bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Symptomatology, Pulmonary Function and Response, and T Lymphocyte β2‐Receptors During Smoking Cessation in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Leader W. Greg , Wolf Karen M. , Cooper Thomas M. , Chandler Mary H.H. 
Published: October 2023

Study Objectives. To characterize the effect of smoking cessation and nicotine replacement on pulmonary symptomatology, baseline pulmonary function and response to terbutaline, and purified T lymphocyte β2‐receptor regulation; and the relationship between T lymphocyte β2‐receptor density and pulmonary function.Design. Open‐label, longitudinal, 28‐week study.Setting. A university clinical research center.Patients. Eighteen long‐term smokers with mild to moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were enrolled and seven completed the study.Interventions. Subjects stopped smoking with the aid of nicotine substitution and behavioral counseling. Pulmonary response (FEVi) to subcutaneous terbutaline and T lymphocyte β2‐receptor density (Bmax) and function (cAMP) were measured prior to smoking cessation (week 0), during nicotine replacement (week 8), and after nicotine cessation (week 28).Measurements and Main Results. Serum cotinine concentrations, plasma epinephrine concentrations, and day and night cough decreased significantly after smoking cessation, whereas basal cAMP concentrations increased (p<0.05). No significant change was seen in baseline FEV1, pulmonary response to terbutaline, or Bmax over the 28 weeks; however, intrasubject changes in Bmax between visits correlated significantly (p<0.05) with intrasubject changes in pulmonary response between visits.Conclusions. Our data indicate that smoking cessation is associated with a significant decrease in the symptomatology of COPD, and that change in T lymphocyte β2‐receptor density is a good marker of change in pulmonary response to β2‐agonists.
Evaluation of Ketorolac, Ibuprofen‐Paracetamol, and Dextropropoxyphene‐Paracetamol in Postoperative Pain
Authors: Naidu M.U.R. , Kumar T. Ramesh , Jagdishchandra U. Shobha , Babu P. Arvind , Rao M. Manimala , Babhulkar S.S. , Rao P. Tejeswar , Risbud Y. , Shah Ravindra 
Published: October 2023

Study Objective. To compare the analgesic efficacy of ketorolac, ibuprofen‐paracetamol (acetaminophen), and dextropropoxyphene‐paracetamol in postoperative pain.Design. Randomized, double‐blind, parallel, single‐dose study.Setting. Multicenter, with five centers participating.Patients. One hundred sixty patients with moderate to severe postoperative pain requiring oral analgesics were enrolled. Seventeen patients were excluded from final analysis due to deviation from protocol.Interventions. Ketorolac tromethamine 10 mg, a combination of ibuprofen 400 mg plus paracetamol 325 mg, or a combination of dextropropoxyphene 65 mg plus paracetamol 400 mg was given orally to patients with moderate to severe baseline pain.Measurements and Main Results. Pain intensity and pain relief scores were rated at baseline, at 30 minutes, and hourly to 6 hours. Until the end of first hour, analgesia was similar for all three regimens. Ketorolac had a significantly higher analgesic effect than the two combinations between hours 2 and 6. Analgesia was similar for the two combinations. For all three test drugs the frequency of adverse effects was similar.Conclusions. Ketorolac 10 mg is a superior analgesic to ibuprofen‐paracetamol or dextropropoxyphene‐paracetamol in the treatment of postoperative pain.
Activation of G protein‐coupled receptor 39 alleviates neuropathic pain and chronic inflammation
Authors: Cheng Fang , Yan Fengfeng , Yang Aixing , Liu Jing , Ma Jianxin 
Published: October 2023

AbstractNeuropathic pain (NP) is mainly caused by lesions or diseases of the somatosensory nervous system and triggers severe physical burdens to patients. It is claimed that activated microglia‐mediated neuroinflammation participates in the development of NP, which is regulated by p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor‐κappa B (NF‐κB) p65 signaling. G protein‐coupled receptor 39 (GPR39) is a trans‐membrane protein involved in the activation of cellular transduction pathways, and TC‐G 1008, a GPR39 agonist, is believed to have inhibitory effects on neuroinflammation. Our study will explore the possible alleviatory function of TC‐G 1008 on NP in a rat model. GPR39 was found markedly downregulated in the spinal dorsal horn of chronic constriction injury (CCI)‐stimulated rats. Rats were treated with CCI, followed by intranasal administration with 7.5 and 15 mg/kg TC‐G 1008 at 1, 25, 49, and 73 h postmodeling, respectively. Drastically lowered values of paw withdrawal threshold and paw withdrawal latency, upregulated ionized calcium‐binding adapter molecule 1, increased release of inflammatory cytokines, elevated spinal malondialdehyde levels, and reduced spinal glutathione peroxidase levels were observed in CCI‐stimulated rats, all of which were markedly alleviated and rescued by TC‐G 1008. Furthermore, the levels of p‐p38/p38 and p‑NF‑κB p65 were found signally repressed in the spinal dorsal horn of CCI‐stimulated rats, which was notably reversed by TC‐G 1008. Collectively, TC‐G 1008 markedly alleviated NP and neuroinflammation in CCI‐treated rats. Our findings provide an attractive future direction for the treatment of NP.
Testosterone restores TM3 and TM4 cell viability, reduces reactive oxygen species generation, and protects against atrazine‐induced stereological changes in rat testes
Authors: Mgbudom‐Okah Chidimma J. , Abarikwu Sunny O. , Wegwu Matthew O. , Henkel Ralf 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn this study, we performed the stereological examination of rat testes and evaluated the protective effect of testosterone against atrazine (ATZ) toxicity in TM3 Leydig and TM4 Sertoli cells. Testosterone intake in rats increased the volumetric density of the seminiferous tubules; tubular diameter; germinal epithelial height; number of spermatogonia, primary and secondary spermatocytes, round spermatids, Sertoli cells, and Leydig cells; and Johnsen scores compared with the values after ATZ treatment (p < 0.05). Furthermore, testosterone increased the viability of TM3 cells and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in TM4 cells compared to the ATZ‐treated group. In conclusion, exogenous testosterone intake maintains testicular morphometry and spermatogenesis in rats, and minimizes cell death and ROS generation in testicular cell lines exposed to ATZ. However, TM4 cells are more responsive to testosterone‐mediated regulation of ROS generation induced by ATZ than TM3 cells.
Taurine promotes muscle fiber type transformation through CaN/NFATc1 signaling in porcine myoblasts
Authors: An Wenting , Huang Zhiqing , Mao Zhengyu , Jia Gang , Zhao Hua , Liu Guangmang , Chen Xiaoling 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThis study investigated the effect of taurine (TAU) on the muscle fiber type transformation in porcine myoblasts and its molecular mechanisms. The findings revealed that TAU augmented the protein expression of slow MyHC and the enzyme activities of oxidative metabolism markers like malate dehydrogenase and succinic dehydrogenase. Conversely, it curtailed the expression of fast MyHC and glycolytic metabolism enzyme activity of lactate dehydrogenase. Moreover, TAU elevated the expression of genes associated with oxidative fiber while diminishing the expression of those linked to glycolytic fibers, suggesting that TAU promoted the muscle fiber type transformation from glycolytic fiber to oxidative fiber. Additionally, TAU notably enhanced the expression of key molecules of calcineurin (CaN)/nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1) signaling and the CaN activity in porcine myoblasts. However, CaN inhibitor cyclosporine A abolished these effects induced by TAU. Our results indicated that TAU regulated the muscle fiber type transformation from glycolytic to oxidative fiber by activation of CaN/NFATc1 signaling.
Evaluation of a smartphone‐operated point‐of‐care device using loop‐mediated isothermal amplification technology for rapid and remote detection of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Meyers Eline , Park JeongHo , Coen Anja , Raman Leen , Heytens Stefan , Rhee Joowon , Padalko Elizaveta , Cools Piet 
Published: October 2023

AbstractDuring the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic, rapid and sensitive detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 has been of high importance for outbreak control. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) is the current gold standard, however, the procedures require an equipped laboratory setting and personnel, which have been regularly overburdened during the pandemic. This often resulted in long waiting times for patients. In contrast, reverse transcriptase loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (RT‐LAMP) is a simple, cost‐efficient, and fast procedure, allowing for rapid and remote detection of SARS‐CoV‐2. In the current study, we performed a clinical evaluation of a new point‐of‐care test system based on LAMP‐technology for SARS‐CoV‐2 detection, providing a result within 25 min (1copy™ COVID‐19 MDx Kit Professional system). We tested 112 paired nasopharyngeal swabs, collected in the COVID‐19 Ghent University Hospital test center, using the 1copy™ COVID‐19 MDx Kit Professional system, and RT‐PCR as the reference method. The test system was found to have a clinical sensitivity of 93.24% (69/74) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 84.93%–97.77%) and specificity of 97.37% (37/38) (95% CI: 86.19%–99.93%). Due to its easy smartphone operation and ready‐to‐use reagents, it ought to be easily applied in for instance general practices, pharmacies, nursing homes, schools, and companies. This would facilitate an efficient SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreak control and quarantine policy, as diagnosis can occur sooner in a near‐patient setting.
Structural basis of the American mink ACE2 binding by Y453F trimeric spike glycoproteins of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Ahn Hyunjun , Calderon Brenda M. , Fan Xiaoyu , Gao Yunrong , Horgan Natalie L. , Jiang Nannan , Blohm Dylan S. , Hossain Jaber , Rayyan Nicole Wedad K. , Osman Sarah H. , Lin Xudong , Currier Michael , Steel John , Wentworth David E. , Zhou Bin , Liang Bo 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSevere Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) enters the host cell by binding to angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). While evolutionarily conserved, ACE2 receptors differ across various species and differential interactions with Spike (S) glycoproteins of SARS‐CoV‐2 viruses impact species specificity. Reverse zoonoses led to SARS‐CoV‐2 outbreaks on multiple American mink (Mustela vison) farms during the pandemic and gave rise to mink‐associated S substitutions known for transmissibility between mink and zoonotic transmission to humans. In this study, we used bio‐layer interferometry (BLI) to discern the differences in binding affinity between multiple human and mink‐derived S glycoproteins of SARS‐CoV‐2 and their respective ACE2 receptors. Further, we conducted a structural analysis of a mink variant S glycoprotein and American mink ACE2 (mvACE2) using cryo‐electron microscopy (cryo‐EM), revealing four distinct conformations. We discovered a novel intermediary conformation where the mvACE2 receptor is bound to the receptor‐binding domain (RBD) of the S glycoprotein in a “down” position, approximately 34° lower than previously reported “up” RBD. Finally, we compared residue interactions in the S‐ACE2 complex interface of S glycoprotein conformations with varying RBD orientations. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of SARS‐CoV‐2 entry.
Electronic System Design for a Bespoke Sports Training Equipment
Authors: Tunsoiu Nicolae , Doicin Cristian‐Vasile , Ulmeanu Mihaela‐Elena , Dugăeșescu Ileana , Tunsoiu Maria‐Cristina 
Published: October 2023

AbstractA complex smart product is usually made up of three main systems, namely the mechanical, electronic, and software systems. The current paper proposes a targeted design structure for the electronic system of a bespoke training equipment, so that it enables customized training strategies for ball sports. This is achieved through innovative technical solutions which enable customizable ball trajectories through programmed rotational angles of the launching system. In this case, the electronic system provides focused solutions to determine and project the specific ball trajectories, while ensuring a high degree of repeatability. Selecting the appropriate electronic components, which facilitate and enhance the capabilities of hardware components, is key in order to create a bespoke and modular training equipment concept. In order to actuate and control custom 3D printed components, an adaptable electronic system is designed. In this case, the electronic system commands the actuation of the motors and controls the acquisition of data from various sensors for the proper functioning of the product prototype. For the design and manufacturing of the bespoke sports training equipment, principal and secondary motors are used, which actuate several components: a custom 3D printed launch blade; a microcontroller; a gyroscope for position management and control; a sensor for sending commands from a remote control; an Arduino board for communication between motors and the software application; switching sources; motor drivers.
Heat Transfer in 3D‐Printed Polymer Cylindrical Parts
Authors: Hrițuc Adelina , Mihalache Andrei Marius , Slătineanu Laurențiu , Dodun Oana , Nagîț Gheorghe 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAmong the interesting thermal properties of polymeric materials is questionable their ability to transfer heat. The last decades have shown a significant expansion of manufacturing parts from polymeric materials using 3D printing processes. It is known that these processes allow changing the values of some input factors in the 3D printing workflow, which also leads to a change in the way the polymer material is arranged in part and, therefore, to a change in the capacity of the polymer material to transmit heat. To better understand how the variation of some input factors in the 3D printing process can change the way heat is transferred in test samples of polylactic acid (PLA) manufactured by 3D printing, a relatively simple device is designed whereby one of the surfaces of the test sample comes into contact with an aluminum alloy part heated using electrical resistance. Recording images using an infrared video camera helped to complete the information on how heat is transmitted through the test sample.
Design of high‐efficiency broadband power amplifier based on split‐ring resonator input matching network
Authors: Song Yu , Liu Guohua , Cheng Zhiqun 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn this letter, a novel design method of split‐ring resonator (SRR) as the input matching network (IMN) of power amplifier (PA) is proposed. Compared with conventional microstrip lines, SRR is capable of providing necessary harmonic short‐circuit while achieving broadband impedance matching. Applying the even–odd‐mode theory, the impedance transformation characteristics of SRR are analyzed and show SRR can perform accurate impedance matching. To verify the proposed method, a PA is designed and implemented, the input impedance of 10‐W GaN transistor is well matched to the source impedance by the SRR IMN in the operation band of 1.0–3.0 GHz. The measurement results show that the maximum drain efficiency of PA can reach 79.5% with 41.8 dBm of average output power in the operation band.
Who must adapt to whom? Contested discourses on human–wolf coexistence and their impact on policy in Spain
Authors: Pettersson Hanna L. , Holmes George , Quinn Claire H. , Sait Steven M. , Blanco Juan Carlos 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Emerging nature restoration agendas are increasing the pressure on rural communities to coexist with expanding wildlife, including large carnivores. There are different interpretations of coexistence, stemming from divergent ways of conceptualising and relating to nature. Yet there is limited understanding of how and why certain interpretations become dominant, and how this influences conservation policy and practice.

This question is highly relevant for the management of wolves in Spain. Until recently, the national strategy allowed certain regional autonomy in creating and enacting coexistence policy, including through culling and sport hunting. However, in 2021, the national government declared wolves strictly protected throughout the country, despite strong contestations about whether and why it was necessary.

We studied the discursive processes that co‐produced this policy shift. First, we explored interpretations among communities that share, or will share, space with wolves, using qualitative field data. Second, we triangulated local interpretations with framings in public media to identify prominent discourses about coexistence. Third, we traced how these discourses interacted with Spanish conservation policy: who was heard and why.

We highlight three prominent discourses: wolf protectionism, traditionalism and pragmatism, each proposing a distinct pathway to coexistence with wolves. Through our policy analysis, we illuminate a dominance of protectionism within national politics, which justified a centralised technocratic pathway while downplaying place‐based approaches. The resulting coexistence policy was highly contested and appears to have increased social conflict over wolves.

Our findings reveal knowledge hierarchies within Spanish policy frameworks that promotes ‘mainstream’ conservationists' narrow interpretation of what nature and coexistence should be. This has perpetuated an apolitical approach that is focussed on mediating direct impacts from wolves, rather than conflicting worldviews, and that undermines efforts to promote dialogue and local stewardship. While our research is centred on Spain, the findings are of broad relevance since they reveal structural barriers that constrain the incorporation of diverse knowledge systems into conservation policy, and subsequent transformations towards socially just and locally adapted coexistence programmes.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
PVDF/MWCNTs/RGO@Fe3O4/AgNWs composite film with a bilayer structure for high EMI shielding and electrical conductivity
Authors: Tan Yanyan , Xue Yu , Li Kuntian , Liu Shan , Tan Fang , Wu Xiao , Qin Qingqing , Lei Ting , Yang Yuanyuan , Qin Shuhao , Zhang Daohai 
Published: October 2023

AbstractWith the renewal of electromagnetic shielding materials, conducting polymer electromagnetic shielding composites stand out. In the article, ferric tetraoxide‐modified reduced graphene oxide (RGO@Fe3O4), silver nanowires (AgNWs) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K30) were blended to form a solution colloid, and polyvinylidene fluoride/carbon nanotubes (PVDF/MWCNTs)‐3 wt% composite film was used as the substrate, then the PVDF‐based bilayer composite films were prepared by vacuum‐assisted filtration (VNF).When RGO@Fe3O4 was added in the amount of 10 mL, the electrical conductivity of PVDF/MWCNTs/RGO@Fe3O4‐10 bilayer composite film is 1.7 × 101 S·m−1, the total electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (EMI SET) was 20.4 dB, of which the absorption loss accounted for 82.4%, and the specific electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (SSE/t) was 590.9 dB/(cm2·g−1). After the addition of 25 mL AgNWs, the electrical conductivity of PVDF/MWCNTs/RGO@Fe3O4/AgNWs‐25 bilayer composite film up to 4.9 × 104 S·m−1, the EMI SET was 94.4 dB, of which the absorption loss accounted for 85.4%, and the specific electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (SSE/t) was 3629.3 dB/(cm2·g−1). It indicates that the electromagnetic shielding mechanism of both bilayer composite films is dominated by absorption loss. The addition of RGO@Fe3O4/AgNWs increases the electrical conductivity and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of the bilayer composite films more than RGO@Fe3O4. The successful preparation of this bilayer composite film makes it possible to form lightweight superconducting nanoparticles from high‐density metal‐modified carbon‐based materials, which provides an easy method for the preparation of highly conductive electromagnetic shielding composites.Highlights
In this article, well dispersed highly conductive‐doped nanomaterials Fe3O4@RGO were prepared and characterized by hydrothermal synthesis.
In this article, silver nanowires with good conductivity and high aspect ratio were prepared and characterized by liquid phase polyol method.
In this article, three‐dimensional mesh PVDF‐based bilayer composite films with more excellent electromagnetic shielding properties were prepared by solution blending and vacuum‐assisted filtration using PVDF/MWCNTs‐3 wt% composite films as substrates.
In this article, the electromagnetic shielding mechanism of bilayer composite films is discussed from the knowledge of three‐dimensional aspects.
Robust multi‐walled carbon nanotubes@thermoplastic polyurethane porous films with conductive fabrics for wearable triboelectric nanogenerators
Authors: Wang Haoxuan , Yang Jingwen , Umer Syed , Zhu Ning , Yang Guang , Li Yafang , Yan Jing 
Published: October 2023

AbstractFor sustainable wearable applications, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) should have the features of flexibility, robustness, biocompatibility, and integration. For this purpose, flexible TENGs were proposed using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film with a porous structure and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) was incorporated to enhance the output performance by forming microcapatitors. The conductive fabric was embedded in the friction layer as electrodes, convenient for integration and wearing. Benefiting from the porous structure and microcapatitor effect, the results showed that the output voltage and current of TENG based on the MWCNT@TPU porous composite film increased to 41 V, and 12.4 μA when the concentration of TPU was 18 wt% and the concentration of MWCNT was 0.3 wt%, from the original 9 V and 1.5 μA for TENG with dense TPU film. The harvested electric energy was enough to light up 148 LEDs or 18 COBs, as well as charging capacitors for powering micro‐electronics. In addition, the TENG could be used for sensing emergency situations and identifying objects. Generally, the designed TENG provides new insights into investigating porous materials with flexibility for high performance energy harvesters.Highlights
A wearable, integratable and durable triboelectric layer was developed.
The triboelectric layer was optimized by incorporating carbon nanotubes.
The outputs of TENG were improved by porous structure and microcapatitor effect.
The TENG had a great potential in energy harvesting and protective alarm system.