Major Patterns Research Articles

Insights into spatio-temporal dynamics during shock–droplet flame interaction

This study comprehensively investigates the response of a combusting droplet during its interaction with a high-speed transient flow imposed by a coaxially propagating blast wave. The blast wave is generated using a specially designed miniature shock generator that produces blast waves using the wire-explosion technique, facilitating a wide range of Mach numbers (1.03 < Ms < 1.8). The experiments are performed in two configurations: open field and focused blast wave. The charging voltage and the configuration determine the Mach number (Ms) and flow characteristics. The flame is found to exhibit two major response patterns: partial extinction followed by reignition and full extinction. Increasing the Mach number (Ms > 1.1) makes the droplet flame more vulnerable to extinction. Additionally, the flame exhibits stretching and shedding, followed by reignition at lower Mach numbers (Ms < 1.06). In all cases, the flame base lifts off in response to the imposed flow, and the advection of the flame base interacting with the flame tip results in flame extinction. The entire interaction occurs in two stages: (i) interaction with the blast wave and the decaying velocity profile associated with it, and (ii) interaction with the induced flow behind the blast wave as a result of the entrainment (delayed response). Alongside the flame's response, the droplet also interacts with the flow imposed by the blast wave, exhibiting different response modes including pure deformation, Rayleigh–Taylor piercing bag breakup and shear-induced stripping.

Habitual Dietary Patterns of Maintenance Haemodialysis Patients and the Relationship Between Malnutrition Risk-A Multicentre Cross-Sectional Diet Survey.

To identify habitual dietary patterns in maintenance haemodialysis patients and analyse their association with malnutrition. A multicentre cross-sectional dietary survey was conducted among 232 maintenance haemodialysis patients from three centres. A 3-day 24-h diet recall and demographic, clinical and therapeutic information were collected. Factor analysis was used to identify the major dietary patterns among haemodialysis patients. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between dietary patterns and malnutrition risk. Three dietary patterns were identified in this study and differed in age, gender and diabetes. An 'animal foods and refined grains' dietary pattern meets guideline requirements. A 'fresh fruits and nuts' dietary pattern had insufficient daily energy and protein intake with the lowest carbohydrates, lipids and minerals intake among haemodialysis patients. A 'dairy products' dietary pattern characterised by low calorie and moderate protein was found to be associated with malnutrition. Habitual dietary patterns of maintenance haemodialysis patients were associated with personal characteristics, specifically age, gender and diabetes. Patients with habitual 'dairy products' dietary patterns may have poor nutritional status. Educating haemodialysis patients about their daily diet pattern, rather than focusing on nutrients, is crucial and will help them to understand it better. Clinical staff can recognise patients at risk of malnutrition by a dietary pattern of lower intake of certain foods. They can recommend a balanced nutritional pattern that increases calories in the total diet and meets protein requirements.

Impact of sleep duration and dietary patterns on risk of metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and elderly adults: a cross-sectional study from a survey in Anhui, Eastern China

The aim of this study was to assess the sleep status of middle-aged and elderly adults in Bengbu City, Anhui Province, China, to identify the major dietary patterns, and to analyze the association of different sleep duration and dietary patterns with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its related influencing factors, as well as to explore the predictive value of sleep duration and dietary patterns. A cross-sectional analysis was performed utilizing data collected from the Community-based Cardiovascular and Health Promotion Study 2019 (COCHPS 2019) conducted in Bengbu. The definition of MetS adhered to the criteria of Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Dyslipidemia in Chinese Adults (2016 Revision). Dietary information was obtained using the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) to assess dietary intake over the past year. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to identify dominant dietary patterns. A logistic regression model was developed to analyze the associations among sleep duration, dietary patterns, and MetS, and a decision tree (DT) model was developed to compare factors affecting MetS and screen people at high risk for MetS. The prevalence of MetS was 13.4% among the 9132 middle-aged and elderly residents over 45 years of age included in COCHPS 2019. Participants were divided into short (< 6 h/d), normal (6–8 h/d), and long (> 8 h/d) groups based on their daily sleep duration. Three dietary patterns were identified by PCA, the fruit-milk pattern, the tubers-meat pattern, and the vegetable-cereal pattern. After adjusting for covariables, logistic regression analysis showed that long sleep duration was significantly negatively associated with MetS. The fruit-milk and vegetable-cereal patterns were negatively associated with MetS, whereas the tubers-meat pattern was positively correlated with MetS. The results of the DT model analysis showed that the vegetable-cereal pattern is the most important factor impacting MetS, followed by marital status, the tubers-meat pattern, the fruit-milk pattern, exercise, sleep duration, and gender. The DT model also screened out five types of MetS high-risk groups. The results of our study indicate that normal sleep duration and consumption of either a fruit-milk or vegetable-cereal diet may lower the likelihood of developing MetS in middle-aged and elderly adults.

Complexity and weak integration promote the diversity of reef fish oral jaws

Major trade-offs often manifest as axes of diversity in organismal functional systems. Overarching trade-offs may result in high trait integration and restrict the trajectory of diversification to be along a single axis. Here, we explore the diversification of the feeding mechanism in coral reef fishes to establish the role of trade-offs and complexity in a spectacular ecological radiation. We show that the primary axis of variation in the measured musculo-skeletal traits is aligned with a trade-off between mobility and force transmission, spanning species that capture prey with suction and those that bite attached prey. We found weak or no covariation between about half the traits, reflecting deviations from the trade-off axis. The dramatic trophic range found among reef fishes occurs along the primary trade-off axis, with numerous departures that use a mosaic of trait combinations to adapt the feeding mechanism to diverse challenges. We suggest that morphological evolution both along and independent of a major axis of variation is a widespread mechanism of diversification in complex systems where a global trade-off shapes major patterns of diversity. Significant additional diversity emerges as systems use weak integration and complexity to assemble functional units with many trait combinations that meet varying ecological demands.

Empirically Derived Dietary Patterns in Association with Asthma Symptoms in Children and Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Limited data exists regarding the association between dietary patterns and asthma. This study aims to determine the relationship between empirically derived dietary patterns and the likelihood of asthma among a large population of children and adolescents living in central Iran. Methods: A total of 7667 of male and female students aged 6-14 from 48 public and private schools in YAZD urban areas entered the current cross-sectional study. Data on dietary intakes, as well as asthma symptoms and other possible confounders, were collected using a self-administered questionnaire filled by parents. Factor analysis was applied to find major dietary patterns. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for asthma development across quintiles of dietary patterns. Results: Two main dietary patterns were established. A “traditional diet” was determined by meat, fish, fruits, cooked vegetable, raw vegetable, legumes, cereals, bread, macaroni, rice, margarine, butter, olive oil, milk, yogurt, egg, nuts, potato, and a “western-like diet” was characterized by high intakes of simple sugars, fast food(hamburger), fast food (pizza), soft drinks, jelly, chocolate and biscuits of cocoa, ice cream, and sauce. After adjusting for potential confounders, individuals in the top quintile of traditional diet were 0.31 times less likely to have asthma than those in the lowest quintile (OR=0.69; 95% CI: 0.47-1.00). Moreover, individuals in the top quintile of traditional diet were 0.43 times less likely to have wheezing compared with those in the lowest quintile (OR=0.57, 95% CI: 0.46-0.70). However, individuals in the top quintile of the western diet were 0.35 times more likely to have wheezing than those in the lowest quintile (OR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.10-1.66). Conclusions: According to the results, a traditional diet might be associated with lower odds of asthma; however, a western-like diet might be adversely associated with asthma symptoms.

Association between major dietary patterns and obesity phenotypes in southwest China: baseline survey results from Hechuan

BackgroundThis study aimed to identify the main dietary patterns in Hechuan and clarify how they are associated with obesity phenotypes.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted based on a baseline survey of a general population cohort study in southwest China. A semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to investigate the dietary habits of the participants in the past year. Principal component analysis was conducted to identify the main dietary patterns, and multinomial logistic regression analysis was conducted to describe the association between the major dietary patterns and obesity phenotypes.ResultsThree major dietary patterns were identified. The participants who followed the wheaten food dietary pattern had a higher likelihood of having metabolically normal obesity (MHO) (odds ratio (OR) 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–1.08), metabolically abnormal normal weight (MUNW) (OR 1.08, 95%CI 1.00–1.16), and metabolically abnormal obesity (MUO) (OR 1.07, 95%CI 1.04–1.11). Specifically, those with the highest wheaten food dietary pattern were 1.60 times more likely to have MHO (OR 1.60, 95%CI 1.25–2.05), 2.62 times more likely to have MUNW (OR 2.62, 95%CI 1.28–5.37), and 2.01 times more likely to have MUO (OR 2.01, 95%CI 1.51–2.69) than those with the lowest wheaten food dietary pattern.ConclusionThe wheaten food dietary pattern may increase the risk of obesity and metabolic abnormalities. Therefore, timely interventions should be carried out for this group of people.

Adaptation and innovation in darter fish cranial musculature (Etheostomatinae: Percidae): insights from diceCT

Abstract Fish skulls are often highly kinetic, with multiple linkage and lever systems powered by a diverse suite of muscles. Comparative analysis of the evolution of soft-tissue structures in the fish skull is often limited under traditional approaches, while new imaging techniques like diceCT (diffusible iodine-based contrast-enhanced computed tomography) allow for high-resolution imaging of muscles in situ. Darters (Percidae: Etheostomatinae) are a diminutive and species-rich clade of lotic freshwater fishes, which show diverse head shapes believed to be associated with different foraging strategies. We used diceCT to sample all major cranial adductors and abductors responsible for movement of the jaw, hyoid, operculum, and suspensorium from 29 species. We applied comparative phylogenetic approaches to analyse the evolutionary trends in muscle size across the clade. We found two major patterns: (i) darter cranial muscles show fundamental trade-offs relating to investment in musculature, as well as buccal expansion vs. biting attributes; early divergence in muscle size appears to be associated with shifts in habitat use and foraging; (ii) darter adductor mandibulae show high variation in architecture (fibre orientation, divisions). This study highlights how new imaging techniques can provide novel insights into the anatomy of even well-sampled/represented clades.

Chromatographic properties of deamidated peptides with Asn-Gly sequences in proteomic bottom-up experiments

Studies surrounding deamidation have relied on the chromatographic and mass spectrometric differentiation of Asn containing peptides and their isomeric Asp and iso-Asp products. The development of mass spectrometry analytical techniques and characterization of isomer specific fragmentation patterns has permitted the investigation of some deamidation species but has struggled to remain effective when applied and on complex samples or in high throughput scenarios. On the other hand, chromatographic separations can provide additional information to facilitate detection of deamidation. In this work the retention characteristics of deamidation products have been reported in reversed-phase separations using formic acid as an ion-pairing modifier. We found three major elution patterns depending on primary and secondary structure of Asn-Gly containing tryptic peptides. Random coil, helical conformations, and N-terminal positioning of Asn usually result in Asn < iso-Asp < Asp, iso-Asp < Asn < Asp, and Asn < Asp < iso-Asp elution order, respectively. These trends, found from the analyses of proteomic samples, were subsequently confirmed via analytical scale UV-HPLC. Additionally, we determined the retention shifts following deamidation for twenty various separation settings used as a first-dimension fractionation for high-throughput proteomic 2D LC-MS/MS analyses.

The Role of Neuromuscular Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Peripheral Neuropathy.

The classification of peripheral neuropathies has traditionally been based on etiology, electrodiagnostic findings, or histopathologic features. With the advent of modern imaging, they now can also be characterized based on their varied distribution of imaging findings. We describe the major morphologic patterns of these changes, which include homogeneous enlargement; homogeneous thinning; focal, multifocal, and segmental enlargement; and focal thinning and beading (multifocal thinning). Representative disorders in each of these categories are discussed, along with examples of the more complex imaging manifestations of neuralgic amyotrophy, nerve transection, and hereditary amyloidosis. An appreciation of the diverse morphologic manifestations of neuropathy can help neuromuscular clinicians conduct appropriate imaging studies with ultrasound and, when needed, order suitable investigations with magnetic resonance neurography.

Genome-wide identification and analysis of anthocyanin synthesis-related R2R3-MYB genes in Fragaria pentaphylla

BackgroundMYB transcription factors regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis across numerous plant species. However, comprehensive genome-wide investigations regarding the R2R3-MYB gene family and its involvement in regulating anthocyanin biosynthesis in the red and white fruit color morphs of Fragaria pentaphylla remain scarce.ResultsA total of 101 FpR2R3-MYB genes were identified from the F. pentaphylla genome and were divided into 34 subgroups based on phylogenetic analysis. Gene structure (exon/intron) and protein motifs were particularly conserved among the FpR2R3-MYB genes, especially members within the same subgroup. The FpR2R3-MYB genes were distributed over seven F. pentaphylla chromosomes. Analysis of gene duplication events revealed five pairs of tandem duplication genes and 16 pairs of segmental duplication genes, suggesting that segmental duplications are the major pattern for expansion of the FpR2R3-MYB gene family expansion in F. pentaphylla. Cis-regulatory elements of the FpR2R3-MYB promoters were involved in cellular development, phytohormones, environmental stress and photoresponse. Based on the analysis of the FpR2R3-MYB gene family and transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) data, FpMYB9 was identified as a key transcription factor involved in the regulation of anthocyanin synthesis in F. pentaphylla fruits. The expression of FpMYB9 increases significantly during the ripening stage of red fruits, as confirmed by reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR. In addition, subcellular localization experiments further confirmed the nuclear presence of FpMYB9, supporting its role as a transcription factor involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis.ConclusionOur results showed that the FpR2R3-MYB genes are highly conserved and play important roles in the anthocyanin biosynthesis in F. pentaphylla fruits. Our results also provide a compelling basis for further understanding of the regulatory mechanism underlying the role of FpMYB9 in anthocyanin formation in F. pentaphylla fruits.

Effects of the interaction between body mass index and dietary patterns on severe NAFLD incidence: A prospective cohort study

BackgroundIt remains unclear whether the associations between dietary patterns and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) vary by body mass index (BMI). We aimed to explore the association between dietary patterns and severe NAFLD incidence, and further investigate the interaction of BMI with dietary patterns. MethodsIn a prospective cohort study using UK Biobank data, we included White participants with baseline food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) information. Principal component analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation was performed to identify major dietary patterns. The primary outcome was severe NAFLD, defined as hospitalization due to NAFLD or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We employed cause-specific Cox regression for competing risks to assess the association and calculated the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) to estimate the interaction of BMI. ResultsThis study included 307,130 participants with a median follow-up of 12.68 years. 3,104 cases of severe NAFLD were identified. PCA analysis revealed two primary dietary patterns: a prudent diet (RC1) and a meat-based diet (RC2). Multivariate analysis showed a standard deviation (SD) increase in RC1 was associated with lower severe NAFLD risk (HR 0.91 [95% CI 0.88 to 0.94]), while a SD increase in RC2 was associated with higher risk (1.10 [1.05 to 1.14]). Significant interactions were observed between baseline BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 and dietary patterns (RC1: RERI: –0.22 [95% CI –0.43 to –0.003]; RC2: 0.29 [0.03 to 0.56]). ConclusionsTargeted dietary modifications are vital for specific populations at risk of severe NAFLD, considering the significant interaction observed between BMI and dietary patterns.

Comparison of extracellular Giant depolarizing potentials in vitro and early sharp waves in vivo in the CA1 hippocampus of neonatal rats

Giant Depolarizing Potentials (GDPs) and Early Sharp Waves (eSPWs) are the major patterns of neuronal network activity in the developing hippocampus of neonatal rodents in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Because of certain similarities in their electrographic traits, GDPs and eSPWs were originally considered as homologous patterns. Here, we compared electrographic features and current density profiles of field GDPs (fGDPs) and eSPWs using extracellular multisite silicon probe recordings from neonatal rat CA1 hippocampus. We found that fGDPs in hippocampal slices were much less in amplitude than eSPWs, and were characterized by electronegativity and current sinks in CA1 pyramidal cell layer and stratum radiatum, and positive waves/sources in stratum lacunosum-moleculare. eSPWs in vivo showed a remarkably different depth profile, with positivity and current source in the CA1 pyramidal cell layer, and negativity/sinks in stratum radiatum and stratum lacunosum-moleculare. Current sinks of CA3-evoked responses corresponded to sinks of fGDPs and eSPWs in the stratum radiatum. However, current sinks of entorhinal inputs - evoked responses in stratum lacunosum-moleculare, which were characteristic of eSPWs, were absent in fGDPs. In addition, fGDPs more strongly modulated neuronal firing in CA1 compared to eSPWs. Thus, we show important differences in the electrographic properties of GDPs and eSPWs that challenge the homology of these two activity patterns.

Insights into Retinal Metastasis from Systemic Carcinoma: A Systematic Review of Clinical and Multimodal Imaging Characteristics.

Background/Objectives: Retinal metastasis (RM) is an exceptionally rare clinical condition, comprising less than 1% of ocular metastasis cases. This study aims to investigate the clinical features of RM originating from systemic carcinoma. Methods: A systematic review (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022344724). Results: The systematic review revealed 58 cases involving 61 eyes. Most of the cases (82.8%) had a known primary malignancy before RM was diagnosed. The main primary sites were the lung (45.8%), gastrointestinal tract (23.7%), and breast (16.9%). The lung was the most common (80.0%) carcinoma in cases with unknown primary sites. The median survival after RM diagnosis was 11 months. The main clinical patterns were patchy retinal infiltrates (35.7%), an elevated retinal mass (63.8%), and punctate retinal infiltrates (7.1%). Subretinal fluid, vitreous seeding, and choroidal invasion were noted in 57.4%, 41.0%, and 6.6% of eyes, respectively. Key multimodal imaging features were early hypofluorescence with mid-to-late hyperfluorescence on fluorescein angiography (84.6%) and hyper-reflectiveness on optical coherence tomography (70.8%). A final best-corrected visual acuity of ≤20/200 was noted in 66.7% of the eyes. Conclusions: Patchy retinal infiltrates, an elevated retinal mass, and punctate retinal infiltrates are the major clinical patterns of RM from systemic carcinoma. The primary carcinoma sites are the lung, gastrointestinal tract, and breast. Systemic and visual prognoses were unfavorable.

Association between empirically derived nutrient patterns and breast cancer: a case–control study in a Middle Eastern country

PurposeThe risk of breast cancer (BC) and related mortality have increased in Middle-East countries during recent decades. The relationship between several nutrient intakes and the risk of BC has been investigated in several studies. However, few studies have estimated the effects of patterns of different nutrient intake on the risk of BC in this region.MethodsA total of 453 patients who were recently diagnosed with breast cancer and 516 healthy women participated in the current case–control study. To evaluate the dietary intakes, we used a validated 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) during the last year. Nutrient Patterns (NPs) were extracted through factor analysis (FA) of energy-adjusted twenty-six nutrients. The relationship between nutrient patterns and the risk of breast cancer in pre and post-menopausal women was estimated by multivariable regression.ResultsFour major nutrient patterns were identified in the current study. The first nutrient pattern was rich in animal protein, retinol, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, cobalamin, and calcium. Higher saturated fatty acids (SFAs), mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and trans fatty acids (TFAs), and lower intakes of niacin were observed in nutrient pattern 2. The third nutrient pattern was rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. Nutrient pattern 4, was associated with higher intakes of vegetable protein, alpha-tocopherol, and magnesium. A significant inverse relationship was observed between adherence to nutrient pattern 3 and the risk of BC in all participants [odds ratio (OR) = 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.50, 0.97, P = 0.03) and pre-menopausal women (OR = 0.59 (0.39–0.89), P = 0.01).ConclusionDecreasing odds of breast cancer were observed by adherence to a nutrient pattern high in dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Future prospective investigations are recommended to confirm these findings.

Professor Li Fenping's Approach to Treating Insomnia Based on Liver Theory

Insomnia, classified under the category of “Bu Mian” in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is a chronic condition characterized by the inability to obtain normal sleep. It is closely related to liver function. TCM treatment for insomnia follows the holistic principle of “integrating man with nature” and applies syndrome differentiation to implement individualized treatments. The safety of herbal medicine, combined with the absence of drug dependence, makes it highly favored by patients compared to Western medications. Professor Li Fenping believes that insomnia results from dysfunction in the liver’s regulation of Qi and blood, which prevents the Hun (ethereal soul) from returning, thus disrupting sleep. Based on clinical practice, she has identified four major liver-related patterns in insomnia: liver Qi stagnation with unsettled Hun, deficiency of heart and liver blood (or Yin) leading to poor nourishment of the Shen (spirit), liver fire excess disturbing the Hun, and blood stasis obstructing the meridians and unsettling the Shen. These distinct approaches to liver-focused treatment of insomnia have expanded the clinical applications of TCM in treating the disorder, with remarkable therapeutic outcomes. This paper presents Professor Li Fenping’s clinical experience in treating insomnia from the perspective of liver pathology.

Ethnic and National Identity in Russian Research: A Scoping Review

This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the contemporary studies regarding ethnic and national identities written in the Russian language. The study reveals major contexts and patterns of the operationalization of the concepts. The scoping review is based on the framework outlined by Arksey and O’Malley, with qualitative content analysis as its primary method. Samples from 114 papers were analyzed to find existing approaches to identity studies and conceptualization. Explicit and implicit identity definitions and identity attributes were mapped and coded. The research found that scholars tend to provide original definitions and relate identity to consciousness. Implying the idea of a person’s uniqueness, identity is often regarded as rooted in memory, hence the number of mentions of memory studies and memory politics in the reviewed articles. Another finding is that multiple and/or complex identities are widely investigated, and these identity types are given original names, mostly compound. With a great number of identity types, there is still a common understanding of identity as a constructed, dynamic phenomenon. The study concludes that identity is a common value-charged notion for Russian academic discourse, with national and ethnic identities being at the heart of the ongoing studies. The paper concentrates on identities of large groups, which is viewed as a politically sensitive issue, closely intertwined with the view of identity as a factor and resource of the development of society. Main topics are politics, history, representation, dynamics, plurality, communication, cultural factors, and territory. The analysis of the identity studies contributes to professional discourse by illuminating how concepts of ethnic and national identities are operationalized and communicated in the Russian-language academic community, thus enhancing cross-cultural understanding and facilitating more effective professional communication in related fields. Given the limitations, the findings identify the main patterns of concept usage, point to research gaps, and provide a basis for future research.

Ethnic and National Identity in Russian Research: A Scoping Review

This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the contemporary studies regarding ethnic and national identities written in the Russian language. The study reveals major contexts and patterns of the operationalization of the concepts. The scoping review is based on the framework outlined by Arksey and O’Malley, with qualitative content analysis as its primary method. Samples from 114 papers were analyzed to find existing approaches to identity studies and conceptualization. Explicit and implicit identity definitions and identity attributes were mapped and coded. The research found that scholars tend to provide original definitions and relate identity to consciousness. Implying the idea of a person’s uniqueness, identity is often regarded as rooted in memory, hence the number of mentions of memory studies and memory politics in the reviewed articles. Another finding is that multiple and/or complex identities are widely investigated, and these identity types are given original names, mostly compound. With a great number of identity types, there is still a common understanding of identity as a constructed, dynamic phenomenon. The study concludes that identity is a common value-charged notion for Russian academic discourse, with national and ethnic identities being at the heart of the ongoing studies. The paper concentrates on identities of large groups, which is viewed as a politically sensitive issue, closely intertwined with the view of identity as a factor and resource of the development of society. Main topics are politics, history, representation, dynamics, plurality, communication, cultural factors, and territory. The analysis of the identity studies contributes to professional discourse by illuminating how concepts of ethnic and national identities are operationalized and communicated in the Russian-language academic community, thus enhancing cross-cultural understanding and facilitating more effective professional communication in related fields. Given the limitations, the findings identify the main patterns of concept usage, point to research gaps, and provide a basis for future research.

Transformation of sartan blood pressure regulators by ferrate(VI) and its activation systems: Kinetics and mechanisms

With the increasing number of patients diagnosed with hypertension, the annual consumption of sartan drugs has surged, resulting in their ubiquitous detection in aquatic environments. This increases concerns about their environmental persistence and unexpected toxicity. This study explores the applications of ferrate(VI) (Fe(VI)) in removing sartan blood pressure regulators (losartan (LOS), valsartan (VAL), and telmisartan (TEL)). Results demonstrate that sartans could be effectively removed by Fe(VI). Oxidation of LOS by Fe(VI) was pH-dependent at pH 7.0–9.0, with HFeO4– dominating the reaction. The second-order rate constants (kapp) of LOS with Fe(VI) decreased with increasing solution pH, and kapp was calculated to be 148.37 M−1 s−1 at pH 8.0. Furthermore, the Fe(VI)-Fe(III), Fe(VI)-S(IV), and Fe(VI)-S2O32– systems demonstrated the enhancement for the elimination of LOS, while the Fe(VI)–HCO3– system inhibited the reaction. Oxidizing product (OP) analysis suggested that the major transformation patterns of LOS, VAL, and TEL treated by Fe(VI) and its activation systems included oxidation, imidazole ring cleavage, cyclization, N-dealkylation, and bond cleavage. Multiple OPs were estimated to be more persistent and mobile than parent sartans, while their toxicity toward aquatic organisms might be several times lower than those of their parents. Overall, this study elucidates the oxidizing feasibility of Fe(VI) and related activation systems to eliminate sartans in water treatment.

Valence versus motivation: The different impact of emotion on space- and object-based attention.

Numerous studies have indicated that both the broaden-and-build model and the motivational dimensional model emphasize the impact of emotion on spatial attention by altering the attentional scope. However, no prior research has investigated the impact of emotional valence and motivational intensity on spatial attention within the same paradigm. Furthermore, object-based attention, characterized by distinct neural mechanisms from space-based attention and also susceptible to attentional scope, represents a major pattern of selective attention. Nevertheless, it is still unclear whether and how emotional valence and motivation play a role in object-based attentional selection. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore these areas. Using a two-rectangle paradigm, Experiment 1 found that motivational intensity modulated space-based effects, whereas emotional valence modulated object-based effects. Experiment 2 used a traditional spatial cueing paradigm to further study the stability of modulating effect of motivation intensity on space-based attention, yielding results consistent with those of Experiment 1. The present study indicated that the broaden-and-build model and motivational dimensional model were not either one or the other, but both played a role in object- and space-based attention. This study provides crucial empirical evidence for theoretical complementation and integration of emotional attention.

Molecular Testing for EGFR Mutation in Moroccan NSCLC Patients: CHU Hassan II-Fez Experience.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation screening in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is now used to guide treatment decisions to identify patients with EGFR positive mutations that predict response to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This study aimed to explore with a prospective study the current testing practices and the predictive value of EGFR mutations in a series of 261 patients with NSCLC. EGFR mutation testing was conducted using 2 different assays: bidirectional Sanger sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real-time PCR on the Rotor-Gene Q instrument. Epidermal growth factor receptor mutation testing was performed for 261 patients with lung cancer. Exons 18 to 21 were successfully analyzed in 113 tumors by Direct sequencing and in 148 tumors by real-time PCR. The prevalence of positive EGFR-mutations in each method was 22.1% (N = 25) and 24.3% (N = 36), respectively (P = .3). In total, EGFR mutations were detected in 59 patients among 261 patients with NSCLC. A statistically significant association between female sex, nonsmoking history, nonsolid major pattern, and a higher EGFR mutation frequency. In this study, we investigated clinicopathological differences between tumors harboring exon 19del and those harboring L858R. We did not find any significant differences between the 2 mutations and gender or smoking features, interestingly, the prevalence of patients aged >60 years was significantly higher in the L858R group than in the exon 19del group (81.8% vs 55.8%, P = .05). A significant association was observed between exon 19 deletions and the papillary major pattern, but no correlation was detected between exon 21 mutation and any histological pattern. This prospective study documented the real-world clinical testing of EGFR mutation in Moroccan NSCLC patients. Our experience confirms the need to develop standards-based guidelines for the routine performance and evaluation of EGFR testing to improve clinical care for this subset of lung cancer. On the other hand, our study demonstrated that tumors with exon 19 deletions and L858R harbor specific clinicopathological features in NSCLC.