bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐Rate, Large Capacity, and Long Life Dendrite‐Free Zn Metal Anode Enabled by Trifunctional Electrolyte Additive with a Wide Temperature Range
Authors: Lin Chuyuan , Yang Xuhui , Xiong Peixun , Lin Hui , He Lingjun , Yao Qi , Wei Mingdeng , Qian Qingrong , Chen Qinghua , Zeng Lingxing
Published: May 2022

Aqueous Zn‐ion batteries (AZIBs) have been recognized as promising energy storage devices due to their high theoretical energy density and cost‐effectiveness. However, side reactions and Zn dendrite generation during cycling limit their practical application. Herein, ammonium acetate (CH3COONH4) is selected as a trifunctional electrolyte additive to enhance the electrochemical performance of AZIBs. Research findings show that NH4+ (oxygen ligand) and CH3COO– (hydrogenligand) with preferential adsorption on the Zn electrode surface can not only hinder Zn anode directly contact with active H2O, but also regulate the pH value of the electrolyte, thus suppressing the parasitic reactions. Additionally, the formed SEI is mainly consisted of Zn5(CO3)2(OH)6 with a high Zn2+ transference number, which could achieve a dendrite‐free Zn anode by homogenizing Zn deposition. Consequently, the Zn||Zn symmetric batteries with CH3COONH4‐based electrolyte can operate steadily at an ultrahigh current density of 40 mA cm–2 with a cumulative capacity of 6880 mAh cm–2, especially stable cycling at −10 °C. The assembled Zn||MnO2 full cell and Zn||activated carbon capacitor also deliver prominent electrochemical reversibility. This work provides unique understanding of designing multi‐functional electrolyte additive and promotes a long lifespan at ultrahigh current density for AZIBs.
Investigating the Interactions of Glioma Stem Cells in the Perivascular Niche at Single‐Cell Resolution using a Microfluidic Tumor Microenvironment Model
Authors: Adjei‐Sowah Emmanuela A. , O'Connor Samantha A. , Veldhuizen Jaimeson , Lo Cascio Costanza , Plaisier Christopher , Mehta Shwetal , Nikkhah Mehdi
Published: May 2022

The perivascular niche (PVN) is a glioblastoma tumor microenvironment (TME) that serves as a safe haven for glioma stem cells (GSCs), and acts as a reservoir that inevitably leads to tumor recurrence. Understanding cellular interactions in the PVN that drive GSC treatment resistance and stemness is crucial to develop lasting therapies for glioblastoma. The limitations of in vivo models and in vitro assays have led to critical knowledge gaps regarding the influence of various cell types in the PVN on GSCs behavior. This study developed an organotypic triculture microfluidic model as a means to recapitulate the PVN and study its impact on GSCs. This triculture platform, comprised of endothelial cells (ECs), astrocytes, and GSCs, is used to investigate GSC invasion, proliferation and stemness. Both ECs and astrocytes significantly increased invasiveness of GSCs. This study futher identified 15 ligand‐receptor pairs using single‐cell RNAseq with putative chemotactic mechanisms of GSCs, where the receptor is up‐regulated in GSCs and the diffusible ligand is expressed in either astrocytes or ECs. Notably, the ligand–receptor pair SAA1‐FPR1 is demonstrated to be involved in chemotactic invasion of GSCs toward PVN. The novel triculture platform presented herein can be used for therapeutic development and discovery of molecular mechanisms driving GSC biology.
Gold Nanostrip Array‐Mediated Wireless Electrical Stimulation for Accelerating Functional Neuronal Differentiation
Authors: Yang Hongru , Su Yue , Sun Zhaoyang , Ma Baojin , Liu Feng , Kong Ying , Sun Chunhui , Li Boyan , Sang Yuanhua , Wang Shuhua , Li Gang , Qiu Jichuan , Liu Chao , Geng Zhaoxin , Liu Hong
Published: May 2022

Neural stem cell (NSC)‐based therapy holds great promise for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Presently, however, it is hindered by poor functional neuronal differentiation. Electrical stimulation is considered one of the most effective ways to promote neuronal differentiation of NSCs. In addition to surgically implanted electrodes, traditional electrical stimulation includes wires connected to the external power supply, and an additional surgery is required to remove the electrodes or wires following stimulation, which may cause secondary injuries and infections. Herein, a novel method is reported for generation of wireless electrical signals on an Au nanostrip array by leveraging the effect of electromagnetic induction under a rotating magnetic field. The intensity of the generated electrical signals depends on the rotation speed and magnetic field strength. The Au nanostrip array‐mediated electric stimulation promotes NSC differentiation into mature neurons within 5 days, at the mRNA, protein, and function levels. The rate of differentiation is faster by at least 5 days than that in cells without treatment. The Au nanostrip array‐based wireless device also accelerates neuronal differentiation of NSCs in vivo. The novel method to accelerate the neuronal differentiation of NSCs has the advantages of wireless, timely, localized and precise controllability, and noninvasive power supplementation.
Pearl millet yields and yield stability under long‐term soil fertility management in the Sahel
Authors: Iliasso Aboubacar Dan Kassoua Tawaye , Ali Ibrahim , Dougbedji Fatondji , Jean Baptiste Ettien D. , Vincent Bado
Published: May 2022

Little is known about the impact of long‐term fertilizer microdose on pearl millet [Cenchrus americanus (L.) Morrone] yields and yield stability in the Sahel. An 8‐yr, long‐term experiment evaluated pearl millet yields and yield stability under fertilizer microdose along with crop residues (CRs) management in different plant spacings. Treatments included (a) one absolute control (without fertilizer) and two fertilizer microdose options, (b) 2 g diammonium phosphate fertilizer per planting hole, and (c) 6 g of 15–15–15 (N–P–K) fertilizer per planting hole—under two plant spacings (10,000 and 15,000 pockets ha–1) and with and without CR removal. These were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. A decrease in pearl millet plant spacing (15,000 pockets ha–1) markedly enhanced pearl millet grain yield and total dry matter by 12 and 11%, respectively, vs. the recommended plant spacing (10,000 pockets ha–1). The mean pearl millet grain yields over 8 yr were 470 and 262 kg ha–1 in fertilizer microdose and control plots, respectively. The pearl millet yields increased by 7 and 81% with CR retention in microdose and control plots, respectively, vs. plots with CR removal. Grain yields reductions of 16 and 38% were recorded in fertilizer microdose and control plots, respectively, after 8 yr regardless of CR retention. Fertilizer microdose without CR removal was more stable. However, a considerable decrease in soil N status was observed after 8 yr. These results suggest that fertilizer microdose in combination with CR retention should be used as a base practice for increasing yield in the low‐input, pearl millet‐based cropping system of the Sahel and similar cropping systems.
Insights for Indigenous employment into a case study of unconscious bias in the Australian Public Service
Authors: Leon Craig
Published: May 2022

Drawing on a case study of unconscious bias levels in the Australian Public Service (APS), findings suggest gender equality remains a concern for career prospects for women, particularly for Indigenous women when two‐thirds of Indigenous employees in the APS are women. Additionally, age and length of service provide further insights into the implications for a workplace free of discrimination and prejudice. For example, male respondents across each successive age category show higher preference levels for Caucasian Australians than do female respondents. In this paper, I compare findings with results found in an Australian study reported by Shirodkar, (2019). Journal of Australian Indigenous Issues, 22, 3. The basis of both studies was the Australian Aboriginal Implicit Association Test (IAT) administered by Project Implicit. Arguably most importantly for the APS will be the need to convince senior managers to accept and act on the discriminatory effects of unconscious bias in Indigenous employment. Any policy response will need an enhanced understanding of unconscious bias, including a broader knowledge of Indigenous culture and gender equity in the APS. The framework presented at the end of this paper offers an opportunity to revisit the effectiveness of unconscious bias training for the APS.
Effect of melting temperatures on the orientation and rheology of polyacrylate/silica (PAcr/SiO2) composite microspheres in twin‐screw extruder
Authors: Cui Zhonglan , Zhang Yan , Zhu Chenkai , Song Lixiang , Wang Jicheng , Jin Qianhong , Su Qunchao , Qi Dongming
Published: May 2022

The dispersion and orientation arrangement of functional polymers with fillers are critical to their performance. However, there are rare detailed researches on the visualization of the orientation process about functional fillers in composite melts and the mechanistic effects on performance. In this work, it explored the change process of the orientation morphology for polyacrylate/silica (PAcr/SiO2) composite microspheres in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) at different melting temperatures. Afterwards, the morphology and distribution of oriented microfibers in composite fibers melted at different temperatures were observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results showed that composite microfibers could be formed in tight arrangement and obtained average orientation of 50.88 in the composite fibers at 250°C. Under this circumstance, the addition of nano SiO2 particles had no effect on the rheological type. Meanwhile, the shear stress was 99.29% higher than that of pure PMMA system under the same conditions. As for the elongation at break, it was found that the elongation at break of the composite fiber prepared at 250°C was 169.43% higher than that of pure PMMA. Therefore, it provided a new method to achieve well dispersion of functional fillers in molten systems. Furthermore, it was beneficial to enhance the elongation at break of functional composites.
Paradigm shifts in animal epigenetics: Research on non‐model species leads to new insights into dependencies, functions and inheritance of DNA methylation
Authors: Vogt Günter
Published: May 2022

Recent investigations with non‐model species and whole‐genome approaches have challenged several paradigms in animal epigenetics. They revealed that epigenetic variation in populations is not the mere consequence of genetic variation, but is a semi‐independent or independent source of phenotypic variation, depending on mode of reproduction. DNA methylation is not positively correlated with genome size and phylogenetic position as earlier believed, but has evolved differently between and within higher taxa. Epigenetic marks are usually not completely erased in the zygote and germ cells as generalized from mouse, but often persist and can be transgenerationally inherited, making them evolutionarily relevant. Gene body methylation and promoter methylation are similar in vertebrates and invertebrates with well methylated genomes but transposon silencing through methylation is variable. The new data also suggest that animals use epigenetic mechanisms to cope with rapid environmental changes and to adapt to new environments. The main benefiters are asexual populations, invaders, sessile taxa and long‐lived species.
Effect of biphosphate salt on dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine bilayer deformation by Tat polypeptide
Authors: Patra Piya , Banerjee Raja , Chakrabarti Jaydeb
Published: May 2022

Translocation of positively charged cell penetrating peptides (CPP) through cell membrane is important in drug delivery. Here we report all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations to investigate how a biphosphate salt in a solvent affects the interaction of a CPP, HIV‐1 Tat peptide with model dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) lipid bilayer. Tat peptide has a large number of basic arginines and a couple of polar glutamines. We observe that in absence of salt, the basic residues of the polypeptide get localized in the vicinity of the membrane without altering the bilayer properties much; polypeptide induce local thinning of the bilayer membrane at the area of localization. In presence of biphosphate salt, the basic residues, dressed by the biphosphate ions, are repelled by the phosphate head groups of the lipid molecules. However, polar glutamine prefers to stay in the vicinity of the bilayer. This leads to larger local bilayer thickness at the contact point by the polar residue and non‐uniform bilayer thickness profile. The thickness deformation of bilayer structure disappears upon mutating the polar residue, suggesting importance of the polar residue in bilayer deformation. Our studies point to control bilayer deformation by appropriate peptide sequence and solvent conditions.
Effects of different delivery modes on teaching biomedical science practical skills in higher education during the 2021 pandemic measures
Authors: Heng Zealyn Shi‐Lin , Koh Darius Wen‐Shuo , Yeo Joshua Yi , Ooi Chui‐Ping , Gan Samuel Ken‐En
Published: May 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic related measures had augmented the rise of online education. While online teaching had mitigated the negative impacts from educational institutional closures, it was unable to displace hands‐on biomedical laboratory practical lessons effectively. Without practical sessions, there was concern over the imparting of laboratory skills even with video demonstrations. To investigate the effectiveness of different delivery modes in imparting laboratory skills, theoretical and practical student assessments were analyzed alongside an anonymous survey on their motivation and prior experience. The undergraduate students were exposed to (1) instructor‐live demonstration; (2) video demonstration or (3) no demonstration prior to the practical test which was a plasmid extraction. Significantly higher mini‐prep yields and purity were found for both instructor‐live and video demonstrations compared to no demonstration. Comparison with pre‐pandemic theoretical assessment performance showed no significant differences despite longer contact hours during pre‐pandemic times. Prior lab experience and motivation for selecting the course did not significantly affect student mini‐prep yields. In conclusion, our findings suggest that video demonstrations were as effective as instructor‐live demonstrations during the pandemic without noticeably compromising the teaching and learning of biomedical laboratory skills.
Methylation of HPV16 and EPB41L3 in oral gargles and the detection of early and late oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Dickey Brittney L. , Nedjai Belinda , Preece Matthew D. , Schell Michael J. , Boulware David , Whiting Junmin , Sirak Bradley , Abrahamsen Martha , Isaacs‐Soriano Kimberly A. , Kennedy Kayoko , Chung Christine H. , Giuliano Anna R.
Published: May 2022

As oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) increases in men, the need for a screening test to diagnose OPC early is crucial. While HPV‐associated OPC has a favorable prognosis, recurrence is likely, and metastatic OPC is often incurable regardless of HPV status. Our previous study of pretreatment, male OPC cases (n = 101) and age‐ and smoking‐matched controls (n = 101) found methylation of the host EPB41L3 tumor suppressor gene and HPV16 in the oral gargle was correlated with these biomarkers in the tumor. Methylation of these genes in the oral gargle was significantly (p < 0.0001) higher among cases compared to controls. To further study the utility of HPV16/EPB41L3 methylation, we expanded the sample size and specifically increased the number of early OPC cases (T1‐T2, N0‐N1; small tumors with a single ipsilateral node <3 cm) to evaluate these biomarkers in early and late OPC. This study included 228 OPC cases, 92 of which were early cases and frequency matched to 142 healthy controls. In logistic regression, the AUC for HPV16/EPB41L3 methylation for all OPC cases was 0.82. Among early and late OPC cases, the AUC was 0.78 and 0.85, respectively. For early cases, 76% sensitivity was achieved, replicating results from our prior study, with a specificity of 65%, indicating room for improvement. The ability of HPV16/EPB41L3 methylation to distinguish OPC from healthy controls highlights its utility as a potential biomarker for OPC. However, the inability to predict early OPC better than late stage OPC indicates the need for additional biomarkers to improve screening performance.
The characteristics and clinical relevance of tumor fusion burden in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: He Lirui , Ren Dandan , Lv Guoqing , Mao Beibei , Wu Lijia , Liu Xiaoyu , Gong Longlong , Liu Ping
Published: May 2022

Background

Recent studies suggest that tumor fusion burden (TFB) is a hallmark of immune infiltration in prostate cancer, the correlation of TFB with immune microenvironment, and genomic patterns in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSC) remain largely unclear.

Methods

Gene fusion, genomic, transcriptomic, and clinical data of HNSC patients from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database were collected to analyze the correlation of TFB with mutation patterns, tumor immune microenvironment, and survival time in HNSC patients.

Results

Human papillomavirus (HPV) (−) patients with low TFB exhibited significantly enhanced CD8+ T cells infiltration and cytolysis activity and increased level of interferon‐gamma (IL‐γ), human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I, and chemokines. Moreover, TFB was positively correlated with TP53 mutation, score of gene copy number, and loss of heterozygosity (LOH), as well as the biological progress of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, and stem cell characteristics. Further analysis revealed that HPV (−) HNSC patients with low TFB have a better prognosis.

Conclusions

Our data revealed the correlation of TFB with tumor immune microenvironment and predictive features for immunotherapy, implying tumors with low TFB may be potential candidates for immunotherapeutic agents. Moreover, the TFB low group had prolonged overall survival (OS) in the HPV (−) HNSC cohort.
The Potential Involvement of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the Immuno‐Pathogenesis of a Type A Aortic Dissection Case
Authors: Alizadehasl Azin , Eslami Samira , Vakili Kimia , Habibi Khorasani Shirin , Pour Aliakbar Hamidreza , Nezhadbahram Hanieh , Haghazali Mehrdad
Published: May 2022

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) may represent different clinical manifestations with different severities, from mild to severe. Even though the respiratory system is the mainly involved organ, numerous reports have mentioned cardiovascular complications in COVID‐19. Herein, we report a case of type A aortic dissection in a COVID‐19 patient.
Cavernous hemangioma of mesentery involving the jejunum causing intestinal obstruction in an adult male
Authors: Thapa Srijana , Koirala Udaya , Joshi Bijendra Dhoj , Baniya Anish , Pokhrel Bidushi
Published: May 2022

We present a rare case of a 45‐year‐old man with abdominal pain and features suggestive of intestinal obstruction. The CT scan of the abdomen demonstrated a large mesenteric mass involving the distal segment of jejunum. Surgical excision of the lesion and histopathological examination revealed the diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma.
Dilemma of Tocilizumab therapy for a patient with critical COVID‐19 disease and neutropenia: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Al Bishawi Ahmad , Abdalla Shiema , Askar Marwa , Kanjo Wael , Sameer Amal , Mustafa Gihan , Abdel Hadi Hamad , Al Maslamani Muna , Abdelmajid Alaaeldin
Published: May 2022

Infection following SARS‐Co V‐2 leading to COVID‐19 disease is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The clinical entity, COVID‐19 cytokine storm syndrome (CSS) is a severe immunological manifestation of the disease associated with ominous consequences. Tocilizumab is interleukin‐6 inhibitors that has been shown to hamper the catastrophic outcomes of CCS including the need for mechanical ventilation as well as reduce mortality, but the usage is limited by warnings of reactivation of potential latent infections or immune dysfunctions including severe neutropenia. We describe a case of 39‐year‐old Nepalese male patient with a background of scleritis maintained on azathioprine and rituximab therapy with normal baseline parameters including complete blood count who presented with acute COVID‐19 infection including associated leukopenia as well as severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count of 300 cells/µl), then progressed to critical disease culminating into CSS. Based on risks and benefits evaluation, the patient was treated with tocilizumab reinforced with granulocytes‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF, Filgrastim) to full recovery and safe outcome including reversal of neutropenia.
Alchemie im Alten China
Authors: Priesner Claus
Published: May 2022

Francisci war zu seiner Zeit einer der meistgelesenen deutschen Schriftsteller und beeinflusste mit seinen Werken Gelehrte und Dichter. Er war auf der Höhe seiner Zeit, hochgebildet, sehr belesen und verstand es, viele Einzelthemen synoptisch zusammenzuführen. Damit hat er sein Hauptziel erreicht, nämlich das Wissen, das sich in diversen Einzelwerken fand, in barocker Manier zu systematisieren und so aufzubereiten, dass für eine gebildete Leserschaft ein Gesamtbild der weiten Welt außerhalb Europas entstand. Diese Darstellung soll dazu beitragen, Erasmus Francisci zumindest ein wenig aus der Vergessenheit zurückzuholen.
Evidence of Hot Charge Carrier Transfer in Hybrid CsPbBr3/Functionalized Graphene
Authors: Ghosh Goutam , Marjit Kritiman , Ghosh Srijon , Ghosh Debarati , Patra Amitava
Published: May 2022

Lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) are extremely important as an absorber material for hot carrier (HC) solar cells. The extraction of the above‐bandgap excess energy of HC is essential to improve the device‘s performance. The fundamental understanding of the HC transfer process at the perovskite interface remains challenging. We have investigated the hot‐electron transfer dynamics at hybrid CsPbBr3/ thiol functionalized reduced graphene oxide (rGo−Ph−SH) using ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy. Analysis reveals the significant drop in HC carrier temperature (from 1040 to 700 K) and HC cooling time (from 530 to 250 fs) in hybrid CsPbBr3/rGO−Ph−SH, suggesting the efficient hot electron transfer from CsPbBr3 NCs to surface anchored rGo−Ph−SH. We examine the HC relaxation mechanism using the electron‐longitudinal optical (LO) phonon coupling model and confirm the hot electron transfer. Here, we found that the hot‐electron transfer is three times faster than band‐edge electron transfer, with a maximum transfer efficiency of 43%. These findings shed new light on the study of the HC dynamics that could be beneficial for optoelectronic devices.
Quality assessment for terrestrial digital video broadcast over optical wireless communication‐passive optical network under moderately turbulent regime with spatial diversity
Authors: Gill HarpuneetSingh , Singh Maninder Lal , Singh Mandeep , Priyanka  , Kaur Sehajpal
Published: May 2022

The preceding decade has seen successful rollout of 5G and convergence of broadcast broadband and telecom sector. The near future bandwidth demands for services such as advanced immersive multimedia are even more challenging. This has led to advent of 6G. The access technologies need to provide virtually unlimited data rates to support majority of applications in 6G. The optical wireless communication (OWC) with its inherent advantages is a potential enabler in this scenario. However, phenomenon such as atmospheric turbulence poses a serious degradation to performance of such systems. For multimedia services, end user perception is the ultimate quality indicator. To ascertain this quality in quantitative terms, full reference quality metrics are employed for communication purposes. In this paper, digital video broadcasting terrestrial (DVB‐T) videos with varying complexities are transmitted over OWC‐passive optical network (PON) architecture. For performance enhancement 2 × 2 repetitive coding MIMO is employed with maximal ratio combining receiver. A total of 6 video quality assessment (VQA) metrics are evaluated for the system w.r.t channel parameter as Rytov variance. For all the VQA metrics, an enhancement in the performance is observed by using MIMO technique. This performance improvement is more prominent for more complex video as compared to less complex video. As for the limiting case BER of 10−3 gives a limiting link distance of 1350 m; however with VQA metrics, the limiting case distance is 1280 m. By the use of 2 × 2 MIMO techniques, this distance enhances by 20–25 m.
Positive association of glucagon with bone turnover markers in type 2 diabetes: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Guo Hui , Sui Chunhua , Ge Shaohong , Cai Jian , Lin Dongping , Guo Yuyu , Wang Ningjian , Zhou Ying , Ying Rong , Zha Kexi , Gu Tao , Zhao Yan , Lu Yingli , An Zengmei
Published: May 2022

Aims

The osteo‐metabolic changes in type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients are intricate and have not been fully revealed. It is not clear whether glucagon is entirely harmful in the pathogenesis of diabetes or a possible endocrine counter‐regulation mechanism to reverse some abnormal bone metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the association between glucagon and bone turnover markers (BTMs) in T2D patients.

Methods

A total of 3984 T2D participants were involved in a cross‐sectional study in Shanghai, China. Serum glucagon was measured to elucidate its associations with intact N‐terminal propeptide of type I collagen (P1NP), osteocalcin (OC), andβ‐C‐terminal telopeptide (β‐CTX). Glucagon was detected with a radioimmunoassay. Propeptide of type I collagen, OC, andβ‐CTX were detected using chemiluminescence. The diagnosis of T2D was based on American Diabetes Association criteria.

Results

The concentration of glucagon was positively correlated with two BTMs [OC–β: 0.034, 95% CI: 0.004, 0.051,p = 0.024; CTX–β: 0.035, 95% CI: 0.004, 0.062,p = 0.024]. The result of P1NP was [P1NP–regression coefficient (β): 0.027, 95% CI: −0.003, 0.049,p = 0.083]. In the glucagon tertiles,Pfor trend of the BTMs is [P1NP: 0.031; OC: 0.038; CTX: 0.020], respectively.

Conclusions

Glucagon had a positive effect on bone metabolism. The concentrations of the three BTMs increased as glucagon concentrations rose. This implied that glucagon might speed up skeletal remodelling, accelerate osteogenesis, and promote the formation of mature bone tissue. At the same time, the osteoclastic process was also accelerated, providing raw materials for osteogenesis to preserve the dynamic balance. In view of the successful use of single‐molecule as well as dual/triple agonists, it would be feasible to develop a preparation that would reduce osteoporosis in diabetic patients.
Assessing Myf5 and Lbx1 contribution to carapace development by reproducing their turtle‐specific signatures in mouse embryos
Authors: Tekko Triin , Lozovska Anastasiia , Nóvoa Ana , Mallo Moisés
Published: May 2022

Background

The turtle carapace is an evolutionary novelty resulting from changes in the processes that build ribs and their associated muscles in most tetrapod species. Turtle embryos have several unique features that might play a role in this process, including the carapacial ridge, a Myf5 gene with shorter coding region that generates an alternative splice variant lacking exon 2, and unusual expression patterns of Lbx1 and HGF.

Results

We investigated these turtle‐specific expression differences using genetic approaches in mouse embryos. At mid‐gestation, mouse embryos producing Myf5 transcripts lacking exon 2 replicated some early properties of turtle somites, but still developed into viable and fertile mice. Extending Lbx1 expression into the hypaxial dermomyotomal lip of trunk somites to mimic the turtle Lbx1 expression pattern, produced fusions in the distal part of the ribs.

Conclusions

Turtle‐like Myf5 activity might generate a plastic state in developing trunk somites under which they can either enter carapace morphogenetic routes, possibly triggered by signals from the carapacial ridge, or still engage in the development of a standard tetrapod ribcage in the absence of those signals. In addition, trunk Lbx1 expression might play a later role in the formation of the lateral border of the carapace.
How do geomorphic characteristics affect the source of tree water uptake in restored river floodplains?
Authors: Engel Michael , Frentress Jay , Penna Daniele , Andreoli Andrea , van Meerveld Ilja , Zerbe Stefan , Tagliavini Massimo , Comiti Francesco
Published: May 2022

Alpine rivers and their floodplains have been highly modified by human activities during the last decades. River restoration projects aim to counteract these negative impacts and to restore ecosystem services provided by riparian habitats. We studied two recently restored river sites in the Ahr/Aurino and Mareit/Mareta Rivers (Italian Alps) to investigate how geomorphic conditions, soil moisture, and groundwater level affect the source of water used by grey alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench). We compared the isotopic composition (δ2H) of tree sap at different locations (low terraces formed during bed incision and recent floodplains formed after restoration) with that of potential water sources, that is, groundwater, soil water, and rainfall. The monthly variation in the isotopic composition of rainfall was reflected in both shallow and deeper soil water, as well as in the isotopic composition of sap. The redistribution of precipitation and groundwater in the soil differed between the post‐restoration floodplain sites and the post‐incision terraces, leading to a different relation between the sap water, soil water, and groundwater isotopic composition. The results show that transpiration of A. incana trees growing on recent floodplains is mostly supported by stream‐fed soil water, whereas trees growing on terraces mainly use precipitation‐fed soil water. These marked, morphology‐related differences in the source of transpiration water of grey alder highlight how channel degradation still affects the ecohydrological processes in Alpine fluvial corridors. Nonetheless, large restoration interventions—in terms of channel widening—can enable the self‐formation of new floodplain areas characterized by stream water‐fed riparian ecosystems.
Synchronized diaphragmatic stimulation for heart failure using the VisONE system: a first‐in‐patient study
Authors: Jorbendaze Ana , Young Robin , Shaburishvili Tamaz , Demyanchuk Vitaly , Buriak Roman , Todurov Borys , Rudenko Kostyantyn , Zuber Michel , Stämpfli Simon F. , Tanner Felix C. , Erne Paul , Mirro Michael , Fudim Marat , Goldberg Lee R. , Cleland John G.F.
Published: May 2022

Aims

Synchronized diaphragmatic stimulation (SDS) modulates intrathoracic and intra‐abdominal pressures with favourable effects on cardiac function for patients with a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and heart failure (HFrEF). VisONE‐HF is a first‐in‐patient, observational study assessing the feasibility and 1 year effects of a novel, minimally invasive SDS device.

Methods and results

The SDS system comprises a pulse generator and two laparoscopically delivered, bipolar, active‐fixation leads on the inferior diaphragmatic surface. Fifteen symptomatic men with HFrEF and ischaemic heart disease receiving guideline‐recommended therapy were enrolled (age 60 [56, 67] years, New York Heart Association class II [53%] /III [47%], LVEF 27 [23, 33] %, QRSd 117 [100, 125] ms, & N terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide [NT‐proBNP] 1779 [911, 2,072] pg/mL). Implant success was 100%. Patients were evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months for device‐related or lead‐related complications, quality of life (SF‐36 QOL), 6 min hall walk distance (6MHWd), and by echocardiography. No implant procedure or SDS‐related adverse event occurred, and patients were unaware of diaphragmatic stimulation. By 12 months, left ventricular end‐systolic volume decreased (136 [123, 170] mL to 98 [89, 106] mL; P = 0.05), 6MHWd increased (315 [300, 330] m to 340 [315, 368] m; P = 0.004), and SF‐36 QOL improved (physical scale 0 [0, 0] to 25 [0, 50], P = 0.006; emotional scale 0 [0, 33] to 33 [33, 67], P = 0.001). Although neither reached statistical significance, LVEF decreased (28 [23, 40]% vs. 34 [29, 38]%; P = ns) and NT‐proBNP was lower (1784 [920, 2540] pg/mL vs. 1492 [879, 2028] pg/mL; P = ns).

Conclusions

These data demonstrate the feasibility of laparoscopic implantation and delivery of SDS without raising safety concerns. These encouraging findings should be investigated further in adequately powered randomized trials.
Role of depressive symptoms in the prognosis of heart failure and its potential clinical predictors
Authors: Duan Jiahao , Huang Kai , Zhang Xinying , Wang Ruting , Chen Zijun , Wu Zifeng , Huang Chaoli , Yang Chun , Yang Ling
Published: May 2022

Aims

This study aims to analyse the factors associated with prognosis in hospitalized patients with heart failure, particularly the role of depressive symptoms, and to develop a prediction model for depressive symptoms based on clinical characteristics in hospitalized patients with heart failure.

Methods and results

Baseline information was collected at admission, and patients were followed up after discharge. The endpoint events were being hospitalized for heart failure or all‐cause death. Depressive symptoms were evaluated and defined via the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)‐2 and PHQ‐9. The bidirectional elimination was used to screen independent predictors of heart failure with depression symptoms. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) optimized the predictor variables, and the prediction model was constructed. The model was internally validated by the bootstrap sampling method (Bootstrap), and its performance was assessed by discrimination and calibration. The mean age of patients with heart failure was 69.43 ± 12.15 years, and the proportion of males was 66.67%. The prevalence of depressive symptoms in hospitalized patients with heart failure was 46.83%, and the prevalence of moderate/severe depressive symptoms was 11.62%. Eighty cases (30.30%) were readmitted for heart failure, and 13 cases (4.92%) were all‐cause deaths. Depressive symptoms (HR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.55–3.80) and the PHQ‐9 score (HR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.06–1.16) were both independent risk factors for endpoint events (P < 0.001). For heart failure patients combined with depressive symptoms, obesity (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.09–0.77, P = 0.015), N‐terminal brain natriuretic peptide precursor (NT‐proBNP) level (lnNT‐proBNP: OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.20–2.01, P < 0.001) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.08–1.47, P = 0.004) were the independent factors. Six variables, including cardiovascular disease hospitalization history, obesity, renal insufficiency, NT‐proBNP level, neutrophil ratio and RDW, were included to construct the prediction model. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.730 in the original data, and the calibration curve was approximately distributed along the reference line in Bootstrap (500 resamplings), indicating the high level of discrimination and calibration of this model.

Conclusions

Depressive symptoms and the PHQ‐9 score are both independent risk factors for the prognosis of hospitalized patients with heart failure. In hospitalized patients with heart failure, the risk prediction model developed in this study has good predictive power for depressive symptoms.
Distinct immune profiles of HIV‐infected subjects are linked to specific lipid mediator signature
Authors: Sips Magdalena , Gerlo Sarah , De Clercq Laura , Gomez Esteban A. , Colas Romain A. , Dalli Jesmond , Vandekerckhove Linos
Published: May 2022

Introduction:

To date, with no prophylactic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine available, HIV incidence rates remain undefeated. Despite full virological suppression, HIV+ individuals exhibit a higher rate of cardiovascular disorders and cancers what is attributed to the residual, persistent levels of immune activation.

Methods:

We have established the Virological and Immunological Monitoring (VIM) platform and forty VIM samples that included treated immunological responders (IRs) or nonresponders (INRs), viremic untreated subjects and uninfected controls, were phenotyped by flow cytometry and plasma was used to quantify proinflammatory eicosanoids and the specialized proresolving mediators by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Results:

While HIV infection profoundly altered lipid mediator (LM) profile, differences were also seen in patients on viral suppressive therapy. IRs exhibited higher levels of proresolving mediators as compared to INRs and notable differences in plasma LM were also seen in early and late treated individuals.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated distortions in proinflammatory/proresolution processes in infected patients including those with controlled viremia.
The effect of quantization at different resolutions on the classification of lesion texture in dermoscopic images using support vector machine
Authors: Mahmoud‐Ghoneim Doaa
Published: May 2022

Dermoscopic images have been recently used for automated diagnosis of skin lesions with successful results and a potential for widescale applications. Cooccurrence matrix (COM) is a statistical method of texture feature extraction that remains possibly the most interpretable and expandable method in its category. COM is investigated on four groups of dermoscopic images (high resolution ROI: HRR, medium resolution ROI: MRR, low resolution ROI: LRR, and mixed resolution: MixR), using three different gray level quantization values (b = 25, 15, and 8). Three skin regions were outlined: melanoma, common nevi, and normal skin. Texture features were extracted then Support Vector Machine (SVM) was used as a machine learning classification algorithm. Sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC), were calculated and compared. In the classification processes that involved either melanoma or common nevi against normal skin, MRR at quantization value b = 15 showed an effective and a high‐performance choice. On the other hand, when classification involved the two lesions, melanoma, and common nevi, quantization value b = 25 showed best results at both HRR and MRR. A high quantization value at intermediate resolution shows to be an effective choice that balances performance with calculation cost. In all cases, quantization at b = 8 deteriorated the classification output even at high resolution. MixR showed good results when normal skin was classified against either type of lesion. In conclusion, selecting the appropriate quantization is a crucial factor that outweighs resolution effect by itself, and can significantly alter the SVM‐COM model performance in automated skin cancer diagnosis.
Serotonin transporter gene methylation and emotional regulation in preschool children born preterm: A longitudinal evaluation of the role of negative emotionality in infancy
Authors: Mascheroni Eleonora , Schiavolin Paola , Mariani Wigley Isabella Lucia Chiara , Giorda Roberto , Pozzoli Uberto , Morandi Francesco , Fontana Camilla , Mosca Fabio , Fumagalli Monica , Montirosso Rosario
Published: May 2022

The aim of the study was to assess the contribution of negative emotionality at 3 months (T1) and serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) DNA methylation at 4.5 years of age (T2) to emotion regulation in pre‐schoolers born very preterm and full‐term. Forty one children (n = 21 born very preterm, n = 20 born full‐term) participated in the study. Fretful behavior was assessed at T1 in response to the Face‐to‐FaceStill‐Face (FFSF) paradigm. At T2, SLC6A4 DNA methylation was analyzed and emotion regulation was assessed using an observational procedure (i.e., the Pre‐schooler Regulation of Emotional Stress, PRES). The very preterm group displayed higher emotion dysregulation during the PRES Reactivity phase than the full‐term group. Higher levels of fretful behavior at 3 months were associated with greater emotional distress only for very preterm children with higher methylation at T2. No significant associations emerged in the full‐term group. Despite current findings cannot be generalized owing to the relatively small sample size, this work provides preliminary longitudinal evidence about the link between negative emotionality during infancy, stress‐linked epigenetic status at 4.5 years and emotion dysregulation in preschoolers born preterm.
An in vitro model of microbial contamination in the operating room
Authors: Zhao Wenhan , Libera Matthew , Prysak Meredith , Katz Jordan , De Stefano Lauren
Published: May 2022

Infection associated with tissue‐contacting biomedical devices is a compelling clinical problem initiated by the microbial colonization of the device surface. Among the possible sources of contaminating bacteria is the operating room (OR) itself, where viable bacteria in the atmosphere can sediment onto a device surface intraoperatively. We have developed an aerosolizing system that can reproducibly spray small quantities of aerosolized bacteria onto a surface to mimic OR contamination. This paper describes the design of the system and characterizes key aspects associated with its operation. The area density of sprayed bacteria is on the order of 102/cm2. Using titanium (Ti) alloy coupons as test substrates contaminated by staphylococci, we quantify the fraction of bacteria that are well adhered to the substrate, those that can be removed by sonication, and those that are not recovered after spraying. Despite the relatively low levels of surface contamination, we furthermore show that such a model is able to demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in colonization of Ti coupons modified by antimicrobial quaternary ammonium compounds relative to unmodified controls.
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans misdiagnosed as sebaceous adenoma and incompletely resected in a child: A case report
Authors: Zhang Liang , Chen Hana , Wang Bin
Published: May 2022

Background

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is extremely rare in children, making a correct diagnosis by clinicians is usually difficult due to its nonspecific manifestations, the recurrence of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans after resection has always been a perplexing problem for clinicians. Ultrasound plays an irreplaceable role in the assessment of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, although there is a limitation in the diagnosis of the tumor.

Case Report

A 10‐year‐old boy led by his parents sought for surgical treatment because of the growing mass. Physical examination and preoperative ultrasonography showed that the mass was clear, and the routine resection of mass was performed. Six days postoperatively, histopathological examination indicated that the mass was dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, and the peripheral and deep resection margins were positive. The patient was informed that a second extended resection was required. The second postoperative pathology showed a negative margin, and the patient was discharged. Postoperative follow‐up was assessed by ultrasound examination, and the patient had no abnormalities.

Conclusions

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans should be included in the differential diagnosis when the wide base subcutaneous lesion has suspicious features with high vascularity on ultrasound. If an ultrasound reveals a mass with abundant blood flow, clinicians should routinely perform the extended resection. Wide surgical excision may reduce the risk of reoperation and recurrence, and long‐term follow‐up is necessary to evaluate postoperative outcomes.
Measurement comparability of insulin assays using conventional immunoassay kits
Authors: Rosli Nordiana , Kwon Ha‐Jeong , Lim Jinsook , Yoon Young Ahn , Jeong Ji‐Seon
Published: May 2022

Background

The standardization of measurement aims to achieve comparability of results regardless of the analytical methods and the laboratory where analyses are carried out. In this paper, a comparison of results from several immunoassay‐based insulin analysis kits is described, and the steps necessary to improve comparability are discussed.

Methods

Four manual enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits produced by Mercodia, Alpco, Epitope Diagnostics, and Abcam, and three automated chemiluminescent (CLIA) insulin assay kits (Siemens Centaur XP, Unicel Dxl800, Cobas e801) were compared by analyzing human serum samples and certified reference materials for human insulin.

Results

The seven evaluated assay kits showed substantial discrepancies in the results, with relative standard deviation ranges between 1.7% and 23.2%. We find that the traceability chains and the unit conversion factors are not yet harmonized, and current reference materials for insulin are not applicable for immunoassay‐based method validation due to the use of different matrices.

Conclusions

The findings suggest the need to fine tune insulin analysis methods, measurement traceability, and any conversion factor used in post‐analysis steps in accordance with the necessity for standardization.
Very long‐term outcomes in 23 patients with cblA type methylmalonic acidemia
Authors: Marelli Cecilia , Fouilhoux Alain , Benoist Jean‐Francois , De Lonlay Pascale , Guffon‐Fouilhoux Nathalie , Brassier Anais , Cano Aline , Chabrol Brigitte , Pennisi Alessandra , Schiff Manuel , Acquaviva Cecile , Murphy Elaine , Servais Aude , Lachmann Robin
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To present the very long‐term follow up of patients with cobalamin A (cblA) deficiency.

Methods

A retrospective case series of adult (>16 years) patients with molecular or enzymatic diagnosis of cblA deficiency.

Results

We included 23 patients (mean age: 27 ± 7.6 years; mean follow‐up: 24.9 ± 7.6 years). Disease onset was mostly pediatric (78% < 1 year, median = 4 months) with acute neurologic deterioration (65%). Eight patients presented with chronic symptoms, and one had an adult‐onset mild cblA deficiency. Most of the patients (61%) were initially classified as vitamin B12‐unresponsive methylmalonic aciduria (MMA); in vitro B12 responsiveness was subsequently found in all the tested patients (n = 13). Initial management consisted of protein restriction (57%), B12 (17%), or both (26%). The main long‐term problems were intellectual disability (39%) and renal failure (30%). However, 56.5% of the patients were living independently. Intellectual disability was equally distributed among the initial treatment groups, while renal failure (moderate and beginning at the age of 38 years) was present in only one out of seven patients initially treated with B12.

Conclusions

We provide a detailed picture of the long‐term outcome of a series of adult cblA patients, mostly diagnosed before the enzymatic and molecular era. We confirm that about 35% of the patients do not present acutely, underlining the importance of measuring MMA in any case of unexplained chronic renal failure, intellectual disability, or growth delay. In addition, we describe a patient with a milder adult‐onset form. Early B12 supplementation seems to protect from severe renal insufficiency.