bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface‐Acoustic‐Wave (SAW) Induced Mixing Enhances the Detection of Viruses: Application to Measles Sensing in Whole Human Saliva with a SAW Lab‐On‐a‐Chip
Authors: Agostini Matteo , Lunardelli Francesco , Gagliardi Mariacristina , Miranda Alessio , Lamanna Leonardo , Luminare Antonella Giuliana , Gambineri Francesca , Lai Michele , Pistello Mauro , Cecchini Marco
Published: July 2022

Measles is one of the most infectious airborne viruses worldwide. With a basic reproduction rate between 12–18, this virus is six times more infectious than the SARS‐CoV‐2 Alpha variant and similar to the SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variant. Even though a cheap and effective vaccine is available, measles is still common in developing countries. To date, sporadic outbreaks are also reported in developed countries, primarily due to non‐vaccinated people. This work presents a point‐of‐care (POC) biosensing device capable of detecting measles virions (MV) in human saliva. The device is a surface‐acoustic‐wave (SAW) based lab‐on‐a‐chip (LOC), smaller than a €1‐cent coin, in which SAWs are used both for sensing and fluid recirculation. The biosensing detection performance of this system is tested and device sensitivity and selectivity are assessed. The SAW‐LOC with MV loaded in healthy, whole human saliva is finally validated. The experimental results also highlight a crucial aspect of the biosensing process: the interactions between probing and target species during incubation with or without fluid mixing. The presented findings are promising for realizing a POC platform for measles diagnosis and may serve as a guideline for designing new microfluidics‐based biosensing systems.
Exposing Single Ni Atoms in Hollow S/N‐Doped Carbon Macroporous Fibers for Highly Efficient Electrochemical Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Zhao Yafei , Guo Yan , Lu Xue Feng , Luan Deyan , Gu Xiaojun , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: July 2022

The development of efficient and cost‐effective electrocatalysts toward the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is highly desirable for clean energy and fuel conversion. Herein, the facile preparation of Ni single atoms embedded hollow S/N‐doped carbon macroporous fibers (Ni SAs@S/N‐CMF) as efficient catalysts for OER through pyrolysis of designed CdS‐NiSx/polyacrylonitrile composite fibers is reported. Specifically, CdS provides the sulfur source for the doping of polyacrylonitrile‐derived carbon matrix and simultaneously creates the hollow macroporous structure, while NiSx is first reduced to nanoparticles and finally evolves into single Ni atoms through the atom migration‐trapping strategy. Benefiting from the abundantly exposed single Ni atoms and hollow macroporous structure, the resultant Ni SAs@S/N‐CMF electrocatalysts deliver outstanding activity and stability for OER. Specifically, it needs an overpotential of 285 mV to achieve the benchmark current density of 10 mA cm−2 with a small Tafel slope of 50.8 mV dec−1.
Elaboration of Ni2P@C Composites with Hollow Porous Structure for Enhanced Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Wang Fei , Ding Mingjie , Zhao Danyang , Di Haoxiang , Li Jiafeng , Wang Zhongxiao , Zhang Zhiwei , Zhang Luyuan , Wang Chengxiang , Yin Longwei
Published: July 2022

The electrocatalytic water splitting is greatly affected by overpotential, stability, and accessibility of active sites. Designing appropriate active components and tailoring their microstructure are crucial to improve electrocatalytic performance. Herein, using metal organic framework (MOF) as template, novel Ni2P@C composites are prepared as bifunctional catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The best Ni2P@C‐350 sample has a small onset overpotential (η) of 57 mV, and up to 148 and 285 mV to afford 10 and 250 mA cm–2 for HER. It only needs η = 326 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for OER, better than usual RuO2 electrode. Moreover, Ni2P@C‐350||Ni2P@C‐350 cell can work for overall water splitting more efficiently than common Pt/C||RuO2 cell, running stably within 30 h without obvious degradation. The excellent performance is attributed to its porous structure with easily accessible active sites, short ions transfer path, and superior structural stability, which enable a significant improvement on molecule level, e.g., the turnover frequency (TOF) of Ni2P@C‐350 at η = 250 mV is up to 0.84 s−1, while that of pristine Ni2P is only 0.55 s−1. These results highlight the effect of structure engineering, inspiring for electrode design of HER and OER.
Standard White CP‐OLEDs Performance Achieved by Intramolecular Chirality Transfer Mechanism through Polymer Chain
Authors: Zhang Yu , Jing Tongtong , Quan Yiwu , Ye Shanghui , Cheng Yixiang
Published: July 2022

In this work, a chiral functionalized bis‐benzoxanethonyl unit is introduced into three conjugated polymer backbones (S‐/R‐BP, S‐/R‐WP1, and S‐/R‐WP2) as the emitting layers (EMLs) of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) to construct full‐color circularly polarized electroluminescence (CP‐EL) by solution‐processing. Interestingly, standard white CP‐EL based on the monodispersed S‐/R‐WP2 achieves a high color rendering index of 95 at CIE coordinates of (0.33, 0.34). The CP‐OLED performances show the turn‐on voltage of ≈5.8 V, high maximum luminance of ≈3000 cd m−2, and stable gEL value of 10−3 in the wavelength range of 425–760 nm. This work is the first example to realize standard white CP‐OLEDs by intramolecular chirality transfer mechanism from chiral blue‐color moiety to achiral red‐color dye through polymer chain, which provides a valuable strategy to develop white CP‐EL for potential lighting and full‐color 3D displays.
Enhanced Stokes Shift and Phase Stability by Cosynthesizing Perovskite Nanoparticles (MAPbI3/MAPbBr3) in a Single Solution
Authors: Munir Muhammad , Tan Jinglan , Arbi Ramis , Oliveira Pedro , Leeb Elisabeth , Salinas Yolanda , Scharber Markus Clark , Sariciftci Niyazi Serdar , Turak Ayse
Published: July 2022

Herein, diblock copolymer reverse micelle templating (RMD) is used to control the reaction kinetics of metal halide hybrid perovskites formation to fabricate systems showing dual‐phase emission. Through micelle templating, desired compositions can be engineered which show high phase stability of mixtures of perovskite nanoparticles (NPs) through micellar shielding and stabilizing of the cage structure. In addition, Stokes shift of around 150 nm, one of the largest reported for perovskite systems, can be obtained with careful control over synthesis kinetics. Using an unconventional approach, that is, mixing methylammonium iodide (MAI) and lead bromide PbBr2, systems consisting of both green‐ and red‐emitting NPs are fabricated by a two‐step reaction process using RMD. By obtaining two stable phases in a single solution, the NP system can absorb in the ultraviolet region and emit in the red region, making them excellent candidates for downconversion to improve solar cells efficiency, as shown for two polymer active layers in organic bulk heretojunction solar cells (OPVs). Exploiting the phase stabilizing effect of the micelles, the reaction kinetics of perovskite formation can be tuned for various halide substitutions, opening up new avenues for coexisting perovskite phases for photovoltaic and light‐emitting applications.
Acid‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Diverse Indol‐3‐Yl‐Substituted Tetrahydropyridines through Three‐Component Reactions
Authors: Zhu Hongmei , Chen Lei , Bai Rongxian , Gu Yanlong
Published: July 2022

Two classes of indole‐tetrahydropyridine hybrid molecules were synthesized via three‐component reactions of: (i) 1‐amino‐3,3‐diethoxypropane, diethyl acetylenedicarboxylate and indole; and (ii) ethyl 3‐aminocrotonate, acrolein and 2‐methylindoles. These one‐pot reactions provided straightforward ways to access indole‐tetrahydropyridine hybrid molecules with enriched molecular diversity. The reactions were most likely triggered by Michael addition, and the generated adducts were trapped by the indole component, leading to the formation of indol‐3‐ylimine intermediate. The obtained indol‐3‐yl‐substituted tetrahydropyridines could be converted into indole‐pyridine hybrid molecules with the aid of DDQ.

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Freeform 3D Ice Printing (3D‐ICE) at the Micro Scale
Authors: Garg Akash , Yerneni Saigopalakrishna S. , Campbell Phil , LeDuc Philip R. , Ozdoganlar O. Burak
Published: July 2022

Water is one of the most important elements for life on earth. Water's rapid phase‐change ability along with its environmental and biological compatibility also makes it a unique structural material for 3D printing of ice structures reproducibly and accurately. This work introduces the freeform 3D ice printing (3D‐ICE) process for high‐speed and reproducible fabrication of ice structures with micro‐scale resolution. Drop‐on‐demand deposition of water onto a −35 °C platform rapidly transforms water into ice. The dimension and geometry of the structures are critically controlled by droplet ejection frequency modulation and stage motions. The freeform approach obviates layer‐by‐layer construction and support structures, even for overhang geometries. Complex and overhang geometries, branched hierarchical structures with smooth transitions, circular cross‐sections, smooth surfaces, and micro‐scale features (as small as 50 µm) are demonstrated. As a sample application, the ice templates are used as sacrificial geometries to produce resin parts with well‐defined internal features. This approach could bring exciting opportunities for microfluidics, biomedical devices, soft electronics, and art.
General Strategy toward Hydrophilic Single Atom Catalysts for Efficient Selective Hydrogenation
Authors: Ling Yuxuan , Ge Handong , Chen Jiawen , Zhang Yuqi , Duan Yunxia , Liang Minghui , Guo Yanjun , Wu Tai‐Sing , Soo Yun‐Liang , Yin Xiong , Ding Liming , Wang Leyu
Published: July 2022

Well dispersible and stable single atom catalysts (SACs) with hydrophilic features are highly desirable for selective hydrogenation reactions in hydrophilic solvents towards important chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates. A general strategy is reported for the fabrication of hydrophilic SACs by cation‐exchange approach. The cation‐exchange between metal ions (M = Ni, Fe, Co, Cu) and Na+ ions introduced in the skeleton of metal oxide (TiO2 or ZrO2) nanoshells plays the key role in forming M1/TiO2 and M1/ZrO2 SACs, which efficiently prevents the aggregation of the exchanged metal ions. The as‐obtained SACs are highly dispersible and stable in hydrophilic solvents including alcohol and water, which greatly facilitates the catalysis reaction in alcohol. The Ni1/TiO2 SACs have been successfully utilized as catalysts for the selective C=C hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde to produce phenylpropanal with 98% conversion, over 90% selectivity, good recyclability, and a turnover frequency (TOF) of 102 h−1, overwhelming most reported catalysts including noble metal catalysts.
On‐Chip Integrated High Gain Complementary MoS2 Inverter Circuit with Exceptional High Hole Current P‐Channel Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Ma Zichao , Estrada Cristine Jin , Gong Kui , Zhang Lining , Chan Mansun
Published: July 2022

Integration of complementary logic circuits using 2D layered MoS2 can overcome the fundamental device limitations of silicon‐based Complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) technology. For the high functionality of complementary MoS2 logic circuits, realizing high‐current p‐channel MoS2 field‐effect transistors (p‐FETs) is essential yet quite challenging. Herein, passivation of surface defects of MoS2 by atomic oxygen is proposed theoretically by ab initio simulations in favor of mitigating the Fermi level pinning. Experimentally, an atomic layer passivation (ALP) technique combined with a slow metal‐deposition strategy is developed to reduce contact resistance to p‐channel MoS2 and report a more than tenfold increase in the contact hole conductance. The fabricated p‐channel MoS2 FETs achieve a record high saturation current of 45 µA µm−1 with a 0.7 µm channel length under a VDS of −1 V. With these techniques, an electron–hole pairing in MoS2 similar to the Si counterpart is achieved for complementary circuit applications. An on‐chip integrated MoS2 inverter with Pt electrodes is demonstrated with a high gain of 20 at 3 V supply.
Aggregation‐induced conversion from TADF to phosphorescence of gold(I) complexes with millisecond lifetimes
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Yan , Gong Junyi , Zou Hang , Liu Sheng Hua , Zhang Jing
Published: July 2022

Long‐lived luminescent materials possess wide application prospects in various areas, but their constructions still face a huge challenge, especially the achievement in solution. Manipulating aggregate is an effective method to attain intriguing luminescence, thus it is expected to build long‐lived materials in solution. In this work, a series of new gold(I) complexes were developed by employing unique carbazole and phosphine as the ligands, and these resulting systems exhibited rare long lifetimes of milliseconds in the aggregate state. It was well unveiled that these complexes emitted blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) with the lifetimes of several microseconds in dilute solution; while orange‐red phosphorescence with much longer lifetimes of several milliseconds were achieved in the aggregate state. To our knowledge, this is the first implementation of aggregation‐induced conversion from TADF to phosphorescence. Based on their excellent luminescent properties, we successfully applied these complexes in cell imaging and inhibition of cancer cells.
Artificial Intelligence without Digital Computers: Programming Matter at a Molecular Scale
Authors: Lin Li , Keidar Michael
Published: July 2022

As the carriers and executors of algorithms, digital computers are limited by the density of semiconductors on chips, where the quantum uncertainty is significant at the nanometer scale. Based on the mathematical similarity between chemical pathway networks and artificial neural networks, a new construct to achieve artificial intelligence running on a matter is developed. A general theory is derived followed by an evaluation of its fitting capability and an example where a low‐temperature plasma is trained to play the board game Tic–Tac–Toe. The plasma can emit a spectrum representing its next move when we are feeding a gas combination carrying the board information. Finally, the fourth state of matter shows a significantly high winning rate against a random‐move player, reflecting its own strategies. This work reveals that any matter, with substantial chemical complexity, can process information based on particle collisions, like a programmable analog computer at the molecular level.
Reinterpreting a “Roman villa” site: First results of nondestructive archaeological research in Dračevica (Donji Radišići, Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Authors: Dziurdzik Tomasz , Pisz Michał , Mech Anna , Rašić Mirko
Published: July 2022

The article presents the results of archaeological prospection of site Dračevica (Donji Radišići, Ljubuški municipality, West Herzegovina Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina) which was partly excavated in the late 19th century and so far has been interpreted as a Roman villa, possibly with a special function (road station) and a name attested in ancient sources (Bigeste). Through the use of various nondestructive prospecting methods (aerial photogrammetry, fieldwalking survey, magnetic susceptibility, magnetometry, earth resistance), precise location with RTK GNSS and integration of the data in GIS, the site was restudied and reinterpreted. It was established that the structures are not isolated, as was assumed in the earlier research but rather were a part of a much larger Roman settlement. The research proves that the internal spatial division of the site is more complicated than previously thought, consisting of several building complexes located along a road, as well as land division systems. Such settlement pattern suggests similar, average‐sized land plots and farms. The importance of the research lies also in the methodological approach and the outcome of the geophysical research. Our research was the first application of nondestructive methods of archaeological prospection on Roman sites in the karst landscapes of West Herzegovina, proving the usefulness of the applied methodology in these specific and difficult conditions. We have found dependencies in between the geological background (thin layer of low resistive, colluvial soil on shallow limestone bedrock and the occurrence of highly magnetic terra rossa, formed on weathered limestone) and the geophysical responses registered by various instruments, that is, moderate to good magnetic and electric contrasts between the features and their surroundings, with relatively strong anomalies from geological features. The most important was finding relationships between particular magnetic and electrical anomalies and the presence of very shallow bedrock or faint archaeological remains (e.g. limestone walls). Our methodology, as well as some of our interpretations, will be helpful as a reference for further surveys in the region.
Minimum surgical volume to ensure 5‐year survival probability for six cancer sites in Japan
Authors: Okawa Sumiyo , Tabuchi Takahiro , Morishima Toshitaka , Nakata Kayo , Koyama Shihoko , Odani Satomi , Miyashiro Isao
Published: July 2022

Background

In Japan, the government designates hospitals specialized in cancer care, requiring them to perform 400 surgeries annually without requiring surgical volume per cancer site. This study aimed to estimate the site‐specific minimum surgical volume per year based on its associations with 5‐year survival probability.

Methods

The data of 64,402 patients who had undergone surgery for six types of cancers (including esophageal, stomach, colorectal, pancreatic, lung, and breast cancers) at designated cancer care hospitals in Osaka between 2007 and 2011 were analyzed. The hospitals were categorized by the average annual surgical volume per cancer type (e.g., 0–4, 5–9, 10–14…). We estimated the adjusted 5‐year survival probability per surgical volume category using multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression. Furthermore, we identified inflection points for the trend of adjusted survival probability per increase of five surgical volumes using the joinpoint regression model and considered them as the suggested minimum surgical volume.

Results

The estimated minimum surgical volumes were 35–39, 20–25, 25–29, 10–14, 10–14, and 25–29 for esophageal, stomach, colorectal, pancreatic, lung, and breast cancers, respectively. The percentage change in the adjusted 5‐year survival probability per increase of five surgical volumes before and after the suggested surgical volume were +2.23 and +0.39 for the esophagus, +9.68 and +0.34 for the stomach, +8.11 and +0.05 for the colorectum, +3.82 and +0.87 for the pancreas, +9.46 and +0.23 for the lung, and +1.27 and +0.03 for the breast.

Conclusions

The suggested surgical volume based on the association with survival probability varies with cancer sites, some of which are close to the existing surgical volume standards used in Japan. These evidence‐based minimum surgical volumes may help improve the quality of cancer surgeries.
Disentangling audio content and emotion with adaptive instance normalization for expressive facial animation synthesis
Authors: Chang Che‐Jui , Zhao Long , Zhang Sen , Kapadia Mubbasir
Published: July 2022

3D facial animation synthesis from audio has been a focus in recent years. However, most existing literature works are designed to map audio and visual content, providing limited knowledge regarding the relationship between emotion in audio and expressive facial animation. This work generates audio‐matching facial animations with the specified emotion label. In such a task, we argue that separating the content from audio is indispensable—the proposed model must learn to generate facial content from audio content while expressions from the specified emotion. We achieve it by an adaptive instance normalization module that isolates the content in the audio and combines the emotion embedding from the specified label. The joint content‐emotion embedding is then used to generate 3D facial vertices and texture maps. We compare our method with state‐of‐the‐art baselines, including the facial segmentation‐based and voice conversion‐based disentanglement approaches. We also conduct a user study to evaluate the performance of emotion conditioning. The results indicate that our proposed method outperforms the baselines in animation quality and expression categorization accuracy.
Triple Regioselective Functionalization of Cationic [4]Helicenes via Iridium‐Catalyzed Borylation and Suzuki Cross‐Coupling Reactivity
Authors: Frédéric Lucas , Fabri Bibiana , Guénée Laure , Zinna Francesco , Di Bari Lorenzo , Lacour Jérôme
Published: July 2022

In essentially one‐pot, using Ir‐ and Pd‐catalysis, tris(arene)‐functionalized cationic [4]helicenes are synthesized with full regioselectivity and enantiospecificity starting from a trivial precursor (17 examples). This poly‐addition of aryl groups improves key optical properties, that is, fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes. Electronic circular dichroism and circularly polarized luminescence signatures are observed up to the far‐red domain, in particular with additional arenes prone to aggregation.
Pharmacokinetics and Safety Study of HN0037, a Novel Anti‐Human Herpes Simplex Virus Inhibitor, in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Hou Jie , Gao Hong , Fan Yingzhe , Wang Ying , Qin Meng , Di Yujing , Wang Lu , Zhou Xin , Zhou Yi , Qin Donghui , Hill George
Published: July 2022

HN0037 is a helicase‐primase inhibitor developed to treat herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. This study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of HN0037, following oral administration in healthy volunteers. This double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase 1 study comprised two parts. In part 1, a single escalating dose of 10, 30, 60, 120, 200, 300, and 400 mg was assessed, and the food effect was evaluated in the 200‐mg cohort. In part 2, a multiple dose evaluation involving 30 and 100 mg once a day was conducted for 14 days. Following single oral doses, the systemic exposure of HN0037 increased in a proportional manner over the lower dose range (10–120 mg) and in a subproportional manner over the higher dose range (200–400 mg). Following multiple oral doses, significant drug accumulation of systemic exposure was found at steady state, and the half‐life ranged 50.4‐61.0 h. The food effect study results indicated that a high‐fat meal had a marginal impact on HN0037's pharmacokinetics. No differences were observed in the incidence of adverse events between HN0037 and placebo groups in either study. These results demonstrate that HN0037 is safe and well‐tolerated, supporting further clinical development.
A new method for task scheduling in fog‐based medical healthcare systems using a hybrid nature‐inspired algorithm
Authors: Wang Bingxian , Wu Peng , Arefzaeh Maryam
Published: July 2022

The goal of the healthcare system is to offer a dependable and well‐organized solution for improving human's wellbeing. Examining a patient's history can assist clinicians in considering the patient's wants when building a healthcare system and providing service, resulting in increased patient satisfaction. Thus, healthcare is becoming a more competitive sector. Massive data volume, latency, response time, and security susceptibility are all difficulties resulting from this substantial increase in healthcare systems. As a famous distributed structure, fog computing might thus aid in the resolution of such problems. Processing parts are situated among end devices and cloud components in a fog computing infrastructure and run programs. This design is well suited to real‐time and low‐latency applications, like healthcare systems. Because task scheduling is an NP‐hard optimization issue in fog‐based medical healthcare systems, this work proposes a hybrid genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization (GA‐PSO) strategy. A powerful single‐objective optimization technique is the GA‐PSO. Individuals in a novel generation are formed in GA‐PSO through mutation and crossover operations in GA‐PSO, which uses a redefined local optimization swarm. Hence, it may avoid local minimums and perform well in global searches. The study's goal in fog‐based medical healthcare systems is to lower the makespan and overall response time. The suggested technique is simulated in MATLAB and compared to the GA and PSO methods. The empirical findings confirmed the improved makespan, making the approach appropriate for medical and real‐time systems applications.
PharmVar GeneFocus: SLCO1B1
Authors: Ramsey Laura B. , Gong Li , Lee Seung‐been , Wagner Jonathan B. , Zhou Xujia , Sangkuhl Katrin , Adams Solomon M. , Straka Robert J. , Empey Philip E. , Boone Erin C. , Klein Teri E. , Niemi Mikko , Gaedigk Andrea
Published: July 2022

The Pharmacogene Variation Consortium (PharmVar) is now providing star (*) allele nomenclature for the highly polymorphic human SLCO1B1 gene encoding the organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1) drug transporter. Genetic variation within the SLCO1B1 gene locus impacts drug transport, which can lead to altered pharmacokinetic profiles of several commonly prescribed drugs. Variable OATP1B1 function is of particular importance regarding hepatic uptake of statins and the risk of statin‐associated musculoskeletal symptoms. To introduce this important drug transporter gene into the PharmVar database and serve as a unified reference of haplotype variation moving forward, an international group of gene experts has performed an extensive review of all published SLCO1B1 star alleles. Previously published star alleles were self‐assigned by authors and only loosely followed the star nomenclature system that was first developed for cytochrome P450 genes. This nomenclature system has been standardized by PharmVar and is now applied to other important pharmacogenes such as SLCO1B1. In addition, data from the 1000 Genomes Project and investigator‐submitted data were utilized to confirm existing haplotypes, fill knowledge gaps, and/or define novel star alleles. The PharmVar‐developed SLCO1B1 nomenclature has been incorporated by the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) 2022 guideline on statin‐associated musculoskeletal symptoms.
flowCut: An R package for automated removal of outlier events and flagging of files based on time versus fluorescence analysis
Authors: Meskas Justin , Yokosawa Daniel , Wang Sherrie , Segat Gabriela C. , Brinkman Ryan Remy
Published: July 2022

Technical artifacts such as clogging that occur during the data acquisition process of flow cytometry data can cause spurious events and fluorescence intensity shifting that impact the quality of the data and its analysis results. These events should be identified and potentially removed before being passed to the next stage of analysis. flowCut, an R package, automatically detects anomaly events in flow cytometry experiments and flags files for potential review. Its results are on par with manual analysis and it outperforms existing automated approaches.
B‐lineage antigens that are useful to substitute CD19 for minimal residual disease monitoring in B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia after CD19 targeting
Authors: Mikhailova Ekaterina , Itov Albert , Zerkalenkova Elena , Roumiantseva Julia , Olshanskaya Yulia , Karachunskiy Alexander , Novichkova Galina , Maschan Michael , Popov Alexander
Published: July 2022

Background

The potential loss of CD19 during targeted treatment of B cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP‐ALL) can hamper flow cytometric minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring. In the current study, we present expression data for antigens that are candidates for CD19 substitution: surface CD22, CD24, CD10, and intracellular (i) CD79a.

Methods

Bone marrow samples from 519 consecutive children (below 18 y.o.) with primary BCP‐ALL were studied with a focus on expression of CD19, CD10, CD22, CD24, and iCD79a. As these antigens are planned to be used as substitutions for CD19 for primary B cell gating, only total expression on the leukemic population (≥95% cells) was considered appropriate.

Results

It was found that each of these antigens is totally expressed in nearly 90% of patients. For each single marker, a subgroup of patients without complete positivity presented with BCP‐ALL harboring diverse cytogenetic and molecular genetic aberrations. Based on expression data, we have developed algorithm of simultaneous application of these antigens for initial B‐lineage compartment gating, that is applicable for nearly all patients after CD19 targeting.

Conclusion

We conclude that the addition of CD22, CD24, and iCD79a to the conventional antibody panel and their application together with CD10 allow for the identification of B‐lineage compartment including residual tumor blasts, for MFC‐MRD searching in virtually all patients with BCP‐ALL after CD19‐directed treatment.
Dachshund acts with Abdominal‐B to trigger programmed cell death in the Drosophila central nervous system at the frontiers of Abd‐B expression
Authors: Clarembaux‐Badell Luis , Baladrón‐de‐Juan Pablo , Gabilondo Hugo , Rubio‐Ferrera Irene , Millán Irene , Estella Carlos , Valverde‐Ortega Félix S. , Cobeta Ignacio Monedero , Thor Stefan , Benito‐Sipos Jonathan
Published: July 2022

A striking feature of the nervous system pertains to the appearance of different neural cell subtypes at different axial levels. Studies in theDrosophilacentral nervous system reveal that one mechanism underlying such segmental differences pertains to the segment‐specific removal of cells by programmed cell death (PCD). One group of genes involved in segment‐specific PCD is the Hox homeotic genes. However, while segment‐specific PCD is highly precise, Hox gene expression is evident in gradients, raising the issue of how the Hox gene function is precisely gated to trigger PCD in specific segments at the outer limits of Hox expression. TheDrosophilaVa neurons are initially generated in all nerve cord segments but removed by PCD in posterior segments. Va PCD is triggered by the posteriorly expressed Hox geneAbdominal‐B(Abd‐B). However, Va PCD is highly reproducible despite exceedingly weak Abd‐B expression in the anterior frontiers of its expression. Here, we found that the transcriptional cofactor Dachshund supports Abd‐B‐mediated PCD in its anterior domain. In vivo bimolecular fluorescence complementation analysis lends support to the idea that the Dachshund/Abd‐B interplay may involve physical interactions. These findings provide an example of how combinatorial codes of transcription factors ensure precision in Hox‐mediated PCD in specific segments at the outer limits of Hox expression.
Functional and phylogenetic diversity of an agricultural matrix avifauna: The role of habitat heterogeneity in Afrotropical farmland
Authors: Rurangwa Marie Laure , Niyigaba Protais , Tobias Joseph A. , Whittaker Robert J.
Published: July 2022

Varied strategies to alleviate the loss of farmland biodiversity have been tested, yet there is still insufficient evidence supporting their effectiveness, especially when considering phylogenetic and functional diversity alongside traditional taxonomic diversity metrics. This conservation challenge is accentuated in the Afrotropics by the rapid agricultural expansion and intensification for the production of cash crops and by a comparative lack of research. In this study, we assessed how farming practices influence avian phylogenetic and functional diversity. We conducted point‐count surveys to assess avian diversity in monocultures of tea and mixed crop farming systems surrounding the Nyungwe rainforest in south‐west Rwanda, allowing us to investigate the drivers of avian diversity at farm level. Species composition was found to be moderately different between farm types, with mixed crop farms supporting higher phylogenetic diversity than tea plantations. There were no significant seasonal differences in species composition, functional or phylogenetic diversity. Overall, functional diversity did not differ between farm types, but the dispersion of trophic‐related traits was significantly higher in mixed crop farms. Both functional and phylogenetic diversity were influenced by floristic diversity, vegetation height, tree number, and elevation to varying degrees. Our results also (i) highlight the role of farmland heterogeneity (e.g., crop species composition, height, and tree cover extent) in encouraging avian functional and phylogenetic diversity in the Afrotropics and (ii) indicate that the generally negative biodiversity impacts of monoculture agriculture can be partially alleviated by extensive agroforestry with an emphasis on indigenous tree species.
Structure – Bioactivity Relationship in Cyclic Peptoids: An Overview
Authors: D'Amato Assunta
Published: July 2022

Cyclic N‐substituted glycines oligomers, also known as cyclic peptoids, constitute a promising class of novel peptidomimetics, capable of simulating bioactive effectors with enhanced proteolytical stability and cell permeability as crucial bonuses. The macrocyclic constraint, essential for the induction of stable secondary structures, determines the biomimetic potential of such molecules, which act as antimicrobials, cytotoxic agents, siderophores, glycosidases inhibitors and so on. The bioactivity can be either attributed to the macrocyclic core (especially chelation) or to the side‐chains (when endowed with specific groups or pharmacophores). The structure‐bioactivity correlations emerging for this class of peptidomimetics, based on the study of conformational order and morphology of the backbone architecture, unravel interesting avenues for the rational design of more effective cyclooligomeric biomimics.
Phenotypic but no genetic adaptation in zooplankton 24 years after an abrupt +10°C climate change
Authors: Pais-Costa Antónia Juliana , Lievens Eva J. P. , Redón Stella , Sánchez Marta I. , Jabbour-Zahab Roula , Joncour Pauline , Van Hoa Nguyen , Van Stappen Gilbert , Lenormand Thomas
Published: July 2022

The climate is currently warming fast, threatening biodiversity all over the globe. Populations often adapt rapidly to environmental change, but for climate warming very little evidence is available. Here, we investigate the pattern of adaptation to an extreme +10°C climate change in the wild, following the introduction of brine shrimp Artemia franciscana from San Francisco Bay, USA, to Vinh Chau saltern in Vietnam. We use a resurrection ecology approach, hatching diapause eggs from the ancestral population and the introduced population after 13 and 24 years (∼54 and ∼100 generations, respectively). In a series of coordinated experiments, we determined whether the introduced Artemia show increased tolerance to higher temperatures, and the extent to which genetic adaptation, developmental plasticity, transgenerational effects, and local microbiome differences contributed to this tolerance. We find that introduced brine shrimp do show increased phenotypic tolerance to warming. Yet strikingly, these changes do not have a detectable additive genetic component, are not caused by mitochondrial genetic variation, and do not seem to be caused by epigenetic marks set by adult parents exposed to warming. Further, we do not find any developmental plasticity that would help cope with warming, nor any protective effect of heat-tolerant local microbiota. The evolved thermal tolerance might therefore be entirely due to transgenerational (great)grandparental effects, possibly epigenetic marks set by parents who were exposed to high temperatures as juveniles. This study is a striking example of “missing heritability,” where a large adaptive phenotypic change is not accompanied by additive genetic effects.
Memory retrieval brain–behavior disconnection in mild traumatic brain injury: A magnetoencephalography and diffusion tensor imaging study
Authors: Hung Yuwen , Vandewouw Marlee , Emami Zahra , Bells Sonya , Rudberg Nicole , da Costa Leodante , Dunkley Benjamin T.
Published: July 2022

Mild traumatic brain (mTBI) injury is often associated with long‐term cognitive and behavioral complications, including an increased risk of memory impairment. Current research challenges include a lack of cross‐modal convergence regarding the underlying neural–behavioral mechanisms of mTBI, which hinders therapeutics and outcome management for this frequently under‐treated and vulnerable population. We used multi‐modality imaging methods including magnetoencephalography (MEG) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to investigate brain–behavior impairment in mTBI related to working memory. A total of 41 participants were recruited, including 23 patients with a first‐time mTBI imaged within 3 months of injury (all male, age = 29.9, SD = 6.9), and 18 control participants (all male, age = 27.3, SD = 5.3). Whole‐brain statistics revealed spatially concomitant functional–structural disruptions in brain–behavior interactions in working memory in the mTBI group compared with the control group. These disruptions are located in the hippocampal–prefrontal region and, additionally, in the amygdala (measured by MEG neural activation and DTI measures of fractional anisotropy in relation to working memory performance; p < .05, two‐way ANCOVA, nonparametric permutations, corrected). Impaired brain–behavior connections found in the hippocampal–prefrontal and amygdala circuits indicate brain dysregulation of memory, which may leave mTBI patients vulnerable to increased environmental demands exerting memory resources, leading to related cognitive and emotional psychopathologies. The findings yield clinical implications and highlight a need for early rehabilitation after mTBI, including attention‐ and sensory‐based behavioral exercises.
Implementation of maternal and neonatal death surveillance and response in Cameroon
Authors: Ouedraogo Charlemagne M.R. , Ouedraogo Olivia M.A.A. , Conombo Kafando Sibdou Ghislaine , Roungou Jean‐Baptiste , Moluh Seidou , Emah Irene Y. , Kouanda Seni
Published: July 2022

Objective

To analyze implementation of maternal and neonatal death surveillance and response (MNDSR) in Cameroon to determine to what extent monitoring objectives are being met and highlight the main obstacles and facilitating factors.

Methods

Secondary analysis of a cross‐sectional study using a qualitative method and routine data on maternal health. Semistructured interviews were conducted with participants involved in MNDSR at the central, regional, and district levels.

Results

Notification of maternal deaths has been incorporated into the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system since January 2014. However, maternal deaths are underreported in most hospitals and neonatal and community deaths are not recorded. Comprehensive review of maternal deaths does not occur in all hospitals despite training of providers in 2013 on how to conduct reviews.

Conclusion

Implementation of MNDSR in Cameroon is insufficient. More commitment from the Ministry of Health is needed to develop an action plan and secure funding.
A qualitative study exploring parent–daughter approaches for communicating about sex and transactional sex in Central Uganda: Implications for comprehensive sexuality education interventions
Authors: Pichon Marjorie , Howard‐Merrill Lottie , Wamoyi Joyce , Buller Ana Maria , Kyegombe Nambusi
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Ugandan adolescent girls and young women are disproportionately impacted by human immunodeficiency virus, and this is largely driven by their engagement in transactional sex. Globally, parent–daughter communication about sex is associated with increased contraceptive use and delayed/decreased sexual activity, but research on parent–daughter communication about transactional sex is lacking. This paper elucidates local perspectives on, and experiences of parent–daughter communication about sex and transactional sex, to inform family‐level comprehensive sexuality education interventions.

Methods

We conducted a secondary, thematic analysis of 13 focus group discussions (n = 119) and 30 in‐depth interviews collected between 2014 and 2015 with adolescent girls and young women aged 14+, and men and women in Kampala and Masaka.

Results

We found that parents used three approaches to discuss sex and transactional sex with their daughters: (1) frightening their daughters into avoiding sex; (2) being “strict”; and (3) relying on mothers rather than fathers to “counsel” daughters. Mother–daughter communication about transactional sex was common, but frequently unidirectional. Adolescent girls and young women bringing home gifts sparked conversations about the risks of transactional sex, although less in poorer households. Mothers felt they lacked control over their daughters' sexual behaviors and thus restricted their movements and friendships to try to prevent them from having sex. In contrast to previous research, we found some evidence of mothers encouraging condom use and father–daughter communication about sex.

Conclusions

Family‐level comprehensive sexuality education interventions targeting parent–daughter communication about sex could further highlight the role that fathers might play, and emphasize communication about the inequitable power dynamics in transactional sex and condom negotiation skills, while reducing fear surrounding parent–daughter communication.
Anaphylaxis and Related Events Following COVID‐19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review
Authors: Paul Pradipta , Janjua Emmad , AlSubaie Mai , Ramadorai Vinutha , Mushannen Beshr , Vattoth Ahamed Lazim , Khan Wafa , Bshesh Khalifa , Nauman Areej , Mohammed Ibrahim , Bouhali Imane , Khalid Mohammed , Zakaria Dalia
Published: July 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), induced by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, is responsible for a global pandemic following widespread transmission and death. Several vaccines have been developed to counter this public health crisis using both novel and conventional methods. Following approval based on promising efficacy and safety data, the AstraZeneca, Janssen, Moderna, Pfizer/BioNTech, and Sinovac vaccines have been administered globally among different populations with various reported side effects. Reports of life‐threatening anaphylaxis following administration were of particular concern for both health care providers and the public. A systematic literature search using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, MedRxiv, and Lens.org databases identified relevant studies reporting anaphylaxis following vaccine administration. This systematic review includes 41 studies reporting anaphylaxis. A total of 7942 cases, including 43 deaths, were reported across 14 countries. Most cases occurred following the administration of the first dose. Importantly, the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks of anaphylaxis. Subsequently, as populations continue to get vaccinated, it is important for health care providers to be able to recognize individuals at risk of developing anaphylaxis. Furthermore, they must be familiar with both the clinical hallmarks and treatment of anaphylactic reactions to minimize long‐term sequalae and prevent death in vaccinated individuals.
Cloud macrophysical characteristics in China mainland and east coast from 2006 to 2017 using satellite active remote sensing observations
Authors: Chi Yulei , Zhao Chuanfeng , Yang Yikun , Ma Zhanshan , Yang Jie
Published: July 2022

Using the CloudSat and CALIPSO active remote sensing dataset from 2006 to 2017, this study investigates the spatial and temporal distribution along with vertical distribution of cloud macrophysical characteristics in six study areas over China mainland and east coast (15°–55°N, 70°–140°E). The results show that the cloud top height and cloud base height have significant regional, seasonal and zonal variations. The regional differences in the seasonal average vertical distribution of cloud cover are especially large, which are particularly reflected by the differences of heights with peak value of cloud cover, the curve characteristics of cloud cover with height, and the standard deviation of cloud cover. The cloud spacing, which is the distance between two cloud layers for cloud system with layers no less than 2, is found greater in the ocean area than in the land area and is greater in the low‐latitude area than in the high‐latitude area. Moreover, with the increase of the number of cloud layers in the cloud system, the cloud spacing decreases gradually. It is worth noting that the frequency distribution of cloud layers is the same as that of cloud spacing. By dividing clouds into eight types according to CloudSat data, the occurrence frequency of different cloud types shows great differences, ranking from high to low as high cloud > altostratus > altocumulus > stratus > stratocumulus > cumulus > nimbostratus > deep convective cloud. Altostratus mainly occurs in northern regions, and high cloud mostly occurs in Tibetan Plateau, southern China mainland and eastern ocean. The vertical distributions of cloud macrophysical characteristics over the six typical study areas have been further demonstrated by constructing Pc‐τ diagram.
Impairment of perioperative activities of daily living is associated with poor prognosis following hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Mima Kosuke , Imai Katsunori , Kaida Takayoshi , Matsumoto Takashi , Nakagawa Shigeki , Sawayama Hiroshi , Hayashi Hiromitsu , Yamashita Yo‐ichi , Baba Hideo
Published: July 2022

Background

The number of cancer patients with impairment of activities of daily living (ADLs) has increased. This study aimed to examine associations of perioperative Barthel index score, a validated measure of ADLs, with survival outcomes following hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

We analyzed data of 492 consecutive patients who underwent hepatectomy for HCC between 2010 and 2018. Pre‐ and postoperative ADLs were assessed using the Barthel index (range, 0–100; higher scores indicate greater independence). Preoperative Barthel index score ≤85 or postoperative Barthel index score ≤85 was defined as impairment of perioperative ADLs. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) after adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Among the 492 patients, 26 (5.2%) had a preoperative Barthel index score ≤85 and 95 (19%) had a postoperative Barthel index score ≤85. Impairment of perioperative ADLs was independently associated with shorter overall survival (multivariable HR: 1.75, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06–2.81, p = 0.028). The association of impairment of perioperative ADLs with recurrence‐free survival was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Impairment of perioperative ADLs is associated with poor prognosis following hepatectomy for HCC. Maintenance and improvement of perioperative ADLs would be important to provide favorable long‐term outcomes in patients with HCC.