bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disease Flare and Reactogenicity in Patients With Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases Following Two‐Dose SARS–CoV‐2 Messenger RNA Vaccination
Authors: Connolly Caoilfhionn M. , Ruddy Jake A. , Boyarsky Brian J. , Barbur Iulia , Werbel William A. , Geetha Duvuru , Garonzik‐Wang Jacqueline M. , Segev Dorry L. , Christopher‐Stine Lisa , Paik Julie J.
Published: August 2021

Objective

To evaluate disease flare and postvaccination reactions (reactogenicity) in patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) following 2‐dose SARS–CoV‐2 messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccination.

Methods

RMD patients (n = 1,377) who received 2‐dose SARS–CoV‐2 mRNA vaccination between December 16, 2020 and April 15, 2021 completed questionnaires detailing local and systemic reactions experienced within 7 days of each vaccine dose (dose 1 and dose 2), and 1 month after dose 2, detailing any flares of RMD. Associations between demographic/clinical characteristics and flares requiring treatment were evaluated using modified Poisson regression.

Results

Among the patients, 11% reported flares requiring treatment; there were no reports of severe flares. Flares were associated with prior SARS–CoV‐2 infection (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 2.09, P = 0.02), flares in the 6 months preceding vaccination (IRR 2.36, P < 0.001), and the use of combination immunomodulatory therapy (IRR 1.95, P < 0.001). The most frequently reported local and systemic reactions included injection site pain (87% after dose 1, 86% after dose 2) and fatigue (60% after dose 1, 80% after dose 2). Reactogenicity increased after dose 2, particularly for systemic reactions. No allergic reactions or SARS–CoV‐2 diagnoses were reported.

Conclusion

Flares of underlying RMD following SARS–CoV‐2 vaccination were uncommon. There were no reports of severe flares. Local and systemic reactions typically did not interfere with daily activity. These early safety data can help address vaccine hesitancy in RMD patients.
Periconceptional nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug use, folic acid intake, and the risk of spina bifida
Authors: Esposito Daina B. , Parker Samantha E. , Mitchell Allen A. , Tinker Sarah C. , Werler Martha M.
Published: August 2021

Background

Use of nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during pregnancy may increase risk for neural tube defects (NTDs), including spina bifida. Folic acid intake can prevent NTDs, but it is not known whether it modifies any risks associated with NSAID use.

Objectives

To assess the impact of periconceptional NSAID use on the risk of spina bifida overall and stratified by folic acid intake.

Study Design

We analyzed 1998–2015 data from the Slone Epidemiology Center Birth Defects Study, a multi‐site, case–control study. Mothers were interviewed to identify sociodemographic factors, behaviors, and exposures during pregnancy. Periconceptional NSAID use was defined as use of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or COX2 inhibitors within the month before or after the last menstrual period. Logistic regression models were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for NSAID use, adjusted for study center and race/ethnicity stratified by average daily folic acid intake above (“high FA”) or below (“low FA”) 400 mcg/day.

Results

We compared mothers of 267 infants with spina bifida to mothers of 6,233 nonmalformed controls. Among control mothers, 20% used NSAIDS periconceptionally (16% ibuprofen, 4% aspirin, 3% naproxen, and <1% COX‐2 inhibitors). For any NSAID use, the aORs among low FA and high FA women were 1.70 (95% CI [1.13, 2.57]) and 1.09 (95% CI [0.69, 1.71]), respectively.

Conclusions

We observed a small increase in the risk for spina bifida among infants born to women who used NSAIDs periconceptionally, but this risk was limited to those who had inadequate folic acid intake.
Injectable hyaluronic acid hydrogels encapsulating drug nanocrystals for long‐term treatment of inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Gao Yongsheng , Vogus Douglas , Zhao Zongmin , He Wei , Krishnan Vinu , Kim Jayoung , Shi Yujie , Sarode Apoorva , Ukidve Anvay , Mitragotri Samir
Published: August 2021

Antiproliferative chemotherapeutic agents offer a potential effective treatment for inflammatory arthritis. However, their clinical application is limited by high systemic toxicity, low joint bioavailability as well as formulation challenges. Here, we report an intra‐articular drug delivery system combining hyaluronic acid hydrogels and drug nanocrystals to achieve localized and sustained delivery of an antiproliferative chemotherapeutic agent camptothecin for long‐term treatment of inflammatory arthritis. We synthesized a biocompatible, in situ‐forming injectable hyaluronic acid hydrogel using a naturally occurring click chemistry: cyanobenzothiazole/cysteine reaction, which is the last step reaction in synthesizingD‐luciferin in fireflies. This hydrogel was used to encapsulate camptothecin nanocrystals (size of 160–560 nm) which released free camptothecin in a sustained manner for 4 weeks. In vivo studies confirmed that the hydrogel remained in the joint over 4 weeks. By using the collagen‐induced arthritis rat model, we demonstrate that the hydrogel‐camptothecin formulation could alleviate arthritis severity as indicated by the joint size and interleukin‐1β level in the harvested joints, as well as from histological and microcomputed tomography evaluation of joints. The hydrogel‐nanocrystal formulation strategy described here offers a potential solution for intra‐articular therapy for inflammatory arthritis.
Improving the overall survival prognosis prediction accuracy: A 9‐gene signature in CRC patients
Authors: Zheng Wenbo , Lu Yijia , Feng Xiaochuang , Yang Chunzhao , Qiu Ling , Deng Haijun , Xue Qi , Sun Kai
Published: August 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant tumor and morbidity rates are among the highest in the world. The variation in CRC patients' prognosis prompts an urgent need for new molecular biomarkers to improve the accuracy for predicting the CRC patients' prognosis or as a complement to the traditional TNM staging for clinical practice. CRC patients' gene expression data of HTSeq‐FPKM and matching clinical information were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. Patients were randomly divided into a training dataset and a test dataset. By univariate and multivariate Cox regression survival analyses and Lasso regression analysis, a prediction model which divided each patient into high‐or low‐risk group was constructed. The differences in survival time between the two groups were compared by the Kaplan–Meier method and the log‐rank test. The weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to explore the relationship between all the survival‐related genes. The survival outcomes of patients whose overall survival (OS) time were significantly lower in the high‐risk group than that in the low‐risk group both in the training and test datasets. Areas under the ROC curves which termed AUC values of our 9‐gene signature achieved 0.823 in the training dataset and 0.806 in the test dataset. A nomogram was constructed for clinical practice when we combined the 9‐gene signature with TNM stage and age to evaluate the survival time of patients with CRC, and the C‐index increased from 0.739 to 0.794. In conclusion, we identified nine novel biomarkers that not only are independent prognostic indexes for CRC patients but also can serve as a good supplement to traditional clinicopathological factors to more accurately evaluate the survival of CRC patients.
Repairing Maxillary Sinus Membrane Perforations, Iatrogenic or Intentional: Two Case Reports
Authors: Raza Muhammad , Albeshri Sultan , Wallace Stephen S.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Maxillary sinus augmentation is a common and predictable procedure utilized to gain vertical alveolar bone height to allow for successful placement of dental implants in the deficient posterior maxilla. The surgical techniques, however, may be associated with intraoperative complications, the most common of which is Schneiderian membrane perforation and, less commonly, bleeding and the loss of an implant into the sinus cavity.

Case Presentation

In the current report, we present two cases with unique complications. A large perforation which was discovered after the graft material had been placed was successfully managed by carefully removing the graft material from both sides of the perforation and sealing the perforation with a resorbable membrane and a tack fixation. The second case involved a patient who presented with an implant that had migrated into the sinus during an unsuccessful transcrestal sinus lift. The case was successfully treated by locating and removing the implant through an intentional membrane perforation, repairing the perforation, and placing a new implant with simultaneous grafting.

Conclusion

Management and repair of maxillary sinus membrane perforations that are either intentionally or iatrogenically created can be predictable procedures with favorable outcomes if thoughtful evaluation and treatment are provided. Managing such complications at the time of occurrence avoids unnecessary additional surgical procedures that might prove to be even more complicated.
Two New Phenol Derivatives from the Cold Seep‐Derived Fungus Aspergillus insuetus SD‐512
Authors: Chi Lu‐Ping , Li Xiao‐Ming , Wan Yu‐Peng , Li Yan‐He , Li Xin , Wang Bin‐Gui
Published: August 2021

Two new phenol derivatives, namely insphenol A (1) and acetylpeniciphenol (2), along with seven known analogs (3–9), were isolated from the deep‐sea cold seep‐derived fungus, Aspergillus insuetus SD‐512. The structures of 1 and 2 were established by extensive interpretation of NMR and mass spectroscopic data. The absolute configuration of 1 was determined by the combination of coupling constant analysis and acid hydrolysis. Among the isolated compounds, insphenol A (1) represents the first example of isopentenyl phenol derivative with a unique 1‐glycosylation from the species Aspergillus insuetus. The isolated new compounds were evaluated for antibacterial activities against six human or aquatic pathogens, while compound 2 exhibited inhibitory effect against Edwardsiella tarda, Vibrio alginolyticus, and V. vulnificus, with MIC values of 4, 8, and 8 μg/mL, respectively.
Comparison of permanent pacemaker implantation rate after first and second generation of transcatheter aortic valve implantation–A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Minha Sa'ar , Yarkoni Yuval , Segev Amit , Finkelstein Ariel , Danenberg Haim , Fefer Paul , Orvin Katia , Steinvil Arie , Maor Elad , Beinart Roy , Rosso Raphael , Golovchiner Gregory , Kornowski Ran , Guetta Victor , Barbash Israel M.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to compare permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI) rates among patients undergoing Trans‐catheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) with first generation (G1) versus second generation (G2) valves and the impact of PPMI on long‐term mortality.

Background

PPMI is a known adverse event after TAVI. Recently, two novel iterations of valve designs of both the balloon expandable valves (BEV) and self‐expanding valves (SEV) were introduced as a second generation valves.

Methods

All patients included in the Israeli multicenter TAVI registry were grouped according to valve type (BEV vs. SEV) and generation (G1 vs. G2). A comparison was made for clinical and outcome indices of patients undergoing TAVI with G1 and G2 in each of the valve systems.

Results

A total of 1377 patients were included. The incidence of PPMI did not differ between G1‐BEV versus G2‐BEV (15.3% vs. 17.4%; p = 0.598) nor between G1‐SEV versus G2‐SEV (23.4% vs. 20.3%; p = 0.302). Depth of implantation and complete right bundle branch block were independently associated with PPMI post‐TAVI in both valve systems. PPMI was not associated with an increased risk for 2‐year mortality.

Conclusions

The incidence of PPMI remains a relevant adverse event post‐TAVI even when the newer generation valves are used. Since the predictors for PPMI are well established, a standardized approach for the management of conduction disorders is much needed.
Enhanced On‐Site Hydrogen Peroxide Electrosynthesis by a Selectively Carboxylated N‐Doped Graphene Catalyst
Authors: Zhang Yu , Melchionna Michele , Medved Miroslav , Błoński Piotr , Steklý Tomáš , Bakandritsos Aristides , Kment Štěpán , Zbořil Radek , Otyepka Michal , Fornaserio Paolo , Naldoni Alberto
Published: August 2021

Practical‐scale on‐site production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) via two‐electron (2e−) oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) relies on efficient, robust, and selective electrocatalysts. Among them, carbon‐based materials are cheap, abundant, durable, and their surface properties can be tuned to favor the 2e− ORR pathways, resulting in higher efficiency and facilitating possible scale‐up towards commercially appealing levels. Here, we demonstrate that the selective installment of carboxyl groups on the surface of N‐doped graphene yielding a material named graphene acid (N‐GA) promotes the catalytic 2e− ORR, achieving a H2O2 faradaic efficiency (FE) as high as 70 % in acidic media (pH=0.96) and a H2O2 productivity in long term bulk electrolysis that could reach 107.8 mmol gcatalyst−1 h−1 under optimized conditions. Extended XPS analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed that surface carboxylic acid functional groups play a significant role in achieving the high activity of N‐GA for 2e− ORR.
Optimization of a Fractal Treelike Microchannel Network with Uniform Roughness for Laminar Flow
Authors: Liu Fei , Jing Dalei
Published: August 2021

Considering the excellent transport performance of treelike networks and the effect of roughness on fluid flow in a microchannel, the present work studied the optimization of a symmetric treelike roughened network with minimum hydraulic resistance under constant total channel base volume. It was found that there is an optimal base diameter ratio βm of channels at two successive branching levels that minimizes the hydraulic resistance of the network. The βm value increases with increasing average roughness height. A larger βm value is needed to minimize the hydraulic resistance of the network with larger branching number N, branching level m, and channel length ratio γ, because the increases in N, m, and γ reduce the channel diameter and magnify the influence of roughness on the fluid flow.
Effects of handling of cotton seed on stand establishment and productivity
Authors: Brown Steven M. , Barber Dalton E. , Koebernick Jenny Clement
Published: August 2021

Core Ideas

Cotton seed costs have increased dramatically in recent years.

Dropping seed or exposing it to elevated temperature had little effect on seed performance.

Routine handling of seed at the farm and field is unlikely to adversely affect performance.
Engineering Functional Interface with Built‐in Catalytic and Self‐Oxidation Sites for Highly Stable Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Chen Zihan , Miao Licheng , Fu Yancheng , Shi Leyuan , Chen Jinzhou , Liu Xuying , Zhang Linlin
Published: August 2021

Lithium−sulfur (Li−S) batteries have attracted great attention due to their high theoretical energy density. The rapid redox conversion of lithium polysulfides (LiPS) is effective for solving the serious shuttle effect and improving the utilization of active materials. The functional design of the separator interface with fast charge transfer and active catalytic sites is desirable for accelerating the conversion of intermediates. Herein, a graphene‐wrapped MnCO3 nanowire (G@MC) was prepared and utilized to engineer the separator interface. G@MC with active Mn2+ sites can effectively anchor the LiPS by forming the Mn−S chemical bond according to our theoretical calculation results. In addition, the catalytic Mn2+ sites and conductive graphene layer of G@MC could accelerate the reversible conversion of LiPS via the spontaneous “self‐redox” reaction and the rapid electron transfer in electrochemical process. As a result, the G@MC‐based battery exhibits only 0.038 % capacity decay (per cycle) after 1000 cycles at 2.0 C. This work affords new insights for designing the integrated functional interface for stable Li−S batteries.
Rational Fabrication of Multiple Dimensional Assemblies from Tryptophan‐Based Racemate
Authors: Zhang Yaqian , Qin Minggao , Xing Chao , Zhao Changli , Dou Xiaoqiu , Feng Chuanliang
Published: August 2021

Fabricating structural complex assemblies from simple amino acid‐based derivatives is attracting great research interests due to their easy accessibility and preparation. However, the morphological regulation of racemates (an equimolar mixture of enantiomers) were largely overlooked. In this work, through rational modulation of kinetic and thermodynamic parameters, we achieved multiple dimensional architectures employing tryptophan‐based racemate (RPWM). Upon assembling, 1D bundled nanofibers, 2D lamellar nanostructure and 3D urchin‐like microflowers could be obtained depending on the solvents used. The corresponding morphology evolutions were successfully illustrated by changing the enantiomeric excess (ee) value. Moreover, for RPWM, uniform 0D nanospheres were formed in H2O under 4 °C, which could spontaneously convert into lamella under ambient temperature. Taking advantages of its temperature‐responsive phase change behavior, RPWM assemblies exhibited excellent removal efficiency for organic dye RhB, and could be reused for several consecutive cycles without significant changes in its removal performance. Taken together, it's rational to envision that the engineering of racemates assembly pathways can greatly increase the robustness in a wide variety of supramolecular materials and further lead to their blooming versatile applications.
A Short Review on Ni‐Catalyzed Methanation of CO2: Reaction Mechanism, Catalyst Deactivation, Dynamic Operation
Authors: Strucks Peter , Failing Luisa , Kaluza Stefan
Published: August 2021

Today, the use of renewable energies and recycling of climate‐changing gases are increasingly important. In this context, coupling of methanation with small, decentralized CO2 sources such as biogas plants provides one possibility. However, fluctuating availability of renewables for hydrogen production in combination with small storage volumes result in an enhanced demand for dynamic process operation. This leads to new research challenges with respect to the required catalysts and the overall process design. To draw reliable conclusions about the catalytic performance under dynamic process operation, the mechanism of the methanation reaction as well as typical deactivation procedures of the catalyst applied under steady‐state conditions have to be reviewed thoroughly.
Spurenstoffabtrennung mit keramischen Nanofiltrationsmembranen als Rotationsscheibenfilter
Authors: Weyd Marcus , Pflieger Christian , Vogel Andy , Richter Hannes , Prehn Volker , Günther Christiane , Splittgerber Frank , Gäbler Alessa , Kaulbars Daniel , Bräutigam Patrick , Franke Marcus , Lambertz Samira , Schlechtweg Julian , Voigt Ingolf
Published: August 2021

Die Reduzierung der Belastungen von Gewässern mit Mikroschadstoffen ist eine wichtige Zielsetzung der Wasserwirtschaft und Bestandteil der Umweltpolitik. Keramische Nanofiltrationsmembranen wurden als Mehrkanalrohre mit erhöhter spezifischer Membranfläche und als Rotationsscheibenfilter entwickelt. Die entwickelten Membranen zeigen Rückhalte von über 80 % für PEG 400. Die Membranen werden aktuell zur Abtrennung von Mikroschadstoffen aus Pharmazeutika belasteten Abwässern erprobt. Mithilfe eines nachgeschalteten oxidativen Verfahrens werden die noch im Permeat verbliebenen Spurenstoffe abgebaut.
Overworked, friendless, and constrained, but also helpful: How workplace adversity prompts employees to use task conflict to suggest organizational improvements
Authors: De Clercq Dirk
Published: August 2021

This article investigates the relationship between employees' task conflict and voice behaviour, as well as how this positive relationship might be invigorated by adverse work conditions. Using quantitative survey data, collected among employees in a large Canada‐based organization, this research establishes a positive connection between employees' engagement in task conflict and the likelihood that they speak up about opportunities for organizational betterment, especially if those employees also experience excessive workloads, do not know their colleagues on a personal level, and believe that their organization resists change. These results offer novel insights for organizations: the usefulness of conflicting viewpoints for spurring proactive suggestions about how to improve the organizational status quo is particularly high in the presence of experienced workplace adversity.
Model‐Based Drug–Drug Interaction Extrapolation Strategy From Adults to Children: Risdiplam in Pediatric Patients With Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Cleary Yumi , Gertz Michael , Grimsey Paul , Günther Andreas , Heinig Katja , Ogungbenro Kayode , Aarons Leon , Galetin Aleksandra , Kletzl Heidemarie
Published: August 2021

Risdiplam (Evrysdi) improves motor neuron function in patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and has been approved for the treatment of patients ≥2 months old. Risdiplam exhibits time‐dependent inhibition of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A in vitro. While many pediatric patients receive risdiplam, a drug–drug interaction (DDI) study in pediatric patients with SMA was not feasible. Therefore, a novel physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model‐based strategy was proposed to extrapolate DDI risk from healthy adults to children with SMA in an iterative manner. A clinical DDI study was performed in healthy adults at relevant risdiplam exposures observed in children. Risdiplam caused an 1.11‐fold increase in the ratio of midazolam area under the curve with and without risdiplam (AUCR)), suggesting an 18‐fold lower in vivo CYP3A inactivation constant compared with the in vitro value. A pediatric PBPK model for risdiplam was validated with independent data and combined with a validated midazolam pediatric PBPK model to extrapolate DDI from adults to pediatric patients with SMA. The impact of selected intestinal and hepatic CYP3A ontogenies on the DDI susceptibility in children relative to adults was investigated. The PBPK analysis suggests that primary CYP3A inhibition by risdiplam occurs in the intestine rather than the liver. The PBPK‐predicted risdiplam CYP3A inhibition risk in pediatric patients with SMA aged 2 months–18 years was negligible (midazolam AUCR of 1.09–1.18) and included in the US prescribing information of risdiplam. Comprehensive evaluation of the sensitivity of predicted CYP3A DDI on selected intestinal and hepatic CYP3A ontogeny functions, together with PBPK model‐based strategy proposed here, aim to guide and facilitate DDI extrapolations in pediatric populations.
Nebraska Irrigation Well Survey: Nutrient Supply and Liming Effects
Authors: Ernst Matthew
Published: August 2021

A comprehensive survey of Nebraska’s irrigation wells in 2020 yielded extensive georeferenced water quality data, including essential nutrient supplies and liming effects. These data show irrigation well water properties may vary greatly, even between nearby wells, indicating that occasional sampling of individual irrigation wells can help producers optimize soil management and crop input decisions. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Soil & Water Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/999.
Multiyear drought exacerbates long‐term effects of climate on an invasive ant species
Authors: Couper Lisa I. , Sanders Nathan J. , Heller Nicole E. , Gordon Deborah M.
Published: August 2021

Invasive species threaten biodiversity, ecosystem function, and human health, but the long‐term drivers of invasion dynamics remain poorly understood. We use data from a 28‐yr ongoing survey of a Northern California ant community invaded by the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) to investigate the influence of abiotic and biotic factors on invasion dynamics. We found that the distribution of L. humile retracted following an extreme drought that occurred in the region from 2012 to 2015. The distribution of several native ant species also contracted, but overall native ant diversity was higher after the drought and for some native ant species, distributions expanded over the 28‐yr survey period. Using structural equation models, we found the strongest impact on the distribution of L. humile was from direct effects of climate, namely, cumulative precipitation and summer maximum temperatures, with only a negligible role for biotic resistance and indirect effects of climate mediated by native ants. The increasing drought and high temperature extremes projected for northern California because of anthropogenic‐driven climate change may limit the spread, and possibly the impact, of L. humile in invaded regions. The outcome will depend on the response of native ant communities to these climatic stressors.
A comprehensive sensitivity analysis on the performance of pseudo‐steady propane thermal cracking process
Authors: Ghasemi Hossein Mohammad , Gilani Neda , Shirmohammadi Reza , Rosen Marc A.
Published: August 2021

The propane thermal cracking reactor process is investigated in an industrial furnace with an alternative wall burner arrangement. Temperature and heat distribution of the furnace is obtained by three‐dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation technique using Ansys Fluent software. Ten calculation domains are adopted to decrease calculation costs. Different fuel rate ratios are selected as the main effective parameter on reactor performance. Different ratios of base fuel rate (0.0695 kg/s) have been considered. The obtained reactor tube wall temperature profile is used for a one‐dimensional pseudo‐steady reactor operation. By the proposed new arrangement, the created coke layer thickness is lower about 3 mm compared with the base case after 700 h. Meanwhile, Propane conversion is increased by 4%. Besides, reactor feed flow rate variations are considered one of the essential parameter on reactor operation. Despite surging in propylene yield after coke formation, ethylene yield decreases during the process. By increasing the fuel rate in each reactor flow rate, ethylene increased while propylene yield descended. The maximum allowable pressure drop is 2.7 bar. At 0.5ṁ fuel rate and 0.85 kg/s reactor flow rate, pressure drop, reactor lifetime, and ethylene yield are 1.23 bar, 1444 h, and 28%; respectively. In the reactor flow of 0.85 kg/s, by raising fuel rate 0.5–2ṁ ethylene yield is increased from 28% to 46.83%, while process operating time is reduced to 780 h. According to the results, 0.8–0.85 kg/s could be considered as an appropriate range for reactor feed flow rate.
Bioprospecting of native algal strains with unique lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates signatures: A time dependent study
Authors: Samadhiya Kanchan , Ghosh Atreyee , Kashyap Mrinal , Anand Vishal , Bala Kiran
Published: August 2021

Aim of this study is uncovering potential strains of microalgae from Indore, Madhya Pradesh situated in central India with a diverse climate for sustainable production of different bio‐products. Assessing the entire biochemical profile is crucial to select species‐ specific metabolites for sustainability of algal bio‐refinery processes. In the current study, seven algal species (C. proboscideum, Desmodesmus psuedocommunis, Asterarcys quadricellulare, Ettlia texensis, Pediludiela daitoensis, Coelastrella sp., Pectinodesmus sp.) were isolated and identified using Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) and 18 s rRNA sequences, and these species found to be from the Chlorophyta phylum. The highest biomass productivity (51.25 ± 1.96 μg/ml/day) with chlorophyll content (33.07 ± 0.63 μg/ml) was observed in A. quadricellulare on 21st day (P < 0.0001). Biochemical profiling of isolated species showed each species is unique in its biochemical composition (total lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins). Coelastrella sp. and Pectinodesmus sp. was found to be accumulating considerable quantities of (P < 0.0001) carbohydrates (303.3 ± 1.11 μg/mg dry cell weight) and lipids (212.67 ± 2.53 μg/mg per dry cell weight), respectively. Whereas P. daitoensis was found best (P < 0.0001) for protein production (205.78 ± 2.56 μg/mg dry cell weight), on 21st day. Highest total fatty acid content was detected in Pectinodesmus sp. (115.74 μg/mg) on 21st day, which has shown good saturated fatty acid (SFA) and mono unsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) percentage, inflicting high quality biodiesel production. Confocal microscopy further supported the data. Assessing the biochemical profile at different phases of growth for each species therefore reduce the production time of biofuels as well as make this process much more cost‐effective.
Marine Debris and Human Health: An Exposure Pathway of Persistent Organic Pollutants?
Authors: Conlon Katie
Published: August 2021

Although there are not any direct studies linking persistent organic pollutants (POPs) accumulated on marine debris to human health, there are numerous studies showing human health impacts from repeated and high-level POP exposure, as well as studies showing that POPs accumulate on plastic debris in the marine environment. With this knowledge, there is a need for greater awareness of the risks of POP exposure for those who handle marine debris regularly, especially in contexts of higher exposure such as those working in marine debris–concentrated areas. Among the scientific community, understanding of the exposure risk might be high, but others who handle marine debris, for instance, citizen groups in the Global South, are not necessarily aware of this exposure pathway. Moreover, global consumers who are marketed “ocean plastics” upcycled products are also not aware of potential POP exposure. Before marine plastics are accepted into the upcycled economy, these risks warrant further examination. This is a perspectives piece that aims to draw awareness to these emergent POP exposure pathways and considerations regarding marine plastic pollution. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:263–265. © 2021 SETAC
Cost‐effective process for the production of Monascus pigments using potato pomace as carbon source by fed‐batch submerged fermentation
Authors: Chen Xiaoju , Chen Minmin , Wu Xuefeng , Li Xingjiang
Published: August 2021

Potato pomace, generated from starch‐processing industry, was applied as a cost‐effective resource for producing Monascus pigments via submerged fermentation. First, the pigment‐production capacity of potato pomace and its hydrolysate was compared. The results indicated that potato pomace was superior to its hydrolysate when used for producing Monascus pigments. The red and yellow pigments produced in potato pomace medium reached 27.8 and 19.7 OD units/ml in 7 days, with the yield of total pigments at 1,187.5 OD units/g, respectively, increased by 127.9%, 19.4%, and 46.3% compared with the data obtained from hydrolysate. Meanwhile, the citrinin produced in potato pomace medium decreased by 22.6%. Afterward, potato pomace, without hydrolysis, was used as carbon source to obtain the optimal pigment production conditions. In the batch fermentation process, it was found that high amount of pomace inhibited the growth rate of mycelia and the productivity of pigments, and the fed‐batch fermentation process could enhance the yield and productivity of pigments. With the same final amount of pomace (80 g/L), the maximal levels of total pigments and productivity obtained from fed‐batch process reached 118.8 OD units/ml and 13.2 OD units/(ml·day), which presented an increase of 35.2% and 67.1% compared with the not fed‐batch group, respectively. The results demonstrated that potato pomace was a cost‐effective substrate for producing Monascus pigments in terms of pigment production capacity and productivity when fed‐batch submerged fermentation was applied.
Optimized reinforcement in longitudinal joints of segmental tunnel linings
Authors: Proksch‐Weilguni Clemens , Wolfger Hannes , Kollegger Johann
Published: August 2021

When building tunnels using segmental lining, the segmental lining takes over the supporting role of the excavated soil. With the workspace in tunnel construction being very constricted the circular, segmental linings are divided into small segments called tubbings which are assembled by a tunnel boring machine. This kind of construction results in numerous longitudinal and circumferential joints. The loading situation for the longitudinal joints is typically dominated by the compressive normal forces combined with relatively small bending moments. The thickness of the tubbings usually depends on the longitudinal joints of the individual segments. The cross‐sectional area of the tubbings has to be reduced at the joints in order to avoid spalling of the concrete leading to higher compression in the joints themselves. The Institute of Structural Engineering of TU Wien developed a new reinforcement design for tubbings with strengthened longitudinal joints. With a patent application pending, the newly designed joints were manufactured and tested demonstrating that the TU Wien proposal significantly increases the load‐bearing capacity of the tubbings in comparison to conventional tubbing solutions. The very satisfying results, obtained from the large‐scale tests of the newly developed joint design, show great potential for the construction of tunnels with thinner tubbings in the near future.
Efficacy and safety of arbidol (umifenovir) in patients with COVID‐19: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Amani Behnam , Amani Bahman , Zareei Sara , Zareei Mahsa
Published: August 2021

Objective

To provide the latest evidence for the efficacy and safety of arbidol (umifenovir) in COVID‐19 treatment.

Methods

A literature systematic search was carried out in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and medRxiv up to May 2021. The Cochrane risk of bias tool and Newcastle–Ottawa scale were used to assess the quality of included studies. Meta‐analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3.

Results

Sixteen studies were met the inclusion criteria. No significant difference was observed between arbidol and non‐antiviral treatment groups neither for primary outcomes, including the negative rate of PCR (NR‐PCR) on Day 7 (risk ratio [RR]: 0.94; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.78–1.14) and Day 14 (RR: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.96–1.25), and PCR negative conversion time (PCR‐NCT; mean difference [MD]: 0.74; 95% CI: −0.87 to 2.34), nor secondary outcomes (p > .05). However, arbidol was associated with higher adverse events (RR: 2.24; 95% CI: 1.06–4.73). Compared with lopinavir/ritonavir, arbidol showed better efficacy for primary outcomes (p < .05). Adding arbidol to lopinavir/ritonavir also led to better efficacy in terms of NR‐PCR on Day 7 and PCR‐NCT (p < .05). There was no significant difference between arbidol and chloroquine in primary outcomes (p > .05). No remarkable therapeutic effect was observed between arbidol and other agents (p > .05).

Conclusion

The present meta‐analysis showed no significant benefit of using arbidol compared with non‐antiviral treatment or other therapeutic agents against COVID‐19 disease. High‐quality studies are needed to establish the efficacy and safety of arbidol for COVID‐19.
Alternative microexon splicing by RBFOX2 and PTBP1 is associated with metastasis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Mochizuki Yasushi , Funayama Ryo , Shirota Matsuyuki , Kikukawa Yuna , Ohira Masahiro , Karasawa Hideaki , Kobayashi Minoru , Ohnuma Shinobu , Unno Michiaki , Nakayama Keiko
Published: August 2021

The splicing of microexons (very small exons) is frequently dysregulated in the brain of individuals with autism spectrum disorder. However, little is known of the patterns, regulatory mechanisms and roles of microexon splicing in cancer. We here examined the transcriptome‐wide profile of microexon splicing in matched colorectal cancer (CRC) and normal tissue specimens. Out of 1492 microexons comprising 3 to 15 nucleotides, 21 (1%) manifested differential splicing between CRC and normal tissue. The 21 genes harboring the differentially spliced microexons were enriched in gene ontology terms related to cell adhesion and migration. RNA interference‐mediated knockdown experiments identified two splicing factors, RBFOX2 and PTBP1, as regulators of microexon splicing in CRC cells. RBFOX2 and PTBP1 were found to directly bind to microexon‐containing pre‐mRNAs and to control their splicing in such cells. Differential microexon splicing was shown to be due, at least in part, to altered expression of RBFOX2 and PTBP1 in CRC tissue compared to matched normal tissue. Finally, we found that changes in the pattern of microexon splicing were associated with CRC metastasis. Our data thus suggest that altered expression of RBFOX2 and PTBP1 might influence CRC metastasis through the regulation of microexon splicing.
Preclinical mouse model of optical coherence tomography for subcortical brain imaging without dissection
Authors: Lee Jae Meen , Han Inho , Nam Kyoung Hyup , Kim Dong Hwan , Song Seunghwan , Park Heejeong , Kim Hongki , Kim Minkyu , Choi Jeonghun , Lee Jae Il
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using optical coherence tomography (OCT) to identify internal brain lesions, specifically intracerebral hemorrhage, without dissection. Mice with artificially injected brain hematomas were used to test the OCT system, and the recorded images were compared with microscopic images of the same mouse brains after hematoxylin and eosin staining. The intracranial structures surrounding the hematomas were clearly visualized by the OCT system without dissection. These images reflect the ability of OCT to determine the extent of a lesion in several planes. OCT is a useful technology, and these findings could be used as a starting point for future research in intraoperative imaging.
Arbutin attenuates ethanol‐induced acute hepatic injury by the modulation of oxidative stress and Nrf‐2/HO‐1 signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Rongsheng , Mu Jinji
Published: August 2021

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a pervasive ailment due to the excessive consumption of alcohol and there is no operative drug for its treatment. The current exploration was intended to examine the hepatoprotective efficacy of arbutin against ethanol‐provoked liver injury in rats via the modulation of the Nrf‐2/HO‐1 signaling cascade. Wistar rats were challenged with the 3 g/kg/day (40% v/v) of ethanol for 4 weeks to provoke the ALD and concomitantly supplemented with 40 mg/kg of arbutin. The liver function markers enzymes, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress markers levels were scrutinized by using the respective assay kits. The mRNA expression of Nrf‐2/HO‐1 signaling proteins was studied by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction. The histological alterations of liver tissues were examined. HepG2 cells were used for the in vitro studies. The levels of oxidative stress markers and liver marker enzymes were examined by using kits. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptotic cell death was detected by using fluorescent staining. There were no major differences in the body weight and liver weight of experimental animals. Arbutin treatment appreciably reduced the liver marker enzymes, upregulated superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, and the hydroxyl scavenging ability, and diminished the tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 levels in the serum of ethanol provoked animals. Arbutin triggered Nrf‐2/HO‐1 signaling cascade liver tissues of ethanol‐provoked animals. Histological findings proved the preventing effects of arbutin. Arbutin did not demonstrate toxicity to the HepG2 cells. It reduced the aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, ROS, apoptotic cell death, lipid peroxidation and improved the antioxidants' levels in the ethanol‐challenged HepG2 cells. In conclusion, our findings unveiled the hepatoprotective efficacy of arbutin against ethanol‐provoked liver injury in rats. It could be a promising agent to treat alcoholic liver disease in the future.
Structure‐based virtual screening and computational study towards identification of novel inhibitors of hypoxanthine‐guanine phosphoribosyltransferase of Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Vidhya Venkataramani Malathi , Ponnuraj Karthe
Published: August 2021

Hypoxanthine‐guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT) is the key regulatory enzyme of the purine salvage pathway present in the members of trypanosomatids. The parasite solely depends on this pathway for the synthesis of nucleotides due to the absence of the de novo pathway. This study intends to identify putative inhibitors towards Trypanosoma cruzi HGPRT (TcHGPRT). Initial virtual screening was performed with substructures of phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate (PRPP), an original substrate of HGPRT. Twenty compounds that had greater binding energy than the substrate was treated as hits and was further screened and narrowed down through induced fit docking which resulted in top five compounds which was distinguished into two groups based on the ligand occupancy within the PRPP binding site of TcHGPRT. Group‐I compounds (PubChem CID 130316561 and 134978234) are analogous to PRPP structure with greater occupancy, were preferred over Group‐II compounds which had lesser occupancy than the substrate. However, one compound (22404820) among Group II was chosen for further analysis considering its significant electrostatic interactions. Molecular docking studies revealed the requirement of an electronegative moiety like phosphate group to be present in the ligand due to the presence of metal ions in the substrate binding site. The three chosen compounds along with PRPP were subjected to molecular dynamics analysis, which indicated a strong presence of electrostatic interaction. Considering the dynamic stability of interactions as well as pharmacological properties of ligands based on absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion prediction, Group‐I compounds were selected as lead compounds and were subjected to molecular electrostatic potential analysis to determine the charge distribution of the compound. The overall analysis thus suggests both 130316561 and 134978234 can be used as TcHGPRT inhibitors. Furthermore, these computational results emphasize the requirement of phosphorylated ligands which are essential in mediating electrostatic interactions and to compete with the binding affinity of the original substrate.
Kinetics of platelet adhesion to a fibrinogen‐coated surface in whole blood under flow conditions
Authors: Gabbasov Zufar A. , Avtaeva Yuliya N. , Melnikov Ivan S. , Okhota Sergey D. , Caprnda Martin , Mozos Ioana , Prosecky Robert , Rodrigo Luis , Kruzliak Peter , Zozulya Nadezhda I.
Published: August 2021

Aim

To test a novel method of assessment of platelet adhesion to a fibrinogen‐coated surface in whole blood under flow conditions.

Methods

We developed a fluidic device that mimics blood flow in vessels. The method of detection of platelet adhesion is based on recording of a scattered laser light signal from a fibrinogen‐covered surface. Testing was performed in platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) and whole blood of healthy volunteers. Control measurements were performed, followed by tests with inhibition of platelet GPIIa/IIIb and GPIb receptors. Then, the same testing sequence was performed in whole blood of persons with autoimmune thrombocytopenia and type 3 von Willebrand disease.

Results

The change in intensity of scattered light was 2.7 (2.4; 4.1) times higher in whole blood (0.2 ± 0.08V, n = 7) than in PRP (0.05 ± 0.02 V, n = 7), p < 0.01. The blocking of GP IIb/IIIa receptors decreased the intensity of scattered light to 8.5 (6.5;12)%; the blocking of GPIb receptors decreased it to 34 (23;58)%, p < 0.01. In the whole blood of a person with autoimmune thrombocytopenia, the inhibition of GPIb receptors decreased platelet adhesion, but no effect was observed in type 3 von Willebrand disease. Inhibition of platelet GPIIb/IIIa receptors alone or combined inhibition of GPIb and GPIIb/IIIa receptors resulted in almost total suppression of adhesion in both cases.

Conclusion

Our system effectively registers platelet adhesion to a fibrinogen‐coated surface under controlled‐flow conditions and may successfully be applied to the investigation of platelet adhesion kinetics.
lncRNA OIP5‐AS1 knockdown or miR‐223 overexpression can alleviate LPS‐induced ALI/ARDS by interfering with miR‐223/NLRP3‐mediated pyroptosis
Authors: Ji Juanjuan , Ye Wei , Sun Gengyun
Published: August 2021

Background

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are life‐threatening diseases and endothelial barrier injury is an important contributor to the pathogenesis of ALI/ARDS. Long non‐coding (lncRNA) has been shown to participate in the progression of ALI/ARDS. The present study aimed to investigate the function of lncRNA opa‐interacting protein 5 antisense RNA 1 (OIP5‐AS1) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced ALI/ARDS.

Methods

OIP5‐AS1 and miR‐223 levels were detected by a polymerase chain reaction in the serum of ALI/ARDS patients or healthy donors. An 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide assay was performed to detect the proliferation of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs). Flow cytometry were performed to detect the apoptosis of HPMECs. The protein levels of NLRP3, ASC, GSDMD‐N and caspase‐1 were measured by western blotting to detect the pyroptosis of HPMECs. Interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐18 and IL‐10 were detected by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay to measure the inflammatory response of HPMECs. The production of reactive oxygen species, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde was measured to determine the oxidative stress of HPMECs. Targets of OIP5‐AS1 and miR‐223 were predicted by StarBase and confirmed by a dual‐luciferase reporter assay.

Results

We found that OIP5‐AS1 was up‐regulated and miR‐223 was down‐regulated in the serum of ALI/ARDS patients and LPS‐treated HPMECs. Functionally, knockdown of OIP5‐AS1 induced proliferation and inhibited apoptosis, pyroptosis, inflammatory response and oxidative stress of LPS‐treated HPMECs. Interestingly, miR‐223 was a target of OIP5‐AS1 and miR‐223 inhibition abolished the effects of si‐OIP5‐AS1 on LPS‐induced HPMECs. More importantly, miR‐223 directly targeted NLRP3, and miR‐223 overexpression promoted proliferation and inhibited apoptosis, pyroptosis, inflammatory response and oxidative stress of LPS‐treated HPMECs, with this being abolished by NLRP3 overexpression. Finally, we found that OIP5‐AS1 knockdown and miR‐223 overexpression could both alleviate LPS‐induced ALI/ARDS in vivo.

Conclusions

Taken together, we find that lncRNA OIP5‐AS1 aggravates LPS‐induced ALI/ARDS via miR‐223/NLRP3 axis and provides new targets for ALI/ARDS therapy.
High‐resolution (40 m) simulation of a severe case of low‐level windshear at the Hong Kong International Airport—Comparison with observations and skills in windshear alerting
Authors: Chan P. W. , Lai K. K. , Li Q. S.
Published: August 2021

A case of severe low‐level windshear at the Hong Kong International Airport was investigated in this study using large eddy simulation (LES) with a spatial resolution of 40 m. The computer simulation results were compared with the actual observations at the airport, including Doppler light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems and surface automatic weather stations. The LES was found to be capable of reproducing the tiny vortices associated with the terrain‐disrupted airflow. Some interesting features of surface temperature and vertical velocity were also observed in the computer simulation. The simulated and observed meteorological parameters had satisfactory comparison results, although the micro‐scale variability of such parameters still could not be captured by the high‐resolution LES. Finally, the computer‐simulated headwind profiles appeared to have skills in capturing the low‐level windshear reports from the pilots. The headwind refers to the component of the wind along the direction of the flight path to be encountered by the arrival/departing aircraft. The study was novel in the use of the rather large domain for LES simulation and in the application to low‐level windshear alerting.