bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hepatoprotective Effects of Talinum Triangulare Aqueous Extract on Paracetamol-Induced Liver Damage in Wistar Rats: A Histomorphological Study
Authors: U. Achi Franklyn , C. Chiagozie King-Bertram , Etu Esther I. , P. Chinedu Maduka , J. Ekoh Adaorah , W. Nyejirime, Young
Published: December 2024

Background and Aim: Many vital bodily processes are carried out by the liver, and if it develops a disease, those processes may cease, which might seriously affect the function of the body. Talinum triangulare has been documented to possess hepato-protective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study aims to evaluate the potential of Talinum triangulare aqueous extract in protecting and repairing liver damage induced by paracetamol through histomorphological analysis in Wistar rats.
Methods: Thirty-five Wistar rats were divided into five groups: a negative control, a positive control (paracetamol only), and three treatment groups receiving paracetamol followed by 100, 200, or 300 mg/kg body weight of T. triangulare extract for seven days. The experiment lasted for 14 days.
Results: Histomorphological examination showed significant liver deterioration in the untreated group (Group 2), whereas Groups 3, 4, and 5 treated with Talinum triangulare extract exhibited notable recovery. There was reduced necrosis, inflammation and improved hepatocyte regeneration.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that T. triangulare extract exhibits significant hepatoprotective effects, suggesting its potential as a natural remedy for managing paracetamol-induced liver injuries.
Significance: The result from this study will create more awareness on the need to avoid the abuse of paracetamol.
Species Composition of Crustaceans of Korapuzha Estuary, Kerala, India
Authors: Abhijith Ramya , K. Vinod , P.K. Asokan , M.T Shilta
Published: December 2024

The Korapuzha estuarine ecosystem, acting as a link between the freshwater expanse of Akalapuzha and the seawater at Elathur, is characterized by delicate and fragile features. Besides its ecological importance, scientific studies on faunal diversity of Korapuzha is very scarce which emphasizes the necessity of elaborate studies. The present study focusses on species composition of crustaceans, playing a vital role in biogeochemical cycles. The study aims to undertake comprehensive study on crustaceans of Korapuzha estuary, thus minimizing the critical gap in understanding the estuarine ecosystem. Sampling efforts were from 2021 to 2023 involving local participation using various gears. 30 crustaceans were identified under 21 genera, 11 families and two orders, showcasing the complexity in faunal diversity of crustaceans. Shrimps (Fenneropenaeus indicus) and crabs (Scylla serrata) were the dominant species of commercial fisheries. The study highlighted the non-commercial species like Clibanarius infraspinatus (hermit crabs), Balanus Amphitrite and Balanus balanoides (Barnales) and Oratosquilla sp (mantis shrimp). The present study focused on understanding of Korapuzha estuary in detail, thus generating baseline data for conservation and management of estuary. The study also stresses on the economic importance of commercial crustaceans and shows the need for long-term effective conservational measures.
Economic Growth, Poverty, Unemployment, and the Human Development Index (HDI) in Mitigating Socio-economic Disparities in North Sumatra (2019-2023): An Econometric Case Study
Authors: Rizky Muhammad Dhiya , Lubis Satia Negara , Kesuma Sinar Indra
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the impact of economic growth, poverty, unemployment, and the Human Development Index (HDI) on income inequality in North Sumatra during 2019–2023. Using panel data regression with the Fixed Effect Model (FEM), selected for its ability to control unobserved district-specific factors, the study identifies significant relationships. Poverty and unemployment show a positive and significant effect on income inequality, indicating that higher poverty and unemployment levels exacerbate disparities in income distribution. In contrast, HDI has a significant negative effect, demonstrating that improvements in education, healthcare, and living standards mitigate inequality. Interestingly, economic growth does not significantly affect income inequality, challenging conventional assumptions about its equitable benefits. The findings suggest that growth alone cannot ensure equity without targeted interventions. The study recommends enhancing HDI through education reforms, improved healthcare systems, and social welfare initiatives. Additionally, efforts to alleviate poverty and reduce unemployment, such as job creation, skills training, and MSME development, are essential for achieving inclusive economic growth. By addressing these structural inequalities, policymakers can foster a more equitable income distribution across districts. This research offers theoretical insights into inequality determinants and practical guidance for regional development, filling a gap in understanding how socio-economic factors and human capital interact to influence income disparities.
Half‐beam volumetric‐modulated arc therapy in adjuvant radiotherapy for gynecological cancers
Authors: Yu Pei‐Chieh , Wu Ching‐Jung , Nien Hsin‐Hua , Lui Louis Tak , Shaw Suzun , Tsai Yu‐Lun
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to introduce half‐beam volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (HVMAT), an innovative treatment planning technique from our work, for reducing dose to the organs at risk (OAR) during adjuvant radiotherapy for gynecological cancers.

Methods and materials

Seventy‐two treatment plans of 36 patients with gynecological cancers receiving adjuvant radiotherapy were assessed. Among them, 36 plans were designed using HVMAT and paired with the other 36 traditional volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans for each patient. The main uniqueness of the HVMAT designs was that it consisted of two opposite‐shielded half‐beam fields rotated inversely in two coplanar arcs, collocating with the specially‐devised avoidance structures to enhance the control of the OAR doses. The dose distributions in HVMAT and VMAT were evaluated and compared using the random effects model.

Results

The ratios of OAR doses in HVMAT compared with VMAT showed a comprehensive OAR dose reduction when using HVMAT (V20Gy: bladder, 0.92; rectum, 0.95; V30Gy: bowel, 0.91; femoral heads, 0.66), except for the ilium (V30Gy: 1.12). The overall mean difference for each OAR across V40Gy, V30Gy, V20Gy, and bowel V15Gy was statistically significant (almost all p < 0.001). In addition, HVMAT promoted a better conformity index, homogeneity index, D2%, and V107% of the planning target volume (all p < 0.001).

Conclusions

HVMAT is capable of generating deep double‐concave dose distributions with the advantage of reducing dose to several OARs simultaneously. It is highly recommended for pelvic irradiation, especially for treating gynecological cancers in adjuvant radiotherapy.
Learning in double time: The effect of lecture video speed on immediate and delayed comprehension
Authors: Murphy Dillon H. , Hoover Kara M. , Agadzhanyan Karina , Kuehn Jesse C. , Castel Alan D.
Published: November 2021

We presented participants with lecture videos at different speeds and tested immediate and delayed (1 week) comprehension. Results revealed minimal costs incurred by increasing video speed from 1x to 1.5x, or 2x speed, but performance declined beyond 2x speed. We also compared learning outcomes after watching videos once at 1x or twice at 2x speed. There was not an advantage to watching twice at 2x speed but if participants watched the video again at 2x speed immediately before the test, compared with watching once at 1x a week before the test, comprehension improved. Thus, increasing the speed of videos (up to 2x) may be an efficient strategy, especially if students use the time saved for additional studying or rewatching the videos, but learners should do this additional studying shortly before an exam. However, these trends may differ for videos with different speech rates, complexity or difficulty, and audiovisual overlap.
Tracking controllers of nonlinear output‐constrained surface ships subjected to external disturbances
Authors: Gao Yang , Zhang Zhongcai , Tian Linran
Published: November 2021

In this article, the adaptive and disturbance‐observer‐based (DO‐based) finite‐time tracking controllers are simultaneously considered for a surface vessel with output constraints. Two types of barrier Lyapunov functions (BLFs) are employed to deal with output constraints. The adaptive tracking controller is developed by elaborately applying tan‐type BLF and adaptive control technology, and the finite‐time trajectory tracking controller is rigorously proposed by the comprehensive application of log‐type BLF and finite‐time DO. Under these two controllers, the specified output constraints can be realized and the closed‐loop error systems are semi‐globally asymptotically stable. Simulation results are presented in detail to demonstrate the effectiveness of the two designed control strategies.
Impact of Collagen Triple Helix Structure on Melanoma Cell Invadopodia Formation and Matrix Degradation upon BRAF Inhibitor Treatment
Authors: Shin Della S. , Schroeder Megan E. , Anseth Kristi S.
Published: November 2021

A collagen‐rich tumor microenvironment (TME) is associated with worse outcomes in cancer patients and contributes to drug resistance in many cancer types. In melanoma, stiff and fibrillar collagen‐abundant tissue is observed after failure of therapeutic treatments with BRAF inhibitors. Increased collagen in the TME can affect properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM), including stiffness, adhesiveness, and interaction of integrins with triple helix forming nanostructures. Decoupling these biochemical and biophysical properties of the ECM can lead to a better understanding of how each of these individual properties affect melanoma cancer behavior and drug efficacy. In addition, as drug treatment can induce cancer cell phenotypic switch, cancer cell responsiveness to the TME can be dynamically changed during therapeutic treatments. To investigate cancer cell phenotype changes and the role of the cancer TME, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels functionalized with collagen mimetic peptides (CMPs) is utilized, or an interpenetrating network (IPN) of type І collagen within the PEG system to culture various melanoma cell lines in the presence or absence of Vemurafenib (PLX4032) drug treatment is prepared. Additionally, the potential of using CMP functionalized PEG hydrogels, which can provide better tunability is explored, to replace the existing invadopodia assay platform based on fluorescent gelatin.
Tuning the Transport Properties of Gases in Porous Graphene Membranes with Controlled Pore Size and Thickness
Authors: Ashirov Timur , Yazaydin A. Ozgur , Coskun Ali
Published: November 2021

Porous graphene membranes have emerged as promising alternatives for gas‐separation applications due to their atomic thickness enabling ultrahigh permeance, but they suffer from low gas selectivity. Whereas decreasing the pore size below 3 nm is expected to increase the gas selectivity due to molecular sieving, it is rather challenging to generate a large number of uniform small pores on the graphene surface. Here, a pore‐narrowing approach via gold deposition onto porous graphene surface is introduced to tune the pore size and thickness of the membrane to achieve a large number of small pores. Through the systematic approach, the ideal combination is determined as pore size below 3 nm, obtained at the thickness of 100 nm, to attain high selectivity and high permeance. The resulting membrane shows a H2/CO2 separation factor of 31.3 at H2 permeance of 2.23 × 105 GPU (1 GPU = 3.35 × 10−10 mol s−1 m−2 Pa−1), which is the highest value reported to date in the 105 GPU permeance range. This result is explained by comparing the predicted binding energies of gas molecules with the Au surface, −5.3 versus −21 kJ mol−1 for H2 and CO2, respectively, increased surface–gas interactions and molecular‐sieving effect with decreasing pore size.
Immune Checkpoint Ligand Bioengineered Schwann Cells as Antigen‐Specific Therapy for Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Au Kin Man , Tisch Roland , Wang Andrew Z.
Published: November 2021

Failure to establish immune tolerance leads to the development of autoimmune disease. The ability to regulate autoreactive T cells without inducing systemic immunosuppression represents a major challenge in the development of new strategies to treat autoimmune disease. Here, a translational method for bioengineering programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1)‐ and cluster of differentiation 86 (CD86)‐functionalized mouse Schwann cells (SCs) to prevent and ameliorate multiple sclerosis (MS) in established mouse models of chronic and relapsing‐remitting experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is described. It is shown that the intravenous (i.v.) administration of immune checkpoint ligand functionalized mouse SCs modifies the course of disease and ameliorates EAE. Further, it is found that such bioengineered mouse SCs inhibit the differentiation of myelin‐specific helper T cells into pathogenic T helper type‐1 (Th1) and type‐17 (Th17) cells, promote the development of tolerogenic myelin‐specific regulatory T (Treg) cells, and resolve inflammatory central nervous system microenvironments without inducing systemic immunosuppression.
A High‐Performance Nonfused Wide‐Bandgap Acceptor for Versatile Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Bi Pengqing , Zhang Shaoqing , Ren Junzhen , Chen Zhihao , Zheng Zhong , Cui Yong , Wang Jianqiu , Wang Shijie , Zhang Tao , Li Jiayao , Xu Ye , Qin Jinzhao , An Cunbin , Ma Wei , Hao Xiaotao , Hou Jianhui
Published: November 2021

Wide‐bandgap (WBG) nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) with nonfused conjugated structures play a critical role in organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells. Here, NFAs named GS‐OEH, GS‐OC6, and GS‐ISO, with optical bandgaps larger than 1.70 eV, are synthesized without using the fused ring structures. Compared with GS‐OEH and GS‐OC6, GS‐ISO exhibits much stronger crystallinity, leading to a smaller energetic disorder and a larger exciton diffusion coefficient. GS‐ISO also possesses a higher electroluminescence external quantum efficiency of 1.0 × 10−2. The OPV cell based on PBDB‐TF:GS‐ISO demonstrates a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 11.62% under the standard one sun illumination. Besides, the PBDB‐TF:GS‐ISO‐based cell with effective area of 1.0 cm2 exhibits a PCE of 28.37% under 2700 K illumination of 500 lux. A tandem OPV cell using PBDB‐TF:GS‐ISO as the front subcell shows an outstanding efficiency of 19.10%. Importantly, the GS‐ISO‐based OPV cell exhibits promising stability under the continuous illumination of simulated sunlight. This study indicates that the molecular design strategy demonstrated in this work has great superiority in developing nonfused NFAs and also that GS‐ISO is a promising WBG acceptor for versatile photovoltaic applications.
In Situ Architecting Endogenous Heterojunction of MoS2 Coupling with Mo2CTx MXenes for Optimized Li+ Storage
Authors: Zhu Shuang , Wang Changda , Shou Hongwei , Zhang Pengjun , Wan Ping , Guo Xin , Yu Zhen , Wang Wenjie , Chen Shuangming , Chu Wangsheng , Song Li
Published: November 2021

Endogenous heterojunction of 2D MXenes with unique structure shows inspiring potential in energy applications, which is impeded by complex synthesis method and finite MAX materials. Herein, an in situ hydrothermal strategy is implemented to successfully synthesize unique endogenous hetero‐MXenes of amorphous MoS2 coupling with fluoride‐free Mo2CTx (hetero‐Mo2C) directly from Mo2Ga2C MAX. The distinctive morphology and heterojunction structure caused by the introduction of MoS2 endow the hetero‐MXenes with extraordinary structural stability and optimized Li+ storage mechanism with improved charge transport and lithium ion adsorption capabilities. As a result, hetero‐Mo2C exhibits excellent electrochemical performance with a high discharge specific capacity of 1242 mAh g‐1 at 0.1 A g−1 and long cycle stability of 683.9 mAh g−1 after 1200 cycling. This work provides new insights into rational design of novel MXenes heterojunctions, practically important for the development of MXenes and their applications in high‐performance energy storage systems.
Fish diversity and composition of Tugwi Mukosi Dam, Zimbabwe's largest inland reservoir post impoundment
Authors: Magqina Terence , Mungenge Chipo , Mawoyo Kuzivakwashe A.
Published: November 2021

The fish diversity and composition of Tugwi Mukosi Dam, Zimbabwe's largest inland reservoir was investigated in 2019 (post impoundment phase) after the reservoir filled in 2017. The main objective of this study was to determine the status of the fish community in Zimbabwe's largest reservoir post dam impoundment. Nine species belonging to four families were observed from the reservoir. The Cichlidae family with the following species: Oreochromis niloticus, Oreochromis mossambicus, Tilapia rendalli, Oreochromis macrochir and Serranochromis thurmbergi constituted 66.7% of the sample, the Centrarchidae with species Micropterus salmoides constituted 12.7% of the sample and the Cyprinidae family with species Labeo cylindricus constituted 2.7% of the sample, which was the least abundant. The O. niloticus population, which was introduced in 2017, seemed to have reached the establishment stage’ on the introduction–naturalisation–invasion continuum as evidenced by its ability to survive and breed. Oreochromis mossambicus, which formerly dominated the riverine catches, appeared to be still dominant in the new environment. Micropterus salmoides, O. niloticus and O. mossambicus had active ripe and ripe‐running individuals throughout the year whereas O. macrochir, S. thumbergi and L. cylindricus had no clear trend in terms of breeding. The growth performance indices for O. mossambicus, M. salmoides and O. niloticus ranged from 5.03 to 5.36. The highest mortality rate was 2.81 for M. salmoides and the lowest was 1.35 for O. mossambicus. There is no pre‐impoundment data for the fish community and abundance in Tugwi Mukosi Dam and therefore these results provide baseline data 3 years after impoundment. These results are a benchmark for future studies and new insights into the fish communities of large reservoirs. Future fish studies in Tugwi Mukosi should investigate how this fish community continues to evolve over time.
Family‐Based Intervention for Chinese Families of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Hong Kong, China
Authors: Ma Joyce L. C.
Published: November 2021

This paper reviews the clinical utility of family‐based treatment, comprised of multiple family therapy (MFT) and structural family therapy (SFT), in helping Hong Kong Chinese families of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The author identifies the psychosocial service needs of these families and examines the contributions of the adapted MFT and SFT in responding to the psychosocial service needs of these families. Critical issues for clinical practice and research are discussed.
Instructive feedback to expand listener skills in a second language in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Jimenez‐Gomez Corina , Pichardo Jessebelle , Ryan Victoria
Published: November 2021

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who live in homes in which the primary language is different than the predominant language in their community need to be able to engage in listener skills in both languages in order to be successful across environments (e.g., school vs. home). Instructional strategies that promote effective acquisition of maximum skills with minimal training are optimal for bilingual children with ASD. The present study evaluated whether teaching listener skills in English while providing instructive feedback in Spanish to three boys with ASD would result in participants displaying the listener skill when presented with the Spanish discriminative stimulus. Participants displayed various levels of transfer from English to Spanish listener responses, with a total of 12 out of the 18 possible transfer targets displayed without direct instruction.
Advances in electrochemical aptasensing for cardiac biomarkers
Authors: Rahman Md. Mahbubur , Lopa Nasrin Siraj , Lee Jae‐Joon
Published: November 2021

Novel bio‐receptors or bio‐recognition molecular markers with high specificity, stability, and affinity for the efficient binding and entrapment of target biomolecules are essential for developing biomedical devices with high sensitivity and reliability. Aptamers are peptide or nucleic‐acid (DNA or RNA) molecules capable of binding to target biomarkers by forming a unique three‐dimensional structure, providing an effective platform for biosensing. This review comprehensively summarizes the progress of label‐free and label‐based electrochemical aptasensors for the detection of various biomarkers related to cardiovascular diseases. It also outlines the fundamental properties of different cardiac biomarkers, synthesis of target‐specific aptamers, and working principles, such as single receptor and sandwich, of the different types of sensing assays for the electrochemical detection of cardiac biomarkers while highlighting the current challenges and future perspectives.
Study on melting and crystallization of PHBHx thin films using IR and 2D correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Kim Minkyoung , Noda Isao , Park Yeonju
Published: November 2021

The thermal behavior of poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHx) thin films having various molar fractions of hydroxyhexanoate (Hx) was investigated using IR, 2D gradient mapping, 2D correlation spectroscopy (2D‐COS), and multivariate curve resolution (MCR) analysis. The melting and crystallization temperatures were determined using 2D gradient mapping. The 2D‐COS combined with MCR analysis provided information on the unambiguous components that appeared in PHBHx thin films during the melting and crystallization processes.
Clinical epidemiological characteristics of nitrous oxide abusers: A single‐center experience in a hospital in China
Authors: Li Yueyue , Dong Jing , Xu Ran , Feng Fanfan , Kan Weihao , Ding Hongmei , Wang Xiaolong , Chen Yujie , Wang Xin , Zhu Shiguang , Dong Ruiguo
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This study investigated the clinical epidemiological characteristics of nitrous oxide (N2O) abusers in a hospital in China, which have not been systematically reported.

Methods

The characteristics of patients abusing N2O who were examined and treated at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from January 2017 to December 2020 were analyzed.

Results

A total of 61 patients (average age: 21.7 ± 3.2 years; 42 male and 19 female) were enrolled; 60.7% of the patients had an education level of high school or lower, and most (59.0%) had no stable occupation. The mean exposure time was 8.5 ± 7.7 months (range: 1–36 months). Only 52.5% of the abusers reported the physician of the relevant exposure history at the first time of visiting the doctor. The main clinical type was mixed (49.2%). The most common clinical manifestation was distal limb numbness (80.3%). The most frequent outcome was peripheral neuropathy (59%) and subacute combined degeneration (36%). Serum homocysteine level was elevated in 67.5% (27/40) of the patients, while 44.4% (20/45) showed reduced vitamin B12. Note that 61% (22/36) showed abnormal signals in the posterior or lateral funiculus of the spinal cord, and 97% (31/32) of the patients showed peripheral nerve damage by electromyography. In all cases, symptoms were alleviated after halting N2O intake and receiving nutritional neurotherapy.

Conclusions

N2O abuse can lead to nervous system damage, especially peripheral nerve and spinal cord damage. A full understanding of its clinical epidemiological characteristics is helpful for clinicians to make a timely and clear diagnosis.
The implementation of Journeying through Dementia: Strategies to run a successful pragmatic multicenter trial of a complex intervention
Authors: Berry Katherine , Wright Jessica , Sprange Kirsty , Cooper Cindy , Courtney‐Walker Rebecca , Mountain Gail
Published: November 2021

Objective

A key challenge in delivering pragmatic trials of complex interventions is effective implementation within the study period and beyond. We describe a trial of an intervention to improve quality of life in mild dementia (Journeying through Dementia), describe some of the challenges raised in terms of implementation, and illustrate the methods used to ensure effective implementation.

Method

The intervention was delivered by staff within local services and supervised by more experienced clinicians within those services in order to test the intervention in real‐world settings and establish the potential for future embedding into practice. Researchers delivered training sessions for all facilitators and supervisors, met at regular intervals with intervention supervisors, and provided feedback on summaries of intervention sessions created by facilitators. We conducted a thematic analysis of the content of meetings and written correspondence between the researchers and intervention supervisors regarding implementation issues.

Results

Key themes relating to difficulties with implementation were: staff absences and staff leaving posts; participant lack of engagement with intervention; difficulties with delivery of supervision; difficult group dynamics; lack of time to deliver the intervention; and lack of adherence to the intervention and its ethos.

Conclusion

We provide guidance for researchers involved in the trialing of other complex interventions in how these challenges might be overcome. These include: recruiting additional staff to deliver the intervention; having clear protocols in place for managing staff absences; using supervision to problem solve participant attendance at intervention sessions and difficult group dynamics; monitoring staff engagement in supervision and addressing problems with engagement with staff and managers when this occurs; giving staff ring‐fenced time to deliver the intervention and engage in supervision; and regular monitoring and feedback in relation to the content of the intervention to ensure that it is consistent with ethos and content of the intervention manual.
p53 expression in repair/reactive renal tubular cells: A potential pitfall leading to a false‐positive diagnosis of urine cytology
Authors: Enomoto Kaori , Matsunaga Toru , Sofue Tadashi , Nakamura Akihiro , Hirakawa Eiichiro , Ibuki Emi , Haba Reiji , Kamoshida Shingo , Ohsaki Hiroyuki
Published: November 2021

Background

p53 immunostaining is routinely used as a surrogate marker for TP53 mutational status. In urine cytology, p53 immunocytochemistry is reportedly useful in detecting urothelial carcinoma cells as well as in improving the detection sensitivity and specificity. However, to the best of our knowledge, p53 expression in repair/reactive renal tubular cells (RRTCs) from urine cytologic specimens has not been assessed to date.

Methods

We evaluated the immunoexpression of p53 and homogentisate 1,2‐dioxygenase (HGD) antibody, a renal tubular cells marker, in RRTCs using voided urine and renal biopsy samples from 80 patients who were histologically diagnosed with glomerular disease.

Results

Repair/reactive renal tubular cells were detected in 68 (68/80, 85%) samples at a mean count of 141.1 cells per sample (range, 5–4220). Immunocytochemical analysis found p53‐positive RRTCs in all the samples (68/68, 100%) with an average p53 positivity rate of RRTCs per sample at 47.7% (range, 3.8%–96.5%). Of the 68 p53‐positive RRTC samples, 38 (55.9%) included cells that were HGD positive for cytoplasm. Similarly, renal biopsy analysis revealed p53‐positive RRTCs in all the specimens (68/68, 100%). All 68 (100%) cases showed RRTCs that were positive for both p53 and HGD.

Conclusion

To avoid false positives of p53 immunocytochemistry, cytologists must consider the fact that RRTCs from patients with glomerular disease are positive for p53.
A modified delineation method of para‐aortic nodal clinical target volume in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer
Authors: Wang Dunhuang , Wang Weiping , Liu Xiaoliang , Ren Kang , Liang Yongguang , Zhu Qizhen , Zhang Fuquan , Hu Ke
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To validate the nodal center coverage (NCC) of the three mainstream delineation methods of para‐aortic nodal clinical target volume (CTV) and propose a modified delineation method of para‐aortic nodal CTV in prophylactic extended‐field irradiation (EFI) of cervical cancer.

Methods

A total of 106 patients with para‐aortic lymph nodes (PALNs) identified on PET/CT were included at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between 2011 and 2020. PALNs were classified as left lateral para‐aortic (LLPA), aorto‐caval (AC), and right para‐caval (RPC). Distances from the nodal center to the aorta and inferior vena cava (IVC) were measured. The NCC of the three mainstream delineation methods of para‐aortic nodal CTV (CTV‐K, CTV‐S, and CTV‐D) and a modified CTV (CTV‐M) was calculated. Radiotherapy plans were created based on 4 CTVs for 10 selected patients who received prophylactic EFI. The chi‐squared test and the Student's t‐test were performed.

Results

We identified 344 PALNs (216 LLPA, 101 AC, and 27 RPC) in 106 patients. Mean distance from the nodal center to the aorta was 9.6 mm in the LLPA and 7 mm in the AC and from the nodal center to the IVC was 5.6 mm in the AC and 5.6 mm in the RPC. CTV‐D improved the NCC of 98% compared with 92% for CTV‐K (p = 0.002) and 95% for CTV‐S (p = 0.046). CTV‐M provided the same satisfactory NCC as CTV‐D (97% vs. 98%, p = 0.485). The V50Gy to the duodenum, the Dmean to the bilateral kidneys, and the V45Gy to the small bowel were significantly lower on the CTV‐M‐based plan than on the CTV‐D‐based plan (p = 0.001, 0.011, and 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

CTV‐D provided more satisfactory NCC than CTV‐K and CTV‐S. CTV‐M provided the same satisfactory NCC as CTV‐D and reduced the dose to the critical structures.
Effect of pre‐treatment on the functional properties of germinated whole grains: A review
Authors: Li Ren , Li Zhi‐Jiang , Wu Na‐Na , Tan Bin
Published: November 2021

Background and objectives

The pre‐treatments for germination of whole grains, including soaking, stress, non‐thermal processing treatments, and other methods, have been gained great attention for improving biological activity and functional properties of whole grains. The objective of this review was to summarize the effects of pre‐treatments on the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), phenolics, dietary fiber, and mineral bioaccessibility in germinated whole grains for the development and utilization of them as functional food products or ingredients.

Findings

The GABA, phenolics, dietary fiber, and mineral bioaccessibility in germinated whole grains were increased by 10–55 mg /100 g, 0.1–1.5 mg/g, 0.39%‐4.92%, and 2%–12%, respectively, after pre‐treatment for germination compared with only soaking. The contents of GABA and total phenolic in germinated whole grains increased by 56.92% and 11.24%, respectively, by ultrasonic pre‐treatment. The contents of GABA and total phenolic in germinated whole grains increased by 38.89% and 70%, respectively, by high hydrostatic pressure pre‐treatment. After cold plasma pre‐treatment, the contents of GABA and total phenolic in germinated whole grains increased by 47.37% and 37%, respectively. Therefore, non‐thermal processing pre‐treatments have a significant promoting effect on GABA synthesis and phenolic accumulation for germinated whole grains, such as ultrasound, cold plasma, and high hydrostatic pressure.

Conclusions

Non‐thermal processing pre‐treatment has been a promising strategy for developing healthy and nutritious whole‐grain foods. According to the existing research results, high hydrostatic pressure and low‐temperature plasma can promote GABA and phenolic in germinated whole grains, while ultrasound can not only increase the content of GABA and phenolic in germinated whole grains, but also increase the bioaccessibility of calcium and iron. Therefore, ultrasound can promote nutrients in germinated whole grains better than other non‐thermal processing methods. It is very important for choosing pre‐treatment methods for germination to obtain whole grains with increased functional properties.

Significance and novelty

This review may provide a compilation of information that pre‐treatments can improve the biological activity and development of functional foods from the sources of germinated whole grains.
Gastric lanthanosis (lanthanum deposition) in an immunosuppressed patient that discontinued lanthanum carbonate seven years ago
Authors: Ullmann Joana M. , Erbersdobler Andreas
Published: November 2021

A 72‐year‐old female patient used the oral phosphate binder lanthanum carbonate for 6 years, before discontinuing it after receiving a pancreas and kidney transplant. Now, 7 years after discontinuation, the patient developed bilious emesis. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed an unspecific gastritis. Biopsies showed subepithelial crystalline deposits consistent with gastric lanthanosis.
End‐stage renal disease in a child with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis associated with a homozygous NUP93 variant
Authors: Acharya Ratna , Upadhyay Kiran
Published: November 2021

This report highlights that the genetic causes of FSGS, including NUP93 gene variant, such as the one described in this report, progress to end‐stage renal disease rapidly and that the risk of recurrence post‐renal transplantation is less likely.
Enhancement of the Rates of Liquid‐Solid Heat and Mass Transfer in Annular Ducts by Using Circular Fins
Authors: Taha Mahmoud M. , Negm Islam A. , Nosier Shaaban A. , Mubarak Ashraf A. , Abdel-Aziz Mohamed H. , El-Naggar Mohamed A.
Published: November 2021

Rates of solid‐liquid mass and heat transfer (by analogy) were measured at the outer surface of the inner tube of an annular duct under developing flow conditions using the electrochemical method that elaborates the measurement of the limiting current of the reduction of K3Fe(CN)6 at the tested model surface. Variables examined were physical features of the solution (density ρ, viscosity μ, and diffusivity D), solution superficial velocity, tube active length, and tube diameter. The experimental results were correlated by a dimensionless equation involving all affecting parameters. Due to the presence of the circular fins at the tube surface, the degree of mass transfer was enhanced by a factor ranging from two to six subject to the operative settings. Applications of the current findings in the design of catalytic reactors, membrane dialyzers, and double‐pipe heat exchangers were discussed.
Split Heat Pump Distillation Based on Two‐Stage Compression for Separating an Acetone‐Water Mixture
Authors: Yang Deming , Li Ming , Lou Chao , Wan Dehao , Yun Yi
Published: November 2021

There is a constant concentration zone for acetone‐water mixtures, and the average relative volatility of the two components in the constant concentration zone is only 1.41, so the energy consumption of the conventional distillation process is high. Two kinds of split mechanical vapor recompression (MVR) heat pump distillation processes, i.e., single‐stage and two‐stage compression processes, were proposed to separate acetone‐water mixtures. The thermodynamic data of the mixture were calculated and modules of Aspen Plus were used to simulate the distillation column and steam compressor. Taking the minimum total annual cost as the objective function, the conventional MVR and the two split MVR heat pump distillation processes were simulated and optimized. Compared with the conventional process, the MVR heat pump distillation process had greater economic advantages, and the split heat pump distillation (SHPD) with two‐stage compression was superior to the other MVR heat pump distillation processes.
Chiral organic stereochemistry: Chiral HPLC, chiral auxiliaries, CD spectroscopy, X‐ray crystallography, and light‐powered chiral molecular motors
Authors: Harada Nobuyuki
Published: November 2021

In the studies of chiral organic stereochemistry, it is important to use enantiopure compounds. For this purpose, the chiral HPLC (High‐Pressure Liquid Chromatography) columns containing chiral stationary phases were invented by Y. Okamoto and coworkers for enantio‐separating various racemic compounds. In addition, the use of chiral auxiliaries is also useful for preparing enantiopure compounds and also for determining their absolute configurations, where covalent‐bonded diastereomers are separated by HPLC on silica gel. In this review article, these HPLC methods will be discussed together with the applications to some interesting organic compounds including light‐powered chiral molecular motors.
Eier kochen ohne Strom
Authors: Emden Markus , Hild Pitt , Murer Livia
Published: November 2021

Anliegen der in loser Folge erscheinenden Versuche ist es, Impulse für chemische Versuche zu geben, die gefahrlos zu Hause mit haushaltsüblichen Gegenständen durchgeführt werden können. Sie können damit als Quelle für das gemeinsame Ausprobieren mit Kindern zuhause dienen, in Kindergärten oder an Schulen sowie zur Verwendung bei Tagen der offenen Tür. Ein Stückweit sind sie zu verstehen als Antwort auf den oft gehörten Satz: „Ach, Du bist Chemiker/in? Dann mach doch mal eben ein Experiment.“
Highly Stereocontrolled Total Syntheses of Cedrane Sesquiterpenes via Cascade [5+2] Cycloaddition/Etherification
Authors: Zhang Yuhan , Chi Zhiyong , Li Xiangxin , Xie Zhixiang
Published: November 2021

Comprehensive Summary

Cedrane sesquiterpenes possess common tricyclo[5.3.1.01,5]undecane core structure. The varied oxa‐five‐membered ring decorating their core structure to form 8‐oxa‐tetracyclo[7.2.2.01,5.06,13]tridecane framework, containing six consecutive chiral centers (including two all‐carbon quaternary centers and one oxygenated quaternary carbon center), has proven to be a synthetic challenge and a biosynthetic mystery to date. Herein, we reported a distinct and biomimetic strategy to these sesquiterpenes resulting in the concise asymmetric total syntheses of three cedrane sesquiterpenes from simple commercially available building blocks. Key feature is exploitation of a cascade oxidative dearomatization‐induced [5+2] cycloaddition/etherification to highly stereocontrolled construct 8‐oxa‐tetracyclo[7.2.2.01,5.06,13]tridecane framework with five contiguous chiral centers in one step. In addition, a metal‐free I2‐catalyzed and DMSO‐mediated oxidative dehydroaromatization was applied to prepare curcuphenol and its derivatives from the highly functionalized cyclohexenones with minimal manipulations.
Synthesis and Anticancer Activity of Pentafluorobenzenesulfonamide Derivatives as Caspase‐Dependent Apoptosis‐Inducing Agents
Authors: Sittihan Satapanawat , Sopha Pattarawut , Ruchirawat Somsak
Published: November 2021

Arylsulfonamides are ubiquitous in a number of anticancer agents, and fluorine substitution on aromatic rings often improves drug profile. Herein, a series of novel pentafluorobenzenesulfonamide derivatives with different molecular scaffolds were readily synthesized and assessed for their antitumor activities against multiple cancer cell lines, including A549, HepG2, HuCCA‐1, and MOLT‐3. Dihydroimidazoline‐containing analogue and its Diels‐Alder cycloadducts exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity at micromolar range while the incorporation of other heterocyclic cores via nucleophilic substitution reaction resulted in diminished potency. Selected analogues were shown to induce the accumulation of cleaved forms of Casp‐9, Casp‐7 and PARP in cancer cells, indicating intrinsic apoptosis via a caspase‐dependent process.
Multiplex Single‐Cell Analysis of Cancer Cells Enables Unbiased Uncovering Subsets Associated with Cancer Relapse: Heterogeneity of Multidrug Resistance in Precursor B‐ALL
Authors: Zhou Ying , Wai‐Choi Tse Eric , Leung Rock , Cheung Edwin , Li Hongyan , Sun Hongzhe
Published: November 2021

Earlier detection of biomarkers responsible for cancer relapse facilitates more rational cancer treatment regimens to be designed. Herein, we develop a mass cytometry‐based strategy for unbiased mining of cell subsets that potentially contribute to cancer recurrence through panoramic examination of the immunophenotypic features and multidrug resistance characteristics. The incorporation of metal tags enables multiplexed information of single cells to be interrogated based on metal fingerprint. Using acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL) as a showcase, we show overexpressed multidrug resistance biomarkers, i. e., BCRP, Bcl‐2, MRP1, and P‐gp in B‐ALL cells compared with healthy control, and a positive correlation among different multidrug resistance biomarkers. Different cell subsets with multidrug resistance are well‐defined, featured with CD34+CD38+CD10− and CD34+CD38+/intCD10+. Importantly, we uncovered that CD34 expression level is positively correlated to multidrug resistance, indicative of a higher potential of immature cells to induce B‐ALL relapse. In addition, the cell subsets positively expressing CD73 and CD304 (CD34+CD10+CD304+; CD34+CD38+/intCD10+CD73+) also overexpress multidrug resistance biomarkers, suggesting that they may serve as additional new biomarkers for B‐ALL stratification and prognosis. Our data provide the first evidence that highly expressed multidrug resistance biomarkers in certain cell subpopulations with specific immunophenotypes may potentially induce B‐ALL recurrence. The incorporation of multidrug resistance features with cell phenotypes using mass cytometry proposed in this study provides a general strategy for risk assessment and the prediction of recurrence of different types of cancers.
Ultrahigh Capacitive Supercapacitor Derived from Self‐Oxygen Doped Biomass‐Based 3D Porous Carbon Sources
Authors: Taer E. , Taslim R. , Apriwandi A.
Published: November 2021

This study reported an ultrahigh specific capacitance of a supercapacitor, using self‐oxygen doped 3D‐porous carbon derivatives from dried banana leaves. The samples were synthesized by ZnCl2 impregnation at different temperature pyrolysis of 700–900 °C. Furthermore, the overall process significantly increased the specific surface area from 429.6 to 860.4 m2 g−1 followed by the formation of 3D‐interconnected pores structures. Unexpectedly, the activated carbon demonstrated high‐level oxygen dopants between 9.47–12.45%. These valuable physical features showed a ultrahigh specific capacitance of 401 F g−1 and 235 F g−1 in a two‐electrode configuration system, using electrolytes of 1 M H2SO4 and 6 M KOH, respectively. Also, electrochemical properties were evaluated in the form of pellet binder‐free materials. Porous carbon sources were known to generate extensive specific energy of 55.69 Wh kg−1 and specific power of 200.09 W kg−1. Based on the technique and results, the use of hierarchical 3D‐porous carbon derivatives is validated as robust electrode materials in developing high‐performance electrochemical energy storage.
A decentralizedagent‐basedsemantic service control andself‐adaptationin smart health mobile applications
Authors: Alti Adel , Lakehal Abderrahim , Roose Philippe
Published: November 2021

In this article, we propose a decentralized agent‐based autonomic semantic service adaptation controller and reconfiguration (ASSACR) to solve the problem of context‐aware service selection and deployment for distributed healthcare mobile applications, where functional and nonfunctional users' needs are expressed using domain‐independent ontology. The main objective of this approach is to provide optimal personalized services as fast as possible. Indeed, a new ontology for semantic description and parallel management of the contextual services is presented. At first, a new dominance operator‐based constraints violation degree is used to reduce the search space. Then, optimal personalized paths that meet user's needs, preferences and devices' availability are discovered and selected in a smaller search space more effectively and efficiently using dynamic services selection algorithm, based on new ASSACR multiagent strategies. To validate the performance and efficiency of the proposed approach, we compared the proposed approach with existing multiagent strategies of the diabetic follow‐up use cases. Experimental results show that the proposed approach effectively addressed both the semantic service representation and agent aspects in terms of performance and quality service selection.
Does telehealth work for treating addiction?
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: November 2021

A recent study, if you look at it as glass half‐full, found many benefits of telehealth treatment for addiction — it works as well in terms of counseling as in‐person counseling. However, it's not any better, and for some other aspects of addiction treatment, the evidence is not there.
The international system for serous fluid cytopathology: Interobserver agreement
Authors: Layfield Lester J. , Yang Zhongbo , Vazmitsel Maryna , Zhang Tao , Esebua Magda , Schmidt Robert
Published: November 2021

Background

A number of categorization systems had been developed for the reporting of cytology specimens with the aim of providing uniform definitions, criteria, and diagnostic terminology. The intention of these systems is to improve reproducibility of diagnostic categorization with standardized estimates of malignancy risk. Required for the success of these systems is a high level of interobserver reproducibility for category assignment. Recently, the international system for serous fluid cytopathology (TIS) was proposed using the categories nondiagnostic, negative for malignancy, atypia of undetermined significance (AUS), suspicious for malignancy, and malignant. Little data exists documenting the interobserver agreement for these categories.

Design

A search of the cytology records at the University of Missouri was performed for all pleural fluid specimens obtained between January 2014 and December 2019. A total of 200 specimens were reviewed independently by three board‐certified cytopathologists. Specimens were characterized as nondiagnostic, negative, AUS, suspicious for malignancy, and malignant. Interobserver agreement was analyzed using Cohen's kappa.

Results

Overall observer agreement was 68% and chance‐corrected weighted agreement (weighted kappa) was 0.63. Agreement was good for categories negative and malignant, but poor for categories atypia of uncertain significance, and suspicious for malignancy.

Conclusions

The TIS has performance characteristics similar to other cytologic classification schemes. Interobserver agreement is best for the negative (76%) and malignant (81%) categories. Interobserver agreement is poor for the category's AUS, and suspicious for malignancy. This is similar to interobserver agreement associated with other published categorization systems.