bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NPS detection in prison: A systematic literature review of use, drug form, and analytical approaches
Authors: Vaccaro Giorgia , Massariol Anna , Guirguis Amira , Kirton Stewart B. , Stair Jacqueline L.
Published: March 2022

This paper presents a systematic literature review on the detection of new psychoactive substances (NPS) in prison settings. It includes the most frequently reported NPS classes, the routes and forms used for smuggling, and the methods employed to analyse biological and non‐biological samples. The search was carried out using MEDLINE (EBSCO), Scopus (ELSEVIER), PubMed (NCBI), and Web of Science (Clarivate) databases, along with reports from the grey literature in line with the PRISMA‐S guidelines. A total of 2708 records were identified, of which 50 met the inclusion criteria. Findings showed the most prevalent NPS class reported in prison was synthetic cannabinoids (SCs). The most frequently reported SCs in non‐biological samples were 4F‐MDMB‐BINACA, MDMB‐4en‐PINACA, and 5F‐ADB. These were smuggled mainly through the postal services deposited on paper or herbal matrices. Concentrations of SCs detected on seized paper ranged between 0.05 and 1.17 mg/cm2. The SCs most frequently reported in biological specimens (i.e., urine, blood, saliva, and wastewater) were 5F‐MDMB‐PICA, 4F‐MDMB‐BINACA, and MDMB‐4en‐PINACA. Concentrations of SCs reported in femoral blood and serum were 0.12–0.48 ng/ml and 34–17 ng/ml, respectively. Hyphenated techniques were predominantly employed and generally successful for the detection of NPS in biological (i.e., LC‐HRMS/MS) and non‐biological samples (i.e., LC‐HRMS/MS and GC–MS). The onsite technique IMS showed promise for detecting SCs in various forms; however, immunoassays were not recommended. Future work should focus on accurate in‐field detection of SCs deposited on paper and in urine and saliva to improve real‐time decision‐making, as well as wastewater and air monitoring for overall drug use trends.
Temperature and nutrient conditions modify the effects of phenological shifts in predator–prey communities
Authors: Rudolf V. H. W.
Published: March 2022

Although there is mounting evidence indicating that the relative timing of predator and prey phenologies determines the outcome of trophic interactions, we still lack a comprehensive understanding of how the environmental context (e.g., abiotic conditions) influences this relationship. Environmental conditions not only frequently drive shifts in phenologies, but they can also affect the very same processes that mediate the effects of phenological shifts on species interactions. Therefore, identifying how environmental conditions shape the effects of phenological shifts is key to predicting community dynamics across a heterogeneous landscape and how they will change with ongoing climate change in the future. Here I tested how environmental conditions shape the effects of phenological shifts by experimentally manipulating temperature, nutrient availability, and relative phenologies in two predator–prey freshwater systems (mole salamander–bronze frog vs. dragonfly larvae–leopard frog). This allowed me to (1) isolate the effects of phenological shifts and different environmental conditions; (2) determine how they interact; and (3) evaluate how consistent these patterns are across different species and environments. I found that delaying prey arrival dramatically increased predation rates, but these effects were contingent on environmental conditions and the predator system. Although nutrient addition and warming both significantly enhanced the effect of arrival time, their effect was qualitatively different across systems: Nutrient addition enhanced the positive effect of early arrival in the dragonfly–leopard frog system, whereas warming enhanced the negative effect of arriving late in the salamander–bronze frog system. Predator responses varied qualitatively across predator–prey systems. Only in the system with a strong gape limitation were predators (salamanders) significantly affected by prey arrival time and this effect varied with environmental context. Correlations between predator and prey demographic rates suggest that this was driven by shifts in initial predator–prey size ratios and a positive feedback between size‐specific predation rates and predator growth rates. These results highlight the importance of accounting for temporal and spatial correlations of local environmental conditions and gape limitation when predicting the effects of phenological shifts and climate change on predator–prey systems.
The new HFA/ICOS risk assessment tool to identify patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia at high risk of cardiotoxicity
Authors: Di Lisi Daniela , Madaudo Cristina , Alagna Giulia , Santoro Marco , Rossetto Ludovico , Siragusa Sergio , Novo Giuseppina
Published: March 2022

Aims

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) used to treat chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) can cause cardiovascular adverse events. So far, the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) charts of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) have been used to identify cancer patients at increased cardiovascular risk. The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the usefulness of the new cardiovascular risk assessment model proposed by the Cardio‐Oncology Study Group of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the ESC in collaboration with the International Cardio‐Oncology Society (ICOS) to stratify the cardiovascular risk in CML patients, compared with SCORE risk charts. The secondary aim was to establish the incidence of adverse arterial events (AEs) in patients with CML treated with TKIs and the influence of preventive treatment with aspirin.

Methods and results

A retrospective single‐centre observational study was carried out on 58 patients (32 men and 26 women; mean age ± SD: 59 ± 15 years) with CML treated with TKIs for a median period of 43 ± 31 months. Cardiological evaluation was performed and cardiovascular risk was estimated with SCORE risk charts and with the new risk assessment tool proposed by HFA/ICOS. AEs were recorded. According to SCORE charts and the new HFA/ICOS risk stratification tool, respectively, 46% (Group A1) and 60% (Group A2) of patients were at high–very high risk, and 54% (Group B1) and 40% (Group B2) at low–moderate risk. AEs were significantly more frequent in Group A1 than Group B1 (P value < 0.01) when considered overall; they were significantly more frequent in Group A2 than Group B2 either overall or considered individually. HFA/ICOS risk stratification tool was significantly more sensitive than SCORE (P < 0.01) in identifying patients at higher risk of cardiovascular toxicity. In addition, we did not find AEs in patients pretreated with aspirin.

Conclusions

The new HFA/ICOS risk stratification model allows a more tailored cardiovascular risk stratification in patients with CML and it is more sensitive than SCORE charts.
Grants and funding at mid‐career: Planning with purpose to achieve agency, vitality, and fulfillment
Authors: Pifer Meghan J.
Published: March 2022

Across disciplines, mid‐career faculty may be motivated by internal and external factors to pursue financial support for their work. Yet, it is unclear how mid‐career faculty navigate individualized realities to develop the necessary skills for success in this aspect of their careers. This chapter guides the reader through planning for the pursuit of funding at mid‐career in ways that promote agency, vitality, and fulfillment. Rather than emphasizing strategies for securing grants, it focuses on a reflective practice that places at the foreground individual decision‐making in alignment with personal goals, talents, and needed areas of development. The chapter includes an overview of challenges faced by mid‐career faculty as well as growth‐promoting models of academic careers, and then transitions to a reflective planning guide. It concludes with recommendations for key stakeholders in support of mid‐career faculty.
Sustainable. Purposeful. Thriving: Critical hope for mid‐career research and practice
Authors: Terosky Aimee LaPointe , Baker Vicki L.
Published: March 2022

This chapter synthesizes three themes that unite this book's chapters, including critical hope, agency within equitable contexts, and social capital. In addition to descriptions and examples of each theme, the chapter provides recommendations for future research and implications for practice to enhance the experiences of mid‐career faculty.
Descriptive analysis of recurrences of nasal intestinal‐type adenocarcinomas after radiotherapy
Authors: Abu‐Shama Yazan , Renard Sophie , Nguyen Duc Trung , Henrot Philippe , Toussaint Bruno , Rumeau Cécile , Gallet Patrice , Jankowski Roger
Published: March 2022

Background

Despite adjuvant radiotherapy, rates of recurrences of endoscopically operated nasal intestinal‐type adenocarcinomas (ITAC) have not been improved in successive series. To better understand how to improve local control, we aimed to investigate the site of local recurrences of ITACs.

Methods

Retrospective study in a reference center in sinonasal malignancies. For all patients with a local recurrence, radiotherapy plans were retrieved and compared to the delineation of local recurrences.

Results

Of 63 patients, 54 underwent adjuvant radiotherapy of which 14 (25.9%) had a local recurrence. Eleven of them had their onset in an optimally irradiated area. Difficulty to dissect the cribriform plate and/or the lateral lamina was reported for 11 patients with local recurrences in the operative reports (p <0.0001).

Conclusions

Most of recurrences arose in an optimally irradiated area. A close cooperation between surgeons and radiotherapists is required to define areas at risk and adapt treatment.
Interpersonal communication may improve equity in dementia risk education
Authors: Fair Hannah , Klekociuk Shannon , Eccleston Claire , Doherty Kathleen , Farrow Maree
Published: March 2022

Issue addressed

Encouraging people to adopt life‐long habits that reduce dementia risk is necessary to manage the growing global prevalence of this condition and is, therefore, a global health priority. Current initiatives promoting risk‐reducing behaviour primarily attract participants from a limited range of backgrounds, even if widely available. This may inadvertently increase health inequities, as the people who are most likely to develop dementia are the people who are least involved in risk‐reduction initiatives. Interpersonal communication can effectively disseminate health messages to demographically diverse populations and may, therefore, broaden the reach of dementia risk‐reduction information.

Methods

Coding reliability thematic analysis was used to categorise reports of information sharing provided by participants from one global online dementia risk education initiative, the Preventing Dementia Massive Open Online Course, or MOOC. These reports of information sharing were provided in response to the feedback question: “If you have already applied your MOOC learning, please tell us how.”

Results

Information was reportedly shared with a wide range of people, including those from demographic groups that are under‐represented among Preventing Dementia MOOC participants. Information about specific risk factors was shared, along with general information about the course and/or dementia risk reduction. Some participants also reported that the people they shared information with were initiating risk‐reducing behaviours.

Conclusion

Interpersonal communication has the potential to disseminate dementia risk reduction information to, and promote behaviour change among, a broad group of people at risk of dementia, thereby increasing equity in dementia risk education.
A multiple hydrograph separation technique for identifying hydrological model structures and an interpretation of dominant process controls on flow duration curves
Authors: Leong Chris , Yokoo Yoshiyuki
Published: March 2022

There has been significant progress made towards understanding the process controls that govern the shapes of flow duration curves (FDC). However, the transferability of the knowledge gained to large spatial scales is still lacking, partly due to the fixed representation of the model structures representing the unobserved underground layer. In the context of improving large scale applicability/transferability of FDC studies: (1) we propose a novel approach to transform/restructure the representation of the subsurface component in hydrological models to be flexible and adaptable in any environment and (2) provide a thorough interpretation of the dominant processes that impact the shape of FDCs. The flexible structure is designed from a series of multiple connected linear reservoirs that are developed from a unique multiple hydrograph separation procedure, to estimate the number of distinct hydrological processes at play. The main results are: (1) wet catchments have more complex model structures (more reservoirs) than arid catchments; indicating that subsurface processes are potentially more present in wet catchments than in drier ones. Dry catchments have more near surface occurring processes, thus have less complex model structures. However, more complexity is potentially required within the internal reservoirs of dry catchments. (2) The strength of interference in the intermediate reservoirs in controlling the dominant processes towards the bottom determined the shape of FDCs, and this increased with aridity. The novel finding is that a model structure can be determined by the catchment's ability to generate flows as well as the strength of low flow persistence. Hence, we propose a conceptual framework for the development of flexible model structures based on the shapes of FDCs. The transformation of models to be flexible in this research, should contribute to studies that seek the transferability of models over large spatial scales.
Longitudinal association between poor parental supervision and risk‐taking behavior: The role of self‐control and school climate
Authors: Dou Kai , Wang Lin‐Xin , Cheng Dan‐Li , Li Yan‐Yu , Zhang Ming‐Chen
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Although poor parental supervision has been associated with an increased adolescents' propensity for risk‐taking behavior, few researchers have investigated nuanced mechanisms ofhowandfor whomfrom the perspective of “family × school.” Inspired by ecological system theory and self‐control theory, this study aimed to investigate the mediating role of self‐control and the moderating role of school climate between the link between poor parental supervision and risk‐taking behavior.

Methods

Four hundred and ninety‐one Chinese adolescents (231 females,Mage = 15.39 ± 1.36) were recruited to participate in a three‐wave longitudinal study (3 months apart) and complete questionnaires regarding poor parental supervision (W1), school climate (W1), self‐control (W2), and risk‐taking behavior (W1/W3).

Results

After controlling for W1 risk‐taking behavior, our moderated mediation model indicated that W1 poor parental supervision was positively related to W3 risk‐taking behavior by restraining the development of W2 self‐control. Additionally, a high level of school climate as a protective factor buffered the negative impact of poor parental supervision on adolescents' self‐control, further reducing risk‐taking behavior.

Conclusion

Our findings shed light on the processing mechanisms between poor parental supervision and risk‐taking behavior among Chinese adolescents and underscore the importance of effective preventions and interventions to facilitate adolescents' healthy development.
Imaging approaches for monitoring three‐dimensional cell and tissue culture systems
Authors: Hilzenrat Geva , Gill Emma T. , McArthur Sally L.
Published: March 2022

The past decade has seen an increasing demand for more complex, reproducible and physiologically relevant tissue cultures that can mimic the structural and biological features of living tissues. Monitoring the viability, development and responses of such tissues in real‐time are challenging due to the complexities of cell culture physical characteristics and the environments in which these cultures need to be maintained in. Significant developments in optics, such as optical manipulation, improved detection and data analysis, have made optical imaging a preferred choice for many three‐dimensional (3D) cell culture monitoring applications. The aim of this review is to discuss the challenges associated with imaging and monitoring 3D tissues and cell culture, and highlight topical label‐free imaging tools that enable bioengineers and biophysicists to non‐invasively characterise engineered living tissues.
High performance of Co3O4@carbon composites as anodes for Lithium‐ion batteries
Authors: Xie Huan , Yang Guang , Cai Zhenyu , Li Ze , Wang Yinwei
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Metal oxides suffer from huge volume changes and poor electrical conductivity as anode materials in lithium‐ion batteries. Many nanostructures have been designed to improve the electrochemical performance of metal oxide anodes.

RESULTS

In this work, Co3O4@carbon composites are prepared via hydrothermal reaction. The as‐prepared Co3O4@carbon composites displayed good lithium storage performance and excellent cycling stability. The Co3O4@carbon anode showed a high capacity of 986 mAh/g after 100 cycles at 0.2 C.

CONCLUSION

The superior electrochemical performance of the Co3O4@carbon anode is attributed to its unique hybrid structure, which can improve electrical conductivity and act as a buffer for the volume change during electrochemical reactions. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Synthesis of ceramic tubular membrane from low‐cost clay precursors for blood purification application as substitute of commercial dialysis membrane
Authors: Roshni M , Pugazhenthi G. , Periyasamy R. , Vasanth D.
Published: March 2022

Background

There has been a surge of interest in the preparation of membranes for clinical applications, chiefly for hemodialysis and hemofiltration. Despite numerous benefits, the exploitation of polymeric materials for dialysis membrane preparation remains unsatisfactory due to lack of proper physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. Therefore, this work focuses on the preparation of a ceramic membrane in a tubular configuration using an extrusion method and a clay material mixture. The biocompatibility of the membrane as well as its structural properties were studied.

Results

The porosity, permeability and pore size of the membrane were 39 ± 0.88%, 203 ± 0.51 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 and 304 ± 1.20 nm, respectively. The corrosion tolerance of the membrane was found to be better in acidic, alkaline and chlorine solutions. The protein adsorption, hemolysis and platelet adhesion were 2.1 ± 0.03 μg cm−2, 1.02 ± 0.01% and 6856 ± 84 platelets mm−2, respectively. The membrane demonstrated a prolonged blood coagulation time (PT = 18 ± 0.33 s and APTT = 70 ± 0.57 s), a 171 ± 0.57 s whole blood clotting time and complement activation of 805 ± 1.3 mg L−1 for C3 and 247.3 ± 0.98 mg L−1 for C4. During synthetic blood filtration, the membrane had sieving coefficients of 0.98 ± 0.005, 0.97 ± 0.008 and 0.93 ± 0.005 for creatinine, urea and phosphate, respectively. Finally, the membrane revealed a protein rejection of about 56 ± 0.57%.

Conclusions

The overall findings indicated that the prepared tubular membrane with excellent biocompatibility and uremic toxin removal can be used for hemofiltration application as an alternative to hemodialysis. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Postauthorization safety study of betaine anhydrous
Authors: Mütze Ulrike , Gleich Florian , Garbade Sven F. , Plisson Céline , Aldámiz‐Echevarría Luis , Arrieta Francisco , Ballhausen Diana , Zielonka Matthias , Petković Ramadža Danijela , Baumgartner Matthias R. , Cano Aline , García Jiménez María Concepción , Dionisi‐Vici Carlo , Ješina Pavel , Blom Henk J. , Couce Maria Luz , Meavilla Olivas Silvia , Mention Karine , Mochel Fanny , Morris Andrew A. M. , Mundy Helen , Redonnet‐Vernhet Isabelle , Santra Saikat , Schiff Manuel , Servais Aude , Vitoria Isidro , Huemer Martina , Kožich Viktor , Kölker Stefan
Published: March 2022

Patient registries for rare diseases enable systematic data collection and can also be used to facilitate postauthorization safety studies (PASS) for orphan drugs. This study evaluates the PASS for betaine anhydrous (Cystadane), conducted as public private partnership (PPP) between the European network and registry for homocystinurias and methylation defects and the marketing authorization holder (MAH). Data were prospectively collected, 2013–2016, in a noninterventional, international, multicenter, registry study. Putative adverse and severe adverse events were reported to the MAH's pharmacovigilance. In total, 130 individuals with vitamin B6 nonresponsive (N = 54) and partially responsive (N = 7) cystathionine beta‐synthase (CBS) deficiency, as well as 5,10‐methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR; N = 21) deficiency and cobalamin C (N = 48) disease were included. Median (range) duration of treatment with betaine anhydrous was 6.8 (0–9.8) years. The prescribed betaine dose exceeded the recommended maximum (6 g/day) in 49% of individuals older than 10 years because of continued dose adaptation to weight; however, with disease‐specific differences (minimum: 31% in B6 nonresponsive CBS deficiency, maximum: 67% in MTHFR deficiency). Despite dose escalation no new or potential risk was identified. Combined disease‐specific treatment decreased mean ± SD total plasma homocysteine concentrations from 203 ± 116 to 81 ± 51 μmol/L (p < 0.0001), except in MTHFR deficiency. Recommendations for betaine anhydrous dosage were revised for individuals ≥ 10 years. PPPs between MAH and international scientific consortia can be considered a reliable model for implementing a PASS, reutilizing well‐established structures and avoiding data duplication and fragmentation.
Effectively working with immigrants: A model for school counselors
Authors: Dogan Sabri
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this grounded theory study was to explore school counselors’ experiences working with immigrants. Based on this exploration, the author proposes a model that explains the process of becoming effective school counselors in working with immigrants. This model relies on social justice, and it consists of four developmental stages: superficial awareness, growing awareness, application, and culturally competent school counselor. Implications for school counselors are provided.
Raman microspectroscopy/micro‐optical coherence tomography approach for chairside diagnosis of periodontal diseases: A pilot study
Authors: Saggu Arjun , Maguluri Gopi , Grimble John , Park Jesung , Hasturk Hatice , Iftimia Nicusor , Sima Corneliu
Published: March 2022

Background

Our objective was to develop and test a combined Raman microspectroscopy (RMS) and micro‐optical coherence tomography (μOCT) approach for chairside quantification of gingival collagen, DNA, epithelium, and connective tissue. We hypothesized that a high‐resolution RMS/μOCT can characterize healthy and inflamed periodontal tissues for diagnosis and disease activity monitoring.

Methods

A prototype instrument was developed, tested ex vivo on gingival specimens and optimized for in vivo intraoral use. The primary outcome measures were the ratios of oral epithelium to connective tissue thickness (OE:CT) and the amount of DNA to collagen type I (DNA/Col 1), and the thickness of sulcular epithelium (SE). For ex vivo testing, eight subjects with healthy periodontal tissues or with Stage II to IV periodontitis were included in the study and underwent crown‐lengthening or periodontal surgical procedures, respectively. Gingival biopsies were scanned by RMS/μOCT and histometric analyses were performed. The proof‐of‐concept study included OE/CT, DNA/Col 1, and SE assessed in six volunteers with or without signs of gingival inflammation (n = 3/group).

Results

The spatially co‐registered RMS spectra revealed opposing changes in the collagen and DNA peaks of inflamed compared with healthy tissues (P <0.05). Combined RMS/μOCT analysis showed that OE/CT, DNA/Col, and SE are significantly different between healthy and inflamed sites (P <0.05). Histological assessments confirmed the differences detected by RMS/μOCT. Qualitative analysis of DNA/Col 1 ratios indicated Col I content as the main distinguishing feature for health and DNA content for periodontitis.

Conclusion

Results suggest that combined RMS/μOCT chairside imaging may distinguish between healthy and diseased sites by evaluating marginal periodontal morphological and biochemical features.
Bioactive Poly(4‐hydroxybutyrate)/Poly(ethylene glycol) Fibrous Dressings Incorporated with Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for Efficient Antibacterial Therapy and Rapid Clotting
Authors: Yuan Shuaishuai , Sun Xiuxia , Shen Yong , Li Zhibo
Published: March 2022

Antibacterial and hemostatic properties are of great importance to wound dressing in treating trauma. Poly(4‐hydroxybutyrate) (P4HB), an U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved bioabsorbable polyester, is used as dermal substitutes to prevent sever wound contraction and improve wound healing. However, P4HB fibrous mats are not efficient in halting bleeding and preventing bacterial associated infection. Here the authors prepare a new kind of wound dressing by incorporating poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles into the P4HB matrix by using electrospinning method. The in vitro results reveal that the P4HB/PEG/ZnO dressings can synergistically help blood clotting, prevent bacteria adhesion, and kill bacteria efficiently. It's found that the bactericidal activity of the bioactive P4HB/PEG/ZnO dressings is related to the release of Zn2+ ions rather than reactive oxygen species (ROS) under dark condition. The in vivo antibacterial evaluation indicates that the bioactive P4HB/PEG/ZnO dressings can successfully prevent wound infections in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats’ skin defect model. The in vivo hemostatic experiments evaluated in the rabbit ear injury model further confirm that the bioactive P4HB/PEG/ZnO dressings have excellent hemostatic performance. Hence, this study demonstrates that the bioactive P4HB/PEG/ZnO dressings with hemostatic and bactericidal properties have great potential in possible clinical applications.
Simple Strategies for Enhancement of the Strength of Lignin‐Based Nanofibrous Aerogels
Authors: Cho MiJung , Karaaslan Muzaffer A. , Renneckar Scott
Published: March 2022

Solvent fractionated lignin and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are used to create highly resilient nanofiber‐based aerogel materials. Two fractions of softwood kraft lignin (SKL) are combined and subsequently electrospun into nanofibers composed of 99% lignin. Additionally, 5 wt.% of CNCs is added into the fiber, based on the solid lignin weight, to enhance the physical properties of the nanofiber materials. The manufacturing process involves dispersing the fibers in water followed by freeze‐drying and subsequent heat treatment. The heat treatment process, with carefully chosen blends of fractionated lignin with specific glass transition temperatures, provides an initial thermoplastic behavior that results in the physical cross‐linking of entangled fibers upon heat treatment. This tailored morphology shows four times higher compressive strength compared to lignin nanofiber materials that only contain high molecular weight fractions. Moreover, CNC is a critical additive that helps maintain fiber geometry by reducing significant softening of lignin under elevated temperatures. Therefore, the fibers with CNC additives ensure the 3D shape after heat treatment, resulting in enhanced physical connections at fiber junctions. As a result, lignin/CNC nanofibers are transformed into 3D structured, lightweight materials that can undergo near full recovery after repeated compressive strain matching the performance of some carbonized analogs.
Nonlocal homogenisation theory for curl‐div‐systems
Authors: Nicaise Serge , Waurick Marcus
Published: March 2022

We study the curl‐div‐system with variable coefficients and a nonlocal homogenisation problem associated with it. Using, in part refining, techniques from nonlocalH‐convergence for closed Hilbert complexes, we define the appropriate topology for possibly nonlocal and non‐periodic coefficients in curl‐div systems to model highly oscillatory behaviour of the coefficients on small scales. We address curl‐div systems under various boundary conditions and analyse the limit of the ratio of small scale over large scale tending to zero. Already for standard Dirichlet boundary conditions and local coefficients the limit system is nontrivial and unexpected. Furthermore, we provide an analysis of highly oscillatory local coefficients for a curl‐div system with impedance type boundary conditions relevant in scattering theory for Maxwell's equations and relate the abstract findings to localH‐convergence and weak*‐convergence of the coefficients.
Unternehmenskultur: Von Integrität profitieren
Authors: Nagel Katja
Published: March 2022

In der Chemiebranche, geprägt von Transformationsaufgaben, kommt es mehr denn je auf integres Verhalten und ethische Prinzipien wie Fairness, Solidarität und Gemeinwohl an. Kunden, Aktionäre und Beschäftigte erwarten, dass Unternehmen ihre Versprechen einlösen. Dafür müssen diese Ziele entwickeln und offen kommunizieren.
Biodegradable functional macromolecules as promising scaffolds for cardiac tissue engineering
Authors: Saghebasl Solmaz , Akbarzadeh Abolfazl , Gorabi Armita Mahdavi , Nikzamir Nasrin , SeyedSadjadi Mirabdullah , Mostafavi Ebrahim
Published: March 2022

Cardiovascular diseases, the major international health problem and the leading cause of death worldwide have been increasing in recent years due to population aging and lifestyle changes. Loss of cardiac muscle function after myocardial damage is one of the most critical challenges in cardiovascular medicine that has not yet been overcome. Tissue engineering (TE) has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach in modern medicine, targeting the substitution of damaged tissue with functional tissue grown inside an artificial scaffold. Great efforts have been made toward the construction of tissue engineering scaffolds that paved the way for extracellular matrix (ECM)‐like biomaterial. In cardiac tissue engineering, key parameters must be determined to select the ideal biomaterial, such as biocompatibility, conductivity, mechanical features, degradation and swelling rate, surface properties, and cell viability, growth and proliferation. Among different scaffolding materials, a wide range of natural biological macromolecules and synthetic macromolecules have been utilized to produce scaffolds with multifunctionality for cardiac tissue engineering (CTE). In this review, we have focused on recent achievements in the field of synthetic biodegradable macromolecules (such as aliphatic polyesters, polyurethane, poly (glycerol sebacate)) and the significant strategies to construct electrically conductive scaffolds to regenerate the function of native cardiac tissue. These biodegradable macromolecules have several attractive properties, including biocompatibility, elasticity, good mechanical properties, compatibility with native cardiac tissue, and proper surface biochemistry to increase cardiac cell adhesion, making them appropriate candidates for CTE. Recently, a growing trend in the use of conductive scaffolds for cardiac regeneration has been witnessed. Different materials ranging from metals, ceramics, and polymers have been used as parts of conductive scaffolds for CTE, possessing conductivity assortments from a range of semiconductive to conductive. Moreover, this review paper also focuses on the main strategies to create electroconductive scaffolds for in vitro cardiac muscle regeneration.
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) phase inversion membranes: Thermodynamics and effects of a poor solvent on the membrane characteristics
Authors: Cadore Ígor Renz , Ambrosi Alan , Cardozo Nilo Sergio Medeiros , Tessaro Isabel Cristina
Published: March 2022

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is a worldwide established polymer that has raised the interest of researchers for the fabrication of membranes. Polymer membranes are mostly prepared by the phase inversion technique, but the literature is scarce regarding the use of PET for this purpose. The main objective of this work is to prepare PET membranes by the phase inversion technique and characterize the phase separation phenomena and the performance of membranes produced under different solution conditions. The cloud point tests showed that the addition of dichloromethane (DCM) in PET solutions with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) turned the system more unstable because less water was necessary to promote phase separation. The poor solvent DCM neither affects the chemical structure of membranes nor the surface wettability. SEM images revealed a porous and sponge‐like structure with a thin top layer and the poor solvent seems to suppress the tear‐like macrovoid formation. Filtration experiments indicated higher pure water flux for membranes prepared with DCM in the solution but lower selectivity for model solutes.
On possible trypsin‐induced biases in peptides analysis with aerolysin nanopore
Authors: Afshar Bakshloo Mazdak , Yahiaoui Safia , Ouldali Hadjer , Pastoriza‐Gallego Manuela , Piguet Fabien , Oukhaled Abdelghani
Published: March 2022

Nanopore‐based single‐molecule analysis technique is a promising approach in the field of proteomics. In this Technical Brief, the interaction between the biological nanopore of Aerolysin (AeL) and peptides is investigated, focusing on potential biases depending on the AeL activation protocol. Our results reveal that residual trypsin, which may be unintentionally introduced in analyte solution when using a classical AeL activation protocol, can induce a significant formation of shorter peptides by enzymatic degradation of longer ones, which may lead to unwanted effects and/or misinterpretations. AeL free‐trypsin activation protocol eliminates this bias and appears more appropriate for peptide/proteins analysis, specifically in the perspective of nanopore‐based molecular fingerprinting or of low‐abundance species characterization.
Anti‐Jo1 autoantibodies, from clinic to the bench
Authors: Galindo‐Feria Angeles S. , Horuluoglu Begum , Lundberg Ingrid E.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) also known as myositis, is a chronic autoimmune disease which affects muscles, skin, joints and lung. One of the most common autoantibodies with a prevalence of 25‐35%, is the anti‐Jo‐1 autoantibodies, targeting the histidyl‐transfer RNA synthetase (HisRS). These autoantibodies are strongly associated with a distinct clinical phenotype called anti‐synthetase syndrome (ASyS) that includes interstitial lung disease (ILD), myositis, arthritis and Raynaud's phenomenon. The mechanism of how autoantibodies are produced and how they contribute to disease pathogenesis is unclear.

Areas Covered

In this review we will discuss the clinical manifestations associated with Jo‐1 autoantibodies, and the association with clinical features. Moreover, we will also review the molecular characteristics of the antibodies and how they affect the cells of the immune system in order to understand possible disease mechanisms.
Synthesis, In Vitro Cytotoxicity, and DFT Studies of Novel 2‐Amino Substituted Benzonaphthyridines as PDK1 Inhibitors
Authors: Prabha Kolandaivel , Satheeshkumar Rajendran , Nasif Vesim , Saranya Jayapalan , Sayin Koray , Natarajan Jeyakumar , Chandrasekar Chinnarasu , Rajendra Prasad K. J.
Published: March 2022

The present work emphasizes the utility of 2,4‐dichloro‐5‐methylbenzo[h][1,6]naphthyridine as starting precursors. The reaction of 2,4‐dichloro‐5‐methylbenzo[h][1,6]naphthyridine with a variety of aliphatic and aromatic amines yielded 2‐amino substituted 2,4‐dichlorobenzo[h]naphthyridines. All the compounds were examined for their in vitro anticancer activity against six human cancer lines and docked with PDK1 inhibitors. The structure‐activity relationship studies are revealed that the compounds holding aminocarbazole moiety and triazole amine moiety improve the activity profile. All the structures of synthesized compounds were optimized at B3LYP‐D3/6‐31G(d) level in the water. Furthermore, the electronic properties and biological reactivity of the synthesized compounds are explored using computational techniques.
Graphene Ionogel Ultra‐Fast Filter Supercapacitor with 4 V Workable Window and 150 °C Operable Temperature
Authors: Chi Fengyao , Hu Yajie , He Wenya , Weng Chuanxin , Cheng Huhu , Li Chun , Qu Liangti
Published: March 2022

The filtering capacitor plays an essential role in the ever‐increasing electronics for current stability in complicated environments. However, because of the low specific capacitance and bulky volume, current filtering devices have difficulty satisfying the harsh temperature environment and small size for supercomputers, electric vehicles, aircraft and so on. Therefore, an ultra‐fast electrochemical capacitor is developed on the basis of vertically oriented graphene iongel electrodes (GI‐EC), which demonstrates excellent alternate current line‐filtering performance with both hot tolerance of up to 150 °C and a wide voltage window of 4 V. Because of the particularly oriented graphene nanosheets induced fast ion transport, this ionic electrochemical capacitor displays a high areal specific energy density of 1784 µF V2 cm−2 with a phase angle of −80.0° (120 Hz) at 150 °C, which is greater than most of the reported electrochemical capacitors. Moreover, it can filter arbitrary waveforms to smooth direct current signals and works well with a wide frequency range from 10 to 104 Hz. The easy integration of GI‐ECs in series or parallel can also further deliver desired capacitances or high voltages. The GI‐EC with high‐rate performance, wide voltage window, and high‐temperature adaptability presents a great promise for universally applicable filtering capacitors.
Online monitoring of small volume reactions using compact liquid chromatography instrumentation
Authors: Foster Samuel W. , Xie Xiaofeng , Hellmig Jacob M. , Moura‐Letts Gustavo , West W. Raymond , Lee Milton L. , Grinias James P.
Published: March 2022

A wide variety of analytical techniques have been employed for monitoring chemical reactions, with online instrumentation providing additional benefits compared to offline analysis. A challenge in the past for online monitoring has been placement of the monitoring instrumentation as close as possible to the reaction vessel to maximize sampling temporal resolution and preserve sample composition integrity. Furthermore, the ability to sample very small volumes from bench‐scale reactions allows the use of small reaction vessels and conservation of expensive reagents. In this study, a compact capillary liquid chromatography instrument was used for online monitoring of as small as 1 mL total volume of a chemical reaction mixture, with automated sampling of nanoliter‐scale volumes directly from the reaction vessel used for analysis. Analyses to demonstrate short‐term (∼2 h) and long‐term (∼ 50 h) reactions were conducted using tandem on‐capillary ultraviolet absorbance followed by in‐line mass spectrometry detection or ultraviolet absorbance detection alone, respectively. For both short‐ and long‐term reactions (10 and 250 injections, respectively), sampling approaches using syringe pumps minimized the overall sample loss to approximately 0.2% of the total reaction volume.
Rate of conversion from mild cognitive impairment to dementia in a Thai hospital‐based population: A retrospective cohort
Authors: Thaipisuttikul Papan , Jaikla Kriengsak , Satthong Sirikorn , Wisajun Pattarabhorn
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the state between normal cognition and dementia. This study objective was to estimate an average 1‐year rate of conversion from MCI to dementia and explore the associated factors of conversion in a hospital‐based cohort.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of participants with MCI was conducted in a tertiary care hospital in Thailand. Two hundred fifty participants, 50 years of age or older, were enrolled.

Results

An average 1‐year conversion rate from MCI to dementia was 18.4%. MCI patients who converted to dementia were likely older (P < .001), predominantly female (P = .028), vitamin D deficient (P = .012), and associated with lower Mini–Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores during first assessments (P < .001, P < .001 respectively) and follow‐up assessments (P < .045, P < .001 respectively). We conducted two models of multivariate analysis, using binary logistic regression. In the first model, adjusted for age, sex, education, vitamin D deficiency, and first assessment MMSE scores, we found that underlying vitamin D deficiency (odds ratio [OR] = 3.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04 to 9.44) and first assessment MMSE scores (OR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.93) were significantly associated with conversion to dementia. In the second model, adjusted for age, sex, education, vitamin D deficiency and first assessment MoCA scores, only first assessment MoCA scores (OR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.76) were significantly associated with conversion to dementia.

Discussion

The 1‐year conversion rate from MCI to dementia was 18.4%. MMSE and MoCA were useful tools to assess baseline cognitive status in MCI patients and predict dementia progression. The association between vitamin D deficiency and risk of conversion from MCI to dementia requires further investigations.
Analysis of Spatial Gene Expression at the Cellular Level in Stony Corals
Authors: Traylor-Knowles Nikki , Emery Madison
Published: March 2022

Scleractinians, or stony corals, are colonial animals that possess a high regenerative capacity and a highly diverse innate immune system. As such they present the opportunity to investigate the interconnection between regeneration and immunity in a colonial animal. Understanding the relationship between regeneration and immunity in stony corals is of further interest as it has major implications for coral reef health. One method for understanding the role of innate immunity in scleractinian regeneration is in situ hybridization using RNA probes. Here we describe a protocol for in situ hybridization in adult stony corals using a digoxigenin (DIG)-labeled RNA antisense probe which can be utilized to investigate the spatial expression of immune factors during regeneration.
Analysis of DNA Double-Stranded Breaks Using the Comet Assay in Planarians
Authors: Barghouth Paul G. , Rojas Salvador , O’Dell Lacey R. , Betancourt Andrew M. , Oviedo Néstor J.
Published: March 2022

Comet assay provides the opportunity to detect and characterize DNA strand breaks. Cellular lysing followed by embedding in agarose slide is used to visualize under an electrical current migration patterns corresponding to DNA fragments of different sizes. Here we describe the process of detecting and characterizing DNA damage by Comet assay on planarians, which is a model organism commonly used to understand the process of whole-body regeneration, stem cell regulation, and adult tissue maintenance.
Using RNA-Seq for Transcriptome Profiling of Botrylloides sp. Regeneration
Authors: Meier Michael , Wilson Megan J.
Published: March 2022

The decrease in sequencing costs and technology improvements has led to the adoption of RNA-sequencing to profile transcriptomes from further non-traditional regeneration model organisms such as the colonial ascidian Botrylloides leachii. The relatively unbiased way in which transcripts are identified and quantified makes this technique suitable to detect large-scale changes in expression, and the identification of novel transcripts and isoforms. Of particular interest to many researchers is the discovery of differentially expressed transcripts across different treatment conditions or stages of regeneration. This protocol describes a workflow starting from processing raw sequencing reads, mapping reads, assembly of transcripts, and measuring their abundance, creating lists of differentially expressed genes and their biological interpretation using gene ontologies. All programs used in this protocol are open-source software tools and freely available.
Studying Porifera WBR Using the Calcerous Sponges Leucosolenia
Authors: Lavrov Andrey I. , Ereskovsky Alexander V.
Published: March 2022

Sponges (Porifera), basal nonbilaterian metazoans, are well known for their high regenerative capacities ranging from reparation of a lost body wall to whole-body regeneration from a small piece of tissues or even from dissociated cells. Sponges from different clades utilize different cell sources and various morphological processes to complete the regeneration. This variety makes these animals promising models for studying the evolution of regeneration in Metazoa. However, there are few publications concerning the regenerative mechanisms in sponges. This could be partially explained by the delicacy of sponge tissues, which requires modifying and fine adjusting of common research protocols. The current chapter describes various methods for studying regeneration processes in the marine calcareous sponge, Leucosolenia. Provided protocols span all significant research steps: from sponge collection and surgical operations to various types of microscopy and immunohistochemical studies.
Definition of Volunteer Work and a Model of Volunteer Activity
Authors: Güntert Stefan T. , Wehner Theo , Mieg Harald A.
Published: March 2022

Volunteer work can best be defined as a free, non-profit activity that usually serves the common good. The aspect ofvoluntarinessis essential and distinguishes it from other forms of work. Anyone who speaks of volunteer work is not just talking about individual helping behavior or civic engagement but, indirectly, always also about the national system of gainful employment within which volunteer work takes place and with which it must be compatible.
Volunteer Work as a Matter of Motivation
Authors: Güntert Stefan T. , Wehner Theo , Mieg Harald A.
Published: March 2022

Hardly any other topic has stimulated more research on volunteering than the question of what motivates volunteers and keeps them committed to their engagement. This chapter first presents an established approach to classifying and measuring the diverse motives for volunteering. Subsequently, this approach is extended and reflected on from the perspective of self-determination theory.
Die Multimodalität von Diskursen
Authors: Egbert Simon
Published: March 2022

Dieses und das nächste Kapitel haben diejenigen Prämissen zum Gegenstand, die als grundlegende sozialtheoretische Basis für die vorliegende Arbeit dienen und die verfolgte Forschungsperspektive von Anbeginn wesentlich lenkten, indem sie festlegten, was überhaupt als Forschungsgegenstand erkannt und wie sich dieser begrifflich und intellektuell zugänglich gemacht wurde. Die Ausführungen stellen damit so etwas wie eine theoretische Selbstpositionierung dar, indem sie mein diesbezügliches Weltbild explizieren. Ich fasse diese Gedanken und Konzepte unter dem Sammelbegriff Sozialtheorie zusammen und folge damit im Grundsatz den Vorschlägen von Simmel, Lindemann, Knoblauch und Joas/Knöbl, die damit, in Abgrenzung zum Terminus ‚Gesellschaftstheorie‘, die soziologische Theoriearbeit höchster Abstraktionsebene benennen: jene Arbeit, die die Frage nach der Konstitution des Sozialen und der Perspektivierung ihres Forschungsgegenstandes zum Gegenstand hat.