bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultralow percolation threshold biodegradable PLA/PBS/MWCNTs with segregated conductive networks for high‐performance electromagnetic interference shielding applications
Authors: Tian Guidong , He Hezhi , Xu Mohong , Liu Yufan , Gao Qi , Zhu Zhiwen
Published: December 2022

The formation of dense and complete conductive networks in the electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding composite is the basis for its excellent EMI shielding performance. In this work, biodegradable poly (lactic acid)/poly (butylene succinate)/multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (PLA/PBS/MWCNTs) nanocomposites with segregated structures were successfully prepared via melt blending. Due to the successful preparation of segregated structures and the fact that MWCNTs were mainly dispersed in the PBS phase, an ultralow percolation value of 0.071 vol% was achieved in biodegradable PLA/PBS/MWCNTs nanocomposites. When the MWCNTs content is 0.499 vol%, the electrical conductivity of the PLA/PBS/MWCNTs nanocomposites with segregated structures is around 7.15 × 10−3 S/m, which is about 6 orders of magnitude higher than that of the PLA/PBS/MWCNTs nanocomposites with normal structures. When the MWCNTs content increased to 2.0 wt%, the average EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of segregated structures remained stable at 27.56 dB, which can effectively block 99.82% of the microwave radiation. Furthermore, as suggested in the EMI shielding analysis, the EMI shielding of PLA/PBS/MWCNTs nanocomposites is mainly through absorption shielding, so there will be no secondary environmental pollution. This study provides a practical and universal method to prepare biodegradable conductive polymer composites with ultralow percolation threshold and excellent EMI SE.
Metal‐ and Base‐Free Radical Cascade Cyclization/Hydrolysis of CN‐Containing 1,6‐Enynes with Ethers to Access Polyheterocycles
Authors: Zheng Yan‐Nan , Cai Xue‐Er , Wu Hong‐Li , Zhou Yu , Tian Wen‐Chan , Ruan Yiping , Liu Hongxin , Wei Wen‐Ting
Published: December 2022

A convenient and straightforward approach for the radical cascade cyclization/hydrolysis of CN‐containing 1,6‐enynes with simple ethers under metal‐ and base‐free conditions is described. This strategy provides a variety of valuable ethers‐substituted polyheterocyclesviathe construction of three C−C bonds, one C=O bond, and two new six‐membered rings within a single procedure. The resulting products can smoothly undergo follow‐up conversions to various useful scaffolds. The methodology shows excellent functional group tolerance, high step‐ and atom‐ economy, and mild reaction conditions, which can be further scaled up to gram quantity in a satisfactory yield.
Input‐to‐state practical stability analysis and controller design of switched affine systems: An observer‐based approach
Authors: Xie Hongzhen , Zong Guangdeng , Yang Dong , Shi Kaibo
Published: December 2022

This paper addresses the problems of the input‐to‐state practical stability (ISPS) analysis and output feedback controller design for switched affine systems (SASs) subject to external disturbances. First, a switched affine observer is developed to estimate unmeasurable states. Then by combining the sampled‐data control approach, a less conservative mode‐dependent dynamic event‐triggered mechanism (ETM) is established. The proposed dynamic ETM cannot only avoid Zeno behavior but also reduce the network transmission burden effectively. Further, based on time‐dependent Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional and state‐dependent switching laws, a set of feasible ISPS conditions are presented in the LMI forms by means of singular value decomposition. The designed switching law depends upon the sampled‐data information of the estimated state and gets rid of the chattering phenomenon. Finally, an application example of the DC‐DC flyback converter is given to verify the efficacy of the proposed algorithm.
Search for dark photons in heavy‐ion collisions
Authors: Bratkovskaya Elena , Schmidt Ida , Gumberidze Malgorzata , Holzmann Romain
Published: December 2022

The vector U‐bosons, or so‐called “dark photons,” are one of the possible candidates for the dark matter mediators. They are supposed to interact with the standard matter via a “vector portal” due to the symmetry group mixing which might make them visible in particle and heavy‐ion experiments. While there is no confirmed observation of dark photons, the detailed analysis of different experimental data allows us to estimate the upper limit for the kinetic mixing parameter depending on the mass of U‐bosons which is also unknown. We have introduced a procedure to define theoretical constraints on the upper limit of from heavy‐ion (as well as p + p and ) dilepton data. Our analysis is based on the microscopic Parton‐Hadron‐String Dynamics transport approach where we incorporated the decay of hypothetical U‐bosons to dileptons, , where the U‐bosons themselves are produced by the Dalitz decay of pions , η‐mesons , and Delta resonances . The extension of our procedure to other dark matter candidates is foreseen.
Caregiver sensitivity predicts infant language use, and infant language complexity predicts caregiver language complexity, in the context of possible emerging autism
Authors: Smith Jodie , Chetcuti Lacey , Kennedy Lyndel , Varcin Kandice J. , Slonims Vicky , Bent Catherine A. , Green Jonathan , Iacono Teresa , Pillar Sarah , Taylor Carol , Wan Ming Wai , Whitehouse Andrew J. O. , Hudry Kristelle ,   the AICES Team
Published: December 2022

While theory supports bidirectional effects between caregiver sensitivity and language use, and infant language acquisition—both caregiver‐to‐infant and also infant‐to‐caregiver effects—empirical research has chiefly explored the former unidirectional path. In the context of infants showing early signs of autism, we investigated prospective bidirectional associations with 6‐min free‐play interaction samples collected for 103 caregivers and their infants (mean age 12‐months; and followed up 6‐months later). We anticipated that measures of caregiver sensitivity/language input and infant language would show within‐domain temporal stability/continuity, but also that there would be predictive associations from earlier caregiver input to subsequent child language, and vice versa. Caregiver sensitive responsiveness (from the Manchester Assessment of Caregiver–Infant interaction [MACI]) predicted subsequent infant word tokens (i.e., amount of language, coded following the Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts [SALT]). Further, earlier infant Mean Length of Utterance (MLU; reflecting language complexity, also derived from SALT coding) predicted later caregiver MLU, even when controlling for variability in infant ages and clear within‐domain temporal stability/continuity in key measures (i.e., caregiver sensitive responsiveness and infant word tokens; and infant and caregiver MLU). These data add empirical support to theorization on how caregiver input can be both supportive of, and potentially influenced by, infant capacities, when infants have social‐communication differences and/or communication/language delays suggestive of possible emerging autism.
Unravelling Charge Storage Mechanisms of Lithium, Sodium and Potassium into Graphene‐Coffee Waste Derived Hard Carbon Composites
Authors: Gómez‐Urbano Juan Luis , Leibing Christian , Jauregui María , Darlami‐Magar Sandesh , Saurel Damien , Carriazo Daniel , Balducci Andrea
Published: December 2022

Hard carbons are promising anode materials for lithium, sodium and potassium‐ion batteries attending to their low cost, simple processing technology and outstanding electrochemical performance. However, their complex structure and controversial carrier‐ion storage mechanisms makes difficult the prediction of their performance. Herein, we investigate the insertion storage mechanisms behind of three different alkali metal ions (lithium, sodium and potassium) into a hard carbon composite obtained by the pyrolysis of coffee waste and graphene oxide. The insertion/deinsertion processes have been monitored by galvanostatic intermittent titration technique and operando X‐Ray diffraction. Results reveal that alkaline metal ions follow an adsorption‐intercalation mechanism where the high potential region can be ascribed to the adsorption of the alkaline metal ions on the surface active sites, while slopping region arises from their intercalation between the pseudo‐graphitic micro‐crystallites. Moreover, the graphene‐coffee waste hard carbon exhibits a notorious capacity retention after 300 charge/discharge cycles in all the alkaline metals evaluated.
The unbroken Krebs cycle. Hormonal‐like regulation and mitochondrial signaling to control mitophagy and prevent cell death
Authors: Franco Rafael , Serrano‐Marín Joan
Published: December 2022

The tricarboxylic acid (TCA) or Krebs cycle, which takes place in prokaryotic cells and in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells, is central to life on Earth and participates in key events such as energy production and anabolic processes. Despite its relevance, it is not perceived as tightly regulated compared to other key metabolisms such as glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. A better understanding of the functioning of the TCA cycle is crucial due to mitochondrial function impairment in several diseases, especially those that occur with neurodegeneration. This article revisits what is known about the regulation of the Krebs cycle and hypothesizes the need for large‐scale, rapid regulation of TCA cycle enzyme activity. Evidence of mitochondrial enzyme activity regulation by activation/deactivation of protein kinases and phosphatases exists in the literature. Apart from indirect regulation via G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) at the cell surface, signaling upon activation of GPCRs in mitochondrial membranes may lead to a direct regulation of the enzymes of the Krebs cycle. Hormonal‐like regulation by posttranscriptional events mediated by activable kinases and phosphatases deserve proper assessment using isolated mitochondria. Also see the video abstract here: https://youtu.be/aBpDSWiMQyI
Towards understanding the interaction between ultrasound‐pretreated β‐lactoglobulin monomer with resveratrol
Authors: Wang Cuina , Zhao Ru , Liu Jia , Wang Ce
Published: December 2022

Increasingly, studies are using ultrasound to elevate the functional properties of proteins, so the interaction between phenolic compounds and proteins induced by ultrasound needs to be further understood. β‐Lactoglobulin (β‐LG) at pH 8.1, which exists mainly as monomers, was ultrasound treated at 20 kHz ultrasonic intensity and 30% amplitude for 0–5 min and subsequently interacted with resveratrol. Fluorescence data showed that ultrasound pretreatment improved binding constant (Ka) from (1.62 ± 0.45) × 105 to (9.43 ± 0.55) × 105 M−1 and binding number from 1.13 ± 0.09 to 1.28 ± 0.11 in a static quenching mode. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) analysis indicated that resveratrol bound to the surface hydrophobic pocket of native and treated proteins with no obvious changes in energy transfer efficiency (E) and Föster's distance (r). Thermodynamic parameters indicated that ultrasonication shifted the main driving force from the hydrophobic force for native and 1‐min treated β‐LG to van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding for both 3‐min and 5‐min treated proteins. Ultrasonication and resveratrol addition generated significant differences in surface hydrophobicity and the surface charge of the protein (P < 0.05), whereas they had little influence on the secondary structure of β‐LG. Compared with the native β‐LG/resveratrol complex, ultrasound‐treated protein complexes showed significantly stronger 2,2‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS) scavenging capacity (P < 0.05), and kept relatively stable after 180‐min irradiation. Data provided by this study can lead to a better comprehension of the structure and molecular events occurring during the complexing process between an ultrasound‐pretreated protein with polyphenol.
The novel hyaluronic acid granular hydrogel attenuates osteoarthritis progression by inhibiting the TLR‐2/NF‐κB signaling pathway through suppressing cellular senescence
Authors: Zhang Chen , Cheng Zhengxiang , Zhou Yuanyuan , Yu Ziyi , Mai Hongyu , Xu Changhao , Zhang Jing , Wang Jiali
Published: December 2022

In patients with mild osteoarthritis (OA), two to four monthly injections are required for 6 months due to the degradation of hyaluronic acid (HA) by peroxidative cleavage and hyaluronidase. However, frequent injections may lead to local infection and also cause inconvenience to patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Herein, we developed a novel HA granular hydrogel (n‐HA) with improved degradation resistance. The chemical structure, injectable capability, morphology, rheological properties, biodegradability, and cytocompatibility of the n‐HA were investigated. In addition, the effects of the n‐HA on the senescence‐associated inflammatory responses were studied via flow cytometry, cytochemical staining, Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), and western blot analysis. Importantly, the treatment outcome of the n‐HA with one single injection relative to the commercial HA product with four consecutive injections within one treatment course in an OA mouse model underwent anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) was systematically evaluated. Our developed n‐HA exhibited a perfect unification of high crosslink density, good injectability, excellent resistance to enzymatic hydrolysis, satisfactory biocompatibility, and anti‐inflammatory responses through a series of in vitro studies. Compared to the commercial HA product with four consecutive injections, a single injection of n‐HA contributed to equivalent treatment outcomes in an OA mouse model in terms of histological analysis, radiographic, immunohistological, and molecular analysis results. Furthermore, the amelioration effect of the n‐HA on OA development was partially ascribed to the attenuation of chondrocyte senescence, thereby leading to inhibition of TLR‐2 expression and then blockade of NF‐κB activation. Collectively, the n‐HA may be a promising therapeutic alternative to current commercial HA products for OA treatment.
Analysis of factors associated with the prognosis of papillary thyroid cancer and the construction of a survival model
Authors: Guo Peng , Wang Xinhua , Xia Luhua , Shawureding Nadiremu , Hu Zhiheng
Published: December 2022

Objective

To study the survival prediction value of lymph node ratio (LNR) and preoperative thyroglobulin (Tg) in the prognosis of thyroid papillary carcinoma (PTC).

Methods

A total of 495 patients with PTC and lymph node metastasis treated at the Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University were selected for a retrospective study. The disease‐free survival (DFS) of patients was the follow‐up endpoint. DFS was calculated for all patients. The Cox proportional risk regression model and nomogram were used to predict the survival prognosis of PTC with lymph node metastasis by index. LNR and preoperative Tg level cutoff values were obtained using ROC curves. To express DFS, Kaplan–Meier survival curves were created. Using 3‐ and 5‐year calibration curves and AUC values, the prognostic models' precision and discrimination were assessed. Clinical decision curve analysis was used to forecast clinical benefitability. Finally, the results were validated using internal cross‐validation.

Results

The cutoff values of LNR and preoperative Tg level were 0.295 and 50.24, respectively, and they were divided into two groups according to the cutoff values. Multifactorial Cox regression models showed that NLNM, LNR, and preoperative Tg level (all p < 0.05) were independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of PTC with lymph node metastasis. Kaplan–Meier curves showed higher DFS rates in the group with low NLNM (<10), LNR (<0.295), and preoperative Tg level (<50.24) groups. The 3‐year and 5‐year calibration curves showed good agreement. A ROC curve analysis was performed on the nomogram model, and its AUC values at 3 and 5 years were, respectively, 0.805 and 0.793. Clinical decision curves indicate good clinical benefit. Finally, internal cross‐validation demonstrated the legitimacy of the prognostic model.

Conclusion

The LNR and preoperative Tg levels, in combination with other independent factors, were effective in predicting the survival prognosis for patients with PTC.
Carcinoid tumors outside the abdomen
Authors: Koehler Kenna , Iams Wade T.
Published: December 2022

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are epithelial malignancies that can arise from multiple tissues. Gastrointestinal (GI) NETs are the most common; in this review of extra‐abdominal carcinoid tumors, we focus our discussion on bronchial and thymic carcinoid tumors. Bronchial carcinoid tumors comprise a quarter of all NETs and less than 2% of all lung cancers. Thymic carcinoid tumors are extremely rare, accounting for 5% of thymic tumors. Both bronchial and thymic carcinoid tumors are histologically classified as either typical or atypical based on their mitotic rate (less than 2 or 2–10 mitoses per 10 high‐powered fields (HPF), respectively). Both bronchial and thymic carcinoids can present with symptoms of obstruction and potentially carcinoid syndrome. The gold standard of management of bronchial and thymic carcinoid tumors is surgical resection. For patients with advanced disease, first‐line systemic therapy is generally somatostatin analog monotherapy with octreotide or lanreotide. In patients with refractory disease, therapy generally involves peptide receptor radioligand therapy, everolimus, or cytotoxic chemotherapy. There are ongoing, prospective trials comparing the mainstays of systemic therapy for these patients, as well as ongoing evaluations of immune checkpoint inhibitors and multi‐kinase inhibitors. Prognosis for both bronchial and thymic carcinoid tumors depends on histologic grade, local versus invasive disease, and extent of metastases. Herein we provide a summary of the pathophysiologic and clinical background, the current state of the field in diagnosis and management, and note of key ongoing prospective trials for patients with bronchial and thymic carcinoid tumors.
Atypical parathyroid adenoma: A case report
Authors: Besrour Chayma , Rojbi Imen , Mchirgui Nadia , Ben Nacef Ibtissem , Khiari Karima
Published: December 2022

The atypical parathyroid adenoma is a histological diagnosis. It is a parathyroid tumor with atypical histological features different from an adenoma and not similar enough to be considered as a carcinoma. It has an uncertain malignant potential. We report the case of a 55‐year‐old woman, diagnosed with severe hypercalcemia during her follow‐up with the rheumatologist for osteoporosis. The laboratory testing led to the detection of a very important level of parathormone PTH 1325.62 pg/ml (20 fold the normal level), confirming the diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. Investigations of the potential causes led to the presence of a large left inferior parathyroid adenoma. The patient was operated and on the examination of the removed tissue, the histopathological examination concluded to an atypical parathyroid adenoma, and the post‐operatory PTH level dropped significantly to 152 pg/ml. The atypical parathyroid adenoma is a very rare tumor, and the diagnosis is still a challenge, the outcome of patients is not well known yet, there for the surveillance is important and must be regularly.
A case of successful catheter ablation of blocked atrial bigeminy and bradycardia with the recovery of normal sinus rhythm and myocardial reverse remodeling
Authors: Sugiyama Tomomi , Mizutani Yoshiaki , Yanagisawa Satoshi , Kanashiro Masaaki , Inden Yasuya , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: December 2022

A 69‐year‐old man presented bradycardia with a constant blocked atrial bigeminy and heart failure. Successful catheter ablation of blocked atrial bigeminy with bradycardia resulted in myocardial reverse remodeling and restoration of the normal sinus rhythm from the ectopic atrial rhythm.
Phosphorus‐Boron Multiple Bonding in the π Radical HBP
Authors: Wang Lina , Jiang Xin , Wang Guanjun , Zeng Xiaoqing , Zhou Mingfei
Published: December 2022

The HBP radical was generated via the reaction of laser ablated boron atom with PH3 in a solid neon matrix, which is identified via IR spectroscopy with isotopic substitutions and quantum chemical calculations. The results show that HBP has a 2Π electronic ground state with a short B−P bond. Bonding analysis indicates that besides an electron‐sharing σ bond, there are two degenerate π bonding orbitals that are occupied by three electrons, resulting in a bond order of two and half between P and B. This is in sharp contrast to the bonding properties of the isovalent HNB, which was characterized to be a N≡B triply bonded σ radical with the unpaired electron locating on the B atom.
On‐line control of emulsion polymerization reactors: A perspective
Authors: Asua José M.
Published: December 2022

Emulsion polymerization is the method of choice to produce a wide range of specialty waterborne polymer dispersions. These are multicharacteristic products that should meet conflicting application properties and are produced through a very complex process prone to suffer run‐to‐run irreproducibilities. In a scenario of increasing competition and smaller margins, achieving even more efficient production of better materials in a consistent, cost effective, safe, and environmentally friendly way will only be possible by implementing on‐line control. However, on‐line control is hindered by the lack of sensors able to monitor most of the characteristics of the emulsion polymers. This perspective discusses the state‐of‐the‐art of the on‐line control of emulsion polymerization reactors highlighting the achievements, challenges, and opportunities.
Active design of dynamic GP models for model predictive control using expected improvement
Authors: Sun Pei , Chen Junghui , Xie Lei , Su Hongye
Published: December 2022

Modelling is a basic and key requirement for model‐based controlling, monitoring, or other process strategies. In non‐linear model predictive control (NMPC), although data‐driven models can be more easily established than first‐principle ones, representative data may not be adequately included in advance to train a complete model, which is an attractive research topic. An actively improved Gaussian process (GP) model building strategy is developed, especially for incomplete models based on the idea of Bayesian optimization. The GP model can be used online as the internal model of model predictive control (MPC) directly. The model‐building objective is based on the expected improvement strategy, which can exploit information gained from the currently gathered data as well as explore uncharted regions. The proposed method is a real‐time design of experiments based on variance information of GP for efficient model building with insufficient initial training data for NMPC. Multi‐step ahead prediction model is considered to give full play to predicting features of NPMC. Besides, a novel disturbance rejection strategy is also proposed based on GP outputs. Two simulation results, including comparisons with some traditional algorithms, are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Effect of Saline Sludge on Anaerobic Digestion of Kitchen Waste for Methane Generation: Modeling and Fertilizer Recovery
Authors: Siddique MD Nurul Islam , Khalid Zaied Bin , Ibrahim M. Zamri Bin , Yahya Muhammad Syarifuddin
Published: December 2022

A comparative study of methane recovery by co‐digesting kitchen waste and saline sewage sludge is performed to evaluate its feasibility for waste minimization. The experiment is performed at 37 °C having a mixing speed of 100 rpm and pH of 6.49–7.5 in anaerobic mixed batch reactors. The higher salinity level of the saline sewage sludge reduces the degradation rate of kitchen waste causing an enhancement in soluble chemical oxygen demand by 133% compared with 280% when co‐digesting with the non‐saline sample. The inhibitory behavior is in line with the low volatile solid elimination efficiency of 31% of saline against 55% of non‐saline sludge. The Gompertz modeling, based on the outcomes, fits the cumulative methane generation trends quite well, with a strong correlation coefficient (>0.994). Besides, use of the non‐saline sludge results in three times more methane production than the saline sample digestion. Sludge recovery is 0.07 m3 sludge m−3 wastewater, and water recovery is 0.84 m3 m−3 wastewater. The liquid produced from the fermentation of the slurry can be used for irrigation as well as fertilization. Kitchen waste co‐digestion with both sludge samples has been proven to be a practical method for exploiting the extra digestion capacity of wastewater treatment plants currently in operation, but it is more practical for non‐saline sludge.
PB3Opt: Profile‐based biased Bayesian optimization to select computing clusters on the cloud
Authors: Aparecida Silva Camacho Thais , Martins do Rosario Vanderson , Oliveira Napoli Otávio , Borin Edson
Published: December 2022

Given the wide variety of cloud computing resources for creating high‐performance computer clusters and their complex performance relationship with applications, finding the optimal, or near‐optimal, cluster is a complex problem. As a result, several approaches have been proposed to find the optimal, or near‐optimal, cluster for a given high‐performance computing workload, while reducing the search cost. Among the approaches found in the literature, Bayesian optimization is one of the most known and applied. However, it is still possible to increase its performance by integrating it with historical data related to workload behavior. In this context, we suggest the

approach, which introduces a bias in the Bayesian optimization expected improvement acquisition function. The new acquisition function uses the ranking of computer clusters of previously explored workloads that have the same behavior as the workload being optimized. Our experimental results show that

classifies the behavior of workloads in groups so that the average‐ranking has 88.7% similarity with the ranking of the workload. With this,

finds, for almost 95% of workloads, a solution that is less than or equal to 1.2

worse than the optimal computer cluster. In addition, the

works well when combined with the paramount iterations technique and is capable of reducing the search cost significantly.
Processes Induced by Electrons at Sub‐Ionization Energies Studied by the Correlated Ions‐(Ions/Neutrals) Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Charlieux Florence , Abdoul‐Carime Hassan
Published: December 2022

Sub‐ionization energy electrons play a substantial role in the early time of (radiation/photo‐) chemistry by generating reactive ions and neutral radicals. As the ions can be easily identified by mass spectrometry methods, information on the neutral species produced in correlation relies mainly on theoretical calculations. Here we show that coupling a double counter‐propagative electron beams with a dual (+/−) time‐of‐flight mass spectrometer is probably the most versatile instrument for studying processes induced by low energy electrons, by providing correlated information between (ion and ion) and (ion and neutral) species. We demonstrate the feasibility of this technique for the prototypical case of carbon tetrachloride, but this method is generally applicable as shown for nitromethane.
4R Research With Impact
Authors: Bruulsema Tom
Published: December 2022

In 2013, the fertilizer industry in North America launched the 4R Research Fund. Members of the fertilizer industry pledged annual commitments of financial support to research connecting 4R practices to impacts. This article briefly summarizes findings and benefits to the industry that have resulted from the financial support directed towards research. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Nutrient Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Single cell and immunity: Better understanding immune cell heterogeneities with single‐cell sequencing
Authors: Chen Dongsheng , Luo Yonglun , Cheng Genhong
Published: December 2022

Single‐cell sequencing has scientific impacts on better understanding immunity. There is rapid development in single cell‐based databases and analytic tools to provide the potential for clinical and translational discovery. The understanding of single‐cell‐based immunity needs a strong program and solid evidence of preclinical and clinical validation and evaluation. The current special topic issue on single cell and immunity aimed to provide strong communication for the progress of single‐cell‐based studies on immune cell functional diversity in development and disease. The topic has a clear scope on the application of single‐cell sequencing to better understand immune cell heterogeneities, functions, cell‐cell interactions, responses and regulatory roles in systems immunology and diseases.
Circulating CCR6+ILC proportions are lower in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Aglas‐Leitner Florentina , Juillard Pierre , Juillard Anette , Byrne Scott N , Hawke Simon , Grau Georges E , Marsh‐Wakefield Felix
Published: December 2022

Objectives

The role of innate lymphoid cells (ILC), particularly helper ILC, in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is not well understood. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of peripheral ILC subsets in MS patients prior and after alemtuzumab administration using mass cytometry.

Methods

Circulating ILC were analysed by mass cytometry in MS patients before and after alemtuzumab. These were compared with non‐MS controls. MS‐related shifts among ILC immunophenotypes were further elucidated by fast interpolation‐based t‐SNE (Flt‐SNE) dimensionality reduction.

Results

Neither natural killer (NK) cells nor helper ILC (ILC1, ILC2 and ILC3) levels were altered following alemtuzumab treatment. However, CD56bright NK cell expansions were observed in relapsing patients. MS patients prior to alemtuzumab further displayed proportional shifts from ILC1 to ILC2, with MS‐associated decreases in CCR6+ helper ILC proportions.

Conclusion

CD56bright NK cells during relapse indicate an immediate response to disease reactivation, while CCR6‐related shifts among helper ILC suggest altered ILC migration to the CNS during MS.
A novel endoscopic finding of a scratch sign is useful for evaluating the Helicobacter pylori infection status
Authors: Yada Tomoyuki , Itakura Yoshiyuki , Watanabe Ryo , Odaka Keita , Yagi Toyokazu , Ikegami Yurika , Sekine Katsunori , Uemura Naomi
Published: December 2022

Objectives

During esophagogastroduodenoscopy, a red linear scrape‐like appearance with white deposits sometimes appears on the gastric mucosa at the lower greater curvature of the gastric body, a finding we named the “scratch sign.” We aimed to clarify the clinical significance of this new endoscopic finding in the endoscopic evaluation of the Helicobacter pylori infection status.

Methods

Among patients who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy at our hospital between October 2016 and June 2017, 437 patients were included in the study. We first examined the overall scratch sign positivity rate, and then this was compared according to the H. pylori infection status. Subsequently, other variables were compared and examined between the positive and negative scratch sign groups.

Results

Overall, 437 patients were included in the analysis. The scratch sign was observed in 1.4% of 71 patients with current infections, 26.9% of 290 patients with past infections, and 31.6% of 76 uninfected patients. In the multivariate analysis, H. pylori‐negative, severe gastric mucosal atrophy, and acid secretion depressant were independent factors that significantly affected the appearance of the scratch sign.

Conclusions

A novel endoscopic finding, the scratch sign, was found to be a good endoscopic predictor of H. pylori‐negative gastric mucosa. Furthermore, combined with atrophic changes and xanthomas that persisted after eradication, these findings were found to be useful in accurately diagnosing H. pylori past‐infected gastric mucosa endoscopically.
Employing QbD strategies to assess the impact of cell viability and density on the primary recovery of monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Wohlenberg Ole Jacob , Kortmann Carlotta , Meyer Katharina V. , Scheper Thomas , Solle Dörte
Published: December 2022

Quality by Design (QbD) is one of the most important tools for the implementation of Process Analytical Technology (PAT) in biopharmaceutical production. For optimal characterization of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) upstream process a stepwise approach was implemented. The upstream was divided into three process stages, namely inoculum expansion, production, and primary recovery, which were investigated individually. This approach enables analysis of process parameters and associated intermediate quality attributes as well as systematic knowledge transfer to subsequent process steps. Following previous research, this study focuses on the primary recovery of the mAb and thereby marks the final step toward a holistic characterization of the upstream process. Based on gained knowledge during the production process evaluation, the cell viability and density were determined as critical parameters for the primary recovery. Directed cell viability adjustment was achieved using cytotoxic camptothecin in a novel protocol. Additionally, the cell separation method was added to the Design of Experiments (DoE) as a qualitative factor and varied between filtration and centrifugation. To assess the quality attributes after cell separation, the bioactivity of the mAb was analyzed using a cell‐based assay and the purity of the supernatant was evaluated by measurement of process related impurities (host cell protein proportion, residual DNA). Multivariate data analysis of the compiled data confirmed the hypothesis that the upstream process has no significant influence on the bioactivity of the mAb. Therefore, process control must be tuned towards high mAb titers and purity after the primary recovery, enabling optimal downstream processing of the product. To minimize amounts of host cell proteins and residual DNA the cell viability should be maintained above 85% and the cell density should be controlled around 15 × 106 cells/ml during the cell removal. Thereby, this study shows the importance of QbD for the characterization of the primary recovery of mAbs and highlights the useful implementation of the stepwise approach over subsequent process stages.
Pesticide Prioritization by Potential Biological Effects in Tributaries of the Laurentian Great Lakes
Authors: Oliver Samantha K. , Corsi Steven R. , Baldwin Austin K. , Nott Michele A. , Ankley Gerald T. , Blackwell Brett R. , Villeneuve Daniel L. , Hladik Michelle L. , Kolpin Dana W. , Loken Luke , DeCicco Laura A. , Meyer Michael T. , Loftin Keith A.
Published: December 2022

Watersheds of the Great Lakes Basin (USA/Canada) are highly modified and impacted by human activities including pesticide use. Despite labeling restrictions intended to minimize risks to nontarget organisms, concerns remain that environmental exposures to pesticides may be occurring at levels negatively impacting nontarget organisms. We used a combination of organismal-level toxicity estimates (in vivo aquatic life benchmarks) and data from high-throughput screening (HTS) assays (in vitro benchmarks) to prioritize pesticides and sites of concern in streams at 16 tributaries to the Great Lakes Basin. In vivo or in vitro benchmark values were exceeded at 15 sites, 10 of which had exceedances throughout the year. Pesticides had the greatest potential biological impact at the site with the greatest proportion of agricultural land use in its basin (the Maumee River, Toledo, OH, USA), with 72 parent compounds or transformation products being detected, 47 of which exceeded at least one benchmark value. Our risk-based screening approach identified multiple pesticide parent compounds of concern in tributaries of the Great Lakes; these compounds included: eight herbicides (metolachlor, acetochlor, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, diuron, atrazine, alachlor, triclopyr, and simazine), three fungicides (chlorothalonil, propiconazole, and carbendazim), and four insecticides (diazinon, fipronil, imidacloprid, and clothianidin). We present methods for reducing the volume and complexity of potential biological effects data that result from combining contaminant surveillance with HTS (in vitro) and traditional (in vivo) toxicity estimates. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:367–384. Published 2022. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Evaluation of Pediococcus acidilacticiAS185 as an adjunct culture in probiotic cheddar cheese manufacture
Authors: Wang Chao , Gao Lei , Gao Yansong , Yang Ge , Zhao Zijian , Zhao Yujuan , Wang Jihui , Li Shengyu
Published: December 2022

A novel probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici AS185, isolated from traditional Chinese fermented foods, was used as an adjunct culture for probiotic cheddar cheese production. The physicochemical composition, textural, free amino acids (FAAs), short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) profiles, sensory properties, and microbial survival, was evaluated during the 90‐day ripening period. The addition of P. acidilactici AS185 did not influence the physicochemical composition of cheddar cheese but significantly decreased the hardness without affecting its textural profile. During ripening, P. acidilactici AS185 was able to grow and promote the generation of FAAs and SCFAs, but did not alter the overall sensory properties; it rather improved the flavor and taste of cheese. In addition, the cheese matrix protected strain P. acidilactici AS185 during transit throughout the simulated gastrointestinal system. These results demonstrated that P. acidilactici AS185 adjunct cultures might be useful for producing high‐quality probiotic cheddar cheese.
Preparation of oral nanoparticles of Perillae Fructus oil and prevention application of cold stress in mice
Authors: Xu Junfei , Zhang Jianxi , Lin Huiying , Zhang Jiayu , Zhou Rong , Wu Xianjin , Niu Youya , Zhang Juzuo
Published: December 2022

Perillae Fructus oil has an important function in relieving cold stress. However, its application in this aspect has still been restricted because of instability and low bioavailability. In this study, Perillae Fructus oil was extracted through Soxhlet extraction, analyzed through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and nanopackaged into a yeast shell for the preparation of nanoparticles for oral administration. The characteristics of the nanoparticles were investigated using a Malvern zeta‐size nanoinstrument, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Then, the roles of orally administered nanoparticles in relieving cold stress were evaluated by investigating blood physiological and biochemical indexes in mice. The results showed that the oil yield from Perillae Fructus and shell yield from yeast cells were ~48.37% and ~16.87%, respectively. Approximately 89.21% of the added oil was packaged into the yeast shell to form nanoparticles with an average diameter of 316.74 nm and a surface charge of +2.9 mV. The nanoparticles were stable in simulated gastric acid and could be effectively released in simulated intestinal fluid with an efficiency of ~91.34%. After oral administration of nanoparticles, the mouse blood indexes of white blood cells (WBCs), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malonaldehyde (MDA) content were recovered compared to those in model mice, with a more remarkable effect than oral administration of free Perillae Fructus oil. Overall, the stability and bioavailability were improved by packaging Perillae Fructus oil into a yeast shell. These nanoparticles are a new agent for the prevention of cold stress.
Treatment outcomes and cost comparisons for older adults with T4 laryngeal squamous cell cancer
Authors: McDermott Jessica D. , Amini Arya , Molina Elizabeth , Stokes William A. , Karam Sana D.
Published: December 2022

Background

To evaluate treatment modalities of T4 larynx cancer in older adults using SEER‐Medicare.

Methods

The database was queried for patients aged 66 and older with nonmetastatic T4 laryngeal squamous cell cancer from 2006 to 2015. Treatment modalities compared were surgery plus chemoradiation (SCR), surgery plus radiation (SR), chemoradiation (CR), surgery (S), and radiation (R). Multivariate analysis and Kaplan–Meier methods were used to explore the relationship of treatment modality and survival. Total cancer‐related costs were calculated.

Results

A total of 438 patients met inclusion criteria. Patients receiving CR or SR had similar CSS to SCR (HR 1.36 and HR 1.24, respectively). Those receiving S (HR 2.00) or R (HR 2.41) had significantly worse CSS. Similar findings were observed for OS. Cancer care‐related costs were not significantly different but highest in SCR ($162215) and lowest in R ($121421).

Conclusion

Older patients with T4 larynx cancer had similar survival rates when treated with CR, SR, and SCR. Average total health care costs were not significantly different between modalities. Patients not eligible for triple‐modality could consider these other treatment options.
Carbohydrate‐Derived Dienes as Building Blocks for Pharmaceutically Relevant Molecules
Authors: Dubbu Sateesh , Santhi Jampani , Hevey Rachel
Published: December 2022

Carbohydrate‐based dienes are valuable building blocks for a variety of highly functionalized carbo‐ and oxa‐cycles by virtue of their high degree of inherent stereochemical information, and suitability in various synthetic transformations. Research into the chemistry of carbohydrate‐based dienes has been expanding over the last decades due to its unique applications in the construction of diverse and complex structural frameworks. In this review, we describe the main transformations of this interesting class of molecule and highlight their utility in the construction of diverse ring systems important for drug development.
Run‐up flow of MHD fluid between parallel porous plates in the presence of transverse magnetic field
Authors: Jha Basant K. , Jibril H. M. , Yusuf K. L.
Published: December 2022

This paper investigated the run‐up flow of magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) incompressible, viscous, Newtonian fluid bounded by two parallel horizontal porous plates in the presence of transverse magnetic field. The fluid flow is initially due to constant pressure gradient, placed parallel to the plates. On attaining steady state, the pressure gradient is suddenly withdrawn and the lower porous plate is set into motion in its own plane, this phenomenon is termed as run‐up flow. The transfer of momentum is as a result of the disturbances emanating from the boundary into the fluid. The initial value problem is solved using Laplace transform technique to obtain the closed‐form solution for the velocity in the Laplace domain. Semi‐analytical result is obtained by an inversion technique based on Riemann‐sum approximation to invert the solution for velocity into its corresponding time domain. The mathematical simulation conducted shows that increasing the Hartmann number is observed to decrease the fluid velocity while increasing the pressure gradient is found to enhance the fluid velocity. Furthermore, the opposing effects of suction/injection parameter on the fluid velocity have been established in the research.
Bacterial Quorum Sensing Signals at the Interdomain Interface
Authors: Laganenka Leanid , Sourjik Victor
Published: December 2022

Chemical interactions among microorganisms and between microorganisms and their hosts involve bidirectional release and sensing of various signalling molecules. Quorum sensing, mediated by small molecules termed autoinducers, is well known to be used by bacteria to coordinate their collective behaviours. However, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that autoinducers are involved not only in intraspecies and interspecies communication among bacteria, but also in signalling interactions with eukaryotic hosts and even with phages. Although a clear picture is yet to emerge, in this minireview we briefly summarize recent advances in our understanding of interdomain signalling mediated by the major classes of the bacterial quorum sensing molecules, including its effects on the host cells and its potential physiological relevance.
EANet: Multiscale autoencoder based edge attention network for fluid segmentation from SD‐OCT images
Authors: Pappu Geetha Pavani , Tankala Sreekar , Talabhaktula Krishna , Biswal Birendra
Published: December 2022

Macular edema is a retinal complication that occurs due to the presence of excess fluid between the retinal layers. This might lead to swelling in the retina and cause severe vision impairment if not detected in its early stages. This paper presents a robust Edge Attention network (EANet) for segmenting the different retinal fluids like Intraretinal Fluid (IRF), Subretinal Fluid (SRF), and Pigment Epithelial Detachment (PED) from the Spectral Domain – Optical Coherence Tomography (SD‐OCT) images. The proposed method employs a novel image enhancement technique by filtering OCT images using a BM3D (Block Matching and 3D Filtering) filter followed by Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) and a linear filter based on multivariate Taylor series to acquire the edge maps of the OCT images. A novel autoencoder based multiscale attention mechanism is incorporated with EANet that feeds on both the OCT image and edge‐enhanced OCT image at every level of the encoder. The proposed network, EANet, has been trained and tested for the segmentation of all three types of fluids on the RETOUCH challenge dataset, and the segmentation of the IRF on the OPTIMA challenge and DUKE DME datasets. The average dice coefficient of IRF, SRF, and PED for the RETOUCH dataset is 0.683, 0.873, and 0.756, respectively, whereas it is 0.805, 0.77, and 0.756 for Cirrus, Spectralis, and Topcon vendors, respectively. The proposed method outperformed all the teams that participated in the OPTIMA challenge on all types of vendor images in terms of dice coefficient. The average dice coefficients of IRF on the OPTIMA and DUKE DME datasets are 0.84 and 0.72, respectively.
Apigenin protects from hepatorenal damage caused by lead acetate in rats
Authors: Fehaid Alaa , Al‐Ghamdi Mohammad S. , Alzahrani Khalid J. , Theyab Abdulrahman , Al‐Amer Osama M. , Al‐Shehri Saad S. , Algahtani Mohammad , A. Oyouni Atif Abdulwahab , Alnfiai Mrim M. , Aly Mohamed H. , Alsharif Khalaf F. , Albrakati Ashraf , Kassab Rami B. , Althagafi Hussam A. , Alharthi Fahad , Abdel Moneim Ahmed E. , Lokman Maha S.
Published: December 2022

Exposure to lead (Pb) is associated with serious health problems including hepatorenal toxicity. Apigenin is a natural‐sourced flavonoid with promising antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects. In this research, we investigated the potential protective role of apigenin against lead acetate (PbAc)‐induced hepatorenal damage. Thus, this experiment studied the exposure of male Wistar Albino rats to apigenin and/or PbAc and their effects in comparison to the control rats. Apigenin administration decreased the levels of Pb and prevented the histopathological deformations in liver and kidney tissues following PbAc exposure. This was confirmed by the normalized levels of liver and kidney function markers. Additionally, apigenin inhibited significantly oxidative reactions through upregulating Nrf2 and HO‐1, and activating their downstreamed antioxidants accompanied by a marked depletion of pro‐oxidants. Moreover, apigenin decreased the elevated pro‐inflammatory cytokines and inhibited cell loss in liver and kidney tissues in response to PbAc intoxication in both tissues. The obtained results demonstrated that apigenin could be used to attenuate the molecular, biochemical, and histological alterations associated with Pb exposure due to its potent antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects.