bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal Variation of Temperature Inversions and their Effect on Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Concentrations in a Vietnamese Metropolis
Authors: Nguyen Tuyet Nam Thi , Bao Pham The , Nguyen Minh Thu Thi
Published: December 2022

This study aims to investigate the temporal variation of temperature inversions, including inversion frequency and inversion strength, in Ho Chi Minh City (HCM), a metropolis of Vietnam. The effect of the temperature inversions on PM2.5 concentrations in the dry and rainy seasons of HCM City was also identified. The results revealed that the surface inversions, which are temperature inversions below 300 m, were more frequent at 12Z (7 PM local time) in the rainy season. In addition, the stronger inversions were found in the dry season, when the higher PM2.5 concentrations were also observed, suggesting an influence of the temperature inversions on an increase in PM2.5 concentrations. This suggestion was also supported by the significantly positive correlation between PM2.5 concentrations and inversion frequency in the dry season. However, the temperature inversions were believed to have a minor effect on the PM2.5 concentrations in the rainy season since no significant correlation between the PM2.5 concentrations and inversion frequency or strength was found for this season. The findings of this study contribute to understanding of the temperature inversions and their effect on PM2.5 concentrations in a metropolis of Vietnam, a developing country in Southeast Asia. Based on these results, solutions for reducing the PM2.5 pollution in the study area can be obtained.
Remdesivir for the Treatment of COVID-19, its Safety and Clinical Effectiveness: A Clinical Review
Authors: Cuthrell Kimberly Morton , Batool Saima , Khurshid Tayyab
Published: December 2022

Remdesivir is a nucleotide analog pro-drug and antiviral medicine with broad spectrum effectiveness against viruses from several families. After exhibiting strong antiviral activity against coronaviruses in preclinical studies, remdesivir was approved as a specific drug for the treatment of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which was caused by the infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) during the current global pandemic. The Remdesivir COVID-19 phase III evaluation began in early 2020, and preliminary findings are promising. For people with severe COVID-19, Taiwan temporarily approved the use of Remdesivir in late May 2020. The approval was quickly followed by a number of conditional permits in many countries/regions, including the United States of America (USA) and Canada. Remdesivir had already been granted emergency use authorization in the USA on May 1, 2020 and special authorization for emergency use in Japan on May 7, 2020. This article provides a summary of remdesivir's development and the significant events that led to its initial conditional approval for the treatment of COVID-19.
Plants Utilized for Folk Medicine in Pambujan, Northern Samar, Philippines
Authors: U. Flores Jr. Abel Alejandro , Sagonoy Maricris L.
Published: December 2022

This study, focused on the use of plants in folk healing practices and its economic uses, was conducted in isolated areas of Pambujan, Northern Samar, particularly Barangays Don Sixto Balanquit, Sr., Inanahawan, Senonogan, Igot, and Cagbigajo during the months of July to September, 2021. Environmental conditions such as habitat type, vegetation, air temperature, soil temperature, soil pH, and elevation were also gathered. Purposive sampling was done, together with the collection of specimens for herbarium preparation, and gathering data on the environmental factors. Interviews with respondents were done to know the local names and economic uses of each specimen. Sixty-seven (67) species of medicinal plants were found to be present and collected in the study area. In Barangay Don Sixto Balanquit, Sr., all 67 representative species were collected, while 48 species were collected in Barangay Inanahawan, 26 species in Barangay Igot, 59 species in Barangay Cagbigajo, and 32 representative species were collected in Barangay Senonogan. These results imply that there is a diversity of plant species utilized for folk medicine in the study area. Economically, plants in the study area were utilized mainly for human consumption as food, furniture, building and construction, livestock feed, forage, and for medicinal purposes. Observation and measurements made on the environmental conditions in the study area show that they are optimal for the growth of these economically important plants. On the basis of this research it was concluded that the conservation of these plant resources alongside the encouragement of indigenous folk healing practices for the benefit of the residents in isolated areas of Pambujan, Northern Samar. Similarly, further studies be done to document other plant species with potential medicinal applications.
Impacts of Climate Change on Agroclimatic Indicators in West Africa: Case Study of the N’zi (Bandama) Watershed in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Kouassi Amani Michel , Gnangouin Asaph Yahot Joël , Abdoul-Karim Nassa Relwindé , Khadara Diarrassouba
Published: December 2022

In a context of climate change observed in West Africa for several decades, knowledge of agroclimatic indices is essential in order to analyze and predict the potential impacts of climate change on agriculture with a view to adaptation. This study aims to analyze the impacts of climate change on agroclimatic indicators such as agricultural humidity index, agricultural water stress index and agricultural water need satisfaction index within the main Ivorian climatic regimes across the N'zi (Bandama) watershed. The study was based on an interannual analysis of the agroclimatic indicators selected for the vegetative period in general and the spring and summer periods in particular, during the current normal reference period (1991-2020). The interannual analysis showed that the potential evapotranspiration (PET) observed over the whole of the current normal reference period 1991-2020 during the vegetative period as well as during the spring and summer periods, experienced an increase over all the climatic zones with the pre-eminence of the spring period over the summer period. However, the actual evapotranspiration (AET), although characterized by a general upward trend regardless of the climatic zone, sometimes experiences divergent trends in the PET. The interannual evolution of the water balance expressed by the water humidity index during the different cropping periods highlights a predominance of deficit years. The N'zi watershed was marked by water stress varying between the low level and the high level during the period 1991-2020. A deterioration in the rate of satisfaction of agricultural water needs was also highlighted, going from a very satisfactory level to a weakly satisfactory level. However, the evolution of agroclimatic indicators differs according to climatic zones and cropping seasons (crop season, spring and summer). The results obtained constitute a series of important indicators for the economic development of a country with an agricultural vocation such as Côte d'Ivoire. The study of the evolution of these indicators on a seasonal scale would constitute a metric for an analysis in the short (horizon 2030), medium (horizon 2050) and long term (horizon 2100) and will provide information on risks and/or opportunities for the development of certain crops (cereals, etc.).
Pathogenicity of Fungi Isolated from Spoilt Sweet Oranges (Citrus sinensis) and from the Air in the Environment of the Orange Section of the Gamboru Market in Maiduguri, Nigeria
Authors: Oyekemi Akinmusire, Olubamise , Ofon-Mbuk Divine-Anthony
Published: December 2022

Aim: Though Oranges are very important crops for man both economically and in terms of nutrition, they have a short life span due to poor handling during harvesting, transporting, and storage. The ubiquitous nature of fungi makes them ready contaminants for these oranges especially when their skin is broken. The aim of this study is to isolate, identify and determine the pathogenicity of fungi responsible for spoilage in sweet oranges and investigate the presence of fungi in the air of the environment where these oranges are sold.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology Faculty of Science University of Maiduguri between September and October 2020.

Methodology: A total of 100 samples of ripe oranges with signs of spoilage (n=100) were collected randomly from 10 selling points in the Gamboru fruit market in Maiduguri, Borno state of Nigeria, and analyzed for fungal isolates using morphometric techniques. Two mycological media Potato Dextrose Agar and Malt Extract Agar (PDA and MEA) were used for isolation, by deploying direct plating method. Petri dishes containing prepared PDA and MEA were also exposed to the air in the shops for some minutes. Morphometric analysis was carried out to identify the fungal isolates using macroscopic and microscopic observed features. Pathogenicity tests were carried out to ascertain the ability of these isolates to cause spoilage.

Results: The results of the morphometric characterization revealed the presence of seven (Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium oxalicum, Rhizopus oryzae, Cladiosporium sphaerospermum and Scopulariopsis brevicaulis) different fungi from the air and from the deteriorating oranges. Four of the isolates which were also positive for pathogenicity and observed to be responsible for causing spoilage in the oranges were also found to be the same as those isolated from the air, while three other organisms isolated from the air in the sales environment were not isolated from the spoilt oranges. Penicillium oxalicum was isolated from 41% of the oranges making it the most predominant organism causing spoilage in the oranges while Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated from only 10% of the samples.

Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that fungal contaminants were responsible for the spoilage of oranges in this market and many of them were present in the air in the shops where these oranges were sold and stored leading to serious economic losses for both farmers and consumers.
Evaluation of Holmium (YAG)-Laser Transuretheral En bloc Resection in Patients with Primary Non-muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Habib George Habib Younan , Abo-Farha Mohammed Osama , Radwan Mohamed Hassan , Elbendary Mohamed Ahmed
Published: December 2022

Background: TURBT is the gold standard treatment for NMIBC. Lasers have been introduced as a minimally invasive option to decrease complication. Holmium and the 2-μm laser TURBT are the most frequently applied lasers in TURBT.

The aim of this work was to evaluate Holmium Laser en bloc transurethral resection of bladder tumor (eTURBT) technique in resection of a primary bladder mass in terms of efficacy (Complete resection of the mass, histopathological staging and grading) and safety (operation time, blood loss, bladder perforation) and oncological outcomes (recurrence and progression).

Methods: This pilot study included 40 patients with primary bladder mass scheduled for endourological staging procedure with primary solitary mass does not exceed 3 cm in largest dimension and two masses each of them isn't more than 2 cm in maximum diameter. Resection was done enbloc by karl storz 26fr resctoscope and using VersaPulse holmium(YAG) laser by lumenis.

Results: Operative time had a mean ± SD of (37.01 ±5.50) min. The average enucleation time had a mean ± SD of (23.11± 6.26) min. blood loss had a mean ± SD of (0.3 ± 0.57). There was no need for blood transfusion at all. Bladder perforation occurred in only one case. Obturator jerk did not occur at all. Postoperative irrigation was indicated in only five cases (12.5%) with a mean ± SD was (1.21±3.32) hours. Postoperative urethral catheter time had mean ± SD was (28.38 ±9.22) hours.  Postoperative hospital stay ranged between 1-3 day.  In histopathological examination, All included cases revealed TCC, low grade in 19 patients (47.5%) and high grade in 21 patients (52.5%). All specimens contained bladder detrusor muscle, the pathological staging was pTa in 14 patients (35%), pT1 in 22 patients (55%) and pT2a in 4 patients (10%).

Conclusions: Holmium laser transurethral en-bloc TURBT is an effective, feasible, and safe procedure for managing NMIBC, as it preserves the entire lamina propria and detrusor muscle in well-intact specimens which lowers recurrence and progression and decreases the need for a second look TURBT.
The Development of Rule-based AI Engagement Model for Air-to-Air Combat Simulation
Authors: Lee Minseok , Oh Jihyun , Kim Cheonyoung , Bae Jungho , Kim Yongduk , Jee Cheolkyu
Published: December 2022

Since the concept of Manned-UnManned Teaming(MUM-T) and Unmanned Aircraft System(UAS) can efficiently respond to rapidly changing battle space, many studies are being conducted as key components of the mosaic warfare environment. In this paper, we propose a rule-based AI engagement model based on Basic Fighter Maneuver(BFM) capable of Within-Visual-Range(WVR) air-to-air combat and a simulation environment in which human pilots can participate. In order to develop a rule-based AI engagement model that can pilot a fighter with a 6-DOF dynamics model, tactical manuals and human pilot experience were configured as knowledge specifications and modeled as a behavior tree structure. Based on this, we improved the shortcomings of existing air combat models. The proposed model not only showed a 100 % winning rate in engagement with human pilots, but also visualized decision-making processes such as tactical situations and maneuvering behaviors in real time. We expect that the results of this research will serve as a basis for development of various AI-based engagement models and simulators for human pilot training and embedded software test platform for fighter.
A Volatile Solid Additive Enables Oligothiophene All‐Small‐Molecule Organic Solar Cells with Excellent Commercial Viability
Authors: Hu Dingqin , Tang Hua , Karuthedath Safakath , Chen Qianqian , Chen Si , Khan Jafar I. , Liu Heng , Yang Qianguang , Gorenflot Julien , Petoukhoff Christopher E. , Duan Tainan , Lu Xinhui , Laquai Frédéric , Lu Shirong
Published: December 2022

The commercial viability of all‐small‐molecule (ASM) organic solar cells (OSCs) requires high efficiency, long‐term stability, and low‐cost production. However, satisfying all these factors at the same time remains highly challenging. Herein, a volatile solid additive, namely, 1,8‐dichloronaphthalene (DCN) is demonstrated to simultaneously enhance the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and the storage, thermal as well as photo stabilities of oligothiophene ASM‐OSCs with concise and low‐cost syntheses. The improved PCEs are mainly due to the DCN‐induced morphology control with improved exciton dissociation and reduced non‐geminate recombination. Notably, the PCE of 16.0% stands as the best value for oligothiophene ASM‐OSCs and is among the top values for all types of binary ASM‐OSCs. In addition, devices incorporating DCN have shown remarkable long‐term stability, retaining over 90% of their initial PCE after dark storage aging of 3000 h and thermal or light stressing of 500 h. The findings demonstrate that the volatile‐solid‐additive strategy can be a simple yet effective method of delivering highly efficient and stable oligothiophene ASM‐OSCs with excellent commercial viability.
Toward Plasmonic Neural Probes: SERS Detection of Neurotransmitters through Gold‐Nanoislands‐Decorated Tapered Optical Fibers with Sub‐10 nm Gaps
Authors: Zheng Di , Pisano Filippo , Collard Liam , Balena Antonio , Pisanello Marco , Spagnolo Barbara , Mach‐Batlle Rosa , Tantussi Francesco , Carbone Luigi , De Angelis Francesco , Valiente Manuel , de la Prida Liset M. , Ciracì Cristian , De Vittorio Massimo , Pisanello Ferruccio
Published: December 2022

Integration of plasmonic nanostructures with fiber‐optics‐based neural probes enables label‐free detection of molecular fingerprints via surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), and it represents a fascinating technological horizon to investigate brain function. However, developing neuroplasmonic probes that can interface with deep brain regions with minimal invasiveness while providing the sensitivity to detect biomolecular signatures in a physiological environment is challenging, in particular because the same waveguide must be employed for both delivering excitation light and collecting the resulting scattered photons. Here, a SERS‐active neural probe based on a tapered optical fiber (TF) decorated with gold nanoislands (NIs) that can detect neurotransmitters down to the micromolar range is presented. To do this, a novel, nonplanar repeated dewetting technique to fabricate gold NIs with sub‐10 nm gaps, uniformly distributed on the wide (square millimeter scale in surface area), highly curved surface of TF is developed. It is experimentally and numerically shown that the amplified broadband near‐field enhancement of the high‐density NIs layer allows for achieving a limit of detection in aqueous solution of 10−7 m for rhodamine 6G and 10−5 m for serotonin and dopamine through SERS at near‐infrared wavelengths. The NIs‐TF technology is envisioned as a first step toward the unexplored frontier of in vivo label‐free plasmonic neural interfaces.
Optimization of Non‐Pyrolyzed Lignin Electrodes for Sustainable Batteries
Authors: Ail Ujwala , Nilsson Jakob , Jansson Mattias , Buyanova Irina A. , Wu Zhixing , Björk Emma , Berggren Magnus , Crispin Xavier
Published: December 2022

Lignin, a byproduct from the pulp industry, is one of the redox active biopolymers being investigated as a component in the electrodes for sustainable energy storage applications. Due to its insulating nature, it needs to be combined with a conductor such as carbon or conducting polymer for efficient charge storage. Herein, the lignin/carbon composite electrodes manufactured via mechanical milling (ball milling) are reported. The composite formation, correlation between performance and morphology is studied by comparison with manual mixing and jet milling. Superior charge storage capacity with ≈70% of the total contribution from the Faradaic process involving the redox functionality of lignin is observed in a mechanically milled composite. In comparison, manual mix shows only ≈30% from the lignin storage participation while the rest is due to the electric double layer at the carbon–electrolyte interface. The significant participation of lignin in the ball milled composite is attributed to the homogeneous, intimate mixing of the carbon and the lignin leading the electronic carrier transported in the carbon phase to reach most of the redox group of lignin. A maximum capacity of 49 mAh g−1 is obtained at charge/discharge rate of 0.25 A g−1 for the sample milled for 60 min.
Silencing of IRF8 Mediated by m6A Modification Promotes the Progression of T‐Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Zhou Ying , Ji Min , Xia Yuan , Han Xiaoyu , Li Mingying , Li Wei , Sun Tao , Zhang Jingru , Lu Fei , Sun Yanping , Liu Na , Li Jingxin , Ma Daoxin , Ye Jingjing , Ji Chunyan
Published: December 2022

T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL) is an aggressive hematological malignancy with a poor prognosis, urging for novel therapeutic targets and treatment strategies. N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) is a crucial methylation modification that affects the pathogenesis of leukemia by regulating the mRNA of key genes. Interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) is a crucial transcription factor for hematological lineage commitment, but its role in T‐ALL is unclear. Here, IRF8 is shown to suppress T‐ALL. The expression of IRF8 is abnormally silenced in patients with T‐ALL. Knockout of Irf8 significantly hastens the progression of Notch1‐induced T‐ALL in vivo. Overexpression of IRF8 suppresses the proliferation and invasion of T‐ALL cells by inhibiting the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/AKT signaling pathway. The fat mass‐ and obesity‐associated protein (FTO), an m6A demethylase, is responsible for directly binding to m6A sites in 3′ untranslated region of IRF8 messenger RNA (mRNA) and inducing mRNA degradation via m6A modification. Targeting the FTO‐IRF8 axis is used as a proof of concept therapy; inhibition of FTO's demethylase activity drastically alleviates the proliferation of leukemic cells and prolongs the survival of T‐ALL mice by restoring IRF8 expression. This study elucidates the pathogenesis of T‐ALL from the perspective of epitranscriptomics and provides new insight into the genetic mechanisms and targeted therapy of T‐ALL.
Charge‐Polarized Selenium Vacancy in Nickel Diselenide Enabling Efficient and Stable Electrocatalytic Conversion of Oxygen to Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Wang Yingming , Huang Hui , Wu Jie , Yang Hongyuan , Kang Zhenhui , Liu Yang , Wang Zhaowu , Menezes Prashanth W. , Chen Ziliang
Published: December 2022

Vacancy engineering is deemed as one of the powerful protocols to tune the catalytic activity of electrocatalysts. Herein, Se‐vacancy with charge polarization is created in the NiSe2 structure (NiSe2‐VSe) via a sequential phase conversion strategy. By a combined analysis of the Rietveld method, transient photovoltage spectra (TPV), in situ Raman and density functional theory (DFT) calculation, it is unequivocally discovered that the presence of charge‐polarized Se‐vacancy is beneficial for stabilizing the structure, decreasing the electron transfer kinetics, as well as optimizing the free adsorption energy of reaction intermediate during two‐electron oxygen reduction reaction (2e− ORR). Benefiting from these merits, the as‐prepared NiSe2‐VSe delivered the highest selectivity of 96% toward H2O2 in alkaline media, together with a selectivity higher than 90% over the wide potential range from 0.25 to 0.55 V, ranking it in the top level among the previously reported transition metal‐based electrocatalysts. Most notably, it also displayed admirable stability with only a slight selectivity decay after 5000 cycles of accelerated degradation test (ADT).
Clinically diverse and perinatally lethal syndromes with urorectal septum malformation sequence
Authors: Nayak Shalini S. , Harkness Robert , Shukla Anju , Banka Siddharth , Newman William G. , Girisha Katta M.
Published: December 2022

Urorectal septum malformation sequence (URSMS) is characterized by a spectrum of anomalies of the urogenital system, hindgut and perineum. It is presumed to be a constellation of an embryonic defect. Herein, we analyzed the clinically diverse syndromes associated with URSMS in our perinatal evaluation unit. We reviewed fetuses with URSMS in referrals for perinatal autopsy over a period of 3 years. Chromosomal microarray and genome sequencing were performed whenever feasible. Literature was reviewed for syndromes or malformations with URSMS. We ascertained URSMS in 12 of the 215 (5%) fetuses. Nine fetuses (75%) had complete URSMS and remainder had partial/intermediate URSMS. Eleven fetuses had malformations of other systems that included: cerebral ventriculomegaly; right aortic arch with double outlet right ventricle; microcephaly with fetal akinesia deformation sequence; ventricular septal defect and radial ray anomaly; thoraco‐abdominoschisis and limb defects; myelomeningocele; spina bifida and fused iliac bones; omphalocele; occipital encephalocele; lower limb amelia and cleft foot. We report on six fetuses with recurrent and five fetuses with unique malformations/patterns where URSMS is a component. Exome sequencing (one family) and genome sequencing (eight families) were performed and were nondiagnostic. Additionally, we review the literature for genetic basis of this condition. URMS is a clinically heterogeneous condition and is a component of several multiple malformation syndromes. We describe several unique and recurrent malformations associated with URSMS.
Potable Reuse and PFAS
Authors: deSilva Viraj , Rutkauskas Justas
Published: December 2022

Key Takeaways

Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are concerns in water sources because of their potential health effects, widespread detection, and environmental persistence.

Potable reuse guidelines and regulations often include monitoring requirements for contaminants of emerging concern.

Advanced water treatment technologies used in potable reuse, primarily reverse osmosis and granular activated carbon, are effective at removing PFAS.

Regulatory frameworks for potable reuse and PFAS management are evolving at the same time; each framework needs to consider aspects of the other.
Promoting cell growth and characterizing partial symbiotic relationships in the co‐cultivation of green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Escherichia coli
Authors: Yamada Ryosuke , Yokota Moe , Matsumoto Takuya , Hankamer Ben , Ogino Hiroyasu
Published: December 2022

Background

By co‐culturing selected microalgae and heterotrophic microorganisms, the growth rate of microalgae can be improved even under atmospheric conditions with a low CO2 concentration. However, the detailed mechanism of improvement of proliferative capacity by co‐culture has not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated changes in the proliferative capacity of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii by co‐culturing with Escherichia coli.

Main Methods and Major Results

In the co‐culture, the number of C. reinhardtii cells reached 2.22 × 1010 cell/L on day 14 of culture. This was about 1.9 times the number of cells (1.16 × 1010 cell/L) on day 14 compared to C. reinhardtii cells in monoculture. The starch content per cell in the co‐culture of C. reinhardtii and E. coli on the 14th day (2.09 × 10−11 g/cell) was 1.3 times higher than that in the C. reinhardtii monoculture (1.59 × 10−11 g/cell), and the starch content per culture medium improved 2.5 times with co‐cultivation. By analyzing the gene transcription profiles and key media components, we clarified that E. coli produced CO2 from the organic carbon in the medium and the organic carbon produced by photosynthesis of C. reinhardtii, and this CO2 likely enhanced the growth of C. reinhardtii.

Conclusions

Consequently, E. coli plays a key role in promoting the growth of C. reinhardtii as well as the accumulation of starch which is a valuable intermediate for the production of a range of useful chemicals from CO2.
Apilimod enhances specific productivity in recombinant CHO cells through cell cycle arrest and mediation of autophagy
Authors: Lu Jiang‐Tao , Xiao Meng‐Ke , Feng Ying‐Ying , Wang Xiao‐Yin , Qiu Le‐Le , Chai Yu‐Rong , Wang Tian‐Yun , Jia Yan‐Long
Published: December 2022

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are expected to acquire the ability to produce higher recombinant therapeutic protein levels using various strategies. Genetic engineering targeting the cell cycle and autophagy pathways in the regulation of cell death in CHO cell cultures has received attention for enhancing the production of therapeutic proteins. In this study, we examined the small‐molecule compound apilimod, which was found to have a positive influence on recombinant protein expression in CHO cells. This was confirmed by selective blocking of the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase. Apilimod treatment resulted in decreased expression of cyclin‐dependent kinase 3 (CDK3) and Cyclin C and increased expression of cyclin‐dependent kinase suppressor p27Kip1, which are critical regulators of G1 cell cycle progression and important targets controlling cell proliferation. Furthermore, total transcription factor EB (TFEB) was lower in apilimod‐treated CHO cells than in control cells, resulting in decreased lysosome biogenesis and autophagy with apilimod treatment. These multiple effects demonstrate the potential of apilimod for development as a novel enhancer for the production of recombinant proteins in CHO cell engineering.
Causal relationship between 14 site‐specific cancers and venous thromboembolism
Authors: Chen Xiong , Hong Xiaosi , Luo Shulu , Cai Jiahao , Huang Guiwu , Shen Runnan , Lv Lin , Bai Gaochen , Fu Wen , Yan Li , Liu Guochang , Huang Kai , Chen Qinchang
Published: December 2022

Background

It has been observed that cancer and venous thromboembolism (VTE) are associated, but anticancer therapy may violate the causality. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate the causal relationship of various cancers to VTE using Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

Three MR methods were used to estimate causal effects: Inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR‐Egger and weighted median. Sensitivity analyses included Cochran's Q‐test, MR‐Egger intercept test and MR‐PRESSO. Gene ontology enrichment analysis was performed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of VTE development in cancer patients.

Results

The primary IVW approach showed that non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) might increase the risk of VTE (odds ratio [OR]: 1.20, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.00–1.44, p = 0.045), while melanoma possibly reduced the risk of VTE (OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.82–0.97, p = 0.006), although there was no significance after adjustment for multiple testing. No association was observed between VTE risk and other site‐specific cancers. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that vitamin D played an important role in the development of VTE in cancer patients.

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that genetically predicted NHL was associated with higher VTE risk, whereas melanoma had lower VTE risk compared with other site‐specific cancers. Moreover, this study suggested that anticancer therapy and increased extensive examination might play a more important role in VTE development than the nature of cancer.
CD79BY196 mutation is a potent predictive marker for favorable response to R‐MPV in primary central nervous system lymphoma
Authors: Yamaguchi Junya , Ohka Fumiharu , Lushun Chalise , Motomura Kazuya , Aoki Kosuke , Takeuchi Kazuhito , Nagata Yuichi , Ito Satoshi , Mizutani Nobuhiko , Ohno Masasuke , Suzaki Noriyuki , Takasu Syuntaro , Seki Yukio , Kano Takahisa , Wakabayashi Kenichi , Oyama Hirofumi , Kurahashi Shingo , Tanahashi Kuniaki , Hirano Masaki , Shimizu Hiroyuki , Kitano Yotaro , Maeda Sachi , Yamazaki Shintaro , Wakabayashi Toshihiko , Kondo Yutaka , Natsume Atsushi , Saito Ryuta
Published: December 2022

Background

Rituximab, high‐dose methotrexate (HD‐MTX), procarbazine and vincristine (R‐MPV), has significantly prolonged the survival of patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), but predictive factors for response to R‐MPV have not yet been investigated. Herein, we investigated the correlation of MYD88 L265P and CD79B Y196 mutations, which are the most frequently found molecular alterations in PCNSL, with prognosis of patients with PCNSL treated with R‐MPV.

Methods

We investigated the long‐term clinical course and status of MYD88 and CD79B genes in 85 patients with PCNSL treated with R‐MPV or HD‐MTX treatment, and the correlation of these genetic mutations with prognosis.

Results

R‐MPV achieved an excellent tumor control rate (61.6% and 69.9% of 5‐year progression‐free and overall survival rates, respectively). While MYD88 L265P mutation had no significant effect on survival, patients with CD79B Y196 mutations exhibited prolonged survival (p < 0.05). However, the association of CD79B Y196 mutation with a better prognosis was not observed in the HD‐MTX cohort, which indicated that CD79B Y196 mutation was a predictive marker for a favorable response to R‐MPV. Furthermore, we established an all‐in‐one rapid genotyping system for these genetic mutations.

Conclusions

In conclusion, CD79B Y196 mutation is a potent predictive marker for favorable response to R‐MPV in PCNSL. The rapid identification of MYD88 L265P and CD79B Y196 mutations can be helpful not only for the accurate molecular diagnosis of PCNSL but also for the prediction of response to R‐MPV.
Synthesis of Heterometallic Rare Earth(III)–Cobalt(II) Complexes and Their Application in Alternating Copolymerization of Cyclohexene Oxide and Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Song Yanping , Yin Kuan , Chen Yongjie , Zhao Bei , Zhang Yong , Zhu Xuehua , Yuan Dan , Yao Yingming
Published: December 2022

Comprehensive Summary

Four heterometallic rare earth(III)‐cobalt(II) complexes (rare earth = Y (1), Sm (2), Nd (3), La (4)) stabilized by an o‐phenylenediamine‐bridged tris(phenolato) ligand (L) have been synthesized and characterized. In these tetranuclear complexes, one polydentate L coordinates to one rare earth(III) ion, and one cobalt(II) ion, respectively, while two rare earth ions are bridged by four acetate groups. These complexes were applied in the copolymerization of cyclohexene oxide and CO2, which showed good activity (TON up to 440) and high poly(cyclohexene carbonate) selectivity (>99%). Kinetic studies determined the equation as rate = k[CHO]1[CO2]0[initiator]1, which proves a first‐order dependence on initiator concentrations and implies a synergistic mechanism with rare earth and cobalt ions cooperating in epoxide ring‐opening and chain propagation.
Facile construction of CoSn/Co3Sn2@C nanocages as anode for superior lithium‐/sodium‐ion storage
Authors: Xu Xijun , Li Fangkun , Zhang Dechao , Ji Shaomin , Huo Yanping , Liu Jun
Published: December 2022

CoSn/Co3Sn2@C with nanocages structure is obtained via a facile coprecipitation method with polydopamine coating followed by an annealing procedure. Due to the uniform nanocages structure, CoSn/Co3Sn2@C moderates the volume fluctuation, ensures good infiltration with electrolyte, and provides more pathways for ions/electrons transport. Moreover, the introduction of carbon inhibits the agglomeration of Sn0 nanoparticles, improves electronic conductivity, and offers a buffer matrix to protect the nanocage structure from destructing. As lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) anode, this CoSn/Co3Sn2@C anode possesses 622.3 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles at 200 mA g−1 and 571.2 mAh g−1 for another 1600 cycles at 1000 mA g−1. CoSn/Co3Sn2@C can maintain a capacity of 791.1, 748.3, 678.4, 569.8, 461.0, and 367.0 mAh g−1 at 65, 130, 0260, 650, 1300, and 2600 mA g−1, respectively. For sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), the CoSn/Co3Sn2@C can attain a specific capacity of 290.2, 246.6, 205.1, 166.0, 142.3, and 124.1 mAh g−1 at 80, 160, 320, 800, 1600, and 3200 mA g−1, respectively. CoSn/Co3Sn2@C anode earns 171.9 mAh g−1 after 150 cycles at 1000 mA g−1. This design of strategy provides ideas for the fabrication of porous anode materials and will promote the development of LIBs and SIBs.
Improved search and rescue optimization based load balancing scheme of CCTV footage on edge computing environment
Authors: Deshpande Prasanna , Dinesh Sidharth , Umredkar Apurva , Kothari Ashwin G.
Published: December 2022

Nowadays, data centers and servers are rising in size by order of magnitude due to increasing CCTV footages. Therefore, load balancing (LB) becomes a primary concern in scalable computing system involves mobile edge cloud computing environment. In mobile edge cloud computing system, a mobile user offloading their task to neighboring edge server for supporting realistic application. But while user is situated in a hot spot, various edge servers are over‐loaded as a result of sudden offloading task from the mobile user. The LB process can be considered as an optimization problem, which can be resolved by the use of metaheuristic optimization algorithms. This article introduces an Improved Search and Rescue Optimization based LB Scheme for Edge Computing Environment (ISROLBS‐ECE). The presented ISROLBS‐ECE technique majorly concentrates on the distribution of offloading tasks to neighboring edge servers effectively. In addition, the ISROLBS‐ECE technique involves the hybridization of chaotic concept into the conventional search and rescue optimization (SRO) approach. In the ISROLBS‐ECE technique, the moderately lightest and task arrival nodes are employed as target node for allocating new task whereas rest of the nodes are not provisionally allocated tasks to accomplish dynamic balancing of the network. The experimental validation of the ISROLBS‐ECE technique is tested and the outcomes are investigated under various aspects. The comparative study shows the better performance of the ISROLBS‐ECE approach over other recent techniques.
Culturally adapted psychological intervention for treating maternal depression in British mothers of African and Caribbean origin: A randomized controlled feasibility trial
Authors: Jidong Dung Ezekiel , Ike Juliet Tarela , Husain Nusrat , Murshed Maisha , Francis Christopher , Mwankon B. Shadrack , Jack B. David , Jidong John Ezekiel , Pwajok Y. Juliet , Nyam P. Pam , Kiran Tayyaba , Bassett Paul
Published: December 2022

Background

Women are likely to suffer from maternal depression due to childbirth difficulties and parenting responsibilities, leading to long‐term negative consequences on their children and families. British mothers of African/Caribbean origin uptake of mental healthcare is low due to the lack of access to culturally appropriate care.

Methods

A mixed‐methods randomized controlled feasibility trial was adopted to test the appropriateness and acceptability of Learning Through Play plus Culturally adapted Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (LTP+CaCBT) for treating maternal depression compared with Psychoeducation (PE). Mothers (N = 26) aged 20–55 were screened for depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9). Those who scored >5 on PHQ‐9 were further interviewed using the Revised Clinical Interview Schedule to confirm the diagnosis and randomized into LTP+CaCBT (n = 13) or PE (n = 13) groups. Assessments were taken at baseline, end of the intervention at 3‐ and 6‐months post‐randomization. N = 2 focus groups (LTP+CaCBT, n = 12; PE, n = 7) and N = 8 individual interviews were conducted (LTP+CaCBT, n = 4; PE, n = 4).

Results

The LTP+CaCBT group showed higher acceptability, feasibility and satisfaction levels than the PE group. Participants experienced the intervention as beneficial to their parenting skills with reduced depression and anxiety in the LTP+CaCBT compared to the PE group.

Conclusions

This is the first feasibility trial of an integrated online parenting intervention for British African and Caribbean mothers. The results indicated that culturally adapted LTP+CaCBT is acceptable and feasible. There is a need to study the clinical and cost‐effectiveness of LTP+CaCBT in an appropriately powered randomized control trial and include the child's outcomes.

Trial registration. www.ClinicalTrials.gov (no. NCT04820920).
Toward eDNA‐based bioassessment of freshwater reservoirs with small volumes of water: Robust molecular protocols
Authors: Loh Rebecca K. , Kutty Sujatha N. , Yeo Darren C. J. , Meier Rudolf
Published: December 2022

Bioassessment of freshwater quality with eDNA is a powerful alternative to traditional methods involving collecting, sorting, and identifying metazoan taxa with morphology (e.g., macroinvertebrates). Particularly attractive for routine monitoring would be an eDNA method that uses a remote‐controlled boat for collecting small volumes of water without filtration in order to simplify sampling. Such a method would not likely capture eDNA signals for all metazoan species, but may nevertheless allow for cost‐effective, and frequent monitoring of water quality, which is important for tropical waterbodies that require year‐round surveillance. We here optimize a molecular protocol for capturing metazoan signatures based on eDNA obtained from 15 ml of water. To test the robustness of the method, we used samples from two tropical reservoirs with known differences in water quality to optimize molecular procedures so that they yield repeatable results. Each reservoir was sampled at three sites (“biological replicates”) and each water sample was subsampled twice before extracting the eDNA using ethanol precipitation for both subsamples (“technical replicates”). We then tested how much DNA (0.1 ng to 15 ng) and how many PCR cycles (25 or 35) minimized the variance of the metazoan eDNA signal between biological and technical replicates. For this purpose, we amplified a 313 bp COI minibarcode using a universal metazoan primer pair. We found that regardless of template amounts or PCR cycle numbers, the eDNA signatures for both reservoirs were distinct because only 17 of 59 mOTUs (mainly planktonic crustaceans and rotifers) were shared. We also found that template amounts between 0.5 and 15 ng yielded overall similar results, but the use of 35 PCR cycles significantly depressed the number of detected species (p‐value < 0.05). Fortunately, the differences between the detected metazoan community of the reservoirs were so strong that all biological and technical replicates could be assigned unambiguously to their source reservoir although the variance between technical replicates remained high for all PCR experiments (Bray‐Curtis dissimilarity: 5%–20%; Jaccard distance: 10%–40%).
Slowing the hot‐carrier cooling by an organic small molecule in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhu Liqiong , Zhao Rongjun , Zhuang Rongshan , Wu Tai , Xie Lin , Hua Yong
Published: December 2022

Harvesting hot carriers (HCs) before thermalizing to the perovskite crystal lattice is very promising for advancing the efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) towards the Shockley–Queisser limit. Thus, it is very crucial to slow down the HCs cooling process in lead halide perovskites. Herein, we investigated the HCs cooling dynamics of perovskite films in the presence of an organic small molecule, 2,5‐thiophenedicarboxylic acid (TDCA). We found that adding TDCA into perovskite films can efficiently retard HCs cooling process, which favors extracting the excess energies of HCs through carrier transport layers and reducing electron–hole recombination, resulting in enhanced performance in TDCA modified device. Moreover, TDCA can effectively passivate unsaturated Pb2+ defects of perovskite films while promoting a preferential crystal orientation. Consequently, the PSCs efficiency is enhanced to 22.85% (TDCA) from 19.96% (control). These findings provide important insight for understanding HCs transfer dynamics and developing next‐generation perovskite‐based HCs optoelectronic devices.

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Ginger as an anticolorectal cancer spice: A systematic review of in vitro to clinical evidence
Authors: Nachvak Seyed Mostafa , Soleimani Davood , Rahimi Mehali , Azizi Ali , Moradinazar Mehdi , Rouhani Mohammad Hossein , Halashi Behrouz , Abbasi Abbas , Miryan Mahsa
Published: December 2022

Ginger and its derivatives have been shown to be effective in the prevention and treatment of cancer. We undertook a systematic review to answer the question of whether ginger has a role in modifying the biomarkers of cancer in cell culture conditions and on colorectal cancer in randomized clinical trials. We performed a comprehensive search of the literature from Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane central register of controlled trials, and Cochrane database of systematic reviews. At first, all 12 papers studied the effect of ginger or its derivatives on cell culture conditions. The results of cell culture studies show that ginger has a powerful role in inducing apoptosis. In the second part, five studies of clinical trials were analyzed. By analyzing antitumor markers of clinical trials, ginger increased some anticancer markers but performed poorly in inducing some anticancer markers. This systematic review showed that the consumption of ginger extract has the potential to prevent and treat colorectal cancer but this ability is weak.
Grading bias and young adult mental health
Authors: Linder Anna , Nordin Martin , Gerdtham Ulf‐G. , Heckley Gawain
Published: December 2022

We study exposure to grading bias and provide novel evidence of its impact on mental health. Grading bias, which we interpret as over‐grading, is constructed as the residual of final upper secondary school grades having controlled for results in a standardized test, itself not subject to grading leniency. Grading bias is further isolated by considering only within‐school variation in over‐grading and controlling for prior grades and school production. Using Swedish individual‐level register data for individuals graduating from upper secondary school in the years 2001–2004, we show that over‐grading has substantial significant protective impacts on the mental health of young adults, but only among female students. That grades themselves, independent of knowledge, substantially impact the production of health highlights an important health production mechanism, and implies that any changes to the design of grading systems must consider these wider health implications.
Multisource remote sensing data facilitate ecohydrological simulations without runoff calibration
Authors: Yang Dong , Xu Xianli , Scanlon Bridget R.
Published: December 2022

Observed runoff is typically the only variable applied to calibrate ecohydrological models, which can simulate runoff well but cannot guarantee reliable reproduction of other hydrological components (e.g., evapotranspiration (ET) and total terrestrial water storage change (TWSC)). This study explores the potential of estimating hydrological components (runoff, ET, TWSC, groundwater, and root‐zone water storage.) using a conceptual model driven and calibrated by multisource remote sensing data only. The performances of the model were evaluated in 13 catchments with different geological, climatic and vegetation conditions. Results show that the model was encouraging in simulating monthly runoff (median KGE, 0.71; RMSE, 19.4 mm/mon), ET (median KGE, 0.86; RMSE, 9.0 mm/mon), and TWSC (median KGE, 0.58; RMSE, 26.6 mm/mon). The good positive correlation between root‐zone water storage and gross primary productivity also indicates the effectiveness of the model in simulating root‐zone water storage. This study offers new prospects for estimating key ecohydrological components precisely, especially in catchments that are difficult to monitor (e.g., karst regions) and catchments with limited observation data (e.g., ungauged regions).
Substance P&dimethyloxallyl glycine‐loaded carboxymethyl chitosan/gelatin hydrogel for wound healing
Authors: Wang Xiaoxue , Wu Jingliang , Wang Min , Lu Chunbo , Li Wenfang , Lu Qiao , Li Yanying , Lian Bo , Zhang Bo
Published: December 2022

Recent efforts have focused on preparing drug‐loaded hydrogel for wound healing. In order to obtain an ideal hydrogel dressing for skin wound repair, a carboxymethyl chitosan‐gelatin hydrogel was prepared for co‐delivery of SP (substance P) and DMOG (dimethyloxallyl glycine) by a chemical cross‐linking method using genipin as the cross‐linking agent. The synthesized hydrogels have good biocompatibility and physicochemical properties due to the low toxicity of the hydrogel material. The three‐dimensional network structure of the hydrogels supports cell migration and proliferation, and the combination of SP and DMOG drugs exhibited strong effects on cell proliferation. Moreover, the co‐loaded drug hydrogels could significantly promote wound healing in vivo, and provide a potential hydrogel for wound healing.