bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Delivery of streptomycin to the rat colon by use of electrospun nanofibers
Authors: Guerra Priscila R. , Ajalloueian Fatemeh , Wei Shaodong , Kristensen Katja Ann , Bahl Martin Iain , Boisen Anja , Licht Tine Rask
Published: December 2022

Drug-loaded electrospun nanofibers are potential drug carrier systems that may optimize disease treatment while reducing the impact on commensal microbes. The feasibility of streptomycin-loaded pullulan nanofibers fabricated from a green electrospinning procedure using water as the solvent was assessed. We conducted a rat study including a group treated with streptomycin-loaded nanofibers (STR-F, n = 5), a group treated with similar concentrations of streptomycin in the drinking water (STR-W, n = 5), and a non-treated control group (CTR, n = 5). Streptomycin was successfully loaded into nanofibers and delivered by this vehicle, which minimized the quantity of the drug released in the ileal compartment of the gut. Ingested streptomycin-resistant E. coli colonized of up to 106 CFU/g feces, revealing a selective effect of streptomycin even when given in the low amounts allowed by the nanofiber-based delivery. 16S amplicon sequencing of the indigenous microbiota revealed differential effects in the three groups. An increase of Peptostreptococcaceae in the cecum of STR-F animals may indicate that the fermentation of nanofibers directly or indirectly promoted growth of bacteria within this family. Our results elucidate relevant properties of electrospun nanofibers as a novel vehicle for delivery of antimicrobials to the large intestine.
Polytrauma patients with severe cervical spine injuries are different than with severe TBI despite similar AIS scores
Authors: van Wessem Karlijn J. P. , Niemeyer Menco J. S. , Leenen Luke P. H.
Published: December 2022

Traumatic cervical spine injuries (TCSI) are rare injuries. With increasing age the incidence of TCSI is on the rise. TCSI and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are often associated. Both TCSI and TBI are allocated to the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) head region. However, the nature and outcome of these injuries are potentially different. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology, demographics and outcome of severely injured patients with severe TCSI, and compare them with polytrauma patients with severe TBI in the strict sense. Consecutive polytrauma patients aged ≥ 15 years with AIShead ≥ 3 who were admitted to a level-1 trauma center Intensive Care Unit (ICU) from 2013 to 2021 were included. Demographics, treatment, and outcome parameters were analyzed for patients who had AIShead ≥ 3 based on TCSI and compared to patients with AIShead ≥ 3 based on proper TBI. Data on follow-up were collected for TCSI patients. Two hundred eighty-four polytrauma patients (68% male, Injury Severity Score (ISS) 33) with AIShead ≥ 3 were included; Thirty-one patients (11%) had AIShead ≥ 3 based on TCSI whereas 253 (89%) had AIShead ≥ 3 based on TBI. TCSI patients had lower systolic blood pressure in the Emergency Department (ED) and stayed longer in ICU than TBI patients. There was no difference in morbidity and mortality rates. TCSI patients died due to high cervical spine injuries or respiratory insufficiency, whereas TBI patients died primarily due to TBI. TCSI was mainly located at C2, and 58% had associated spinal cord injury. Median follow-up time was 22 months. Twenty-two percent had improvement of the spinal cord injury, and 10% died during follow-up. In this study the incidence of severe TCSI in polytrauma was much lower than TBI. Cause of death in TCSI was different compared to TBI demonstrating that AIShead based on TCSI is a different entity than based on TBI. In order to avoid data misinterpretation injuries to the cervical spine should be distinguished from TBI in morbidity and mortality analysis.
DCZ19931, a novel multi-targeting kinase inhibitor, inhibits ocular neovascularization
Authors: Zhang Huiying , Li Bo , Ding Jingjuan , Ye Rong , Xu Zhijian , Zhang Qiuyang , Feng Siguo , Jiang Qin , Zhu Weiliang , Yan Biao
Published: December 2022

Neovascularization is a prominent cause of irreversible blindness in a variety of ocular diseases. Current therapies for pathological neovascularization are concentrated on the suppression of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF). Despite the remarkable efficacy of anti-VEGF drugs, several problems still exist, including ocular complications and drug resistance. Thus, it is still required to design novel drugs for anti-angiogenic treatment. This study aimed to investigate the anti-angiogenic effects of a small molecule multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor, DCZ19931, on ocular neovascularization. The results showed that administration of DCZ19931 at the tested concentrations did not cause obvious cytotoxicity and tissue toxicity. DCZ19931 could reduce the size of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) lesions in laser-induced CNV model and suppress ocular neovascularization in oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model. DCZ19931 could suppress VEGF-induced proliferation, migration, and tube formation ability of endothelial cells, exhibiting similar anti-angiogenic effects as Ranibizumab. DCZ19931 could reduce the levels of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression in vivo and in vitro. Network pharmacology prediction and western blots revealed that DCZ19931 exerted its anti-angiogenic effects through the inactivation of ERK1/2-MAPK signaling and p38-MAPK signaling. In conclusion, this study indicates that DCZ19931 is a promising drug for anti-angiogenic therapy for ocular diseases.
The impacts of biomineralization and oil contamination on the compressive strength of waste plastic-filled mortar
Authors: Rux Kylee , Kane Seth , Espinal Michael , Ryan Cecily , Phillips Adrienne , Heveran Chelsea
Published: December 2022

Researchers have made headway against challenges of increasing cement infrastructure and low plastic recycling rates by using waste plastic in cementitious materials. Past studies indicate that microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) to coat plastic in calcium carbonate may improve the strength. The objective of this study was to increase the amount of clean and contaminated waste plastic that can be added to mortar and to assess whether MICP treatment enhances the strength. The performance of plastic-filled mortar was investigated at 5%, 10%, and 20% volume replacement for cement. Untreated, clean plastics at a 20% cement replacement produced compressive strengths acceptable for several applications. However, a coating of MICP on clean waste plastic did not improve the strengths. At 10% replacement, both MICP treatment and washing of contaminated plastics recovered compressive strengths by approximately 28%, relative to mortar containing oil-coated plastics. By incorporating greater volumes of waste plastics into mortar, the sustainability of cementitious composites has the potential of being improved by the dual mechanisms of reduced cement production and repurposing plastic waste.
A descriptive study of routine laboratory testing in intensive care unit in nearly 140,000 patient stays
Authors: Allyn Jérôme , Devineau Marjolaine , Oliver Matthieu , Descombes Guillaume , Allou Nicolas , Ferdynus Cyril
Published: December 2022

To describe the relationship between the use of laboratory tests and changes in laboratory parameters in ICU patients is necessary to help optimize routine laboratory testing. A retrospective, descriptive study was conducted on the large eICU-Collaborative Research Database. The relationship between the use of routine laboratory tests (chemistry and blood counts) and changes in ten common laboratory parameters was studied. Factors associated with laboratory tests were identified in a multivariate regression analysis using generalized estimating equation Poisson models. The study included 138,734 patient stays, with an ICU mortality of 8.97%. For all parameters, the proportion of patients with at least one test decreased from day 0 to day 1 and then gradually increased until the end of the ICU stay. Paradoxically, the results of almost all tests moved toward normal values, and the daily variation in the results of almost all tests decreased over time. The presence of an arterial catheter or teaching hospitals were independently associated with an increase in the number of laboratory tests performed. The paradox of routine laboratory testing should be further explored by assessing the factors that drive the decision to perform routine laboratory testing in ICU and the impact of such testing on patient.
All-optical AZO-based modulator topped with Si metasurfaces
Authors: Vatani Sareh , Barahimi Behdad , Moravvej-Farshi Mohammad Kazem
Published: December 2022

All-optical communication systems are under continuous development to address different core elements of inconvenience. Here, we numerically investigate an all-optical modulator, realizing a highly efficient modulation depth of 22 dB and a low insertion loss of 0.32 dB. The tunable optical element of the proposed modulator is a layer of Al-doped Zinc Oxide (AZO), also known as an epsilon-near-zero transparent conductive oxide. Sandwiching the AZO layer between a carefully designed distributed Bragg reflector and a dielectric metasurface—i.e., composed of a two-dimensional periodic array of cubic Si—provides a guided-mode resonance at the OFF state of the modulator, preventing the incident signal reflection atλ = 1310 nm. We demonstrate the required pump fluence for switching between the ON/OFF states of the designed modulator is about a few milli-Joules per cm2. The unique properties of the AZO layer, along with the engineered dielectric metasurface above it, change the reflection from 1 to 93%, helping design better experimental configurations for the next-generation all-optical communication systems.
Transcriptomic differences between fibrotic and non-fibrotic testicular tissue reveal possible key players in Klinefelter syndrome-related testicular fibrosis
Authors: Willems Margo , Olsen Catharina , Caljon Ben , Vloeberghs Veerle , De Schepper Jean , Tournaye Herman , Van Saen Dorien , Goossens Ellen
Published: December 2022

Klinefelter syndrome (KS; 47,XXY) affects 1–2 in 1000 males. Most men with KS suffer from an early germ cell loss and testicular fibrosis from puberty onwards. Mechanisms responsible for these processes remain unknown. Previous genomics studies on testis tissue from men with KS focused on germ cell loss, while a transcriptomic analysis focused on testicular fibrosis has not yet been performed. This study aimed to identify factors involved in the fibrotic remodelling of KS testes by analysing the transcriptome of fibrotic and non-fibrotic testicular tissue. RNA sequencing was performed to compare the genes expressed in testicular samples with (KS and testis atrophy) and without (Sertoli cell-only syndrome and fertile controls) fibrosis (n = 5, each). Additionally, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between KS and testis atrophy samples were studied to reveal KS-specific fibrotic genes. DEGs were considered significant when p < 0.01 and log2FC > 2. Next, downstream analyses (GO and KEGG) were performed. Lastly, RNA in situ hybridization was performed to validate the results. The first analysis (fibrotic vs non-fibrotic) resulted in 734 significant DEGs (167 up- and 567 down-regulated). Genes involved in the extracellular structure organization (e.g. VCAM1) were found up-regulated. KEGG analysis showed an up-regulation of genes involved in the TGF-β pathway. The KS vs testis atrophy analysis resulted in 539 significant DEGs (59 up- and 480 down-regulated). Chronic inflammatory response genes were found up-regulated. The overlap of X-linked DEGs from the two analyses revealed three genes: matrix-remodelling associated 5 (MXRA5), doublecortin (DCX) and variable charge X-Linked 3B (VCX3B). RNA in situ hybridization showed an overexpression of VCAM1, MXRA5 and DCX within the fibrotic group compared with the non-fibrotic group. To summarize, this study revealed DEGs between fibrotic and non-fibrotic testis tissue, including VCAM1. In addition, X-linked fibrotic genes were revealed, e.g. MXRA5, DCX and VCX3B. Their potential role in KS-related testicular fibrosis needs further study.
The predictors of health-enhancing physical activity among working women in Singapore two years into COVID-19: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lim Ellene , Ramachandran Hadassah Joann , Er Joyce Biaw Theng , Ng Pearlyn , Tam Wilson Wai San , Jiang Ying
Published: December 2022

Physical activity (PA) levels may have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, these changes are not well understood. The study aimed to describe the PA level and examine the predictive factors of a health-enhancing PA level among working women in Singapore two years into the COVID-19 pandemic. We undertook a cross-sectional descriptive correlational study. Three hundred participants were recruited and completed the online questionnaire between October and November 2021. In the PA analysis of 217 participants, only 32.7% of the participants achieved a health-enhancing PA level, while 44.7% of the total sample sat for 7 h or more daily. In the univariate analysis, occupation, nationality, monthly income, and average daily sitting hours were significantly associated with a high PA level. The current mode of work, living arrangement, and health-promoting lifestyle profile II_physical activity score remained significant in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Participants who worked from home and stayed with their families were less likely to achieve a health-enhancing PA level than those who had a regular workplace and did not stay with their families. Working women with a health-promoting physically active lifestyle were likelier to achieve a health-enhancing PA level. The long daily sitting time and suboptimal health-enhancing PA participation underscore the need for health promotion initiatives for working women.
Effects of pre-existing anti-adenovirus antibodies on transgene expression levels and therapeutic efficacies of arming oncolytic adenovirus
Authors: Ono Ryosuke , Nishimae Fumitaka , Wakida Takuro , Sakurai Fuminori , Mizuguchi Hiroyuki
Published: December 2022

Oncolytic adenoviruses (OAds), most of which are based on species C human adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) (OAd5), have recently received much attention as potential anticancer agents. High seroprevalence of anti-Ad5 neutralizing antibodies is a major hurdle for Ad5-based gene therapy. However, the impacts of anti-Ad5 neutralizing antibodies on OAd5-mediated transgene expression in the tumor and antitumor effects remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we examined the impact of anti-Ad5 neutralizing antibodies on the OAd5-mediated antitumor effects and OAd5-mediated transgene expression. The luciferase expression of OAd-tAIB-Luc, which contains the cytomegalovirus promoter-driven luciferase gene, was inhibited in human cultured cells in the presence of human serum. Although the inhibitory effects of human serum possessing the low anti-Ad5 neutralizing antibody titers were overcome by long-term infection, the in vitro tumor cell lysis activities of OAd-tAIB-Luc were entirely attenuated by human serum containing the high titers of anti-Ad5 neutralizing antibodies. OAd-tAIB-Luc-mediated luciferase expression in the subcutaneous tumors 3 days after administration and tumor growth suppression levels following intratumoral administration were significantly lower in mice possessing the high titers of anti-Ad5 neutralizing antibodies, compared to those in control mice. These results suggested that pre-existing anti-Ad5 antibodies attenuated both transgene expression and potential antitumor effects of OAd5 following intratumoral administration.
Heat and mass transfer for MHD peristaltic flow in a micropolar nanofluid: mathematical model with thermophysical features
Authors: Abd-Alla A. M. , Abo-Dahab S. M. , Thabet Esraa N. , Abdelhafez M. A.
Published: December 2022

According to a survey of the literature, nanofluids are superior to traditional fluids at transferring heat. A detailed analysis of the models mentioned above is crucial since there are large gaps in the illumination of current solutions for improving heat transfer in nanomaterials. The ongoing investigation's purpose is to ascertain the tiny size gold particles drift in free with the heat and mass transfer, buoyancy forces, thermophoresis, and Brownian motion of a micropolar nanofluid being transported through a porous medium in an asymmetric channel with a uniform magnetic field using a long-wavelength and low Reynolds number approximation. The resulting dimensionless nonlinear governing equations have been numerically solved using a MATLAB software and the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg integration scheme. Two comparisons with previously investigated problems are also made to confirm our findings, and an excellent concurrence is discovered. As a result, trustworthy results are being given. Numerical solutions are used to describe the effects of different thermal-fluidic parameters on velocity profiles, temperature, concentration, micropolar rotation, pressure gradient, shear stress, heat flux, and nanoparticle volume flux, etc. Tables, graphs, and bar charts are used to present and discuss numerical results that have been produced. A comparison of the resulting numerical solution to earlier literature also reveals a satisfactory level of agreement. Insight into real-world applications such nanofluidic, energy conservation, friction reduction, and power generation are provided by this work. Furthermore, the Brownian and thermophoresis parameters behave significantly differently in a concentration field. On the other hand, the study puts forward an important note that for peristaltic flow of a micropolar fluid with nanoparticles can be controlled by suitably adjusting the micropolar parameter, thermophoresis parameter, nanoparticle Grashof number, and Brownian motion parameter.
Quantification of prostate tumour diameter and volume from MR images using 3D ellipsoid model and its impact on PI-RADS v2.1 assessment
Authors: Singh Dharmesh , Das Chandan J. , Kumar Virendra , Singh Anup , Mehndiratta Amit
Published: December 2022

Maximum diameter and volume of the tumour provide important clinical information and are decision-making parameters for patients suspected with prostate cancer (PCa). The objectives of this study were to develop an automated method for 3D tumour measurement and compare it with the radiologist’s manual assessment, as well as to investigate the impact of 3D tumour measurement on Prostate Imaging-Reporting and Data System version-2.1 (PI-RADS v2.1) scoring of prostate cancer. Tumour maximum diameter and volume were calculated using automated ellipsoid-fit method. For all PI-RADS scores, mean ± standard deviation range of tumour maximum diameter and volume measured using ellipsoid-fit method were 1.36 ± 0.28 to 1.97 ± 0.67 cm and 0.49 ± 0.31 to 1.05 ± 0.78 cc and manual assessment were in range of 0.73 ± 0.12 to 1.14 ± 0.25 cm and 0.36 ± 0.21 to 0.93 ± 0.39 cc, respectively. Ellipsoid-fit method showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher values for maximum diameter and volume than manual assessment. 3D measurement of tumour using ellipsoid-fit method was found to have higher maximum diameter and volume values (in 40–61% patients) compared to conventional assessment by radiologist, which may have an impact on PI-RADS v2.1 scoring system.
Simulation study of gas sensor using periodic phononic crystal tubes to detect hazardous greenhouse gases
Authors: Zaky Zaky A. , Alamri Sagr , Zohny Ensjam I. , Aly Arafa H.
Published: December 2022

Here, we investigate a gas sensor model based on phononic crystals of alternating tubes using the transfer matrix method to detect hazardous greenhouse gases. The effect of the thicknesses and cross-sections of all tubes on the performance of the proposed sensor is studied. The results show that longitudinal acoustic speed is a pivotal parameter rather than the mass density variations of the gas samples on the position of the resonant peaks due to its significant impact on the propagation of the acoustic wave. The suggested sensor can be considered very simple and low-cost because it does not need a complicated process to deposit multilayers of different mechanical properties’ materials.
Resampling and harmonization for mitigation of heterogeneity in image parameters of baseline scans
Authors: Singh Apurva , Horng Hannah , Chitalia Rhea , Roshkovan Leonid , Katz Sharyn I. , Noël Peter , Shinohara Russell T. , Kontos Despina
Published: December 2022

Our study investigates the effects of heterogeneity in image parameters on the reproducibility of prognostic performance of models built using radiomic biomarkers. We compare the prognostic performance of models derived from the heterogeneity-mitigated features with that of models obtained from raw features, to assess whether reproducibility of prognostic scores improves upon application of our methods. We used two datasets: The Breast I-SPY1 dataset—Baseline DCE-MRI scans of 156 women with locally advanced breast cancer, treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, publicly available via The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA); The NSCLC IO dataset—Baseline CT scans of 107 patients with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), treated with pembrolizumab immunotherapy at our institution. Radiomic features (n = 102) are extracted from the tumor ROIs. We use a variety of resampling and harmonization scenarios to mitigate the heterogeneity in image parameters. The patients were divided into groups based on batch variables. For each group, the radiomic phenotypes are combined with the clinical covariates into a prognostic model. The performance of the groups is assessed using the c-statistic, derived from a Cox proportional hazards model fitted on all patients within a group. The heterogeneity-mitigation scenario (radiomic features, derived from images that have been resampled to minimum voxel spacing, are harmonized using the image acquisition parameters as batch variables) gave models with highest prognostic scores (for e.g., IO dataset; batch variable: high kernel resolution—c-score: 0.66). The prognostic performance of patient groups is not comparable in case of models built using non-heterogeneity mitigated features (for e.g., I-SPY1 dataset; batch variable: small pixel spacing—c-score: 0.54, large pixel spacing—c-score: 0.65). The prognostic performance of patient groups is closer in case of heterogeneity-mitigated scenarios (for e.g., scenario—harmonize by voxel spacing parameters: IO dataset; thin slice—c-score: 0.62, thick slice—c-score: 0.60). Our results indicate that accounting for heterogeneity in image parameters is important to obtain more reproducible prognostic scores, irrespective of image site or modality. For non-heterogeneity mitigated models, the prognostic scores are not comparable across patient groups divided based on batch variables. This study can be a step in the direction of constructing reproducible radiomic biomarkers, thus increasing their application in clinical decision making.
Differential critical residues on the overlapped region of the non-structural protein-1 recognized by flavivirus and dengue virus cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Luangaram Prasit , Tamdet Chamaiporn , Saengwong Chananya , Prommool Tanapan , Kraivong Romchat , Nilchan Napon , Punyadee Nuntaya , Avirutnan Panisadee , Srisawat Chatchawan , Malasit Prida , Kasinrerk Watchara , Puttikhunt Chunya
Published: December 2022

The non-structural protein-1 (NS1) of dengue virus (DENV) contributes to several functions related to dengue disease pathogenesis as well as diagnostic applications. Antibodies against DENV NS1 can cross-react with other co-circulating flaviviruses, which may lead to incorrect diagnosis. Herein, five anti-DENV NS1 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were investigated. Four of them (1F11, 2E3, 1B2, and 4D2) cross-react with NS1 of all four DENV serotypes (pan-DENV mAbs), whereas the other (2E11) also reacts with NS1 of other flaviviruses (flavi-cross-reactive mAb). The binding epitopes recognized by these mAbs were found to overlap a region located on the disordered loop of the NS1 wing domain (amino acid residues 104 to 123). Fine epitope mapping employing phage display technology and alanine-substituted DENV2 NS1 mutants indicates the critical binding residues W115, K116, and K120 for the 2E11 mAb, which are conserved among flaviviruses. In contrast, the critical binding residues of four pan-DENV mAbs include both flavi-conserved residues (W115 to G119) and DENV-conserved flanking residues (K112, Y113, S114 and A121, K122). Our results highlight DENV-conserved residues in cross-reactive epitopes that distinguish pan-DENV antibodies from the flavi-cross-reactive antibody. These antibodies can be potentially applied to differential diagnosis of DENV from other flavivirus infections.
Design of combination therapy for engineered bacterial therapeutics in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Deb Dhruba , Wu Yangfan , Coker Courtney , Harimoto Tetsuhiro , Huang Ruoqi , Danino Tal
Published: December 2022

Synthetic biology enables the engineering of bacteria to safely deliver potent payloads to tumors for effective anti-cancer therapies. However, a central challenge for translation is determining ideal bacterial therapy candidates for specific cancers and integrating them with other drug treatment strategies to maximize efficacy. To address this, we designed a screening and evaluation pipeline for characterization of bacterial therapies in lung cancer models. We screened 10 engineered bacterial toxins across 6 non-small cell lung cancer patient-derived cell lines and identified theta toxin as a promising therapeutic candidate. Using a bacteria-spheroid co-culture system (BSCC), analysis of differentially expressed transcripts and gene set enrichment revealed significant changes in at least 10 signaling pathways with bacteria-producing theta toxin. We assessed combinatorial treatment of small molecule pharmaceutical inhibitors targeting 5 signaling molecules and of 2 chemotherapy drugs along with bacterially-produced theta toxin and showed improved dose-dependent response. This combination strategy was further tested and confirmed, with AKT signaling as an example, in a mouse model of lung cancer. In summary, we developed a pipeline to rapidly characterize bacterial therapies and integrate them with current targeted therapies for lung cancer.
Efficient simultaneous double DNA knock-in in murine embryonic stem cells by CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein-mediated circular plasmid targeting for generating gene-manipulated mice
Authors: Ozawa Manabu , Taguchi Jumpei , Katsuma Kento , Ishikawa-Yamauchi Yu , Kikuchi Mio , Sakamoto Reiko , Yamada Yasuhiro , Ikawa Masahito
Published: December 2022

Gene targeting of embryonic stem (ES) cells followed by chimera production has been conventionally used for developing gene-manipulated mice. Although direct knock-in (KI) using murine zygote via CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing has been reported, ES cell targeting still has merits, e.g., high throughput work can be performed in vitro. In this study, we first compared the KI efficiency of mouse ES cells with CRISPR/Cas9 expression vector and ribonucleoprotein (RNP), and confirmed that KI efficiency was significantly increased by using RNP. Using CRISPR/Cas9 RNP and circular plasmid with homologous arms as a targeting vector, knock-in within ES cell clones could be obtained efficiently without drug selection, thus potentially shortening the vector construction or cell culture period. Moreover, by incorporating a drug-resistant cassette into the targeting vectors, double DNA KI can be simultaneously achieved at high efficiency by a single electroporation. This technique will help to facilitate the production of genetically modified mouse models that are fundamental for exploring topics related to human and mammalian biology.
Interpretable prognostic modeling of endometrial cancer
Authors: Zagidullin Bulat , Pasanen Annukka , Loukovaara Mikko , Bützow Ralf , Tang Jing
Published: December 2022

Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is one of the most common gynecological cancers in the world. In this work we apply Cox proportional hazards (CPH) and optimal survival tree (OST) algorithms to the retrospective prognostic modeling of disease-specific survival in 842 EC patients. We demonstrate that linear CPH models are preferred for the EC risk assessment based on clinical features alone, while interpretable, non-linear OST models are favored when patient profiles can be supplemented with additional biomarker data. We show how visually interpretable tree models can help generate and explore novel research hypotheses by studying the OST decision path structure, in which L1 cell adhesion molecule expression and estrogen receptor status are correctly indicated as important risk factors in the p53 abnormal EC subgroup. To aid further clinical adoption of advanced machine learning techniques, we stress the importance of quantifying model discrimination and calibration performance in the development of explainable clinical prediction models.
Clot-regression effects of rivaroxaban in venous thromboembolism treatment in cancer patients—a prospective interventional study
Authors: Takai Shigeki , Nakanishi Naohiko , Yokota Isao , Imai Kojiro , Yamada Ayumu , Kawasaki Takanori , Kasahara Takeru , Okada Takashi , Sawada Takahisa , Matoba Satoaki
Published: December 2022

Rivaroxaban, a direct oral anticoagulant, is effective against venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence without increasing the risk of major bleeding in patients with cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (CAT). However, its clot regression effects are poorly understood. This single-arm, prospective interventional study aimed to investigate the clot regression effects of rivaroxaban in 40 CAT patients, through a contrast-enhanced computed tomography at baseline, 3 weeks, and 3 months of rivaroxaban treatment. The primary endpoint was the clot-regression ratio calculated from the thrombus volumes at 3 weeks and 3 months. Compared with baseline, the total clot volume was significantly reduced at both 3 weeks and 3 months after initiation (p < 0.01). The clot-regression rates were statistically significant with 83.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 73.8–92.3%) at 3 weeks and 98.7% (95% CI, 97.1–100.2%) at 3 months, with complete resolution in 36.1% and 80.8% of patients at 3 weeks and 3 months, respectively. One patient had recurrent VTE after dose reduction, and seven had non-fatal major bleeding. Therefore, rivaroxaban had a sufficient clot-regression effect against CAT with caution of bleeding complication.
Diagnosis of nasal bone fractures on plain radiographs via convolutional neural networks
Authors: Nam Yoonho , Choi Yangsean , Kang Junghwa , Seo Minkook , Heo Soo Jin , Lee Min Kyoung
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to assess the performance of deep learning (DL) algorithms in the diagnosis of nasal bone fractures on radiographs and compare it with that of experienced radiologists. In this retrospective study, 6713 patients whose nasal radiographs were examined for suspected nasal bone fractures between January 2009 and October 2020 were assessed. Our dataset was randomly split into training (n = 4325), validation (n = 481), and internal test (n = 1250) sets; a separate external dataset (n = 102) was used. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity of the DL algorithm and the two radiologists were compared. The AUCs of the DL algorithm for the internal and external test sets were 0.85 (95% CI, 0.83–0.86) and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.78–0.93), respectively, and those of the two radiologists for the external test set were 0.80 (95% CI, 0.73–0.87) and 0.75 (95% CI, 0.68–0.82). The DL algorithm therefore significantly exceeded radiologist 2 (P = 0.021) but did not significantly differ from radiologist 1 (P = 0.142). The sensitivity and specificity of the DL algorithm were 83.1% (95% CI, 71.2–93.2%) and 83.7% (95% CI, 69.8–93.0%), respectively. Our DL algorithm performs comparably to experienced radiologists in diagnosing nasal bone fractures on radiographs.
Comparison of calling pipelines for whole genome sequencing: an empirical study demonstrating the importance of mapping and alignment
Authors: Betschart Raphael O. , Thiéry Alexandre , Aguilera-Garcia Domingo , Zoche Martin , Moch Holger , Twerenbold Raphael , Zeller Tanja , Blankenberg Stefan , Ziegler Andreas
Published: December 2022

Rapid advances in high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies have enabled the conduct of whole genome sequencing (WGS) studies, and several bioinformatics pipelines have become available. The aim of this study was the comparison of 6 WGS data pre-processing pipelines, involving two mapping and alignment approaches (GATK utilizing BWA-MEM2 2.2.1, and DRAGEN 3.8.4) and three variant calling pipelines (GATK 4.2.4.1, DRAGEN 3.8.4 and DeepVariant 1.1.0). We sequenced one genome in a bottle (GIAB) sample 70 times in different runs, and one GIAB trio in triplicate. The truth set of the GIABs was used for comparison, and performance was assessed by computation time, F1 score, precision, and recall. In the mapping and alignment step, the DRAGEN pipeline was faster than the GATK with BWA-MEM2 pipeline. DRAGEN showed systematically higher F1 score, precision, and recall values than GATK for single nucleotide variations (SNVs) and Indels in simple-to-map, complex-to-map, coding and non-coding regions. In the variant calling step, DRAGEN was fastest. In terms of accuracy, DRAGEN and DeepVariant performed similarly and both superior to GATK, with slight advantages for DRAGEN for Indels and for DeepVariant for SNVs. The DRAGEN pipeline showed the lowest Mendelian inheritance error fraction for the GIAB trios. Mapping and alignment played a key role in variant calling of WGS, with the DRAGEN outperforming GATK.
A study of the regional differences in propacetamol-related adverse events using VigiBase data of the World Health Organization
Authors: Jeong Han Eol , Bea Sungho , Yoon Dongwon , Jung Juhong , Park Seung-Mok , Jeon Juhee , Ye Young-Min , Lee Jae-Hyun , Shin Ju-Young
Published: December 2022

Upon withdrawal of propacetamol, an injectable formulation of the paracetamol prodrug, in Europe due to safety concerns, South Korea’s regulatory body requested a post-marketing surveillance study exploring its safety profile. We characterized regional disparities in adverse events (AE) associated with propacetamol between Asia and Europe using the World Health Organization’s pharmacovigilance database, VigiBase. We performed disproportionality analyses using reporting odds ratios (rOR) and information component (IC) to determine whether five AEs (anaphylaxis, Stevens–Johnson syndrome, thrombosis, contact dermatitis/eczema, injection site reaction [ISR]) were associated with propacetamol versus non-propacetamol injectable antipyretics in Asia and Europe, separately. In Asia, there was a high reporting ratio of propacetamol-related ISR (rOR 5.72, 95% CI 5.19–6.31; IC025 1.27), satisfying the signal criteria; there were no reports of thrombosis and contact dermatitis/eczema. Two signals were identified in Europe, with higher reporting ratios for thrombosis (rOR 7.45, 95% CI 5.19–10.71; IC025 1.92) and contact dermatitis/eczema (rOR 16.73, 95% CI 12.48–22.42; IC025 2.85). Reporting ratios of propacetamol-related anaphylaxis were low for Asia and Europe. While signals were found for thrombosis and contact dermatitis/eczema in Europe, these were not detected in Asia. These findings suggest potential ethnic differences in propacetamol-related AEs between Asia and Europe, which could serve as supportive data for future decision-making.
Order−disorder interfaces in a graphitic carbon nitride-nanoclay composite for improved photodynamic antibiotics
Authors: Wang Dongyue , Zhao Qihang , Tang Aidong , Yang Huaming
Published: December 2022

Antibiotic-resistant microorganisms are a threat to human health. Despite efforts to treat bacterial and fungal infections with photodynamic therapy, it suffers from low light absorption and low singlet oxygen yield. Here, we observe order-disorder interfaces in graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) modified by kaolinite nanoclay via polar interactions, decreasing the band gap of g-C3N4. The polar interactions originate from interactions between the basic amine surface moieties and hydrogen-bonding motifs of g-C3N4 and the hydroxyl groups on the nanoclay surface. Surface free energy theory demonstrates that the electron-acceptor displayed by the nanoclay surface could form a couple with g-C3N4 due to its nucleophilic property. The polar interactions accelerate electron transfer, and the nanoclay surface functions as an electron sink due to its polar surface and free energy. This promotes spin-orbit coupling and intersystem crossing resulting in a higher singlet oxygen yield, even in the dark. The graphitic carbon nitride-kaolinite composite showed improved and faster would healing in rat animal models.
A duplex-specific nuclease (DSN) and catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA)-mediated dual amplification method for miR-146b detection
Authors: Han Yu , Hu Haihong , Yu Lushan , Zeng Su , Min Jun Zhe , Cai Sheng
Published: December 2022

A duplex-specific nuclease (DSN) and catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA)-mediated dual amplification method has been developed. This strategy achieved a sensitive limit of detection and excellent selectivity for miR-146b detection.
Waste to wealth: atomically dispersed cobalt–nitrogen–carbon from spent LiCoO2
Authors: Yang Miaosen , Sun Yanhui , Lyu Shuhan , Zhang Tian , Yang Lei , Li Zongge , Zhang Guoxin
Published: December 2022

We report the first synthesis of atomically dispersed Co–N–C from spent LiCoO2. The Co–N–C with heavy Co–N4loading (1.42 at%) exhibited high oxygen reduction reaction activity and robust Al–air battery performance.
A study of how solid–liquid interactions affect flow resistance and heat transfer at different temperatures based on molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Shi Lin , Hu Chengzhi , Yi Changli , Bai Minli , Lyu Jizu , Gao Linsong
Published: December 2022

The heat transfer performance is improved as surface temperature increases, but the rise of surface temperature increases the flow resistance when solid–liquid interaction is weak but decreases the flow resistance when solid–liquid interaction is strong.
Revealing the incorporation of an NH2group into the edge of carbon dots for H2O2sensingviathe C–N⋯H hydrogen bond interaction
Authors: Putro Permono Adi , Maddu Akhiruddin , Hardhienata Hendradi , Isnaeni Isnaeni , Ahmad Faozan , Dipojono Hermawan Kresno
Published: December 2022

We investigated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensing on NH2-functionalized carbon dots (Cdots) for three different –NH2positions, and the N atom was found to be the active site using a quantum computational approach.
Growth of carbon dots in nanoporous silica glasses for highly enhanced dual-wavelength emission
Authors: Ma Yunxiu , Ke Xianzhi , Liu Haolin , Pan Jinyang , Ji Zijuan , Li Sha , Li Jie
Published: December 2022

Solid-state carbon dots (CDots) have great potential applications in photonics and optoelectronic devices due to their excellent optical properties, such as broad absorption bands, and tunable photoluminescence wavelengths.
Effects of electrolytes on the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to C2H4: a mechanistic point of view
Authors: Ma Xifei , Xing Lu , Liu Kaisi , Liu Lei
Published: December 2022

Electrolyte plays an important role in the electroreduction of CO2. This review summarizes the mechanism of C2H4 formation and the effect of pH, cations and anions of traditional electrolytes as well as ionic liquids.
Flexible three-dimensional diacetylene functionalized covalent organic frameworks for efficient iodine capture
Authors: Zou Junyan , Wen Dan , Zhao Yu
Published: December 2022

Diamondyne-like covalent organic frameworks containing abundant electron-rich acetylene groups (–CC–) for efficient iodine capture.
Construction of Sr@Mn3O4/GO nanocomposite: a synergistic electrocatalyst for nitrofurantoin detection in biological and environmental samples
Authors: Vinothkumar Venkatachalam , Sakthivel Rajalakshmi , Chen Shen-Ming , Sangili Arumugam , Kim Tae Hyun
Published: December 2022

Preparation and fabrication of Sr@Mn3O4/GO nanocomposite towards electro-reduction of NFT in biological and environmental samples.
Antigen presentation induced variation in ovalbumin sensitization between chicken and duck species
Authors: Zhang Lina , Zhou Ruoya , Zhang Kai , Zhang Yiqian , Xia Siquan , Zhou Peng
Published: December 2022

C-OVA can induce maturation of DC cells, induce differentiation of T cells to Th2 cells, and lead to the increase in s-IgE, whereas D-OVA cannot induce maturation of DC cells, and thus induces a low level of T cell differentiation and s-IgE secretion.
Synthesis of bio-derived 1,4-butanediol by succinic acid esterification and hydrogenation over CuFeAl catalysts
Authors: Li Kefan , Yang Jiaming , Song Tongyang , Zhu Zhirong , Zhao Chen , Wu Peng , Li Xiaohong
Published: December 2022

Synthesis of bio-derived 1,4-butanediol with a 91.2% yield was realized by succinic acid esterification with methanol over phosphotungstic acid, and then one-pot hydrogenation over a Cu1Fe1Al0.5 catalyst in a segmented temperature-controlled manner.
A photonic biosensor-integrated tissue chip platform for real-time sensing of lung epithelial inflammatory markers
Authors: Cognetti John S. , Moen Maya T. , Brewer Matthew G. , Bryan Michael R. , Tice Joshua D. , McGrath James L. , Miller Benjamin L.
Published: December 2022

Integration of photonic sensors with tissue chips (TCs; also known as microphysiological systems or organ chips) enables real time monitoring of analytes produced by the TC or passed through a model tissue barrier.
Experimental study of an amphiphilic graphene oxide based nanofluid for chemical enhanced oil recovery of heavy oil
Authors: Liu Yigang , Liu Changlong , Li Yanyue , Xu Yingxue , Han Yugui , Pu Wanfen , Rui Liu
Published: December 2022

Amphiphilic GOC nanosheets in situ form a viscoelastic emulsion, which achieves mobility control ability to enhance oil recovery.
Selenylated indoles: synthesis, effects on lipid membrane properties and DNA cleavage
Authors: Pedroso Gabriela J. , Costa Desirée M. S. , Felipe Kokuszi Lucas T. , da Silva Eduardo B. V. , Cavalcante Marcos F. O. , Junca Eduardo , Moraes Cassio A. O. , Pich Claus T. , de Lima Vânia R. , Saba Sumbal , Rafique Jamal , Frizon Tiago E. A.
Published: December 2022

Selenylated indoles increased the motion rate of the polar region of lipids and ordered the non-polar region, presenting DNA cleavage ability.
Unconventional sulfur transfer behaviour of 4-hydroxy-dithiocoumarin: an easy access to biologically potent 1,2-dithiolane scaffolds
Authors: Mahato Karuna , Mondal Santa , Ali Ahmed , Bagdi Prasanta Ray , Khan Abu T. , Arora Neha , Ghosh Siddhartha Sankar
Published: December 2022

The synthesis of hitherto unreported 3-aryl-3H,4H-[1,2]dithiolo[3,4-b]thiochromen-4-ones was accomplished via the reaction of 4-hydroxydithiocoumarin and an aromatic aldehyde using 10 mol% Cu2O nanoparticles in water under reflux conditions.
Preparation and characterization of a form-stable phase change hydrogel for heat-protective clothing
Authors: Wang Yanfei , Zhang Jichen , Han Xuelian , Jiang Yong
Published: December 2022

Preparation of shape-stable phase change hydrogels by one-step thermally initiated free radical polymerization and their application in thermal protective clothing.
A biotin-guided near-infrared fluorescent probe for imaging hydrogen sulfide and differentiating cancer cells
Authors: Cai Xuekang , Zhang Zhuochen , Dong Yalun , Hao Tingting , Yi Long , Yang Xing
Published: December 2022

A biotin-guided near-infrared fluorescent probe could be transported into cancer cells selectively and could further detect H2S.
In situconstruction of an α-MoC/g-C3N4Mott–Schottky heterojunction with high-speed electron transfer channel for efficient photocatalytic H2evolution
Authors: Du Jianfei , Shen Yongli , Yang Fan , Zhang Bo , Jiang Xinzhi , An Changhua , Ye Jinhua
Published: December 2022

An α-MoC/g-C3N4heterojunction with a high-speed electron transfer channel isin situconstructed, which delivers a 110-fold improvement of photocatalytic H2production.
{Gd44Ni22}: a gigantic 3d–4f wheel-like nanoscale cluster with a large magnetocaloric effect
Authors: Lu Zixiu , Zhuo Zhu , Wang Wei , Huang You-Gui , Hong Maochun
Published: December 2022

A previously undiscovered gigantic 3d–4f wheel-like nanoscale cluster, {Gd44Ni22}, exhibits a large magnetocaloric effect (−ΔSm = 44.9 J kg−1 K−1 at 2.0 K for ΔH = 7 T).
Optimization of fermentation technology for composite fruit and vegetable wine by response surface methodology and analysis of its aroma components
Authors: Liu Yanbo , Wei Yafei , Li Haideng , Li Feifei , Song Mengjiao , Li Zihong , Zhang Taotao , Han Suna , Pan Chunmei
Published: December 2022

Fruit wine has certain health care functions, but fruit wine made from a single fruit or vegetable does not have a good enough color, flavor or nutrient composition.
Synthesis of a Ag/rGO nanocomposite using Bos taurus indicus urine for nitroarene reduction and biological activity
Authors: Kumbhar Gouri S. , Patil Shubham V. , Sarvalkar Prashant D. , Vadanagekar Apurva S. , Karvekar Omkar S. , Patil Sharadchandra S. , Rane Manali R. , Sharma Kiran kumar K. , Kurhe Deepti N. , Prasad Neeraj R.
Published: December 2022

The present study develops a unique in situ synthesis of a catalytically and biologically active Ag/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite.
Metal-free hydrosulfonylation of α,β-unsaturated ketones: synthesis and application of γ-keto sulfones
Authors: Cheng Xiufang , Wang Shuo , Wei Yibo , Wang Huamin , Lin Ying-Wu
Published: December 2022

The methodology features a convenient, mild, efficient, C–S sulfonylation approach without the use of any metal catalysts and stoichiometric oxidants.
Cd-doped Ag2O/BiVO4 visible light Z-scheme photocatalyst for efficient ciprofloxacin degradation
Authors: De Arup Kumar , Kumar Uttam , Jatav Neha , Sinha Indrajit
Published: December 2022

Foreign element doping can produce new photocatalysts with different band edge positions and adsorption properties.
Vacancy-cluster-mediated surface activation for boosting CO2 chemical fixation
Authors: Liu Wenxiu , Li Lei , Shao Wei , Wang Hui , Dong Yun , Zuo Ming , Liu Jiandang , Zhang Hongjun , Ye Bangjiao , Zhang Xiaodong , Xie Yi
Published: December 2022

The cycloaddition of CO2 with epoxides towards cyclic carbonates provides a promising pathway for CO2 utilization.
Boosting electrocatalytic water oxidation of NiFe layered double hydroxide via the synergy of 3d–4f electron interaction and citrate intercalation
Authors: Chen Shuo , Zheng Zhicheng , Li Qingying , Wan Hao , Chen Gen , Zhang Ning , Liu Xiaohe , Ma Renzhi
Published: December 2022

A series of hierarchical NiFeCe-LDHs intercalated with citrate anions were prepared. Benefiting from the synergy of 3d–4f electron interaction and anionic composition, trimetallic counterparts with the Ni : Fe : Ce molar ratio of 2 : 0.7 : 0.3 achieved the best OER activity.
Spray-drying synthesis and vanadium-catalyzed graphitization of a nanocrystalline γ-Li3.2V0.8Si0.2O4/C anode material with a unique double capsule structure
Authors: Matsumura Keisuke , Iwama Etsuro , Takagi Kenta , Hashizume Naoki , Chikaoka Yu , Okita Naohisa , Naoi Wako , Naoi Katsuhiko
Published: December 2022

Nanocrystalline γ-Li3.2V0.8Si0.2O4/carbon composites with a unique double capsule structure were prepared by spray-drying and annealing processes using an ultra-dilute dispersion as a feed solution, exhibiting remarkable performance for lithium-ion storage.
Structural engineering of metal–organic layers toward stable Li–CO2 batteries
Authors: Cheng Zhibin , Fang Yanlong , Dai Wen , Zhang Jindan , Xiang Shengchang , Zhang Zhangjing
Published: December 2022

A flower-like metal–organic layer with a rich catalytic surface and unique conductive structure was fabricated as an efficient cathodic catalyst for Li–CO2 batteries. The as-developed cells display remarkable cycling stability.