bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real‐world trends in pre‐dialysis blood pressure levels of patients undergoing dialysis in Japan using a web‐based national database
Authors: Sakuma Hirofumi , Matsuki Motoki , Hasebe Naoyuki , Nakagawa Naoki
Published: October 2023

The prevalence of hypertension is high among patients undergoing dialysis. We extracted data of patients undergoing dialysis between 2012 and 2020 with recorded pre‐dialysis systolic blood pressure (SBP) using a web‐based national database in Japan. Following the 2019 Japanese Society of Hypertension guidelines, we classified SBP and assessed its trends over time based on sex, age, diabetes status, and the anti‐hypertensive medication use. Using the 2020 database, we examined 336,759 Japanese patients undergoing dialysis (114,249 female; 222,510 male). The mean age was 69.4 ± 12.5 years, and the mean SBP was 152.3 ± 24.7 mm Hg. The prevalence rate of pre‐dialysis hypertension was 70.2%, with 32.5%, 24.5%, and 13.2% of patients having grade I, grade II, and grade III hypertension, respectively. From 2014 to 2020, prevalence rate of pre‐dialysis hypertension and absolute values of pre‐dialysis SBP were higher in dialysis patients with diabetes than in those without diabetes across all age groups and sexes. Younger patients with diabetes or those on anti‐hypertensive medication exhibited an SBP of approximately 160 mm Hg. Cerebrovascular death in patients with diabetes was associated with a higher rate of pre‐dialysis hypertension than that in those without diabetes, and there was a significant difference in the prevalence of grade III hypertension between the two groups. In conclusion, the mean pre‐dialysis SBP among patients undergoing dialysis remained high, and younger patients with diabetes or those receiving anti‐hypertensive medications had poor blood pressure control. Optimal blood pressure management may be necessary to reduce the risk of cardiovascular mortality.
Organic fertility management in cotton Gossypium hirsutum L. fosters arthropod biodiversity and complements pest suppression
Authors: Shahid Muhammad , Farooq Muhammad Omer , Razaq Muhammad , Adnan Muhammad , Zahid Shayan , Hussain Altaf , Shah Farhan Mahmood
Published: October 2023

Research on economic, ecological and relative benefits from organic and conventional farming systems has gained significant importance. Organic farming increases species diversity, enhances biological control services, and thus complements sustainable pest management. However, published literature is scarce on cotton crops grown organically with respect to the abundance and diversity of biological control agents and their effects on herbivore populations, typically from developing nations. To address the question, the non‐transgenic cotton variety CIM‐573 was cultivated under two fertility management systems, that is, organic and conventional in 2019 and 2021, and subsequently, differences in the abundance and diversity of arthropod communities were carried out. We applied cattle manure in organic fields 1 month before planting; however, synthetic fertilizers were used in conventional fields. We sampled arthropods weekly after 7 weeks of sowing from the middle rows of treatments for both types of fields. We recorded 10 herbivores as well as eight natural enemy species. Herbivores were more abundant in conventional cotton. However, natural enemies were higher in organic cotton fields. Principal component analysis of herbivores assemblages depicted that Shannon diversity and abundance were positively correlated in the conventional cotton while Menhinick richness and Simpson dominance index were higher in organic cotton. Likewise, natural enemies' abundance, Shannon diversity, Menhinick richness and Simpson dominance were typically more concentrated in organic cultivated cotton. Regression analysis confirmed that the abundance and diversity of natural enemies played a significant role in lowering herbivores populations. Seed cotton yield was significantly higher in conventional cotton and the yield difference between organic and conventional cotton was 27.98%. Our study clearly demonstrates that organic cotton provides more functional and complementary niches to natural enemies and plays a crucial role in pest suppression. Implications of our results for future pest management with respect to ecosystem services in organically grown cotton crops are also discussed.
Highly divergent morphology but a close molecular phylogenetic relationship between two little‐known ciliate genera Actinobolina and Papillorhabdos (Protozoa: Ciliophora: Litostomatea) with description of two new species
Authors: Chi Yong , Tang Danxu , Lei Jingtao , Wei Fan , Al‐Farraj Saleh A. , Bourland William A. , Chen Zigui
Published: October 2023

Free‐living litostomatean ciliates, prominent microeukaryote predators commonly encountered in freshwater and marine habitats, play vital roles in maintaining energy flow and nutrient cycles. Nevertheless, understanding their biodiversity and phylogenetic relationships remains challenging due to insufficient morphological information and molecular data. As a new contribution to this group, three haptorian ciliates, including two new species (Actinobolina bivacuolata sp. nov. and Papillorhabdos foissneri sp. nov.) and the insufficiently described type species, Actinobolina radians, were isolated from wetlands around Lake Weishan, China and investigated by a combination of living morphology, stained preparations, and 18S rRNA gene sequence data. An illustrated key of the valid species within the two genera is provided. In addition, we reveal the phylogenetic positions of these two genera for the first time. Although they differ in all key morphologic characters such as general appearance (ellipsoidal with numerous tentacles vs. cylindrical), extrusomes (stored in tentacles vs. anchored to pellicle), circumoral kinety (present vs. absent), composition of somatic kineties (kinetosome clusters vs. monokinetids), and number of dorsal brush rows (1 vs. 4), they both cluster in a fully supported clade in the phylogenetic tree, which indicates that the biodiversity and additional molecular markers of this group need further exploration.
Description of a new species of the genus Awaous Valenciennes, 1837 (Gobiiformes: Oxudercidae) from the middle stretch of the Mahanadi River, Odisha, India, with comments on the Awaous species from India
Authors: Seth Jaya Kishor , Roy Sanmitra , Sura Sameer , Puvala Dilraj , Mishra Subhrendu Sekhar , Mohapatra Anil
Published: October 2023

A new species of the genus Awaous (Oxudercidae), Awaous motla sp. nov., is described based on 18 specimens collected from the Mahanadi River near Sonepur, Subarnapur District, and 3 specimens from the same river near Boudh bridge, Boudh District of Odisha, India. This species is distinct from its congeners by having a combination of characteristics: relatively small eyes, diameter of 6.6–8.4 in head length (LH); robust and long snout, 2.0–2.6 in LH; eye diameter 2.7–4.1 in snout length; cephalic sensory pore system interrupted with eight pores; predorsal scales 13–15; longitudinal scale series 55–58; gill rakers 2 + 1 + (6–7) on the first gill arch; teeth small, conical, and in a single row on the upper jaw and multiserial (2–3) on the lower jaw. This species is also differentiated from some of its congeners in the nucleotide composition of the cytochrome c oxidase I gene by 8.3%–13.8% Kimura two‐parameter (K2P) distance and belongs to a separate cluster in the maximum likelihood tree analysis. This finding is also supported by the species delimitation analysis based on Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning. The new species holds high commercial value in its locality and needs special conservation attention for sustainable utilization.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards advance directives among clinical nurses: Multicenter cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Gong Miao , Ding Fu , Zhu Yue Ping , Liu Na Wei , Li Ya Ling , Qiu Dan , Fang Qin
Published: October 2023

Aims and Objectives

This study aimed to describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of nurses in implementing advance directives (ADs) for older patients and analyze the influencing factors before the establishment of the first advance directives act in China.

Design

Multicenter cross‐sectional survey. The standards for reporting the STROBE checklist are used.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study developed a self‐designed structured questionnaire to assess nurses' knowledge, attitudes and practices about ADs. Nurses were recruited by stratified random sampling through the Nursing Departments of 12 hospitals in southwest China and were asked to fill out the questionnaire face to face about knowledge, attitudes and practices. Data were analyzed following descriptive statistics, rank‐sum test and multiple linear regression.

Results

This study included 950 nurses. The study found that nurses were extremely supportive of ADs. Unmarried nurses had better knowledge of ADs than married ones. Nevertheless, there was a discrepancy between the participants' knowledge, attitude and practice. The participants' practice was lower (4.3%) compared with their attitude (81.9%) and knowledge (42.2%). Knowledge on, attitudes towards and standardized procedures for ADs in the workplace affected nursing practice.

Conclusions

The study recommends that courses on ADs and appropriate support from medical institutions should be provided to nurses to increase their knowledge and confidence in implementing ADs. Healthcare professionals should be sufficiently equipped to implement ADs and handle their execution appropriately to provide adequate end‐of‐life care corresponding to patients' wishes.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The study results inform rich insights as it discusses the numerous interrelating factors influencing these three fundamental aspects that affect the success of any AD policy by surveying the knowledge, attitudes and practices of clinical nurses. Furthermore, our results hint at distinct areas of improvement in the nursing practice to facilitate the wider implementation and acceptance of ADs in China.

Patient or Public Contribution

This study involved no patient.
Choroid plexus vascular reactivity in moyamoya: Implications for choroid plexus regulation in ischemic stress
Authors: Han Caleb , Waddle Spencer , Garza Maria , Davis Larry T. , Eisma Jarrod J. , Richerson Wesley T. , Fusco Matthew , Chitale Rohan , Custer Chelsea , McKnight Colin D. , Jordan Lori C. , Donahue Manus J.
Published: October 2023

Background and Purpose

Choroid plexus (ChP) hyperemia has been observed in patients with intracranial vasculopathy and to reduce following successful surgical revascularization. This observation may be attributable to impaired vascular reserve of the ChP or other factors, such as the ChP responding to circulating markers of stress. We extend this work to test the hypothesis that vascular reserve of the ChP is unrelated to intracranial vasculopathy.

Methods

We performed hypercapnic reactivity (blood oxygenation level‐dependent; echo time = 35 ms; spatial resolution = 3.5 × 3.5 × 3.5 mm, repetition time = 2000 ms) and catheter angiography assessments of ChP reserve capacity and vascular patency in moyamoya patients (n = 53) with and without prior surgical revascularization. Time regression analyses quantified maximum cerebrovascular reactivity and reactivity delay time in ChP and cortical flow territories of major intracranial vessels with steno‐occlusion graded as <70%, 70%‐99%, and occlusion using Warfarin‐Aspirin‐Symptomatic‐Intracranial‐Disease stenosis grading criteria. Analysis of variance (significance: two‐sided Bonferroni‐corrected p < .05) was applied to evaluate cortical and ChP reactivity, after accounting for end‐tidal carbon dioxide change, for differing vasculopathy categories.

Results

In patients without prior revascularization, arterial vasculopathy was associated with reduced cortical reactivity and lengthened reactivity delay (p ≤ .01), as expected. Regardless of surgical history, the ChP reactivity metrics were not significantly related to the degree of proximal stenosis, consistent with ChP reactivity being largely preserved in this population.

Conclusions

Findings are consistent with ChP reactivity in moyamoya not being dependent on observed vasculopathy. Future work may investigate the extent to which ChP hyperemia in chronic ischemia reflects circulating markers of glial or ischemic stress.
Association between statin compliance and risk of dementia among patients with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Kim Yu‐Rin , Son Minkook , Kim Seon‐Rye
Published: October 2023

Objectives

We investigated the association between statin compliance and the risk of dementia among patients with chronic periodontitis.

Methods

Chronic periodontitis patients were extracted from the National Health Insurance Service‐Health Screening Cohort Database, covering the period from 2002 to 2019. A total of 22,089 subjects were included in the study and divided into three groups based on their compliance with statin administration. The Cox proportional hazard model was utilized to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for analyzing the risk of dementia.

Results

In the restricted cubic spline of the multivariable‐adjusted model, the hazard ratio for dementia decreased prominently with a higher medication possession ratio. The hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals in the multivariable‐adjusted model for dementia risk in the middle and high medication possession ratio groups, compared to the low medication possession ratio group, were confirmed as 0.70 (0.57–0.87) and 0.57 (0.45–0.72), respectively. In the subgroup analysis, a significant association between dementia and good statin medication possession ratio was found in both severe periodontitis and mild periodontitis cases.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that a group of patients with chronic periodontitis who maintain good statin compliance are associated with a reduced risk of dementia.
An open problem for the metaphysics of constitutive standards
Authors: Molina Yohan
Published: October 2023

Jeremy Fix, in ‘Two Sorts of Constitutivism’ (2021), makes a case for the possibility of contingent essential properties to account for the metaphysical status of constitutive standards of things. In this brief note, I will present an open problem affecting Fix's conception, namely, the explanation of the membership of particulars to a genus, which is necessary to identify particulars subject to standards.
From indeterminacy in a fundamental theory to fundamental indeterminacy?
Authors: Lee Chanwoo
Published: October 2023

In this paper, I examine a case for fundamental indeterminacy (FI) by Elizabeth Barnes and offer my counterarguments. Barnes' account of FI includes both the characterization of FI and why we need to accept it. I argue that her reasons for accepting FI can be challenged even when we accept her characterization of FI. Her main claim is that finding a fundamental proposition that our fundamental theory is indeterminate about (FPF) gives us a reason to accept FI in metaphysics. I challenge her claim by pointing out more plausible options to address FPFs. An FPF may either indicate that the theory is nonfundamental or lead us to accept the antirealist view; there is no room for FI in either option. One may insist on accepting FI, but I argue that it is not theoretically rewarding enough. Hence, Barnes' case for FI can be contested.
TMPyP‐mediated photoinactivation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa improved in the presence of a cationic polymer
Authors: Campagno Luciana P. , Quiroga Ezequiel D. , Durantini Edgardo N. , Alovero Fabiana L.
Published: October 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most refractory organisms to antibiotic treatment and appears to be one of the least susceptible to photodynamic treatment. TMPyP is effective in the photoinactivation of P. aeruginosa, and the co‐administration with the cationic polymer Eudragit®‐E100 (Eu) potentiates this effect against isolates both sensitive and resistant to antibiotics. The fluorescent population (>98%) observed by flow cytometry after exposure to Eu + TMPyP remained unchanged after successive washings, indicating a stronger interaction/internalization of TMPyP in the bacteria, which could be attributed to the rapid neutralization of surface charges. TMPyP and Eu produced depolarization of the cytoplasmic membrane, which increased when both cationic compounds were combined. Using confocal laser scanning microscopy, heterogeneously distributed fluorescent areas were observed after TMPyP exposure, while homogeneous fluorescence and enhanced intensity were observed with Eu + TMPyP. The polymer caused alterations in the bacterial envelopes that contributed to a deeper and more homogeneous interaction/internalization of TMPyP, leading to a higher probability of damage by cytotoxic ROS and explaining the enhanced result of photodynamic inactivation. Therefore, Eu acts as an adjuvant without being by itself capable of eradicating this pathogen. Moreover, compared with other therapies, this combinatorial strategy with a polymer approved for pharmaceutical applications presents advantages in terms of toxicity risks.
Policy agenda trade‐offs for sustainability: The compositional change of attention about energy in legislative hearings
Authors: Sohn Hyodong
Published: October 2023

The evaluation of relative changes in policy agenda composition using dynamic compositional models can offer a useful way to lead future studies of policy agenda trade‐offs for sustainability. As a specific empirical case, this study examines changes in the annual composition of legislative attention in the United States congressional hearings on energy as a substantive issue domain. Using the description texts of hearings, this article assesses the compositional energy topic changes of conventional agendas, other general agendas, and unconventional agendas, including environmental and social agendas. By focusing on how economic contextual shocks, along with political factors, shape the energy agenda attention mix, this study discovers that conventional agendas related to energy topics in U.S. congressional hearings are relatively less likely to be discussed when economic conditions are adverse under Democratic legislature controls. It illustrates example conditions under which policy agenda subtopics for sustainability are more likely to be pursued at the expense of which subtopics.

Related Articles

Heidbreder, Brianne. 2012. “Agenda Setting in the States: How Politics and Policy Needs Shape Gubernatorial Agendas.” Politics & Policy 40(2): 296–319. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2012.00345.x.

Morini, Marco, and Marco Cilento. 2020. “New Parties, Fractionalization, and the Increasing Duration of Government Formation Processes in the EU Member States.” Politics & Policy 48(6): 1202–32. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12381.

Steger, Wayne P. 2008. “The President's Legislative Program: An Issue of Sincere versus Strategic Behavior.” Politics & Policy 33(2): 312–29. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2005.tb00645.x.
EBUS‐TBNA for mediastinal staging of centrally located T1N0M0 non‐small cell lung cancer clinically staged with PET/CT
Authors: Serra Mitjà Pere , García‐Cabo Bruno , Garcia‐Olivé Ignasi , Radua Joaquim , Rami‐Porta Ramón , Esteban Lluís , Barreiro Bienvenido , Call Sergi , Centeno Carmen , Andreo Felipe , Obiols Carme , Ochoa Juan Manuel , Martínez‐Palau Mireia , Reig Nina , Serra Mireia , Sanz‐Santos José
Published: October 2023

Background and Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and clinical usefulness of endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) for mediastinal staging of centrally located T1N0M0 non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) clinically staged with positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT).

Methods

We conducted a study that included patients with centrally located T1N0M0 NSCLC, clinically staged with PET/CT who underwent EBUS‐TBNA for mediastinal staging. Patients with negative EBUS‐TBNA underwent mediastinoscopy, video‐assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy (VAMLA) and/or lung resection with systematic nodal dissection, that were considered the gold standard. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), overall accuracy of EBUS‐TBNA for diagnosing mediastinal metastases (N2 disease) and the number needed to treat (NNT: number of patients needed to undergo EBUS‐TBNA to avoid a case of pathologic N2 disease after resection) were calculated.

Results

One‐hundred eighteen patients were included. EBUS‐TBNA proved N2 disease in four patients. In the remaining 114 patients who underwent mediastinoscopy, VAMLA and/or resection there were two cases of N2 (N2 prevalence 5.1%). The sensitivity, specificity, NPV, PPV and overall accuracy for diagnosing mediastinal metastases (N2 disease) were of 66%, 100%, 98%, 100% and 98%, respectively. The NNT was 31 (95% CI: 15–119).

Conclusion

EBUS‐TBNA in patients with central clinically staged T1N0M0 NSCLC presents a good diagnostic accuracy for mediastinal staging, even in a population with low prevalence of N2 disease. Therefore, its indication should be considered in the management of even these early lung cancers.
Artificial intelligence analysis of over a million Chinese men and women reveals level of dark circle in the facial skin aging process
Authors: Li Tian‐Hao , Ma Xu‐Da , Li Zi‐Ming , Yu Nan‐Ze , Song Jin‐Yan , Ma Zi‐Tao , Ying Han‐ting , Zhou Beibei , Huang Jiu‐Zuo , Wu Liang , Long Xiao
Published: October 2023

Background

To better compare the progression of dark circles and the aging process in Chinese skin. A total of 100 589 Chinese males and 1 838 997 Chinese females aged 18 to 85, without facial skin conditions, and who had access to a smartphone with a high‐resolution camera all took selfies.

Method

Using a smartphone application with a built‐in artificial intelligence algorithm, facial skin diagnostic evaluated the selfies and score the severity of the dark circles with four other facial indicators (including skin type, Pores, Acne vulgaris, and Blackheads). Basic information was collected with online questionnaire, including their age, gender, skin sensitivity, and dietary habits.

Results

In users between the age of 18 and 59, the prevalence of comprehensive, pigmented, and structural type of dark circles all rose with age. However, between the age of 60 and 85, the intensity of all types of dark circles diminished. Besides, vascular dark circles progressively worsen from the age of 18 to their peak at 39, and then gradually decline with age. Females typically have more pronounced black circles under their eyes than males in China. Bad eating habits, urbanization, regular cosmetics use, and sensitive skin positively correlate with severe dark circles. Vascular, comprehensive dark circles were worse in spring. Both pigmented and structural dark circles were worse in the summer. The results indicated that the intensity of dark circles was influenced by oily skin, wide pores, severe blackheads, and severe acne.

Conclusions

Chinese men and women differed noticeably in the prevalence of each face aging indicator and the appearance of aging dark circles. Selfies could be automatically graded and examined by artificial intelligence, which is a quick and private method for quantifying signs of facial aging and identifying major problems for different populations. Artificial intelligence would assist in the development of individualized preventive and therapeutic interventions.
Impact of artificial intelligence‐based color constancy on dermoscopical assessment of skin lesions: A comparative study
Authors: Branciforti Francesco , Meiburger Kristen M. , Zavattaro Elisa , Veronese Federica , Tarantino Vanessa , Mazzoletti Vanessa , Cristo Nunzia Di , Savoia Paola , Salvi Massimo
Published: October 2023

Background

The quality of dermoscopic images is affected by lighting conditions, operator experience, and device calibration. Color constancy algorithms reduce this variability by making images appear as if they were acquired under the same conditions, allowing artificial intelligence (AI)‐based methods to achieve better results. The impact of color constancy algorithms has not yet been evaluated from a clinical dermatologist's workflow point of view. Here we propose an in‐depth investigation of the impact of an AI‐based color constancy algorithm, called DermoCC‐GAN, on the skin lesion diagnostic routine.

Methods

Three dermatologists, with different experience levels, carried out two assignments. The clinical experts evaluated key parameters such as perceived image quality, lesion diagnosis, and diagnosis confidence.

Results

When the DermoCC‐GAN color constancy algorithm was applied, the dermoscopic images were perceived to be of better quality overall. An increase in classification performance was observed, reaching a maximum accuracy of 74.67% for a six‐class classification task. Finally, the use of normalized images results in an increase in the level of self‐confidence in the qualitative diagnostic routine.

Conclusions

From the conducted analysis, it is evident that the impact of AI‐based color constancy algorithms, such as DermoCC‐GAN, is positive and brings qualitative benefits to the clinical practitioner.
Phylogenetics, historical biogeography and molecular species delimitation of Chanohirata (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Penthimiini)
Authors: Wang Dongming , Dietrich Christopher H. , Zhang Yalin
Published: October 2023

The genus Chanohirata Hayashi & Machida, including the herein synonymized monotypic genus Reticuluma Cheng & Li, is the second most speciose genus in the tribe Penthimiini after Penthimia Germar and is almost exclusively endemic to China. This study presents the first phylogeny of Chanohirata based on three mitochondrial markers (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and II and 16S ribosomal RNA) and one nuclear fragment (28S ribosomal RNA). Reticuluma syn. n. is recovered nested within Chanohirata with strong support. Reticuluma is, therefore, proposed as a junior synonym of Chanohirata, and a new combination is proposed: Chanohirata citrana (Cheng & Li) comb. n. Molecular species delimitation analyses were conducted by combining six molecular delimitation methods with morphological evidence. The results of the species delimitation analyses confirm the status of eight described species of Chanohirata and support the recognition of three new species: Chanohirata cornicula Wang & Zhang sp. n., Chanohirata elongata Wang & Zhang sp. n. and Chanohirata serrata Wang & Zhang sp. n. Molecular dating and biogeographic analyses suggest that Chanohirata likely originated during the late Eocene in southern China. During the late Miocene to early Pleistocene, the uplift of the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau and climatic oscillations probably triggered several dispersal and vicariance events in Chanohirata lineages, leading to most speciation events.
A Speech Act Analysis of Greetings in Cameroon Social Media
Authors: Tabe Camilla Arundie
Published: October 2023

Various language practices occur in computer Mediated Communication era. E-greeting is singled out as a particular practice with its own linguistic forms on social media platforms. Among the social media users in Cameroon, it is undoubtedly observed that greeting is shared depending on the context, the social background, the space and familiarities of the interlocutors. Each speaker might find himself/herself tending to undertake this practice several times daily or occasionally once in contact with the audience. In this respect, greeting becomes one of the expressive acts mostly used in our daily life to acknowledge the presence of the addressee(s). The present work investigates the speech act of greetings in Cameroon Social Media. It aims at analyzing the most frequent verbal behaviours (greeting) associated with Francophone Cameroonian greetings which occur on Social Media platforms. The method used to elicit data were screenshots of messages on Meta (hereafter Facebook), WhatsApp and Messenger for statistical analysis. The corpus of the study forms a total of 436 both individual and group chats collected between 2020-2022.The results indicate that the type of greeting ‘good morning’ which is under time-bound greeting is the most frequently used form in Cameroon social media.
On the Strength and Tightness of ASME B16.5 and B16.47 Series A Standard Flanges
Authors: Bouzid Abdel-Hakim , Bouzid Sofiane , Benfriha Khaled
Published: October 2023

ASME flanges are extensively used in the pressure vessels and piping industry. The origin of their class and size is not based on the amount of initial bolt load they can carry nor the level of tightness they can achieve. Their PV rating does not give an indication on the level of stress they are subject to and little is known on their ability to withstand the maximum bolt stress level they can be subjected to during initial bolt-up or under operation. The integrity and leak tightness of ASME B16.5 and B16.47 series A flanges made of SA105 material need to be analyzed individually in order to identify the flange classes and sizes that are more vulnerable to the bolt stress level. This paper proposes the use of an accurate analytical model to appropriately address the integrity and leakage tightness of the complex statically indeterminate weld neck standard flange connections based on the flexibility and the elastic interaction between the different joint elements. As such, the most critical standard flanges in terms of class and size will be identified in order to avoid failure. The model is first tested and validated using finite element method simulations on different sizes of class 900 flanges. The study investigates the effect of the initial bolt preload on parameters such as flange rotation and stresses in the flange, gaskets, and bolts. The most critical size and class flanges and their highly stressed locations will be revealed.
Unsteady Flow Structure of Corner Separation in a Highly Loaded Compressor Cascade
Authors: Zhong Weibo , Liu Yangwei , Tang Yumeng
Published: October 2023

Corner separation is an inherently unsteady flow feature in an axial compressor cascade, and it significantly affects the aerodynamic performance of compressors. The flow field of a highly loaded compressor cascade at the Mach number of 0.59 under the moderate separation condition is simulated based on delayed detached eddy simulation. Comparisons of averaged flow field and transient flow field show that the three-dimensional corner separation flow is highly unsteady and composed of fine-scale vortex structures. The classical recognition of corner separation structures is a consequence of time-averaging. To better understand the contribution of unsteady structures to the averaged flow structures, the evolutions of flow fields in time series and the power spectrums are analyzed. A dominant periodic flow fluctuation is caused by the development of separating vortices with a characteristic frequency around 3500 Hz or at a Strouhal number of 0.75. Further, energy scales and spatiotemporal features of these dominant unsteady behaviors are analyzed using proper orthogonal decomposition and dynamic mode decomposition methods. Results show that the low-frequency behaviors mainly caused by the passage vortex at lower-span regions govern large-scale changes of separation flow in size and intensity and act with certain intermittency. The vortex developing mode around 3500 Hz prevails at higher regions affected by the concentrated shedding vortex. As the separating vortices dissipate approaching the midspan, the effect of the vortex developing mode on axial velocity fluctuation is reduced, although it dominates the pressure fluctuation with good stability in the whole passage.
Ammonium perrhenate characterized by XPS
Authors: Rincón-Ortiz Sergio A. , Quintero-Orozco Jorge H. , Ospina Rogelio
Published: October 2023

Ammonium perrhenate was characterized using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The specimen is a powder purchased from Sigma Aldrich. The sample was fixed to a stainless-steel sample holder with copper 3MTM double-sided adhesive tape. Survey spectra, Re 4f, O 1s, N 1s, C 1s, Re 4d, and Na 1s core levels spectra were acquired. Results showed how the elements in the structure of ammonium perrhenate are related.
Hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reference spectra of Ti and TiO2 with Cr Kα excitation
Authors: Zheng Dong , Young Christopher N. , Stickle William F.
Published: October 2023

Hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy using monochromatic Cr Kα radiation (5414.8 eV) has been used to acquire XPS and Auger data on pure titanium and titanium dioxide samples. Survey data, extended range high-resolution scans of all observed photoelectron peaks, and high-resolution scans of Auger lines are presented herein.
Nanoscale strain gauges on flexible polymer substrates
Authors: Brown Devin K. , Lodhi Isha , Haile Biya , Myers David R. , Lam Wilbur A. , Brand Oliver
Published: October 2023

Biological cell force is important for proper cell and tissue function and can be an indicator of disease. Therefore, measuring cell force has potential in disease diagnosis and treatment. However, biological cell force measurement approaches are limited and typically slow due to the analysis of optical images before and after cell application or other methods that have low throughput. This work seeks to overcome this bottleneck by the use of nanoscale strain gauges which can measure cell forces as an electrical signal in real time, as well as being able to be scaled to measure tens of thousands of cells, simultaneously. This paper presents the design, COMSOL simulation, fabrication, as well as electrical and mechanical testing of gold nanometer scale strain gauges embedded in soft polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) using a sacrificial aluminum layer method. A process flow using an aluminum sacrificial layer is presented, which successfully fabricated gold strain gauges with 100 nm dimensions in soft PDMS polymer and have been used to measure strain applied to the PDMS surface. Compressive strains ranging from 0.4% to 1.7% in the PDMS surface, corresponding to forces of 718 nN to 2.0 μN have been detected with resistance changes of 1%–8%. To the best of our knowledge, these are the smallest metal strain gauges to be made on soft polymers and is a promising new approach for biological cell force measurement.
Physiological Responses and Swimming-Performance Changes Induced by Altering the Sequence of Training Sets
Authors: Nikitakis Ioannis S. , Bogdanis Gregory C. , Paradisis Giorgos P. , Toubekis Argyris G.
Published: October 2023

Purpose: Interval-training sets may be applied in a different sequence within a swimming training session. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different set sequences on performance and physiological responses in a training session. Methods: Twelve highly trained male swimmers performed 4 sessions in randomized order. Each session included a different combination of 2 training sets: set A–set C, set C–set A, set B–set C, or set C–set B. Set A consisted of 8 × 200 m at speed corresponding to lactate threshold (30-s recovery), set B included 8 × 100 m at maximum aerobic speed (30-s recovery), and set C included 4 × 50-m all-out swimming (2-min recovery). Performance and physiological responses (lactate concentration, pH, base excess, bicarbonate, heart rate, and heart-rate variability) were measured. Results: Performance in each set was similar between sessions irrespective of set sequence. Blood lactate, heart rate, and acid–base responses during set C were similar in all sessions, but blood lactate was higher in sets A and B during C–A and C–B sessions (P = .01). The overall blood lactate and acid–base response was higher in C–A and C–B sessions compared with A–C and B–C sessions, respectively (P = .01). Heart-rate variability in each set, separately as well as the overall session effect, did not differ and was thus independent to the set sequence applied. Conclusions: Training sessions including all-out swimming as a first set increase the magnitude of metabolic responses to the subsequent aerobic-dominated training set.
Factors That Influence Physical Activity Behavior in Children and Adolescents During and After Cancer Treatment: A Qualitative Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Kappelmann Laura , Götte Miriam , Krombholz Arno , Hüter Jan , Fischer Britta
Published: October 2023

Purpose: The aim of this systematic review is to reveal the social, personal, and contextual factors that influence physical activity (PA) in children and adolescents during and after cancer treatment. Method: SPORTDiscus, Cochrane, Web of Science, PubMed, and FIS Education electronic database were systematically searched. Results: The 13 included studies show that social support (parents, siblings, and friends) in particular is rated as important by cancer survivors; for example, doing PA together. Depending on the treatment status and state of health, particularities arise. During the acute treatment phase, parents issued more prohibitions regarding PA than after treatment. The state of health and concern about infections are described as inhibiting factors. Not all hospitals generally offer special exercise programs for cancer patients, and in some cases, only sporadic exercise sessions were conducted by specialized staff. In addition, the hospital atmosphere, such as cramped rooms, tends to be associated with demotivating effects. Conclusions: Both inhibiting and promoting factors in the area of social, personal, and contextual factors could be identified. The most fundamental factor for PA is the physical condition. Social factors, such as parents or friends, often have a motivating effect and can promote PA. Inhibiting factors are mainly context-related, such as an environment unsuitable for PA. Although the review highlights interesting aspects, further treatment-related and longitudinal studies could provide deeper insights.
Network medicine framework reveals generic herb-symptom effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine
Authors: Gan Xiao , Shu Zixin , Wang Xinyan , Yan Dengying , Li Jun , Ofaim Shany , Albert Réka , Li Xiaodong , Liu Baoyan , Zhou Xuezhong , Barabási Albert-László
Published: October 2023

Understanding natural and traditional medicine can lead to world-changing drug discoveries. Despite the therapeutic effectiveness of individual herbs, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) lacks a scientific foundation and is often considered a myth. In this study, we establish a network medicine framework and reveal the general TCM treatment principle as the topological relationship between disease symptoms and TCM herb targets on the human protein interactome. We find that proteins associated with a symptom form a network module, and the network proximity of an herb’s targets to a symptom module is predictive of the herb’s effectiveness in treating the symptom. These findings are validated using patient data from a hospital. We highlight the translational value of our framework by predicting herb-symptom treatments with therapeutic potential. Our network medicine framework reveals the scientific foundation of TCM and establishes a paradigm for understanding the molecular basis of natural medicine and predicting disease treatments.
High-throughput synthesis provides data for predicting molecular properties and reaction success
Authors: Götz Julian , Jackl Moritz K. , Jindakun Chalupat , Marziale Alexander N. , André Jérôme , Gosling Daniel J. , Springer Clayton , Palmieri Marco , Reck Marcel , Luneau Alexandre , Brocklehurst Cara E. , Bode Jeffrey W.
Published: October 2023

The generation of attractive scaffolds for drug discovery efforts requires the expeditious synthesis of diverse analogues from readily available building blocks. This endeavor necessitates a trade-off between diversity and ease of access and is further complicated by uncertainty about the synthesizability and pharmacokinetic properties of the resulting compounds. Here, we document a platform that leverages photocatalytic N-heterocycle synthesis, high-throughput experimentation, automated purification, and physicochemical assays on 1152 discrete reactions. Together, the data generated allow rational predictions of the synthesizability of stereochemically diverse C-substituted N-saturated heterocycles with deep learning and reveal unexpected trends on the relationship between structure and properties. This study exemplifies how organic chemists can exploit state-of-the-art technologies to markedly increase throughput and confidence in the preparation of drug-like molecules.
Complete genome sequence of an
Achromobacter xylosoxidans
strain H1_3_1 isolated from a hybrid biological-inorganic system reactor
Authors: Feng Xiang , Kazama Daichi , Sato Kozo , Kobayashi Hajime
Published: October 2023

We report the complete genome of
Achromobacter xylosoxidans
strain H1_3_1, which was isolated from a reactor of a hybrid biological-inorganic system. The complete genome comprised 7,071,873 bp, including 6,428 codings, 10 rRNA, and 70 tRNA, with 67.4% G + C content.
A metagenomics method for the quantitative detection of bacterial pathogens causing hospital-associated and ventilator-associated pneumonia
Authors: Hauser S. , Lazarevic V. , Tournoud M. , Ruppé E. , Santiago Allexant E. , Guigon G. , Schicklin S. , Lanet V. , Girard M. , Mirande C. , Gervasi G. , Schrenzel J.
Published: October 2023

The management of ventilator-associated and hospital-acquired pneumonia requires rapid and accurate quantitative detection of the infecting pathogen(s). To achieve this, we propose a metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS) assay that includes the use of an internal sample processing control (SPC) for the quantitative detection of 20 relevant bacterial species of interest (SOI) from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples. To avoid very major errors in the identification of respiratory pathogens due to “false-negative” cases, each sample was spiked with
Bacillus subtilis
, at a precisely defined concentration, using rehydrated BioBall. This SPC ensured the detection and quantification of the pathogen(s) at defined minimum concentrations. In the presented mNGS workflow, absolute quantification of
Staphylococcus aureus
was as accurate as quantitative PCR. We defined a metagenomics threshold at 5.3 × 10
3
genome equivalent unit per milliliter of the sample for each SOI, to distinguish colonization from higher amounts of pathogens that may be associated with infection. Complete mNGS process and metrics were assessed on 40 clinical samples, showing >99.9% sensitivity compared to microbial culture. However, 19 out of the 29 (66%) SOI detections above the metagenomics threshold were not associated with bacterial growth above classical culture-based clinical thresholds. Taxonomic classification of 7 (37%) of the “false-positive” detections was confirmed by finding specific 16S/MetaPhlAn2 markers, the 12 other “false-positive” detections did not yield enough reads to check their taxonomic classification. Our SPC design and analytical workflow allowed efficient detection and absolute quantification of pathogens from BAL samples, even when the bacterial DNA quantity was largely below the manufacturer’s recommendations for NGS. The frequent “false-positive” detections suggested the presence of nonculturable cells within the tested BAL samples. Furthermore, mNGS detected mixed infections, including bacterial species not reported by routine cultures.

IMPORTANCE

The management of ventilator-associated pneumonia and hospital-acquired pneumonia requires rapid and accurate quantitative detection of the infecting pathogen. To this end, we propose a metagenomic sequencing assay that includes the use of an internal sample processing control for the quantitative detection of 20 relevant bacterial species from bronchoalveolar lavage samples.
Fusobacterium nucleatum
and its metabolite hydrogen sulfide alter gut microbiota composition and autophagy process and promote colorectal cancer progression
Authors: Wang Minyu , Wang Zheng , Lessing Duncan James , Guo Min , Chu Weihua
Published: October 2023

Fusobacterium nucleatum
is a harmful bacterium that produces hydrogen sulfide by metabolizing sulfur-containing amino acids, both of which have been shown to promote/initiate the development of various cancers, such as colorectal cancer, liver cancer, as well as lung cancer. However, few studies have reported how
F. nucleatum
acts on gut microbiota, influences the autophagy process, and promotes the development of colorectal cancer through the metabolite hydrogen sulfide. It was found that HCT116 cells secreted more inflammatory factors and showed higher survival as well as migration rate when given a pathological concentration of hydrogen sulfide. Using cellular transcriptome sequencing, it could be seen that after giving HCT116 cells
F. nucleatum
or
F. nucleatum
with L-cysteine, many inflammation-related signaling pathways, including autophagic pathways, were elevated compared to the control group.
In vivo
, the mice in the model groups displayed cancer progression, and the expression of some of the autophagy-related genes,
DRAM1
,
NBR1
,
ATG7
,
MAP1LC3A
were also increased in mice given
F. nucleatum
or
F. nucleatum
with L-cysteine when compared to the untreated control mice. The number of certain probiotic bacteria and fungi in the mice given
F. nucleatum
or
F. nucleatum
and L-cysteine decreased significantly; in contrast, the number of potentially pathogenic bacteria and fungi increased. These findings suggest that
F. nucleatum
and its metabolite hydrogen sulfide can modulate intestinal microbiota and autophagy as well as promote the development and progression of colorectal cancer.

IMPORTANCE

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer in the world; the main treatment for CRC is immunosuppressive therapy, but this therapy is only effective for a small percentage of CRC patients, so there is an urgent need for a treatment with fewer side effects and higher efficacy. This study demonstrated that
Fusobacterium nucleatum
with increased abundance in CRC can regulate the autophagy process and disrupt normal intestinal microbiota by producing hydrogen sulfide, factors that may be involved in the development and progression of CRC. This study may provide a reference for future CRC treatment options that are efficient and have fewer side effects.