bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in Elekta iView electronic portal imager pixel scale factor with gantry angle, and impact on multi‐leaf collimator quality assurance
Authors: Goodall Simon K. , Norvill Craig
Published: June 2022

For Elekta Agility linear accelerators, the iViewGT electronic portal imaging device (EPID) is positioned at a nominal X‐Ray source‐to‐panel distance of 1600 mm. For display, image registration, and data processing purposes, the image pixels are scaled to spatial units at the treatment isocenter plane. This is achieved by applying a pixel scaling factor (PSF). During this investigation, the dependence of the PSF at cardinal gantry angles was determined along with the resulting effects on the multi‐leaf collimator (MLC) quality assurance (QA) results for three linear accelerators (linacs). The PSF was found to vary by 0.0018–0.0022 mm/pixel during gantry rotation, which resulted in variations in the mean MLC reported error of up to 0.8 mm at 100 mm off‐axis with the gantry rotated to 180°. Measurement and application of a gantry angle–specific PSF is a simple process that can be implemented to improve the accuracy of EPID‐based MLC QA at cardinal gantry angles.
Fabrication of Arrays of Topological Solitons in Patterned Chiral Liquid Crystals for Real‐Time Observation of Morphogenesis
Authors: Park Geonhyeong , Suh Ahram , Zhao Hanqing , Lee Changjae , Choi Yun‐Seok , Smalyukh Ivan I. , Yoon Dong Ki
Published: June 2022

Topological solitons have knotted continuous field configurations embedded in a uniform background, and occur in cosmology, biology, and electromagnetism. However, real‐time observation of their morphogenesis and dynamics is still challenging because their size and timescale are enormously large or tiny. Liquid crystal (LC) structures are promising candidates for a model‐system to study the morphogenesis of topological solitons, enabling direct visualization due to the proper size and timescale. Here, a new way is found to rationalize the real‐time observation of the generation and transformation of topological solitons using cholesteric LCs confined in patterned substrates. The experimental demonstration shows the topologically protected structures arise via the transformation of topological defects. Numerical modeling based on minimization of free energy closely reconstructs the experimental findings. The fundamental insights obtained from the direct observations pose new theoretical challenges in understanding the morphogenesis of different types of topological solitons within a broad range of scales.
Aryl‐Alcohol‐Oxidase‐Mediated Synthesis of Piperonal and Other Valuable Aldehydes
Authors: Jankowski Nina , Koschorreck Katja , Urlacher Vlada B.
Published: June 2022

The use of fungal aryl‐alcohol oxidases in biocatalysis is still modest, despite their advantageous capability to produce valuable aldehydes via oxidation of the respective alcohols without the need for costly external cofactors. For biocatalytic application, enzyme stability in the presence of organic solvents used for substrate solubilization has to be investigated, and process limitations due to low oxygen supply and the accumulation of the by‐product H2O2 must be addressed. In this study, we showed that the aryl‐alcohol oxidase PeAAO2 from Pleurotus eryngii P34 remained active and stable in the presence of up to 30% (v/v) various organic solvents and up to 500 mM H2O2. The potential of this biocatalyst was explored based on conversion of piperonyl alcohol to the fragrance compound piperonal. After reaction optimization, product titers of up to 245 mM were achieved within 3 h. Addition of catalase was imperative to re‐introduce O2 as co‐substrate into the reaction, thereby diminishing oxygen limitation. On a preparative scale, space‐time‐yield of 9.5 g/l/h was achieved and 244.6 mg piperonal (85% yield) with >99% purity were isolated via simple crystallization from n‐hexane extract. Under optimized reaction conditions four other substrates, cumic alcohol, 2‐thiophenemethanol, trans,trans‐2,4‐heptadienol and trans‐2‐cis‐6‐nonadienol, at concentrations of up to 300 mM were converted to the corresponding aldehydes within 20 h. Our results demonstrate that PeAAO2 is a versatile and promising biocatalyst for the production of valuable aldehydes.

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Characteristics of flow fields in the gas–liquid mini‐bubble columns with particle image velocimetry measurements
Authors: Li Chen , Ma Yongli , Liu Mingyan , Wang Kaiyue
Published: June 2022

As a new type of gas–liquid microreactors, the gas–liquid mini‐bubble column has potential applications. However, few studies on the flow fields in the mini‐bubble column can be found at present. In this work, particle image velocimetry (PIV) was used to visually study the velocity fields, vorticity fields and bubble dynamics in the gas–liquid mini‐bubble columns with column inner diameters of 1–3 mm and mini‐bubble diameters ranged from 0.7 to 1.3 mm. It is found that with the increase of superficial liquid velocity, bubbles rose from almost straight line to Z‐shaped or S‐shaped trajectory, and the bubble trajectory changed from one‐dimension to three‐dimension; when the bubble velocity changed, the bubble size and gas holdup decreased; bubble terminal velocity was controlled by bubble buoyancy and flow resistance, and increased slightly with bubble coalescence. These findings may provide basic reference for the design and scale‐up of such a mini‐bubble column reactor.
Continuous cardiac output measured with a Swan‐Ganz catheter reacts too slowly in animal experiments with sudden circulatory failure
Authors: Magnúsdóttir Sigríður Olga , Simonsen Carsten , Rasmussen Bodil Steen , Lund Peter Enemark , Kjærgaard Benedict
Published: June 2022

Background

In many animal experiments, it is vital to detect sudden changes in cardiac output (CO). This porcine study compared CO that was measured with a Swan‐Ganz pulmonary catheter with the gold standard (which was a transit‐time flow probe around the pulmonary artery) during interventions that caused hemodynamic instability.

Methods

In one series, 7 pigs were exposed to sudden changes in CO. In another series, 9 pigs experienced more prolonged changes in CO. All the pigs had a Swan‐Ganz catheter placed into the pulmonary artery and a flow probe around the pulmonary artery. Adrenaline infusion and controlled hemorrhage were used to increase and decrease CO, respectively. The measurements of CO before and after each intervention were compared for correlation, agreement, and the time delay that it took each method to detect at least a 30% change in CO. A Bland–Altman test was used to identify correlations and agreements between the methods.

Results

In the first series, there was a delay of 5–7 min for the Swan Ganz catheter to register a 30% change in cardiac output, compared with the flow probe. However, during prolonged changes in CO in the second series, there was a good correlation between the 2 methods. Mixed venous oxygen saturation reacted faster to changes than did CO; both were measured via the Swan‐Ganz catheter.

Conclusions

In many animal studies, the use of Swan‐Ganz catheters is suitable; however, in experiments with sudden hemodynamic instability, the flow probe is the most advantageous method for measuring CO.
Native Ambient Mass Spectrometry of an Intact Membrane Protein Assembly and Soluble Protein Assemblies Directly from Lens Tissue
Authors: Hale Oliver J. , Cooper Helen J.
Published: June 2022

Membrane proteins constitute around two‐thirds of therapeutic targets but present a significant challenge for structural analysis due to their low abundance and solubility. Existing methods for structural analysis rely on over‐expression and/or purification of the membrane protein, thus removing any links back to actual physiological environment. Here, we demonstrate mass spectrometry analysis of an intact oligomeric membrane protein directly from tissue. Aquaporin‐0 exists as a 113 kDa tetramer, with each subunit featuring six transmembrane helices. We report the characterisation of the intact assembly directly from a section of sheep eye lens without sample pre‐treatment. Protein identity was confirmed by mass measurement of the tetramer and subunits, together with top‐down mass spectrometry, and the spatial distribution was determined by mass spectrometry imaging. Our approach allows simultaneous analysis of soluble protein assemblies in the tissue.
Spatiotemporally Selective Molecular Imaging via Upconversion Luminescence‐Controlled, DNA‐Based Biosensor Technology
Authors: Zhao Jian , Di Zhenghan , Li Lele
Published: June 2022

DNA‐based biosensor technologies have shown great potential in chemical and biological detection. These biosensors have been actively developed as probes for molecular imaging in live cells and in animals, allowing in situ detection of analytes in complex biological systems, elucidation of the roles of key molecules in biological processes, and the development of non‐invasive diagnosis and image‐guided surgery. Despite the progress made, improving the spatial‐temporal precision remains a challenge in this field. In this Minireview, we describe the concepts behind spatiotemporally selective molecular imaging via the combination of engineered, light‐activatable DNA‐based biosensors and upconversion nanotechnology. We then highlight the application of the approach for the spatiotemporally controlled imaging of various targets in specific intracellular organelles, signal amplification, as well as the regulation of targeting activity to receptor proteins. We finally discuss the challenges and perspectives for possible future developments in this emerging field.
A systematic review of mands for information
Authors: Cengher Mirela , Bowman Matthew D. , Shawler Lesley A. , Ceribo‐Singh Meghan Sonja M.
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this paper was to conduct a systematic review of studies on mands for information. We used a combination of keywords to search for articles through PsycINFO® and then conducted reference and citation searches for all articles that met our inclusion criteria. In total, we identified 32 studies with 35 experiments. The most commonly investigated autoclitic frames were where and who, and the least investigated were why and how. Over half of the studies included an evocative scenario that served as a test condition, but did not include a control condition; however, there was an overall increasing trend toward including both conditions starting in 2007. The authors of the published studies reported that participants received information, which led to other reinforcers. We make recommendations for clinical practice, as well as discuss directions for future research.
Did court order lifting of player's suspension?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: June 2022

A pistol belonging to a University of Northern Colorado football player was found in the university's football locker  room. The football player told university officials he had last seen the firearm when he used it for recreational shooting practice a month prior. He allegedly didn't know it was missing until he was notified it had been discovered in the locker room.
Former student‐athlete finds fulfillment as an AD
Authors: Elfman Lois
Published: June 2022

Catherine “Cat” Alves followed a circuitous path to her current role as Director of Athletics and Recreation at John Jay College of Criminal Justice (part of the City University of New York system).
Towards a Better Understanding of Toxin Biosynthesis in Seaweeds
Authors: Brassart Pierre‐Louis , Thomas Olivier P. , Courdavault Vincent , Papon Nicolas
Published: June 2022

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) represent both ecological and public health hazards in the marine environment. Indeed, some algae can produce metabolites that have negative effects on marine ecosystems and mammals. Kainoid derivatives such as kainic acid (KA) and domoic acid (DA) are considered some of the most toxic metabolites of marine origin biosynthesized by a limited number of micro‐ and macroalgae. While recent works have provided the first insights into the biosynthetic route of KA in red algae and DA in diatoms, the DA biosynthetic pathway has remained uncharacterized for red algae. In a recent work, the research groups of Chekan and Moore have not only elucidated the biosynthetic pathway of DA in the red algaChondria armatabut also shed light on its complex evolution among marine species. We discuss here the importance of pursuing active research in this area to gain insights into secondary biosynthetic pathways in marine organisms for diagnostic and metabolic engineering perspectives.
MCL‐1 interacts with MOF and BID to regulate H4K16 acetylation and homologous recombination repair
Authors: Mattoo Abid R. , Jessup John M.
Published: June 2022

The Participation of myeloid cell leukemia‐1 (MCL‐1), an antiapoptotic protein, in DNA repair and homologous recombination (HR) is not well understood. This study tests whether MCL‐1 interacts with Males absent On First (MOF) to regulate H4K16 acetylation that promotes HR repair in response to replication stress induced by Hydroxyurea (HU) treatment. Co‐immunoprecipitation of FLAG‐MCL‐1 from cancer cells treated with HU pulls down a complex of MCL‐1, MOF and BH3‐interacting domain death agonist (BID). The same complex is pulled down in cells treated with HU that express FLAG‐MOF. MCL‐1 regulates H4K16 acetylation during HU‐induced replication stress since knockdown of MCL‐1 decreases H4K16 acetylation while re‐expression of MCL‐1 restores H4K16 acetylation. Furthermore, knockdown of BID rescues the clonogenic survival in MCL‐1 depleted cells in response to replication stress which is associated with decreased Caspase 3/7 activity compared to MCL‐1 depleted cells. Cells depleted in both MCL‐1 and BID display increased HR repair efficiency by direct repeats‐green fluorescent protein assay and in response to HU exhibit increased ATR, Chk1, and RPA phosphorylation relative to MCL‐1 depleted cells. This study uncovers that MCL‐1 cooperates with MOF and regulates HR repair through H4K16 acetylation. Further, this study determines that MCL‐1 and BID cooperate to regulate the crosstalk between HR repair and apoptosis.
Sustained suppression of enterohepatic circulation of mycophenolic acid by antimicrobial‐associated diarrhea in a kidney transplant recipient with Crohn's disease: A case report
Authors: Tanaka Ryota , Matsumoto Asami , Tatsuta Ryosuke , Ando Tadasuke , Shin Toshitaka , Mimata Hiromitsu , Itoh Hiroki
Published: June 2022

Mycophenolic acid (MPA) undergoes enterohepatic circulation. A kidney transplant patient on mycophenolate mofetil was treated with tazobactam/piperacillin for pyelonephritis, and developed antimicrobial‐associated diarrhea. Consequently, the MPA trough level decreased by approximately 90%. Furthermore, it took approximately a month for the MPA level to normalize even after diarrhea had resolved.
Carbon Dots for Carbon Dummies: The Quantum and The Molecular Questions Among Some Others
Authors: de Boëver Raphaël , Town Jason R. , Li Xu , Claverie Jerome P.
Published: June 2022

Carbon Dots (CDs) are carbon nanoparticles which were discovered in 2004. Despite two decades of intensive work from the scientific community and a colossal amount of gathered experimental data, no definitive consensus exists to date on several key aspects such as the actual definition of CDs and the origin of their emissive properties. This review proposes a critical evaluation of these fundamental questions. Lay persons will also find here an alternative introduction to the CDs domain, including synthetic strategies, photophysical properties, as well as challenges and outlook of this exciting new area.
A Route to Lipid ALC‐0315: a Key Component of a COVID‐19 mRNA Vaccine
Authors: Saadati Fariba , Cammarone Silvia , Ciufolini Marco A.
Published: June 2022

This paper describes a synthesis of ALC‐0315 by a sequence that more than doubles the overall yield relative to the published one, and that employs much cleaner reactions, thereby facilitating purifications to a considerable extent
Infrared Spectroscopy Elucidates the Inhibitor Binding Sites in a Metal‐Dependent Formate Dehydrogenase
Authors: Laun Konstantin , Duffus Benjamin R. , Wahlefeld Stefan , Katz Sagie , Belger Dennis , Hildebrandt Peter , Mroginski Maria Andrea , Leimkühler Silke , Zebger Ingo
Published: June 2022

Biological carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction is an important step by which organisms form valuable energy‐richer molecules required for further metabolic processes. The Mo‐dependent formate dehydrogenase (FDH) from Rhodobacter capsulatus catalyzes reversible formate oxidation to CO2 at a bis‐molybdopterin guanine dinucleotide (bis‐MGD) cofactor. To elucidate potential substrate binding sites relevant for the mechanism, we studied herein the interaction with the inhibitory molecules azide and cyanate, which are isoelectronic to CO2 and charged as formate. We employed infrared (IR) spectroscopy in combination with density functional theory (DFT) and inhibition kinetics. One distinct inhibitory molecule was found to bind to either a non‐competitive or a competitive binding site in the secondary coordination sphere of the active site. Site‐directed mutagenesis of key amino acid residues in the vicinity of the bis‐MGD cofactor revealed changes in both non‐competitive and competitive binding, whereby the inhibitor is in case of the latter interaction presumably bound between the cofactor and the adjacent Arg587.
Two Rhodium(III) Ions Confined in a [18]Porphyrin Frame: 5,10,15,20‐Tetraaryl‐21,23‐Dirhodaporphyrin
Authors: Vetter Grzegorz , Białońska Agata , Krzyszowska Paulina , Koniarz Sebastian , Pacholska‐Dudziak Ewa
Published: June 2022

Tetraaryl‐21,23‐dirhodaporphyrin and a series of related monorhodaporphyrins have been obtained by tellurium‐to‐rhodium exchange in a reaction of tetraaryl‐21,23‐ditelluraporphyrin with [RhCl(CO)2]2. These organometallic metallaporphyrins contain rhodium(III) centers embedded in rhodacyclopentadiene rings, incorporated within the porphyrin frames. The skeletons of 21,23‐dirhodaporphyrin and 21‐rhoda‐23‐telluraporphyrin are strongly deformed in‐plane from the rectangular shape typical for porphyrins, due to rhodium(III) coordination preferences, the large size of the two core atoms, and the porphyrin skeleton constrains. These two metallaporphyrins exhibit fluxional behavior, as studied by 1H NMR and DFT, involving the in‐plane motion and the switch of the rhodium center(s) between two nitrogen donors. A side product detected in the reaction mixture, 21‐oxa‐23‐rhodaporphyrin, results from tellurium‐to‐oxygen exchange, occurring in parallel to the tellurium‐to‐rhodium exchange. The reaction paths and mechanisms have been analyzed. The title 21,23‐dirhodaporphyrin contains a bridged bimetallic unit, Rh2Cl2, in the center of the macrocycle, with two rhodium(III) ions lying approximately in the plane of the porphyrinoid skeleton. The geometry of the implanted Rh2Cl2 unit is affected by macrocyclic constrains.
Contact allergens in moisturizers in preventative emollient therapy – A systematic review
Authors: Ryczaj Klaudia , Dumycz Karolina , Spiewak Radoslaw , Feleszko Wojciech
Published: June 2022

Background

Results of preventative emollient therapy on atopic dermatitis and food allergy trials are inconsistent. In addition to the ingredients considered beneficial, the moisturizers may contain potentially harmful haptens. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of haptens in moisturizers used in studies to prevent atopic dermatitis or food allergy and assess their correlations to the trial results.

Methods

A systematic search of studies investigating the role of emollient usage in preventing atopic dermatitis or food allergy in infants was performed from inception to December 2020. Haptens were identified based on the nine common patch test series (European, American, and Australian).

Results

12 clinical trial studies were included in the review. In total, 16 different emollients were applied as an intervention. The vast majority (75%) of preparations contained at least one hapten from which several substances pose high allergic or irritant potential. Quantitative data synthesis of the findings regarding food allergy and atopic dermatitis prevention was not possible due to the significant heterogeneity of preparations used.

Conclusions

Careful selection of emollient should consider the absence of potentially harmful ingredients, particularly when used in youngest children. Chronic skin exposure to haptens promotes the development of allergic contact dermatitis and moreover, via deterioration of the skin barrier and subclinical inflammation, may facilitate epicutaneous sensitization and promote atopic dermatitis; however further research is needed to validate our suppositions.
Chrysin promotes angiogenesis in rat hindlimb ischemia: Impact on PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and autophagy
Authors: Kamel Rehab , El Morsy Engy M. , Elsherbiny Marwa E. , Nour‐Eldin Mahmoud
Published: June 2022

Limb ischemia occurs due to obstruction of blood perfusion to lower limbs, a manifestation that is associated with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Angiogenesis is important for adequate oxygen delivery. The present study investigated a potential role for chrysin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, in promoting angiogenesis in hindlimb ischemia (HLI) rat model. Rats were allocated into four groups: (1) sham‐operated control, (2) HLI: subjected to unilateral femoral artery ligation, (3) HLI + chrysin: received 100 mg/kg, i.p. chrysin immediately after HLI, and (4) HLI + chrysin + rapamycin: received 6 mg/kg/day rapamycin i.p. for 5 days then subjected to HLI and dosed with 100 mg/kg chrysin, i.p. Rats were killed 18 h later and gastrocnemius muscles were collected and divided into parts for (1) immunohistochemistry detection of CD31 and CD105, (2) qRT‐PCR analysis of eNOS and VEGFR2, (3) colorimetric analysis of NO, (4) ELISA estimation of TGF‐β, VEGF, ATG5 and Beclin‐1, and (5) Western blot analysis of p‐PI3K, PI3K, p‐Akt, Akt, p‐mTOR, mTOR, and HIF‐1α. Chrysin significantly enhanced microvessels growth in HLI muscles as indicated by increased CD31 and CD105 levels and decreased TGF‐β. Chrysin's proangiogenic effect is potentially mediated by increased VEGF, VEGFR2 and activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, which promoted eNOS and NO levels as it was reversed by the mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin. Chrysin also inhibited autophagy as it decreased ATG5 and Beclin‐1. The current study shows that chrysin possesses a proangiogenic effect in HLI rats and might be useful in patients with PAD.
Size reduction of gastric fundic gland polyposis by de‐escalation of acid‐suppressive therapy
Authors: Kanamori Akira , Tominaga Keiichi , Masuyama Hironori , Ishikawa Mutsumi , Masuyama Satoshi , Kondo Masayuki , Kanazawa Mimari , Tanaka Takanao , Yamaura Masamichi , Abe Keiichiro , Watanabe Shoko , Yamamiya Akira , Abe Yoko , Goda Kenichi , Irisawa Atsushi
Published: June 2022

The patient, a 73‐year‐old woman, had been taking acid‐suppressive therapy for refractory reflux esophagitis for 10 years. A potassium‐competitive acid blocker was administered to strengthen acid‐suppressive therapy for worsening symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed an increase in the number and size of fundic gland polyposis (FGPs). When acid‐suppressive therapy was changed from potassium‐competitive acid blocker to proton pump inhibitor, the FGPs showed reduced size 1 year later. Furthermore, when acid‐suppressive therapy was changed from proton pump inhibitor to histamine‐2 receptor antagonist, FGPs were even smaller after 1 and 2 years. The patient, who had no flare‐up of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms, continues to be treated medically with histamine‐2 receptor antagonist. This case report describes changes in endoscopic findings of a patient with FGPs caused by acid‐suppressive therapy for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Unusual Regioselectivity in Palladium‐Catalyzed Tandem C−H Arylation and C−H Amidation of cis‐Cinnamyl Hydroxamates: Facile Synthesis of 3‐Aryl‐2‐quinolones
Authors: Ghosh Subhankar , Chattopadhyay Shital K.
Published: June 2022

Tandem C−H‐arylation and C−H‐amidation of cis‐cinnamyl hydroxamatesusing a single metal catalyst (and air as oxidant) leads to the formation of 3‐aryl‐2‐quinolone ring system in a regioselective manner. The corresponding trans‐isomer under identical conditions gives rise to 4‐aryl‐2‐quinolone derivative.The complementary regioselectivity observed during tandem C−H‐arylation C−H‐amidation of isomeric substrates is unusual and of potential application.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative Rearrangement of 4‐Alkenyl‐isoxazol‐5‐ones to Pyrrole Derivatives
Authors: Molteni Letizia , Loro Camilla , Christodoulou Michael S. , Papis Marta , Foschi Francesca , Beccalli Egle M. , Broggini Gianluigi
Published: June 2022

Easily accessible isoxazol‐5(4H)‐ones are useful precursors of heterocycles. In this context, we report the ruthenium‐catalyzed transformation of 4‐alkenyl‐substituted isoxazol‐5‐ones to afford 1H‐pyrrole derivatives. The operative conditions were proven to be effective also on cyclohexane‐fused isoxazolones giving 4,5,6,7‐tetrahydroindoles. The reactions, which allow for access to tri‐and tetra‐substituted pyrroles in moderate to high yields, occur through decarboxylative ring‐opening/ring‐closure involving C−H functionalization of the alkenyl moiety.
Base‐Promoted Reaction of Phenols with Spirocylic λ3‐Iodanes: Access to Both 2‐Iodovinyl Aryl Ethers and Diaryl Ethers
Authors: He Shun‐Dong , Guo Xiao‐Qiang , Li Jun , Zhang Yu‐Cheng , Chen Lian‐Mei , Kang Tai‐Ran
Published: June 2022

Herein, an efficient method for vinyl or aryl C(sp2)−O bond forming to construct both the (Z)‐2‐iodovinyl aryl ethers and diaryl ethers under metal‐, photocatalyst‐ and light‐free condition in one‐step, has been developed. To generate the two desired products, we proposed a SNAr2 reaction of phenol with vinyl aryl iodonium salts intermediates that subsequently lead to the phenyl‐I bond cleavage and phenyl‐O bond formation. We firstly found that the vinyl aryl iodonium salts was formed in situ from the spiro‐cis‐β‐phenol‐VBXs, which was generated between electrophilic spiro‐EBXs and nucleophilic arylols. Trisubstituted alkenes and functionalized diaryl ethers can be afforded from the two desired products.
Phytoextraction of heavy metals from tannery sludge: A cleaner approach
Authors: Juel Md. Ariful Islam , Noyon Md. Ashikur Rahaman , Mizan Al , Hashem Md. Abul , Azam Md. Golam
Published: June 2022

Worldwide, tannery sludge management has become a big challenge due to containing heavy metals, especially chromium. In this study, phytoextraction of heavy metals from tannery sludge by Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is presented. Heavy metals‐chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) in tannery sludge were found at 12686, 371, 265, and 66 mg/kg, respectively. Separately, Napier grass was harvested on raw tannery sludge and garden soil and examined for 16 and 20 weeks after the sowing of seeds. Metal extraction from tannery sludge in Napier grass was found in a series of Cr > Zn > Cu > Pb; the most accumulation was reported in shoot parts of plants in the order of shoots > roots > leaves. Accumulation of Cr in Napier grass at 16 and 20 weeks was 37% and 66%, respectively. An increasing trend of heavy metal gathering in the plant was found significantly by extending the harvesting period from 16 to 20 weeks. Translocation of Cr and Pb was greater than unity (1.623 and 1.339) indicating the suitability of phytoextraction. Further, Napier grass is a rapid‐yielding tropical grass, which showed a high degree of growth tolerance that could be used for treating heavy metals contaminated tannery sludge.
Use of mucoactive agents in cystic fibrosis: A consensus survey of Italian specialists
Authors: Volpi Sonia , Carnovale Vincenzo , Colombo Carla , Raia Valeria , Blasi Francesco , Pappagallo Giovanni ,   PULMOCARE TEAM
Published: June 2022

Background

The goal of mucoactive therapies in cystic fibrosis (CF) is to enhance sputum clearance and to reduce a progressive decline in lung function over the patient's lifetime. We aimed to investigate the level of consensus among specialists from Italian CF Centers on appropriateness of therapeutic use of dornase alfa (rhDNase) for CF patients.

Method

A consensus on appropriate prescribing in CF mucoactive agents was appraised by an online Delphi method, based on a panel of 27 pulmonologists, coordinated by a Scientific Committee of six experts in medical care of patients with CF.

Results

Full or very high consensus was reached on several issues related to therapeutic use of dornase alfa for CF patients in clinical practice.

Conclusions

The consensus reached on a number of topics regarding use of mucoactive agents in patients with CF can help guide clinicians in daily practice based on expert experience and define the most appropriate therapeutic strategy for the individual patient.
Inducible nitric oxide synthase regulates macrophage polarization via the MAPK signals in concanavalin A‐induced hepatitis
Authors: Yao Xiaoying , Jin Guiyuan , Liu Dong , Zhang Xiaobei , Yang Yonghong , chen Yu , Duan Zhongping , Bi Yanzhen , Yan Fenglian , Yang Yanli , Zhang Hui , Dong Guanjun , Li Shanshan , Cheng Shumin , Tang Huixin , Hong Feng , Si Chuanping
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Acute liver inflammatory reactions contribute to many health problems; thus, it is critical to understand the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of acute hepatitis. In this study, an experimental in vivo model of concanavalin A (ConA)‐induced hepatitis was used.

Materials and Methods

C57BL/6 (wild‐type, WT) or inducible nitric oxide synthase‐deficient (iNOS−/−) mice were injected with PBS or 15 mg/kg ConA via tail vein. Detection of liver injury by histological examination and apoptosis, and flow cytometry to detect the effect of immune cells on liver injury.

Results

iNOS−/− mice had lower levels of the liver enzymes aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, suggesting that they were protected against ConA‐induced pathological liver injury and that iNOS participated in the regulation of hepatitis. Furthermore, iNOS deficiency was found to lower CD86 expression and suppressed the messenger RNA levels of inflammatory factors in the liver. In vitro experiments also demonstrated that iNOS deficiency suppressed the sequential phosphorylation of the mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway cascade, thereby inhibiting the M1 polarization of macrophages and consequently suppressing the transcription of inflammation factors.

Conclusion

iNOS may contribute to ConA‐induced inflammation by promoting the activation of proinflammatory macrophages.
Racial and ethnic disparities in nasopharyngeal cancer with an emphasis among Asian Americans
Authors: Wang Qian , Xie Hui , Li Yannan , Theodoropoulos Nicholas , Zhang Yaning , Jiang Changchuan , Wen Chi , Rozek Laura S. , Boffetta Paolo
Published: June 2022

Despite the overall decreasing incidence, nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) continues to cause a significant health burden among Asian Americans (AAs), who are a fast‐growing but understudied heterogeneous racial group in the United States. We aimed to examine the racial/ethnic disparities in NPC incidence, treatment, and mortality with a specific focus on AA subgroups. NPC patients aged ≥15 years were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 18 (1975‐2018). AAs were divided into Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Hawaiian, Japanese, Laotian, Korean, Cambodian, Indian/Pakistani and other Asian/Pacific Islanders (APIs). Age‐adjusted incidence was calculated using the SEER*Stat software. Cox proportional and Fine‐Gray subdistribution hazard models were used to calculate overall and cause‐specific mortalities after adjusting for confounders. Among the total 11 964 NPC cases, 18.4% were Chinese, 7.7% Filipino, 5.0% Vietnamese, 1.2% Hawaiian, 1.0% Japanese, 0.8% Laotian, 0.8% Korean, 0.6% Cambodian, 0.5% Indian/Pakistani and 4.4% other APIs. Laotians had the highest age‐adjusted NPC incidence (9.21 per 100 000), which was 18.04 times higher than it in non‐Hispanic Whites (NHWs). Chinese and Filipinos observed lower overall mortalities, however, Chinese saw increased NPC‐specific mortality than NHWs. Disparities in mortality were also found across different histology subtypes. This is the first and largest study examining the NPC incidence and outcomes in AA subgroups. The significant disparities of NPC within AAs underline the importance of adequate AA‐subgroup sample size in future studies to understand the prognostic role of ethnicity in NPC and advocate more ethnically and culturally tailored cancer prevention and care delivery.
miR‐548d‐3p inhibits the invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells by targeting GKN1
Authors: Yu Senlong , Meng Hongjie , Shi Shengguang , Cao Shenghui , Bian Tianhua , Zhao Haifeng
Published: June 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to explore the function and mechanism of GKN1 in gastric cancer (GC) progression.

Methods

Firstly, we used GEO2R to perform differential gene analysis on GSE26942 and GSE79973 and constructed the protein–protein interaction network of differential genes by STRING. Next, the cytoHubba, Mcode plugins, and GEPIA were used to obtain our follow‐up research object GKN1. Then, the function of GKN1 in GC was verified by scratch and transwell assay in GC cells. We further analyzed the genes related to GKN1 through LinkedOmics, and exported top 100 genes positively or negatively correlated with GKN1. Meanwhile, Metascape was performed on these genes. Finally, we analyzed the miRNAs that bind to GKN1 through the miRDB and verified the correlation between miR‐548d‐3p and GKN1 using dual‐fluorescence and quantitative PCR experiments.

Results

Bioinformatics analysis showed that there were 52 differential genes on GSE26942 and GSE79973. In addition, the results of functional assays indicated that overexpressed GKN1 can inhibit GC cell migration and invasion, while GKN1 knockdown demonstrated the opposite effect. Additionally, Metascape analysis results showed that the 3′‐UTR region of mRNA is rich in AU sequences, based on which we infer that mRNA may be regulated by miRNA. Dual‐fluorescence and quantitative PCR assays clarified that miR‐548d‐3p may be one of the target miRNAs of GKN1, which was up‐regulated in GC tissues.

Conclusions

In summary, we clarified that miR‐548d‐3p regulates GKN1 to participate in GC cell migration and invasion, and provides a possible target for the prognostic diagnosis and treatment of GC.
Preanalytical DNA assessment for downstream applications: How to optimize the management of human biospecimens to support molecular diagnosis—An experimental study
Authors: Mordenti Marina , Capicchioni Valentina , Corsini Serena , Locatelli Manuela , Abelli Elisabetta , Banchelli Federico , Boarini Manila , Sangiorgi Luca
Published: June 2022

Background

The development of next‐generation sequencing approaches has accelerated the diagnostic process, although at present, there is a lack of a clear consensus on efficient management of human samples for downstream applications. This study aims to investigate timeframe (in terms of short preservation), temperature, and additional preservation procedures (i.e., freeze and thaw cycles) for human biospecimens to implement the reliability and reproducibility of molecular investigations.

Methods

Overall, 45 whole peripheral bloods, 22 peripheral blood mononuclear cells samples, 15 saliva, and 15 buccal swab biospecimens (through the extracted DNA) were investigated, assessing yield, integrity, amplifiability, and sizing accuracy via the most common molecular techniques.

Results

Based on the overall evaluation criteria, the results indicate that DNA extracted from all samples, shortly preserved, have suitable quality and reliable reproducibility to be used in diagnostic activities and biomedical research, even if DNA from peripheral blood mononuclear cells is more affected by the experimental conditions.

Conclusion

Our findings confirm the reliability of peripheral blood samples in almost all the experimental conditions. Saliva and buccal swabs are efficient almost as well, while peripheral blood mononuclear cells, albeit remain a primary source of DNA for molecular screenings, represent a less efficient source.
Frequency of serological markers of rheumatoid arthritis in patients with IgA anti‐β2 glycoprotein I antibodies
Authors: Melayah Sarra , Ghozzi Mariem , Mankaï Amani , Mechi Fatma , Ghedira Ibtissem
Published: June 2022

Aim

To determine the frequency of serological markers of RA in patients with anti‐β2 glycoprotein I antibodies (aβ2GPI) of IgA isotype.

Material and Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 67 patients with aβ2GPI‐IgA. Ninety healthy blood donors (HBD) were used as a control group. IgG anti‐cyclic citrullinated peptides antibodies (CCP‐Ab) and rheumatoid factors (RF) IgG, IgA, and IgM were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Seventeen patients and eight HBD had CCP‐Ab and/or RF (25.4% vs. 8.9%, p = 0.005, CI 95% [14.95; 35.79], odds ratio = 3.5). The frequency of CCP‐Ab was significantly higher in patients than in healthy subjects (14.9% vs. 3.3%, p = 0.009). IgA isotype of RF was significantly higher in patients than in controls (7.5% vs. 0%, p = 0.02). In male patients, CCP‐Ab and/or RF were more frequent than in healthy male subjects (37.5% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.02). In patients, no correlation was found between the levels of aβ2GPI‐IgA and CCP‐Ab (r = 0.082, p = 0.51). There was no correlation between the level aβ2GPI‐IgA and the level of the isotypes of RF (IgG, IgA, and IgM) in patients (r = 0.1, p = 0.37; r = 0.17, p = 0.17 and r = 0.07, p = 0.59 respectively).

Conclusion

Frequencies of CCP‐Ab and RF are high in patients with aβ2GPI‐IgA suggesting that these patients are susceptible to developing RA.
Characteristics and impact of bedside procedure services in the United States: A systematic review
Authors: Nandan Anirudh , Wang David , Bosinski Cameron , Tahir Peggy , Wang Sally , Sonenthal Paul D. , Shafiq Majid
Published: June 2022

Background

Bedside procedure services are increasingly employed within internal medicine departments to meet clinical needs and improve trainee education. Published literature on these largely comprises single‐center studies; an updated systematic review is needed to synthesize available data.

Purpose

This review examined published literature on the structure and function of bedside procedure services and their impact on clinical and educational outcomes (PROSPERO ID: 192466).

Data Sources

Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses framework, multiple databases were searched for publications from 2000 to 2021.

Study Selection, Data Extraction, and Data Synthesis

Thirteen single‐center studies were identified, including 12 observational studies and 1 randomized trial. Data were synthesized in tabular and narrative format. Services were typically staffed by hospitalists or pulmonologists. At a minimum, each offered paracentesis, thoracentesis, and lumbar puncture. While there was considerable heterogeneity in service structures, these broadly fit either Model A (service performing the procedure) or Model B (service supervising the primary team). Procedure services led to increases in procedure volumes and self‐efficacy among medical residents. Assessment of clinical outcomes was limited by heterogeneous definitions of complication rates and by sparse head‐to‐head data involving suitable comparators. Published data pointed to high success rates, low complication rates, and high patient satisfaction, with a recent study also demonstrating a decreased length of stay.

Conclusions

There are relatively few published studies describing the characteristics of bedside procedure services and their impact on clinical and educational outcomes. Limited data point to considerable heterogeneity in service design, a positive impact on medical trainees, and a positive impact on patient‐related outcomes.
Evaluating the efficacy of capture as aversive conditioning for American alligators in human‐dominated landscapes
Authors: Kidd‐Weaver Anjelika D. , Rainwater Thomas R. , Murphy Thomas M. , Bodinof Jachowski Catherine M.
Published: June 2022

As anthropogenic impacts on ecosystems increase, novel solutions are needed to mitigate increasing human–wildlife conflict. Aversive conditioning is one strategy that can reduce the risks of humans living alongside wildlife by modifying the behavior of animals through their experiences with humans. Although considered rare, American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) attacks on humans most often occur in human‐dominated landscapes and can be fatal. Our goal was to determine if capture and release protocols might serve as a form of aversive conditioning to reduce alligator tolerance of humans. Specifically, we compared the behavioral response of alligators in South Carolina, USA, in 2009–2018 to an approaching human for animals with 3 different levels of capture experience: alligators from a reference site where no captures occurred, alligators from a site where captures occurred that directly experienced capture and release, and alligators from the site where captures occurred that indirectly experienced capture and release (never captured but likely observed capture of others). We used a hurdle model and information‐theoretic approach to evaluate support for 8 hypotheses regarding factors that influence alligator probability of flight in response to an approaching human and the flight initiation distance (FID) of alligators that did flee. Our hypotheses considered the effects of capture experience, exposure to non‐capture (visual) surveys, alligator size, ambient temperature, and season. The best‐supported models provided strong evidence that capture experience increased the probability of flight and, to a lesser extent, increased FID of alligators that did flee, but that the strength of the effect varied with alligator size or some correlate. Furthermore, the effect of capture may extend beyond animals with direct experience. Capture and release protocols can result in an aversive conditioning response in alligators, effectively reducing habituation to humans. Given the geographic limitations of our study, more work is necessary to determine whether the utility of aversive conditioning may be site‐dependent, or similarly effective across a wider selection of developed landscapes.
Sedge replacement by grasses accelerates litter decomposition and decreases organic matter formation in alpine meadow soils
Authors: Mou Xiao Ming , Yu Ying Wen , Zhao Chuanyan , Soromotin Andrey , Kuzyakov Yakov , Li Xiao Gang
Published: June 2022

The dominance of sedges in Tibetan meadows is decreasing with the increasing abundance of grasses, mainly due to anthropogenic activities, nitrogen deposition, and climate warming. We investigated the effects of this vegetation shift on litter decomposition (in the field), mineralization to CO2,and litter carbon (C) incorporation into microorganisms (under laboratory conditions) under sedges and grasses at community and species levels. Litter C incorporation into soil organic carbon (SOC) was estimated using13C labelling of the vegetation community. After one year of field incubation, a smaller proportion of shoot litter C was lost in sedges than in grasses at the species level and smaller proportions of root C were lost under sedges at community and species levels. Roots decomposed markedly slower than shoots across communities or species under sedges and grasses. Smaller proportions of the shoot and root C from sedges were incorporated into SOC than from grasses, and root C was less incorporated into the SOC than shoot C across communities. Over the 38‐day laboratory incubation, total microbial respiration and assimilation of litter C changed similarly to the C loss between litter types under the field condition. Across community and species levels, litter C loss in the field and incorporation of litter C into microorganisms under laboratory conditions all increased with initial phosphorus content in the litter and decreased with lignin content. Considering greater allocation of photosynthates belowground by sedges than grasses, we demonstrated that the ongoing replacement of sedges by grasses in the vast Tibetan alpine meadows is unfavorable for the maintenance of SOC storage.
Maximal regularity for the Cauchy problem of the heat equation in BMO
Authors: Ogawa Takayoshi , Shimizu Senjo
Published: June 2022

We consider maximal regularity for the Cauchy problem of the heat equation in a class of bounded mean oscillations (). Maximal regularity for non‐reflexive Banach spaces is not obtained by the established abstract theory. Based on the symmetric characterization of ‐expression, we obtain maximal regularity for the heat equation in and its sharp trace estimate. Our result shows that the homogeneous initial estimate obtained by Stein [50] and Koch–Tataru [32] can be strengthened up to the inhomogeneous estimate for the external forces and the obtained estimates can be applicable to quasilinear problems. Our method is based on integration by parts and can also be applicable to other type of parabolic problems.
Design of a broadband bandpass filtering power amplifier for 5G communication
Authors: Jian Yelong , Liu Guohua , Cheng Zhiqun
Published: June 2022

This paper presents a broadband power amplifier (PA) based on a bandpass filtering (BPF) matching network. Terminated coupled line structure (TCLS) is employed to realize the broadband BPF matching network and ensure high selectivity, which also can achieve impedance transformation for PA. In addition, a harmonic control network is added in front of the TCLS to improve the efficiency of PA. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, a broadband bandpass filtering PA is designed and fabricated. The measured results show that the output power is from 39.5 to 41.6 dBm and the drain efficiency is between 58.8% and 72% in 3.3–3.7 GHz. These superior performances illustrate that the implemented filtering power amplifier can be applied well in 5G communication.
The relative importance of different consequences of nocturnal enuresis among older women: A conjoint analysis experiment
Authors: Welk Blayne , Kennelly Michael
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Adult nocturnal enuresis (NE) is an understudied and bothersome condition. Our objective was to conduct a conjoint analysis experiment to better understand the relative importance of NE consequences in older women.

Methods

We developed a conjoint analysis survey that included four attributes related to NE (awakening at night, feeling rested in the morning, restricting fluid before bed, and wet perineal skin). We performed a prospective cross‐sectional online study of women >62 years of age with NE using Sawtooth Software. Patients completed baseline questions, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire‐nocturia Quality of Life (ICIQ‐NqoL), and the conjoint analysis experiment. Hierarchical Bayes random effects regression analysis was used to determine the relative importance of the four attributes.

Results

A total of 200 women with a mean age of 71 years completed the study. The most common management of NE was diapers/pads (132/200). Approximately half of the participants experienced NE several times a week or nightly (101/200). The most important attribute was the frequency of being awakened at night (34, standard deviation [SD]: 16) and the frequency of feeling rested in the morning (32, SD: 15). Limiting drinking before bed (18, SD: 12) and wet groin skin (16, SD: 10) had significantly lower importance scores (p < 0.05). Age, sleeping with a partner in bed, body mass index, NE severity score, and the ICIQ‐NqOL score were not significantly associated with any of the importance scores.

Conclusions

Older women with NE place significantly more importance on the frequency of awakening at night, and feeling rested in the morning and lesser importance on associated lifestyle or physical manifestations of NE.