bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA barcode reference library construction and genetic diversity and structure analysis of Amomum villosum Lour. (Zingiberaceae) populations in Guangdong Province
Authors: Gong Lu , Zhang Danchun , Ding Xiaoxia , Huang Juan , Guan Wan , Qiu Xiaohui , Huang Zhihai
Published: October 2021

Background

Amomum villosum Lour. is the plant that produces the famous traditional Chinese medicine Amomi Fructus. Frequent habitat destruction seriously threatens A. villosum germplasm resources. Genetic diversity is very important to the optimization of germplasm resources and population protection, but the range of inherited traits within A. villosum is unclear. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity and genetic structures of A. villosum populations in Guangdong and constructed a local reference DNA barcode library as a resource for conservation efforts.

Methods

DNA barcoding and Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers were used to investigate the population genetics of A. villosum. Five universal DNA barcodes were amplified and used in the construction of a DNA barcode reference library. Parameters including percentage of polymorphic sites (PPB), number of alleles (Na), effective number of alleles (Ne), Nei’s gene diversity index (H), and Shannon’s polymorphism information index (I) were calculated for the assessment of genetic diversity. Genetic structure was revealed by measuring Nei’s gene differentiation coefficient (Gst), total population genetic diversity (Ht), intra-group genetic diversity (Hs), and gene flow (Nm). Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), Mantel tests, unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) dendrogram, and principal co-ordinates (PCoA) analysis were used to elucidate the genetic differentiation and relationship among populations.

Results

A total of 531 sequences were obtained from the five DNA barcodes with no variable sites from any of the barcode sequences. A total of 66 ISSR bands were generated from A. villosum populations using the selected six ISSR primers; 56 bands, 84.85% for all the seven A. villosum populations were polymorphic. The A. villosum populations showed high genetic diversity (H = 0.3281, I = 0.4895), whereas the gene flow was weak (Nm = 0.6143). Gst (0.4487) and AMOVA analysis indicated that there is obvious genetic differentiation amongA. villosum populations and more genetic variations existed within each population. The genetic relationship of each population was relatively close as the genetic distances were between 0.0844 and 0.3347.
RACCOVID-19: primer Registro Argentino de Complicaciones Cardiovasculares en pacientes con COVID-19
Authors: Kazelian Lucía R. , Zapata Gerardo , Pereiro González Stella Maris , Maydana Mariano , Lescano Adrian , Lorenzatti Alberto , Navarro Estrada José L
Published: October 2021

Introducción: La enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19) ha causado una de las mayores pandemias conocidas al día de la fecha. La Sociedad Argentina de Cardiología (SAC) y la Federación Argentina de Cardiología (FAC) elaboraron el primer Registro Argentino de Complicaciones Cardiovasculares en pacientes con COVID-19 (RACCOVID-19), con el propósito de relevar, a nivel nacional, su impacto en la evolución hospitalaria de estos pacientes. Objetivos: Documentar la aparición de complicaciones cardiovasculares en pacientes internados por COVID-19 y evaluar predictores de riesgo de dichas complicaciones y su impacto pronóstico. Material y Métodos: Se incluyen datos de 2750 pacientes en 50 centros de 11 provincias del país, desde el 18 de mayo hasta el 31 de octubre de 2020. Resultados: La edad promedio fue de 57±18 años y hubo predominio de sexo masculino (60,2%). La tasa de complicaciones cardiovasculares fue del 15,3%. La insuficiencia cardíaca (43,5%), las arritmias (33,5%) y el daño miocárdico (31,1%) fueron las complicaciones más frecuentes. La mortalidad fue del 19,3%. Un modelo de predicción de sobrevida en la etapa hospitalaria incluyó las siguientes variables: edad, sexo masculino, valores de hematocrito y creatinina al ingreso, existencia de antecedentes patológicos, formas de presentación de COVID-19 graves y presencia de complicaciones cardiovasculares. Conclusiones: El registro RACCOVID-19 mostró una tasa de complicaciones cardiovasculares del 15,3%. La mortalidad total del registro fue del 19,3% y las complicaciones cardiovasculares junto con otras variables de presentación, así como la gravedad del cuadro clínico de COVID-19, forman parte de un perfil de riesgo clínico asociado a mayor mortalidad.
Hospital de día en la unidad de insuficiencia cardíaca como una estrategia de abordaje integral: análisis de un único centro en América Latina
Authors: Ameri Aldana , Renedo María Florencia , Absi Daniel Oscar , Giordanino Elián Facundo , Ratto Roxana Daniela , Procopio Fabricio Gastón , Favaloro Liliana Ethel
Published: October 2021

Objetivos: Describir las características clínicas, el impacto en la calidad de vida, la clase funcional (CF), el número de internaciones y la supervivencia de los pacientes que ingresaron a un hospital de día (HD) de insuficiencia cardíaca (IC). Material y métodos: Se analizaron en forma retrospectiva aquellos pacientes que ingresaron a un HD para la infusión de hierro, furosemida, levosimendán o la combinación de estos dos últimos fármacos, durante un período de 3 años. Las variables analizadas, al inicio y a los 6 meses, fueron la CF (NYHA), la prueba de marcha de 6 minutos (PM6M) y calidad de vida mediante el cuestionario de Minnesota (MLHFQ). El número de internaciones por IC fue comparado con el del año previo al ingreso al HD y la supervivencia fue evaluada al año de seguimiento. Resultados: Se observó una mejoría significativa de la CF en los 4 grupos, y del número de internaciones por IC en los primeros 3. Conclusiones: El desarrollo del HD puede modificar el presente y futuro de esta población.
Республика Алтай: экологические проблемы и пути их решения, "Природа"
Authors: Робертус Ю.В.
Published: October 2021

Приведен обзор разноплановых региональных и локальных экологических проблем Республики Алтай и дана их краткая характеристика. Рассмотрены природные, природно-антропогенные и антропогенные причины ухудшения экологической обстановки в регионе. Большинство проблем пока проявляются незначительно, однако некоторые нарастают и могут привести к негативным последствиям. Предложены пути решения наиболее актуальных экологических проблем, и сделан вывод о благоприятном в целом экологическом состоянии природной среды на территории республики.
МЕТОДИЧЕСКИЕ ОСНОВЫ ПОСТРОЕНИЯ СИСТЕМ ОПЕРАТИВНОЙ ОКЕАНОГРАФИИ В ПРИЛОЖЕНИИ К ЗАДАЧАМ ПОДВОДНОГО НАБЛЮДЕНИЯ, "Фундаментальная и прикладная гидрофизика"
Authors: Коваленко В.В. , Родионов А.А. , Ванкевич Р.Е.
Published: October 2021

В статье рассмотрены базовые принципы создания современных систем оперативной океанографии. Совокупность базовых принципов представлена в виде методических основ построения систем оперативной океанографии в приложении к задачам подводного наблюдения. Охарактеризованы принципиально важные для приложений в области морских систем наблюдения свойства таких систем. Обсуждены некоторые проблемные вопросы. Рассмотрена связь инструментария оперативной океанографии с рядом прикладных задач. Среди задач уделено внимание акустическому подводному наблюдению, оптическим инструментам и моделям, биохимическим процессам и моделям. Среди базовых принципов одним из наиболее важных признано последовательное вложение локальных моделей и систем в региональные системы и далее в глобальные системы, а также сопряжение моделей и систем различного уровня. Процессы вложения и сопряжения сопровождаются уточнением начальных и граничных условий с использованием ассимиляции натурных данных. Качество выходных результатов прикладных систем зависит от качества оценок состояния океанической среды и является основой для предъявления требований к точности (неопределенности) систем оперативной океанографии. Анализ последовательной передачи неопределенности от оценок состояния океанической среды к неопределенности выходного результата прикладных систем подводного наблюдения также является базовым принципом. Состоятельность и практическая полезность систем оперативной океанографии в задачах подводного наблюдения прямо связаны с удовлетворением идущих от приложений требований. Качество систем оперативной океанографии связывается с процедурами адаптивной выборки натурных данных и адаптивным моделированием.
МОДЕЛИРОВАНИЕ ПРИЛИВНОЙ ДИНАМИКИ СЕВЕРНЫХ ПРОЛИВОВ КУРИЛЬСКОЙ ГРЯДЫ, "Фундаментальная и прикладная гидрофизика"
Authors: Родионов А.А. , Андросов А.А. , Фофонова В.В. , Кузнецов И.С. , Вольцингер Н.Е.
Published: October 2021

Решается краевая задача для уравнений движения, неразрывности, конституентов плотности и характеристик турбулентности в 3D-области северных Курильских проливов с граничными условиями, определяемыми решением глобальной модели. Краевая задача реализуется методом конечных объемов на неструктурированной сетке в гидростатическом приближении. Детализированное моделирование приливной динамики Четвертого пролива выполняется в негидростатической постановке. Результаты представляют поля скоростей приливной волны М и суммарного прилива восьми гармоник M, S, N, K, K, О, P, Q с синодическим периодом 29.5 суток и остаточную циркуляцию в регионе гряды. Дается сравнение хода вертикальной скорости в приливном цикле волны М для двух подобластей Четвертого пролива при решении краевой задачи в негидростатической постановке и в гидростатическом приближении. Приводится диаграмма Хоффмюллера хода динамических характеристик в синодическом месяце. На примере Четвертого пролива показано, что учет динамической компоненты давления необходим для корректного определения транспорта через Курильские проливы.
ВЛИЯНИЕ СВЕРХМЕДЛЕННЫХ ФЛУКТУАЦИЙ СИГНАЛА НА ПОМЕХОУСТОЙЧИВОСТЬ ШУМОПЕЛЕНГОВАНИЯ, "Фундаментальная и прикладная гидрофизика"
Authors: Консон А. Д. , Волкова А. А.
Published: October 2021

На основе лабораторного анализа и обработки случайной выборки натурных записей шумов надводных кораблей, произведенных в акваториях Белого, Баренцева и Норвежского морей проведено исследование влияния сверхмедленных флуктуаций сигнала на помехоустойчивость шумопеленгования. Экспериментально установлено, что в условиях флуктуаций можно обеспечить потенциально высокую помехоустойчивость, если использовать одновременно два времени накопления: малое — несколько секунд и большое — до ста и более секунд. При этом большое время накопления снижает вероятность потери контакта в период флуктуационного снижения уровня сигнала, а малое время накопления может дать существенный выигрыш в дальности обнаружения в интервалы времени, когда процесс флуктуации приводит к кратковременному возрастанию уровня сигнала.
СОСТОЯНИЕ КИШЕЧНОЙ МИКРОФЛОРЫ ПРИ ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗЕ, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Комиссарова О.Г. , Шорохова В.А. , Абдуллаев Р.Ю.
Published: October 2021

В обзоре приведены данные о кишечной микробиоте и ее функции в организме человека. Также рассмотрены актуальные аспекты терминологии и клиники нарушений кишечного микробиоценоза. Представлены данные о патогенетической связи состояния кишечного микробиоценоза и туберкулеза (ТБ). Приведены данные литературы о роли нарушений кишечной микробиоты в развитии и исходах ТБ легких.
ПОЛИМОРФИЗМ ГЕНА MMP-1 И ОСОБЕННОСТИ КОЛЛАГЕНОВОГО ОБМЕНА У БОЛЬНЫХ ЛЕКАРСТВЕННО-ЧУВСТВИТЕЛЬНЫМ И ЛЕКАРСТВЕННО-УСТОЙЧИВЫМ ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗОМ ЛЕГКИХ, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Тарасова Л.Г.
Published: October 2021

У 157 больных лекарственно-чувствительным (ЛЧ) и лекарственно-устойчивым (ЛУ) туберкулезом (ТБ) легких ГБУЗ АО «Областной клинический противотуберкулезный диспансер» г. Астрахани изучены особенности коллагенового обмена. Установлено, что при ЛЧ ТБ содержание провоспалительных цитокинов (IFN- , IL-1 , и TNF- ) до начала специфической терапии достоверно выше, а противовоспалительных (IL-10) – ниже, чем при ЛУ. В процессе этиотропной терапии в обоих случаях происходит постепенное снижение концентрации данных цитокинов. Для ЛУ ТБ, в особенности носителей 2G/2G генотипа гена ММР-1, характерна низкая продукция провоспалительных цитокинов на всех этапах специфической терапии ТБ, что способствует замедленному регрессу заболевания и повышенному фиброобразованию, а также увеличивает вероятность развития раннего рецидива заболевания.
ТЕСТЫ ЛЕКАРСТВЕННОЙ ЧУВСТВИТЕЛЬНОСТИ МИКОБАКТЕРИЙ. Часть 2. Метод пропорций на плотных питательных средах, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Смирнова Т.Г. , Ларионова Е.Е. , Андреевская С.Н. , Севастьянова Е.В. , Черноусова Л.Н.
Published: October 2021

Проведен краткий обзор основных понятий, связанных с лекарственной чувствительностью микобактерий и фенотипических методов ее тестирования. Изложена методика определения чувствительности микобактерий к противотуберкулезным препаратам (ПТП) методом пропорций на плотных питательных средах.
FxLMS Algorithm for Active Vibration Control of Structure By Using Inertial Damper with Displacement Constraint
Authors: Kang Min Sig
Published: October 2021

Engine is the main source of vibration that generates unwanted noise and vibration of vehicle chassis. Especially, in submarine applications, radiation of noise signatures can be detected at some distance away from the submarine using a sonar array. Thus quiet operation is crucial for submarine’s survivability. This study addresses reduction of the force transmissibility originating from engines and transmitted to hull through engine mounts. An inertial damper, as an actuator of hybrid mount system, is addressed to reduce even further the level of vibration. Narrow band FxLMS algorithms are broadly used to cancel the vibration of engine mount because of its excellent performance of canceling narrow band noise. However, in real active dampers, the maximum displacement of damper mass is kinematically restricted. When the control input signal from the FxLMS algorithm exceeds this limitation, the damper mass will collide with the mechanical stops and results in many problems. Originated from these, a modified narrow band FxLMS algorithm based on the equalizer technique with the maximum allowable displacement of active damper mass is proposed in this study. Some simulation results showed that the propose algorithm is effective to suppress vibration of engine mount while ensuring given displacement constraint.
Catalytic Bias in Enzymatic Metal Cofactor‐Based Oxidation–Reduction Catalysis
Authors: Varghese Febin , Mulder David W , Raugei Simone , Zadvornny Oleg A , King Paul W , Peters John W
Published: October 2021

Catalytic bias refers to the relative rate preference of a catalyst for either the forward or reverse direction. In enzymatic metal cofactor‐based oxidation–reduction catalysis, the tuning of catalytic bias plays an underlying role in controlling rates of reactivity. For this, enzymes have evolved complex active sites that can exist in multiple oxidation states with differing reduction potentials in order to achieve challenging multi‐step, oxidation–reduction reactions. Conceivably, the relative stability of the intermediates that contribute to determining the rate‐limiting step of the catalytic cycle could impose catalytic bias, although mechanisms for this concept are just beginning to be realized. As one example, recent work on
Clostridium pasteurianum
[FeFe]‐hydrogenases which catalyze reversible hydrogen oxidation have shown that the differential stabilization/destabilization of active site oxidation states through either static or dynamic protein interactions can preferentially promote either the hydrogen oxidation or proton reduction direction of the reaction. This revealed how an enzymatic cofactor can impose bias in oxidation–reduction catalysis through various tuning mechanisms by protein scaffold interactions. The hypothesis based on achieving catalytic bias through the modulation of cofactor oxidation states critical for the reaction cycle can be extended more generally to other cofactor‐based oxidation–reductions catalysts. The current understanding of catalytic bias has significant implications for the design of synthetic catalysts used in industrial settings, as well as providing a greater fundamental understanding of the factors that control metabolic processes in all life.
SznF, a Metalloenzyme Employed in the Biosynthesis of Streptozotocin
Authors: McBride Molly J , Boal Amie K
Published: October 2021

SznF is a multidomain metalloenzyme from
Streptomyces achromogenes
var.
streptozoticus
NRRL 2697 that is responsible for
N
‐nitrosourea installation into the anticancer compound, streptozotocin. SznF catalyzes the conversion of
N
‐methyl‐
l
‐arginine (
l
‐NMA) to
N
δ
‐hydroxy‐
N
ω
‐methyl‐
N
ω
‐nitroso‐
l
‐citrulline (
l
‐HMNC) in three oxygen‐ and iron‐dependent steps. SznF contains two functional domains, each with its own autonomous active site. A central domain binds a diiron cofactor and is a member of the heme‐oxygenase‐like diiron oxygenase/oxidase (HDO) family. This domain performs two distinct
N
‐hydroxylations of
l
‐NMA. A C‐terminal cupin domain contains a mononuclear iron cofactor, using it to accomplish a distinctive oxidative rearrangement of a dihydroxylated
l
‐NMA intermediate. The dinuclear iron cofactor of the HDO domain has been characterized via absorption and Mössbauer spectroscopy. X‐ray crystal structures of SznF in its apo and holo forms revealed conformational changes associated with dynamic cofactor acquisition, a common feature of all HDO enzymes characterized to date. While it has been established that the SznF HDO domain uses a peroxodiiron(III/III) complex to facilitate its
N
‐oxygenation transformations, much less is known about the mechanism of the rearrangement reaction that occurs at the mononuclear cofactor site.
Urease
Authors: Mazzei Luca , Ciurli Stefano
Published: October 2021

Urease catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea to ammonia and carbamate, with the latter decomposing spontaneously to yield another molecule of ammonia and bicarbonate, in the last step of organic nitrogen mineralization. The overall reaction causes a rapid increase of the pH, with negative effects on human health and agriculture.
Imido Complexes of Late Transition Metals
Authors: Grünwald Annette , Munz Dominik
Published: October 2021

Herein, the chemistry of imido (nitrene, respectively) complexes of the groups 9–11 is summarized. First, their electronic structure is discussed including d‐electron count, spin‐state, period and group of the periodic table, and symmetry of the complex. Then, the coordination chemistry and reactivity of both bridging and terminal imido complexes is reviewed in detail and put in the context of more abundant imido complexes such as in particular iron.
Clinical and genetic characterization of adult‐onset leukoencephalopathy caused by CSF1R mutations
Authors: Tsai Pei‐Chien , Fuh Jong‐Ling , Yang Chih‐Chao , Chang Anna , Lien Li‐Ming , Wang Pei‐Ning , Lai Kuan‐Lin , Tsai Yu‐Shuen , Lee Yi‐Chung , Liao Yi‐Chu
Published: October 2021

Objective

Mutations in the colony‐stimulating factor 1 receptor gene (CSF1R) were identified as a cause of adult‐onset inherited leukoencephalopathy. The present study aims at investigating the frequency, clinical characteristics, and functional effects of CSF1R mutations in Taiwanese patients with adult‐onset leukoencephalopathy.

Methods

Mutational analysis of CSF1R was performed in 149 unrelated individuals with leukoencephalopathy by a targeted resequencing panel covering the entire coding regions of CSF1R. In vitro analysis of the CSF1‐induced autophosphorylation activities of mutant CSF1R proteins was conducted to assess the pathogenicity of the CSF1R mutations.

Results

Among the eight CSF1R variants identified in this study, five mutations led to a loss of CSF1‐induced autophosphorylation of CSF1R proteins. Four mutations (p.K586*, p.G589R, p.R777Q, and p.R782C) located within the tyrosine kinase domain of CSF1R, whereas the p.T79M mutation resided in the immunoglobulin‐like domain. The five patients carrying the CSF1R mutations developed cognitive decline at age 41, 43, 50, 79, and 86 years, respectively. Psychiatric symptoms and behavior changes were observed in four of the five patients. The executive function and processing speed were severely impaired at an early stage, and their cognitive function deteriorated rapidly within 3–4 years. Diffusion‐restricted lesions at the subcortical regions and bilateral corticospinal tracts were found in three patients.

Interpretation

CSF1R mutations account for 3.5% (5/149) of the adult‐onset leukoencephalopathy in Taiwan. CSF1R mutations outside the tyrosine kinase domain may also disturb the CSF1R function and lead to the clinical phenotype. Molecular functional validation is important to determine the pathogenicity of novel CSF1R variants.
Biomimetic Scaffolds Modulate the Posttraumatic Inflammatory Response in Articular Cartilage Contributing to Enhanced Neoformation of Cartilaginous Tissue In Vivo
Authors: Bauza‐Mayol Guillermo , Quintela Marcos , Brozovich Ava , Hopson Michael , Shaikh Shazad , Cabrera Fernando , Shi Aaron , Niclot Federica Banche , Paradiso Francesca , Combellack Emman , Jovic Tom , Rees Paul , Tasciotti Ennio , Francis Lewis W. , Mcculloch Patrick , Taraballi Francesca
Published: October 2021

Focal chondral lesions of the knee are the most frequent type of trauma in younger patients and are associated with a high risk of developing early posttraumatic osteoarthritis. The only current clinical solutions include microfracture, osteochondral grafting, and autologous chondrocyte implantation. Cartilage tissue engineering based on biomimetic scaffolds has become an appealing strategy to repair cartilage defects. Here, a chondrogenic collagen‐chondroitin sulfate scaffold is tested in an orthotopic Lapine in vivo model to understand the beneficial effects of the immunomodulatory biomaterial on the full chondral defect. Using a combination of noninvasive imaging techniques, histological and whole transcriptome analysis, the scaffolds are shown to enhance the formation of cartilaginous tissue and suppression of host cartilage degeneration, while also supporting tissue integration and increased tissue regeneration over a 12 weeks recovery period. The results presented suggest that biomimetic materials could be a clinical solution for cartilage tissue repair, due to their ability to modulate the immune environment in favor of regenerative processes and suppression of cartilage degeneration.
Mimicking Neuroplasticity via Ion Migration in van der Waals Layered Copper Indium Thiophosphate
Authors: Chen Jiangang , Zhu Chao , Cao Guiming , Liu Haishi , Bian Renji , Wang Jinyong , Li Changcun , Chen Jieqiong , Fu Qundong , Liu Qing , Meng Peng , Li Wei , Liu Fucai , Liu Zheng
Published: October 2021

Artificial synaptic devices are the essential components of neuromorphic computing systems, which are capable of parallel information storage and processing with high area and energy efficiencies, showing high promise in future storage systems and in‐memory computing. Analogous to the diffusion of neurotransmitter between neurons, ion‐migration‐based synaptic devices are becoming promising for mimicking synaptic plasticity, though the precise control of ion migration is still challenging. Due to the unique 2D nature and highly anisotropic ionic transport properties, van der Waals layered materials are attractive for synaptic device applications. Here, utilizing the high conductivity from Cu+‐ion migration, a two‐terminal artificial synaptic device based on layered copper indium thiophosphate is studied. By controlling the migration of Cu+ ions with an electric field, the device mimics various neuroplasticity functions, such as short‐term plasticity, long‐term plasticity, and spike‐time‐dependent plasticity. The Pavlovian conditioning and activity‐dependent synaptic plasticity involved neural functions are also successfully emulated. These results show a promising opportunity to modulate ion migration in 2D materials through field‐driven ionic processes, making the demonstrated synaptic device an intriguing candidate for future low‐power neuromorphic applications.
Synergistic Effect of Cu2O Mesh Pattern on High‐Facet Cu Surface for Selective CO2 Electroreduction to Ethanol
Authors: Kim Ju Ye , Kim Gukbo , Won Hyeonsik , Gereige Issam , Jung Woo‐Bin , Jung Hee‐Tae
Published: October 2021

Although the electroconversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into ethanol is considered to be one of the most promising ways of using CO2, the ethanol selectivity is less than 50% because of difficulties in designing an optimal catalyst that arise from the complicated pathways for the electroreduction of CO2 to ethanol. Several approaches including the fabrication of oxide‐derived structures, atomic surface control, and the Cu+/Cu interfaces have been primarily used to produce ethanol from CO2. Here, a combined structure with Cu+ and high‐facets as electrocatalysts is constructed by creating high‐facets of wrinkled Cu surrounded by Cu2O mesh patterns. Using chemical vapor deposition graphene growth procedures, the insufficiently grown graphene is used as an oxidation‐masking material, and the high‐facet wrinkled Cu is simultaneously generated during the graphene growth synthesis. The resulting electrocatalyst shows an ethanol selectivity of 43% at −0.8 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, which is one of the highest ethanol selectivity values reported thus far. This is attributed to the role of Cu+ in enhancing CO binding strength, and the high‐facets, which favor C–C coupling and the ethanol pathway. This method for generating the combined structure can be widely applicable not only for electrochemical catalysts but also in various fields.
A Role for Newly Developed Sorbents in Remediating Large‐Scale Oil Spills: Reviewing Recent Advances and Beyond
Authors: Kim Hyeongoo , Zhang Gang , Chung T. C. Mike , Nam Changwoo
Published: October 2021

The conservation of ocean and freshwater have been crucial issues over the past decades, and oil/water separation is a well‐known technology to restore polluted water systems. In the meantime, oil sorbents serve as a promising means of achieving water conservation to recover from oil spills, which require a multi‐factorial approach to review high selectivity, capacity, and rate of oil recovery. However, reusability is a critical component to consider in incidents with large‐scale spills. With the development of sorbent technology, some studies have progressed to explore surface engineering and material design for high oil sorption capacity and durability. Thus, this systemic review, a summary of sorbent developments, serves as a guide to understanding practical applications that can apply to large‐scale oil spills and recognize remaining issues. In this review, the oil weathering process and oil sorption mechanisms in relation to the characteristics of target pollutants are introduced. Then, this comprehensive review focuses on materials in advanced sorbents. These materials have properties including, aligned channels for fast sorption, self‐heating capabilities for viscous oil cleanup, and magnetic‐responsiveness to enhance a collection of final products. The perspective and challenges for the next generation of oil spills remediation technology‐based oil sorbents materials are finally presented in the last section.
Simulating Facet‐Dependent Aggregation and Assembly of Mixtures of Polyhedral Nanoparticles
Authors: Opletal George , Barnard Amanda S.
Published: October 2021

The functionality of many nanomaterials involves the collective properties of aggregates and self‐assembled superstructures. Using the mesostructure as a design parameter requires predictive capabilities, but this is challenging when nanoparticle samples present a diverse mixture of shapes and surface facets. Molecular dynamics with over 5000 nanoparticles is used here to simulate different mixtures of polyhedral nanodiamonds, with surfaces indicative of their characteristic multipolar surface electrostatic potential. It is found that polydispersed samples have different aggregation behavior than monodispersed samples, particularly in regard to the interparticle coordination and degree of long‐range order, but mixing nanoparticle shapes does not affect aggregate porosity.
Usability and reproducibility of three tools to assess medical students and residents in emergency medicine
Authors: Philippon Anne‐Laure , Baud Aurelien , Dumont Margaux , Remini Sidi Ahmed , Leroy Jeremy , Truchot Jennifer , Triby Emmanuel , Freund Yonathan
Published: October 2021

Objectives

It is critical to assess competency of medical students and residents in emergency medicine (EM) during undergraduate and graduate medical education. However, very few valid tools exist to assess both technical and nontechnical skills in the specific context of EM. Three Acute Care Assessment Tools (ACAT 1, 2, and 3) have been previously developed for three acute care conditions: cardiac arrest (1), coma (2), and acute respiratory failure (3). This study aimed to evaluate the reproducibility of the tools.

Methods

The tool was tested using recorded videos of simulation sessions of fourth year medical students and first year residents in EM. Raters independently reviewed the videos two times in a 3‐month interval, and interrater and intrarater reliability using intraclass correlation (ICC) was calculated. Secondary endpoints included the completeness rate and relevance of the ACAT.

Results

Sixty‐two sessions were recorded and 48 videos analyzed (18 for CA and 15 for both respiratory failure and coma. The learners were residents in 32 (66%) of videos. Interrater reliability was excellent (ICC >0.9 for all three contexts) and so was the intrarater reliability (>0.88), both upon first review (month 0, M0) and at 3 months (M3). The usability of the ACAT was good, with a completeness of the items that ranged from 96% to 100%. Only one item of the ACAT 1 had a relevance of 27%, as it could not be completed in 13 scenarios out of 18.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate educators can evaluate students similarly utilizing video recordings of simulated medical scenario. The excellent completeness of the rated items advocated for good usability. The three ACATs can be utilized to assess for completeness of predefined tasks in three acute care broad scenario in a competency‐based medical education framework.
Methodologies for applying calcium compounds in agropastoral systems: Changes in soil chemical attributes
Authors: Borges Wander L. B. , Hipólito Jorge L. , de Souza Isabela M. D. , Juliano Pedro H. G. , Rodrigues Letícia N. F. , Andreotti Marcelo
Published: October 2021

Soil pH values below 4.4 (acidity) limit nutrient availability and root exploration, whereas a pH range of 5.4–6.4 ensures the availability of most nutrients essential for crops. To ameliorate acidity in the surface and subsurface layers and improve soil chemical fertility, different application methodologies (surface, incorporation by soil tillage, or subsurface) for calcium (Ca) compounds (limestone [LS], phosphogypsum [PG], and hydrated lime [HL]) were evaluated in an Arenic Hapludult in an agropastoral system in Brazil. The experimental design comprised randomized blocks with four replications of seven treatments. After three seasons, all methodologies corrected surface acidity (0.0–0.2 m) by increasing pH and base saturation (BS) and reducing total acidity, but only subsurface application of HL plus surface application of PG in the first year and surface application of HL in subsequent years increased pH and BS in the subsurface (0.4–0.8 m). Consequently, incorporation of LS and subsurface application of HL in the first year are necessary to reduce total acidity in the subsurface (0.4–0.8 m) in subsequent years. Applying LS or HL plus PG increased sulfur (S)–SO4 content throughout the soil profile (0.0–0.8 m). In addition, in the 0.0‐to‐0.2‐m layer, applying LS plus PG increased Ca2+ content and Ca2+/cation exchange capacity (CEC), and applying HL plus PG increased magnesium (Mg)2+ content and Mg2+/CEC. However, these results may be specific to the agronomic conditions of the trial; future studies should evaluate whether the timing of changes in soil chemical fertility varies depending on soil type.
Explainable, interactive content‐based image retrieval
Authors: Vasu Bhavan , Hu Brian , Dong Bo , Collins Roddy , Hoogs Anthony
Published: October 2021

Quantifying the value of explanations in a human‐in‐the‐loop (HITL) system is difficult. Previous methods either measure explanation‐specific values that do not correspond to user tasks and needs or poll users on how useful they find the explanations to be. In this work, we quantify how much explanations help the user through a utility‐based paradigm that measures change in task performance when using explanations vs not. Our chosen task is content‐based image retrieval (CBIR), which has well‐established baselines and performance metrics independent of explainability. We extend an existing HITL image retrieval system that incorporates user feedback with similarity‐based saliency maps (SBSM) that indicate to the user which parts of the retrieved images are most similar to the query image. The system helps the user understand what it is paying attention to through saliency maps, and the user helps the system understand their goal through saliency‐guided relevance feedback. Using the MS‐COCO dataset, a standard object detection and segmentation dataset, we conducted extensive, crowd‐sourced experiments validating that SBSM improves interactive image retrieval. Although the performance increase is modest in the general case, in more difficult cases such as cluttered scenes, using explanations yields an 6.5% increase in accuracy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first large‐scale user study showing that visual saliency map explanations improve performance on a real‐world, interactive task. Our utility‐based evaluation paradigm is general and potentially applicable to any task for which explainability can be incorporated.
Dehalogenation and Desulfonation from Aryl and Alkyl Compounds with a Cobalt Catalyst in the Presence of Alcohol
Authors: Reddy Bhoomireddy Rajendra Prasad , Auffrant Audrey , Gosmini Corinne
Published: October 2021

Easy dehalogenation of bromo‐, chloro‐aryl and alkyl derivatives is performed in the presence of a cobalt catalyst, manganese as reductant, and alcohol as hydrogen donor. This method tolerates a variety of functional groups with different electronic properties. Noteworthy examples of desulfonation are also reported.
Programmable stiffness and stress–relaxation of cross‐linked self‐assembling peptide hydrogels
Authors: Pugliese Raffaele , Gelain Fabrizio
Published: October 2021

The use of self‐assembling peptide (SAPs) biomaterials is a promising therapeutic strategy to repair soft tissues as spinal cord, brain, liver, and pancreas. However, these latter have storage moduli, stress resistance, and stress relaxation that change depending on the anatomic region. The SAP molecules relying only on noncovalent interactions struggle to cope with such a wide range of mechanical properties. Hence, we report the design of supramolecular hydrogels based on LKLK12 SAP and SM(PEG)24 cross‐linker to precisely tune hydrogel stiffness over the range of 5–60 kPa. We found that G' increases by ∼12 kPa, and stress resistance by ∼1 kPa for each additional 1.35 mM of SM(PEG)24. Furthermore, the cross‐linked SAPs self‐assemble into supramolecular β‐sheet‐containing nanofibers with stress relaxation ranging from 90 to 150 s. Lastly, post‐treatment of cross‐linked hydrogel with acetonitrile to unfold SM(PEG)24 linker significantly improved its strain failure, reaching a breakage strain of 4612%, unprecedented for this class of SAP‐based biomaterials. This work provides a new strategy to fine tune the mechanical properties of SAP‐based hydrogels to be helpful for soft tissues regeneration.
Technological resources for teaching and learning about human anatomy in the medical course: Systematic review of literature
Authors: Santos Vinícius A. , Barreira Matheus P. , Saad Karen R.
Published: October 2021

The consolidation of technology as an alternative strategy to cadaveric dissection for teaching anatomy in medical courses was accelerated by the recent Covid‐19 pandemic, which caused the need for social distance policies and the closure of laboratories and classrooms. Consequently, new technologies were created, and those already been developed started to be better explored. However, information about many of these instruments and resources is not available to anatomy teachers. This systematic review presents the technological means for teaching and learning about human anatomy developed and applied in medical courses in the last ten years, besides the infrastructure necessary to use them. Studies in English, Portuguese, and Spanish were searched in MEDLINE, Scopus, ERIC, LILACS, and SciELO databases, initially resulting in a total of 875 identified articles, from which 102 were included in the analysis. They were classified according to the type of technology used: three‐dimensional (3D) printing (n = 22), extended reality (n = 49), digital tools (n = 23), and other technological resources (n = 8). It was made a detailed description of technologies, including the stage of the medical curriculum in which it was applied, the infrastructure utilized, and which contents were covered. The analysis shows that between all technologies, those related to the internet and 3D printing are the most applicable, both in student learning and the financial cost necessary for its structural implementation.
Autism severity aggregates with family psychiatric history in a community‐based autism sample
Authors: Sipsock Danielle , Tokadjian Hasmik , Righi Giulia , Morrow Eric M. , Sheinkopf Stephen J. ,   The Rhode Island Consortium for Autism Research and Treatment (RI‐CART)
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study was to examine family psychiatric history in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and its association with clinical presentation. Participants were 798 individuals with a clinical diagnosis of ASD, confirmed by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS‐2), enrolled in Rhode Island Consortium for Autism Research and Treatment, a statewide research registry. Prior research suggests a specific behavioral phenotype in individuals with ASD who have family members with psychiatric diagnoses, including higher IQ and less severe language impairment. However, studies have not specifically investigated autism severity. We hypothesized that increased psychiatric family history would be associated with increased autism severity symptoms. Results show a strong association of increased burden of first‐degree family psychiatric history with higher autism symptom severity as measured by Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS‐2), but not with ADOS‐2 severity scores, IQ, or adaptive functioning. These findings support the importance of investigating the contribution of psychiatric family history toward clinical ASD presentation.

Lay Summary

This study explored how family psychiatric history is related to clinical presentation of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Higher amounts of first‐degree family psychiatric history was associated with higher autism symptom severity as measured by the Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition (SRS‐2). The contribution of psychiatric family history requires ongoing investigation.
Enhancing science literacy and communication among the next generation of scientists in an online learning environment
Authors: Fitzpatrick Alexa , Andreopoulos Stavroula , Freedman Leora
Published: October 2021

Many large, undergraduate science courses, which still heavily rely on traditional lecture‐based dissemination of content, passive learning, and exam‐based assessments, have been forced online due to the Covid‐19 pandemic. To address the challenges facing students in regards to engagement, self‐directed learning, and the development of soft skills, we modified a large, lecture‐based third‐year undergraduate biochemistry course at the University of Toronto to foster active learning through interactive e‐modules. We also adjusted the evaluation model to focus on the development of reflection, critical thinking, science literacy, and communication.
Rare earth smart nanomaterials for bone tissue engineering and implantology: Advances, challenges, and prospects
Authors: Natarajan Duraipandy , Ye Zhitong , Wang Liping , Ge Linhu , Pathak Janak Lal
Published: October 2021

Bone grafts or prosthetic implant designing for clinical application is challenging due to the complexity of integrated physiological processes. The revolutionary advances of nanotechnology in the biomaterial field expedite and endorse the current unresolved complexity in functional bone graft and implant design. Rare earth (RE) materials are emerging biomaterials in tissue engineering due to their unique biocompatibility, fluorescence upconversion, antimicrobial, antioxidants, and anti‐inflammatory properties. Researchers have developed various RE smart nano‐biomaterials for bone tissue engineering and implantology applications in the past two decades. Furthermore, researchers have explored the molecular mechanisms of RE material‐mediated tissue regeneration. Recent advances in biomedical applications of micro or nano‐scale RE materials have provided a foundation for developing novel, cost‐effective bone tissue engineering strategies. This review attempted to provide an overview of RE nanomaterials' technological innovations in bone tissue engineering and implantology and summarized the osteogenic, angiogenic, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, in vivo bone tissue imaging, and antimicrobial properties of various RE nanomaterials, as well as the molecular mechanisms involved in these biological events. Further, we extend to discuss the challenges and prospects of RE smart nano‐biomaterials in the field of bone tissue engineering and implantology.
Effects of shoulder abduction on the stiffness of supraspinatus muscle regions in rotator cuff tear
Authors: Sakaki Yoshinari , Taniguchi Keigo , Katayose Masaki , Kura Hideji , Okamura Kenji
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to compare the effect of the load of the upper limb on the stiffness of supraspinatus muscle regions during isometric shoulder abduction in the scapular plane in healthy individuals and patients with a rotator cuff tear. Thirteen male patients were scheduled for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, and 13 healthy male individuals were recruited. The movement task involved 30° isometric shoulder abduction in the scapular plane. The tasks included passive abduction, abduction with half‐weight of the upper limb (1/2‐weight), and full weight of the upper limb (full‐weight). The stiffness of the supraspinatus muscle (anterior superficial, anterior deep, posterior superficial, and posterior deep regions) was recorded using ultrasound shear‐wave elastography. The stiffness of the anterior superficial region on the affected side was significantly lower than that on the control side for the 1/2‐weight and full‐weight tasks. The stiffness of the anterior deep, posterior superficial, and posterior deep regions was not affected. This is the first study that investigated the mechanical effects of different loads on different supraspinatus muscle regions in rotator cuff tear patients. Our results indicate that the anterior superficial region in rotator cuff tear patients was mainly responsible for reduced active stiffness. This might be because this region contributes to force exertion and exhibits atrophy in rotator cuff tears. Hence, the anterior superficial region could be a focal point of quantitative dysfunction evaluation of the supraspinatus muscle in the case of a rotator cuff tear.
Biotransformation of Ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, Rc) in Human Intestinal Bacteria and Its Effect on Intestinal Flora
Authors: Zheng Fei , Zhang Mei‐Yu , Wu Yong‐Xi , Wang Yi‐Zhu , Li Fang‐Tong , Han Ming‐Xin , Dai Yu‐Lin , Yue Hao
Published: October 2021

Ginsenosides, including Rb1, Rb2, Rb3 and Rc, belong to protopanaxadiol‐type saponins in Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. Their contents are high in P. ginseng. They could inhibit oxidant stress, enhance immunity, lower blood sugar, resist tumor cells and facilitate other physiological activities. This study aimed to explore the interaction between ginsenosides Rb1, Rb2, Rb3 and Rc and the intestinal flora of healthy people. It also sought to analyse the biotransformation products and pathways of these ginsenosides in in‐vitro human intestinal bacteria and their effects on the diversity of human intestinal flora. Human intestinal bacteria were incubated with ginsenosides Rb1, Rb2, Rb3 and Rc at 37 °C under anaerobic conditions. Samples were taken at different timepoints. The transformed products were identified by rapid high‐resolution liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. After 48 h of transformation, the transformed product of ginsenosides Rb1, Rb2, Rb3 and Rc was ginsenoside compound K. The transformation rates were 83.5 %, 88.7 %, 85.6 %, and 84.2 %. 16S rRNA sequencing technology was applied to the bioinformatic analysis of faecal samples incubated for 48 h. Relative to the blank control, the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Proteobacteria significantly increased at the phylum level. Moreover, the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes significantly decreased in ginsenosides Rb1, Rb2, Rb3 and Rc. At the genus level, the relative abundance of Escherichia significantly increased, whereas that of Dorea, Prevotella and Megasphaera significantly decreased in all groups. These results showed that Rb1, Rb2, Rb3 and Rc could improve the structure and diversity of human intestinal flora and balance the metabolic process.
GORE® Cardioform ASD Occluder experience in transcatheter closure of “complex” atrial septal defects
Authors: Santoro Giuseppe , Cuman Magdalena , Pizzuto Alessandra , Haxhiademi Dorela , Lunardini Alessia , Franchi Eliana , Marrone Chiara , Pak Vitali , Assanta Nadia , Cantinotti Massimiliano
Published: October 2021

Objective

To evaluate the GORE® Cardioform ASD Occluder (GCO) (WL Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) device for “complex” atrial septal defects (ASD) closure.

Background

Transcatheter ASD closure is still challenging in “complex” clinical/anatomic settings. This study evaluated the results of GCO in closure of “complex” ASD in a tertiary referral center.

Methods

Between January 2020 and March 2021, 72 patients with significant ASD were submitted to transcatheter closure with GCO at our Institution. Based on clinical/anatomic characteristics, they were classified as “complex” (n = 36, Group I) or “simple” (n = 36, Group II). We considered as “complex”, defects with rim deficiency (< 5 mm) other than antero‐superior, relatively large (diameter/patient weight > 1.2 or diameter/patient BSA > 20 mm/m2) or within a multifenestrated septum. Procedure results and early outcome were compared between the groups.

Results

Absolute and relative ASD size (20 ± 4 vs. 15 ± 3 mm, p < 0.0001; 0.9 ± 0.3 vs. 0.4 ± 0.2 mm/kg, p < 0.0001; 23 ± 7 vs. 12 ± 5 mm/m2, p < 0.0001), QP/QS (2.0 ± 0.8 vs. 1.4 ± 0.3, p < 0.001), procedure and fluoroscopy times (73 ± 36 vs. 43 ± 21 min, p < 0.0001; 16 ± 9 vs. 9 ± 4 min, p < 0.0001, procedure feasibility (94.4 vs. 100%, p < 0.0001) and overall complication rate (13.9 vs. 0%, p < 0.0001) were significantly different between the groups. Successful closure of “surgical” ASDs was achieved in 92% of cases. Complete closure at last follow‐up evaluation did not significantly differ between the groups (97.1 vs. 100%, p = NS), as was wireframe fractures rate (49.1% in the overall population), without clinical, EKG and echocardiographic consequences.

Conclusions

Percutaneous treatment with GCO device is effective and safe in high percentage of “complex” ASDs.