bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of digital therapeutics‐based cardiac rehabilitation in heart failure patients: a systematic review
Authors: Zhang Xiu , Luo Zeruxin , Yang Mengxuan , Huang Wei , Yu Pengming
Published: September 2022

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, it has become difficult to provide centre‐based cardiac rehabilitation for heart failure patients. Digital therapeutics is a novel concept proposed in recent years that refers to the use of evidence‐based therapeutic interventions driven by high‐quality software programs to treat, manage, or prevent a medical condition. However, little is known about the use of this technology in heart failure patients. This study aims to explore the safety and efficacy of digital therapeutics‐based cardiac rehabilitation in heart failure patients and to provide new insights into a new cardiac rehabilitation model during the COVID‐19 era. To identify technologies related to digital therapeutics, such as the use of medical applications, wearable devices, and the Internet, all relevant studies published on PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane database, and China National Knowledge Internet were searched from the time the database was established until October 2021. The PEDro was used to assess the quality of included studies. We ultimately identified five studies, which included 1119 patients. The mean age was 66.37, the mean BMI was 25.9, and the NYHA classification ranged from I to III (I = 232, II = 157, III = 209). The mean 6‐min walk distance was 397.7 m. The PEDro scores included in the study ranged from 4 to 8, with a mean of 5.8. Exercise training was performed in four studies, and psychological interventions were conducted in three studies. No death or serious adverse events were observed. Adherence was reported in three studies, and all exceeded 85%. The results of most studies showed that digital therapeutics‐based cardiac rehabilitation significantly increases exercise capacity and quality of life in heart failure patients. Overall, although this study suggests that digital therapeutics‐based cardiac rehabilitation may be a viable intervention for heart failure patients during the COVID‐19 era, the efficacy of this new model in routine clinical practice needs to be further validated in a large clinical trial.
Non‐invasive tragus stimulation improves cardiac post‐ischemic remodeling by regulating cardiac parasympathetic activity
Authors: Chen Mingxian , Chen Hui , Wang Zhen , Pan Yuchen , Hu Huihui , Wang Songyun , Yuan Yuan , Wang Zhuo , Jiang Hong
Published: September 2022

Aims

Our previous study proved that low‐level tragus nerve stimulation (LL‐TS) could improve left ventricular remodelling by cardiac down‐stream mechanisms. However, the cardiac up‐stream mechanisms remain unknown.

Methods and results

Twenty‐eight adult beagle dogs were randomly divided into an MI group (myocardial infarction was induced by permanent ligation of the left coronary artery, n = 10), an LL‐TS group (MI plus intermittent LL‐TS treatment, n = 10), and a control group (sham ligation with the same stimulation as the LL‐TS group, n = 8). Auricular tragus nerve was bilaterally delivered to the tragus via ear‐clips connected to a custom‐made stimulator. The voltage slowing sinus rate was used as the threshold to set the LL‐TS 80% below this level. At the end of 4 weeks post‐MI, LL‐TS could significantly increase atrial ganglion plex (GP) activity, decreased left stellate ganglion (LSG) activity, reduced LV dilation, and improved ventricular functions. Chronic intermittent LL‐TS treatment significantly attenuated left ventricular remodelling via the up‐regulation of α7nAChR expression and the down‐regulation of MMP‐9 level in post‐MI LV tissue. The elevated protein and mRNA of MMP‐9 levels in remote areas were significantly ameliorated by LL‐TS treatment.

Conclusions

Chronic LL‐TS increased GP neural activity and improved ventricular remodelling possibly via α7nAChR/MMP‐9 axis.
Super‐killer CTLs are generated by single gene deletion of Bach2
Authors: Barton Philippa R. , Davenport Alexander J. , Hukelmann Jens , Cantrell Doreen A. , Stinchcombe Jane C. , Richard Arianne C. , Griffiths Gillian M
Published: September 2022

Bach2 codes for a transcriptional regulator exerting major influences on T cell‐mediated immune regulation. Effector CTLs derived from in vitro activation of murine CD8+ T cells showed increased proliferative and cytolytic capacity in the absence of BACH2. Before activation, BACH2‐deficient splenic CD8+ T cells had a higher abundance of memory and reduced abundance of naïve cells compared to wild‐type. CTLs derived from central memory T cells were more potently cytotoxic than those derived from naïve T cells, but even within separated subsets, BACH2‐deficiency conferred a cytotoxic advantage. Immunofluorescence and electron microscopy revealed larger granules in BACH2‐deficient compared to wild‐type CTLs, and proteomic analysis showed an increase in granule content, including perforin and granzymes. Thus, the enhanced cytotoxicity observed in effector CTLs lacking BACH2 arises not only from differences in their initial differentiation state but also inherent production of enlarged cytolytic granules. These results demonstrate how a single gene deletion can produce a CTL super‐killer.
Catalyst‐Free Indirect C−F Activation of 3‐Perfluoroalkyl Indoles
Authors: Roider Thomas , Kleykamp Olaf A. , Ivlev Sergei I. , Hoffmann Reinhard W. , Tallarek Ulrich
Published: September 2022

We present a catalyst‐free method for indirect C−F activation of a perfluorinated side chain in C(3) position of 1H‐indoles with moderate to good yields, which allows the introduction of a nucleophile at the α‐CF2‐group of the perfluorinated chain. By adapting this approach, it is also possible to modify 3‐perfluorobutyl‐2‐phenyl‐1H‐indole to generate privileged structures for medicinal chemistry.
Simulation of Structure Formation during Drying of Lithium‐Ion Battery Electrodes using Discrete Element Method
Authors: Lippke Mark , Ohnimus Tobias , Heckmann Thilo , Ivanov Dimitri , Scharfer Philip , Schabel Wilhelm , Schilde Carsten , Kwade Arno
Published: September 2022

Lithium‐ion batteries are state‐of‐the‐art and still their performance is subject to constant improvement. These enhancements are based, among other things, on optimization in the electrode production process chain. High optimization potential exists for the drying process of electrodes, as aiming for high drying speeds can greatly reduce both, investment costs and operating costs of the drying. However, high drying rates without appropriate precautions go hand in hand with poorer cell performance and adhesive strength, leading to a conflict between the required performance and production costs of the electrodes. Herein, a numerical approach based on the discrete element method to describe the formation of the electrode structure during drying is presented. The focus is placed on the active material structure and the effects due to particle interactions. Herein, a direct numerical description of the fluid phase is avoided by using various fluid substitute models, so that the simulation time and the computational costs can be greatly reduced. The model is validated by simulating different electrode areal loadings and comparing the achieved layer thicknesses to experimental results of the electrode drying process. A high agreement between experiment and simulation regarding density is obtained for different areal loadings.
Torsion in symmetric buildings due to soil‐structure interaction: A discussion on code values of accidental eccentricity factor in seismic design
Authors: Fu Jia , Chen Shaolin
Published: September 2022

Soil‐structure interaction (SSI) is often neglected in seismic design because of its inherent complexity. Therefore, SSI‐related research is crucial for ensuring that more significant issues reach engineering practice. This study focused on torsional motion to investigate the accidental eccentricity caused by SSI effect by comparing the proportional relationship between the torsional motion of an SSI system and the translational motion of a fixed‐base oscillator. The SSI model was created using a three‐dimensional rectangular foundation embedded in a layered half‐space with an oscillator mounted on the top. We employed an indirect boundary element method (IBEM) combined with non‐singular Green's functions of distributed loads to calculate the system responses of the SSI. Parametric analysis‐based results in the frequency domain revealed that the accidental eccentricity factor owing to SSI was typically in the range of 0.03–0.15. Additionally, a case study of four buildings subjected to 42 earthquakes revealed that the accidental eccentricity factor exceeded 0.05 in several cases, and 0.2 in some cases. Furthermore, it depended on the excitation spectral shape and dynamic characteristics of the SSI system. Therefore, the coded accidental eccentricity factor value of 0.05 is insufficient for ensuring the safety of buildings from the torsional effect of SSI, and a value of 0.1 is more reasonable.
Seismic design and performance of steel concentrically braced frame buildings with dissipative floor connectors
Authors: Paronesso Martina , Lignos Dimitrios G.
Published: September 2022

This paper explores the use of sliding friction dampers (SFDs) as dissipative floor connectors to mitigate higher mode effects and earthquake‐induced absolute acceleration demands on steel concentrically braced frame (CBF) buildings. The dampers connect each floor of the steel CBF system to the diaphragms of the gravity framing system (GFS) and they allow for a relative in‐plane movement between the two systems. For this purpose, a design methodology is first proposed to define the activation forces in the SFDs so as to ensure damage‐free seismic performance in the steel CBF and the diaphragms of the GFS. The efficiency of the design methodology is demonstrated through nonlinear response history analyses on a low‐ and high‐ductility six‐story steel CBF building. The simulation results suggest that (a) the determined activation forces of the SFDs are effective in mitigating higher mode effects and in preventing story drift concentrations regardless if capacity design is employed for the CBF system; (b) the absolute acceleration demands are reduced by approximately 50% relative to those in the rigid diaphragm counterpart. Similar reductions are achieved in the lateral drift demands of the GFS at seismic intensities with return periods of 475 and 2475 years. The reduction in the variability of seismic response, both in terms of absolute floor acceleration demands and story drift ratios (SDRs) in the CBF system, is noteworthy. Limitations as well as suggestions for future work are discussed.
Deep‐TOF‐PET: Deep learning‐guided generation of time‐of‐flight from non‐TOF brain PET images in the image and projection domains
Authors: Sanaat Amirhossein , Akhavanalaf Azadeh , Shiri Isaac , Salimi Yazdan , Arabi Hossein , Zaidi Habib
Published: September 2022

We aim to synthesize brain time‐of‐flight (TOF) PET images/sinograms from their corresponding non‐TOF information in the image space (IS) and sinogram space (SS) to increase the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and contrast of abnormalities, and decrease the bias in tracer uptake quantification. One hundred forty clinical brain 18F‐FDG PET/CT scans were collected to generate TOF and non‐TOF sinograms. The TOF sinograms were split into seven time bins (0, ±1, ±2, ±3). The predicted TOF sinogram was reconstructed and the performance of both models (IS and SS) compared with reference TOF and non‐TOF. Wide‐ranging quantitative and statistical analysis metrics, including structural similarity index metric (SSIM), root mean square error (RMSE), as well as 28 radiomic features for 83 brain regions were extracted to evaluate the performance of the CycleGAN model. SSIM and RMSE of 0.99 ± 0.03, 0.98 ± 0.02 and 0.12 ± 0.09, 0.16 ± 0.04 were achieved for the generated TOF‐PET images in IS and SS, respectively. They were 0.97 ± 0.03 and 0.22 ± 0.12, respectively, for non‐TOF‐PET images. The Bland & Altman analysis revealed that the lowest tracer uptake value bias (−0.02%) and minimum variance (95% CI: −0.17%, +0.21%) were achieved for TOF‐PET images generated in IS. For malignant lesions, the contrast in the test dataset was enhanced from 3.22 ± 2.51 for non‐TOF to 3.34 ± 0.41 and 3.65 ± 3.10 for TOF PET in SS and IS, respectively. The implemented CycleGAN is capable of generating TOF from non‐TOF PET images to achieve better image quality.
Breakthrough SARS‐CoV‐2 infection outcomes in vaccinated patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis: A National COVID Cohort Collaborative study
Authors: Ge Jin , Digitale Jean C. , Pletcher Mark J. , Lai Jennifer C. ,   for the N3C Consortium
Published: September 2022

Background and Aims:

Outcomes of breakthrough SARS‐CoV‐2 infections have not been well characterized in non‐veteran vaccinated patients with chronic liver diseases (CLD). We used the National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C) to describe these outcomes.

Approach and Results:

We identified all CLD patients with or without cirrhosis who had SARS‐CoV‐2 testing in the N3C Data Enclave as of January 15, 2022. We used Poisson regression to estimate incidence rates of breakthrough infections and Cox survival analyses to associate vaccination status with all‐cause mortality at 30 days among infected CLD patients. We isolated 278,457 total CLD patients: 43,079 (15%) vaccinated and 235,378 (85%) unvaccinated. Of 43,079 vaccinated patients, 32,838 (76%) were without cirrhosis and 10,441 (24%) with cirrhosis. Breakthrough infection incidences were 5.4 and 4.9 per 1000 person‐months for fully vaccinated CLD patients without cirrhosis and with cirrhosis, respectively. Of the 68,048 unvaccinated and 10,441 vaccinated CLD patients with cirrhosis, 15% and 3.7%, respectively, developed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The 30‐day outcome of mechanical ventilation or death after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection for unvaccinated and vaccinated CLD patients with cirrhosis were 15.2% and 7.7%, respectively. Compared to unvaccinated patients with cirrhosis, full vaccination was associated with a 0.34‐times adjusted hazard of death at 30 days.

Conclusions:

In this N3C study, breakthrough infection rates were similar among CLD patients with and without cirrhosis. Full vaccination was associated with a 66% reduction in risk of all‐cause mortality for breakthrough infection among CLD patients with cirrhosis. These results provide an additional impetus for increasing vaccination uptake in CLD populations.
Teaching health promotion competencies in undergraduate dentistry training: A unique pedagogical approach
Authors: Allen Tammy , O'Loughlin Mary , Croker Felicity
Published: September 2022

Issue Addressed

Using appropriate pedagogical approaches in undergraduate dentistry training is important to develop student's health promotion knowledge, and to shape their attitude towards using these competencies in future dentistry practice. This brief report documents the signature pedagogical approach developed for an undergraduate health science subject at James Cook University, to teach dentistry students health promotion competencies.

Pedagogical Approach

The signature pedagogy involves three key approaches – experiential learning, cooperative learning and inquiry‐based learning. Experiential learning “beyond the classroom” enables students to develop and deliver a school‐based oral health promotion program. “Inside the classroom,” role‐plays encourage students to apply their health promotion skills to real‐world dentistry scenarios. Cooperative learning techniques such as “think, pair, share” create a supportive environment for students to confidently exchange ideas; and inquiry‐based learning engages students in thinking critically about health promotion strategies to address contemporary oral health challenges. These pedagogical approaches have developed student's understanding of the health promotion competencies required of a newly qualified dentist.

Conclusion

Pedagogical approaches that engage dentistry students in experiential, cooperative and inquiry‐based learning are important considerations for undergraduate teaching, to strengthen understanding of health promotion and to help shape student's attitude towards using these competencies in future dentistry practice.
The who, what, where, when and why of engaging with policymakers: A critical reflection
Authors: Ingram Kelsey
Published: September 2022

Improving relationships between researchers and policymakers is one element of knowledge mobilisation that has proven to increase the translation of research into policy. However, researchers report they find it difficult to engage policymakers with research. In this article, a personal narrative approach was used to analyse my experience, as a PhD candidate, when engaging policymakers to participate in a qualitative research study. A total of 93 contacts were made in an attempt to recruit policymakers; these contacts consisted of both policymakers and knowledge brokers. The experience of contacting and engaging with policymakers identified barriers other researchers may experience and offers enablers to assist when engaging policymakers. This reflective approach resulted in the development of the five following themes: who you know, what ifs, when is it enough, where is the research going and why value is important. These five themes can act as a guide for researchers when preparing to engage policymakers into research.
Does greater financial openness promote external competitiveness in emerging markets? The role of institutional quality
Authors: Aman Zunaira , Granville Brigitte , Mallick Sushanta K. , Nemlioglu Ilayda
Published: September 2022

Studies have shown that external capital account liberalisation can boost capital inflows and augment economic development. Nevertheless, in the case of developing and emerging economies (DEE), adverse currency fluctuations could hamper external competitiveness due to relative price differences creating currency overvaluation, which might not be mitigated via financial openness alone. Therefore, this paper uses annual panel data for 35 DEEs over 40 years to explore whether financial openness of countries can help preserve their external price competitiveness, in the presence of greater trade openness and better institutional quality. Our findings suggest that financial openness alone does not aid export competitiveness, unless it is supported by greater trade openness. In addition, both cross country and regional analyses show that financial openness can benefit economies in maintaining their export competitiveness if they have stronger quality of institutions. Our results remain robust when we estimate the role of financial openness and institutional quality jointly on external competitiveness across regions, and during the pre‐ and post‐crisis periods. We conclude that financial openness alone is not sufficient to improve external competitiveness of an emerging economy, but it does help in the presence of greater trade openness or better institutions, enabling reduction in trade costs and thereby making these countries more price‐competitive.
Pregnancy rate following endometriomas management by ablation using plasma energy, cystectomy and drainage: A three‐arm comparative study
Authors: Puscasiu Lucian , Mircea Oana , Hennetier Clotilde , Rubod Christelle , Schmied Remy , Resch Benoit , Merlot Benjamin , Roman Horace
Published: September 2022

Objective

To compare differences in the postoperative pregnancy rate in women seeking to conceive and presenting with endometriomas larger than 3 cm in diameter, which were managed by ablation using plasma energy, cystectomy, or simple drainage.

Methods

A retrospective three‐arm comparative study based on prospective collection of data evaluating 363 patients, undergoing endometrioma cystectomy, ablation using plasma energy, or simple drainage.

Results

In this series, 204 (56.2%) patients underwent endometrioma ablation using plasma energy, 121 (33.3%) received cystectomy, and 38 (10.5%) had a simple drainage. Postoperative follow up was 50 ± 26 months. Overall postoperative pregnancy rate was 60.3%. The probability of being pregnant after cystectomy, ablation, and drainage was respectively 27%, 32%, and 16% at 12 months, with a statistically significant difference between pregnancy rates among the three arms (P = 0.015). Simple drainage was associated with a probability of conception over 50% after 2 years, mainly based on postoperative assisted reproductive technology.

Conclusions

We reveal good postoperative pregnancy rate after ablation using plasma energy or cystectomy for endometriomas. Surgical management should be carefully considered in women with endometriomas and pregnancy intention, because the postoperative pregnancy rate may be compared with that observed after first‐line assisted reproductive technology management.
Outcome of subsequent pregnancies post uterine rupture in previous delivery: A case series, a review, and recommendations for appropriate management
Authors: Dabi Yohann , Bouaziz Jerome , Burke Yechiel , Nicolas‐Boluda Alba , Cordier Anne‐Gael , Chayo Jennifer , Cohen Shlomo B.
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To provide clinicians with concrete solutions on the best management of and counseling for patients in a subsequent pregnancy following uterine rupture.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients treated between 2005 and 2020 at Sheba Medical Center was conducted. All patients who had undergone a complete uterine rupture and subsequently had a full‐term pregnancy were included. A literature review was conducted using Pubmed database and including previously published literature reviews.

Results

Fifteen patients with subsequent pregnancies following uterine rupture were included in our cohort. Mean interval between rupture and subsequent pregnancy was 3.8 years (range 2.2–6.9 years). One patient had repeat uterine rupture of less than 2 cm at 36+5 weeksof pregnancy. A total of 17 studies were selected in this literature review, including a total of 774 pregnancies in 635 patients. The risk of repeated uterine rupture was 8.0% (62/774), ranging from 0% to 37.5%. Overall, the risk of maternal death was of 0.6% (4/635), with only four cases reported in three studies.

Conclusion

The risk of recurrence after uterine rupture is significant but should not prevent patients from conceiving.
The NDDG criteria versus the IADPSG or the ADA criteria for diagnosing early‐onset gestational diabetes mellitus or abnormal glucose tolerance
Authors: González‐González Nieves Luisa , González‐Dávila Enrique , Megía Ana , Pintado Pilar , Vega Begoña , Padrón Erika , Pérez‐Conde Laura , Villalba Nazaret , Bugatto Fernando
Published: September 2022

Objective

To analyze the effects of substituting the National Diabetes Data Group (NDDG) criteria with the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) or American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria for the diagnosis of early‐onset gestational diabetes mellitus (Early‐GDM) or first trimester abnormal glucose tolerance (1 t‐AGT).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted of 3200 women: 400 with Early‐GDM, 800 with GDM, and 2000 with Non‐GDM, according to the NDDG criteria. Rates of women with missed and new Early‐GDM according to the IADPSG or ADA criteria were calculated. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to compare perinatal outcomes between groups.

Results

Using the IADPSG criteria, 61.6% of women with Early‐GDM according to the NDDG were undiagnosed (Missed‐Early‐GDM group), and 25.9% of women with GDM and 15.7% of women with Non‐GDM were diagnosed with Early‐GDM (New‐Early‐GDM groups). Perinatal outcomes were worse in Missed‐Early‐GDM than in Non‐GDM and better in New‐Early‐GDM groups than in the Early‐GDM group. According to the ADA recommendations, only 11.8% of women with Early‐GDM according to the NDDG criteria were diagnosed.

Conclusion

Replacing the NDDG recommendations for the diagnosis of Early‐GDM with the IADPSG or ADA criteria would mean depriving a large number of women with AGT and higher risk of adverse perinatal outcomes from early treatment and treating others with lower risk.
Hands‐on Interdomain network slicing framework and evaluation
Authors: Fonseca João P. , Cunha Vitor A. , Alegria João , Quevedo José , Corujo Daniel , Aguiar Rui L.
Published: September 2022

5G enables tailoring network services to the needs of different vertical use cases. These Verticals may require deployments across distinct communication service providers' administrative domains. Ensuring secure interaction between domains is fundamental for deploying end‐to‐end services in such environments. This paper examines using Moving Target Defense (MTD) mechanisms to secure VXLAN‐based tunneled connections to realize inter‐domain deployments. The inter‐domain mechanisms are evaluated in different scenarios, mainly targeting throughput and latency, showing the suitability for inter‐domain communications even when under load. The assessment of the MTD mechanism′s effectiveness considers the number of false positives and negatives associated with its operations.
Improved segmentation of collagen second harmonic generation images with a deep learning convolutional neural network
Authors: Woessner Alan E. , Quinn Kyle P.
Published: September 2022

Collagen fibers play an important role in both the structure and function of various tissues in the human body. Visualization and quantitative measurements of collagen fibers are possible through imaging modalities such as second harmonic generation (SHG), but accurate segmentation of collagen fibers is difficult for datasets involving variable imaging depths due to the effects of scattering and absorption. Therefore, an objective approach to segmentation is needed for datasets with images of variable SHG intensity. In this study, a U‐Net convolutional neural network (CNN) was trained to accurately segment collagen‐positive pixels throughout SHG z‐stacks. CNN performance was benchmarked against other common thresholding techniques, and was found to outperform intensity‐based segmentation algorithms within an independent dataset, particularly at deeper imaging depths. These results indicate that a trained CNN can accurately segment collagen‐positive pixels within a wide range of imaging depths, which is useful for quantitative SHG imaging in thick tissues.
Long noncoding RNA‐LINC00478 promotes the progression of clear cell renal cell carcinoma through PBX3
Authors: Tang Zhiling , Tang Chenye , Sun Chun , Ying Xiangjun , Shen Ruilin
Published: September 2022

Long noncoding RNAs play an important regulatory role in the development and progression of tumors. Our study found that LINC00478 was upregulated in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), so we made an in‐depth exploration into its mechanism. In Caki‐2 cells, we established the oe‐LINC00478 cell line overexpressing LINC00478, and established underexpressing sh‐LINC00478 cell line by short hairpin RNA silencing. The abilities of oe‐LINC00478 cell invasion and metastasis were significantly enhanced, and the cell proliferative potential was also improved. The cellular expressions of PBX3, CDCA8, and CDK2 were upregulated, while in the sh‐LINC00478 cells, the proliferative potential and metastatic and invasive abilities were weakened. Similarly, we established the PBX3‐overexpressing oe‐PBX3 cell line and the PBX3‐underexpressing sh‐PBX3 cell line, finding that the PBX3 overexpression enhanced the metastatic and invasive abilities of Caki‐2 cells. When we overexpressed LINC00478 in PBX3‐knockout Caki‐2‐PBX3−/− cells, no significant changes were noted in the metastatic or invasive ability. Through RNA pull‐down and RNA‐binding protein immunoprecipitation assays, we found that LINC00478 could facilitate the transcription–translation processes of PBX3 by binding to it, thus further promoting the expression of downstream cyclins to exert its action. In animal experimentation, the oe‐LINC00478 and sh‐LINC00478 Caki‐2 cells were separately seeded, revealing that the tumor volume was significantly larger in the oe‐LINC00478 group than in the sh‐LINC00478 group. This study finds that by promoting the PBX3 transcription, LINC00478 can further regulate the expressions of downstream cyclins, thereby facilitating the metastasis and invasion of ccRCC.
Vibrationally resolved absorption and fluorescence spectra of flavins: A theoretical simulation in the gas phase
Authors: Wang Jinyu , Liu Ya‐Jun
Published: September 2022

Flavin is involved in a wide range of life processes. Flavin can exist in different forms due to its ability to transfer electron(s) in different physiological conditions. It is difficult to experimentally obtain the absorption and fluorescence spectra at the vibrational level. A systematically theoretical simulation is a necessary way to explore the fine structure of these spectra of all forms of flavin molecules. In this study, the vibrationally resolved absorption spectra and fluorescence spectra of five forms of flavins (fully oxidized form , neutral radical form , anionic radical form , neutral reduced form , and anionic reduced form ) are simulated by adiabatic or vertical methods combined with time‐dependent or time‐independent (TD/TI) formalisms, with displace, Duschinsky, and Herzberg−Teller (HT) effects under the framework of the Franck‐Condon approximation. The statistical vibronic transition analysis reveals the unity of the spectrum transition property, the relevant normal modes, and the primary geometrical variations. The correlation between geometry and spectral calculation is explained.
Characterization of occult hepatitis B infection among Iranian liver transplant recipients
Authors: Khamseh Azam , Poortahmasebi Vahdat , Soltani Saber , Nasiritoosi Mohsen , Jafarian Ali , Ghaziasadi Azam , Norouzi Mehdi , Ghorbani Saied , Eslami Narges , Jazayeri Seyed Mohammad
Published: September 2022

Background

The prevalence of occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) among Iranian liver transplant recipient patients has not been explored yet. The present study aimed to determine the OBI prevalence among Iranian liver transplant recipients.

Methods

This study encompassed 97 patients having undergone liver transplantation due to several clinical backgrounds in the Liver Transplantation Center, Tehran, Iran. After serological evaluation, two different types of PCR methods were applied for amplification of HBV DNA, followed by the direct sequencing of whole hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface genes.

Results

At the time of admission, none of the patients were positive for HBsAg. However, 24 (25%), 12 (12.3%), and 5 (5.1%) cases were positive for anti‐HBc, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis delta virus (HDV) antibodies, respectively. Moreover, two males were positive for OBI (2.1%). Both were positive for anti‐HBc and negative for anti‐HBs, anti‐HCV, and anti‐HDV. HBV‐related cirrhosis was the underlying reason for their liver transplantation. HBsAg sequences revealed no amino acid substitution.

Conclusions

The prevalence of OBI in the Iranian liver transplantation patients was relatively low. Future longitudinal studies with a larger sample size are suggested to explore the significance of this clinical finding, including the reactivation of cryptic HBV DNA, in liver transplant subjects.
Upregulation of KIF18B facilitates malignant phenotype of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by activating CDCA8/mTORC1 pathway
Authors: Xie Jiangliu , Wang Bo , Luo Wenjie , Li Chen , Jia Xunchao
Published: September 2022

Background

Kinesin family member 18B (KIF18B) has been regarded as an oncogene that is abnormally overexpressed in some cancers, but its mechanism in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains unclear, which is thereby investigated in this study.

Methods

Bioinformatics analysis was performed to analyze the expression of KIF18B in esophageal carcinoma (ESCA). Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was used to detect KIF18B expression in ESCC cells. After KIF18B overexpression or cell division cycle associated 8 (CDCA8) deficiency, ESCC cells were subjected to determination of qRT‐PCR, Western blot, cell counting kit‐8 assay, flow cytometry, wound healing, and Transwell assay. The mechanism of KIF18B in the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway was detected by Western blot.

Results

KIF18B was overexpressed in ESCA samples and ESCC cells. Upregulation of KIF18B enhanced the viability, accelerated cell cycle by elevating CDK4 and Cyclin D3 levels as well as promoted the migration and invasion by decreasing E‐cadherin level and increasing Vimentin and N‐cadherin levels in ESCC cells, which was counteracted by CDCA8 silencing. The expression of CDCA8 in ESCC cells was upregulated by KIF18B overexpression. KIF18B overexpression activated the mTORC1 pathway by upregulating phosphorylated (p)‐/p70S6K and p‐/mTOR levels in the ESCC cells, which was reversed by CDCA8 silencing.

Conclusion

KIF18B overexpression promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ESCC cells via CDCA8‐mediated mTORC1 signaling pathway in vitro.
High expression of DARS2 indicates poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jiang Yingfeng , You Jianbin , Wu Chuncai , Kang Yanli , Chen Falin , Chen Liangyuan , Wu Wenbing
Published: September 2022

Background

DARS2 was overexpressed in multiple tumor types, but the biological role of DARS2 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) have not been elucidated.

Methods

Firstly, the DARS2 expression in LUAD was explored using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Then, qRT‐PCR and Western blot were performed to confirm DARS2 expression in LUAD. Next, Cox regression and Kaplan–Meier methods were utilized to evaluate whether DARS2 expression can affect the overall survival. The relationships between DARS2 expression and clinicopathological characteristics were investigated by TCGA database. Moreover, we utilized Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to detect DARS2‐related signaling pathways in LUAD. Finally, the special function of DARS2 in cell proliferation, invasion and apoptosis was assessed in vitro.

Results

The higher expression of DARS2 was found in LUAD compared to para‐carcinoma tissues and significantly related to tumor stage, T stage, and M stage. The survival analysis indicated that DARS2 overexpression was related to poor prognosis in LUAD. Multivariate analysis suggested that DARS2 expression was a prognostic indicator. GSEA revealed that DARS2 was primarily involved in cell cycle‐related pathways. In addition, upregulation of DARS2 facilitated LUAD cell proliferation, migration, invasion and inhabited apoptosis, DARS2 knockdown showed an opposite result.

Conclusion

DARS2 modulates the proliferation, invasion and apoptosis of LUAD cells, and sever as a promising therapeutic target for LUAD.
Oxidation reaction mechanism of hydrothermal carbon microspheres with applications to transesterification after sulfonation
Authors: Xue Yuan , Zhao Xueling , Yuan Hong , Li Hui
Published: September 2022

Background

An efficient sulfonic acid‐type acid catalyst with high acid site density based on hydrothermal carbon microspheres (HCMs) has been developed. The reaction by which double bonds in the HCMs were oxidized to generate carboxyl groups was evaluated based on density functional theory calculations.

Results

Sulfonic acid‐type HCMs (SHCMs) were prepared from HCMs through a three‐step process comprising oxidation, amidation and sulfonation. An analysis of the oxidation process indicated that the formation of carboxyl groups involved the activation of O2 molecules and CH bonds, the cleavage of CC bonds, the homolytic fission of peroxy acids and the coupling reactions of H• radicals. The formation of numerous carboxyl groups on the HCM surfaces was the key to obtaining SHCMs with a high acid density of 14.5 mmol g−1.

Conclusions

The SHCMs obtained exhibited good catalytic performance during the transesterification of waste frying oil with methanol. Reactions performed using a methanol/oil molar ratio of 9:1 at 90 °C for 5 h gave a fatty acid methyl ester yield of 85.56%. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
A comprehensive analysis of observed and projected climate extremes of temperature and precipitation in Belo Monte Hydropower Plant ‐ eastern Amazon, Brazil
Authors: Luiz‐Silva Wanderson , Regoto Pedro , de Vasconcellos Camila Ferreira , Garcia Katia Cristina , Guimarães Felipe Bevilaqua Foldes
Published: September 2022

In this work, the climatology, observed trends, and future projections of temperature and precipitation extremes are analysed in the drainage area of the Belo Monte Hydropower Plant in the Xingu River basin. Observed data come from gridded information for the period 1980–2013. The climate projections until the end of the 21st century are provided by the regional climate model Eta‐20 km nested to the global climate model MIROC5. Seventeen climate indicators were selected for this assessment, and statistical tests were used to evaluate the significance and magnitude of trends. A tropical climate predominates in the whole basin but with differences in the climatology of extreme temperature. The average annual rainfall (PRCPTOT) presents values between 1,500 and 2,200 mm. Remarkable contrasts of consecutive dry days (CDD) can also be seen. We found a warming signal during the examined period in much of the Xingu River basin, with an increase in the frequency of extremely warm days and nights. In the northern (south‐central) area of the basin, there is an increase (reduction) in precipitation. There is a contrasted and local distribution of detected trends in all climate extremes indices related to rainfall. CDD has displayed a considerable elevation in the south‐central area over the last decades. The study area exhibits statistically significant warming projections to the future climate. As for the precipitation projections, future changes are toward a dryer climate. We also found that dry periods may last longer in the following decades. Thus, heatwaves can be excited by subsequent days without precipitation in the basin in the future climate. The impacts of climate change on the balance of different environmental and socioeconomic sectors in this area must be wholly investigated.
Ester‐based surfactants: Are they stable enough?
Authors: Lundberg Dan , Stjerndahl Maria , Holmberg Krister
Published: September 2022

Surfactants with an ester bond connecting the polar headgroup and the hydrophobic tail are common. They are easy to synthesize, they can often be made from natural raw materials and their biodegradation profile is generally good, partly due to lipase or esterase catalyzed breakdown of the ester bond in sewage plants. A labile ester bond in the molecule may cause problems, however. Surfactants are often formulated at relatively high pH and it is important that they remain intact for a given period of time. In this article we discuss alkaline hydrolysis of different types of ester‐based surfactants—cationic, anionic and nonionic—and also of surfactant mixtures. We show that the ester bond in a surfactant has a different hydrolysis pattern than ester bonds in non‐surface active uncharged molecules. Cationic ester‐based surfactants are hydrolyzed rapidly while anionic and also nonionic ester‐containing surfactants are relatively resistant to hydrolysis.
Low‐pressure ozone injection system: relationship between reaction kinetics and physical properties of grains
Authors: Sitoe Eugénio da Piedade Edmundo , Faroni Lêda Rita D'Antonino , de Alencar Ernandes Rodrigues , Silva Marcus Vinicius de Assis , Salvador Davi Vittorazzi
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

The ozonation of grains in a closed system at low pressure is a strategy with the potential for treating packaged products. Research is necessary to characterize the reaction kinetics of ozone in this type of injection system so that it is possible to design chambers and determine the ozone concentrations suitable for commercial‐scale applications. The objective of this study was therefore to characterize the low‐pressure ozone injection system in relation to the physical properties of the grains and determine possible changes in their quality. Samples (5 kg each) of common beans, cowpea beans, corn, popcorn kernels, paddy rice, and polished rice were exposed to ozone in a 70 L hypobaric chamber. Initially, the internal pressure of the chamber was reduced to 500 hPa. Then, ozone was injected at a concentration of 32.10 g m−3 at a volumetric flow rate of 1 L min−1 until reaching a pressure of 1000 hPa. To relate the decomposition of ozone to the grains that were being evaluated, different physical properties were determined, and quality analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

Ozone gas half‐life outside and inside the package depended on the grain type. Ozone decomposition was quickest in polished rice and slowest in common beans. The half‐life of the different grains ranged from 17.8 to 52.9 and 16.4 to 52.9 min, outside and inside the package, respectively. Considering the physical properties, specific surface (Ss), surface area (SA), and sphericity (φ) exhibited a significant correlation with the decomposition rate constant (k) of ozone. However, the variables volume (V), permeability (K), porosity (ε), and specific mass (ρ) showed no correlation with k.

CONCLUSION

The physical properties of grain influenced the reaction kinetics of ozone gas during the low‐pressure injection process. Ozone gas injection at low pressures did not alter the quality attributes of the grains under study. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Recycling of polypropylene by supercritical carbon dioxide for extraction of contaminants from beverage cups. A comparison with polyethylene terephthalate and polylactic acid
Authors: Singh Srishti , Pereira Joel , Brandão Teresa , Oliveira Ana Leite , Poças Fátima
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

EU policies towards a circular economy address plastic packaging as one of the significant concerns and sets ambitious recycling targets. Polyolefins (POs) cannot be recycled for food contact using conventional polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling approaches. Thermal degradation prevents the use of high temperatures and, consequently, decontamination of POs may be insufficient when using lower temperatures. Polypropylene (PP) beverage cups were decontaminated using supercritical fluid extraction with carbon dioxide (scCO2). Decontamination efficiencies (DEs) of selected markers were determined in challenge tests following European Food Safety Authority guidelines. The effects of time (10–60 min) for PET, polylactic acid (PLA), and PP and temperature (60–80 °C) for PP were studied at constant pressure. The physical properties, sensorial properties, and overall migration of treated scCO2 PP were analysed and compared with virgin PP.

RESULTS

PP showed the highest average DE, and PET the lowest, for all the surrogates and in all time conditions. A relative increase in the DE with the increase in process time, particularly for PET and to some extent for PLA, was seen. For PP, no significant impact of time and temperature was observed under the conditions tested. The DE of volatile surrogates was higher than that of semi‐volatiles. Results indicate that the scCO2 treatment did not affect the physical and sensorial properties, nor the overall migration of PP, although it contributes to a considerable reduction in extractable n < C24 alkanes.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicate that scCO2 can be used to decontaminate post‐consumption PP beverage cups with higher DEs than those for PET and PLA, applying mild processing conditions. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Hydrothermal treatment improves xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity and affects the polyphenol profile of Flos Sophorae Immaturus
Authors: Li Jun , Gong Yuhong , Li Jinwei , Fan Liuping
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Flos Sophorae Immaturus (FSI) is rich in polyphenols and a potential uric acid‐lowering food. However, the processing of FSI is greatly restricted due to the heat sensitivity and low solubility of polyphenols. In this study, hydrothermal treatment – an effective strategy – was applied to FSI processing. The variation of xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory effect and polyphenol composition of FSI during hydrothermal treatment were recorded.

RESULTS

The XO inhibition rate of FSI increased from 32.42% to 89.00% after hydrothermal treatment at 220 °C for 30 min, as well as total polyphenols (from 0.66 to 1.11 mg mL−1) and flavonoids (from 1.21 to 1.58 mg mL−1). However, high thermal temperature (>160 °C) and extended thermal time (>90 min) caused the degradation of polyphenols. Rutin, kaempferol‐3‐O‐rutinoside and narcissoside rapidly degraded and converted to quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin when the temperature exceeded 160 °C. The maximum yields of quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin were at 220 °C for 30 min, 90 min and 90 min, respectively. Meanwhile, the conversion kinetics conformed to the first‐order model. Interestingly, these newly formed polyphenols possessed better XO inhibitory effects than their derivatives with 3‐O‐rutinoside.

CONCLUSION

Polyphenol conversion during hydrothermal treatment was the main reason for enhancing XO inhibitory activity. Therefore, hydrothermal treatment is an appropriate method for improving the XO inhibitory effect of FSI. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Modification of wine phenolic profiles by gibberellic acid application in ‘Cabernet Gernischt’ grapevines before anthesis
Authors: Song Jianqiang , Zhang Ang , Gao Fei , Liang Haizhong , Li Mingqing , Zhang Jie , Wang Genjie , Qu Huige , Cheng Shiwei , Ruan Shili , Li Jiming
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Vitis viniferaL. ‘Cabernet Gernischt’ grapes from the Yantai wine region of China usually form dense clusters and contain low phenolic content. We applied five concentrations (ranged from 5 to 25 mg L−1) of gibberellic acid (GA3) to ‘Cabernet Gernischt’ before anthesis to decrease cluster compactness in two consecutive vintages. Yield indices, grape maturity, and wine phenolic compounds were determined.

RESULTS

GA3application significantly reduced cluster compactness, bunch weight, and yield per vine, but it did not significantly improve fruit ripening. The levels of total phenolics, total tannins, and total anthocyanins in wine were enhanced by GA3application, with 10 and 15 mg L−1GA3treatments consistently producing a significant increase in the concentrations of mavidin, cyanidin, and their derivatives. Specifically,trans‐resveratrol was consistently significantly increased by 15 mg L−1GA3application. Principal component analysis of phenolic compounds demonstrated the differences among wines produced from GA3treatment groups and the control.

CONCLUSION

Overall, wine phenolic profiles could be significantly modified by application of low concentrations of GA3before anthesis. Application of high levels of GA3is not recommended due to significant yield decrease. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.