bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of the change of the structure on oxidative dehydrogenation of propane over cerium–zirconium catalysts
Authors: Zuo Cheng , Guo Qingjie , Su Qian
Published: August 2022

A series of pure CeO2, ZrO2, and CeZrOx mixed metal oxide catalysts were prepared by a wetness impregnation method and were applied to the dehydrogenation of propane to propylene at 500°C and 0.1 MPa. The prepared catalysts were characterized by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller (BET), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopes (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, and H2‐TPR. It was observed that the zirconium content of the solid solution of the mixed metal oxide catalyst was 5%–25%, while the zirconium content of the material with phase segregation was higher (50%). The addition of zirconium was proven to decrease the oxygen vacancy concentration on the catalyst surface and change the intensity of (111) crystal of cerium oxide in the catalysts. Among the prepared catalysts, the Ce0.90Zr0.10Ox catalyst with the maximum strength of the (111) crystal plane of cerium oxide exhibited the better catalytic oxidation performance for the dehydrogenation of propane to propylene. Compared with ZrO2 in the blank experiment, the average propane conversion and propylene selectivity of the Ce0.90Zr0.10Ox catalyst were increased by 10.78% and 17.95%, respectively.
Cytomorphology of sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid: A short series of three cases with literature review
Authors: Kumar Tarun , Tewari Prerna , Khanna Nisha , Surabhi  , Bharti Shreekant , Sinha Ruchi , Bhadani Punam Prasad
Published: August 2022

Background

Ocular sebaceous carcinoma (OSC) is a malignant and potentially lethal sebaceous gland tumor. Clinically, it masquerades as other benign and less malignant lesions, resulting in a delay in diagnosis.

Methods

In the present study, we sought to evaluate the cytomorphology of this aggressive neoplasm diagnosed by fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) last year at our institute.

Results/Findings

We report three cases of OSC diagnosed on aspiration cytology showed a cellular smear composed of sheets, 3D clusters, papillaroid, and singly scattered polygonal tumor cells having centrally located hyperchromatic pleomorphic nuclei and multiple microvacuolations in the cytoplasm. Necrosis and crushing artifact were also identified. Special stains such as Oil Red O stain on air‐dried smears showed positivity, confirming the presence of lipid globules. Subsequently, the Cytological impression of sebaceous carcinoma was confirmed on histopathology.

Conclusions

The article highlights the role of FNAC in the early and correct diagnosis of aggressive tumors and subsequent appropriate management to prevent recurrence and metastasis.
Winter condition variability decreases the economic sustainability of reindeer husbandry
Authors: Pekkarinen Antti‐Juhani , Rasmus Sirpa , Kumpula Jouko , Tahvonen Olli
Published: August 2022

Wild and semidomesticated reindeer are one of the key species in Arctic and subarctic areas, and their population dynamics are closely tied to winter conditions. Difficult snow conditions have been found to decrease the calving success and survivability of reindeer, but the economic effects of variation in winter conditions on reindeer husbandry have not been studied. In this study, we combine state‐of‐the‐art economic–ecological modeling with the analysis of annual reindeer management reports from Finland. These contain local knowledge of herding communities. We quantify the occurrence probabilities of different types of winters from annual management reports and analyze the effects of this variation in winter conditions on reindeer husbandry using an age‐ and sex‐structured bioeconomic reindeer–lichen model. Our results show that difficult winters decrease the net revenues of reindeer husbandry. However, they also protect lichen pastures from grazing, thereby increasing future net revenues. Nonetheless, our solutions show that the variability of winter conditions overall decrease the net income of herders compared to constant winter conditions. Low lichen biomass appears to make reindeer management more sensitive to the effects of difficult winter conditions. We also found that it is economically sensible to use supplementary feeding during difficult winters, but the net revenues still decrease compared to average winters because of the high feeding costs. Overall, our analysis suggests that the increasing variability of winter conditions due to climate change will decrease net revenues in reindeer husbandry. This decrease will still occur even if the most extreme effects of climate change do not occur. This study shows that combining a state‐of‐the‐art bioeconomic model and practitioner knowledge can bring compatible insights, ideas, results, and a bottom‐up perspective to the discussion.
Landscape‐level heterogeneity of agri‐environment measures improves habitat suitability for farmland birds
Authors: Roilo Stephanie , Engler Jan O. , Václavík Tomáš , Cord Anna F.
Published: August 2022

Agri‐environment schemes (AESs), ecological focus areas (EFAs), and organic farming are the main tools of the common agricultural policy (CAP) to counteract the dramatic decline of farmland biodiversity in Europe. However, their effectiveness is repeatedly doubted because it seems to vary when measured at the field‐versus‐landscape level and to depend on the regional environmental and land‐use context. Understanding the heterogeneity of their effectiveness is thus crucial to developing management recommendations that maximize their efficacy. Using ensemble species distribution models and spatially explicit field‐level information on crops grown, farming practice (organic/conventional), and applied AES/EFA from the Integrated Administration and Control System, we investigated the contributions of five groups of measures (buffer areas, cover crops, extensive grassland management, fallow land, and organic farming) to habitat suitability for 15 farmland bird species in the Mulde River Basin, Germany. We used a multiscale approach to identify the scale of effect of the selected measures. Using simulated land‐use scenarios, we further examined how breeding habitat suitability would change if the measures were completely removed and if their adoption by farmers increased to meet conservation‐informed targets. Buffer areas, fallow land, and extensive grassland were beneficial measures for most species, but cover crops and organic farming had contrasting effects across species. While different measures acted at different spatial scales, our results highlight the importance of land‐use management at the landscape level—at which most measures had the strongest effect. We found that the current level of adoption of the measures delivers only modest gains in breeding habitat suitability. However, habitat suitability improved for the majority of species when the implementation of the measures was increased, suggesting that they could be effective conservation tools if higher adoption levels were reached. The heterogeneity of responses across species and spatial scales indicated that a mix of different measures, applied widely across the agricultural landscape, would likely maximize the benefits for biodiversity. This can only be achieved if the measures in the future CAP will be cooperatively designed in a regionally targeted way to improve their attractiveness for farmers and widen their uptake.
Environmental DNA tracks zooplankton population dynamics in experimental mesocosms
Authors: Bourque Danielle A. , Wang Xueqi S. , Fryxell John M. , Betini Gustavo S. , McCann Kevin S. , Hanner Robert
Published: August 2022

Environmental DNA (eDNA) holds notable potential for biomonitoring and ecological research. However, its utility for quantifying temporal changes in abundance, biomass, and diversity remains contentious. We investigated biotic and abiotic factors influencing temporal variation in eDNA concentration in large, 28,000 L experimental mesocosms. Time series data demonstrated a positive relationship between the population abundance and biomass of the Cladoceran zooplankton species Daphnia magna and eDNA concentration, with a time lag of ~3.5 days in 25°C conditions, and up to 28 days in 15°C. Water temperature variations within mesocosms did not consistently influence eDNA quantity, although water temperature negatively predicted DNA concentration across mesocosms. Algal density negatively correlated with D. magna eDNA quantity across and within mesocosms. We demonstrate that eDNA signal detection can be used as a proxy for relative abundance and suggest that future investigation into the dynamics of eDNA shedding and degradation processes is warranted.
Bending oxygen saturation index and risk of worsening heart failure events in chronic heart failure
Authors: de la Espriella Rafael , Amiguet Martina , Miñana Gema , Rodríguez Juan Carlos , Moyano Patricia , Segarra Daniel , Fernández Julio , Santas Enrique , Núñez Gonzalo , Lorenzo Miguel , Bonanad Clara , Alania Edgardo , Valle Alfonso , Sanchis Juan , Bodí Vicent , Górriz Jose Luis , Navarro Jorge , Codina Pau , Voors Adriaan A. , Bayés‐Genís Antoni , Núñez Julio
Published: August 2022

Aims

Bendopnea is a clinical symptom of advanced heart failure with uncertain prognostic value. We aimed to evaluate whether bendopnea and the change in oxygen saturation when bending forward (bending oxygen saturation index [BOSI]) are associated with adverse outcomes in ambulatory chronic heart failure (CHF) patients.

Methods and results

We prospectively evaluated 440 subjects with symptomatic CHF. BOSI was defined as the difference between sitting and bending oxygen saturation (SpO2). The endpoint was the total number of worsening heart failure (WHF) events (heart failure hospitalization or urgent heart failure visit requiring parenteral diuretic therapy). The mean age was 74 ± 10 years, 257 (58.6%) were male, and 226 (51.4%) had a left ventricular ejection fraction <50%. Bendopnea was present in 94 (21.4%) patients, and 120 (27.3%) patients had a BOSI ≥−3%. The agreement between BOSI ≥−3% and bendopnea was moderate (Gwet's AC 0.482, p < 0.001). At a median (p25%–p75%) follow‐up of 2.17 years (0.88–3.16), we registered 441 WHF events in 148 patients. After multivariable adjustment, BOSI was independently associated with the risk for total WHF episodes (overall, p < 0.001). Compared to improvement/no change in SpO2 when bending (BOSI 0%), those with BOSI ≥−3% showed an increased risk of WHF events (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 2.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.67–2.79; p < 0.001). In contrast, bendopnea was not associated with the risk of total WHF episodes (IRR 1.04, 95% CI 0.83–1.31; p = 0.705).

Conclusions

In ambulatory and stable CHF patients, BOSI ≥−3% and not bendopnea was independently associated with an increased risk of total (first and recurrent) WHF episodes. Awareness of SpO2 while assessing bendopnea may be a useful tool for predicting heart failure decompensations.
Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells with Graphene Oxide‐Modified Hole Transport Layer
Authors: Chen Yuanyuan , Cheng Zhendong , Qiao Feiyang , Gao Chao , Zhang Dezhao , Wang Yangrunqian , Wang Xin , Liang Jinjin , Liu Hong , Shen Wenzhong
Published: August 2022

PTAA is widely applied as an ideal organic hole‐conducting material in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and other advanced solar cells. However, its hydrophobicity makes it hard to be compatible with the adjacent perovskite. Herein, graphene oxide (GO) as an effective modifier for the PTAA layer in PSCs is introduced. Evidently, the surface wettability of PTAA and thus the morphology and quality of the as‐formed perovskite can be well controlled by tuning the conditions of GO treatment. Furthermore, characterization of optical and electrical properties shows significant passivation effect in the interface between PTAA and the absorber. As a result, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the device increases from 16.21% to 17.73% after GO treatment, with almost hysteresis‐less J–V characteristics. What's more, long‐term tests also indicate significant stabilization effect in the solar cells, with the PCE of encapsulated device being retained at 99.6% of the initial value after 42 days, while the reference device retains only 80.7%. Herein, new perspectives for more efficient and stable PSCs in the view of interface modification are provided.
Phenethylammonium Iodide Passivation Layers for Flexible Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Lucarelli Giulia , De Rossi Francesca , Taheri Babak , Brown Thomas M. , Brunetti Francesca
Published: August 2022

Flexible perovskite solar cells (PSC) represent a viable technology for applications requiring high power‐to‐weight ratios, seamless integration onto a variety of shapes, and low embedded energy. Strategies to boost the performance of flexible PSC, which still lag behind their rigid counterparts, include passivation of the perovskite surface with ammonium salts. Herein, the optimization of low‐temperature solution‐processed phenethylammonium iodide (PEAI) layers to passivate triple‐cation perovskite films as an effective strategy for flexible planar PSCs is reported. The best PEAI‐passivated cell delivers a maximum power conversion efficiency of 15.2% in forward scan, which is 22% higher in relative terms compared with nonpassivated devices, due to a major improvement in both open‐circuit voltage and fill factor. Optoelectrical characterization highlights that PEAI films effectively reduce trap‐mediated charge recombination, without hindering charge transport across the perovskite/hole transport layer interface. Light‐soaking stability of nonencapsulated cells with PEAI layers is also greatly enhanced, retaining 80% of the initial power conversion efficiency for twice as long as the reference devices, therefore proving the potential of this material for the development of efficient and durable flexible PSCs.
High‐Efficiency Energy Management Circuit Combining Synchronized Switch Harvesting on Inductor Rectifier and Impedance Matching for Impact‐Type Piezoelectric Energy Harvester
Authors: Yang Liu , Wei Tingcun , Chen Nan
Published: August 2022

To improve the output power of impact‐type piezoelectric energy harvesters (IPEHs), a high‐efficiency energy management circuit combining a self‐powered synchronized switch harvesting on inductor (SP‐SSHI) rectifier and an alternative impedance matching circuit is proposed. The SP‐SSHI rectifier eliminates the effect of inherent capacitance of IPEH through LC oscillation and enhances the output power. The alternative impedance matching circuit provides two optimal load resistances for different periods of IPEHs to increase the harvested power. Furthermore, to decrease the power dissipation, the proposed circuit is activated only when the output power of IPEH is sufficiently high and the SSHI is active. A control chip of the proposed circuit is designed and fabricated in a 0.18 μm complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor process. The proposed circuit is applied for a microwind IPEH, and the peak figure of merit and efficiency are 3.68 and 90.4%, at the wind speed of 1.46 m s−1, respectively. The results indicate a significant improvement in output power and harvesting efficiency of the proposed IPEH‐specialized circuit. When a flame sensor (USEQFSEA22L80) is powered by the microwind energy harvesting system, the proposed circuit increases operating time of the sensor as 4.6 times, as compared with the traditional impedance matching circuit.
Characterizing the epithelial–mesenchymal transition status of circulating tumor cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Payne Karl , Brooks Jill , Batis Nikolaos , Taylor Graham , Nankivell Paul , Mehanna Hisham
Published: August 2022

Background

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), in particular those undergoing an epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), are a promising source of biomarkers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Our aim was to validate a protocol using microfluidic enrichment (Parsortix platform) with flow‐cytometry CTC characterization.

Method

Blood samples from 20 treatment naïve HNSCC patients underwent Parsortix enrichment and flow cytometry analysis to quantify CTCs and identify epithelial or EMT subgroups—correlated to clinical outcomes and EMT gene‐expression in tumor tissue.

Results

CTCs were detected in 65% of patients (mean count 4 CTCs/ml). CTCs correlated with advanced disease (p = 0.0121), but not T or N classification. Epithelial or EMT CTCs did not correlate with progression‐free or overall survival. Tumor mesenchymal gene‐expression did not correlate with CTC EMT expression (p = 0.347).

Discussion

Microfluidic enrichment and flow cytometry successfully characterizes EMT CTCs in HNSCC. The lack of association between tumor and CTC EMT profile suggests CTCs may undergo an adaptive EMT in response to stimuli within the circulation.
Hepatocyte leukotriene B4 receptor 1 promotes NAFLD development in obesity
Authors: Liu Xingfeng , Wang Kai , Wang Luhai , Kong Lijuan , Hou Shaocong , Wan Yanjun , Ma Chunxiao , Chen Jingwen , Xing Xiaowei , Xing Caiyi , Jiang Qian , Zhao Qijin , Cui Bing , Huang Zhifeng , Li Pingping
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims:

NAFLD is the most prevalent chronic liver disease worldwide and has emerged as a serious public health issue with no approved treatment. The development of NAFLD is strongly associated with hepatic lipid content, and patients with NAFLD have significantly higher rates of hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) than lean individuals. Leukotriene B4 (LTB4), a metabolite of arachidonic acid, is dramatically increased in obesity and plays important role in proinflammatory cytokine production and insulin resistance. But the role of liver LTB4/LTB4 receptor 1 (Ltb4r1) in lipid metabolism is unclear.

Approach and Results:

Hepatocyte‐specific knockout (HKO) of Ltb4r1 improved hepatic steatosis and systemic insulin resistance in both diet‐induced and genetically induced obese mice. The mRNA level of key enzymes involved in DNL and fatty acid esterification decreased in Ltb4r1 HKO obese mice. LTB4/Ltb4r1 directly promoted lipogenesis in HepG2 cells and primary hepatocytes. Mechanically, LTB4/Ltb4r1 promoted lipogenesis by activating the cAMP–protein kinase A (PKA)–inositol‐requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α)–spliced X‐box‐binding protein 1 (XBP1s) axis in hepatocytes, which in turn promoted the expression of lipogenesis genes regulated by XBP1s. In addition, Ltb4r1 suppression through the Ltb4r1 inhibitor or lentivirus–short hairpin RNA delivery alleviated the fatty liver phenotype in obese mice.

Conclusions:

LTB4/Ltb4r1 promotes hepatocyte lipogenesis directly by activating PKA–IRE1α–XBP1s to promote lipogenic gene expression. Inhibition of hepatocyte Ltb4r1 improved hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance. Ltb4r1 is a potential therapeutic target for NAFLD.
Multiomics characterization of mouse hepatoblastoma identifies yes‐associated protein 1 target genes
Authors: Rodríguez Tomás C. , Kwan Suet‐Yan , Smith Jordan L. , Dadafarin Sina , Wu Chern‐Horng , Sontheimer Erik J. , Xue Wen
Published: August 2022

Background and Aims:

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common primary liver malignancy in childhood and lacks targeted therapeutic options. We previously engineered, to our knowledge, the first yes‐associated protein 1 (YAP1)S127A–inducible mouse model of HB, demonstrating tumor regression and redifferentiation after YAP1 withdrawal through genome‐wide enhancer modulation. Probing accessibility, transcription, and YAP1 binding at regulatory elements in HB tumors may provide more insight into YAP1‐driven tumorigenesis and expose exploitable vulnerabilities in HB.

Approach and Results:

Using a multiomics approach, we integrated high‐throughput transcriptome and chromatin profiling of our murine HB model to identify dynamic activity at candidate cis‐regulatory elements (cCREs). We observed that 1301 of 305,596 cCREs exhibit “tumor‐modified” (TM) accessibility in HB. We mapped 241 TM enhancers to corresponding genes using accessibility and histone H3K27Ac profiles. Anti‐YAP1 cleavage under targets and tagmentation in tumors revealed 66 YAP1‐bound TM cCRE/gene pairs, 31 of which decrease expression after YAP1 withdrawal. We validated the YAP1‐dependent expression of a putative YAP1 target, Jun dimerization protein 2 (JDP2), in human HB cell lines using YAP1 and LATS1/2 small interfering RNA knockdown. We also confirmed YAP1‐induced activity of the Jdp2 TM enhancer in vitro and discovered an analogous human enhancer in silico. Finally, we used transcription factor (TF) footprinting to identify putative YAP1 cofactors and characterize HB‐specific TF activity genome wide.

Conclusions:

Our chromatin‐profiling techniques define the regulatory frameworks underlying HB and identify YAP1‐regulated gene/enhancer pairs. JDP2 is an extensively validated target with YAP1‐dependent expression in human HB cell lines and hepatic malignancies.
A multi‐omic single cell sequencing approach to develop a CD8 T cell specific gene signature for anti‐PD1 response in solid tumors
Authors: Kumar Namit , Papillon‐Cavanagh Simon , Tang Hao , Wang Shiliang , Stromko Caitlyn , Ho Ching‐Ping , Soni‐Sheth Sonal , Vasquez‐Grinnell Steven , Broz Miranda L. , Tenney Daniel J. , Wichroski Michael J. , Walsh Alice M. , Hu Yanhua , Benci Joseph L.
Published: August 2022

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has led to durable clinical responses in multiple cancer types. However, biomarkers that identify which patients are most likely to respond to ICB are not well defined. Many putative biomarkers developed from a small number of samples often fail to maintain their predictive status in larger validation cohorts. We show across multiple human malignancies and syngeneic murine tumor models that neither pretreatment T cell receptor (TCR) clonality nor changes in clonality after ICB correlate with response. Dissection of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes pre‐ and post‐ICB by paired single‐cell RNA sequencing and single‐cell TCR sequencing reveals conserved and distinct transcriptomic features in expanded TCR clonotypes between anti‐PD1 responder and nonresponder murine tumor models. Overall, our results indicate a productive anti‐tumor response is agnostic of TCR clonal expansion. Further, we used single‐cell transcriptomics to develop a CD8+ T cell specific gene signature for a productive anti‐tumor response and show the response signature to be associated with overall survival (OS) on nivolumab monotherapy in CheckMate‐067, a phase 3 clinical trial in metastatic melanoma. These results highlight the value of leveraging single‐cell assays to dissect heterogeneous tumor and immune subsets and define cell‐type specific transcriptomic biomarkers of ICB response.
Risk factors for anxiety and depression among pregnant women during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Results of a web‐based multinational cross‐sectional study
Authors: Kajdy Anna , Sys Dorota , Pokropek Artur , Shaw Steven W. , Chang Tung‐Yao , Calda Pavel , Acharya Ganesh , Ben‐Zion Maya , Biron‐Shental Tal , Borowski Dariusz , Czuba Bartosz , Etchegaray Adolfo , Feduniw Stepan , Garcia‐Mandujano Rosario , Santacruz Monica Garcia , Gil Maria M. , Hassan Sonia , Kwiatkowski Sebastian , Martin‐Arias Arancha , Martinez‐Portilla Raigam Jafet , Prefumo Federico , Rabijewski Michał , Salomon Laurent J. , Tiller Heidi , Verlohren Stefan , Voon Hian Yan , Yanque‐Robles Omar Fernando , Yong Soon Leong , Poon Liona C. ,   Mind‐COVID Collaborative Team
Published: August 2022

Objective

To assess risk factors for anxiety and depression among pregnant women during the COVID‐19 pandemic using Mind‐COVID, a prospective cross‐sectional study that compares outcomes in middle‐income economies and high‐income economies.

Methods

A total of 7102 pregnant women from 12 high‐income economies and nine middle‐income economies were included. The web‐based survey used two standardized instruments, General Anxiety Disorder‐7 (GAD‐7) and Patient Health Questionnaire–9 (PHQ‐9).

Result

Pregnant women in high‐income economies reported higher PHQ‐9 (0.18 standard deviation [SD], P < 0.001) and GAD‐7 (0.08 SD, P = 0.005) scores than those living in middle‐income economies. Multivariate regression analysis showed that increasing PHQ‐9 and GAD‐7 scales were associated with mental health problems during pregnancy and the need for psychiatric treatment before pregnancy. PHQ‐9 was associated with a feeling of burden related to restrictions in social distancing, and access to leisure activities. GAD‐7 scores were associated with a pregnancy‐related complication, fear of adverse outcomes in children related to COVID‐19, and feeling of burden related to finances.

Conclusions

According to this study, the imposed public health measures and hospital restrictions have left pregnant women more vulnerable during these difficult times. Adequate partner and family support during pregnancy and childbirth can be one of the most important protective factors against anxiety and depression, regardless of national economic status.
Management and performance improvement of irrigation canals in water‐scarce conditions considering hydraulic drawbacks: A case study for the Eastern Aghili secondary canal, Iran
Authors: Ostovari Shirin , Monem Mohammad Javad
Published: August 2022

Irrigation networks suffer from conventional water management in water‐scarce conditions. Most previous studies have concentrated on water allocation, paying little attention to hydraulic drawbacks. In this study, four water distribution scenarios for managing scarce water conditions are defined and evaluated, with consideration of their hydraulic drawbacks. In the first scenario, the water shortage is evenly distributed among all outlets. In the second scenario, a kind of prioritization of the outlets is considered. A time division is considered for the other two scenarios. In the third scenario, one half of the outlets receive complete delivery, and the other receive reduced water in the first period and perform the same operation in reverse in the second period. In the fourth scenario, half of the outlets receive twice the amount of required water, while the other half is closed in the first period. In the second period, the water delivery is carried out in reverse. The effect of four scenarios in improving water distribution in 40% water scarcity conditions is such that scenarios 4, 3, 2 and 1 have the most positive effect, in that order. The results show that with increasing water scarcity, time division scenarios have a greater impact on performance improvement.
Smooth muscle matrix bioink promotes myogenic differentiation of encapsulated adipose‐derived stem cells
Authors: Yeleswarapu Sriya , Chameettachal Shibu , Bera Ashis Kumar , Pati Falguni
Published: August 2022

Hydrogels derived from decellularized extracellular matrices (dECM) can mimic the biochemical composition of the native tissue. They can also act as a template to culture reseeded cells in vitro. However, detergent‐based decellularization methods are known to alter the biochemical compositions, thereby compromising the bioactive potential of dECM. This study proposes a facile detergent‐free method to achieve dECM from smooth muscle tissue. We have used the muscle layer of caprine esophageal tissue and decellularized using hypo and hyper‐molar sodium chloride solutions alternatingly. Then, a hydrogel was prepared from this decellularized smooth muscle matrix (dSMM) and characterized thoroughly. A comparative analysis of the dSMM prepared with our protocol with the existing detergent‐based protocol suggests successful and comparable decellularization with minimal residual DNA content. Interestingly, an 8.78‐fold increase in sulfated glycosaminoglycans content and 1.62‐fold increased collagen content indicated higher retention of ECM constituents with NaCl‐based decellularization strategy. Moreover, the dSMM gel induces differentiation of the encapsulated adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells toward smooth muscle cells (SMCs) as observed by their expression of alpha‐smooth muscle actin and smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, the hallmarks of SMCs. Finally, we optimized the process parameter for productive bioprinting with this dSMM bioink and fabricated 3D muscle constructs. Our results suggest that dSMM has the potential to be used as a bioink to engineer personalized esophageal tissues.
The relevance of communal altruism for sexual minority men in contemporary contexts
Authors: Skakoon‐Sparling Shayna , Card Kiffer G. , Novick Jake R. , Berlin Graham, W. , Lachowsky Nathan J. , Adam Barry , Brennan David J. , Sang Jordan M. , Noor Syed W. , Cox Joseph , Moore David M. , Grace Daniel , Grey Cornel , Daroya Emerich , Hart Trevor A.
Published: August 2022

There are many reasons why individuals engage in prosocial behavior; communal sexual altruism is based on the notion that some practice safer sex in the interest of promoting the well‐being of their community/in‐group. Given that definitions of what constitutes “safer sex” have changed with advances in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention, we investigated the importance of communal sexual altruism (herein “altruism”) among urban gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men (GBM) in the contemporary context. Using a sample of 2449 GBM we examined the association of both safer‐sex‐related attitudes (e.g., HIV treatment optimism–skepticism) and behaviors (e.g., condomless anal sex [CAS]) with altruism scores. Higher altruism scores were associated with a lower likelihood of CAS and a greater frequency of discussing HIV status with new partners. These findings demonstrate that many GBM are motivated to engage in several kinds of behaviors that improve the well‐being of their in‐group (i.e., the GBM community).
Specific anti‐glioma targeted‐delivery strategy of engineered small extracellular vesicles dual‐functionalised by Angiopep‐2 and TAT peptides
Authors: Zhu Zhanchi , Zhai Yuanxin , Hao Ying , Wang Quanwei , Han Fang , Zheng Wenlong , Hong Jing , Cui Leisha , Jin Wei , Ma Sancheng , Yang Lingyan , Cheng Guosheng
Published: August 2022

Glioma is one of the primary malignant brain tumours in adults, with a poor prognosis. Pharmacological reagents targeting glioma are limited to achieve the desired therapeutic effect due to the presence of blood‐brain barrier (BBB). Effectively crossing the BBB and specifically targeting to the brain tumour are the major challenge for the glioma treatments. Here, we demonstrate that the well‐defined small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) with dual‐targeting drug delivery and cell‐penetrating functions, modified by Angiopep‐2 and trans‐activator of transcription peptides, enable efficient and specific chemotherapy for glioma. The high efficiency of engineered sEVs in targeting BBB and glioma was assessed in both monolayer culture cells and BBB model in vitro, respectively. The observed high targeting efficiency was re‐validated in subcutaneous tumour and orthotopic glioma mice models. After loading the doxorubicin into dual‐modified functional sEVs, this specific dual‐targeting delivery system could cross the BBB, reach the glioma, and penetrate the tumour. Such a mode of drug delivery significantly improved more than 2‐fold survival time of glioma mice with very few side effects. In conclusion, utilization of the dual‐modified sEVs represents a unique and efficient strategy for drug delivery, holding great promise for the treatments of central nervous system diseases.
North–South development competition and the quality and sustainability of Chinese and Japanese trans‐national infrastructure initiatives
Authors: Mao Caixia
Published: August 2022

China has become a recent rising power in global development cooperation in the past few years. This paper examines how the Global North, as represented by Japan, responds to the rising of the Global South, as represented by China, in infrastructure support. This paper positions itself in the context of Global‐North/South and triangular cooperation to compare Japan's Partnership for Quality Infrastructure with China's Belt and Road Initiative from the dimensions of policy rhetoric, finance mechanism, environmental sustainability and rule of law. This paper draws the conclusion on whether the North–South competition enhances the quality and sustainability of those initiatives.
Folic acid inhibits 5‐methyltetrahydrofolate transport across the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier: Clinical biochemical data from two cases
Authors: Akiyama Tomoyuki , Kuki Ichiro , Kim Kiyohiro , Yamamoto Naohiro , Yamada Yumi , Igarashi Kazuya , Ishihara Tomohiko , Hatano Yuya , Kobayashi Katsuhiro
Published: August 2022

Objective

The use of folic acid (FA) has been discouraged in cerebral folate deficiency (CFD) because, theoretically, it could inhibit the transport of 5‐methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5MTHF) across the blood–cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barrier. We present the clinical biochemical data of two cases with CFD to support this hypothesis.

Methods

We measured CSF and serum 5MTHF concentrations in a patient with Kearns‐Sayre syndrome (KSS) and a patient homozygous for MTHFR C677T polymorphism before and during folate supplementation therapy. To evaluate these 5MTHF concentrations, we also analyzed CSF and serum samples in pediatric patients without folate supplementation.

Results

Both patients had low CSF 5MTHF before treatment and high‐dose FA therapy did not normalize CSF 5MTHF. There was a dissociation between serum total folate and 5MTHF concentrations during FA therapy, which was considered to be due to the appearance of unmetabolized FA. The addition of folinic acid did not improve low CSF 5MTHF in the KSS patient and the cessation of FA resulted in the normalization of CSF 5MTHF. In the patient homozygous for MTHFR C677T, minimization of the FA dosage resulted in the normalization of CSF 5MTHF and an increased CSF‐to‐serum 5MTHF ratio.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that excess supplementation of FA impaired 5MTHF transport across the blood–CSF barrier. In the treatment of CFD, supplementation of folinic acid or 5MTHF (in cases of impaired 5MTHF synthesis) is preferred over the use of FA. The reference values of CSF 5MTHF concentration based on 600 pediatric cases were also provided.
Dual‐view one‐dimensional integral imaging display using parallax barrier
Authors: Yang Fan , Ding Zhi , Huang Ying , Wu Fei
Published: August 2022

A dual‐view one‐dimensional integral imaging display using parallax barrier is proposed. It is composed of a display panel, a parallax barrier, a polarized array, and two pairs of polarized glasses. The polarized array consists of two kinds of orthogonal polarized units that are alternately aligned. Two kinds of elemental images are aligned to the corresponding polarized units, respectively. The lights emitted from two kinds of elemental images are, respectively, modulated by the corresponding slits and polarized units, and two three‐dimensional (3D) images are simultaneously reconstructed in the viewing zone. Two pairs of orthogonal polarized glasses are introduced to separate two reconstructed 3D images. Only one of the two reconstructed 3D images is seen by wearing either pairs of polarized glasses. An experimental setup was developed, and the viewing angle of the dual‐view one‐dimensional integral imaging display is proportional to the aperture width of the slit. The restriction between the viewing angle and the optical efficiency is resolved in the proposed dual‐view one‐dimensional integral imaging display.
Challenges in direct determination of Glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid in water by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry at modified reverse phase columns: Effect of matrix interferences in fresh and hard water systems
Authors: Dissanayake Thanuja Warnaka Kumari , Malavipathirana Sarath , Ranasinghe Pathmasiri , Mubarak Mohamed Naeem Ahammadu , Navarathne Ayanthi Neela
Published: August 2022

This study validated two underivatized methods (M1 and M2) according to the Eurachem guidelines to analyze the herbicide Glyphosate and its major metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid simultaneously by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in both fresh and hard waters. Samples were analyzed directly after filtration through 0.22 μm syringe filters in M1, while samples were acidified with acetic acid before filtration in M2. Spike recoveries were greater than 80% for Glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid in both methods. The limit of quantitation was 0.5 μg/L for M1, and 0.1 μg/L for M2 by using matrix‐matched calibrations. The linear regression coefficient of both methods was greater than 0.995. The expanded uncertainty was found to be less than 25% for both. Moreover, M1 has an additional mass spectral confirmation ability, and the column and the mobile phase used in M2 can be used to analyze the inert surfactant used in Glyphosate formulations, Polyethoxylated tallow amine. The accuracy of the developed methods was assured by participating in a proficiency testing program against M2 and conducting the t‐test for results generated by both M1 and M2. Both methods, therefore, can be used to determine Glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid content concurrently in fresh and hard waters.
Paraglottic Space Invasion in Glottic Laryngeal Cancer: A Clinical‐Pathological Study
Authors: Fermi Matteo , Lo Manto Alfredo , Di Massa Gianluca , Gallo Graziana , Lupi Massimo , Maiolo Vincenzo , Montrone Grazia , Lovato Luigi , Presutti Livio , Mattioli Francesco
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study aims to prospectively compare endoscopic, radiological, and pathological features of a cohort of patients with glottic laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) undergoing open partial horizontal laryngectomy (OPHL) type II/III or total laryngectomy to better understand the reliability of preoperative endoscopy and computed tomography (CT) to predict the inferior paraglottic space (iPGS) involvement.

Methods

We prospectively compared the endoscopic, radiological, and pathological findings in patients with glottic LSCC who underwent OPHL II/III, or total laryngectomy.

Results

Endoscopy achieved a diagnostic accuracy of 87.2% for the anterior iPGS (iPGSa) and 86.1% for the posterior iPGS (iPGSp). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of histopathologic iPGSa involvement between reduced (85%—17/20 pts) and absent (92%—24/26 pts) vocal cord mobility (p = 0.39). CT alone did not improve the diagnostic performance of the endoscopy, reaching a diagnostic accuracy of 62.9% and 73.7% for the iPGSa and iPGSp, respectively. When endoscopy and CT were combined, the diagnostic performance improved for the iPGSp, achieving a sensitivity (Se), specificity (Spe), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%, 89.8%, 68.7%, and 100%, respectively. On the contrary, the combination of CT and endoscopy improved only the Se and NPV for the iPGSa with respect to the sole endoscopic assessment.

Conclusions

Whenever motility impairment is present, a histopathologic invasion of the iPGS should be suspected. Endoscopic assessment of laryngeal motility achieved a satisfactory value of Se, Spe, PPV, and NPV in predicting the involvement of the iPGS. CT scan is still the mainstay imaging technique in the clinical staging of patients with LSCC.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 133:1184–1190, 2023
In situ estimates of net primary production in the open‐ocean Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Yang Bo , Gomez Fabian , Schmid Claudia , Baringer Molly
Published: August 2022

Net primary production (NPP) measurements in the open‐ocean Gulf of Mexico are scarce and mostly limited to satellite‐derived surface estimates. Profiling floats can obtain depth‐resolved chlorophyll (Chl) and backscattering (bbp) data for NPP estimates, but historical float data in this region lacked field calibrations. We adjusted the float data with satellite Chl, generating a consistent dataset for deriving the first year‐round depth‐resolved NPP estimates in this region. The results revealed distinct seasonal patterns in surface NPP and depth‐integrated (0–100 m) total NPP, with the peak values in the winter and summer, respectively. The results showed that for most of the year subsurface (20–100 m) contributes more to the total (0–100 m) NPP than the surface layer (0–20 m), and the major controls of NPP in these two layers were light level and nutrient supply, respectively.
Polydioxanone Derivative Bearing Methoxy Groups toward Bio‐Functional Degradable Polymers Exhibiting Hydration‐Driven Biocompatibility
Authors: Fukushima Kazuki , Ota Yuki , Kato Takashi
Published: August 2022

An aliphatic poly(ester‐ether) with methoxy side chains from a glycerol derivative that exhibits increased hydration properties for potential applications in blood‐contacting medical devices is developed. The poly(ester‐ether) is prepared by ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of an analogue of 1,4‐dioxan‐2‐one (DX) with a methoxy‐containing substituent in the presence of acidic organocatalysts. It is found that the ring–chain equilibrium resides in the ROP of the DX analogue at room temperature and at relatively low monomer concentration (≈2 m). The organocatalytic ROP has enabled more than 80% monomer conversion at temperatures below 0 °C in the bulk state. The methoxy‐bearing poly(ester‐ether) is insoluble in water, amorphous, and viscous, demonstrating a high level of interaction with water when evaluating the thermal properties of the hydrated polymer and water contact angles. The polymer also shows susceptibility to hydrolysis and end‐group dependence on thermal degradation. These results suggest a good potential for methoxy‐bearing poly(ester‐ether) as a biodegradable and biocompatible polymer derived from renewable feedstocks.
Association between phase angle and adverse clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19: A systematic review
Authors: Alves Elyudienne Andressa Silva , Salazar Teresa Cristina do Nascimento , Silvino Valmir Oliveira , Cardoso Glêbia Alexa , dos Santos Marcos Antonio Pereira
Published: August 2022

Phase angle, obtained by bioelectrical impedance, is an indicator of cellular integrity and has been proposed as a prognostic parameter in patients who are critically ill. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the association between phase angle and adverse clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease–2019 (COVID‐19). An extensive literature search was performed in the MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases, with interest in observational studies evaluating the association between phase angle and adverse clinical outcomes in individuals aged ≥18 years hospitalized with COVID‐19. Studies were independently selected by two reviewers, according to eligibility criteria. Subsequently, data were extracted and presented in a qualitative synthesis. The evaluation of the quality of the studies was performed according to the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale. The full methodology was published in PROSPERO (ID CRD42022306177). A total of 392 articles were identified, resulting in seven selected studies, of which six were prospective cohorts and one was retrospective. In the quality assessment, six studies obtained scores equal to or greater than seven, indicating a low risk of bias. A total of 750 participants composed the samples of the selected studies. Five studies reported an independent association between phase angle and adverse clinical outcomes during hospitalization for COVID‐19, with emphasis on prolonged hospitalization and mechanical ventilation and higher mortality in patients with a lower phase angle. Thus, phase angle measurement can be useful in the early identification of risks in patients hospitalized with COVID‐19, for the purpose of adequacy of clinical management.
Cyclo‐olefin copolymer/poly(acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene) blends: Structure–property relationships and morphological, rheological, and mechanical properties
Authors: Kurt Gökçe , Tüney İclal , Kasgoz Alper
Published: August 2022

In this study, blends of cyclo‐olefin copolymers (COC) that had different monomer compositions and poly(Acrylonitrile‐Butadiene‐Styrene) (ABS) were prepared and variations in their morphological, rheological, and dynamic mechanical properties were investigated. In the morphological analyses, it was seen that all blends with 50/50% composition had a co‐continuous morphology, while droplet‐matrix morphology was observed for the other compositions. Melt‐state shear modulus and viscosity increased with the addition of ABS for the blends prepared with COC derivatives containing 40% and ⁓68% norbornene content by weight, while there was no significant change in the modulus values of those prepared with the COC derivative containing ⁓76% norbornene by weight. On the contrary to other blends, it was observed that the modulus values decreased with the addition of ABS in the blends prepared with COC with 82% norbornene content. Evaluation of the SEM images and Cole‐Cole plots indicated that COC‐rich blends were more compatible than the ABS‐rich blends in the case COC with lower norbornene content was used in polymer blends, while ABS‐rich blends became more compatible with increasing norbornene content of COC.
Nanoscale strain–stress mapping for a thermoplastic elastomer revealed using a combination of in situ atomic force microscopy nanomechanics and Delaunay triangulation
Authors: Liu Haonan , Liang Xiaobin , Nakajima Ken
Published: August 2022

Styrene block copolymer‐type thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) has a nanoscale phase‐separated structure and undergoes topological changes in response to external stimuli. A typical example is the macroscopic stress relaxation in TPEs while maintaining the elongated state. To understand the influence of structural changes on the mechanical properties of TPEs, in this work, we evaluate a styrene‐ethylene‐butylene‐styrene‐type TPE using an in situ atomic force microscopy (AFM)‐based nanomechanical approach while maintaining 50% strain. According to AFM deformation and modulus maps of the same area at different relaxation times, it is found that the hard polystyrene domain splits in the early stage of relaxation, resulting in a constant rise in the number. At the same time, the modulus of the soft poly(ethylene‐butylene) matrix continues to decrease. Both the domain number and matrix modulus stabilize in the late stage of the relaxation. Further finite element analysis explains the above phenomenon. The distribution of stresses and strains under the material microscopically evolves toward homogenization with relaxation time. The internal stress network achieves an elastic behavior after sufficient relaxation at the expense of hard‐domain splitting.