bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near‐infrared light responsive dendrimers facilitate the extraction of bicalutamide from human plasma and urine
Authors: Mahdavijalal Mohammadreza , Ahmad Panahi Homayon , Niazi Ali , Tamaddon Atefeh
Published: September 2021

Background

Today, it is well accepted that the quantitative measurement of anti‐cancer drugs in human biological samples requires the development and validation of efficient bioanalytical methods. This study attempts to provide a high‐capacity and thermo‐sensitive nano‐adsorbent for bicalutamide extraction from human biological fluids.

Main Methods and Major Results

In this study, five generations of thermo‐sensitive dendrimers were synthesized onto the surface of WS2 nano‐sheets. After drug‐loading process from body fluids, the near‐infrared (NIR) light (at 808 nm) was applied and light‐to‐heat conversion by the WS2 nano‐sheets led to shrinkage in polymer chains, resulting the release of the entrapped drug. Finally, the extracted drug was analyzed via HPLC‐UV system (at 270 nm). The final nano‐adsorbent was described via FE‐SEM, XRD, FT‐IR, and TGA techniques. The adsorption isotherm data were well fitted by Langmuier isotherm model (R2 = 0.9978). The mean recoveries for spiking bicalutamide at three different concentrations in plasma and urine samples were 92.12% and 94.54% under the NIR light irradiation.

Conclusions and Implications

We have developed a smart strategy to analyze bicalutamide in biological samples using near‐infrared light irradiation in a controlled manner. All the results indicate the promising application of the proposed method for the extraction and determination of bicalutamide.
Synthesis and biological evaluation of dimeric peptide derivatives as proliferation‐stimulating agents in human follicle dermal papilla cells
Authors: Jeong Jisu , Park Kyeong‐Yong , Kim Jiyeon
Published: September 2021

Tripeptides containing lysine such as Arg‐His‐Lys (AHK) and Gly‐His‐Lys (GHK) are known to modulate biological regeneration. Here, we synthesized and evaluated the biological effects of dimeric peptide derivatives on the proliferation of human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) in an in vitro model. Treatment of dimeric peptide derivatives stimulated the proliferation of HFDPCs more when compared to the group treated with AHK. Dimeric peptide derivatives also stimulated the phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinases extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK1/2). In particular, peptide No. 20 Arg‐Trp‐Lys (AWK') was found to promote the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 most strongly. In addition, peptide No. 20 (AWK') activated mRNA expression of hair regeneration‐related genes such as VEGF, FGF‐2, and FGF‐7. Our results suggest that dimeric peptide derivatives exert a stimulating effect on HFDPC proliferation through activation of ERK1/2 signaling and without significant cytotoxicity. These results provide important data for the development of peptide‐based hair‐regenerative agents and treatment of alopecia.
LC–MS/MS for determination of aesculetin in rat plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Jiao Weijie , Qin Nan , Wang Kun , Wu Dongmei , Yu Hongyan , Du Lei , Wu Guiyue , Wu Hong , Zhao Xu
Published: September 2021

Aesculetin, a coumarin compound present in the sancho tree and chicory, exhibits excellent antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities in the vascular and immune system. In this study, a rapid and sensitive ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–ESI–MS/MS) method was established and validated for the determination of aesculetin in rat plasma. Plasma samples were prepared by protein precipitation with acetonitrile. Chromatographic separation was performed on an Acquity UPLC HSS T3 C18 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.8 μm) with gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.3 ml/min, using mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid (A) and acetonitrile (B). Aesculetin and puerarin (internal standard) were detected by multiple reaction monitoring in negative ion mode. The method was fully validated according to the US Food and Drug Administration guidelines. The calibration curve was linear over the range of 2–1,000 ng/ml with correlation coefficient >0.9980. The carry‐over, matrix effect, extraction recovery, dilution effect, intra‐ and inter‐day precision and the accuracy were within acceptable limits. The method was then applied to a pharmacokinetic study of aesculetin in rats. After oral administration at doses of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, the plasma concentration reached peaks of 95.7, 219.9, 388.6 ng/ml at times of 1.22–1.78 h. The oral bioavailability was calculated as 15.6–20.3% in rat plasma. The result provided pre‐clinical information for further application of aesculetin.
Metacognitive therapy versus cognitive–behavioral therapy in adults with generalized anxiety disorder: A 9‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Solem Stian , Wells Adrian , Kennair Leif Edward Ottesen , Hagen Roger , Nordahl Hans , Hjemdal Odin
Published: September 2021

Objective

Metacognitive therapy (MCT) and cognitive–behavior therapy (CBT) are effective treatments for generalized anxiety disorder. In this study, we followed‐up patients who had previously participated in a randomized controlled trial of MCT compared against CBT.

Method

We collected 9‐year follow‐up data on 39 out of 60 original patients (i.e., 65% response rate).

Results

At 9 years, the recovery rates were 57% for MCT and 38% for CBT (completer analysis). Following MCT, 43% maintained their recovery status and a further 14% achieved recovery. Following CBT, the sustained recovery rate was 13%, while a further 25% achieved recovery. Patients in the MCT condition showed significantly more improvement with respect to symptoms of worry and anxiety. In the CBT group, 23.1% were re‐diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) compared with 9.5% in the MCT group.

Conclusions

This follow‐up study showed a continuation of gains in both treatments at long‐term follow‐up, but with outcomes continuing to favor MCT and strengthening its comparative superiority.
Cellulose Depolymerization with LPMO‐inspired Cu Complexes
Authors: Castillo Ivan , Torres‐Flores Andrea P. , Abad‐Aguilar Diego F. , Berlanga‐Vázquez Armando , Orio Maylis , Martínez‐Otero Diego
Published: September 2021

Bis(benzimidazole)amine‐based copper complexes, with structural similarities to the active sites of Lytic Polysaccharide Monooxygenase enzymes (LPMOs), were tested for the oxidative degradation of cellulose. Spectroscopic characterization of the complexes, as well as structural authentication of one of them, confirm a tetragonal coordination environment with 3 nitrogen donors, as well as a thioether in axial positions. Aqueous oxidative degradation of cellulose was achieved with the CuII complexes and H2O2 as oxidant through putative cupric‐hydroperoxo intermediates. Conversion of cellulose was achieved in up to 67 % yield of soluble oligosaccharide derivatives at ambient temperature and pressure. The products were analyzed in aqueous solution by HPLC‐MS, confirming oxidative depolymerization of cellulose under ambient conditions, in an analogous fashion to LPMOs.
Using Terpene Synthase Plasticity in Catalysis: On the Enzymatic Conversion of Synthetic Farnesyl Diphosphate Analogues
Authors: Hou Anwei , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: September 2021

Four synthetic farnesyl diphosphate analogues were enzymatically converted with three bacterial sesquiterpene synthases, including β‐himachalene synthase (HcS) and (Z)‐γ‐bisabolene synthase (BbS) from Cryptosporangium arvum, and germacrene A synthase (SmTS6) from Streptomyces mobaraensis. These enzyme reactions not only yielded several previously unknown compounds, showing that this approach opened the door to a new chemical space, but substrates with blocked or altered reactivities also gave interesting insights into the cyclisation mechanisms and the potential to catalyse reactions with different initial cyclisation modes.
Analysis of dynamic topology wireless sensor networks for the internet of things (IoT)
Authors: R Praveen Kumar , Raj Jennifer S. , S Smys
Published: September 2021

The availability of the smart existing systems utilizes the system assets for crucial internet of things (IoT). The IoT visions to develop effectively with the processing model. Past customary versatile figuring set‐ups utilize advanced mobile phones and portables. A sensor could drop out for various reasons, for the system to act naturally adjusting and consider multipath steering. Dynamic topology for a remote sensor arranges all the detecting hubs that are associated together for gathering information that are transmitted. The goals that are accompanying are set for exploring the work that are to be finished. Several sensor hubs in the system are arranged for the improvement of proficiency dynamic topology. The novel strategy has been proposed for the improvement in oneself sorting out, multi‐bounce systems for the remote sensor hubs. Because of its ability to decrease energy utilisation, a cluster‐based model is the best in the remote sensor arrangement. The cluster head selection processes are a lumbering procedure that influences execution on the system execution. Few investigations propose the determination of the cluster head techniques that are being large portion of them that are not fitting for a powerful grouping condition. The calculations for the proposed methodology work better inside a solitary bounce grouping model structure, and the system lifetime establishes a major issue if there should be an occurrence of multi‐jump bunching conditions. The manuscript presents cluster head determination technique novel single‐hop and multi‐hop cluster head selection by GA (S/M HCH‐GA) in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) for both one‐hop as well as multi‐hop cluster models. The technique that is proposed intends to meet the prerequisites of dynamic situations; this is done by choosing cluster head that is dependent on the energy that remains along with the energy that is consumed.
Effect ofAPOEε4 allele on levels of apolipoproteins E, J, and D, and redox signature in circulating extracellular vesicles from cognitively impaired with no dementia participants converted to Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Ben Khedher Mohamed Raâfet , Haddad Mohamed , Laurin Danielle , Ramassamy Charles
Published: September 2021

Introduction

The substantial link between apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele and oxidative stress may underlie enhanced Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. Here, we studied the impact ofAPOEε4 on the level of apolipoproteins with antioxidant activities along with oxidative markers in circulating extracellular vesicles (cEVs) and plasma from cognitively impaired‐not demented (CIND) individuals converted to AD (CIND‐AD).

Methods

Apolipoproteins E, J, and D and antioxidant response markers were determined in cEVs and plasma using immunoblotting, electrochemical examination, and spectrofluorimetry.

Results

Total antioxidant capacity and apolipoprotein D levels in cEVs, as judged by regression analysis and cognitive performance correlations, allowed us to differentiate CINDAPOEε4 carriers from controls and to predict their progression to AD 5 years later.

Discussion

Our findings support the pathological redox linkage betweenAPOEε4 and AD onset and suggest the use of cEVs oxidative signature in early AD diagnosis.
Haemodynamic parameters associated with renal function prior to and following heart transplantation
Authors: Baudry Guillaume , Sebbag Laurent , Bourdin Juliette , Hugon‐Vallet Elisabeth , Jobbe Duval Antoine , Mewton Nathan , Pozzi Matteo , Rossignol Patrick , Girerd Nicolas
Published: September 2021

Aims

Abnormal renal function is a common feature in patients on heart transplant waiting lists. This study aimed to identify the haemodynamic parameters associated with decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients listed for heart transplantation (HT) and renal function improvement following HT.

Methods and results

A total of 176 adults (52 years old, 81% men) with available right heart catheterization (RHC) listed in our centre for HT between 2014 and 2019 were studied. Cardiac catheterization measurements were obtained at time of HT listing evaluation. Changes in renal function were assessed between RHC and 6 months after HT. Median eGFR was 63 mL/min/1.73 m2 at time of RHC. Central venous pressure > 10 mmHg was associated with a two‐fold increase in the likelihood of eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 at time of RHC (adjusted odd ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–4.7; P = 0.04). In the 134 patients (76%) who underwent HT during follow‐up, eGFR decreased by 7.9 ± 29.7 mL/min/1.73 m2 from RHC to 6 months after HT. In these patients, low cardiac index (<2.1 L/min/m2) at initial RHC was associated with a (adjusted) 6 month post‐HT eGFR improvement of 12.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 (P = 0.018). Patients with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and low cardiac index at time of RHC exhibited the greatest eGFR improvement (delta eGFR = 18.3 mL/min/1.73 m2) while patients with eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and normal cardiac index had a marked decrease in eGFR (delta eGFR = −27.7 mL/min/1.73 m2, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Central venous pressure is the main haemodynamic parameter associated with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 in patients listed for HT. Low cardiac index prior to HT is associated with post‐transplant renal function recovery.
Periprocedural changes in natriuretic peptide levels and clinical outcome after transcatheter mitral valve repair
Authors: Tanaka Tetsu , Kavsur Refik , Spieker Maximilian , Iliadis Christos , Metze Clemens , Horn Patrick , Sugiura Atsushi , Kelm Malte , Baldus Stephan , Nickenig Georg , Westenfeld Ralf , Pfister Roman , Becher Marc Ulrich
Published: September 2021

Aims

This multicentre study investigated the association of periprocedural changes in the levels of N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) with clinical outcomes after transcatheter edge‐to‐edge mitral valve repair (TMVR).

Methods and results

Patients were retrospectively analysed who underwent TMVR with the MitraClip system (Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA, USA) and had available sequential NT‐proBNP testing at baseline and 2 months after TMVR. Periprocedural changes in NT‐proBNP following TMVR were assessed as the percent change in NT‐proBNP between baseline and the 2 month follow‐up, and the significant reduction in NT‐proBNP was defined as a decrease of >30% in the follow‐up NT‐proBNP compared with the pre‐procedural NT‐proBNP level. Primary outcome was defined as a composite outcome consisting of all‐cause mortality and hospitalization due to heart failure from 2 months to 2 years after TMVR. Additionally, we identified the cut‐off value of pre‐procedural NT‐proBNP to predict the composite outcome using a receiver operating characteristic analysis (cut‐off: 2485 pg/mL). Of 485 patients undergoing TMVR (age: 76.2 ± 9.2 years, female: 42.1%, secondary mitral regurgitation: 67.2%), 150 patients (30.9%) had the significant reduction in NT‐proBNP (>30%) following the procedure. Patients with the NT‐proBNP reduction had a lower incidence of the composite outcome, compared with those without the reduction in NT‐proBNP (31.4% vs. 40.2%; log‐rank P = 0.03). The significant reduction in NT‐proBNP was also associated with a lower risk of the composite outcome [adjusted hazard ratio (HR): 0.67; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.45–0.97; P = 0.04], independently of pre‐procedural NT‐proBNP levels and other clinical parameters. The percent change in NT‐proBNP was associated with a linear trend of the incidence of the composite outcome (adjusted HR per 10% decrease: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.94–0.98; P < 0.001). A stratified analysis revealed that the prognostic impact of the significant reduction in NT‐proBNP was consistent among clinical subgroups, including aetiology of mitral regurgitation (P for interaction = 0.99). Higher pre‐procedural NT‐proBNP level (>2485 pg/mL) was associated with the increased risk of the composite outcome (adjusted HR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.03–2.17; P = 0.03); however, patients with a higher pre‐procedural NT‐proBNP who achieved the significant reduction in NT‐proBNP had a similar risk of the composite outcome to those with a lower pre‐procedural NT‐proBNP.

Conclusions

Changes in sequential NT‐proBNP measurements were associated with clinical outcomes within 2 years after TMVR. The assessment of NT‐proBNP dynamics may be valuable to assess the residual risk for patients undergoing TMVR and could assist with post‐procedural management after TMVR.
Multicomponent Domino Approaches for the Synthesis of Spirooxazolidine‐2‐thiones and Spirooxothiolane‐2‐imines
Authors: Reddy Indukuri Divakar , Reddy Potuganti Gal , Maria Cherian Arsha , Babu Nanubolu Jagadeesh , Soujanya Yarasi , Alla Manjula
Published: September 2021

A one pot multicomponent protocol is described herein as an approach for construction of spirooxazolidine‐2‐thiones and spirooxothiolane‐2‐imines. In a DBU mediated reaction, isatin, phenyl acetylenes, and aryl isothiocyanates undergo hydrothiolation whereas aliphatic isothiocyanates undergo hydroamination. In the presence of a strong base, NaOH for instance, isothiocyanates are exclusively hydrothiolated. This domino approach proceeds by the addition and 5‐exo dig cyclization via hydroamination/hydrothiolation, involves consecutive C−C,C−O and C−N/C−S bond formations, the reaction pathway is further studied by DFT calculations.
Effect of micropores on the structure and CO2methanation performance of supported Ni/SiO2catalyst
Authors: Shen Liang , Zhu Minghui , Xu Jing
Published: September 2021

Two types of SiO2with different microporosities were evaluated as supports for the Ni/SiO2catalysts. The CO2methanation performance of the catalysts was evaluated, and the structure‐activity relationship was elucidated with thorough characterizations. For the Ni/SiO2catalyst with plenty of micropores, both ultrasmall Ni nanoclusters and larger Ni nanoparticles are present. In contrast, the one with fewer micropores only contains large Ni nanoparticles. During the CO2methanation reaction, CO2can be activated to CO on small Ni nanoclusters and further converted to CH4on larger Ni nanoparticles. Such a tandem catalysis behavior greatly improves the CO2methanation activity. The CH4yield reaches 33.5 μmol·g–1·s–1at 450 °C under 0.1 MPa with a feed H2/CO2mol ratio of 4:1 and a space velocity of 30 L·h–1·g–1. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuroimaging measures of iron and gliosis explain memory performance in aging
Authors: Venkatesh Anu , Daugherty Ana M. , Bennett Ilana J.
Published: September 2021

Evidence from animal and histological studies has indicated that accumulation of iron in the brain results in reactive gliosis that contributes to cognitive deficits. The current study extends these findings to human cognitive aging and suggests that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques like quantitative relaxometry can be used to study iron and its effects in vivo. The effects of iron on microstructure and memory performance were examined using a combination of quantitative relaxometry and multicompartment diffusion imaging in 35 young (21.06 ± 2.18 years) and 28 older (72.58 ± 6.47 years) adults, who also completed a memory task. Replicating past work, results revealed age‐related increases in iron content (R2*) and diffusion, and decreases in memory performance. Independent of age group, iron content was significantly related to restricted (intracellular) diffusion in regions with low‐moderate iron (hippocampus, caudate) and to all diffusion metrics in regions with moderate‐high iron (putamen, globus pallidus). This pattern is consistent with different stages of iron‐related gliosis, ranging from astrogliosis that may influence intracellular diffusion to microglial proliferation and increased vascular permeability that may influence all sources of diffusion. Further, hippocampal restricted diffusion was significantly related to memory performance, with a third of this effect related to iron content; consistent with the hypothesis that higher iron‐related astrogliosis in the hippocampus is associated with poorer memory performance. These results demonstrate the sensitivity of MRI to iron‐related gliosis and extend our understanding of its impact on cognition by showing that this relationship also explains individual differences in memory performance.
Automated claustrum segmentation in human brain MRI using deep learning
Authors: Li Hongwei , Menegaux Aurore , Schmitz‐Koep Benita , Neubauer Antonia , Bäuerlein Felix J. B. , Shit Suprosanna , Sorg Christian , Menze Bjoern , Hedderich Dennis
Published: September 2021

In the last two decades, neuroscience has produced intriguing evidence for a central role of the claustrum in mammalian forebrain structure and function. However, relatively few in vivo studies of the claustrum exist in humans. A reason for this may be the delicate and sheet‐like structure of the claustrum lying between the insular cortex and the putamen, which makes it not amenable to conventional segmentation methods. Recently, Deep Learning (DL) based approaches have been successfully introduced for automated segmentation of complex, subcortical brain structures. In the following, we present a multi‐view DL‐based approach to segment the claustrum in T1‐weighted MRI scans. We trained and evaluated the proposed method in 181 individuals, using bilateral manual claustrum annotations by an expert neuroradiologist as reference standard. Cross‐validation experiments yielded median volumetric similarity, robust Hausdorff distance, and Dice score of 93.3%, 1.41 mm, and 71.8%, respectively, representing equal or superior segmentation performance compared to human intra‐rater reliability. The leave‐one‐scanner‐out evaluation showed good transferability of the algorithm to images from unseen scanners at slightly inferior performance. Furthermore, we found that DL‐based claustrum segmentation benefits from multi‐view information and requires a sample size of around 75 MRI scans in the training set. We conclude that the developed algorithm allows for robust automated claustrum segmentation and thus yields considerable potential for facilitating MRI‐based research of the human claustrum. The software and models of our method are made publicly available.
Definition of Healthy Ranges for Alanine Aminotransferase Levels: A 2021 Update
Authors: Valenti Luca , Pelusi Serena , Bianco Cristiana , Ceriotti Ferruccio , Berzuini Alessandra , Iogna Prat Laura , Trotti Roberta , Malvestiti Francesco , D’Ambrosio Roberta , Lampertico Pietro , Colli Agostino , Colombo Massimo , Tsochatzis Emmanuel A. , Fraquelli Mirella , Prati Daniele
Published: September 2021

The changing epidemiology of liver disease, and modifications in the recommended analytical methodology call for a re‐evaluation of the upper reference limits (URLs) of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Using the same approach consolidated 20 years ago to define the healthy population, we defined the URL for the newly recommended International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) standardized test. In a cross‐sectional study, we examined 21,296 apparently healthy blood donors (age 18‐65 years) and calculated the sex‐specific URL by the 95th percentile in individuals without risk factors for liver disease. These were tested for the ability to predict liver damage in a subset of 745 participants with dysmetabolism, in an independent cohort of 977 unselected donors, and in 899 patients with chronic liver disease. ALT levels were measured by the IFCC test. Male sex, body mass index, glucose, lipids, ferritin, hypertension, and younger age were independent ALT predictors (P < 0.001). Updated URLs were identified at 42/30 U/L in males/females, approximately 30% lower than those currently recommended by the IFCC. Due to improved sensitivity, they conferred the ability to detect steatosis and significant fibrosis in individuals with dysmetabolism (odds ratio [OR] = 2.31, range 1.40‐3.80, P = 0.001; and OR = 3.35, range 1.19‐9.42, P = 0.021; respectively), although with a limited accuracy, and significant fibrosis in unselected donors (OR = 2.32, 1.02‐5.31, P = 0.045). Updated URLs had a moderate to high accuracy to discriminate liver conditions (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.81, range 0.78‐0.91). Conclusion: Updated URLs by the IFCC method were lower than those calculated in initial studies, but higher than those in use with the recommended old, nonstandardized method, and were able to better predict liver disease. The limited awareness that different techniques are still in use should be regarded as a possible source of medical errors.
Skin problems of Korean military personnel changes in the use of cosmetics and differences in preference according to different characteristics: Focused on comparison pre‐ and post‐enlistment
Authors: Lee Jinkyung , Kwon Ki Han
Published: September 2021

Background

Recently, men's interest and participation in cosmetology have increased, and the number of “grooming” men who are exorbitantly investing in fashion and looks has increased, further increasing the growth potential of men's cosmetics.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to analyze the skin diseases of men in their 20s and 30s in Korea, focusing on the comparison before and after enlistment, and to study the changes in cosmetic use and the difference in cosmetic preference according to the military service problem of Korean men.

Methods

We enrolled 450 people, after excluding 50 dishonest respondents. Statistical data processing collected with the data analysis method were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) WIN25.0 statistical package program through data coding and cleaning.

Results

A total of 217 (48.2%) people preferred the cosmetic type of skin/lotion preferred by the private sector, and the cosmetic type required by the military was a complex skin lotion (48.2%) with 216 people (48.2%). All‐in‐one products were the most common products. The P‐value was P < .001 or more.

Conclusion

The results of this comprehensive study indicated skin problems of Korean military personnel changes in the use of cosmetics and differences in preference according to different characteristics focused on comparison pre‐ and post‐enlistment was assessed.
Great future or greedy venture: Precision medicine needs philosophy
Authors: Jiao Fei , Guo Ruoyu , Beckmann Jacques S. , Yan Zhonghai , Yang Yun , Hu Jinxia , Wang Xin , Xie Shuyang
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Over the past decade, we have witnessed the initiation and implementation of precision medicine (PM), a discipline that promises to individualize and personalize medical management and treatment, rendering them ultimately more precise and effective. Despite of the continuing advances and numerous clinical applications, the potential of PM remains highly controversial, sparking heated debates about its future.

Method

The present article reviews the philosophical issues and practical challenges that are critical to the feasibility and implementation of PM.

Outcome

The explanation and argument about the relations between PM and computability, uncertainty as well as complexity, show that key foundational assumptions of PM might not be fully validated.

Conclusion

The present analysis suggests that our current understanding of PM is probably oversimplified and too superficial. More efforts are needed to realize the hope that PM has elicited, rather than make the term just as a hype.
Are current tissue-based selenium guidelines and criteria overly protective of freshwater fish populations? A critical review with recommendations
Authors: Gilron Guy , Matheson Graham , Garrett Reid , Adams William J.
Published: September 2021

Several decades after selenium impacts on wild fish populations were observed in freshwater reservoirs receiving fly ash effluents from electric power facilities at Belews Lake and Hyco Reservoir (North Carolina, USA), developments in selenium (Se) toxicology have led to a greater understanding of Se effects on freshwater fish. These latter advancements have allowed regulatory agencies in several jurisdictions to develop tissue-based toxicity benchmarks for the protection of aquatic life. These benchmarks were generally derived from datasets encompassing multiple fish species and designed to protect the most sensitive species (US Environmental Protection Agency [EPA] water quality criteria). Safety factors have been applied in the development of some Canadian guidelines (British Columbia [BC]), resulting in guidelines that appear to be overly conservative. The present study addresses the question, “Are current tissue-based selenium guidelines and criteria overly protective of freshwater fish populations?” A literature review was conducted of studies in which Se was the primary constituent of concern, to compare tissue concentrations and results of fish population metrics and deformity assessment studies with current regulatory thresholds for the protection of aquatic life in the United States and Canada. EPA fish tissue-based Se criteria were found to be protective of fish populations and, at times, overly protective. Canadian water quality guidelines for Se (BC Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy [BCMOECCS], Environment and Climate Change Canada [ECCC]) were consistently found to be overly protective, especially for benchmarks in which safety factors were used to derive those guidelines. In addition to a synthesis of the results of these studies, various limitations of the reviewed studies are discussed, and recommendations for future studies are proposed. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:622–630. © 2021 SETAC

KEY POINTS

Critical evaluation of tissue-based selenium guidelines in Canada and USA against field research finds environmental regulations are protective of fish, and overly conservative in some cases. Fish tissue samples several orders of magnitude in exceedance of USEPA, Canadian, and BC guidelines and criteria were found to have no population-level impacts on freshwater fish. The use of safety factors in establishing environmental benchmarks produces overly conservative benchmark values.
ePTFE‐based biomedical devices: An overview of surgical efficiency
Authors: Roina Yaëlle , Auber Frédéric , Hocquet Didier , Herlem Guillaume
Published: September 2021

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is a ubiquitous material used for implants and medical devices in general because of its high biocompatibility and inertness: blood vessel, heart, table jawbone, nose, eyes, or abdominal wall can benefit from its properties in case of disease or injury. Its expanded version, ePTFE is an improved version of PTFE with better mechanical properties, which extends its medical applications. A material as frequently used as ePTFE with these exceptional properties deserves a review of its main uses, developments, and possibility of improvements. In this systematic review, we examined clinical trials related to ePTFE‐based medical devices from the literature. Then, we excluded all trials using ePTFE as a control to test other devices. ePTFE‐coated stents, hemodialysis and bypass grafts, guided bone and tissue regeneration membranes, hernia and heart repair and other devices are reviewed. The rates of success using these devices and their efficiency compared to other materials used for the same purposes are reported. ePTFE appears to be more or just as efficient compared to them. Some success rates remain low, suggesting the need of improvement ePTFE for medical applications.
Glycine increases fat‐free mass in malnourished haemodialysis patients: a randomized double‐blind crossover trial
Authors: Genton Laurence , Teta Daniel , Pruijm Menno , Stoermann Catherine , Marangon Nicola , Mareschal Julie , Bassi Isabelle , Wurzner‐Ghajarzadeh Arelene , Lazarevic Vladimir , Cynober Luc , Cani Patrice D. , Herrmann François R. , Schrenzel Jacques
Published: September 2021

Background

Protein energy wasting is associated with negative outcome in patients under chronic haemodialysis (HD). Branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) may increase the muscle mass. This post hoc analysis of a controlled double‐blind randomized crossover study assessed the impact of BCAAs on nutritional status, physical function, and quality of life.

Methods

We included 36 chronic HD patient features of protein energy wasting as plasma albumin <38 g/L, and dietary intakes <30 kcal/kg/day and <1 g protein/kg/day. Patients received either oral BCAA (2 × 7 g/day) or glycine (2 × 7 g/day) for 4 months (Period 1), followed by a washout period of 1 month, and then received the opposite supplement (Period 2). The outcomes were lean body mass measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, fat‐free mass index measured by bioelectrical impedance, resting energy expenditure, dietary intake and appetite rating, physical activity and function, quality of life, and blood parameters. Analyses were performed by multiple mixed linear regressions including type of supplementation, months, period, sex, and age as fixed effects and subjects as random intercepts.

Results

Twenty‐seven patients (61.2 ± 13.7 years, 41% women) were compliant to the supplementations (consumption >80% of packs) and completed the study. BCAA did not affect lean body mass index and body weight, but significantly decreased fat‐free mass index, as compared with glycine (coeff −0.27, 95% confidence interval −0.43 to −0.10, P = 0.002, respectively). BCAA and glycine intake had no effect on the other clinical parameters, blood chemistry tests, or plasma amino acids.

Conclusions

Branched‐chain amino acid did not improve lean body mass as compared with glycine. Unexpectedly, glycine improved fat‐free mass index in HD patients, as compared with BCAA. Whether long‐term supplementation with glycine improves the clinical outcome remains to be demonstrated.
Sarcopenia as a prognostic predictor of liver cirrhosis: a multicentre study in China
Authors: Zeng Xin , Shi Zhi‐Wen , Yu Jia‐Jun , Wang Li‐Fen , Luo Yuan‐Yuan , Jin Si‐Min , Zhang Li‐Yuan , Tan Wei , Shi Pei‐Mei , Yu Hong , Zhang Chun‐Qing , Xie Wei‐Fen
Published: September 2021

Background

Diagnostic criteria for sarcopenia have not been established in Chinese. This study established criteria based on the L3‐skeletal muscle index (L3‐SMI) and assessed its value for outcomes predicting in cirrhotic Chinese patients.

Methods

Totally 911 subjects who underwent a CT scan at two centres were enrolled in Cohort 1 (394 male and 417 female subjects, aged 20–80 years). The data of those subjects younger than 60 years (365 male and 296 female subjects) were used to determine the reference intervals of the L3‐SMI and its influencing factors. Cohort 2 consisted of 480 patients (286 male and 184 female patients) from three centres, and their data were used to investigate the prevalence of sarcopenia and evaluate the value of L3‐SMI for predicting the prognosis and complications of cirrhosis.

Results

Age and sex had the greatest effects on the L3‐SMI (P < 0.001). The L3‐SMI scores were clearly higher in male patients than in female patients (52.94 ± 8.41 vs. 38.91 ± 5.65 cm2/m2, P < 0.001) and sharply declined in subjects aged ≥ 60 years. Based on the mean −1.28 × SD among adults aged < 60 years, the L3‐SMI cut‐off value for sarcopenia was 44.77 cm2/m2 in male patients and 32.50 cm2/m2 in female patients. Using these values, 22.5% of the cirrhotic patients (28.7% of male patients and 11.9% of female patients) were diagnosed with sarcopenia. Compared with non‐sarcopenia individuals, sarcopenia patients had lower body mass index (21.28 ± 3.01 vs. 24.09 ± 3.39 kg/m2, P < 0.001) and serum albumin levels (31.54 ± 5.93 vs. 32.93 ± 5.95 g/L, P = 0.032), longer prothrombin times (16.39 ± 3.05 vs. 15.71 ± 3.20 s, P = 0.049), higher total bilirubin concentrations (41.33 ± 57.38 vs. 32.52 ± 31.48 μmol/L, P = 0.039), worse liver function (Child–Pugh score, 8.05 ± 2.11 vs. 7.32 ± 2.05, P = 0.001), higher prevalence of cirrhosis‐related complications (81.82% vs. 62.24%, P < 0.001) and mortality (30.68% vs. 11.22%, P < 0.001). Overall survival was significantly lower in the sarcopenia group [risk ratio (RR) = 2.643, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.646–4.244, P < 0.001], accompanied with an increased cumulative incidence of ascites (RR = 1.827, 95% CI 1.259–2.651, P = 0.002), spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (RR = 3.331, 95% CI 1.404–7.903, P = 0.006), hepatic encephalopathy (RR = 1.962, 95% CI 1.070–3.600, P = 0.029), and upper gastrointestinal varices (RR = 2.138, 95% CI 1.319–3.466, P = 0.002). Subgroup analysis showed sarcopenia shortened the survival of the patients with Model For End‐Stage Liver Disease score > 14 (RR = 4.310, 95% CI 2.091–8.882, P < 0.001) or Child–Pugh C (RR = 3.081, 95% CI 1.516–6.260, P = 0.002).

Conclusions

Sarcopenia is a common comorbidity of cirrhosis and can be used to predict cirrhosis‐related complications and the prognosis.
Leucine‐enriched whey protein supplementation, resistance‐based exercise, and cardiometabolic health in older adults: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kirk Ben , Mooney Kate , Vogrin Sara , Jackson Matthew , Duque Gustavo , Khaiyat Omid , Amirabdollahian Farzad
Published: September 2021

Background

Increasing protein intake (above the Recommended Dietary Amount) alone or with resistance‐based exercise is suggested to improve cardiometabolic health; however, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to confirm this.

Methods

The Liverpool Hope University‐Sarcopenia Aging Trial (LHU‐SAT) was a 16 week RCT (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02912130) of 100 community‐dwelling older adults [mean age: 68.73 ± 5.80 years, body mass index: 27.06 ± 5.18 kg/m2 (52% women)] who were randomized to four independent groups [Control (C), Exercise (E), Exercise + Protein (EP), Protein (P)]. E and EP completed supervised and progressive resistance‐based exercise (resistance exercise: two times per week, functional circuit exercise: once per week), while EP and P were supplemented with a leucine‐enriched whey protein drink (three times per day) based on individual body weight (0.50 g/kg/meal, 1.50 g/kg/day). Outcome measures including arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity), fasting plasma/serum biomarkers [glucose/glycated haemoglobin, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), high‐density lipoprotein, insulin, resistin, leptin, adiponectin, C‐reactive protein, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha, interleukin‐6, cystatin‐C, & ferritin], insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), and kidney function (eGFR) were measured before and after intervention.

Results

Total protein intake (habitual diet plus supplementation) increased to 1.55 ± 0.69 g/kg/day in EP and to 1.93 ± 0.72 g/kg/day in P, and remained significantly lower (P < 0.001) in unsupplemented groups (E: 1.08 ± 0.33 g/kg/day, C: 1.00 ± 0.26 g/kg/day). At 16 weeks, there was a group‐by‐time interaction whereby absolute changes in LDL‐cholesterol were lower in EP [mean difference: −0.79 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval (CI): −1.29, −0.28, P = 0.002] and P (mean difference: −0.76 mmol/L, 95% CI: −1.26, −0.26, P = 0.003) vs. C. Serum insulin also showed group‐by‐time interactions at 16 weeks whereby fold changes were lower in EP (mean difference: −0.40, 95% CI: −0.65, −0.16, P = 0.001) and P (mean difference: −0.32, 95% CI: −0.56, −0.08, P = 0.009) vs. C, and fold changes in HOMA‐IR improved in EP (mean difference: −0.37, 95% CI: −0.64, −0.10, P = 0.007) and P (mean difference: −0.27, 95% CI: −0.53, −0.00, P = 0.048) vs. C. Serum resistin declined in P only (group‐by‐time interaction at 16 weeks: P = 0.009). No other interactions were observed in outcome measures (P > 0.05), and kidney function (eGFR) remained unaltered.

Conclusions

Sixteen weeks of leucine‐enriched whey protein supplementation alone and combined with resistance‐based exercise improved cardiometabolic health markers in older adults.
Corporate social responsibility, social bonding and place attachment among entrepreneurs of small and medium‐sized tourism enterprises
Authors: Wen Tong , Zhang Qingfang , Song Lihong , Li Yaoqi
Published: September 2021

Existing person‐centric corporate social responsibility (CSR) research has focused on corporations and neglects the roles of small and medium‐sized tourism enterprises' entrepreneurs. The few studies available have also overlooked local factors crucial to small and medium‐sized enterprises. We have introduced the use of sensemaking theory to build a model to illustrate the impact of CSR activities on place attachment. Findings showed that respondents interpret CSR activities as establishing or strengthening place‐social bonding, and define or re‐define themselves based on place, thereby developing place attachment. The main contribution is to break through the organizational and individual levels, connecting people and places to understand the impact of CSR on entrepreneurs' place‐based identity.
Secretion of sulfated fucans by diatoms may contribute to marine aggregate formation
Authors: Huang Guoyin , Vidal‐Melgosa Silvia , Sichert Andreas , Becker Stefan , Fang Yang , Niggemann Jutta , Iversen Morten Hvitfeldt , Cao Yi , Hehemann Jan‐Hendrik
Published: September 2021

Microalgae produce copious amounts of structurally diverse polysaccharides, some are bound within cells and cell walls, while others are secreted into the surrounding seawater. A fraction of the secreted polysaccharides assembles into particles promoting aggregation and in turn formation of aggregates increases the export of carbon into the deep ocean via sinking. However, specific polysaccharides contributing to particle formation and carbon export remain unknown. Here, we studied microalgae polysaccharide composition in a system of reduced complexity consisting of lab grown monospecific cultures of the centric diatom species Thalassiosira weissflogii and Chaetoceros socialis. We followed the abundance and dynamics of five specific polysaccharide types in the dissolved and particulate organic matter (DOM and POM) for two weeks. Polysaccharides were detected using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for β‐1,4‐mannan, β‐1,4‐xylan, arabinogalactan, and two fucose‐containing sulfated polysaccharide (FCSP) epitopes. Additionally, glycan composition of all samples was analyzed by monosaccharide analysis. The time series revealed polysaccharides partition differently between the dissolved and particulate carbon pools. β‐1,4‐xylan and β‐1,4‐mannan were mainly present in POM, possibly as cell wall polymers, while FCSPs were found in both DOM and POM. The data showed that the main glycan component secreted by diatoms was fucose‐containing polysaccharide, which accumulated in DOM over time. Roller tank experiments were used to induce aggregate formation finding FCSP transitioned from DOM to POM under aggregating conditions. These results suggest that diatom‐secreted FCSPs are involved in the formation of aggregates, which promote the formation of particles, and potentially carbon export.
Simultaneous measurement of time‐of‐wetness and electrolyte concentrations with IDE sensors by evaluation of impedance spectra using an artificial neural network
Authors: Wagner Benjamin , Mittelbach Andreas , Geiß Paul L.
Published: September 2021

A measurement principle to examine the time‐of‐wetness and concentration of electrolytes using interdigitated electrode sensors and a neural network approach is discussed in this study. The electrolyte serves as a capacitive and resistive medium and changes the frequency responses of the sensor depending on its surface coverage and concentration. The measured impedance spectra are analyzed by an artificial neural network (ANN) model, which was trained by experimental and simulated data. Investigations of the performance of the ANN show a precise determination of the electrolyte concentration and present surface coverage. Furthermore, the application of this fast and easy method is discussed and tested to investigate the drying behavior of droplets from aqueous sodium chloride solution on the sensor surface in a climate chamber.
Deep learning‐enabled EPID‐based 3D dosimetry for dose verification of step‐and‐shoot radiotherapy
Authors: Jia Mengyu , Wu Yan , Yang Yong , Wang Lei , Chuang Cynthia , Han Bin , Xing Lei
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The study aims at a novel dosimetry methodology to reconstruct a 3D dose distribution as imparted to a virtual cylindrical phantom using an electronic portal imaging device (EPID).

Methods

A deep learning‐based signal processing strategy, referred to as 3DosiNet, is utilized to learn a mapping from an EPID image to planar dose distributions at given depths. The network was trained with the volumetric dose exported from the clinical treatment planning system (TPS). Given the latent inconsistency between measurements and corresponding TPS calculations, unsupervised learning is formulated in 3DosiNet to capture abstractive image features that are less sensitive to the potential variations.

Results

Validation experiments were performed using five regular fields and three clinical intensity‐modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) cases. The measured dose profiles and percentage depth dose (PDD) curves were compared with those measured using standard tools in terms of the 1D gamma index. The mean gamma pass rates (2%/2 mm) over the regular fields are 100% and 97.3% for the dose profile and PDD measurements, respectively. The measured volumetric dose was compared to the corresponding TPS calculation in terms of the 3D gamma index. The mean 2%/2 mm gamma pass rates are 97.9% for square fields and 94.9% for the IMRT fields.

Conclusions

The system promises to be a practical 3D dosimetric tool for pre‐treatment patient‐specific quality assurance and further developed for in‐treatment patient dose monitoring.