bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrition issues in the general medical ward patient: From general screening to specific diagnosis and individualized treatment
Authors: Gressies Carla , Tribolet Pascal , Schuetz Philipp
Published: December 2022

Disease‐related malnutrition in patients in the general medical ward remains a complex syndrome, which contributes to high morbidity and mortality, and seriously interferes with recovery from acute illness. Recently, there have been important advances in the development of consensus diagnostic criteria for malnutrition, and through the recent completion of large‐scale trials, the understanding of pathophysiological pathways and evidence‐based treatment algorithms to provide nutrition care to patients at risk for malnutrition in the hospital setting has advanced. There is need to identify more specific clinical parameters and blood biomarkers, which allow a more personalized approach to the malnourished patients, because not all patients show the same response to nutrition interventions. Recent studies have suggested that some nutrition biomarkers of inflammation, kidney function and muscle health, among others, predict treatment response to nutrition interventions and may help to personalize treatments. In addition to advancing the science, there is need for more education of students and treating teams in the hospital to improve the screening of patients at hospital admission regarding nutrition risk with the start of individualized nutrition support interventions, thereby bringing optimal nutrition care to the bedside.
Management of long‐term home parenteral nutrition: Historical perspective, common complications, and patient education and training
Authors: Mundi Manpreet S. , Mohamed Elfadil Osman , Hurt Ryan T. , Bonnes Sara , Salonen Bradley R.
Published: December 2022

Intestinal failure (IF) is a rare disease that requires ongoing intravenous supplementation to sustain growth and health. Advancements in parenteral nutrition (PN) and central venous access in the 1960s and 1970s transformed a life‐limiting disease to a chronic one in which patients are able to administer hydration, electrolytes, micronutrients, and macronutrients in the comfort of their home. However, despite ongoing advancements in the field of home PN (HPN), complications—whether related to central venous catheters or PN itself—remain common and can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Central venous access can be associated with thrombosis, central line–associated bloodstream infection, or damage and can result in loss of access over time. PN can be associated with IF‐associated liver disease or hyperglycemia. The key to preserving central venous access and quality of life and maintaining health for patients with chronic IF (CIF) is education focused on prevention and prompt management of CIF complications as they arise. This education typically takes place at the time of initiation of HPN, either in the hospital setting or in the patient's home. The present manuscript describes the historical progression of HPN, prevalence and characteristics of CIF, and an in‐depth discussion of the most common catheter‐related and PN‐related complications and their management, along with a discussion of our education and training process.
Nutrition for the high‐risk surgical patient, when they need it most: Question and answer session
Authors: Morrison Chet , Prado Carla M. , Wischmeyer Paul , Martindale Robert G. , Pimiento Jose , Katz Jennifer , Mechanick Jeffrey I. , Patel Jayshil J.
Published: December 2022

Patients requiring complex or extensive surgery are often at high risk for perioperative and postoperative nutrition risk. Despite published guidelines, providing adequate nutrition to these patients continues to remain a clinical challenge. Using the case of a patient with preoperative nutrition risk who will need to undergo timely cancer resectional surgery, speakers presenting at the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 2022 Preconference discussed novel strategies to assess for nutrition risk, enhanced recovery after surgery, and preoperative and postoperative nutrition management in these often complex surgical patients.
Implementation of group cognitive processing therapy in correction centers: Anticipated determinants from formative evaluation
Authors: Zielinski Melissa J. , Allison M. Kathryn , Smith Mollee K. Steely , Curran Geoffrey , Kaysen Debra , Kirchner JoAnn E.
Published: December 2022

Nearly all people in prison have experienced trauma, and many meet the criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Untreated PTSD increases the risk of substance use problems after release, contributing to a well‐documented cycle of trauma, addiction, and incarceration. However, evidence‐based, trauma‐focused therapy for PTSD is rarely offered in prisons, and there is little research that can guide implementation efforts. In preparation for an effectiveness–implementation hybrid II pilot trial examining group‐delivered cognitive processing therapy (CPT) in prisons, we conducted a formative evaluation using interviews structured according to the consolidated framework for implementation research (i.e., CFIR). Participants were correction center leadership, treatment staff, health care staff, and security staff (n = 22) and incarcerated persons (n = 14; 57.1% female). We found that CPT was highly compatible with residents’ needs and the centers’ available resources, culture, existing programs, and current workflow. CPT was also acceptable to all stakeholders. Potential barriers were the lower relative priority for CPT compared with programs that are reinforced at the system level, limited staff time to deliver CPT, limited staff knowledge about PTSD, and center features that could distract from CPT groups and/or training or be countertherapeutic. Taken together, CPT is a promising trauma‐focused therapy for corrections, but these findings underscore the importance of identifying and matching potential barriers to effective implementation strategies a priori and work in the policy arena to promote sustainability.
Exosomal miR‐181a‐5p derived from SAOS‐2 cells promotes macrophages M2 polarization by targeting RORA
Authors: Wang Zheng‐Guang , Deng Ming‐Si , Su Ji‐Qing , Liu Dong‐Biao , Zhou Yong
Published: December 2022

Although the interaction between tumor cells and tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) has been widely studied; however, the mechanism of osteosarcoma cells in regulating the polarization of TAMs remains unclear. Exosomes from SAOS‐2 cells were isolated and validated by electron microscopy and Western blot. Transfection of indicated plasmids was applied to modify the expressions of miR‐181a‐5p and RAR‐related orphan receptor alpha (RORA). Flow cytometric analysis was carried out to analyze M1/M2 macrophage polarization. Quantitative real‐time PCR was performed to determine the levels of miR‐181a‐5p and RORA. Protein levels of CD63, CD81, RORA, CD163, CD206, IL‐10, CXCL10, and IL‐1β were evaluated by Western blot. The direct interaction of miR‐181a‐5p and RORA was validated by dual‐luciferase activity assay. The expression of miR‐181a‐5p was upregulated in osteosarcoma tissues and presented in SAOS‐2‐derived exosomes. SAOS‐2‐derived exosomes promoted the polarization of M2 macrophages by transferring miR‐181a‐5p. In addition, RORA was downregulated in osteosarcoma tissues and showed a negative correlation with miR‐181a‐5p. RORA was found to be the downstream target of miR‐181a‐5p in SAOS‐2 cells. Inhibition of RORA reversed the effects of miR‐181a‐5p knockdown on the polarization of M2 macrophages. The results showed that exosomal miR‐181a‐5p derived from osteosarcoma cells induced polarization of M2 macrophages via targeting RORA.
Rapidly Progressive Corticobasal Degeneration Mimicking Brainstem Encephalitis
Authors: Moura João , Oliveira Vanessa , Sardoeira Ana , Pinto Miguel , Gelpi Ellen , Taipa Ricardo , Santos Ernestina
Published: December 2022

Background

Corticobasal degeneration (CBD) may have a rapidly progressive (RP) clinical course, mimicking other neurological conditions.

Objectives

To describe a neuropathologically proven case of RP‐CBD in a patient initially diagnosed with immune‐mediated brainstem encephalitis.

Methods

Retrospective data collection from electronic records and authorized video material.

Results

A 51‐year‐old man presented with bilateral ptosis, diplopia, and dysphagia. The diagnostic workup was negative for myasthenic syndromes. He progressively developed cognitive dysfunction with frontal release signs and asymmetric parkinsonism. Cerebrospinal fluid evaluation revealed 4 leukocytes/uL, 0.32 g/L proteins, 0.85 g/L glucose, and absent oligoclonal bands. Weakly positive anti‐PNMA2 (Ma2/Ta) antibodies were present, and magnetic resonance imaging showed a T2 hyperintensity involving the midbrain and pons. Based on these features, the diagnosis of immune‐mediated brainstem encephalitis was considered. The patient did not improve after several cycles of methylprednisolone, intravenous immunoglobulin, and plasma exchange. At 1 year after onset, he developed horizontal and vertical gaze limitation and worsening of the parkinsonism and cognitive dysfunction. By age 53, he was severely disabled, requiring percutaneous gastrostomy for feeding. Anti‐IgLON5 was negative. He fulfilled the clinical criteria for probable progressive supranuclear palsy. He died from pneumonia at age 54. The neuropathological examination revealed a 4‐repeat tauopathy with features of CBD with extensive involvement of the brainstem.

Conclusions

RP‐CBD may resemble brainstem encephalitis. The severity of brainstem and upper spinal cord pathology in the postmortem examination correlated with the clinical and imaging features.
Nanotechnology‐based electrochemical biosensors for monitoring breast cancer biomarkers
Authors: Nasrollahpour Hassan , Khalilzadeh Balal , Hasanzadeh Mohammad , Rahbarghazi Reza , Estrela Pedro , Naseri Abdolhossein , Tasoglu Savas , Sillanpää Mika
Published: December 2022

Breast cancer is categorized as the most widespread cancer type among women globally. On‐time diagnosis can decrease the mortality rate by making the right decision in the therapy procedure. These features lead to a reduction in medication time and socioeconomic burden. The current review article provides a comprehensive assessment for breast cancer diagnosis using nanomaterials and related technologies. Growing use of the nano/biotechnology domain in terms of electrochemical nanobiosensor designing was discussed in detail. In this regard, recent advances in nanomaterial applied for amplified biosensing methodologies were assessed for breast cancer diagnosis by focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches. We also monitored designing methods, advantages, and the necessity of suitable (nano) materials from a statistical standpoint. The main objective of this review is to classify the applicable biosensors based on breast cancer biomarkers. With numerous nano‐sized platforms published for breast cancer diagnosis, this review tried to collect the most suitable methodologies for detecting biomarkers and certain breast cancer cell types.
Reducing Sexual Orientation Discrimination: Experimental Evidence from Basic Information Treatments
Authors: Aksoy Cevat Giray , Carpenter Christopher S. , De Haas Ralph , Dolls Mathias , Windsteiger Lisa
Published: December 2022

We study basic information treatments regarding sexual orientation using randomized experiments in three countries with strong and widespread anti‐gay attitudes: Serbia, Turkey, and Ukraine. Participants who received information about the economic costs to society of sexual orientation discrimination were significantly more likely than those in a control group to support equal employment opportunities based on sexual orientation. Information that the World Health Organization (WHO) does not regard homosexuality as a mental illness increased social acceptance of sexual minorities, but only for those who reported trust in the WHO. Our results have important implications for policymakers aiming to expand the rights of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people worldwide.
Clinical/biochemical characteristics and related outcomes in people with new‐onset diabetes and COVID‐19: experience from a single centre
Authors: Moreno Diego Muñoz , Ramos Roberto José Añez , Fernández Laura González , Montenegro Alejandra Maricel Rivas , González María Miguélez , Torrecilla Noemí Brox , Albarrán Olga González
Published: December 2022

Aims: It is known that there is a bidirectional relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and coronavirus disease (COVID‐19). It has been described that those patients infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 could develop severe metabolic decompensation of pre‐existing or new‐onset DM, although diabetogenic effect of SARS‐CoV‐2 has still not been well consolidated. In fact, the coexistence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and new‐onset DM is an infrequent situation.

Methods: We describe the clinical and analytical characteristics of 19 patients admitted to a Spanish tertiary hospital – all 19 having COVID‐19 infection and new‐onset DM.

Results: 12/19 patients (63.2%) were female; the mean age at diagnosis of DM was 54 (39–65) years. The most frequent ethnic group was Caucasian (n=9), followed by Latin‐American (n=7); 7/19 (36.8%) previously met criteria for prediabetes due to altered basal glycaemia or HbA1c. The mean BMI at diagnosis was 32.26kg/m2 (27.62–35.18kg/m2). Eighteen of 19 patients (94.7%) showed bilateral bronchopneumonia. The mean blood glucose of the first blood was 17.5mmol/L (11.1–21.1mmol/L), and the mean HbA1c was 88mmol/mol (60–115mmol/mol). C‐peptide was requested in eight patients and it was within normal range in 87.5% (n=7) and below the inferior threshold in one case. Autoantibodies were requested in 26.3% (five patients), being negative in 4/5 (80%) and positive in 1/5 (20%). Regarding the type of diabetes diagnosed, 18 were type 2 DM and only one case was diagnosed with type 1 DM. Seventeen had simple hyperglycaemia and two suffered a diabetic ketoacidosis. The mean HbA1c at 8.0 months (5.0–12.0 months) follow‐up was 42mmol/mol (40–49mmol/mol).

Conclusion: The majority of those described had type 2 DM that appears to have been unmasked by the COVID‐19 infection, since they had high HbA1c and several risk factors for diabetes development, such as obesity and prediabetes. Most of them had their pancreatic reserve preserved, and this may suggest insulin resistance as the aetiology rather than direct beta‐cell damage. A good evolution of diabetes after hospital discharge was observed in the patients followed up at our centre. Copyright © 2022 John Wiley & Sons.
Exhaustive mutational analysis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 ORF3a: An essential component in the pathogen's infectivity cycle
Authors: Benazraf Amit , Arkin Isaiah T.
Published: December 2022

Detailed knowledge of a protein's key residues may assist in understanding its function and designing inhibitors against it. Consequently, such knowledge of one of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2)'s proteins is advantageous since the virus is the etiological agent behind one of the biggest health crises of recent times. To that end, we constructed an exhaustive library of bacteria differing from each other by the mutated version of the virus's ORF3a viroporin they harbor. Since the protein is harmful to bacterial growth due to its channel activity, genetic selection followed by deep sequencing could readily identify mutations that abolish the protein's function. Our results have yielded numerous mutations dispersed throughout the sequence that counteract ORF3a's ability to slow bacterial growth. Comparing these data with the conservation pattern of ORF3a within the coronavirinae provided interesting insights: Deleterious mutations obtained in our study corresponded to conserved residues in the protein. However, despite the comprehensive nature of our mutagenesis coverage (108 average mutations per site), we could not reveal all of the protein's conserved residues. Therefore, it is tempting to speculate that our study unearthed positions in the protein pertinent to channel activity, while other conserved residues may correspond to different functionalities of ORF3a. In conclusion, our study provides important information on a key component of SARS‐CoV‐2 and establishes a procedure to analyze other viroporins comprehensively.
Suspected adverse drug reactions of the type 2 antidiabetic drug class dipeptidyl‐peptidase IV inhibitors (DPP4i): Can polypharmacology help explain?
Authors: Jones Lauren , Jones Alan M.
Published: December 2022

To interpret the relationship between the polypharmacology of dipeptidyl‐peptidase IV inhibitors (DPP4i) and their suspected adverse drug reaction (ADR) profiles using a national registry. A retrospective investigation into the suspected ADR profile of four licensed DPP4i in the United Kingdom using the National MHRA Yellow Card Scheme and OpenPrescribing databases. Experimental data from the ChEMBL database alongside physiochemical (PC) and pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles were extracted and interpreted. DPP4i show limited polypharmacology alongside low suspected ADR rates. We found a minimal statistical difference between the unique ADR profiles ascribed to the DPP4i except for total ADRs (χ2; p < .05). Alogliptin consistently showed the highest suspected ADR rate per 1 000 000 items prescribed. Saxagliptin showed the lowest suspected ADR rate across all organ classes but did not reach statistical difference (χ2; p > .05). We confirmed the Phase III clinical trial data that showed gastrointestinal and skin reactions are the most reported ADRs across the DPP4i class and postulated underlying mechanisms for this based on possible drug interactions. The main pharmacological mechanism behind the ADRs is attributed to interactions with DPP4 activity and/or structure homolog (DASH) proteins which augment the immune‐inflammatory modulation of DPP4.
Proteomic analysis of digestive tract peptidases and lipases from the invasive gastropod Pomacea canaliculata
Authors: Escobar‐Correas Sophia , Mendoza‐Porras Omar , Castro‐Vazquez Alfredo , Vega Israel A. , Colgrave Michelle L.
Published: December 2022

Background

The invasive gastropod Pomacea canaliculata has received great attention in the last decades as a result of its negative impact on crops agriculture, yet knowledge of their digestive physiology remains incomplete, particularly the enzymatic breakdown of macromolecules such as proteins and lipids.

Results

Discovery proteomics revealed aspartic peptidases, cysteine peptidases, serine peptidases, metallopeptidases and threonine peptidases, as well as acid and neutral lipases and phospholipases along the digestive tract of P. canaliculata. Peptides specific to peptidases (139) and lipases (14) were quantified by targeted mass spectrometry. Digestion begins in the mouth via diverse salivary peptidases (nine serine peptidases; seven cysteine peptidases, one aspartic peptidase and 22 metallopeptidases) and then continues in the oesophagus (crop) via three luminal metallopeptidases (Family M12) and six serine peptidases (Family S1). Downstream, the digestive gland provides a battery of enzymes composed of aspartic peptidase (one), cysteine peptidases (nine), serine peptidases (12) and metallopeptidases (24), including aminopeptidases, carboxypeptidases and dipeptidases). The coiled gut has M1 metallopeptidases that complete the digestion of small peptides. Lipid extracellular digestion is completed by triglyceride lipases.

Conclusion

From an integrative physiological and anatomical perspective, P. canaliculata shows an unexpected abundance and diversity of peptidases, which participate mainly in extracellular digestion. Moreover, the previously unknown occurrence of luminal lipases from the digestive gland is reported for the first time. Salivary and digestive glands were the main tissues involved in the synthesis and secretion of these enzymes, but plausibly the few luminally exclusive peptidases are secreted by ventrolateral pouches or epithelial unicellular glands. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Decomposition of VOCs by a novel catalytic DBD plasma reactor: A pilot study
Authors: Zhao Yafei , Zhuang Ye , Ye Kai , Wu Yifei , Luo Changhe , Li Dan , Zhang Yi , Yao Jin , Ali Sajid
Published: December 2022

A pilot‐scale multi‐tube dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor coupled with a series of Mn−Ag based catalysts for VOCs abatement was set up and investigated. The DBD with 2 %Ag‐MnOx/Al2O3 catalyst exhibited the best performance of removal efficiency (85.4 %) and energy yield (5.2 g/kWh) of toluene at the specific energy density of 39.7 J/L, much higher than the single DBD reactor (34.9 %, 2.1 g/kWh). Moreover, the degradation efficiencies of styrene, dimethyl, ethyl acetate and xylene in the plasma catalysis system were also studied. The catalyst presented high stability during the 50 hours of toluene plasma‐catalysis oxidation. Finally, the physicochemical properties of this catalyst were characterized and discussed using an energy dispersive spectrometer, X‐ray diffraction patterns, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Highly‐Dispersed Vanadium Nitride Supported on Porous Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Material as a High‐Performance Cathode for Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Wang Li , Sun Chaoyang , Ji Shan , Linkov Vladimir , Wang Hui
Published: December 2022

Transition metals and their compounds supported on carbon materials are widely used as cathodes for lithium‐sulfur batteries. Vanadium nitride is considered to be a promising cathode because of its good adsorption capacity for lithium polysulfides and high catalytic activity, but in practice it usually shows insufficient electrical conductivity and low electrocatalytic activity due to particles agglomeration. In this study, highly dispersed vanadium nitride supported on porous nitrogen‐doped carbon was prepared via one‐pot pyrolysis in a molten salt medium. Physical characterization revealed VN particles with a uniform size distribution of ca. 10 nm well dispersed on the carbon surface. When used as a cathode for Li−S battery, the material delivered a specific discharge capacity of 1050 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C and good rate performance. During the stability test over 500 continuous cycles, the average decay rate was 0.059 % per cycle. The study demonstrates prospective application of the newly developed electrocatalytic material as a cathode in lithium‐sulfur batteries.
High Dispersion FeFe2O4 nanoparticles synthesis and its Oxygen Reduction Reaction catalytic performance
Authors: Guo Likui , Zhang Junjie , Sun Yin , Liu Sen , Liu Wei , Dong Wenjing , Huang Naibao , Sun Xiannian
Published: December 2022

By pyrolyzed the products from hydrothermal reaction of 1, 4, 5, 8‐naphthalene tetramethyl anhydride, NaOH and FeSO4, the nanoparticles of FeFe2O4 were produced, and then its electrochemical performance of oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) was evaluated in O2 saturated 0.1 M KOH solution. The results indicated that, among all the as‐prepared samples, FeFe2O4‐0.50 was mainly composed of uniformly dispersed spherical nanoparticles of 20‐30nm and behaved the best ORR catalytic performance. Its half‐wave potential and limiting diffusion current density was 0.61 V and −1.85 mA cm−2@0.4 V vs. RHE), respectively, higher about 20 mV and 1.29 mA cm−2 than that of FeFe2O4 (0.59 V and −0.56 mA cm−2@0.4 V vs. RHE). In addition, FeFe2O4‐0.50 also showed stronger stability as well as methanol/CO tolerance than that of commercial 20 % Pt/C. It was the evenly dispersed FeFe2O4 nanoscale and Fe−O bond in FeFe2O4‐0.50 that contributed its excellent electrochemical performance and tolerance for CO and methanol. The as‐prepare FeFe2O4‐0.50 might be a potential alternative catalyst for ORR in fuel cell.
Application of the Quetiapine Templated Molecular Imprinted Polymer in Its Extraction from Human Blood Plasma; an Experimental and Density Functional Theory Study
Authors: Alikahi Naghmeh , Daraei Bahram , Torkian Leila , Shekarchi Maryam
Published: December 2022

In the present project, we have applied a molecular imprinted polymer (MIP) for the solid phase extraction (SPE) of quetiapine residue from human blood plasma. This study aimed to develop a method for determination of the bioavailability of quetiapine as a widely used antipsychotic in the blood serum. The extraction of quetiapine from the plasma was optimized and the loading amount (LA) for its adsorption was determined. Subsequently, a HPLC‐UV/VIS method was validated and applied to analyze the concentration of the mentioned drug which was extracted from the blood serum. The results showed that the limit of detection (LOD), and the limit of quantification (LOQ) for the validated MIP‐SPE approach were about 0.0172 ng ml−1, and 0.0481 ng ml−1, respectively. Finally, each of the MIP, and the non‐imprinted polymer (NIP), and their complex with the guest drug were designed and optimized by the density functional theory (DFT) approach. Based on our theoretical calculations, the structural properties, as well as the reactivity parameters (the molecular descriptors) were extracted, and debated. The results of the theoretical calculations showed a good agreement with the experimental results. Those results confirmed the favorability of adsorption of the drug by MIP compared to NIP.
Silica Nanoparticles Trigger Chaperone HSPB8‐Assisted Selective Autophagy via TFEB Activation in Hepatocytes
Authors: Zhu Ye , Zhang Yukang , Fan Zhuying , Fang Yuting , Zheng Yucao , Li Yang , Yang Man , Guo Caixia , Li Yanbo , Zhou Xianqing , Sun Zhiwei , Wang Ji
Published: December 2022

Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) are one of the most common inorganic nanomaterials. Autophagy is the predominant biological response to nanoparticles and transcription factor EB (TFEB) is a master regulator of the autophagy–lysosome pathway. Previous studies show that SiNPs induce autophagosome accumulation, yet the precise underlying mechanisms remain uncertain. The present study investigates the role of TFEB during SiNP‐induced autophagy. SiNP‐induced TFEB nuclear translocation is verified using immunofluorescence and western blot assay. The regulation of TFEB is proved to be via EIF2AK3 pathway. A TFEB knockout (KO) cell line is constructed to validate the TFEB involvement in SiNP‐induced autophagy. The transcriptomes of wild‐type and TFEB KO cells are compared using RNA‐sequencing to identify genes of the TFEB‐mediated autophagy and lysosome pathways affected by SiNPs. Based on these data and the Human Autophagy Database, four candidate autophagic genes are identified, including HSPB8, ATG4D, CTSB and CTSD. Specifically, that the chaperone HSPB8 is upregulated through SiNP‐mediated TFEB activation and forms a chaperone‐assisted selective autophagy (CASA) complex with BAG3 and HSC70, triggering HSPB8‐assisted selective autophagy, is found. Thus, this study characterizes a novel mechanism underlying SiNP‐induced autophagy that helps pave the way for further research on the toxicity and risk assessment of SiNPs.
Plasmonic Cyclic Au Nanosphere Hexamers
Authors: Kim Jeongwon , Lee Sungwoo , Son Jiwoong , Kim Jieun , Hilal Hajir , Park Minsun , Jung Insub , Nam Jwa‐Min , Park Sungho
Published: December 2022

Rational design of plasmonic colloidal assemblies via bottom‐up synthesis is challenging but would show unprecedented optical properties that strongly relate to the assembly's shape and spatial arrangement. Herein, the synthesis of plasmonic cyclic Au nanosphere hexamers (PCHs) is reported, wherein six Au nanospheres (Au NSs) are connected via thin metal ligaments. By tuning Au reduction, six dangling Au NSs are interconnected with a core hexagon nanoplate (NPL). Then, Pt atoms are selectively deposited on the edges of the spheres. After etching of the core, necklace‐like nanostructures of Pt framework are obtained. Deposition of Au is followed, leading to PCHs in high yield (≈90%). Notably, PCHs exhibit the combinatorial plasmonic characteristics of individual Au NSs and the in‐plane coupling of the six linked Au NSs. They yield highly uniform, reproducible, and polarization‐independent single‐particle surface‐enhanced Raman scattering signals, which are attributed to the 2‐dimensional isotropic alignment of the Au NSs. Those are applied to a SERS‐based immunoassay as quantitative and qualitative single particle SERS nanoprobes. This assay shows a low limit‐of‐detection, down to 100 pm, which is orders of magnitude lower than those based on Au NSs, and one order of magnitude lower than an assay using analogous particles of smooth Au nanorings.
Resiliente und robuste KI-Systeme im praktischen Einsatz
Authors: Wittenbrink Nicole , Demirci Stefanie , Wischmann Steffen
Published: December 2022

Die vielfältigen neuen Möglichkeiten Künstlicher Intelligenz (KI) faszinieren in Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft gleichermaßen – von der Produktion bis hin zu Bereichen, die von lebensverändernden und risikoreichen Entscheidungen geprägt sind, wie dem Gesundheitswesen oder auch dem autonomen Fahren. Mit dem praktischen Einsatz steigen die Anforderungen an KI-Systeme im Hinblick auf ihre Robustheit und Resilienz.
Lieferkettenresilienz: Krisenfest oder effizient?
Authors: Schmidt Anne , Wolf Stefan , Kerbusch Jochen
Published: December 2022

Globale Lieferketten sind sensibel und vulnerabel. Jederzeit. Das haben die Erfahrungen während der COVID-19-Pandemie 2020 noch einmal deutlich vor Augen geführt. Rein auf Effizienz ausgerichtete Lieferketten bieten weder Sicherheit noch die notwendige Flexibilität, um zeitnah und angemessen auf Störungen reagieren zu können. Auch hat sich gezeigt, dass branchenübergreifende Gesamtlösungen aufgrund unterschiedlicher Lieferkettenstrukturen keine Option sind. Wie aber lassen sich Lieferketten resilient gestalten? Mit einem Wort: Weitsicht ist das A und O.
Multiscale modeling of the mechanical behavior of brazed Ni-based superalloy sheet metals
Authors: Huber Jakob , Vogler Jonas , Werner Ewald
Published: December 2022

The elastic–plastic behavior of brazed Ni-based superalloys used in abradable turbomachinery sealing systems is analyzed by means of numerical simulations. A sequential multiscale modeling approach is employed to analyze the relevant effects on the mechanical behavior of a layered composite consisting of the braze metal and the joining partners. The focus of the investigations lies on the role of the multiphase microstructure within the brazing layer and the significance of microscopic parameters such as, for example, the volume fraction of the phases compared to macroscopic parameters (e.g., the brazing layer thickness). A representative volume element is employed on the microscale, and a layered composite is modeled on the macroscale to capture all relevant effects on both length scales during mechanical loading of the layered material composite. Virtual tensile tests at different temperatures and strain rates are chosen as a controlled testing environment that captures the characteristic loading conditions during a rubbing event in a turbomachinery. The parameter on the microscale with the highest influence on the mechanical behavior is the volume ratio of the brittle and ductile phases. It also has a significant effect on the macroscopic mechanical behavior. To reduce the risk of damage, it is advised to minimize the fraction of brittle phases in the brazing layer. According to the simulation results, this can be even more effective than reducing the overall thickness of the brazing layer. Additionally, an improvement of an existing analytical model for the estimation of the flow stress in the ductile phase of a dual-phase microstructure is proposed. By increasing the order of the root function in the analytic model, the effect of stress distribution between brittle and ductile phases can be incorporated in an empirical manner. This reduces the deviation between the analytical and the numerical approaches significantly.
Vertical deformation and residual altimeter systematic errors around continental Australia inferred from a Kalman-based approach
Authors: Rezvani Mohammad-Hadi , Watson Christopher S. , King Matt A.
Published: December 2022

We further developed a space–time Kalman approach to investigate time-fixed and time-variable signals in vertical land motion (VLM) and residual altimeter systematic errors around the Australian coast, through combining multi-mission absolute sea-level (ASL), relative sea-level from tide gauges (TGs) and Global Positioning System (GPS) height time series. Our results confirmed coastal subsidence in broad agreement with GPS velocities and unexplained by glacial isostatic adjustment alone. VLM determined at individual TGs differs from spatially interpolated GPS velocities by up to ~ 1.5 mm/year, yielding a ~ 40% reduction in RMSE of geographic ASL variability at TGs around Australia. Our mission-specific altimeter error estimates are small but significant (typically within ~  ± 0.5–1.0 mm/year), with negligible effect on the average ASL rate. Our circum-Australia ASL rate is higher than previous results, suggesting an acceleration in the ~ 27-year time series. Analysis of the time-variability of altimeter errors confirmed stability for most missions except for Jason-2 with an anomaly reaching ~ 2.8 mm/year in the first ~ 3.5 years of operation, supported by analysis from the Bass Strait altimeter validation facility. Data predominantly from the reference missions and located well off narrow shelf regions was shown to bias results by as much as ~ 0.5 mm/year and highlights that residual oceanographic signals remain a fundamental limitation. Incorporating non-reference-mission measurements well on the shelf helped to mitigate this effect. Comparing stacked nonlinear VLM estimates and altimeter systematic errors with the El Niño-Southern Oscillation shows weak correlation and suggests our approach improves the ability to explore nonlinear localized signals and is suitable for other regional- and global-scale studies.
Theoretical and molecular mechanistic investigations of novel (3-(furan-2-yl)pyrazol-4-yl) chalcones against lung carcinoma cell line (A549)
Authors: Mohamed Magda F. , Ibrahim Nada S. , Saddiq Amna A. , Almaghrabi Omar A. , Al-Hazemi Maha E. , Hassaneen Hamdi M. , Abdelhamid Ismail A.
Published: December 2022

A new chalcone series has been developed that may be useful in the treatment of lung cancer. The new series was confirmed by the different spectral tools. MTT assay was used to detect the cytotoxic effect of the novel chalcones against lung cancer cell line (A549). Molecular docking studies were performed on the most two effective chalcones 7b and 7c. Different molecular techniques were utilized to study the activity and the effect of two chalcones 7b and 7c on apoptosis of A549 cell line.
Real Forms of Complex Lie Superalgebras and Supergroups
Authors: Fioresi Rita , Gavarini Fabio
Published: December 2022

We investigate the notion of real form of complex Lie superalgebras and supergroups, both in the standard and graded version. Our functorial approach allows most naturally to go from the superalgebra to the supergroup and retrieve the real forms as fixed points, as in the ordinary setting. We also introduce a more general notion of compact real form for Lie superalgebras and supergroups, and we prove some existence results for Lie superalgebras that are simple contragredient and their associated connected simply connected supergroups.
Lymphatic malformations in children: retrospective review of surgical and interventional management
Authors: Poget Marion , Fresa Marco , El Ezzi Oumama , Saliou Guillaume , Doan Marie-Thérèse , de Buys Roessingh Anthony
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Lymphatic malformations (LMs) are classified as macrocystic, microcystic or mixed. Treatment depends on their characteristics: surgery, sclerotherapy, both combined, systemic treatment or observation. This study aims to analyze the surgical and interventional management of LMs in children over the last two decades in our university hospital.

Methods

Management of children born with LMs between 2000 and 2019 was reviewed. Parameters collected were: malformation characteristics, type of treatment, symptoms, imaging, timing of diagnosis and first treatment, number of interventions, recovery rate, complications and length of stay.

Results

Files of 48 children were reviewed: 27 with macrocystic and 21 with microcystic LMs. There was no statistically significant difference in type of treatment except for combined treatment, more performed in microcystic LMs (p = 0.04). Symptoms, imaging, timing of diagnosis and first treatment, number of interventions and complications were not statistically significant. Overall, the number of surgeries was lower than sclerotherapies (p = 0.04). Recovery rate after surgery was higher in macrocystic LMs (p = 0.01). Complications and length of stay were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

A good rate of recovery was observed when surgery was performed, with no significant increase in complications and length of stay. A prospective study will be determinant to create a decisional algorithm for children with LMs.
Exceptional response to neoadjuvant targeted therapy with the selective RET inhibitor selpercatinib in RET-fusion-associated sarcoma
Authors: Schrenk Karin G. , Weschenfelder Wolfram , Spiegel Christian , Agaimy Abbas , Stöhr Robert , Hartmann Arndt , Gaßler Nikolaus , Drescher Robert , Freesmeyer Martin , Malouhi Amer , Bürckenmeyer Florian , Aschenbach René , Teichgräber Ulf , Kögler Christine , Vogt Matthias , Hofmann Gunther O. , Hochhaus Andreas
Published: December 2022

With the increasing use of next-generation sequencing, highly effective targeted therapies have been emerging as treatment options for several cancer types. Recurrent gene-fusions have been recognized in sarcomas; however, options for targeted therapy remain scarce. Here, we describe a case of a sarcoma, associated with a RET::TRIM33-fusion gene with an exceptional response to a neoadjuvant therapy with the selective RET inhibitor selpercatinib. Resected tumor revealed subtotal histopathologic response. This is the first report of successful targeted therapy with selpercatinib in RET-fusion-associated sarcomas. As new targeted therapies are under development, similar treatment options may become available for sarcoma patients.
Electrodeposition of nickel–iron on stainless steel as an efficient electrocatalyst coating for the oxygen evolution reaction in alkaline conditions
Authors: Wang Yifu , Williamson Nigel , Dawson Richard , Bimbo Nuno
Published: December 2022

Significant amount of effort has been devoted in the development of water electrolysis technology as the prime technology for green hydrogen production. In this paper, we investigate nickel–iron-based electrocatalytic coatings on stainless-steel substrates for commercial alkaline water electrolysers. Stainless steel electrodes for water electrolysis have received attention lately, showing that they can be a low-cost substrate for water electrolysis. Coating stainless steel with low-cost electrocatalysts can prove beneficial to lower overpotential for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER), thereby reducing the overall energy consumption of water electrolysis at an affordable cost. We show that NiFe-deposited substrates have an overpotential of 514 mV at 10 mA cm−2 current. The substrates also exhibited excellent stability in strong alkaline condition for 60 h under continuous 1.2 V working potential vs SCE. The results in full-cell electrolysers demonstrate that the electrolyser with the NiFe-coated anode could generate nearly six times as much current density compared with the bare stainless-steel substrate.

Graphical abstract
Cyclophosphamide treatment modifies the thermal stability of profilin bound monomeric and leiomodin2 bound filamentous actin
Authors: Szatmári Dávid , Bugyi Beáta , Pintér Réka , Lőrinczy Dénes
Published: December 2022

The monomeric (G-actin) and polymer (F-actin) forms of actin play important role in muscle development and contraction, cellular motility, division, and transport processes. Leiomodins 1–3 (Lmod1–3) are crucial for the development of muscle sarcomeres. Unlike tropomodulins that localize only at the pointed ends, the striated muscle specific Lmod2 shows diffuse distribution along the entire length of the thin filaments. The G-actin-binding profilin (Pro) facilitates the nucleotide exchange on monomeric actin and inhibits the polymerization at the barbed end, therefore contributes to the maintenance of the intracellular pool of polymerization competent ATP-G-actin. Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a cytostatic drug that can have potential side effects on muscle thin filaments at the level of actin in myofilaments. Here, we aimed at investigating the influence of CP on actin and its complexes with actin-binding proteins by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). We found that upon CP treatment, the denaturation of the Pro-G-actin and Lmod2-F-actin complexes was characterized by an increased enthalpy change. However, after the CP treatment, the melting temperature of F-actin was the same as in the presence of Lmod2, seems like Lmod2 does not have any effect on the structure of the CP alkylated F-actin. In case of Pro bound G-actin the melting temperature did not respond to the CP addition. The intracellular function of Lmod2 in muscle cells can be modified within CP drug treatment.
Optimal path planning using a continuous anisotropic model for navigation on irregular terrains
Authors: Sánchez-Ibáñez J. Ricardo , Pérez-Del-Pulgar Carlos J. , Serón Javier , García-Cerezo Alfonso
Published: December 2022

Mobile robots usually need to minimize energy when they are traversing uneven terrains. To reach a location of interest, one strategy consists of making the robot follow the path that demands the least possible amount of energy. Yet, its calculation is not trivial with irregular surfaces. Gravity makes the energy consumption of a robot change according to its heading. Such a variation is subject to the terramechanic characteristics of the surface. This paper introduces a cost function that addresses this variation when traversing slopes. This function presents direction-dependency (anisotropic) and returns the cost for all directions (continuous).. Moreover, it is compatible with the Ordered Upwind Method, which allows finding globally optimal paths in a deterministic way. Besides, the segments of these paths are not restricted to the shape of a grid. Finally, this paper also introduces the description and discussion of a simulation experiment. It served to analyse what kinds of terrain motivate the use of anisotropy. The Ordered Upwind Method was executed on a virtual crater with different terrain parameter configurations, using both isotropic (direction-non-dependent) and anisotropic cost functions. The results evince how in certain situations the use of an anisotropic cost function instead of an isotropic one produces a path that reduces the accumulated cost by up to 20%.
First-Principles Calculations of Elastic and Thermodynamic Properties for Multi-component Co-based Superalloys
Authors: Tang Yingchun , Li Wei , Li Changle , Lu Song , Vitos Levente , Pyczak Florian
Published: December 2022

First-principles calculations were performed to investigate the elastic and thermodynamic properties for multi-component Co-based superalloy systems and explored the effect of alloying on stabilizing the γ′ phase. First, the comparisons were carried out for the γ′ phase in Co3(Al,TM) (TM being transition metals) and Ni3Al systems between the present computational results using the EMTO-CPA method and other available DFT calculations as well as experimental data. The lattice parameters, elastic constants, and Debye temperatures are consistent with experimental results and other calculations. The predicted thermodynamic properties, e.g., the Gibbs free energy, excess entropy, and linear thermal expansion coefficient, agree well with CALPHAD results, experimental results, and other available first-principles calculations. A combination of EMTO-CPA method and Debye–Grüneisen model is utilized in this work to ensure that the alloying effect on the stability of the γ′ phase in a multi-component Co-based system is captured efficiently. This could open the path for designing novel multi-component Co-based alloys based on first-principles calculation. To demonstrate this, predictions for the properties of multicomponent systems were undertaken. Our results show that Ni aids in the stabilization of the (CoNi)3(Al, Mo, Nb) phase.

Graphical Abstract
Evaluation of a Processing Route and Microstructural Characteristics for the Development of Ultrafine Bainite in Low-Temperature Ausformed Medium-Carbon Steels
Authors: Kaikkonen Pentti , Somani Mahesh C. , Pohjonen Aarne , Javaheri Vahid , Kömi Jukka
Published: December 2022

A combination of physical simulation and laboratory rolling experiments, including thermomechanical rolling and low-temperature ausforming, was conducted for designing a suitable processing route to enable phase transformation from austenite to ultrafine bainite in a medium-carbon steel. Following low-temperature ausforming at 500-550 °C, two different cooling and holding paths were tried in the study: (1) water cooling close to martensite start temperature (300 °C), followed by isothermal holding (route A), and (2) air cooling to 350 °C followed by isothermal holding (route B). For reference, a third sample was directly water-cooled to 300 °C after hot rolling without ausforming treatment, followed by isothermal holding (route C). Field emission scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction, as well as x-ray diffraction, were employed for microstructural analysis and correlations with the mechanical properties evaluated in respect of hardness and tensile properties. The low-temperature ausforming and subsequent cooling schedules resulted in the decomposition of austenite into ultrafine bainite and some martensite, while stabilizing a fraction of finely divided, carbon-enriched interlath austenite. Results suggested the development of a novel, multiphase bainite-martensite-austenite microstructure, achieved via low-temperature ausforming and subsequent air-cooling (route B), was beneficial in respect of mechanical properties. Most of the bainitic plates were in the range of 50-200 nm with the occasional presence of coalesced plates as wide as 2000 nm. Despite the differences in the microstructure, the mechanical behavior of non-ausformed samples was not significantly different. The technique paves way for developing medium-carbon nanostructured/ultrafine bainitic steels with high mechanical properties achieved via innovative modification of processing routes including low-temperature ausforming.

Graphical Abstract