bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of disparities on intensive care outcomes in children with respiratory diseases: A systematic review
Authors: Hussain Tahira , van den Berg Sarah , Ziesemer Kirsten A. , Markhorst Dick G. , Vijverberg Susanne J. H. , Kapitein Berber
Published: August 2023

Context

The negative effects of socioeconomic, environmental and ethnic inequalities on childhood respiratory diseases are known in the development of persistent asthma and can result in adverse outcomes. However, little is known about the effects of these disparities on pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) outcomes in respiratory diseases.

Objective

The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the literature on disparities in socioeconomic, environmental and ethnic determinants and PICU outcomes. We hypothesize that these disparities negatively influence the outcomes of children's respiratory diseases at the PICU.

Methods

A literature search (in PubMed, Embase.com and Web of Science Core Collection) was performed up to September 30, 2022. Two authors extracted the data and independently evaluated the risk of bias with appropriate assessment methods. Articles were included if the patients were below 18 years of age (excluding neonatal intensive care unit admissions), they concerned respiratory diseases and incorporated socioeconomic, ethnic or environmental disparities.

Results

Eight thousand seven hundred fourty‐six references were reviewed, and 15 articles were included; seven articles on the effect of socioeconomic status, five articles on ethnicity, one on the effect of sex and lastly two on environmental factors. All articles but one showed an unfavorable outcome at the PICU.

Conclusion

Disparities in socioeconomic (such as a low‐income household, public health insurance), ethnic and environmental factors (such as exposure to tobacco smoke and diet) have been assessed as risk factors for the severity of children's respiratory diseases and can negatively influence the outcomes of these children admitted and treated at the PICU.
Third generation quinoline‐3‐carboxamide transcriptional disrupter of HDAC4, HIF‐1α, and MEF‐2 signaling for metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Isaacs John T. , Dalrymple Susan L. , Antony Lizamma , Marc Rosen David , Coleman Ilsa M. , Nelson Peter S. , Kostova Maya , Murray Iain A. , Perdew Gary H. , Denmeade Samuel R. , Akinboye Emmanuel S. , Brennen W. Nathaniel
Published: August 2023

Background

The quinoline‐3‐carboxamide, Tasquinimod (TasQ), is orally active as a maintenance therapy with an on‐target mechanism‐of‐action via allosteric binding to HDAC4. This prevents formation of the HDAC4/NCoR1/HDAC3 complex, disrupting HIF‐1α transcriptional activation and repressing MEF‐2 target genes needed for adaptive survival signaling in the compromised tumor micro environment. In phase 3 clinical testing against metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer(mCRPC), TasQ (1 mg/day) increased time‐to‐progression, but not overall survival.

Methods

TasQ analogs were chemically synthesized and tested for activity compared to the parental compound. These included HDAC4 enzymatic assays, qRT‐PCR and western blot analyses of gene and protein expression following treatment, in vitro and in vivo efficacy against multiple prostate cancer models including PDXs, pharmacokinetic analyses,AHR binding and agonist assays, SPR analyses of binding to HDAC4 and NCoR1, RNAseq analysis of in vivo tumors, 3D endothelial sprouting assays, and a targeted kinase screen. Genetic knockout or knockdown controls were used when appropriate.

Results

Here, we document that, on this regimen (1 mg/day), TasQ blood levels are 10‐fold lower than the optimal concentration (≥2 μM) needed for anticancer activity, suggesting higher daily doses are needed. Unfortunately, we also demonstrate that TasQ is an arylhydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonist, which binds with an EC50 of 1 μM to produce unwanted off‐target side effects. Therefore, we screened a library of TasQ analogsto maximize on‐target versus off‐target activity. Using this approach, we identified ESATA‐20, which has ~10‐fold lower AHR agonism and 5‐fold greater potency against prostate cancer patient‐derived xenografts.

Conclusion

This increased therapeuticindex nominates ESATA‐20 as a lead candidate forclinical development as an orally active third generation quinoline‐3‐carboxamide analog thatretains its on‐target ability to disrupt HDAC4/HIF‐1α/MEF‐2‐dependent adaptive survival signaling in the compromisedtumor microenvironment found in mCRPC.
Modified analytic hierarchy process for risk assessment of fire and explosion accidents of external floating roof tanks
Authors: Jia Pengyu , Lv Jianyu , Sun Wengang , Jin Hang , Meng Guodong , Li Junfeng
Published: August 2023

To ensure the safe operation of external floating roof (EFR) tanks, it is important to conduct risk assessments for fire and explosion accidents. In this study, we develop a modified analytic hierarchy process to overcome the subjectivity in traditional analytic hierarchy analysis, improved analytic hierarchy process, and fuzzy fault tree analysis. We propose a parameter with a correction factor: the role of the parameter in the model can be gained from further modifying the structural importance of each basic event so as to overcome the subjectivity in traditional analytic hierarchy analysis, improved analytic hierarchy process, and fuzzy fault tree analysis. The judgment matrix for the analytic hierarchy process is constructed based on the modified structural importance of each basic event in a fault tree. The weight factor for each index to the top goal, combined with the fuzzy comprehensive assessment method, is adopted to conduct risk assessments for the fire and explosion accidents of EFR tanks.
N‐benzyl‐2‐methoxy‐5‐propargyloxybenzoamides, a new type of bleaching herbicides targeting the biosynthesis pathway of plastoquinone
Authors: Wei Shaopeng , Zhao Zhuoran , Chen Yu , Li Zhanbin , Huang Yuqian , Zhang Huixia , Ji Zhiqin
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Previously, the herbicidal activity of N‐benzyl‐2‐methoxybenzamides was discovered during a random screening program in our laboratory. The chemicals resulted in bleaching effect of newly grown leaves by interfering with the biosynthesis of β‐carotene in plant.

RESULTS

A total of 28 benzamides were synthesized and subjected for the evaluation of herbicidal activity. Structure–activity relationship (SAR) showed that introducing propargyloxy group at 5‐position of benzoyl‐benzene ring and fluorine or methyl group at 3‐ or 4‐position of benzyl‐benzene ring is beneficial for the activity. Post‐emergence herbicidal activities of compounds 406 and 412 were comparable to those of mesotrione and diflufenican. Studies on MOA showed that 406 decreased the level of both β‐carotene and plastoquinone (PQ) in treated plants. The bleaching effect in green alga caused by 406 could be reversed by supplying exogenous homogentisic acid (HGA), the precursor of plastoquinone.

CONCLUSION

N‐benzyl‐2‐methoxy‐5‐propargyloxybenzoamides were discovered as new candidates for bleaching herbicides. Preliminary investigation on mechanism of action (MOA) showed that the title compounds might indirectly interfere with carotenoid biosynthesis by blocking the production of PQ. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Stop me if you can: quantification of the effect of interfaces between plots on the dispersal of Cosmopolites sordidus
Authors: Delaplace Alexis , Coulis Mathieu , Chapillon Laure , Cottin Gwenaëlle , Tixier Philippe
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Cosmopolites sordidus is one of the most damaging pests of banana worldwide. To date, most studies have addressed the control of this pest at the plot level, without considering the landscape scale, whereas between plots dispersion could be important. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of C. sordidus to cross contrasted field interfaces. The 10 following interfaces were investigated: forests, hedgerows, field tracks, grassy areas, finely and coarsely tilled soil zones, ditches with and without water, vegetable gardening zones, and pheromone trap lines. Individually marked weevils were released on one side of the interface and recovered daily on the other side, allowing the estimation of the velocity and the crossing success of C. sordidus for each interface.

RESULTS

Highest permeabilities (with a crossing success above 70%) were obtained for vegetable gardening zones, finely tilled soil zones, forests, and coarsely tilled soil zones. Intermediate permeabilities were measured for hedgerows, field tracks, grassy areas, and ditches without water. Only the line of pheromone traps and submerged ditches had a strong barrier effect on C. sordidus, with a crossing success below 12%. Wind strength, percentage of sky, and vegetation height were negatively correlated to the C. sordidus crossing success.

CONCLUSION

Overall, our results showed that only ditches with water and lines of pheromone traps were efficient in stopping the dispersal of C. sordidus. The next step will be to conduct research to incorporate the use of these two interfaces at farm and landscape scale into integrated pest management strategies. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Invasion risks presented by Gonopsis affinis and the use of Trissolcus mitsukurii as a biological control agent under present and future climate conditions
Authors: Lian Dan , Wei Jiufeng , Chen Chao , Niu Minmin , Zhang Hufang , Zhao Qing
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Gonopsis affinis (Uhler) is a stinkbug that represents a significant threat to the production of rice (Oryza sativa L.), sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) and eulalia (Miscanthus sinensis (Andersson)), and has been listed as a sugarcane pest in Japan. Trissolcus mitsukurii Ashmead is an egg parasitoid of G. affinis. To determine the potential of T. mitsukurii to be a biological control agent for G. affinis, we aim to predict the current and future areas of suitable habitat for these two species and their overlap with areas of present crop production. We developed MaxEnt models using two different variable selection methods and compared the two for T. mitsukurii with a CLIMEX model.

RESULTS

The results showed extensive suitable areas for G. affinis under current climate conditions in East Asia, West Africa, Madagascar, and South America. These ranges overlap with areas currently being used for the production of the three crops in question. More than half overlap with areas of suitable habitat for T. mitsukurii. The most critical environmental variable determining habitat suitability for G. affinis was showed to be precipitation of warmest quarter, whilst for T. mitsukurii it was minimum temperature of the coldest month.

CONCLUSION

Based on our assessment we recommend the immediate implementation of monitoring and invasion prevention measures for G. affinis in southwest China, the Malay Archipelago and West Africa. We suggest that T. mitsukurii be considered for use as a biological control agent in East Asia, Madagascar, Florida and Brazil in the case of future invasions by G. affinis. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Semimechanistic pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic model of tripegfilgrastim for pediatric patients after chemotherapy
Authors: Lee Soyoung , Hong Kyung Taek , Jang In‐Jin , Yu Kyung‐Sang , Kang Hyoung Jin , Oh Jaeseong
Published: August 2023

Tripegfilgrastim is a long‐acting granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) that has been used to prevent chemotherapy‐induced neutropenia in adults. This study aimed to establish a pharmacokinetic (PK)–pharmacodynamic (PD) model to explore the impact of chemotherapy and tripegfilgrastim on absolute neutrophil counts (ANCs) and to further propose a fixed‐dose regimen in pediatric patients. Because neutrophils affect the clearance of tripegfilgrastim, the semimechanistic PK‐PD model was developed simultaneously by using data from 40 healthy adults and 27 pediatric patients with solid tumors. Tripegfilgrastim PK and ANC dynamics were described with a pharmacodynamics‐mediated drug disposition model assuming quasi‐equilibrium with five transit compartments mimicking neutrophil granulopoiesis. The effect of chemotherapy on neutrophils was included by stimulating the elimination of the G‐CSF receptor at the mitotic cells. Healthy adult and pediatric patients showed significantly different value for dissociation constant of the tripegfilgrastim‐G‐CSF receptor complex (Kd) and apparent volume of distribution (Vd/F). Patients treated with chemotherapy had a higher Vd/F and 62% lower Kd than healthy adults. As the age increased, the absorption rate of tripegfilgrastim was decreased. Body weight affected the G‐CSF receptor‐mediated internalization of tripegfilgrastim, and the baseline ANC value impacted the production rate of G‐CSF receptors. Simulations from the developed model suggested that 1.5, 2.5, 4, and 6 mg single subcutaneous tripegfilgrastim doses for the respective weight groups of 10–20, 21–30, 31–44, and more than 45 kg significantly reduced the duration of Grade 4 neutropenia similar to tripegfilgrastim weight‐based treatment with 100 μg/kg.
Targeting HSP90 with picropodophyllin suppresses gastric cancer tumorigenesis by disrupting the association of HSP90 and AKT
Authors: Li Xiaoli , Wang Guoli , Zhou Xiaolin , Zhao Huijie , Chen Xiaojie , Cui Qixiao , Li Minjing , Gao Xihang , Wei Xiaoyu , Ye Lei , Li Defang , Hong Pan
Published: August 2023

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. Thus, the development of safe and effective therapeutic compounds for GC treatment is urgently required. Here, we aimed to examine the role of picropodophyllin (PPP), a compound extracted from the rhizome of Dysosma versipellis (Hance) M. Cheng ex Ying, on the proliferation of GC cells. Our study revealed that PPP inhibits the proliferation of GC cells in a dose‐dependent manner by inducing apoptosis. Moreover, our study elucidated that PPP suppresses the growth of GC tumor xenografts with no side effects of observable toxicity. Mechanistically, PPP exerts its effects by blocking the AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway; these effects are markedly abrogated by the overexpression of constitutively active AKT. Furthermore, drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) and liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) revealed that heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) may be a potential target of PPP. Surface plasmon resonance and immunoprecipitation assay validated that PPP directly targets HSP90 and disrupts the binding of HSP90 to AKT, thereby suppressing GC cell proliferation. Thus, our study revealed that PPP may be a promising therapeutic compound for GC treatment.
Low‐carbon sustainable development driven by new energy vehicle pilot projects in China: Effects, mechanisms, and spatial spillovers
Authors: Cheng Qian , Xiong Yongqing
Published: August 2023

The transport sector, as one of the major carbon‐emitting industries, is under great pressure to reduce carbon emissions against the backdrop of low‐carbon sustainable development. The new energy vehicle (NEV) pilot projects provide an opportunity for China to make strides towards Dual Carbon targets. Based on the panel data of 277 cities in China from 2000 to 2019, this study acquires the time‐varying difference‐in‐difference (DID) method to evaluate the impact of NEV pilot projects on urban CO2 emissions, including the mechanisms, heterogeneity, and spatial spillover effect. The conclusions are as follows. The NEV pilot projects achieve co‐benefits in reducing the total amount and intensity of urban CO2 emissions. The mechanism analysis shows that the NEV pilot projects reduce CO2 emissions by improving energy consumption structure and increasing electric busses. For pilot cities with different resource endowments and traffic pressures, the carbon reduction effects in non‐resource‐based cities and license plate‐restricted cities are more effective. Moreover, considering the geographical distance factor, the NEV pilot projects only have spatial spillover effects on the intensity of CO2 emissions in neighboring cities. These results contribute to clarifying the carbon reduction potential of NEVs and providing references for other developing countries to carry out decarbonization in the transportation industry.
Modifying and Taming Photoactive Compounds Using Synthetic Macrocycles as Supramolecular Hosts
Authors: Kang Xu , Ahmad Dar Ajaz , Reddy Mittapalli Ramana , Carrao Andrea , Dawn Arnab , Kumari Harshita
Published: August 2023

Photoactives have a wide variety of applications that can benefit human health including the prevention of melanoma and in photodynamic therapy. However, they have also been implicated in potential adverse impacts on the aquatic environment. Hence, several efforts have been made to either synthesize or to modulate properties of existing photoactives. Supramolecular modification is one of the ways in which photoactives are complexed with macrocycles to yield unique physical and chemical properties. Confined cavities of macrocycles have the potential to alter the life span of photoactive intermediates and thereby their applications. In this review, we have discussed the complexation of photoactives within select macrocycles, including calixarenes, curcurbit[n]urils, cyclodextrins, bis‐urea and octa‐acid. The comprehensive review gives an overview of how self‐assembly through non‐covalent interactions have enabled formation of inclusion complexes with improved photo stability and reduced phototoxicity. It also discusses how this technology may be leveraged in the future to counter the possible negative effects of photoactives.
Reducing Cancer Cell Adhesion using Microtextured Surfaces
Authors: McCue Caroline , Atari Adel , Parks Sean , Tseng Yuen‐Yi , Varanasi Kripa K.
Published: August 2023

For the past century, trypsin has been the primary method of cell dissociation, largely without any major changes to the process. Enzymatic cell detachment strategies for large‐scale cell culturing processes are popular but can be labor‐intensive, potentially lead to the accumulation of genetic mutations, and produce large quantities of liquid waste. Therefore, engineering surfaces to lower cell adhesion strength could enable the next generation of cell culture surfaces for delicate primary cells and automated, high‐throughput workflows. In this study, a process for creating microtextured polystyrene (PS) surfaces to measure the impact of microposts on the adhesion strength of cells is developed. Cell viability and proliferation assays show comparable results in two cancer cell lines between micropost surfaces and standard cell culture vessels. However, cell image analysis on microposts reveals that cell area decreases by half, and leads to an average twofold increase in cell length per area. Using a microfluidic‐based method up to a seven times greater percentage of cells are removed from micropost surfaces than the flat control surfaces. These results show that micropost surfaces enable decreased cell adhesion strength while maintaining similar cell viabilities and proliferation as compared to flat PS surfaces.
Energy‐efficiency and sustainability in new generation cloud computing: A vision and directions for integrated management of data centre resources and workloads
Authors: Buyya Rajkumar , Ilager Shashikant , Arroba Patricia
Published: August 2023

Cloud computing has become a critical infrastructure for modern society, like electric power grids and roads. As the backbone of the modern economy, it offers subscription‐based computing services anytime, anywhere, on a pay‐as‐you‐go basis. Its use is growing exponentially with the continued development of new classes of applications driven by a huge number of emerging networked devices. However, the success of Cloud computing has created a new global energy challenge, as it comes at the cost of vast energy usage. Currently, data centres hosting Cloud services world‐wide consume more energy than most countries. Globally, by 2025, they are projected to consume 20% of global electricity and emit up to 5.5% of the world's carbon emissions. In addition, a significant part of the energy consumed is transformed into heat which leads to operational problems, including a reduction in system reliability and the life expectancy of devices, and escalation in cooling requirements. Therefore, for the future generations of Cloud computing to address the environmental and operational consequences of such significant energy usage, they must become energy‐efficient and environmentally sustainable while continuing to deliver high‐quality services. In this article, we propose a vision for learning‐centric approach for the integrated management of new generation Cloud computing environments to reduce their energy consumption and carbon footprint while delivering service quality guarantees. In this article, we identify the dimensions and key issues of integrated resource management and our envisioned approaches to address them. We present a conceptual architecture for energy‐efficient new generation Clouds and early results on the integrated management of resources and workloads that evidence its potential benefits towards energy efficiency and sustainability.
Prospective use of a cell‐free supernatant from the biosurfactant‐producing marine Planococcus maritimus SAMP MCC 3013 for oil removal and enhanced oil recovery
Authors: Waghmode Samadhan , Sharma Deepansh , Joshi Sanket J. , Banpurkar Arun , Satpute Surekha
Published: August 2023

The cell‐free supernatant (CFS) of the biosurfactant (BS) producing pure strain of Planococcus maritimus SAMP MCC 3013 was used for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). An indigenous marine culture of P. maritimus was grown in mineral salt medium (MSM) supplemented with glucose (1%) (w/v) (30°C, 120 rpm, 7 days). CFS was used to demonstrate its application for oil recovery through three assays: pumice stone, saturated gravel, and the glass beads‐packed column. The recovery of light paraffin oil was ∼40% in the pumice stone assay and ∼43% in the oil‐saturated gravel assay, respectively. The glass bead column demonstrated ∼42% of additional 2T engine oil recovery by CFS. Our study showed that BS containing CFS from P. maritimus SAMP MCC 3013 has the ability to recover oil in its crude form without using any sophisticated purification techniques. All three methods operated by us are harmonizing with each other with respect to the findings. Those methods can be employed in large scale operations for the bio‐recovery of oils using an environmentally friendly approach through the functional properties of BS. This is most likely the first report describing the use of a glass bead pack column for EOR applications particularly from Planococcus sp. These results are symbolic of prospective applications of BS containing CFS from indigenous P. maritimus SAMP MCC 3013 under ex‐situ conditions.
The usage of household polythene and its management approaches
Authors: Bandara Lasanthika D. , Marasinghe Kalpani I. , Mahagamage Yohan L.
Published: August 2023

Plastic and polythene are useful innovations and are used for many products ranging from paper clips to spaceships due to their cost effectiveness, versatility, ease of production, and water resistant. However, the misuse and improper disposal of plastic and polythene create serious environmental, health, social, and financial issues. Thus, it is important to adhere to responsible disposal methods. The present study focused on the magnitude of usage, disposal methods, public awareness, and perception toward household polythene and plastic usage and disposal methods. A total of 150 respondents were selected using the cluster sampling technique in the Kuruwita Pradeshiya Sabha, Ratnapura, Sri Lanka. The data were collected through face‐to‐face and online interviews. The weights of the collected wastes were measured through a handheld digital scale. The findings of the study revealed that the majority of the respondents use polythene and plastic products and 83.33% of the respondents use these for their daily life due to the lack of alternatives and easy availability. The majority of the respondents mentioned the use of separate bags for shopping made out of eco‐friendly materials. Shopping in supermarkets has been a reason to increase the usage of polythene and plastic. HDPE, PET, and LDPE were the most commonly‐used plastics types and among which HDPE was the highest (24%) in the study area. Findings further revealed that the people with post‐graduate education used more polythene and plastic (19.8%) and the usage was higher (40.39%) in families in the non‐governmental sector. The participants with monthly income higher than 100,000 LKR used more polythene and plastic (28.84%) compare to others. The common way of disposing of was burning and participants had only a fair knowledge of banning, recycling, reusing, and controlling plastic waste. The study revealed the need for strict regulations and necessary actions to control the usage of polythene‐based products.
Emission study on a direct injection diesel engine powered with blends of Moringa oleifera biodiesel‐diesel
Authors: Venu Harish , Appavu Prabhu , Krishnan Venkatesan , Jayaraman Jayaprabakar , Manimuthu Mudhu Krishnan , Kosinapogu Sudhakar , Vallapudi Dhana Raju
Published: August 2023

The current investigation uses biodiesel extracted from Moringa oleifera seeds in a diesel engine. M. oleifera biodiesel is prepared via conventional transesterification with standard conditions (60°C reaction temperature, 120 min reaction time, 1% by wt. catalyst, and 7.5:1 molar ratio). The test engine is a single‐cylinder air‐cooled naturally aspirated direct injection diesel engine. The test engine for experimentation is operated at 100% load with different engine speeds ranging from 1000 to 2400 rpm. Emissions characteristics were analyzed at different engine speeds. Results were interesting as the MB10 blend (10% M. oleifera biodiesel + 90% diesel) lowered the smoke by 24% and hydrocarbon by 10.34% with respect to neat diesel. Almost all the test fuels have higher HC profiles at reduced engine speeds. The MB20 blend lowered the CO profile to the CO profile of diesel fuel by about 0.84%. However, it can be observed that the MB10 blend's average CO profile is improved by 1.97% than mineral diesel. These results are compromised with higher CO and NOx profiles of 2.4% and 8.9%, respectively.
Femur fracture associated with canine patellar groove replacement
Authors: Salmoral Alvaro , Clarke Stephen , Smith Kinley
Published: August 2023

A 3‐year‐old, 18‐kg, entire, male Staffordshire bull terrier was diagnosed of distal femur fracture after patellar groove replacement surgery. Internal fixation with orthogonal locking bone plates was used to stabilise the fracture. Six weeks following surgery, clinical examination indicated that satisfactory weight‐bearing ambulatory and radiographic bone union was achieved. Fracture following patellar groove replacement in dogs is a novel complication from which a good outcome can be achieved with appropriate management.
Current challenges ahead in preparation, characterization, and pharmaceutical applications of nanoemulsions
Authors: Yousefpoor Yaser , Esnaashari Seyedeh Sara , Baharifar Hadi , Mehrabi Mohsen , Amani Amir
Published: August 2023

Nanoemulsions (NEs) are emulsions with particle size of less than around 100 nm. Reviewing the literature, several reports are available on NEs, including preparation, characterization, and applications of them. This review aims to brief challenges that researchers or formulators may encounter when working with NEs. For instance, when selecting NE components and identifying their concentrations, stability and safety of the preparation should be evaluated. When preparing an NE, issues over scale‐up of the preparation as well as possible effects of the preparation process on the active ingredient need to be considered. When characterizing the NEs, the two major concerns are accuracy of the method and accessibility of the characterizing instrument. Also a highly efficient NE for clinical use to deliver the active ingredient to the target tissue with maximum safety profile is commonly sought. Throughout the review we also have tried to suggest approaches to overcome the challenges.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
DNA nanostructures as biomolecular scaffolds for antigen display
Authors: Chen Kun , Jiang Ming , Liu Jin , Huang Deli , Yang Yuhe R.
Published: August 2023

Nanoparticle‐based vaccines offer a multivalent approach for antigen display, efficiently activating T and B cells in the lymph nodes. Among various nanoparticle design strategies, DNA nanotechnology offers an innovative alternative platform, featuring high modularity, spatial addressing, nanoscale regulation, high functional group density, and lower self‐antigenicity. This review delves into the potential of DNA nanostructures as biomolecular scaffolds for antigen display, addressing: (1) immunological mechanisms behind nanovaccines and commonly used nanoparticles in their design, (2) techniques for characterizing protein NP–antigen complexes, (3) advancements in DNA nanotechnology and DNA–protein assembly approach, (4) strategies for precise antigen presentation on DNA scaffolds, and (5) current applications and future possibilities of DNA scaffolds in antigen display. This analysis aims to highlight the transformative potential of DNA nanoscaffolds in immunology and vaccinology.

This article is categorized under:

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Nucleic Acid‐Based Structures

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus‐Based Structures
Intracellular presence and genetic relationship of Helicobacter pylori within neonates' fecal yeasts and their mothers' vaginal yeasts
Authors: Yang Tingxiu , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhang Hua , Wu Xiaojuan , Sun Jianchao , Hua Dengxiong , Pan Ke , Liu Qi , Cui Guzhen , Chen Zhenghong
Published: August 2023

Helicobacter pylori are transmissible from person to person and among family members. Mother‐to‐child transmission is the main intrafamilial route of H. pylori transmission. However, how it transmits from mother to child is still being determined. Vaginal yeast often transmits to neonates during delivery. Therefore, H. pylori hosted in yeast might follow the same transmission route. This study aimed to detect intracellular H. pylori in vaginal and fecal yeasts isolates and explore the role of yeast in H. pylori transmission. Yeast was isolated from the mothers' vaginal discharge and neonates' feces and identified by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing. H. pylori 16S rRNA and antigen were detected in yeast isolates by polymerase chain reaction and direct immunofluorescence assay. Genetic relationships of Candida strains isolated from seven mothers and their corresponding neonates were determined by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting and ITS alignment. The Candida isolates from four mother–neonate pairs had identical RAPD patterns and highly homologous ITS sequences. The current study showed H. pylori could be sheltered within yeast colonizing the vagina, and fecal yeast from neonates is genetically related to the vaginal yeast from their mothers. Thus, vaginal yeast presents a potential reservoir of H. pylori and plays a vital role in the transmission from mother to neonate.
Competency Framework for the Qualification of Facilitators of Mathematics
Authors: Peters-Dasdemir Joyce , Holzäpfel Lars , Barzel Bärbel , Leuders Timo
Published: August 2023

Continuous professional development (CPD) is an increasingly significant field of research that focuses on the development of teachers’ competencies, knowledge, and skills as lifelong learning. It is essential that CPD be well-designed and professionally performed. CPD must both enhance the cognitive dimension of teachers’ competencies as well as make these competencies meaningful and manageable for their daily practice. In this regard, facilitators play a crucial role as external experts and must possess specific competencies to meet this manifold challenge. This chapter describes a competency framework for facilitators and their qualification which was intensively developed in an evolutionary process within an expert network (German Center for Teacher Education Mathematics—DZLM). The three-year development process was based on a literature review, considering literature since the framing provided by (Medley, 1987). The resulting competency framework for facilitators provides an orientation to concretize the specific competencies needed by facilitators to work effectively in CPD situations in mathematics. This contribution to the field of “mathematics teacher training and experience” (Medley’s Type J variable) characterizes the expertise of facilitators as an initial and presaging component in the transfer process of professionalizing mathematics teachers.
The Evolution of Research on Mathematics Teachers’ Competencies, Knowledge and Skills
Authors: Buchholtz Nils , Kaiser Gabriele , Schwarz Björn
Published: August 2023

To assess the effectiveness of teachers and teaching, it is necessary to develop an appropriate understanding of what makes a “good” teacher. According to the framework by Medley, this includes amongst others focusing on the knowledge, skills, and values that a teacher possesses. To appropriately describe these competencies, current research departs from a broad conceptualization of competence that includes dispositional aspects, such as mathematical content knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge, and general pedagogical knowledge. Furthermore, situation-specific skills that are related to school practice such as the perception of instructional quality, interpreting, and decision-making are considered. The chapter gives an overview of different conceptualizations of teachers’ professional competence used in mathematics education studies and describes the evolution of research on mathematics teachers’ competence over the last three decades. It concludes with theoretical and methodological challenges that research in this field focuses on today.
Differential operators and unifying relations for 1-loop Feynman integrands from Berends-Giele currents
Authors: Chen Qi , Tao Yi-Xiao
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Our work focuses on utilizing the Berends-Giele currents to construct differential operators and unifying relations for 1-loop Feynman integrands. We successfully reproduce the known results for the unifying relations between Yang-Mills theory and Yang-Mills scalar theory, and extend the discussion to the (A)dS case for the scalar theory with minimal coupling to gluons.
Sorption properties of paper treated with silane-modified starch
Authors: Majka Jerzy , Perdoch Waldemar , Czajkowski Łukasz , Mazela Bartłomiej , Olek Wiesław
Published: August 2023

Sorption properties of paper products are important when applying paper as the packaging material. Hydrophobicity, i.e. reduced affinity of paper surface to liquid water, is of particular importance from the point of view of the direct impact on packed goods. However, hygroscopicity of the material is significant during storage of goods. The analysis of changes in the hygroscopic properties of paper products induced by the treatment with silane modified starch was presented. The results on the hygroscopicity of treated paper were related to the previously published results on the hydrophobicity. The discrete values of equilibrium moisture content allowed constructing adsorption and desorption isotherms. The three-parameter Guggenheim, Anderson, and De Boer (GAB) model, the four-parameter Generalized D’Arcy and Watt (GDW), and Yanniotis and Blahovec (Y-B) sorption isotherm models were used to quantify the hygroscopic properties for all options of untreated and modified paper samples. The effectiveness of silanes for improving hygroscopic properties was determined and compared to their impact on hydrophobicity of the studied materials. It was found that 1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane was the only silane improving hydrophobic and hygroscopic properties. The analysis of the applied models of sorption isotherms depicted that the GAB model was not valid for describing water sorption isotherms in the case of the tested materials, while the GDW and Y-B models provided a much more realistic description of water sorption mechanisms. The evaluation of the results of fitting the GDW model indicated that water molecules bonding to the primary sites was the dominating mechanism of sorption.
Variable exponent diffusion for image detexturing
Authors: Fayolle Pierre-Alain , Belyaev Alexander G.
Published: August 2023

We consider a variational approach to the problem of structure + texture decomposition (also known as cartoon + texture decomposition). As usual for many variational problems in image analysis and processing, the energy we minimize consists of two terms: a data-fitting term and a regularization term. The main feature of our approach consists of choosing parameters in the regularization term adaptively. Namely, the regularization term is given by a weighted$$p(\cdot )$$p(·)-Dirichlet-based energy$$\int \!a({\varvec{x}}){\,\!|\,\!}\nabla u {\,\!|\,\!}^{p({\varvec{x}})}$$∫a(x)|∇u|p(x), where the weight and exponent functions are determined from an analysis of the spectral content of the image curvature. Our numerical experiments, both qualitative and quantitative, suggest that the proposed approach delivers better results than state-of-the-art methods for extracting the structure from textured and mosaic images, as well as competitive results on image enhancement problems.
Image‐free handheld robotic‐assisted technology improved the accuracy of implant positioning compared to conventional instrumentation in patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty, without additional benefits in improvement of clinical outcomes
Authors: Albelooshi Ali , Hamie Muhieddine , Bollars Peter , Althani Saeed , Salameh Rami , Almasri Malak , Schotanus Martijn G. M. , Meshram Prashant
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes in patients who underwent simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (SB‐TKA) using either robotic‐assisted TKA (RA‐TKA) or conventional TKA (C‐TKA).

Methods

Included were the patients who underwent SB‐TKA between January 2018 and January 2020 and had a minimum follow‐up of 2 years. Of 151 patients included, 117 patients were operated using an image‐free handheld robotic sculpting system (RA‐TKA group) and 34 patients operated using conventional instrumentation (C‐TKA group). The key outcomes noted were multiple patient‐reported outcomes (PROs), adverse events, and radiological outcomes. Two investigators independently measured the radiological outcomes on pre‐ and post‐operative radiographs in coronal plane (medial proximal tibial angle [MPTA] and anatomic lateral distal femoral angle [aLDFA]) and sagittal plane (posterior tibial slope [PTS] and posterior condylar offset [PCO]). The chi‐square test was used to examine categorical variables. Student’s t test was used to analyze the continuous variables.

Results

Patients in both groups were similar in baseline characteristics (gender, body mass index, incidence of comorbidities, and length of hospital stay) except that RA‐TKA group patients younger (66.7 ± 8.9 vs 70.4 ± 10.5, P = 0.037) than C‐TKA group. The operative time was longer in RA‐TKA group as compared to C‐TKA (189.3 ± 37.1 vs 175.0 ± 28.2, P = 0.040). The final PROs at each were similar between the two groups (P > 0.05). The values of PROs at final follow‐up in RA‐TKA compared to C‐TKA were VAS pain (0.4 ± 0.9 vs 0.4 ± 0.5), KOOS‐JR (89.3 ± 5.8 vs 87.1 ± 5.3), and physical (55.9 ± 2.8 vs 55.4 ± 3.2), mental (61.1 ± 4.4 vs 60.2 ± 4.7) component of VR‐12 scores, and KSS satisfaction (37.5 ± 1.1 vs 37.1 ± 2.2) (all P > 0.50 or non‐significant [n.s.]). While one patient in RA‐TKA required revision of femoral component for peri‐prosthetic fracture, none of the patient in conventional group were revised (0.85% vs 0%, P = n.s.). The proportion of patients with outliers in RA‐TKA group was lower for aLDFA (2.6% vs 22.1%, P < 0.01) and PTS (0% vs 35%, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

This comparative study in patients undergoing SB‐TKA found reduction of outliers in femoral and tibial implant positioning with RA‐TKA as compared to C‐TKA. There were no differences in both groups for pain, function, and satisfaction at a minimum of 2 years of follow‐up.

Level of evidence

III Therapeutic Study.
Joint line obliquity after lateral closing‐wedge high tibial osteotomy does not adversely affect clinical and radiological outcome: a 5‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Xie Tianshun , Huizinga Maarten R. , van den Akker‐Scheek Inge , van der Veen Hugo C. , Brouwer Reinoud W.
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To analyze the association between change in knee joint line obliquity (KJLO) and patient‐reported outcome, radiological progression of osteoarthritis, and surgical survival after lateral closing‐wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO).

Methods

A cohort of 180 patients treated in one single hospital with lateral closing‐wedge HTO was examined. KJLO was defined by the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA). To assess the association between KJLO and patient‐reported outcome, radiological progression of osteoarthritis, and surgical survival, patient groups were defined: I, postoperative MPTA < 95.0°; II, postoperative MPTA ≥ 95.0°; A, MPTA change < 8.0°; B, MPTA change ≥ 8.0°. Propensity score matching was used for between‐groups (I and II, A and B) covariates matching, including age, gender, preoperative lower limb alignment, preoperative medial joint space width (mJSW), preoperative Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, wedge size, and postoperative follow‐up time. Patient‐reported outcome was assessed by the WOMAC questionnaire, radiological progression of osteoarthritis by mJSW and Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grade progression (≥ 1) preoperatively and at follow‐ups (> 2 years). Failure was defined as revision HTO or conversion to knee arthroplasty.

Results

After propensity score matching, groups I and II contained 58 pairs of patients and groups A and B contained 50 pairs. There were no significant differences in postoperative WOMAC score or surgical failure rate between groups I and II or between groups A and B (p > 0.05). However, the postoperative mJSW was significantly lower in group I than group II (3.2 ± 1.6 mm vs 3.9 ± 1.8 mm; p = 0.018) and in group A than group B (3.0 ± 1.7 mm vs 3.7 ± 1.5 mm; p = 0.040). KL grade progression rate was significantly higher in group I than group II (53.4% vs 29.3%; p = 0.008) and in group A than group B (56.0% vs 28.0%; p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Increased KJLO (postoperative MPTA ≥ 95.0°) or MPTA change ≥ 8.0° after lateral closing‐wedge HTO does not adversely affect patient‐reported outcome, radiological progression of osteoarthritis, or surgical survival at an average 5‐year follow‐up.

Level of evidence

III, retrospective cohort study.
A novel prognosis-prediction model based on coagulation indicators in secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Wang Shixuan , Lv Kebing , Zhou Yulan , Cheng Xiaoye , Chen Zhiwei , Shen Huimin , Li Fei
Published: August 2023

Secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening disease. In the present retrospective study, we aimed to investigate coagulation disorders and their outcome implications in patients with secondary HLH. We evaluated clinical characteristics and the relationship between coagulation indices and prognosis in HLH patients (n = 141). The information, including clinical symptoms, laboratory indicators, and coagulation indices, was evaluated. Coagulation disorders and bleeding events occurred in 95 (67.4%) and 60 (42.6%) patients, respectively. A coagulation index analysis primarily showed elevated levels of D-Dimer, the international standardized ratio (INR), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and thrombin time (TT), while the prothrombin activity, fibrinogen levels, and platelet levels were significantly decreased. Dominant disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) occurred in 76 patients (53.9%). Patients with lymphoma-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (LAHS) frequently exhibited apparent coagulation disorders. Multivariate analysis revealed that age ≥ 29.5 years, bleeding events, APTT ≥ 47.3 s, fibrinogen ≤ 1.68 g/L, and absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) of ≤ 1.21 × 109/L were independent prognostic factors. We thereby devised a prognostic scoring system and stratified patients into low-risk (0–2 points), intermediate-risk (3–4 points), and high-risk (5–7 points) groups, and the 1-year overall survival rates in the above-mentioned groups were 66.40%, 40.00%, and 2.30%, respectively (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, coagulation dysfunctions and bleeding tendencies were common characteristics in HLH patients. We constructed a novel prognostic score model based on APTT, fibrinogen level, ANC, age, and bleeding events, which had superior prognostic value compared with these markers alone.
Occupational variation in incidence of oropharyngeal cancer in the Nordic countries
Authors: Nikkilä Rayan , Mäkitie Antti , Carpén Timo , Hansen Johnni , Heikkinen Sanna , Lynge Elsebeth , Selander Jenny , Mehlum Ingrid Sivesind , Torfadottir Jóhanna Eyrún , Salo Tuula , Pukkala Eero
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Evaluate the occupational variation in incidence of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC).

Methods

We calculated standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of OPC in occupational categories in the Nordic countries relative to the entire national populations. The data covered 6155 OPC cases.

Results

Among men high risk of OPC was observed, among else, in waiters (SIR 6.28, 95% CI 4.68–8.26), beverage workers (SIR 3.00, 95% CI 1.72–4.88), and artistic workers (SIR 2.97, 95% CI 2.31–3.76). Among women high risk of OPC was observed in waiters (SIR 2.02, 95% CI 1.41–2.81) and packers (SIR 1.73, 95% CI 1.07–2.64). The lowest SIRs were observed in female gardeners (SIR 0.27, 95% CI 0.12–0.51) and male farmers (SIR 0.30, 95% CI 0.25–0.35).

Conclusion

The 20-fold variation in incidence of OPC between occupations needs further investigation in studies with detailed information on occupational and non-occupational risk factors.