bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel “red‐bull sign” during cavotricuspid isthmus ablation: Indication of an ablation catheter stuck in the subeustachian pouch
Authors: Hirata Moyuru , Nagashima Koichi , Watanabe Ryuta , Wakamatsu Yuji , Otsuka Naoto , Hayashida Satoshi , Hirata Shu , Sawada Masanaru , Kurokawa Sayaka , Okumura Yasuo
Published: November 2022

Background

A subeustachian pouch (SEP) often hinders the completion of a cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation of typical atrial flutter (AFL) and sometimes causes steam‐pops during a power‐controlled ablation. We hypothesized that real‐time bull's‐eye monitoring of the catheter surface temperature might be useful to locate the SEP where the temperature can rise rapidly, and a temperature‐controlled ablation might avoid steam pops. This study aimed to demonstrate this hypothesis.

Methods

A temperature‐controlled CTI ablation with a QDOT MICRO™ catheter (n = 10) and a conventional power‐controlled CTI ablation (n = 10) were performed with an output power of 35 W. During the RF application, the bull's eye monitor for monitoring the catheter surface temperatures was assessed. A “red‐bull sign” was defined as an entire red‐colored bull's‐eye monitor, indicating that the catheter‐tip temperature of all 6 thermocouples rose rapidly over 47°C.

Results

In a total of 115 lesions (12 ± 3 per patient), a “red‐bull sign” was observed in 39 (33.9%) lesions where the RF output was reduced to 26 ± 8 W. All 39 “red‐bull sign” lesions corresponded to the location of the SEP as delineated by ICE before the ablation. The red‐bull sign accurately indicated the presence of a SEP with a sensitivity of 84.7% and specificity of 100%. Bidirectional block of the CTI was completed in all patients in either catheter group without any steam‐pops.

Conclusion

Real‐time surface temperature monitoring and a red‐bull sign might be useful to detect the SEP. A temperature‐controlled CTI ablation with the QDOT MICRO catheter might be safe for avoiding steam pops.
Bacterial cellulose: Strategies for its production in the context of bioeconomy
Authors: Rocha André R. F. da Silva , Venturim Bárbara Côgo , Ellwanger Elena R. A. , Pagnan Caroline S. , Silveira Wendel B. da , Martin José Guilherme P.
Published: November 2022

Bacterial cellulose has advantages over plant‐derived cellulose, which make its use for industrial applications easier and more profitable. Its intrinsic properties have been stimulating the global biopolymer market, with strong growth expectations in the coming years. Several bacterial species are capable of producing bacterial cellulose under different culture conditions; in this context, strategies aimed at metabolic engineering and several possibilities of carbon sources have provided opportunities for the bacterial cellulose's biotechnological exploration. In this article, an overview of biosynthesis pathways in different carbon sources for the main producing microorganisms, metabolic flux under different growth conditions, and their influence on the structural and functional characteristics of bacterial cellulose is provided. In addition, the main industrial applications and ways to reduce costs and optimize its production using alternative sources are discussed, contributing to new insights on the exploitation of this biomaterial in the context of the bioeconomy.
Development of a single‐run liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis for the detection of 11 multiclass contaminants of emerging concern using a direct filtration method
Authors: Razak Muhammad Raznisyafiq , Aris Ahmad Zaharin , Sukatis Fahren Fazzer , Zaki Muhammad Rozaimi Mohd , Zainuddin Azim Haziq , Haron Didi Erwandi Mohamad , Yusoff Fatimah Md , Yusof Zetty Norhana Balia
Published: November 2022

In toxicological analysis, the analytical validation method is important to assess the exact risk of contaminants of emerging concern in the environment. Syringe filters are mainly used to remove impurities from sample solutions. However, the loss of analyte to the syringe filter could be considerable, causing an underestimate of the analyte concentrations. The current study develops and validates simultaneous liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry analysis using a direct filtration method to detect four groups of contaminants of emerging concern. The adsorption of the analyte onto three different matrices and six types of syringe filters is reported. The lowest adsorption of analytes was observed in methanol (16.72%), followed by deionized water (48.19%) and filtered surface lake water (48.94%). Irrespective of the type of the matrices, the lowest average adsorption by the syringe filter was observed in the 0.45 μm polypropylene membrane (15.15%), followed by the 0.20 μm polypropylene membrane (16.10%), the 0.20 μm regenerated cellulose (16.15%), the 0.20 μm polytetrafluoroethylene membrane (47.38%), the 0.45 μm nylon membrane (64.87%) and the 0.20 μm nylon membrane (71.30%). In conclusion, the recommended syringe filter membranes for contaminants of emerging concern analysis are polypropylene membranes and regenerated cellulose, regardless of the matrix used.
Exploring the relevance of Social Exchange Theory in the Middle East: A case study of tourism in Dubai, UAE
Authors: Dutt Christopher S. , Harvey William S. , Shaw Gareth
Published: November 2022

Whilst numerous studies have explored residents' perceptions of tourism, there are three significant gaps with Social Exchange Theory (SET). First, the appropriateness and generalisability; second, the heterogeneity of host population perceptions; third, perceptions in non‐Western empirical contexts. A mixed methods study was conducted, using 36 face‐to‐face interviews with expatriates and nationals in Dubai to develop a survey instrument which returned over 400 responses. Results show that whilst SET is appropriate and partially generalisable, substantial adjustments are required to account for external factors such as culture and the political environment. We propose a new theory of Tourism Returns and Moderators to show a more holistic outcome, weighted perceptions, varying moderators, and greater individualised focus. In this study, participants had a preference to support tourism, did not refer to a cost‐benefit trade‐off, and generally favoured economic benefits over others.
An archive of Lake Superior temperature and current measurements, 2005–2020
Authors: Austin Jay , Elmer Cassandra
Published: November 2022

Since 2005, investigators at the University of Minnesota, Duluth's Large Lakes Observatory have been maintaining subsurface moorings and surface buoys in Lake Superior to study thermal structure and currents throughout the water column and throughout the year. A single site has been continuously occupied for over 17 years as of the writing of this manuscript, another 10 sites have been occupied for multiple years, and for 3 months in summer 2017 an intensive field campaign occupied 12 sites simultaneously in western Lake Superior. All of these data are available on a publicly accessible archival site hosted by the University of Minnesota.
Nutlin‐3 acts as a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor to sensitize esophageal cancer to chemoradiation
Authors: Chang Wei‐Lun , Hsieh Chih‐Hsiung , Kuo I‐Ying , Lin Chien‐Hsun , Huang Yu‐Lin , Wang Yi‐Ching
Published: November 2022

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is highly resistant to chemoradiation therapy. We aimed to examine whether Nutlin‐3, a molecule that suppresses murine double min 2 (MDM2)‐mediated p53 and Retinoblastoma (RB) protein degradation leading to downregulation of DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), can be a novel therapeutic agent for ESCC. We used wild‐type and chemoradiation‐resistant ESCC cell lines in this study. The expression of DNMTs, p53 and RB, and methylation level of tumor suppressor genes (TSG) were analyzed upon Nutlin‐3 treatment. The antitumor efficacy of Nutlin‐3 was investigated in ESCC cell lines and xenograft tumor model. TSG protein expression was checked in the excised tumor tissue. Nutlin‐3 induced upregulation of p53 and RB and downregulation of DNMTs proteins in the chemoradiation‐resistant and aggressive ESCC cells. The methylation level of TSGs was decreased by Nutlin‐3. Nutlin‐3 inhibits clonogenic growth of ESCC cells and exerts a synergistic cytotoxic‐effect when combined with chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin. Moreover, xenograft tumor growth in SCID mice was suppressed by Nutlin‐3. The protein expression level of DNMTs was downregulated, and that of TSGs was upregulated by Nutlin‐3 treatment in the excised tumor tissue. In conclusion, Nutlin‐3 is a potential therapeutic agent that can potentiate the treatment efficacy of chemoradiation‐resistant ESCC.
Dihydroartemisinin synergistically enhances the cytotoxic effects of oxaliplatin in colon cancer by targeting the PHB2‐RCHY1 mediated signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Xiwei , Zheng Yingying , Chai Zhengbin , Li Ji , Zhu Changhui , Peng Yanling , Qiu Juanjuan , Xu Jiajun , Liu Chunyan
Published: November 2022

Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) has recently attracted increasing attention for its low toxicity and high antitumor activity. DHA has been reported to have synergistic anticancer effects with a variety of drugs in the clinic; however, the molecular mechanism by which DHA inhibits tumorigenesis and improves oxaliplatin cytotoxicity in colon cancer cells is still not well understood. In this study, we found that DHA can inhibit cell proliferation and colony formation in a dose‐dependent manner. Prohibitin 2 (PHB2) is a potential target by which DHA exerts its antitumor and cytotoxic effects. The function and molecular mechanism of PHB2 in colon cancer tumorigenesis were fully studied to determine the regulatory mechanism between DHA and PHB2. We found that PHB2, a mitochondrial inner membrane scaffold protein, has a higher expression level in colon cancer tissues than in adjacent nontumor tissues and is mainly localized in mitochondria. Overexpression of PHB2 can promote cell proliferation and colony formation in vitro and accelerate tumor growth in vivo. We also found that the expression level of PHB2 was inversely related to the cytotoxicity of DHA and oxaliplatin in colon cancer cells. The molecular mechanism of PHB2 in tumorigenesis and cancer therapy was further studied. The results showed that 20 μM DHA can downregulate PHB2 expression in a ubiquitylation‐dependent manner and subsequently block PHB2‐induced RCHY1 upregulation and p53 and p21 downregulation. In this process, RCHY1 is necessary for PHB2 to play a tumor‐promoting role. Thus, PHB2 and RCHY1 are effective targets for colon cancer therapy, and DHA has synergistic anticancer effects with oxaliplatin via promoting PHB2 degradation in colon cancer cells.
Arginase 1 Deficiency in Patients Initially Diagnosed with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia
Authors: McNutt Markey C. , Foreman Nathan , Gotway Garrett
Published: November 2022

Background

Arginase 1 Deficiency (ARG1‐D) is a rare autosomal recessive urea cycle disorder (UCD) characterized by pathologic elevation of plasma arginine and debilitating manifestations. Based on clinical commonalities and low disease awareness, ARG1‐D can be diagnosed as hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), leading to treatment delays.

Cases

A Hispanic woman with unremarkable medical history experienced progressive lower‐limb spasticity in her 20s and received a diagnosis of HSP. She developed significant gait abnormalities and is unable to walk without assistance. More recently, two Hispanic brothers with childhood‐onset manifestations including lower‐limb spasticity, developmental delays, and seizures presented with suspected HSP. All three patients were ultimately diagnosed with ARG1‐D based on plasma arginine several‐fold above normal levels and loss‐of‐function ARG1 variants. Disease progression occurred before ARG1‐D was correctly diagnosed.

Literature Review

Retrospective analyses demonstrate that diagnostic delays in ARG1‐D are common and can be lengthy. Because of clinical similarities between ARG1‐D and HSP, such as insidious onset and progressive spasticity, accurate diagnosis of ARG1‐D is challenging. Timely ARG1‐D diagnosis is critical because this UCD is a treatable genetic cause of progressive lower‐limb spasticity.

Conclusions

Arginase 1 Deficiency should be considered in HSP differential diagnosis until biochemically/genetically excluded, and should be routinely included in HSP gene panels.
Identification of genetic characteristics in pediatric epilepsy with focal cortical dysplasia type 2 using deep whole‐exome sequencing
Authors: Xu Yan , Zhao Rui , Wang Min , Wang Xin‐hua , Wang Yi , Li Hao , Ma Yang‐yang , Wu Bing‐bing , Zhou Yuan‐feng
Published: November 2022

Background

Focal cortical dysplasia type 2 (FCD2) is a malformation of cortical development that constitutes a common cause of pediatric focal epilepsy. Germline or somatic variants in the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway genes are the pathogenesis of FCD2.

Objective

In this study, whole‐exome deep sequencing was performed on dysplastic cortex from focal epilepsy in children to explore genetic characteristics in FCD2.

Methods

Resected core lesions of FCD2 were confirmed by pathology, and peripheral blood was collected from 11 patients. Deep whole‐exome sequencing (>500X) was performed on derived genomic DNA, germline, or somatic variants in brain‐specific genes were analyzed and identified.

Results

In 11 patients, a heterozygous likely pathogenic germline variant of DEPDC5 was identified in one case, while somatic variants were found in four brain samples. The frequencies of the somatic variant allele were 2.52%–5.12%. Somatic variants in AKT3, TSC2, and MTOR (mTOR signaling pathway genes) were found in three samples. Besides, one somatic variant was detected in MED12 which has not been reported to associate with FCD2.

Conclusion

Our study expanded the variant spectrum in the mTOR‐GATOR pathway, and also detected a somatic variant in MED12 which was potentially associated with FCD 2.
Wideband miniaturized antipodal Vivaldi antenna
Authors: Gao Ping , Li Teng , Han Min , Dou Wenbin
Published: November 2022

A wideband Vivaldi antenna with a miniaturized size is designed in this letter. The resistive loading, slot‐loading, and coupling line at the radiation arms are introduced to miniaturize the antipodal Vivaldi antenna, as well as further reduce the lowest operating frequency. To verify the proposed design, a prototype with the size of 132 mm × 161 mm × 0.508 mm is fabricated. The measured results, which agree well with the simulations, show that an impedance bandwidth from 0.4 to 4 GHz with |S11| < −10 dB is realized, and the gain of the antenna varies between −7 and 7.5 dBi.
An FSS structure with a band‐stop performance for UWB applications
Authors: Sondas Adnan
Published: November 2022

In this paper, a frequency selective surface (FSS) structure with a band‐stop performance for ultra‐wideband (UWB) applications is introduced. The unit cell of the FSS structure consists of a combination of a square loop, a ring loop, and a cross dipole with four gaps. The unit cell has 0.115λg × 0.115λg size where λg is the wavelength in the substrate corresponding to the minimum frequency (2.79 GHz) of the operating band. The bandwidth of the FSS design is from 2.79 to 10.81 GHz frequencies (at normal incidence and |S21| < −3 dB criterion) which covers all UWB bands. The introduced FSS structure has angular stability up to 80° incident angles both TM and TE polarizations due to the small size of the unit cell. The highest resonance frequency deviation is 0.08% at 80° and this value is quite low. The proposed FSS structure was fabricated and the results obtained through simulations were supported by the measurement results.
Summary and overview of the first ISMRM workshop on magnetic resonance elastography, August 25–26, 2022, Berlin, Germany
Authors: Guo Jing , Marticorena Garcia Stephan , Sack Ingolf
Published: November 2022

An ISMRM workshop on MR elastography was held at Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin on August 25–26, 2022. As an exclusively in‐person event, 65 participants from 9 countries attended the workshop despite COVID‐19–related restrictions. The topics of the workshop covered cellular and microtissue mechanical interactions, the development of MR elastography driver technology, approaches to inverse problems, clinical applications, and integration of MR elastography into multiparametric MRI protocols. The workshop was a great success by promoting direct knowledge exchange as well as for strategizing future directions for MR elastography. In this symposium review, we briefly summarized all oral presentations as well as the concluding panel discussion.
An educational programme based on salutogenesis theory on childbirth fear and delivery method among nulliparous women: A mixed methods research protocol
Authors: Kananikandeh Safieh , Shokravi Farkhondeh Amin , Mirghafourvand Mojgan , Jahanfar Shayesteh
Published: November 2022

Aim

Designing, executing and testing a training intervention based on enhanced concepts of salutogenesis theory for managing fear of childbirth and choice of delivery method among nulliparous women.

Design

A Sequential‐Exploratory Mixed Methods Research.

Methods

In the first phase (qualitative approach), the determinants of childbirth fear among nulliparous women will be explored. In the second phase (systematic review), the factors of childbirth fear among them will be summarized. In the third phase, the content of the educational intervention is developed based on the common factors of childbirth fear obtained from the previous two phases of the study. In the fourth phase (randomized controlled trial), two intervention and the control groups will be compared based on primary and secondary outcomes.

Discussion

Using salutogenesis theory in a few interventional studies on various health areas has produced promising results. Based on the evidence, women had less sense of coherence with a strong childbirth fear. Therefore, developing an effective intervention based on this theory can probably help manage childbirth fear and reduce the costs of any potential consequences.
Home care professionals' experiences of successful implementation, use and competence needs of robot for medication management in Finland
Authors: Turjamaa Riitta , Vaismoradi Mojtaba , Kajander‐Unkuri Satu , Kangasniemi Mari
Published: November 2022

Aim

To describe home care professionals' individual experiences of the implementation, use and competence needs of a robot for medication management in older people's home care.

Design

A qualitative focus group interview study.

Methods

Data were collected during spring and autumn 2021 by semi‐structured focus group interviews and analysed using inductive content analysis. The participants were 62 home care professionals working in older people's home care.

Results

The successful implementation and use of the robot for medication management consisted of a timely and adequate introduction before the implementation of the robot, the fluent usability of the robot in daily work, and confidence in work competence. There is a need for the reorganization of home care professionals' use of digital solutions to make workflow fluent, prevent burnout and turnover among home care professionals. Professionals' competence should also be developed to ensure that it corresponds to digitalized healthcare.

Patient and Public Contributions

No patient or public contribution.
The use of keywords in archaeornithology literature
Authors: Dirrigl Frank J. , White Justin
Published: November 2022

A keyword reflects the subject matter of a journal article that is chosen by its author(s). The selection of keywords by researchers in their works is crucial to disseminating knowledge, increasing publication citations, and advancing a science career. We examined keywords chosen in the titles and keyword sections of the archaeornithology literature generated by past meetings of the Bird Working Group (BWG), International Council for Archaeozoology. We report our results to (1) identify keywords that have been shared across authors, (2) make suggestions to improve showcasing researchers' works, and (3) heighten the importance of keyword choice. Additionally, we propose that the BWG and its members consider recommending a keyword scheme for use in future publications.
Bronchoscopy for removal of foreign body: What's the big deal?
Authors: McCormick Megan Rodgers , Chedid Celine , Shah Jay , Lobas Jeffrey , Rubin Kasia
Published: November 2022

Foreign bodies of the airway are common occurrences in the pediatric population. Children requiring anesthesia for removal of airway foreign bodies can present many challenges. In this case, the patient required urgent removal of a foreign body while symptomatic with upper and lower respiratory symptoms. Circumstances such as these can result in higher intraoperative and postoperative complications. This presentation describes the clinical decision‐making process and the discussion of common modalities for diagnosis, treatment, and anesthetic management.
Effect of positive surgical margins at radical prostatectomy on cancer‐specific mortality in high/very high‐risk prostate cancer patients with Gleason Grade Group 4–5
Authors: Panunzio Andrea , Sorce Gabriele , Hoeh Benedikt , Hohenhorst Lukas , Tappero Stefano , Nimer Nancy , Rajwa Pawel , Tian Zhe , Terrone Carlo , Chun Felix K. H. , Briganti Alberto , Saad Fred , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Cerruto Maria Angela , Antonelli Alessandro , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: November 2022

Background

The effect of positive surgical margins (PSM) on cancer specific mortality (CSM) in high/very high‐risk (HR/VHR) prostate cancer (PCa) with aggressive Gleason Grade Group (GGG) is unknown. We tested PSM effect on CSM in this setting, in addition to testing of radiotherapy (RT) benefit in PSM patients.

Methods

We relied on Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (2010–2015), focusing on HR/VHR patients with exclusive GGG 4–5 at radical prostatectomy (RP). Kaplan–Meier plots and multivariable Cox regression models tested the relationship between PSM and CSM. Moreover, the effect of RT on CSM was explored in PSM patients.

Results

Of 3383 HR/VHR patients, 15.1% (n = 511) exhibited PSM. Patients with PSM harbored higher rates of GGG 5 (60.1% vs. 50.9%, p < 0.001), pathologic tumor stage T3a (69.1% vs. 45.2%, p < 0.001) and lymph node involvement (14.1% vs. 9.4%, p < 0.001), relative to patients without PSM. PSM rates decreased over time (2010–2015) from 16.0% to 13.6%. Seven‐year CSM‐free survival rates were 91.6% versus 95.7% in patients with and without PSM, respectively. In multivariable Cox regression models, PSM was an independent predictor of CSM (hazard ratio = 1.6, p = 0.040) even after adjustment for age, prostate specific antigen, pathologic tumor stage and lymph node status. Finally, in PSM patients, RT delivery did not reduce CSM in either univariable or multivariable Cox regression models.

Conclusions

In HR/VHR PCa patients with exclusive GGG 4–5, PSM at RP adversely affect survival. Moreover, RT has no protective effect on CSM. In consequence, lowest possible PSM rates are crucial in such patients.
Targeting the insulin receptor with hormone and peptide dimers
Authors: Lin Jingjing , Selicharová Irena , Mitrová Katarína , Fabre Benjamin , Miriyala Vijay Madhav , Lepšík Martin , Jiráček Jiří , Hernández María Soledad Garre
Published: November 2022

Insulin is a key hormone involved in the regulation of overall energetic homeostasis of the organism. The dimeric character of the receptor for insulin evokes ideas about its activation or inhibition with peptide dimers that could either trigger or block the structural transition of the insulin receptor, leading to its activation. Herewith, we present the chemical engineering and biological characterization of several series of insulin dimers or dimers of specific peptides that should be able to bind receptors for insulin or insulin growth factor 1. The hormones or peptides in the dimers were interconnected with different linkers, consisting of triazole moieties and 3, 6, 8, 11, or 23 polyethylene glycol units. The prepared dimers were weaker in binding to insulin receptors than human insulin. However, some of the insulin dimers showed preferential binding specificity toward the isoform A of the insulin receptor, and the insulin dimers also stimulated the insulin receptor more strongly than would be consistent with their binding affinities. Our results suggest that designing insulin dimers may be a promising strategy for modulating the ability of the hormone to activate the receptor or to alter its specificity toward insulin receptor isoforms.
Bandgap and Wave Propagation Properties of 2D Curved and Chiral Hybrid Star‐Shaped Metamaterials
Authors: Xin Yajun , Zhang Kun , Du Xiuhong , Ding Qian , Yan Qun , Sun Yongtao , Cheng Shuliang , Wang Liang
Published: November 2022

Designing artificial microstructural metamaterials that fulfill the single‐phase vibration dampening and lightweight twin goals is challenging and critical. 2D curved and chiral hybrid star‐shaped metamaterials (CCHSM) are proposed to perform vibration reduction filtering in the midfrequency region by combining the properties of chiral structure and concave structure. The generating process of the bandgap of in‐plane elastic waves, the properties of directional attenuation, and the flow direction of energy in the dispersion curve are examined using the modal shape, dispersion surface, and group velocity. In a specific frequency range, the equivalent medium parameters satisfy the conditions of negative refraction transverse and longitudinal waves, so the structure also has double‐negative characteristics. The filtering performance is validated using the CCHSM periodic plate structure and a finite‐element simulation of transmission loss. In addition, the correlation between wave attenuation characteristics and structural parameters is explored. The radius of the circular arc and the deflection angle of the connecting rod have a significant impact on the frequency range of the structural bandgap. The results show that the created simple‐configured, single‐phase lightweight acoustic metamaterials exhibit strong local resonance properties and double‐negative features.
Pomegranate‐Like KVPO4F@C Microspheres as High‐Volumetric‐Energy‐Density Cathode for Potassium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Xie Can , Liu Xiaowei , Han Jin , Lv Lei , Zhou Xuan , Han Chunhua , You Ya
Published: November 2022

KVPO4F is one of the most competitive cathode candidates for potassium‐ion batteries (KIBs) because of its high output voltage and energy density. Although the gravimetric energy density of KIBs is intensively discussed in literature, little attention is paid to the volumetric energy density. In view of this, pomegranate‐like carbon‐coated KVPO4F microspheres with a high volumetric energy density are designed in this work. The nano‐sized primary particles with carbon sheets in KVPO4F microspheres enable promis rate capability by enhancing the K+ diffusion kinetics, while the micro‐sized spheres guarantee the improvement of cycling stability. Owing to the dense hierarchical microspheres, the volumetric energy density of cells is greatly improved compared to bulk materials. This cathode delivers a reversible capacity of 101.5 mA h g−1 at 0.3 C with an average output voltage of 4.0 V and a capacity retention of 85.1% after 200 cycles. The KVPO4F@C microspheres have a compact density of 2.45 g cm−3 and further offer a high volumetric energy density up to 891.3 Wh L−1. The overcharge behavior of KVPO4F in the first three cycles is also revealed. The presented KVPO4F@C microspheres cathode provides a new sight for developing KIBs with large volumetric energy density.
In Situ Constructing Ultrathin, Robust‐Flexible Polymeric Electrolytes with Rapid Interfacial Ion Transport in Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Chen Dongli , Zhu Tao , Zhu Ming , Kang Peibin , Yuan Siqi , Li Yongyang , Lan Jinle , Yang Xiaoping , Sui Gang
Published: November 2022

Safety of lithium metal batteries (LMBs) has been improved by using the solid‐state polymer electrolytes, but the performance of LMBs is still troubled by the poor interface of solid electrolytes/electrodes, leading to insufficient interfacial Li+ transport. Here, a novel ultrathin, robust‐flexible polymeric electrolyte is achieved by in situ polymerization of 1,3‐dioxolane in soft nanofibrous skeleton at room temperature without any extra initiator or plasticizer, leading to the electrolyte with rapid interfacial ion transport. This facilitated Li+ transportation is demonstrated by molecular dynamics simulation. Consequently, the as‐prepared electrolyte exhibits excellent cycling performance. The results indicate that the electrolyte works well in the LiFePO4//Li cell at elevated temperature up to 90 °C, and further matches with the high‐voltage LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 cathode. This study provides an effective approach to constructing a practical polymeric electrolyte for fabrication of safe, high performance LMBs.
Toxicity determination, pollution source delineation, and microbial diversity evaluation of PAHs‐contaminated sediments for an urban river
Authors: Li Jin‐Min , Yao Chao‐Ling , Lin Wei‐Han , Surampalli Rao Y. , Zhang Tian C. , Tseng Tsung‐Yu , Kao Chih‐Ming
Published: November 2022

The Feng‐Sang River is a metropolitan river in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. In this study, Feng‐Sang River sediments were analyzed to investigate the distributions and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs), potentially carcinogenic PAHs (TEQcarc), and toxic equivalence quotient (TEQ) were applied to evaluate influences of PAHs on ecosystems and microbial diversities. Results indicate that PAHs concentrations varied between seasons and locations. The concentrations of ∑16PAHs ranged from 73.6 to 603.8 ng/kg in dry seasons and from 2.3 to 199.3 ng/kg in wet seasons. This could be because of the flushing effect during wet seasons, which caused the movement and dilution of the PAH‐contaminated sediments. Diagnostic ratio analysis infers that high PAHs levels were generated by combustion processes and vehicle traffic, and results from multivariate descriptive statistical analysis also demonstrate that the vehicular traffic pollution could be the major emission source of PAHs contamination. Comparisons of PAHs with SQGs indicate that PAHs concentrations in sediment were below the effects range low (ERL) values, and thus, the immediate threat to organisms might not be significant. The diagnostic ratio analyses are effective methods for PAH source appointment. The metagenomic assay results imply that sediments contained essential microbial species with eminent diversity. The detected PAH‐degrading bacteria (Desulfatiglans, Dechloromonas, Sphingomonas, Methylobacterium, Rhodobacter, Clostridium, and Exiguobacterium) played a key role in PAHs biotransformation, and Dechloromonas and Rhodobacter had a higher relative abundance. Results of microbial diversity analyses indicate that the contaminated environment induced the changes of governing microbial groups in sediments.

Practitioner Points

Diagnostic ratio analyses are effective methods for PAHs source appointment.

Microbial composition in sediments are highly affected by anthropogenic pollution.

Combustion and vehicle traffic contribute to urban river sediments pollution by PAHs.

Dechloromonas and Rhodobacter are dominant PAHs‐degrading bacteria in sediments.
Thermotropic yield characteristic of the ceramic–alloy composite beam induced by a unilateral heat source
Authors: Peng Wei , He Tianhu
Published: November 2022

Thermotropic yield characteristic of the ceramic–alloy composite beam induced by a unilateral heat source is investigated by using the Hamilton principle and the variation method based on the first‐order shear deformation theory. The mathematical essence of the yield problem of the composite beam is that the variation of the Lagrange function of the system to the space coordinates equals zero. The Tamura–Tomota–Ozawa model and the linear rule of mixtures are used to simulate the composite material properties of functionally graded material (FGM), and the constitutive equations are established with the linear hybrid hardening model. The von‐Mises yield condition is introduced to judge whether the beam enters the yield state. The governing equations are established by using the Hamilton principle and variation method. The thermotropic yield surfaces, the yield stresses, and the critical temperature rises of the yield functionally graded beam are obtained, and the deflections of the beam are calculated by analytical method. The results reveal that the yield interfaces, the yield stresses, the critical temperature rises, and the deflections of the beam vary with material parameters, geometric parameters, and so on.
Structural Classification of CDR-H3 in Single-Domain VHH Antibodies
Authors: Kuroda Daisuke , Tsumoto Kouhei
Published: November 2022

The immune systems protect vertebrates from foreign molecules or antigens, and antibodies are important mediators of this system. The sequences and structural features of antibodies vary depending on species. Many of antibodies from vertebrates, including camelids, have both heavy and light chain variable domains, but camelids also have antibodies that lack the light chains. In antibodies that lack light chains, the C-terminal variable region is called the VHH domain. Antibodies recognize antigens through six complementarity-determining regions (CDRs). The third CDR of the heavy chain (CDR-H3) is at the center of the antigen-binding site and is diverse in terms of sequence and structure. Due to the importance of antibodies in basic science as well as in medical applications, there have been many studies of CDR-H3s of antibodies that possess both light and heavy chains. However, nature of CDR-H3s of single-domain VHH antibodies is less well studied. In this chapter, we describe current knowledge of sequence–structure–function correlations of single-domain VHH antibodies with emphasis on CDR-H3. Based on the 370 crystal structures in the Protein Data Bank, we also attempt structural classification of CDR-H3 in single-domain VHH antibodies and discuss lessons learned from the ever-increasing number of the structures.
Values, Activism and Changing Attitudes: Individual-Level Moral Development in Social Movement Contexts
Authors: Toubøl Jonas , Gundelach Peter
Published: November 2022

Lately, several studies have added crucial knowledge to our understanding of social movement participation by demonstrating its processual nature and how it relates to individual-level movement outcomes. Still, moral factors like values remain understudied. This paper develops a model of relationships between two types of value predispositions—self-transcendence and conformity—and differential participation in humanitarian activities, political protest and civil disobedience and their consequences for attitudinal changes of loss of institutional trust and an altered view of refugee policies. We use cross-sectional survey data from the mobilisation of the Danish refugee solidarity movement, which was revitalised in response to the 2015 refugee crisis. The main finding is that values, in accordance with our theoretical expectations, mainly influence attitudinal outcomes mediated by contexts of different kinds of movement activities. Conformity relates to participation in non-contentious humanitarian support activities that do not relate to any attitudinal outcomes. The non-conform and self-transcendent respondents participate to a higher degree in contentious political protest and civil disobedience, which relates to a loss of trust in the political institutions. The results suggest that heterogeneity of values and contexts of activism within a movement have implications for social movements’ role in the struggles for society’s fundamental morality, individual-level biographical outcomes of activism and movements’ internal processes related to collective identity.
Strategic Communication in a Transnational Project—The Interreg Alpine Space Project HEALPS2
Authors: Spoladore Daniele , Geri Marta , Widmann Veronika
Published: November 2022

Communication activities play a pivotal role in the management of research projects, especially those involving several partners and stakeholders from different countries. The Interreg Alpine Space HEALPS2 project relies on a transnational and transversal approach to improve the framework conditions and tools for alpine health tourism, and therefore proposes a communication strategy based on specific objectives. These objectives guide the communication activities at an internal and external level, with the latter being declined for different targets and stakeholders. In this Chapter, the communication activities are described, starting from the general and specific objectives-oriented approach, to the local realization. The general strategy and the analysis are illustrated, then are demonstrated through a regional use case—the Parco Regionale Alpe Veglia-Alpe Devero and Parco Regionale Alta Valle Antrona.
$$H^1$$ Scattering for Mass-Subcritical NLS with Short-Range Nonlinearity and Initial Data in $$\Sigma $$
Authors: Burq N. , Georgiev V. , Tzvetkov N. , Visciglia N.
Published: November 2022

We consider short-range mass-subcritical nonlinear Schrödinger equations, and we show that the corresponding solutions with initial data in $$\Sigma $$
Σ
scatter in $$H^1$$

H
1

. Hence we up-grade the classical scattering result proved by Yajima and Tsutsumi from $$L^2$$

L
2

to $$H^1$$

H
1

. We also provide some partial results concerning the scattering of the first order moments, as well as a short proof via lens transform of a classical result due to Tsutsumi and Cazenave–Weissler on the scattering in $$\Sigma $$
Σ
.
Prognostic factors for the management of chondral defects of the knee and ankle joint: a systematic review
Authors: Migliorini Filippo , Maffulli Nicola , Eschweiler Jörg , Götze Christian , Hildebrand Frank , Betsch Marcel
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Different surgical techniques to manage cartilage defects are available, including microfracture (MFx), autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), osteoarticular auto- or allograft transplantation (OAT), autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC). This study investigated the patient-related prognostic factors on the clinical outcomes of surgically treated knee and ankle cartilage defects.

Methods

This study followed the PRISMA statement. In May 2022, the following databases were accessed: PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Scopus. All the studies investigating the outcomes of surgical management for knee and/or talus chondral defects were accessed. Only studies performing mesenchymal stem cells transplantation, OAT, MFx, ACI, and AMIC were considered. A multiple linear model regression analysis through the Pearson Product–Moment Correlation Coefficient was used.

Results

Data from 184 articles (8905 procedures) were retrieved. Female sex showed a positive moderate association with visual analogue scale at last follow-up (P = 0.02). Patient age had a negative association with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (P = 0.04) and Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale (P = 0.03). BMI was strongly associated with graft hypertrophy (P = 0.01). Greater values of VAS at baseline negatively correlate with lower values of Tegner Activity Scale at last follow-up (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The clinical outcomes were mostly related to the patients’ performance status prior surgery. A greater BMI was associated with greater rate of hypertrophy. Female sex and older age evidenced fair influence, while symptom duration prior to the surgical intervention and cartilage defect size evidenced no association with the surgical outcome. Lesion size and symptom duration did not evidence any association with the surgical outcome.
Kidney function measures and cardiovascular outcomes in people with diabetes: the Hoorn Diabetes Care System cohort
Authors: Dal Canto Elisa , Elders Petra J. M. , van der Heijden Amber A. , van Ballegooijen Adriana J. , Lissenberg-Witte Birgit I. , Rutters Femke , Beulens Joline W. J.
Published: November 2022

Aims/hypothesis

Both manifestations of kidney disease in diabetes, reduced eGFR (ml/min per 1.73 m2) and increased urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR, mg/mmol), may increase the risk of specific CVD subtypes in adults with diabetes.

Methods

We assessed the prospective association between annually recorded measures of eGFR and UACR and the occurrence of myocardial infarction (MI), CHD, stroke, heart failure (HF) and cardiovascular mortality in 13,657 individuals with diabetes (53.6% male, age 62.3±12.1 years) from the Hoorn Diabetes Care System cohort, using data obtained between 1998 and 2018. Multivariate time-dependent Cox regression models adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors were used to estimate HRs and 95% CI. Associations of eGFR were adjusted for UACR values and vice versa. Effect modification by sex was investigated for all associations.

Results

After a mean follow-up period of 7 years, event rates per 1000 person-years were 3.08 for MI, 3.72 for CHD, 1.12 for HF, 0.84 for stroke and 6.25 for cardiovascular mortality. Mildly reduced eGFR (60–90 ml/min per 1.73 m2) and moderately to severely reduced eGFR (<59 ml/min per 1.73 m2) were associated with higher risks of MI (HR 1.52; 95% CI 1.10, 2.12 and HR 1.69; 95% CI 1.09, 2.64) and CHD (HR 1.67; 95% CI 1.23, 2.26 and HR 2.01; 95% CI 1.34, 3.02) compared with normal eGFR (>90 ml/min per 1.73 m2). Mildly reduced eGFR was associated with a higher risk of stroke (HR 2.53; 95% CI 1.27, 5.03). Moderately increased UACR (3–30 mg/mmol) and severely increased UACR (>30 mg/mmol) were prospectively associated with a higher cardiovascular mortality risk in men and women (HR 1.87; 95% CI 1.41, 2.47 and HR 2.78; 95% CI 1.78, 4.34) compared with normal UACR (<3 mg/mmol). Significant effect modification by sex was observed for the association between UACR and HF. Because there were a limited number of HF events within the category of UACR >30 mg/mmol, categories were combined into UACR <3.0 and >3.0 mg/mmol in the stratified analysis. Women but not men with UACR >3.0 mg/mmol had a significantly higher risk of HF compared with normal UACR (HR 2.79; 95% CI 1.47, 5.28).

Conclusions/interpretation

This study showed differential and independent prospective associations between manifestations of early kidney damage in diabetes and several CVD subtypes, suggesting that regular monitoring of both kidney function measures may help to identify individuals at higher risk of specific cardiovascular events.

Graphical abstract
Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between arts engagement, loneliness, and social support in adolescence
Authors: Bone Jessica K. , Fancourt Daisy , Fluharty Meg E. , Paul Elise , Sonke Jill K. , Bu Feifei
Published: November 2022

Purpose

Although arts engagement holds promise for reducing loneliness and enhancing social support, previous research has focussed on older adults. We investigated whether arts engagement was associated with loneliness and social support during adolescence.

Methods

We included 11,780 adolescents aged 11–21 years from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, a nationally representative cohort study. We measured whether adolescents engaged in school-based arts activities (band, book club, chorus, choir, cheerleading, dance, drama club, newspaper, orchestra) at wave one (1994–1995). Loneliness and perceived social support from peers were measured at waves one and two (1996). We used logistic regression to test whether arts engagement was associated with concurrent and subsequent loneliness and social support.

Results

Arts engagement was not associated with concurrent or subsequent loneliness. Compared to not engaging, doing one or more school-based arts activities was associated with 59% higher odds of high social support concurrently (odds ratio [OR] = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.32–1.91). However, this cross-sectional association was attenuated after adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related covariates (adjusted OR [AOR] = 1.16, 95% CI = 0.95–1.42). In contrast, doing arts activities was associated with 28% higher odds of reporting high social support one year later (AOR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.03–1.59), independent of covariates and previous social support.

Conclusions

Extracurricular arts activities are associated with increased odds of reporting good subsequent social support from peers. This may be because they provide opportunities for social engagement, developing friendships, and building a sense of community. Exploring these associations in more detail should be a priority, enabling better understanding of this strategy for enhancing social ties during adolescence.
The impacts of probiotics in eradication therapy of Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Bai Xiaofen , Zhu Minjie , He Yajun , Wang Tengyan , Tian Da , Shu Jianchang
Published: November 2022

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a well-known pathogen that infects approximately half of the world’s population. It is a pathogenic agent with potential health hazards related to diverse diseases, especially digestive diseases, such as chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric carcinoma. In clinical, antibiotics are commonly applied in eradication therapy of H. pylori. However, the increase in antibiotic resistance and side effects has induced the failure of eradication therapy. Recent studies have shown that probiotic supplementation has promising application prospects. It can restore the gastrointestinal microbiota balance and prevent dysbacteriosis caused by antibiotics. Furthermore, it has been reported to have direct or indirect inhibitory effects on H. pylori. Probiotics may have a beneficial effect on H. pylori eradication. However, the strain, dosages, duration times, and safety of probiotic supplementation need further study before clinical applications.
Ternary rings of operators arising from inverse semigroups
Authors: Pluta Robert , Russo Bernard
Published: November 2022

We are interested in properties, especially injectivity (in the sense of category theory), of the ternary rings of operators generated by certain subsets of an inverse semigroup via the regular representation. We determine all subsets of the extended bicyclic semigroup which are closed under the triple product $$xy^*z$$

x

y
∗

z

(called semiheaps) and show that the weakly closed ternary rings of operators generated by them are injective operator spaces.