bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple Preparation of Large Pore Mesoporous Silica Nanospheres and Their Protein Sequestration Ability
Authors: Park Minsun , Kim Ki‐Jung , Huh Seong
Published: March 2022

A simple and efficient method for the preparation of large pore MSNs is Ca ion‐etching of the as‐prepared mesoporous silica nanospheres (MSNs) containing ammonium‐based organic template. In this facile process, the generation of new large mesopores through the partial collapse of several mesopores and template removal through cation‐exchange occurred simultaneously. We found that CaCl2 could also act as a good etching source. Template‐free cubic phase MSN (cMSN) with large pores could be obtained by treating CaCl2 under mild conditions in high yield. Both surface area and pore volume increased in the order Ca(NO3)2‐treated cMSN<CaCl2‐treated cMSN (Ca‐cMSN)<calcined cMSN, while the pore size increased in the order calcined cMSN<Ca‐cMSN<Ca(NO3)2‐treated cMSN. Compared to the calcined sample, the large pore cMSN (Ca‐cMSN) showed good adsorption capacities for proteins.
Evaluation of adsorptive and photocatalytic degradation properties ofFeWO4/polypyrrole nanocomposite for rose bengal and alizarin red S from liquid phase: Modeling of adsorption isotherms and kinetics data
Authors: Hussain Daud , Siddiqui Mohammad Fuzail , Shirazi Zeenat , Khan Tabrez Alam
Published: March 2022

The FeWO4/polypyrrole nanocomposite (FeWO4/PPy NC), prepared by oxidative polymerization of pyrrole monomer with FeWO4NPs, is used for adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of rose bengal and alizarin red S. The characterization of the nanocomposite (NC) is performed by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The performance of FeWO4/PPy NC is appraised under varying conditions of agitation time/solar irradiation time, initial dyes concentration, adsorbent/photocatalyst dose, and initial solution pH. The Langmuir isotherm and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic models best express the equilibrium data. The FeWO4/PPy NC exhibits a maximum saturation capacity of 202.63 mg/g for rose bengal (RB) and 142.80 mg/g for alizarin red S (ARS). The adsorption of both dyes follows liquid film and intraparticle diffusion. Thermodynamic studies demonstrate feasibility, spontaneity, and exothermic essence of the removal process. The NC shows remarkable visible‐light photocatalytic activity at 100–120 min irradiation time, 40 mg/L dyes solution concentration, 0.5 g/L of photocatalyst, and pH 6. Photodegradation reaction obeys first‐order kinetics. The mechanism of adsorption of RB and ARS is governed by electrostatic attraction, hydrogen bonding, van der Waals, and π–π interactions. A good regeneration capacity up to four sorption–desorption cycles, high saturation capacity, and remarkable photodegradation efficiency depicts that FeWO4/PPy NC can be used efficiently for decolorization of RB and ARS in aqueous medium.
Strategies for enhancing cancer chemodynamic therapy performance
Authors: Jana Deblin , Zhao Yanli
Published: March 2022

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) has emerged to be a frontrunner amongst reactive oxygen species‐based cancer treatment modalities. CDT utilizes endogenous H2O2 in tumor microenvironment (TME) to produce cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals (•OH) via Fenton or Fenton‐like reactions. While possessing advantages such as tumor specificity, no need of external stimuli, and low side effects, practical applications of CDT are still impeded owing to the heterogeneity, complexity, and reductive environment of TME. Over the past couple of years, strategies to enhance CDT for efficient tumor regression are in rapid development in synergy with the growth of nanomedicine. In this review, we initially outline the fundamental understanding of Fenton and Fenton‐like reactions and their relationship with CDT. Subsequently, the development in the design of nanosystems for CDT is highlighted in a general manner. Furthermore, recent advancement of the strategies to augment Fenton reactions in TME for enhanced CDT is discussed in detail. Finally, perspectives toward the future development of CDT for better therapeutic outcome are presented. This review is expected to draw attention for collaborative research on CDT in the best interest of its future clinical applications.
Characterization of volatile compounds in evening primrose oil after γ‐irradiate
Authors: Pan Feng Guang , Chen Xian Mao , Pang Yong , Yang En Qi , Wang Su Yin , Wang Yan Fei , Liu B. Q.
Published: March 2022

Evening primrose oil (EPO) is rich in linolenic acid, which has important physiological activity and attracted more and more attention. As a cold sterilization technology, irradiation is widely used in food preservation. However, the effect of irradiation on the flavour quality of EPO is unclear. The volatile aroma compounds examined by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), combined with the odour activity value, are used to identify important odours in EPO. Principal component analysis (PCA), cluster heatmap analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis are used to analyse the data to illustrate the impact of different radiation doses. The results show that the types and composition of volatile substances have changed, among which aldehydes have increased the most. Hexanal, (E,Z)‐2,4‐decadienal, and (E)‐2‐octenal, 1‐octen‐3‐ol were confirmed to play an important role in the formation of the green, fast, oily, and fishy aroma profile of EPO. In addition, the cluster analysis and PCA analysis showed that the flavour of 5 and 10 kGy was similar, but it was different from that of 1 kGy. In general, after the irradiation treatment, the flavour quality of EPO deteriorates, and the content of undesirable flavour substances increases. Additionally, the potential formation pathways and mechanism of volatile compounds were discussed. The research will help us to understand the change of the violate compounds under the γ‐irradiate process.
Probiotic bacteria from 10 different traditional Iranian cheeses: Isolation, characterization, and investigation of probiotic potential
Authors: Afshari Asma , Hashemi Mohammad , Tavassoli Milad , Eraghi Vida , Noori Seyyed Mohammad Ali
Published: March 2022

In this study, 10 different traditional Iranian cheeses, which are still consumed by people in rural areas of Iran, were examined to isolate new strains of probiotic bacteria. Isolated bacteria were identified by 16s rRNA gene amplification and subjected to series of in vitro tests to find out their probiotic potential. A total of 2345 colonies were collected and 465 of them were confirmed as lactic acid bacteria (LAB), of which Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Lacticaseibacillus casei were the top three isolated bacteria. Among the different species of LAB isolated in this study, Lactip. plantarum was the most isolated species, and seven isolates had the significant criteria for being a probiotic strain than other isolates indicating the most adaptable properties of this species. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum was the most resistant bacteria in the bile resistance test and was also the most durable bacteria in gastrointestinal conditions, for example, acidic environment (pH = 2.5) and trypsin. In contrast, Lacticaseibacillus casei was the most susceptible bacterial strain. Lactobacillus rhamnosus showed the most antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study showed that probiotic strains isolated from local cheeses could be considered as suitable biopreservatives and used as specific starter cultures for the production of functional cheeses.
CRLF2 overexpression defines an immature‐like subgroup which is rescued through restoration of the PRC2 function in T‐cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Maciel Ana L. T. , Wolch Karolyne , Emerenciano Mariana , Mansur Marcela B.
Published: March 2022

CRLF2 overexpression has been described as a biomarker of poor prognosis in T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL). In the present study, we aimed to unravel the genomic profile underlying CRLF2 overexpression (CRLF2‐high) by analyzing RNA‐seq, WES, and SNP‐array data from 264 T‐ALL patients and five cell lines deposited on the TARGET initiative, Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia and Gene Expression Omnibus. These data allowed us to delineate the genomic landscape of CRLF2‐high in T‐ALL, which was associated with PTEN, JAK3, PHF6, EZH2, and RUNX1 mutations. We also observed an enrichment of CRLF2‐high in early T‐precursor (ETP)‐ALL (23.08% vs. 4.02%, P = 7.579e−06) and a very similar gene upregulation profile between these two entities. The inhibition of BET (iBET) proteins is a strategy previously demonstrated to reverse the gene upregulation pattern of ETP cells through restoration of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) activity. While CRLF2 expression was rescued by using this strategy in LOUCY (untreated vs. iBET P = 0.0095, DMSO vs. iBET P = 0.0286), a classical ETP‐ALL cell line, PRC2 loss was not sufficient to promote CRLF2 upregulation in JURKAT, a more mature T‐ALL cell line. Considering the role of IKZF1 in CRLF2 regulation and in recruitment of PCR2, we evaluated IKZF1 status according to CRLF2‐expression subgroups. We identified that IKZF1 transcripts with intron retention were upregulated in the CRLF2‐high subgroup. Here, we delineated the gene expression profile of CRLF2‐high T‐ALL samples and unraveled the crucial role of PRC2 in CRLF2 regulation in ETP‐ALL.
Three‐dimensional numerical study of heat transfer enhancement by sound waves using mesoscopic and macroscopic approaches
Authors: Benhamou Jaouad , Jami Mohammed
Published: March 2022

In this paper, a three‐dimensional (3D) numerical study of thermal convection and acoustic waves is presented using a hybrid method. This method consists of two computational approaches: the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) with multiple relaxation times for the study of the fluid behavior and the finite difference method (FDM) for the description of the thermal exchange. The two approaches have been validated by studying two benchmark problems reported in the literature. The LBM was validated by simulating the flow induced by a lid‐driven cavity. The FDM was checked by simulating natural convection in a differentially heated cubic cavity filled with air. After this validation, the main focus was on the study of enhancement of the heat transfer in a 3D cavity using a vibrating acoustic source. The numerical study is performed for different values of the wave amplitude, the Rayleigh number (), and the sound source size. It shows that the heat transfer is significantly improved for a low . However, for high values, natural convection cannot be neglected in front of forced convection. The transfer is also influenced by the variation of the source size. This allows obtaining the optimal size corresponding to the maximum heat exchange.
Evolution of consumer bankruptcy in Poland: A chance for a new life for insolvent debtors?
Authors: Maśnicka Monika , Kruczalak‐Jankowska Joanna
Published: March 2022

This article discusses the issue of the evolution of consumer bankruptcy in Poland which was introduced into Polish law in 2009. The authors explain why the legislator abstained from introducing consumer bankruptcy along with a huge reform of insolvency framework in 2003. They present different approaches of the legislator towards consumer bankruptcy – from a very restrictive one which excluded most consumers from bankruptcy proceedings to a liberal one that allows dishonest debtors to benefit from debt relief. Moreover, the influence of legislation regarding consumer bankruptcy on the effectiveness of insolvency courts is discussed. Each of the approaches caused certain problems in practice. Liberalization of the rules on consumer bankruptcy led to an increasing number of consumer bankruptcy cases which could be barely processed by insolvency courts to the detriment of commercial bankruptcies and restructurings. The authors present the latest change of the law regarding consumer insolvency which – due to its novelty – has not received enough attention yet. They also provide a preliminary assessment of the new rules, which they consider imperfect.
Gene signature of circulating platelet‐bound neutrophils is associated with poor prognosis in cancer patients
Authors: Lecot Pacôme , Ardin Maude , Dussurgey Sébastien , Alcazer Vincent , Moudombi Lyvia , Pereira Abrantes Manuela , Hubert Margaux , Swalduz Aurélie , Hernandez‐Vargas Hector , Viari Alain , Caux Christophe , Michallet Marie‐Cécile
Published: March 2022

Beyond their critical role in hemostasis, platelets physically interact with neutrophils to form neutrophil‐platelet aggregates (NPAs), enhancing neutrophil effector functions during inflammation. NPAs may also promote disease worsening in various inflammatory diseases. However, characterization of NPAs in cancer remains totally unexplored. Using ImageStreamX (ISX) imaging flow cytometer, we were not only allowed able to detect CD15+ CD14− CD36+ ITGA2B+ NPAs in both healthy donors' (HDs) and cancer patients' bloods, but we also showed that NPAs result from the binding of platelets preferentially to low‐density neutrophils (LDNs) as opposed to normal‐density neutrophils (NDNs). By reanalyzing two independent public scRNAseq data of whole blood leukocytes from cancer patients and HDs, we could identify a subset of neutrophils with high platelet gene expression that may correspond to NPAs. Moreover, we showed that cancer patients' derived NPAs possessed a distinct molecular signature compared to the other neutrophil subsets, independently of platelet genes. Gene ontology (GO) term enrichment analysis of this NPAs‐associated neutrophil transcriptomic signature revealed a significant enrichment of neutrophil degranulation, chemotaxis and trans‐endothelial migration GO terms. Lastly, using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we could show by multivariate Cox analysis that the NPAs‐associated neutrophil transcriptomic signature was associated with a worse patient prognosis in several cancer types. These results suggest that neutrophils from NPAs are systemically primed by platelets empowering them with cancer progression capacities once at tumor site. NPAs may therefore hold clinical utility as novel noninvasive blood prognostic biomarker in cancer patients with solid tumors.
Parallel‐Meta Suite: Interactive and rapid microbiome data analysis on multiple platforms
Authors: Chen Yuzhu , Li Jian , Zhang Yufeng , Zhang Mingqian , Sun Zheng , Jing Gongchao , Huang Shi , Su Xiaoquan
Published: March 2022

Massive microbiome sequencing data has been generated, which elucidates associations between microbes and their environmental phenotypes such as host health or ecosystem status. Outstanding bioinformatic tools are the basis to decipher the biological information hidden under microbiome data. However, most approaches placed difficulties on the accessibility to nonprofessional users. On the other side, the computing throughput has become a significant bottleneck of many analytical pipelines in processing large‐scale datasets. In this study, we introduce Parallel‐Meta Suite (PMS), an interactive software package for fast and comprehensive microbiome data analysis, visualization, and interpretation. It covers a wide array of functions for data preprocessing, statistics, visualization by state‐of‐the‐art algorithms in a user‐friendly graphical interface, which is accessible to diverse users. To meet the rapidly increasing computational demands, the entire procedure of PMS has been optimized by a parallel computing scheme, enabling the rapid processing of thousands of samples. PMS is compatible with multiple platforms, and an installer has been integrated for full‐automatic installation.
Inside Cover
Authors: Zhou Shun , Li Jiaji , Sun Jiasong , Zhou Ning , Chen Qian , Zuo Chao
Published: March 2022

Based on a bright‐field microscope with a programmable LED array light source, accelerated Fourier ptychographic diffraction tomography (aFPDT) technique employing a hybrid strategy of sparse annular and multiplexing illuminations was developed to achieve large field‐of‐view and high‐resolution 3D RI tomographic imaging. Compared with previous work, aFPDT enables the reducing of intensity data requirement by more than 40 times and to achieve computational acceleration of 3D tomographic reconstruction. aFPDT has the potential to advance its widespread applications in biomedicine.

Further details can be found in the article by Shun Zhou, Jiaji Li, Jiasong Sun, Ning Zhou, Qian Chen, and Chao Zuo (e202100272).

image
Wellness integration in professional counseling: A grounded theory
Authors: Long Susan M. , Clark Madeline , Reed Leah , Raghavan Ellise
Published: March 2022

Wellness is a central component of professional counseling. It is important that counselors are aware of and integrate wellness‐based strategies that support and optimize client's holistic well‐being. To date, there are no existing frameworks to guide the processes of wellness integration in counseling. The present study aimed to identify the specific processes and strategies used by 21 professional counselors who integrate wellness into clinical practice. Five main themes were identified: (a) assessment of wellness, (b) skills, (c), interventions, (d) barriers, and (e) advocacy.
Stigma, help‐seeking, and counseling with African American male college students
Authors: Shannon Jordan , Seward Derek X. , Liu Yanhong , Luke Melissa
Published: March 2022

The help‐seeking processes of college students can be impacted by aspects of public stigma, self‐stigma, and mental health literacy. The unique influences of these factors, however, have yet to be explored with African American male college students (AAMCS). Using a sample of 116 AAMCS, the researchers examined changes of variances in AAMCS’ help‐seeking intentions explained by public stigma, self‐stigma, mental health literacy, and self‐construal. Our hierarchical regression analyses revealed public stigma and self‐stigma to account for 13.7% (ΔR2 = 0.137) of variance in predicting help‐seeking intentions of AAMCS. Mental health literacy and self‐construal were not found to be statistically significant in their respective models. The overall hierarchical model accounted for 25.9% of variance in help‐seeking intentions of AAMCS. Implications for counseling practice and future research in help‐seeking are discussed.
Credit default swap and Japanese Government Bond markets under negative interest rate policy
Authors: Ito Takayasu
Published: March 2022

Structural changes have taken place in the markets of credit default swap (CDS) and Japanese Government Bond (JGB) after the Bank of Japan (BOJ) introduced yield curve control (YCC) under a negative interest rate policy. CDS and JGB markets were segmented before the introduction of YCC. Whether CDS markets function as insurance against the JGB market or cannot be confirmed because no causalities were found between CDS and JGB markets. However, they are integrated under a negative interest rate policy with YCC. The CDS market does not function as insurance because unilateral causalities from CDS to JGB markets were found. The purpose of YCC's introduction was an upward adjustment of the yield curve because the flattening of the yield curve damaged bank profits. A positive yield in a 10‐year JGB has become an incentive to investors. The markets of CDS and JGB have started to be integrated because JGB has regained a market and price discovery function with the introduction of YCC.
Partial geometric designs having circulant concurrence matrices
Authors: Song Sung‐Yell , Tranel Theodore
Published: March 2022

We classify small partial geometric designs (PGDs) by spectral characteristics of their concurrence matrices. It is well known that the concurrence matrix of a PGD can have at most three distinct eigenvalues, all of which are nonnegative integers. The matrix contains useful information on the incidence structure of the design. An ordinary 2‐ design has a single concurrence , and its concurrence matrix is circulant, a partial geometry has two concurrences 1 and 0, and a transversal design has two concurrences and 0, and its concurrence matrix is circulant. In this paper, we survey the known PGDs by highlighting their concurrences and constructions. Then we investigate which symmetric circulant matrices are realized as the concurrence matrices of PGDs. In particular, we try to give a list of all PGDs of order up to 12 each of which has a circulant concurrence matrix. We then describe these designs along with their combinatorial properties and constructions. This work is part of the second author's Ph.D. dissertation [46].
Paradoxical mortality of high estimated glomerular filtration rate reversed by 24‐h urine creatinine excretion rate adjustment: sarcopenia matters
Authors: Kao Pei‐Yu , Yeh Hung‐Chieh , Hsia Ying‐Fang , Hsiao Ya‐Luan , Wang Jie‐Sian , Chang David Ray , Chang Shih‐Ni , Chiang Hsiu‐Yin , Kuo Chin‐Chi
Published: March 2022

Background

Muscle wasting may explain the paradoxical mortality of patients with high estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) derived from equation methods. However, empirical evidence and solutions remain insufficient.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we compared the performance of equation methods for predicting all‐cause mortality; we used 24‐h creatinine clearance (24‐h CrCl), equation‐based eGFRs, and a new eGFR estimating equation weighting for population 24‐h urine creatinine excretion rate (U‐CER). From 2003 to 2018, we identified 4986 patients whose data constituted the first 24‐h CrCl measurement data in the Clinical Research Data Repository of China Medical University Hospital and were followed up for at least 5 years after careful exclusion. Three GFR estimation equations [the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD‐EPI), Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study, and Taiwanese MDRD], 24‐h CrCl, and 24‐h U‐CER–adjusted eGFR were used.

Results

A high correlation was observed among the eGFR levels derived from the equation methods (0.995–1.000); however, the correlation decreased to 0.895–0.914 when equation methods were compared with the 24‐h CrCl or 24‐h U‐CER–adjusted equation‐based eGFR. In the Bland–Altman plots, the average discrepancy between the equation methods and the 24‐h CrCl method was close to zero (maximal bias range: 5.12 for the Taiwanese MDRD equation vs. 24‐h CrCl), but the range in limit of agreement was wide, from ±43.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 for the CKD‐EPI equation to ±54.3 mL/min/1.73 m2 for the Taiwanese MDRD equation. A J‐shaped dose–response relationship was observed between all equation‐based eGFRs and all‐cause mortality. Only 24‐h CrCl exhibited a non‐linear negative dose–response relationship with all‐cause mortality. After adjustment for 24‐h U‐CER in the statistical model, the paradoxical increase in mortality risk for an eGFR of >90 mL/min/1.73 m2 returned to null. When 24‐h U‐CER was used directly to correct eGFR, the monotonic non‐linear negative relationship with all‐cause mortality was almost identical to that of 24‐h CrCl.

Conclusions

The 24‐h U‐CER–adjusted eGFR and 24‐h CrCl are viable options for informing mortality risk. The 24‐h U‐CER adjustment method can be practically implemented to eGFR‐based care and effectively mitigate the inherent confounding biases from individual's muscle mass amount due to both sex and racial differences.
Impact of biliary stenting in endoscopic ultrasound‐guided tissue acquisition among patients with pancreatic cancer
Authors: Constantinescu Alexandru , Plotogea Oana‐Mihaela , Stan‐Ilie Mădălina , Ciurea Tudorel , Gheonea Dan Ionut , Ungureanu Bogdan Silviu , Bălan Gheorghe , Rinja Ecaterina , Panic Nikola , Şandru Vasile , Constantinescu Gabriel
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Pancreatic malignancies represent highly fatal diseases with poor prognosis and constantly increasing incidence despite modern diagnostic and therapeutic options. Both endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are regarded as mainstays in pancreatic cancer management. The present study aims to evaluate whether accuracy EUS with fine‐needle aspiration or biopsy (FNA or FNB) in pancreatic cancer diagnosis is influenced by prior biliary stenting or by technical or anatomical features (stent type, number of needle passes, common bile duct or Wirsung's diameter, topographical characteristics and diameter of the pancreatic tumor).

Materials and methods

This retrospective study includes 243 patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent ERCP and EUS with fine‐needle aspiration or biopsy (FNA or FNB).

Results and discussion

Out of the total number of patients, 68 were stented prior to EUS. We found that the EUS‐FNA diagnostic yield is not influenced either by the presence of biliary stent, nor by the type of stent (plastic or metallic). Moreover, the mean needle passes required were similar for both stented patients and not stented ones.

Conclusions

Ultimately, given our results, we can state that EUS‐FNA/FNB can be safely and accurately performed in the presence of biliary stents.
Students’ and tutors’ perceptions of a deliberate simulated practice using patient‐specific virtual and three‐dimensional printed teeth models: A pilot study
Authors: Tricio Jorge A. , Kleiman Sofía E. , Eiriksson Vilborg I. , Vicuña Daniela P. , Cacciuttolo Franco R. , Jorquera Gilbert A. , Córdova Christian G. , Gualda José I. , Gutiérrez Mario F. , Villalón Pablo A. , Orsini César A.
Published: March 2022

Objective

This pilot study aimed to investigate the perceptions of dental students and their tutors of a deliberate simulated practice using patient‐specific virtual and three‐dimensional (3D) printed teeth models. This is before they perform their first indirect posterior tooth restoration on their patients.

Methods

Seventy‐eight fourth‐year dental students from the 2021 Comprehensive Clinic I course at the University of the Andes, Chile, were invited to participate in a deliberate practice protocol. This consisted of digitally scanning their patients’ teeth, printing the files three‐dimensionally, and loading them into a virtual reality (VR) dental simulator to create patient‐specific models. Subsequently, they practiced the same indirect posterior restorations on these models before performing them on their actual patients. Perceptions about students’ preparedness to perform tooth preparations before and after the protocol were collected from students and their tutors through surveys.

Results

Sixty‐three students (43 female) and six clinical tutors (all male) participated in the study. Before practicing with their patient‐specific models, most students believed they had the knowledge, practical skills, and self‐confidence to perform indirect restorations on their patients. However, after the protocol, most students thought their self‐confidence increased and felt better prepared to treat their patients. Most students preferred the 3D‐printed models over the VR models to practice but mentioned that it did not feel like drilling dental enamel. Tutors believed that participating students had higher self‐confidence when treating their patients and were more autonomous.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that students and clinical tutors had positive perceptions of practicing with patient‐specific virtual and 3D‐printed teeth models before students performed their first indirect restorations on their patients.
Effect of shift to virtual teaching on active learning: A snapshot
Authors: Dalal Ayushi R. , Joy‐Thomas Anita R. , Quock Ryan L.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Active learning engages students via interaction for deeper understanding and retention. A global pandemic resulted in an abrupt mid‐semester transition from in‐person to virtual learning. This study examined student reporting on active learning before and after this transition.

Methods

First‐year DDS candidates took an anonymous survey, reflecting on three Spring (January–April) 2020 courses (lecture‐style, small‐group case‐based, and pre‐clinical). Survey questions included: (1) basic demographics, (2) reporting frequency (1–Never, 2–Rarely, 3–Sometimes, 4–Often, 5–Always) of active learning elements from a pre‐set list before/after the shift to online learning, and (3) Likert‐style questions regarding effects on active learning and learning environment preference.

Results

The traditional lecture course manifested two active learning activities in the category Sometimes prior to the transition to virtual; one of those activities (question and answer) experienced the most significant difference (p < 0.0001) in frequency change. The small group, case‐based course incorporated nine activities in‐person in the category Sometimes; although small significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in frequency were noted for five of those activities between virtual and in‐person, these differences may have not have made a difference in practice. The pre‐clinical course incorporated four activities in the category Sometimes pre‐transition, with no significant differences detected in frequency. Students slightly leaned toward preferring in‐person for the small‐group and pre‐clinical courses, but had no preference for the traditional lecture course.

Conclusions

Course structure may correlate more with student experience of the frequency of active learning activities and preference for in‐person versus virtual environment than the environment itself.
Social recognition and short‐term memory in two taxa of striped mouse with differing social systems
Authors: Neves Candice N. , Pillay Neville
Published: March 2022

The ability to distinguish between familiar and strange conspecifics is important in group‐living animals and influences the types of interactions between conspecifics. Social systems differ in sister taxa of the striped mouse genusRhabdomysoriginating from different environments. Xeric‐adaptedR. pumiliodisplays facultative group‐living whereas the mesic‐adaptedR. d. chakaeis solitary. We assessed social recognition and attraction to strangers in females of two populations each ofR. pumilioandR. d. chakaeby means of a social discrimination task. We used a three‐chamber apparatus developed in an established protocol and measured the latency of test females to approach and the duration of their investigation of stimulus females. Differences in social recognition of and preference for unfamiliar conspecifics in group‐living and solitary‐living taxa occurred at the taxon‐level, even though constituent populations occurring kilometers apart showed similar responses. Females differed in the latency (testing phase) and duration of investigation (familiarization and testing phases) inter‐specifically but not intra‐specifically. FemaleR. pumilioapproached stimulus females faster than femaleR. d. chakae. FemaleR. pumilioalso investigated stimulus females for longer, regardless of stimulus type compared toR. d. chakae, but both taxa spent more time investigating familiar females than novel females and approached the familiar females faster than novel females. Social recognition, short‐term memory, and social preference do not appear to differ between closely related taxa and differences in behavior between the two taxa might be related to inherent personality and social proclivity.
Carvedilol versus propranolol in the prevention of variceal rebleeding in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis: Efficacy and safety
Authors: Razafindrazoto Chantelli Iamblaudiot , Razafindrabekoto Lova Dany Ella , Hasina Laingonirina Domoina Harivonjy , Raveloson Raveloson , Rasolonjatovo Anjaramalala Sitraka , Rakotozafindrabe Andry Lalaina Rinà , Rabenjanahary Tovo Harimanana , Razafimahefa Soloniaina Hélio , Ramanampamonjy Rado Manitrala
Published: March 2022

Background and Aim

Beta blockers combined with endoscopic variceal band ligation (EVL) is the most effective means for the prevention of variceal rebleeding. No data are available on the efficacy of carvedilol in the secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of carvedilol compared to propranolol as secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis.

Methods

This was a prospective, randomized study over a period of 14 months from February 2019 to March 2020. All patients with portal hypertension due to schistosomiasis with at least one episode of variceal bleeding were included and randomized to the propranolol and carvedilol groups. EVL protocol was continued in both groups.

Results

Sixty‐one patients were eligible and randomized to propranolol (n = 30) and carvedilol (n = 31) groups. There was no significant difference in hemorrhagic recurrence between the carvedilol (n = 1) and propranolol (n = 3) groups (3.33 vs 10%; P = 0.30). At 4 months, there was a significant reduction in mean arterial pressure (−4.13 mm Hg; 95% CI: −6.27 to −1.99; P < 0.05) and heart rate (−12.13 bpm; 95% CI: −13.92 to −10.35; P < 0.05) in the carvedilol group. There was no significant difference between the groups on the mean difference in arterial pressure. One patient in the carvedilol group had breathing difficulty. There were no adverse events in the propranolol group.

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in the efficacy between carvedilol and propranolol. Carvedilol may be an alternative to propranolol for secondary prophylaxis of variceal rebleeding in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis.
Low PrEP adherence despite high retention among transgender women in Brazil: the PrEParadas study
Authors: Jalil Emilia M. , Torres Thiago S. , Luz Paula M. , Monteiro Laylla , Moreira Ronaldo I. , de Castro Cristiane R. V. , Leite Iuri da C. , Cunha Marcello , de Cássia Elias Estrela Rita , Ramos Michelle , Hoagland Brenda , Wagner Cardoso Sandra , Anderson Peter , Veloso Valdilea G. , Wilson Erin , Grinsztejn Beatriz ,   for the PrEParadas Study Team
Published: March 2022

Introduction

We aimed to evaluate daily oral pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake, retention, and adherence and predictors of study non‐attendance and low PrEP adherence in a Brazilian trans‐specific 48‐week study (PrEParadas).

Methods

We enrolled transgender women (TGW) engaging in high‐risk sexual behaviours between August 2017 and December 2018. PrEP adherence was based on tenofovir diphosphate concentrations in dried blood spots (DBS). We used random effects logistic regression models and ordinal models to estimate the odds of having a missed visit and of low PrEP adherence, respectively. Multivariable models were adjusted for variables with p‐value<0.10 in the univariate analysis.

Results

From the 271 eligible, 130 participants were enrolled in the study (PrEP uptake: 48%), out of which 111 (85.4%) were retained at 48 weeks. Multivariable model for study non‐attendance included study visit, age, main sexual partner and stimulant use. The odds of missing a visit increased after the week 24. Participants aged 18–24 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 8.76, 95% CI: 2.09–36.7) and 25–34 years (aOR = 6.79, 95% CI: 1.72–26.8) compared to TGW aged 35+ years had significantly higher odds of having a missed visit. The odds of a missed visit were higher among participants reporting stimulant use (aOR = 4.99, 95% CI: 1.37–18.1) compared to no stimulant use. DBS levels at week 48 showed that 42 (38.5%), 14 (12.8%) and 53 (48.6%) of 109 participants had low, moderate and high PrEP adherence. Multivariable model for low PrEP adherence included study visit, age, schooling, race/colour, housing, binge drinking, stimulant use, feminizing hormone therapy (FHT) use and received text message. Low PrEP adherence was significantly higher among participants with less years of schooling (aOR = 6.71, 95% CI: 1.30–34.5) and had a borderline association with Black colour/race (aOR = 6.72, 95% CI: 0.94–47.8). Participants using the FHT available at the site had decreased odds of low PrEP adherence (aOR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.16–0.88). No participant seroconverted over the course of the study.

Conclusions

Although high PrEP retention can be achieved in a gender‐affirming setting, PrEP adherence may be an important challenge faced among TGW due to social disparities. The scale‐up of prevention tools like PrEP will have to address systemic social determinants as these stand as important barriers for TGW's access to health services.
Does cyberloafing and person‐organization fit affect employee performance? The mediating role of innovative work behavior
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Fajar Wahyudi , Kistyanto Anang , Surjanti Jun
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study is to find out whether cyberloafing and person‐organization fit has a positive effect on employee performance, and whether innovative work behavior plays a mediating role in this relationship. The study takes a quantitative approach using partial least squares structural equation modelling with data from 210 online questionnaires that were distributed to employees in the banking sector in Indonesia who had access to the internet at the workplace, and were allowed to use it for non‐work activities (i.e., cyberloafing). The study shows a positive relationship between innovative work behavior, and both cyberloafing and person‐organization fit. It also shows that innovative work behavior acts as a mediator between cyberloafing, person‐organization fit, and employee performance. The study advances the management literature by showing how cyberloafing and person‐organization fit influences employee performance through innovative work behavior, and provides new insights into the antecedents of cyberloafing. In addition, by clarifying the type of situations in which practitioners should adopt a positive or negative view towards cyberloafing, it provides guidance for those who wish to address the issue of cyberloafing and employee performance in their organization.
Exciton‐Like and Mid‐Gap Absorption Dynamics of PtS in Resonant and Transparent Regions
Authors: Huang Jiawei , Dong Ningning , McEvoy Niall , Wang Lei , Wang Hongqiang , Wang Jun
Published: March 2022

Two essential ranges of energy within and out of bandgap determine the global optical property of a general semiconductor. Here, exciton‐like inter‐sub‐band resonance absorption and optical bleaching of platinum sulfide (PtS) in the resonant region are found and investigated through the linear optical spectra and ultrafast transient absorption spectra. Besides, free‐carrier absorption and defect‐assisted Auger recombination in the transparent region are identified via the intensity‐ and temperature‐dependent pump–probe experiments. Good experimental and theorical agreements are obtained using the mid‐gap carrier‐capture model considering the complex optical conductivity based on the rate equations. This work facilitates further understanding of the ultrafast photoinduced carrier behavior in PtS, which provides the possibility for future applications in photoelectric devices.
An Intelligent Programmable Omni‐Metasurface
Authors: Hu Qi , Zhao Jianmin , Chen Ke , Qu Kai , Yang Weixu , Zhao Junming , Jiang Tian , Feng Yijun
Published: March 2022

Reconfigurable metasurfaces have emerged as a versatile platform for reshaping the wireless environment into a desirable form at low cost. Despite the rapid growth, most of the existing metasurfaces only support reflection operation or transmission operation, only providing service coverage of backward or forward half‐space when they are used for wireless communications. Here, an intelligent programmable omni‐metasurface integrating reflection mode, transmission mode, and duplex mode of simultaneous reflection and transmission modes in the same polarization and frequency channel is proposed, capable of providing ubiquitous full‐space service coverage for multiuser wireless communication applications. As exemplary demonstrations, a series of dynamic functionalities have been realized, including twin‐beam scanning in reflection mode, twin‐beam scanning in transmission mode, and identical/distinct dynamic beams for both forward and backward half‐spaces in duplex mode, which are customized for signal reflection, transmission, and simultaneous symmetric/asymmetric reflection and transmission in wireless communication scenarios. The proposed tunable omni‐metasurface provides a new method for full‐space wave manipulation, which may offer untapped potentials for real‐time, fast, and sophisticated wave control in applications such as miniaturized systems, integrated photonics, and intelligent communications.
Morphological Diversity from the Solution Self‐Assembly of Block Copolymer Blends Containing High Molecular‐Weight Hydrophobic Blocks
Authors: Lee Soo Jeong , Cho Arah , Kim Kyoung Taek
Published: March 2022

Self‐assembled structures of high molecular‐weight block copolymers (BCPs) can prematurely settle to local energy minima without reaching a time‐averaged equilibrium, resulting in the emergence of intriguing morphologies, such as 3D micellar networks. This nonergodic behavior is evident in binary blends of BCPs with different molecular weights. This study reports the solution self‐assembly of the blends of two branched‐linear BCPs with similar block chemistries but different molecular weights of the hydrophobic blocks. A progressive transition of morphologies from hexosomes and cubosomes to 3D micellar networks, short cylinders, and spherical micelles is demonstrated, which is driven by the increase in the composition of low‐molecular‐weight BCP in the blend. The labeling of the micellar networks using Au nanoparticles confirms that lower molecular‐weight BCP concentrates at the surface of micellar networks.
On dynamics of stochastic avian influenza model with asymptomatic carrier using spectral method
Authors: Ali Asad , Khan Sami Ullah , Ali Ishtiaq , Khan Farman Ullah
Published: March 2022

In ecosystem, the most critical issue is the extinction and persistence of population. For this reason, various deterministic and stochastic models have been studied in the past decades. However, the effect of transitions which is caused by either internal or external environmental noise has given less attention. In this work, we introduce a robust and an efficient numerical scheme based on Legendre spectral collocation method (LSCM) to explore the asymptomatic behavior of stochastic influenza avian model. We consider the model in which both birds and human population are exposed class, while for the human population, the asymptomatic class is also considered, taking into account that the asymptomatic human beings may get re‐infected and migrate to symptomatic class. A fragmented treatment gives more consideration as they relocate symptomatic individuals towards the asymptomatic class. A generation approach is utilized to figure out the essential propagation number (called reproduction number) denoted by R0. For R0 < 1, the system is asymptotically stable locally and has an ailment disease free equilibrium (DFE) and may have up to five endemic equilibria. Our simulations results recommend that the pace of complete predominance of influenza will be high, if all the individuals show symptoms upon infection and experience a deficient treatment. Further, the predominance pace of influenza is low, if all the individuals first move to symptomatic class and then treated effectively. An average rate of total prevalence is secured when more individuals upon disease move towards asymptomatic class. Our numerical simulations justified the theoretical results.
Milk‐Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles Promote Recovery of Intestinal Damage by Accelerating Intestinal Stem Cell‐Mediated Epithelial Regeneration
Authors: Lin Yingying , Lu Yao , Huang Ziyu , Wang Yuqi , Song Sijia , Luo Yujia , Ren Fazheng , Guo Huiyuan
Published: March 2022

Scope

Milk‐derived small extracellular vesicles (M‐sEVs) are critical bioactive components in milk. They are considered to be regulators in milk that may have promising applications. Understanding their biological effects would be important in nutrition. Intestinal organoids and mice are used to explore the effects of M‐sEVs on intestinal regeneration.

Methods and results

M‐sEVs could be absorbed by intestinal epithelia and upregulate expression of the microRNAs (miRNAs) expressed in milk: miR‐148a, miR‐22, miR‐30, and miR‐29a. Interestingly, M‐sEVs promote proliferation of intestinal epithelia and repairs the epithelial damage that is caused by tumor necrosis factor‐α in intestinal organoids. M‐sEVs ameliorate intestinal mucosa damage in mice caused by treatment with dextran sulfate sodium, as well as increasing expression of the intestinal stem cells (ISC) markers leucine‐rich repeat containing G‐protein‐coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5), olfactomedin 4 (Olfm4), and Achaete‐Scute Family BHLH Transcription Factor 2 (Ascl2) and stimulating intestinal epithelial proliferation to repair epithelial damage. Furthermore, miR‐29 is more abundant in M‐sEVs‐treated mice, and miR‐29 could upregulate expression of ISC marker genes and accelerates intestinal regeneration to recover damaged intestinal epithelia.

Conclusions

We reveal that M‐sEVs and miR‐29 can accelerate intestinal stem cell‐mediated epithelial regeneration and repair epithelial damage.
SABRE hyperpolarized anticancer agents for use in 1H MRI
Authors: Fear Elizabeth J. , Kennerley Aneurin J. , Rayner Peter J. , Norcott Philip , Roy Soumya S. , Duckett Simon B.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Enabling drug tracking (distribution/specific pathways) with magnetic resonance spectroscopy requires manipulation (via hyperpolarization) of spin state populations and targets with sufficiently long magnetic lifetimes to give the largest possible window of observation. Here, we demonstrate how the proton resonances of a group of thienopyridazines (with known anticancer properties), can be amplified using the para‐hydrogen (p‐H2) based signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) hyperpolarization technique.

Methods

Thienopyridazine isomers, including a 2H version, were synthesized in house. Iridium‐based catalysts dissolved in a methanol‐d4 solvent facilitated polarization transfer from p‐H2 gas to the target thienopyridazines. Subsequent SABRE 1H responses of hyperpolarized thienopyridazines were completed (400 MHz NMR). Pseudo‐singlet state approaches were deployed to extend magnetic state lifetimes. Proof of principle spectral‐spatial images were acquired across a range of field strengths (7T‐9.4T MRI).

Results

1H‐NMR signal enhancements of −10,130‐fold at 9.4T (~33% polarization) were achieved on thieno[2,3‐d]pyridazine (T[2,3‐d]P), using SABRE under optimal mixing/field transfer conditions. 1H T1 lifetimes for the thienopyridazines were ~18‐50 s. Long‐lived state approaches extended the magnetic lifetime of target proton sites in T[2,3‐d]P from an average of 25‐40 seconds. Enhanced in vitro imaging (spatial and chemical shift based) of target T[2,3‐d]P was demonstrated.

Conclusion

Here, we demonstrate the power of SABRE to deliver a fast and cost‐effective route to hyperpolarization of important chemical motifs of anticancer agents. The SABRE approach outlined here lays the foundations for realizing continuous flow, hyperpolarized tracking of drug delivery/pathways.
Delivery and actuation of aerosolized microbots
Authors: Zimmermann Coy J. , Schraeder Tyler , Reynolds Brandon , DeBoer Emily M. , Neeves Keith B. , Marr David W.M.
Published: March 2022

For disease of the lung, the physical key to effective inhalation‐based therapy is size; too large (10′s of µm) and the particles or droplets do not remain suspended in air to reach deep within the lungs, too small (subµm) and they are simply exhaled without deposition. Bots within this ideal low‐µm size range however are challenging to fabricate and would lead to devices that lack the speed and power necessary for performing work throughout the pulmonary network. To uncouple size from structure and function, here we demonstrate an approach where individual building blocks are aerosolized and subsequently assembled in situ into bots capable of translation, drug delivery, and mechanical work deep within lung mimics. With this strategy, a variety of pulmonary diseases previously difficult to treat may now be receptive to bot‐based therapies.