperparameters for optimal classification performance. The results are compared with standard existing CNN models across a range of performance measures. The proposed models are trained using publicly available large clinical datasets. To verify their initial multi‐classification of brain tumors, clinicians and radiologists might use the proposed CNN models.
Deep learning‐based pigment analysis model trained with optical approach and ground truth assistance
Authors: Jung Geunho , Kim Semin , Lee Jongha , Yoo Sangwook
Published: August 2023

This study introduces an integrated training method combining the optical approach with ground truth for skin pigment analysis. Deep learning is increasingly applied to skin pigment analysis, primarily melanin and hemoglobin. While regression analysis is a widely used training method to predict ground truth‐like outputs, the input image resolution is restricted by computational resources. The optical approach‐based regression method can alleviate this problem, but compromises performance. We propose a strategy to overcome the limitation of image resolution while preserving performance by incorporating ground truth within the optical approach‐based learning structure. The proposed model decomposes skin images into melanin, hemoglobin, and shading maps, reconstructing them by solving the forward problem with reference to the ground truth for pigments. Evaluation against the VISIA system, a professional diagnostic equipment, yields correlation coefficients of 0.978 for melanin and 0.975 for hemoglobin. Furthermore, our model can produce pigment‐modified images for applications like simulating treatment effects.
Indocyanine green and iohexol loaded hydroxyapatite in poly(L‐lactide‐co‐caprolactone)‐based composite for bimodal near‐infrared fluorescence‐ and X‐ray‐based imaging
Authors: Górecka Żaneta , Idaszek Joanna , Heljak Marcin , Martinez Diana C. , Choińska Emilia , Kulas Zbigniew , Święszkowski Wojciech
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to develop material for multimodal imaging by means of X‐ray and near‐infrared containing FDA‐ and EMA‐approved iohexol and indocyanine green (ICG). The mentioned contrast agents (CAs) are hydrophilic and amphiphilic, respectively, which creates difficulties in fabrication of functional polymeric composites for fiducial markers (FMs) with usage thereof. Therefore, this study exploited for the first time the possibility of enhancing the radiopacity and introduction of the NIR fluorescence of FMs by adsorption of the CAs on hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles. The particles were embedded in the poly(L‐lactide‐co‐caprolactone) (P[LAcoCL]) matrix resulting in the composite material for bimodal near‐infrared fluorescence‐ and X‐ray‐based imaging. The applied method of material preparation provided homogenous distribution of both CAs with high iohexol loading efficiency and improved fluorescence signal due to hindered ICG aggregation. The material possessed profound contrasting properties for both imaging modalities. Its stability was evaluated during in vitro experiments in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) and foetal bovine serum (FBS) solutions. The addition of HAp nanoparticles had significant effect on the fluorescence signal. The X‐ray radiopacity was stable within minimum 11 weeks, even though the addition of ICG contributed to a faster release of iohexol. The stiffness of the material was not affected by iohexol or ICG, but incorporation of HAp nanoparticles elevated the values of bending modulus by approximately 70%. Moreover, the performed cell study revealed that all tested materials were not cytotoxic. Thus, the developed material can be successfully used for fabrication of FMs.
Influence of heavy metal exposure on gut microbiota: Recent advances
Authors: Kaur Ravidarshdeep , Rawal Rakesh
Published: August 2023

Gut microbiota plays a functionally important part in retaining the homeostasis of host physiology, however, under exposure of various heavy metals, the composition of gut biota is disturbed in relation to species diversity and richness. Ever since the increase of microbiome‐related studies during the last decade, many research studies have delivered an understanding of the reasons and concerns of gut microbiota‐related modifications. During the past decade, it's been confirmed from various studies that heavy metals poisoning alters the microbial composition, which results in changes in gene expression, alteration in metabolism, immunity, neurological dysfunction, and causes various other disorders. The present comprehensive review is summarizing an attempt to enumerate the key findings from recent clinical or preclinical studies related to the influence of heavy metals on gut microbiota published recently. Google, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar were employed as primary search engines using the keywords such as “heavy metals, gut microbiota, dysbiosis, and intestinal microbiota” for finding relevant research articles from the past 10 years and some old important articles. Here, we tried to provide insight into some of the key timelines and scientific findings from reported literature, like the effects of heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury on the general body and specifically on the gut microbiota of different model organisms. So, it is important to increase awareness against heavy metal‐induced toxicity and formulate guidelines for the benefit of the environment.
polyGraft 1.0: A program for molecular structure and topology generation of polymer‐grafted hybrid nanostructures
Authors: Chen Guang
Published: August 2023

Polymer‐grafted hybrid materials have been ubiquitously employed in various engineering applications. The design of these hybrid materials with superior performances requires a molecularly detailed understanding of the structure and dynamics of the polymer brushes and their interactions with the grafting substrate. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are very well suited for the study of these materials which can provide molecular insights into the effects of polymer composition and length, grafting density, substrate composition and curvatures, and nanoconfinement. However, few existing tools are available to generate such systems, which would otherwise reduce the barrier of preparation for such systems to enable high throughput simulations. Here polyGraft, a general, flexible, and easy to use Python program, is introduced for automated generation of molecular structure and topology of polymer grafted hybrid materials for MD simulations purposes, ranging from polymer brushes grafted to hard substrates, to densely grafted bottlebrush polymers. polyGraft is openly accessible on GitHub (https://github.com/nanogchen/polyGraft).
A quasi‐experimental trial of narrative reconstruction for prolonged grief disorder: Symptomatic improvement and enhanced memory integration
Authors: Elinger Gali , Hasson‐Ohayon Ilanit , Bar‐Shachar Yael , Peri Tuvia
Published: August 2023

Background

Prolonged grief disorder (PGD) was recently approved as a formal diagnosis in the DSM‐5‐TR. The implementation of bereavement interventions is frequently requested, but their effectiveness has been controversial. Narrative reconstruction (NR) is a time‐limited integrative therapy, originally developed for the treatment of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and adapted for the treatment of PGD. NR consists of exposure to the loss memory, a detailed written reconstruction of the loss memory narrative, and an elaboration of the personal significance of that memory for the bereaved.

Objectives

In this study we evaluated the efficacy of NR for PGD.

Method

In this study, 33 participants with PGD were quasi‐randomized—that is, assigned to an immediate (n = 20) or delayed (n = 13) 16‐session NR intervention. PGD, intrusion, avoidance and depression symptoms, as well as levels of the loss memory integration, were assessed at pretreatment, post‐treatment, and at a 3‐month follow‐up.

Results

Mixed linear models showed significant intervention effects for PGD and intrusive symptomatology. Results also showed an increase in integration of the loss memory, and improvements remained stable for all outcomes at follow‐up.

Conclusion

In this study we established NR as an effective intervention for PGD and call for further validation in future studies. Integrating this intervention into the routine care of people with PGD seems important and beneficial.
The mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation in the relationship between self‐concealment and quality of life among breast cancer chemotherapy patients
Authors: Qin Qiao‐yun , Li Shu‐wen , Li Wen , Li Yan‐ran
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to explore whether self‐concealment (SC) affects the quality of life (QOL), and whether cognitive emotion regulation (CER) mediates the relationship between SC and QOL among breast cancer chemotherapy patients.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted among 228 breast cancer chemotherapy patients from November 2021 to March 2022 in Anhui Province, China. Data were collected using the Self‐Concealment Scale, Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and Short Form 36 Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, independent‐sample t test, one‐way analysis of variance, and structural equation modeling were used to explore associations among SC, CER, and QOL.

Results

QOL levels differed significantly by participant age, monthly per capita household income and home location. SC was negatively correlated with QOL. SSC was negatively correlated with adaptive‐CER strategies and positively correlated with maladaptive‐CER strategies. Adaptive‐CER strategies were positively correlated with QOL. Maladaptive‐CER strategies were negatively correlated with QOL. CER fully mediated the association between SC and QOL in breast cancer chemotherapy patients.

Conclusion

Nursing staff should help breast cancer chemotherapy patients reduce the use of maladaptive‐CER strategies in the care of patients in the future. Helping patients reduce SC is more conductive to improving the QOL of breast cancer chemotherapy patients.
3D Breast Cancer Segmentation in DCE‐MRI Using Deep Learning With Weak Annotation
Authors: Park Ga Eun , Kim Sung Hun , Nam Yoonho , Kang Junghwa , Park Minjeong , Kang Bong Joo
Published: August 2023

Background

Deep learning models require large‐scale training to perform confidently, but obtaining annotated datasets in medical imaging is challenging. Weak annotation has emerged as a way to save time and effort.

Purpose

To develop a deep learning model for 3D breast cancer segmentation in dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) using weak annotation with reliable performance.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Seven hundred and thirty‐six women with breast cancer from a single institution, divided into the development (N = 544) and test dataset (N = 192).

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0‐T, 3D fat‐saturated gradient‐echo axial T1‐weighted flash 3D volumetric interpolated brain examination (VIBE) sequences.

Assessment

Two radiologists performed a weak annotation of the ground truth using bounding boxes. Based on this, the ground truth annotation was completed through autonomic and manual correction. The deep learning model using 3D U‐Net transformer (UNETR) was trained with this annotated dataset. The segmentation results of the test set were analyzed by quantitative and qualitative methods, and the regions were divided into whole breast and region of interest (ROI) within the bounding box.

Statistical Tests

As a quantitative method, we used the Dice similarity coefficient to evaluate the segmentation result. The volume correlation with the ground truth was evaluated with the Spearman correlation coefficient. Qualitatively, three readers independently evaluated the visual score in four scales. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The deep learning model we developed achieved a median Dice similarity score of 0.75 and 0.89 for the whole breast and ROI, respectively. The volume correlation coefficient with respect to the ground truth volume was 0.82 and 0.86 for the whole breast and ROI, respectively. The mean visual score, as evaluated by three readers, was 3.4.

Data Conclusion

The proposed deep learning model with weak annotation may show good performance for 3D segmentations of breast cancer using DCE‐MRI.

Level of Evidence

3

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Neonatal herpes simplex virus infection: From the maternal infection to the child outcome
Authors: De Rose Domenico Umberto , Bompard Sarah , Maddaloni Chiara , Bersani Iliana , Martini Ludovica , Santisi Alessandra , Longo Daniela , Ronchetti Maria Paola , Dotta Andrea , Auriti Cinzia
Published: August 2023

This review examines the recent literature on the management of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections in neonates. We summarized the three clinical categories of maternal HSV infection during pregnancy (primary first episode, nonprimary first episode, or recurrent episode) and the mechanisms of fetal damage. Considering when the transmission of the infection from the mother to the fetus/newborn occurs, three types of neonatal infection can be distinguished: intrauterine infection (5% of cases), postnatal infection (10% of cases), and perinatal infections (85% of cases). Neonatal presentation could range from a limited disease with skin, eye, and mouth disease to central nervous system disease or disseminated disease: the treatment with acyclovir should be tailored according to symptoms and signs of infection, and virological tests. These children need a multidisciplinary follow‐up, to timely intercept any deviation from normal neurodevelopmental milestones. Prevention strategies remain a challenge, in the absence of an available vaccine against HSV.
sPLA2GIB Promotes PGD2 and IL‐13 Production in Eosinophilic Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
Authors: Kang Yi‐Fan , Liu Jin‐Xin , Xu Kai , Li Xue‐Li , Lu Xiang
Published: August 2023

Objective

Secreted phospholipase A2 Group IB (sPLA2GIB) regulates the release of arachidonic acid, prostaglandins, and other inflammatory lipid mediators. Although it has been well involved in extensive inflammatory diseases, its specific mechanism in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of sPLA2GIB in the pathophysiology of CRSwNP.

Methods

Quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence staining, western blotting, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to analyze the expression of sPLA2s, phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R), and prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) in nasal samples. Human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) were cultured at an air‐liquid interface (ALI) and stimulated with various cytokines. The human mast cell line HMC‐1 was stimulated with sPLA2GIB, and the expression of PGD2 and cytokines in the culture supernatant was detected by ELISA.

Results

The mRNA and protein levels of sPLA2GIB were significantly higher in eosinophilic CRSwNP than in control tissues. sPLA2GIB was predominantly expressed in the nasal epithelial cells. PLA2R mRNA and protein levels were upregulated in both eosinophilic and non‐eosinophilic CRSwNP compared with the control groups. IL‐4, IL‐13, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β upregulated the expression of sPLA2GIB in ALI‐cultured HNECs. sPLA2GIB induced PGD2 and IL‐13 production in HMC‐1 cells in a hydrolytic activity‐independent manner. PGD2 protein expression was elevated in tissue homogenates of eosinophilic CRSwNP, and PGD2 upregulated the expression of IL‐13 in HMC‐1 cells.

Conclusion

Increased secretion of sPLA2GIB by epithelial cells may promote eosinophilic inflammation in CRSwNP by enhancing PGD2 and IL‐13 production in mast cells via binding to PLA2R.

Level of Evidence

N/A Laryngoscope, 134:1107–1117, 2024
Unexpected functional diversity of stream biofilms within and across proglacial floodplains despite close spatial proximity
Authors: Michoud Grégoire , Kohler Tyler J. , Peter Hannes , Brandani Jade , Busi Susheel Banu , Battin Tom J.
Published: August 2023

High‐mountain streams are particularly vulnerable to climate change because they intimately interface with the cryosphere. As glaciers shrink and snowpack diminishes, proglacial streams will eventually shift from being glacier‐fed to streams fed by groundwater, snowmelt and precipitation. This shift will affect both the flow regime and physico‐chemical characteristics of streams, possibly also the structure and function of their benthic microbiome. Here, we applied genome‐resolved metagenomics to benthic biofilms from glacier‐fed streams and their groundwater‐fed tributaries within three proglacial floodplains in the Swiss Alps. Despite the close spatial proximity between both stream types, their microbiome structure differed consistently for both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. The glacier‐fed stream microbiome was taxonomically and functionally less diverse than its groundwater‐fed counterpart, and had smaller genomes, but with conservation of the central metabolic functions primarily related to nitrogen and sulfur cycling. Consequently, much higher functional variability was associated with the microbiome of tributary streams, mainly due to abundant genes involved in the transport and degradation of organic matter. Our findings suggest that glacier shrinkage will cause shifts in the functioning of benthic microbiomes of proglacial floodplains with yet unknown consequences for downstream biogeochemistry.
Single‐Mode Electrically Pumped Terahertz Laser in an Ultracompact Cavity via Merging Bound States in the Continuum
Authors: Cui Jieyuan , Chua Yunda , Han Song , Wang Chongwu , Jin Yuhao , Li Jinghao , Zeng Yongquan , Wang Qian , Ye Ming , Chen Wenduo , Zhu Song , Sun Fangyuan , Li Lianhe , Davies Alexander Giles , Linfield Edmund Harold , Tan Chuan Seng , Wang Qi Jie
Published: August 2023

Photonic bound states in the continuum (BICs) are highly localized optical modes that have found important applications in lasers, sensors, modulators, and harmonic signal generators. While possessing a higher quality factor (Q) as compared to leaky photonic modes, regular BICs (e.g., either symmetry‐protected or accidental BICs) normally require large cavity sizes and are usually sensitive to the fabrication imperfections that introduce lattice disorders. Moreover, the previous demonstrations of BIC lasers are mostly based on optical pumping and operated in the visible and near‐infrared regimes. Here, an electrically pumped BIC laser is demonstrated by merging two types of BIC modes based on a quantum cascade chip in the terahertz (THz) regime, which has an ultra‐compact size (with a pump area around 4λ2). The measured side‐mode suppression ratio (SMSR) can reach up to ≈20 dB, indicating a good single‐mode performance over the entire dynamic range. In addition, the emitted beam shows a nontrivial cylindrical vector beam profile, a typical topological feature of BIC lasers. This work would pave the way for practical use of the emerging BIC concepts in pursuing ultra‐compact and high‐performance electrically driven laser sources, which are highly desired in advanced optoelectronics and integrated photonics.
Demonstration of Weak Polarization Electric Field III‐N LEDs based on Polar Plane
Authors: Zhang Lidong , Deng Gaoqiang , Tao Tao , Zuo Changcai , Guan Tao , Niu Yunfei , Yu Jiaqi , Wang Yusen , Ma Haotian , Liu Bin , Zhang Baolin , Zhang Yuantao
Published: August 2023

A strong polarization electric field (PEF) in III‐nitride semiconductors has adverse effects on the performance of III‐N light‐emitting diodes (LEDs). However, to reduce the PEF of III‐N LEDs based on the polar plane (c‐plane) remains a big challenge. Here, a weak PEF blue LED on c‐plane GaN with an InGaN/AlGaN superlattices (SLs) quantum barrier and InGaN quantum well grown by metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition is proposed. The InGaN/SLs multiple quantum wells (MQWs) show a significant reduction of PEF compared with traditional InGaN/GaN MQWs. A low electric field of 0.5 MV cm−1 is obtained, which is confirmed by power‐dependent photoluminescence (PL) and time‐resolved PL measurements. The proposed LEDs with InGaN/AlGaN SLs barriers present a low efficiency droop, a great wavelength stability, and a high −3 dB E‐O modulation bandwidth up to 1.01 GHz. This work demonstrates the role of InGaN/AlGaN SLs barriers in reducing the PEF of III‐N LEDs and provides a feasible technical route to achieve the weak PEF LEDs on c‐plane, which can be expanded and applied to the preparation of high‐performance, long wavelength, and deep UV III‐N LEDs.
Temporal‐Spatial‐Resolved Lasing Dynamics in Customized Solution Grown Perovskite Single‐Crystal Microcavities
Authors: Ma Peipei , Yan Lihe , Si Jinhai , Huo Tianyu , Huang Zhenqiang , Tan Wenjiang , Xu Jin , Hou Xun
Published: August 2023

Single‐crystal halide perovskites are among the most promising semiconductor candidates for highly efficient optoelectronic devices due to their higher stability against moisture and light radiation and lower trap density than their polycrystalline counterparts. In this work, single‐crystal MAPbBr3 microcavities with controllable geometries and sizes are fabricated using a template‐limited method combined with an anti‐solvent diffusion growth method. The single‐crystal microcavities emit lasers around 550 nm under femtosecond laser excitation, with a lasing threshold of ≈35 µJ cm−2 and a quality factor of 1135, as well as excellent long‐term operation stability. The temporal‐spatial evolution of the lasing process in an individual microcavity is achieved by the microscopic optical Kerr‐gating technique. The temporal behaviors including pulse duration and build‐up time, emission spectra shift, and lasing mode evolution as a function of pump fluence are unveiled, and the complex relationship between the light‐induced carrier dynamics and lasing properties is clarified. Spatial heterogeneous lasing dynamics are also observed in an individual microdisk, which is attributed to the non‐uniform optical losses and carrier densities driven by structural imperfections. This study can provide a fabrication strategy for perovskite on‐chip optoelectronic devices, as well as a deeper understanding of the carrier‐density‐driven lasing dynamics in microcavities.
Fabrication of Lightweight Polyimide Foams with Exceptional Mechanical and Thermal Properties
Authors: Tian Yue , Luo Yinfu , Meng Haichao , Ni Long , Zhou Cuiqing , Zhou Shengtai , Zou Huawei , Liang Mei
Published: August 2023

Lightweight polyimide foams (PIFs) with exceptional thermal resistance and compressive properties are fabricated by heating polyester ammonium salts (PEASs) which are prepared by copolymerizing 4, 4’‐diaminobenzanilide (DABA), 4, 4’‐diaminodiphenyl methane (MDA) and 3, 3’, 4, 4’‐benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA). Hydrogen bonds are formed between CONH and CO in the PI chains due to the addition of DABA and the melt viscosity of PEAS precursors increase with increasing content of DABA, which is advantageous to bind the foaming gases for cell expansion. The expansion ratio of PEAS precursors is increased from 633% to 1133% when the molar ratio of MDA/DABA is changed from 10:0 to 6:4. The compressive strength and modulus of PIFM9D1 (i.e., the molar ratio of MDA/DABA is 9:1, foam density: 120.8 kg m−3) reach as high as 0.59 and 15.0 MPa, respectively. The PIFs possess prominent thermal performance with the initial thermal degradation temperatures (under both nitrogen and air atmosphere) and glass transition temperatures (as assessed by DSC and DMA) exceeding 511 and 292 °C, respectively. The thermal conductivity of PIFs is lower than 0.049 W m−1 K−1, which exhibits promising applications for serving as high‐temperature thermal insulation materials in the fields of aerospace, marine, and nuclear sectors among others.
Antibiofilm assay for antimicrobial peptides combating the sulfate‐reducing bacteria Desulfovibrio vulgaris
Authors: Stillger Lena , Viau Lucile , Holtmann Dirk , Müller Daniela
Published: August 2023

In medical, environmental, and industrial processes, the accumulation of bacteria in biofilms can disrupt many processes. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are receiving increasing attention in the development of new substances to avoid or reduce biofilm formation. There is a lack of parallel testing of the effect against biofilms in this area, as well as in the testing of other antibiofilm agents. In this paper, a high‐throughput screening was developed for the analysis of the antibiofilm activity of AMPs, differentiated into inhibition and removal of a biofilm. The sulfate‐reducing bacterium Desulfovibrio vulgaris was used as a model organism. D. vulgaris represents an undesirable bacterium, which is considered one of the major triggers of microbiologically influenced corrosion. The application of a 96‐well plate and steel rivets as a growth surface realizes real‐life conditions and at the same time establishes a flexible, simple, fast, and cost‐effective assay. All peptides tested in this study demonstrated antibiofilm activity, although these peptides should be individually selected depending on the addressed aim. For biofilm inhibition, the peptide DASamP1 is the most suitable, with a sustained effect for up to 21 days. The preferred peptides for biofilm removal are S6L3‐33, in regard to bacteria reduction, and Bactenecin, regarding total biomass reduction.
Communal interaction of glycation and gut microbes in diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease pathogenesis
Authors: Patil Rahul Shivaji , Tupe Rashmi Santosh
Published: August 2023

Diabetes and its complications, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD) are increasing gradually, reflecting a global threat vis‐à‐vis expressing the essentiality of a substantial paradigm shift in research and remedial actions. Protein glycation is influenced by several factors, like time, temperature, pH, metal ions, and the half‐life of the protein. Surprisingly, most proteins associated with metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders are generally long‐lived and hence susceptible to glycation. Remarkably, proteins linked with diabetes, AD, and PD share this characteristic. This modulates protein's structure, aggregation tendency, and toxicity, highlighting renovated attention. Gut microbes and microbial metabolites marked their importance in human health and diseases. Though many scientific shreds of evidence are proposed for possible change and dysbiosis in gut flora in these diseases, very little is known about the mechanisms. Screening and unfolding their functionality in metabolic and neurodegenerative disorders is essential in hunting the gut treasure. Therefore, it is imperative to evaluate the role of glycation as a common link in diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases, which helps to clarify if modulation of nonenzymatic glycation may act as a beneficial therapeutic strategy and gut microbes/metabolites may answer some of the crucial questions. This review briefly emphasizes the common functional attributes of glycation and gut microbes, the possible linkages, and discusses current treatment options and therapeutic challenges.
Solitons and other nonlinear waves for stochastic Schrödinger‐Hirota model using improved modified extended tanh‐function approach
Authors: Shehab Mohammed F. , El‐Sheikh Mohamed M. A. , Ahmed Hamdy M. , Mabrouk Amina A. G. , Mirzazadeh M. , Hashemi M. S.
Published: August 2023

The improved modified extended tanh‐function approach was used to study optical stochastic soliton solutions and other exact stochastic solutions for the nonlinear Schrödinger‐Hirota equation with multiplicative white noise. The derived solutions include stochastic bright solitons, stochastic singular solitons, stochastic periodic solutions, stochastic singular periodic solutions, stochastic exponential solutions, stochastic rational solutions, and stochastic Jacobi elliptic doubly periodic solutions. Constraints on the parameters were taken into account to ensure the existence of the obtained stochastic soliton solutions. Additionally, selected solutions were presented graphically to illustrate the physical characteristics of the stochastic solutions. In this paper, we used Mathematica (11.3) packages to find the coefficients and Matlab (R2015a) packages to plot the graphs.
A Newly Synbiotic Combination Alleviates Obesity by Modulating the Gut Microbiota–Fat Axis and Inhibiting the Hepatic TLR4/NF‐κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Kang Yongbo , Ren Peng , Shen Xiaorong , Kuang Xiaoyu , Yang Xiaodan , Liu Haixia , Yan Huan , Yang Hao , Kang Xing , Ding Zeyuan , Luo Xuguang , Ma Jieqiong , Yang Ying , Fan Weiping
Published: August 2023

Scope

Obesity has been recognized as a worldwide public health crisis, this is accompanied by dysregulation of the intestinal microbiota and upregulation of liver steatosis and adipose inflammation. Synbiotic as a novel alternative therapy for obesity have recently gained much attention.

Methods

This study innovatively research the anti‐obesity properties of a newly synbiotic composed of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium infantis and konjac glucomannan oligosaccharides.

Results

The synbiotic treatment can reduce body weight, fat mass, blood sugar, liver steatosis and adipose inflammation in obesity mice fed by high‐fat diet (HFD). Meanwhile, synbiotic treatment activated brown adipose tissue and improve energy, glucose and lipid metabolism. In addition, synbiotic treatment not solely enhanced the protection of intestinal barrier, but also ameliorated gut microbiota dysbiosis directly by enhancing beneficial microbes and reducing potentially harmful bacteria. Furthermore, the microbiome phenotype and functional prediction showed that synbiotic treatment can improve the gut microbiota functions involving inflammatory state, immune response, metabolism and pathopoiesia.

Conclusion

The synbiotic may be an effective candidate treatment strategy for the clinical prevention and treatment of obesity and other associated metabolic diseases such as hyperlipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases by alleviating inflammatory response, regulating energy metabolism and maintaining the balance of intestinal microecology.
Adult Sea Lamprey approach and passage at the Milford Dam fishway, Penobscot River, Maine, United States
Authors: Peterson Erin , Thors Rex , Frechette Danielle , Zydlewski Joseph D.
Published: August 2023

Objective

Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinus provide important ecological services within their native range, such as nutrient cycling, and can also act as a prey source for other species. Adult Sea Lamprey must access freshwater rivers to spawn, and because of this they are susceptible to changes in river connectivity. Human-made structures, such as dams, can exclude them from usable habitat. Sea Lamprey dam passage has not been extensively studied in Maine, despite Maine being within the native range of this species. The goals of this study were to evaluate upstream passage efficiency at the Milford Dam on the Penobscot River, Maine, and to provide comprehensive information about adult Sea Lamprey passage at five other dams throughout the Penobscot River watershed.

Methods

In 2020–2021 we captured and tagged 150 Sea Lamprey at the Milford Dam, the lowest dam in the Penobscot River, Maine, and displaced them downstream to assess passage efficiency at this dam and five upstream dams. In 2020, 50 Sea Lamprey were released on the east shore of the river downstream of Milford Dam; in 2021, the east shore release was repeated with an additional 50 fish and another 50 fish were released on the west shore.

Result

Between 70–82% of Sea Lamprey were observed passing Milford Dam again after mean delay times of 9–11 days. The release location did not affect dam passage success or the amount of time that was required to locate and use the passage structures. Sea Lampreys from both release groups were equally likely to approach the entrance to the fishway upon returning to Milford Dam, despite the fishway being located against the eastern shore of the river. However, high flows shortly after release may have resulted in higher attraction to the fishway in 2020. Passage success at dams upstream of Milford was highly variable. All Sea Lamprey were able to successfully navigate past West Enfield Dam (100% passage, n = 63), whereas Brownsmill Dam apparently acted as a complete barrier to further migration (0% passage, n = 7). Fish from all years and release groups together had a median upstream migration distance of 38.8 km after fish had passed Milford Dam, and a maximum observed upstream travel distance of approximately 100 km, indicating that most tagged Sea Lamprey ended their migration in the vicinity of a dam.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that Sea Lamprey have high passage efficiency at the Milford Dam and highlight areas within the Penobscot River basin—such as the Brownsmill Dam—where passage facilities are currently inadequate for Sea Lamprey.
Medications and conditions associated with weight loss in patients prescribed semaglutide based on real‐world data
Authors: Powell William , Song Xing , Mohamed Yahia , Walsh Dave , Parks Elizabeth J. , McMahon Tamara M. , Khan Mirza , Waitman Lemuel R.
Published: August 2023

Objective

Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 for diabetes and in 2021 for weight loss, semaglutide has seen widespread use among individuals who aim to lose weight. The aim of this study was to evaluate weight loss and the influence of clinical factors on semaglutide patients in real‐world clinical practice.

Methods

Using data from 10 health systems within the Greater Plains Collaborative (a PCORnet Clinical Research Network), nearly 4000 clinical factors encompassing demographic, diagnosis, and prescription information were extracted for semaglutide patients. A gradient‐boosting, machine‐learning classifier was developed for weight‐loss prediction and identification of the most impactful factors via SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) value extrapolation.

Results

A total of 3555 eligible patients (539 of whom were observed 52 weeks following exposure) from March 2017 to April 2022 were studied. On average, individuals lost 4.44% (male individuals, 3.66%; female individuals, 5.08%) of their initial weight. History of diabetes mellitus diagnosis was associated with less weight loss, whereas prediabetes and linaclotide use were associated with more pronounced weight loss.

Conclusions

Weight loss in patients prescribed semaglutide from real‐world evidence was strong but attenuated compared with previous clinical trials. Machine‐learning analysis of electronic health record data identified factors that warrant further research and consideration when tailoring weight‐loss therapy.
Three‐dimensional porous magnetic polyaniline supported Ag nanoparticles nanocomposites as an efficient and recyclable catalyst for nitrophenol reduction
Authors: Huang Huabo , Li Cheng , Zhang Qi , Huang Juan , Ji Jiayou , Liu Yulan , Li Liang
Published: August 2023

Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs) nanocomposites are promising catalysts for nitro compound reduction, but simultaneously meeting the requirements of high catalytic activity, stability, recyclability and facile preparation is highly difficult. Herein, the three‐dimensional (3D) porous magnetic polyaniline (PANI) was synthesized using phytic acid (PA) as the dopant/crosslinker, and a recyclable PANI/Ag NPs nanocomposite (PMPA) was obtained through the in situ redox between PANI and AgNO3. Characterization results demonstrate that PMPA exhibits a typical 3D porous structure constructed by coral‐like PANI framework with well‐dispersed Ag NPs (10–20 nm) firmly anchored. The PMPA can efficiently catalyze the 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) reduction, with a reaction rate constant of 9.5 × 10−3 s−1 (and 1067.4 s−1 g−1), which is highly competitive to the previously reported high‐performance Ag NPs catalysts. This is probably due to the favorable mass/electron conduction of 3D porous structure and strong interaction between PA and Ag. Moreover, the magnetism renders PMPA recyclability via a simple magnetic attraction, and the reaction rate constant remains at a high level after six reuse cycles, up to 4.8 × 10−3 s−1. This work highlights the important role of 3D porous PANI in structure of Ag NPs nanocomposites, and paves a new way to develop recyclable catalysts with facile preparation and high catalytic performance.

Highlights

Facile synthesis via in situ reaction between 3D porous PANI and AgNO3.

Stable dispersion and strong anchor attributed to phytic acid.

Conductive porous structure to facilitate mass/electron transportation.

Outstanding catalytic performance for 4‐NP reduction and recycle by magnetism.
Quasi‐static axial crushing of multi‐tubular foam‐filled carbon fiber reinforced composite structures
Authors: Khan Tabrej , Alshahrani Hassan , Abd‐Elaziem Walaa , Umarfarooq M. A. , Sebaey Tamer A.
Published: August 2023

In automotive design, a key aspect in limiting injuries in the event of collision is the ability of vehicle's structures to absorb high quantities of energy. Recently, automobiles have been designed with materials such as carbon fiber‐reinforced polymers to replace the conventional metallic materials, to boost structural safety and fuel efficiency. In this study, various combinations of carbon fiber‐reinforced plastic and Kevlar‐reinforced polymer composite tubes were assembled to form multi‐tubular composites and their crushing properties were investigated under quasi‐static axial compression. A total of five different combinations were designed and tested. The results showed that the addition of intermediate tubing system in the hollow composite tubes significantly improved the load‐bearing and energy absorption capabilities of the composite tubes. In addition, these configurations were also filled with polyurethane (PU) foam. It was shown that, apart from specific energy absorption (SEA), all the other parameters, such as peak load, mean load, crushing force efficiency, and overall energy absorption ability, were enhanced with the addition of foam. The SEA parameter showed inconsistent behavior, and this was attributed to the weight addition caused by the addition of foam in the composite tubes.

Highlights

This study examined the crashworthiness properties of multi‐tubular structures.

Placing of intermediate tubing showed great improvement in absorption capacity.

The system with carbon‐based intermediate tubes performed the best.

Filling PU foam within the structures also improved the load‐bearing properties.

The SEA was seen to reduce with the addition of PU foam.
Scaffold fabrication for tissue engineering based on radiation copolymerization of polymer blends: (I) Zein/poly (vinyl butyral) blends
Authors: Mahdy Sanna R. , El‐Samanody El‐Sayed A. , Khatab Mai , Abdel‐Monem Yasser K. , Korraa Soher , Senna Magdy M. H.
Published: August 2023

The main objective of this work is to fabricate scaffold material for tissue engineering and using Vero (monkey kidney cells)/Paulownia tomentosa cells as model cells. For this objective, copolymer blends of poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB) and Zein, the main constituent, have been fabricated as thin films. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and x‐ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the copolymer blends. The findings showed that Zein component degradation caused the gel fraction percentage to decrease with higher irradiation doses. Zein's thermal characteristics are also decreased by the addition of PVB polymer, but they are improved by irradiation to 10 kGy through promoting phase adhesion and the generation of free radicals at boundary surfaces. Vero (Monkey kidney) cells proliferate more rapidly in the blend Zein/PVB (85/15%) irradiated to 45 kGy than in the unirradiated one. On the other hand, the Paulownia tomentosa cells proliferation was died.

Highlights

Copolymer blends of Zein and PVB were prepared by gamma irradiation.

The copolymers were fabricated as scaffold material for tissue engineering using monkey kidney cells.

PVB and Zein copolymer were characterized by FT‐IR, SEM, DSC, and XRD.

The Zein/PVB (85/15%)—45 kGy has monkey kidney cells proliferation better than unirradiated one.
Differences in mucilage properties and stomatal sensitivity of locally adapted Zea mays in relation with precipitation seasonality and vapour pressure deficit regime of their native environment
Authors: Berauer Bernd J. , Akale Asegidew , Schweiger Andreas H. , Knott Mathilde , Diehl Dörte , Wolf Marc‐Philip , Sawers Ruairidh J. H. , Ahmed Mutez A.
Published: August 2023

With ongoing climate change and the increase in extreme weather events, especially droughts, the challenge of maintaining food security is becoming ever greater. Locally adapted landraces of crops represent a valuable source of adaptation to stressful environments. In the light of future droughts—both by altered soil water supply and increasing atmospheric water demand (vapor pressure deficit [VPD])—plants need to improve their water efficiency. To do so, plants can enhance their access to soil water by improving rhizosphere hydraulic conductivity via the exudation of mucilage. Furthermore, plants can reduce transpirational water loss via stomatal regulation. Although the role of mucilage and stomata regulation on plant water management have been extensively studied, little is known about a possible coordination between root mucilage properties and stomatal sensitivity as well as abiotic drivers shaping the development of drought resistant trait suits within landraces. Mucilage properties and stomatal sensitivity of eight Mexican landraces of Zea mays in contrast with one inbred line were first quantified under controlled conditions and second related to water demand and supply at their respective site of origin. Mucilage physical properties—namely, viscosity, contact angle, and surface tension—differed between the investigated maize varieties. We found strong influences of precipitation seasonality, thus plant water availability, on mucilage production (R2 = .88, p < .01) and mucilage viscosity (R2 = .93, p < .01). Further, stomatal sensitivity to increased atmospheric water demand was related to mucilage viscosity and contact angle, both of which are crucial in determining mucilage's water repellent, thus maladaptive, behavior upon soil drying. The identification of landraces with pre‐adapted suitable trait sets with regard to drought resistance is of utmost importance, for example, trait combinations such as exhibited in one of the here investigated landraces. Our results suggest a strong environmental selective force of seasonality in plant water availability on mucilage properties as well as regulatory stomatal effects to avoid mucilage's maladaptive potential upon drying and likely delay critical levels of hydraulic dysfunction. By this, landraces from highly seasonal climates may exhibit beneficial mucilage and stomatal traits to prolong plant functioning under edaphic drought. These findings may help breeders to efficiently screen for local landraces with pre‐adaptations to drought to ultimately increase crop yield resistance under future climatic variability.