bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Charge Equalizer in Accordion—MXene‐Modified Layer Leading to Spherical Lithium Deposition
Authors: Zhao Yangmingyue , Li Libo , Zhou Da , Shan Yuhang , Chen Xiaochuan , Cui Wenjun
Published: June 2022

Lithium‐ion batteries with polymer electrolytes (PEs) are promising candidates for high safety performance batteries. However, conventional PEs suffer from poor compatibility and high impedance of electrolyte–electrode interfaces. Herein, we present a method of the interfacial modification for PEs to inhibit lithium dendrites based on the solution to the interfacial compatibility. Our strategy is to improve the interfacial properties and inhibit the dendrite generation by coating a modified layer on PEs of the anode side with acetylene black (AB) and MXene. The mixed conductive layer (MCL) can promote the generation of Li3N and LiF with a uniform arrangement of electrons to form a dense solid electrolyte interphase layer and the even lithium‐ion deposition for improving the performance and stability of the battery during cycling. After adding the MCL, the discharge capacity of solid lithium‐ion batteries (SLIBs) with lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI)/organic modified montmorillonite (OMMT)/soybean isolate protein (SPI)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) (LOSP) PE from 74.2 mAh g−1 up to 111.1 mAh g−1 (AB‐LiTFSI/OMMT/SPI/PVDF (AB‐LOSP)) and 111.6 mAh g−1 (AB/MXene‐LiTFSI/OMMT/SPI/PVDF (AB/MXene‐LOSP)). The polarization voltage dropped by 0.06 and 0.12 V, respectively. This work represents a milestone in the dendrite‐free SLIBs with good performances.
Polymer Hydrogel Electrolytes for Flexible and Multifunctional Zinc‐Ion Batteries and Capacitors
Authors: Ma Rujiao , Xu Zhixiao , Wang Xiaolei
Published: June 2022

Flexibility and multifunctionality are now becoming inevitable worldwide tendencies for electronic devices to meet modern life's convenience, efficiency, and quality demand. To that end, developing flexible and wearable energy storage devices is a must. Recently, aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) and zinc‐ion capacitors (ZICs) stand out as two of the most potent candidates for wearable electronics due to their excellent electrochemical performance, intrinsic safety, low cost, and functional controllability. Simultaneously, polymer electrolytes' introduction and rational design, especially various hydrogels, have endowed conventional ZIBs and ZICs with colorful functions, which has been regarded as a perfect answer for energy suppliers integrated into those advanced wearable electronic devices. This review focuses on the functional hydrogel electrolytes (HEs) and their application for ZIBs and ZICs. Previously reported HEs for ZIBs and ZICs were classified and analyzed, from the flexibility to mechanical endurance, temperature adaptability, electrochemical stability, and finally cell‐level ZIBs and ZICs based on multifunctional HEs. Besides introducing the diverse and exciting functions of HEs, working principles were also analyzed. Ultimately, all the details of these examples were summarized, and the related challenges, constructive solutions, and futural prospects of functional ZIBs and ZICs were also dedicatedly evaluated.
Determination of Creatinine in Urine by Voltammetry and Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Functionalized Multi‐walled Carbon Nanotubes and Copper
Authors: Pedrozo‐Peñafiel Marlin J. , Lópes Thais , Gutiérrez‐Beleño Luis M. , Miranda‐Andrades Jarol R. , Maia Da Costa Marcelo E. H. , Larrudé Dunieskys G. , Aucelio Ricardo Q.
Published: June 2022

A square‐wave voltammetric method was developed for the determination of creatinine using glassy carbon electrode functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and doped with copper. Since the creatine‐creatinine balance is dependent on pH, the linear responses at either pH 4.0 or 7.0 were evaluated allowing versatility in application, covering analyte concentration from limit of quantification (0.3 μmol L−1) up to 1.200 μmol L−1 (pH 4) or 660 μmol L−1 (pH 7). Electrode is simple to prepare and robust for routine analysis and it was used for the determination of creatinine in urine after simple thin‐layer separation procedure to avoid interference from creatine.
Block chain fostered cycle‐consistent generative adversarial network framework espoused intrusion detection for protecting IoT network
Authors: Sugitha G. , Solairaj A. , Suresh J.
Published: June 2022

In smart city infrastructure, IoT networks contain intelligent devices for collecting and processing data using open channel internet. Some challenges have occurred in the existing methods while transferring the data, like centralism, safety, secrecy (data destroying, inference attacks), transparency, scalability, verification, and controlling the rapid adaptation of smart cities. To overcome these challenges, a machine learning based block chain method is proposed in this manuscript. The machine learning strategies can process massive datasets. Furthermore, they contain adequate generalization to identify various attack vectors. Here, the block chain fostered cycle‐consistent generative adversarial network (CCGAN) framework espoused intrusion detection is proposed for protecting the IoT network. Also, a 3 level privacy model is introduced for protecting the IoT devices. The first level is block chain based privacy detection and the second level is CCGAN and the third level is classification. In first level, ToN‐IoT, BoT‐IoT datasets are taken to detect the IoT intrusion, these data's are given to the block chain to authenticate and to collect the data in the IoT devices in the smart cities and stored in the blocks present in the block chain. In second level, the feature mapping and feature selection are done. The normal and attacked instances are classified in level 3. The performance of the proposed method shows higher accuracy 25.37%, 29.57%, and 18.67%, higher recall 23.75%, 17.58%, and 14.68% better than the existing methods, like block chain and machine learning method based privacy protection in IoT using optimized gradient tree boosting system (IOT‐BC‐XGBoost), and block chain and machine learning method based privacy protection in IoT using deep gated recurrent neural network (IOT‐BC‐DGRNN), respectively.
Recurrent VGLL3 fusions define a distinctive subset of spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma with an indolent clinical course and striking predilection for the head and neck
Authors: Agaimy Abbas , Dermawan Josephine K. , Leong Iona , Stoehr Robert , Swanson David , Weinreb Ilan , Zhang Lingxin , Antonescu Cristina R. , Dickson Brendan C.
Published: June 2022

The mammalian Vestigial‐like (VGLL) transcriptional cofactor family of proteins VGLL1‐4 has recently emerged as an important player in the tumorigenesis of diverse neoplasms. The role of VGLL3 in soft tissue tumors is exemplified by its amplification in myxoinflammatory fibroblastic sarcoma and its rearrangement (fused to CHD7, CHD9, or MAMLD1) in hybrid schwannoma‐perineurioma. This study characterizes a distinctive low‐grade myogenic neoplasm with a striking predilection for the head and neck, characterized by VGLL3 fusions. The study includes five males and one female patient, aged 30–71 years (median, 56). Three tumors originated in the tongue, with one case each in the nasopharynx, oral cavity, and oropharynx. The VGLL3 fusion partners included TCF12 (n = 3), EP300 (n = 2), and PPARGC1A (n = 1). The tumor size range was 0.8–1.6 cm (all, but one, was <1 cm). Histologically, all tumors displayed bland spindle to ovoid cells arranged into vague fascicular and diffuse patterns. Mitotic activity ranged from 1 to 7 per 10 HPFs. Five tumors were muscle‐centered and infiltrative, and one was centered beneath nasopharyngeal mucosa. Immunohistochemistry revealed consistent expression of desmin (diffuse in four and patchy in two cases) associated with patchy smooth muscle actin expression (4/6), and focal reactivity for myogenin (5/6) and myoD1 (1/3). All patients were managed surgically; one patient each received adjuvant radio‐ or chemotherapy. Three patients with follow‐up were without disease at 8, 19, and 60 months and one was alive with unknown disease status at 24 months. All VGLL3 fusions were in‐frame and involved exon 2, fused with either TCF12 exon 16, EP300 exon 31, or PPARGC1A exon 5, respectively. This series characterizes a distinctive subset of spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) with a predilection for the head and neck in adults, defined by VGLL3 fusions, likely indolent behavior and limited rhabdomyoblastic differentiation. Further delineation of this entity and differentiation from more aggressive molecular subtypes of spindle cell RMS is mandatory to define the most appropriate therapeutic strategy and avoid overtreatment.
Detrital zircon U–Pb geochronology and Hf isotopes of Mesozoic through Cenozoic sandstones from the southern Junggar Basin, NW China: Implications for the provenances and uranium source
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Li Fengjie , Liu Ziliang , Liu Yanxue , Ma Xiaokang , Liu Bo
Published: June 2022

Junggar Basin is an important exploration zone for sandstone‐hosted uranium deposits in north‐west China. However, neither the provenance of the host sandstone nor the uranium supply capacity of the potential source rocks have been well evaluated. To determine the provenances of the Mesozoic to Cenozoic sandstone grains and to evaluate relationships between the uranium source and the detritus provenances, a field investigation was performed at the Honggou section in the southern Junggar Basin. U–Pb geochronology and Hf isotopes were obtained from populations of detrital zircons from Jurassic through Palaeogene sandstones. The detrital zircon U–Pb ages display three main groups: 145–190 Ma, 250–360 Ma, and 360–460 Ma. The detrital zircon age distributions and the Hf isotopic characteristics of the sandstones correspond to different igneous rock units within the North and Central Tianshan Mountains. Therefore, the changes in the relative proportions of the zircon age populations indicate that there were major shifts of the provenance areas for the sandstones throughout the Early Jurassic to Palaeogene interval. The majority (92%) of Hf isotope εHf(t) values are positive and in the range of +0.7 to +15.5, which indicates that the majority of the zircons had crystallized in igneous rocks that were mainly derived from juvenile crust or depleted mantle. The majority (93%) of the two‐stage model ages (TDM2) are less than 1.8 Ga, thereby indicating the source of the majority of the igneous rocks was from the melting of ancient Meso‐Proterozoic juvenile crust. Carboniferous–Permian intermediate‐felsic igneous rocks in the Tianshan Mountains may be the primary source of released mobilized uranium and uranium‐enriched siliciclastics into the southern Junggar Basin. This study will assist in future uranium prospecting in this region.
Wellbeing and brain structure: A comprehensive phenotypic and genetic study of image‐derived phenotypes in the UK Biobank
Authors: Jamshidi Javad , Park Haeme R. P. , Montalto Arthur , Fullerton Janice M. , Gatt Justine M.
Published: June 2022

Wellbeing, an important component of mental health, is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Previous association studies between brain structure and wellbeing have typically focused on volumetric measures and employed small cohorts. Using the UK Biobank Resource, we explored the relationships between wellbeing and brain morphometrics (volume, thickness and surface area) at both phenotypic and genetic levels. The sample comprised 38,982 participants with neuroimaging and wellbeing phenotype data, of which 19,234 had genotypes from which wellbeing polygenic scores (PGS) were calculated. We examined the association of wellbeing phenotype and PGS with all brain regions (including cortical, subcortical, brainstem and cerebellar regions) using multiple linear models, including (1) basic neuroimaging covariates and (2) additional demographic factors that may synergistically impact wellbeing and its neural correlates. Genetic correlations between genomic variants influencing wellbeing and brain structure were also investigated. Small but significant associations between wellbeing and volumes of several cerebellar structures (β = 0.015–0.029, PFDR = 0.007–3.8 × 10−9), brainstem, nucleus accumbens and caudate were found. Cortical associations with wellbeing included volume of right lateral occipital, thickness of bilateral lateral occipital and cuneus, and surface area of left superior parietal, supramarginal and pre‐/post‐central regions. Wellbeing‐PGS was associated with cerebellar volumes and supramarginal surface area. Small mediation effects of wellbeing phenotype and PGS on right VIIIb cerebellum were evident. No genetic correlation was found between wellbeing and brain morphometric measures. We provide a comprehensive overview of wellbeing‐related brain morphometric variation. Notably, small effect sizes reflect the multifaceted nature of this concept.
Hepatocellular carcinoma downstaging for liver transplantation in the era of systemic combined therapy with anti‐VEGF/TKI and immunotherapy
Authors: Tran Nguyen H. , Muñoz Sergio , Thompson Scott , Hallemeier Christopher L. , Bruix Jordi
Published: June 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma remains a global health challenge affecting close to 1 million cases yearly. Liver transplantation provides the best long‐term outcomes for those meeting strict criteria. Efforts have been made to expand these criteria, whereas others have attempted downstaging approaches. Although locoregional approaches to downstaging are appealing and have demonstrated efficacy, limitations and challenges exists including poor imaging modality to assess response and appropriate endpoints along the process. Recent advances in systemic treatments including immune checkpoint inhibitors alone or in combination with tyrosine kinase inhibitors have prompted the discussion regarding their role for downstaging disease prior to transplantation. Here, we provide a review of prior locoregional approaches for downstaging, new systemic agents and their role for downstaging, and finally, key and critical considerations of the assessment, endpoints, and optimal designs in clinical trials to address this key question.
Reasons for turnover of hospital managers in Iran: A qualitative study
Authors: Gharasi Manshadi Mahdi , Mosadeghrad Ali Mohammad , Jaafaripooyan Ebrahim
Published: June 2022

Background

Managerial stability is believed to play a crucial role in the success of health care organisations and health managers. High managerial turnover seems to be a common phenomenon of the Iranian health system. This study thus aimed to investigate the reasons for managerial turnover in Iranian hospitals.

Methods

Following a qualitative approach, 53 semi‐structured interviews were conducted with different managerial levels in the hospitals, the high officials of medical universities, and health policymakers. Interviewees were selected using the purposive sampling techniques. Interviews were continued up to the data saturation. Data analysis was conducted thematically using MAXQDA 10.

Results

Four groups of reasons were identified leading into the managerial turnover in hospitals, ranging from the micro to macro level factors, that is, those related to the managers, hospitals, medical universities, and the country. Insufficient support from the officials, managerial poor performance, conflict with other managers and colleagues, changes of senior managers, and presidential and parliamentary elections representing the key reasons underlying the turnover of hospital managers in Iran.

Conclusion

Given the variety of reasons emerged behind the managerial turnover, the efforts to improve the awareness and engage the all actors ranging from health policymakers to organisational decision‐makers could be a valuable step to regulate and optimise the managerial turnover and stability in health care organisations in order to enhance the productivity and accountability in healthcare industry, particularly in the hospitals.
Thermal flow and heat performance analyses in circular pipe using different twisted tape parameters based on design of experiments
Authors: Al‐Obaidi Ahmed Ramadhan
Published: June 2022

In different energy conservation types, heat transfer improvement is a significant field that is directly connected to systems of economic efficiency. In this analysis, different twisted tape configurations are considered such as the augmentation thermal approach, the impact of various twisted tape parameters on the thermal performance of flow pattern, improvement of heat transfer are numerically conducted. The geometrical configurations used for this investigation include twisted tape thickness, twisted tape width, inward thickness and number of turns. The design of the technique of the experiment is used to investigate the effect of these parameters on hydraulic flow structure and enhancement of heat transfer. The Taguchi method is based on analysis of changes and performs the orthogonal arrays. Besides this, the orthogonal array of L16 is selected for this numerical work. The average percentage error between the experimental and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) outcomes for Nu number and friction factor are noted at about 6.5% and 4.5%. It is observed that the best twisted tape configuration design is obtained by applying CFD methodology compared with the Taguchi method to improve the heat performance using the performance evaluation factor (PEF) was more than 1.2. The maximum value of temperature differences and friction factor was for model 13. Moreover, the thermal performance was good as the values of PEF and the values of PEF are greater than 1.
Comparison of infectious complications after spleen preservation versus splenectomy during laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for benign or low‐grade malignant pancreatic tumors: A multicenter, propensity score‐matched analysis
Authors: Lee Woohyung , Hwang Dae Wook , Han Ho‐Seong , Han In Woong , Heo Jin Seok , Unno Michiaki , Ishida Masaharu , Tajima Hiroshi , Nishizawa Nobuyuki , Nakata Kohei , Seyama Yasuji , Isikawa Yoshiya , Hwang Ho Kyoung , Jang Jin‐Young , Hong Taeho , Park Joon Seong , Kim Hee Joon , Jeong Chi‐Young , Matsumoto Ippei , Yamaue Hiroki , Kawai Manabu , Ohtsuka Masayuki , Mizuno Shugo , Asakuma Mitsuhiro , Soejima Yuji , Hirashita Teijiro , Sho Masayuki , Takeda Yutaka , Park Jeong‐Ik , Kim Yong Hoon , Kim Hwa Jung , Yamaue Hiroki , Yamamoto Masakazu , Endo Itaru , Nakamura Masafumi , Yoon Yoo‐Seok
Published: June 2022

Background

Previous studies have reported contrasting results regarding the advantages of spleen preservation during laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) for preventing infectious complications.

Methods

A total of 3787 patients who underwent LDP for benign or low‐grade malignant pancreatic disease in 92 centers across Korea and Japan were included in this retrospective study. Postoperative infectious complications and other complications were compared between LDP with splenectomy (LDPS) and LDP with spleen preservation (LSPDP) by propensity score matching (PSM) analysis.

Results

After PSM, the LSPDP group had a lower rate of overall infectious complications (P = .079) and a significantly lower rate of intra‐abdominal abscess (P = .014) compared with the LDPS group. Within the LSPDP group, the vessel preservation subgroup had a significantly higher rate of infectious complications (P = .002) compared with the vessel resection subgroup. Low‐volume centers had a higher rate of intra‐abdominal abscess than high‐volume centers in the LSPDP group (P = .001) and the splenic vessel preservation subgroup (P = .003).

Conclusions

Spleen preservation in LDP for benign or borderline malignant pancreatic diseases was advantageous in lowering the risk of infectious complications, specifically intra‐abdominal abscess. However, the risk of intra‐abdominal abscess may differ according to the level of surgeon's experience.
Descriptive social norms and herders' social insurance participation in Mongolia: A survey experiment
Authors: Byambaa Munkhbayar , Yamada Kyohei
Published: June 2022

This paper examines whether descriptive social norms affect one's intention to participate in voluntary social insurance in Mongolia. It reports the results of a survey experiment conducted in September 2020 among herders, whose rate of participation in voluntary social insurance is low and who presumably lack information about others' behaviours with respect to social insurance enrollment. Building upon prior research on descriptive social norms, we hypothesise that herders would be more willing to participate in voluntary social insurance when given information that many others are participating. The respondents were randomly assigned to two groups: one group received information that many others were participating in social insurance, and the other received information that the participation rate was low. We find that those who were given information on the high participation rate expressed a greater willingness to participate in social insurance in the future than the other group.
Glycosaminoglycan linkage region of urinary bikunin as a potentially useful biomarker for β3GalT6‐deficient spondylodysplastic Ehlers–Danlos syndrome
Authors: Nikpour Mahnaz , Noborn Fredrik , Nilsson Jonas , Van Damme Tim , Kaye Olivier , Syx Delfien , Malfait Fransiska , Larson Göran
Published: June 2022

The spondylodysplastic type of Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (spEDS) is caused by genetic defects in the B4GALT7 or B3GALT6 genes both deranging the biosynthesis of the glycosaminoglycan linkage region of chondroitin/dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate proteoglycans. In this study, we have analyzed the linkage regions of urinary chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans of three siblings, diagnosed with spEDS and carrying biallelic pathogenic variants of the B3GALT6 gene. Proteoglycans were digested with trypsin, glycopeptides enriched on anion‐exchange columns, depolymerized with chondroitinase ABC, and analyzed by nLC‐MS/MS. In urine of the unaffected mother, the dominating glycopeptide of bikunin/protein AMBP appeared as only one dominating (99.9%) peak with the canonical tetrasaccharide linkage region modification. In contrast, the samples of the three affected siblings contained two different glycopeptide peaks, corresponding to the canonical tetrasaccharide and to the non‐canonical trisaccharide linkage region modifications in individual ratios of 61/38, 73/27, and 59/41. We propose that the relative distribution of glycosaminoglycan linkage regions of urinary bikunin glycopeptides may serve as a phenotypic biomarker in a diagnostic test but also as a biomarker to follow the effect of future therapies in affected individuals.
Myelin loss in C9orf72 hexanucleotide expansion carriers
Authors: Sirisi Sònia , Querol‐Vilaseca Marta , Dols‐Icardo Oriol , Pegueroles Jordi , Montal Victor , Muñoz Laia , Torres Soraya , Ferrer‐Raventós Paula , Iulita Maria Florencia , Sánchez‐Aced Érika , Blesa Rafael , Illán‐Gala Ignacio , Molina‐Porcel Laura , Borrego‐Ecija Sergi , Sánchez‐Valle Raquel , Clarimon Jordi , Belbin Olivia , Fortea Juan , Lleó Alberto
Published: June 2022

The most frequent genetic cause of frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the hexanucleotide repeat expansion in C9orf72. An important neuropathological hallmark associated with this mutation is the accumulation of the phosphorylated form of TAR (trans‐activation response element) DNA‐binding protein 43 (pTDP‐43). Glia plays a crucial role in the neurodegeneration observed in C9orf72‐associated disorders. However, less is known about the role of oligodendrocytes (OLs). Here, we applied digital neuropathological methods to compare the expression pattern of glial cells in the frontal cortex (FrCx) of human post‐mortem samples from patients with C9‐FTLD and C9‐FTLD/ALS, sporadic FTLD (sFTLD), and healthy controls (HCs). We also compared MBP levels in CSF from an independent clinical FTD cohort. We observed an increase in GFAP, and Iba1 immunoreactivity in C9 and sFTLD compared to controls in the gray matter (GM) of the FrCx. We observed a decrease in MBP immunoreactivity in the GM and white matter (WM) of the FrCx of C9, compared to HC and sFTLD. There was a negative correlation between MBP and pTDP‐43 in C9 in the WM of the FrCx. We observed an increase in CSF MBP concentrations in C9 and sFTLD compared to HC. In conclusion, the C9 expansion is associated with myelin loss in the frontal cortex. This loss of MBP may be a result of oligodendroglial dysfunction due to the expansion or the presence of pTDP‐43 in OLs. Understanding these biological processes will help to identify specific pathways associated with the C9orf72 expansion.
Modeling and optimization of polyphenol extraction from the petals of Clitorea ternatea using response surface methodology
Authors: Janarny Ganesamoorthy , Ranaweera Kamburawala Kankanamge Don Somathilaka , Gunathilake Katugampalage Don Prasanna Priyantha
Published: June 2022

Background

Clitorea ternatea flowers possess various health benefits owing to their bioactive composition. However, effective extraction of bioactives is important to appropriately utilize these flowers. This work aimed to use response surface methodology, to simultaneously optimize the process parameters to obtain maximum yield of phenolics and anthocyanins along with maximum DPPH radical scavenging activity from C. ternatea flowers.

Results

Central composite design was employed with four independent variables; solid: liquid ratio (XA), ethanol concentration (XB), temperature (XC), and time (XD) which were found to affect the response variables significantly and fit to the second order polynomial model. The optimum process parameters obtained were XA‐1:50(W/V), XB‐37.21%, XC‐45°C and XD‐50.75 min. The experimental values obtained based on optimum extraction parameters agreed with the predicted values.

Conclusions

The findings suggest the application of optimized parameters to acquire functionally active phenolics and anthocyanins from C. ternatea flowers using ethanol and make use of them in the food and pharmaceutical industry.
A novel limb‐salvage reconstruction strategy with a custom hemipelvic endoprosthesis and preserved femoral head following the resection of periacetabular tumors: A preliminary study
Authors: Xie Xianbiao , Jin Qinglin , Zhao Zhiqiang , Wang Yongqian , Wang Bo , Zou Changye , Yin Junqiang , Huang Gang , Shen Jingnan
Published: June 2022

The treatment of periacetabular malignancy frequently challenges surgeons. To simplify the surgical procedure, we performed a novel reconstruction strategy preserving the femoral head for patients with periacetabular malignancies. We retrospectively reviewed 14 patients who underwent total en bloc resection of a periacetabular tumor and reconstruction of the hip joint with an individualized hemipelvic endoprosthesis and remaining femoral head from July 2015 to January 2019 at our center. Regions of pelvic resection: region II—4 (28.6%), region I + II—5 (35.7%), region II + III—2 (14.3%) and region I + II + III—3 (21.4%). The oncological outcomes were that 13 patients survived without disease and one patient survived with lung metastasis. None of the patients experienced local recurrence (range: 20–62 months; mean: 32 months). The incidence of postoperative complications was 35.7%, including delayed wound healing and deep venous thrombosis. No prosthesis‐related complications occurred until the last follow‐up in this study (range: 20–62 months; mean: 32 months). The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society functional outcome score was 23.2. The mean Toronto Extremity Salvage Score of the patients was 75.7 points, with a mean limb discrepancy of 1.51 cm (range: 0.5–3.2 cm). Reconstruction with preservation of the femoral head showed acceptable early functional and oncological outcomes, and it had an acceptable complication rate.
Fixed drug eruption after the Sinopharm COVID‐19 vaccine
Authors: Rekabi Mahsa , Sadati Elham , Mirzaei Jamal , Pourdowlat Guitti , Velayati Ali Akbar , Honarpisheh Parisa
Published: June 2022

After coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) became widespread around the world, several vaccines have been developed with variable efficacy and potency and based on different platforms to control the pandemic. One of these vaccines is Sinopharm (BBIBP‐CorV), which is an inactivated virus that was released by Sinopharm's Beijing institute in the summer of 2020. The most commonly reported side effects of the Sinopharm vaccine have included pain at the injection site, muscle pain, headache and fatigue. Dermatological reactions are also reported as less common and were mainly local injection site reactions. Fixed drug eruption (FDE) is a rare and unusual adverse effect and accounts for less than 1% of all severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 vaccine‐related cutaneous manifestations. FDE has not been reported following the COVID‐19 inactivated vaccine. Here, we describe a rare case of FDE following the administration of the first shot of the Sinopharm vaccine.
Secukinumab improves the quality‐of‐life of family members and partners of people with psoriasis: Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI) results from a randomised open‐label study (SIGNATURE)
Authors: Finlay A. Y. , Barker J. N. , Burden A. D. , Griffiths C. E. M. , Kirby B. , Goodman M. L. , Neill C. , Warren R. B.
Published: June 2022

Background

The Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI) was developed to meet a need for a dermatology‐specific family member/partner quality‐of‐life (QoL) measure. This paper focuses on the analysis and interpretation of FDLQI data (used as an exploratory outcome) collected in the SIGNATURE study.

Objectives

To measure the impact of secukinumab therapy for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis on the QoL of family members/partners of patients.

Methods

Randomised, open‐label, non‐comparator study in 53 dermatology centres in the UK and Republic of Ireland. Patients received secukinumab 300 or 150 mg subcutaneously weekly for 4 weeks, then 4‐weekly.

FDLQI Results

Family members of PASI 75 responders and non‐responders showed improved FDLQI compared to baseline, greater for responders. There was a high level of correlation between FDLQI and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores and positive correlations across all mapped FDLQI and DLQI questions, and a close association between the scales at all timepoints. The estimated FDLQI scores were consistently 56% of those obtained for DLQI. There was an improvement for all FDLQI questions at Week 16 with a mean total score change of 8.2. Most family member subjects had an improved score for all FDLQI questions (75%–91%, Week 12, and 77%–91%, Week 16). Family subjects with a corresponding patient visit DLQI score >10 improved for all FDLQI questions at Week 16 (mean total score change of 5.2).

Conclusions

Successful therapy for severe psoriasis greatly improved QoL of family members/partners. The FDLQI questionnaire responds well and appropriately to major changes in the disease severity of those affected by plaque psoriasis.
Nonviral vector system for cancer immunogene therapy
Authors: Nie Wen , Chen Jing , Wang Bilan , Gao Xiang
Published: June 2022

Immunogene therapy has become an effective and significant clinical strategy for cancer therapy. Many immunogene therapies are approved for cancer treatment, and more are undergoing clinical or preclinical trials. Even though most patients benefit greatly from immunogene therapy, the strategies may simply activate the systemic immune response against tumors while also pushing the immune system to supraphysiological levels along with a subsequently increased risk of immune‐related adverse events. Enhancing the response rate to immunogene therapy is key to controlling side effects and improving efficacy. Improved delivery systems can efficiently deliver genes to the desired tumor cells while alleviating adverse reactions and immunogenicity. Thereinto, nonviral vectors improve the permeability, retention, and pharmacokinetic characteristics of drugs, thereby reducing side‐effects and providing broad prospects for enhancing the efficiency of immunotherapy and becoming a leading anticancer candidate. Here, this review highlights the types of common functional nonviral vectors, discusses their advantages and disadvantages, as well as the latest applications in different cancers. Undoubtedly, this review proves that nonviral vectors combined with immunogene therapy are promising treatments for cancers. Nevertheless, further research is needed to solve safety concerns and improve the efficacy of nonviral vectors‐based cancer immunogene therapy for future clinical application.
Genomic evolution of cancer metastasis under therapeutic pressure
Authors: Liu Qiu‐Luo , Li Xi , Chen Hai‐Ning
Published: June 2022

In the era of precision medicine, the selection of cancer treatment relies increasingly on the identification of genomic alterations; however, it is not yet clear how frequently genomic profiling should be performed over the disease course of a patient with metastatic cancer. A large‐scale study investigates the genomic evolution of cancer metastases under therapeutic pressure and finds that the actionable genome has remained relatively stable. The findings support the sufficiency of a single biopsy of cancer metastasis for therapeutic decision‐making.
Tumor immunotherapy: Mechanisms and clinical applications
Authors: Nong Cheng , Guan Pengbo , Li Li , Zhang Huiyuan , Hu Hongbo
Published: June 2022

Immunotherapy, which aims to enhance the functions of the host's immune system to eliminate invading pathogens and mutant cells, has been widely used for cancer treatment. Despite the enormous progress in immunotherapy, the efficiency of immunotherapy is urgent to be improved. The tumor microenvironment is composed of multiple types of infiltrating immune cells and stromal cells (such as endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and tumor cells), extracellular matrix, various cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and metabolites, all of which play crucial roles in tumor progress, metastasis, relapse and the outcome of immunotherapy. Emerging evidence indicates a better understanding of the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment and its associated factors, which could lead to uncovering novel promising immunotherapy approaches. This review will summarize the current knowledge of heterogeneity and function of the immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, the current progress of immunotherapy focusing on immune checkpoint blockade and chimeric antigen T cell therapy, as well as the challenge and limitations of the current immunotherapy strategy. Overall, we aim to provide the conceptions of tumor immune microenvironment and application of immunotherapy, highlighting the potential strategies to improve tumor immunotherapy.
Sonographic reference values of cranial nerve size: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Abdelnaby Ramy , Mohamed Khaled Ashraf , ELgenidy Anas , Dardeer Khaled Tarek , Bedewy Mahmoud Mostafa , Sonbol Yousef Tarek , Elmenawi Khaled Abdelmoneim , Elsaeed Eman Mohammed , Kotbe Mostafa Soliman , Shabib Ahmed Samy , Heikal Hamed Amr , Gawish Hazem Maher , Barakat Mahmoud Hesham , Tawfik Eman A.
Published: June 2022

Introduction/Aims

Ultrasonography of the cranial nerves has recently gained attention for assessment of inflammatory, compressive, or degenerative neuropathies. However, sonographic reference values of cranial nerves have received less attention than those of peripheral nerves. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis we aimed to provide current evidence of sonographic reference values for cranial nerve size.

Methods

By searching Medline (via PubMed), Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Web of Science, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of studies that reported ultrasound measurements of the facial, spinal accessory, and hypoglossal nerves in healthy adults. We included studies that reported either the sonographic cross‐sectional area (CSA) or the nerve diameter; the included nerves were subgrouped according to the site of nerve measurement.

Results

Fourteen studies with a total of 661 participants and 1437 ultrasound nerve measurements met the inclusion criteria. The anatomical sites for each nerve were combined to provide single‐nerve mean measurements. We found an overall mean nerve diameter of 0.80 mm for the facial nerve, 0.63 mm for the spinal accessory nerve, and 1.82 mm2 for hypoglossal nerve CSA.

Discussion

This meta‐analysis provides reference values for the diameter and cross‐sectional area of the facial, spinal accessory, and hypoglossal nerves at different sites, which can be used as guidance in clinical practice to detect pathological changes in cranial nerve size in cranial neuropathies. We recommend further validation in large‐scale studies as well as standardization of the scanning protocols.
Circulating trophoblast numbers as a potential marker for pregnancy complications
Authors: Crovetti Brielle , Maktabi Mohamad Ali , Erfani Hadi , Panchalee Tachjaree , Wang Qun , Vossaert Liesbeth , Van den Veyver Ignatia
Published: June 2022

Objective

To explore the potential of circulating trophoblasts (TBs) as a non‐invasive tool to assess placental health and predict obstetric complications.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of 369 women who enrolled in our original cell‐based NIPT (cbNIPT) study. The number of circulating TBs recovered from the maternal blood samples was recorded and expressed as fetal cell concentration (FCC). We evaluated if FCC can be used to predict pregnancy outcomes such as hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), fetal growth restriction, placental abruption, preterm labor, and pregnancy loss.

Results

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to find the best cut off value to classify FCC into a low and high FCC group, and this cut‐off point was calculated as 11.1 cells per 100 ml of blood. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for the composite morbidity was significantly increased for the high FCC group at an aOR of 1.6.

Conclusion

Circulating TB have the potential of predicting obstetrical complications such as HDP. Future studies, with larger sample sizes, should focus on the study of these cells as a biomarker for placental health and a possible screening or diagnostic tool for fetal genetic conditions.
Gene variation impact on prostate cancer progression: Lymphocyte modulator, activation, and cell adhesion gene variant contribution
Authors: Casadó‐Llombart Sergi , Ajami Tarek , Consuegra‐Fernández Marta , Carreras Esther , Aranda Fernando , Armiger Noelia , Alcaraz Antonio , Mengual Lourdes , Lozano Francisco
Published: June 2022

Background

The view of prostate cancer (PCa) progression as a result of the interaction of epithelial cancer cells with the host's immune system is supported by the presence of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). TILs fate and interaction with the tumor microenvironment is mediated by accessory molecules such as CD5 and CD6, two signal‐transducing coreceptors involved in fine‐tuning of T cell responses. While the nature of the CD5 ligand is still controversial, CD6 binds CD166/ALCAM, a cell adhesion molecule involved in progression and dissemination of epithelial cancers, including PCa. The purpose of the present study was to determine the role of CD5, CD6, and CD166/ALCAM gene variants in PCa.

Methods

Functionally relevant CD5 (rs2241002 and rs2229177), CD6 (rs17824933, rs11230563, and rs12360861) and CD166/ALCAM (rs6437585, rs579565, rs1044243, and rs35271455) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in germline DNA samples from 376 PCa patients. Their association with PCa prognostic factors, namely biochemical recurrence (BCR) and International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade was analyzed by generalized linear models and survival analyses.

Result

Proportional hazards regression showed that the minor CD6 rs12360861AA and CD166/ALCAM rs579565AA genotypes were associated with earlier BCR, with hazard ratios of 2.65 (95% CI: 1.39–5.05, p = 0.003) and 1.86, (95% CI: 1.02–3.39, p = 0.043), respectively. Individually, none of the analyzed SNPs was significantly associated with ISUP grade, but haplotype analyses revealed association of the CD5 rs2241002C‐rs2229177T haplotype with ISUP grade ≥2, with odds ratio of 1.52 (95% CI: 1.05–2.21, p = 0.026).

Conclusion

The results show the impact on PCa aggressiveness and recurrence brought about by gene variants involved in modulation of lymphocyte activation (CD5, CD6) and immune‐epithelial cell adhesion (CD166/ALCAM) in PCa aggressiveness and recurrence, thus supporting a role for host immune response in PCa pathophysiology.
Studies on daptomycin lactam‐based analogues
Authors: Chow Hoi Yee , Po Kathy Hiu Laam , Chen Sheng , Li Xuechen
Published: June 2022

Herein, we report the synthesis and antibacterial evaluation of a series of daptomycin lactam‐based analogues. As compared with daptomycin, the daptomycin analogue with singly modified lactam has an eightfold increase in its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Incorporating effective modifications found in previous daptomycin structure–activity relationship studies to produce lactam‐based analogues with multiple modifications did not improve the antibacterial activity of the analogues. Instead, the antibacterial activity was greatly reduced when a rather rigid 4‐(phenylethynyl)benzoyl group replaced the flexible n‐decanoyl group. The fact that the lactam analogue with the 4‐(phenylethynyl)benzoyl group did not exhibit the antibacterial activity comparable to the two respective singly modified analogues showed that the inactivity was probably due to the deviation from the active conformation. This series of lactam analogues may generate insights on the importance of studying the active conformation of daptomycin and how the structural modifications affect the active conformation.
Facet‐Driven Vapor Phase Growth of Directional Tin‐Doped CdS Nanowires on Sapphire Surface for Photodetectors
Authors: Iqbal Malik Muhammad Wasim , Yuan Zhengzhong , Xie Qihao , Cai Mengqiu , Zeng Ruosheng , Zou Bingsuo , He Pengbin , Wan Qiang
Published: June 2022

Orientation‐controlled large‐area synthesis of nanowires (NWs) is key to their direct integration into circuits and devices for functional exploitation. Herein, the vapor–liquid–solid process yields planar arrays of tin‐doped CdS NWs with precise crystallographic orientation on flat and faceted sapphire surfaces. The nanopatterned catalyst and epitaxial correlation of each surface determine NWs’ exact position, yield, and orientation, while the graphoepitaxial effect steers their growth along the nanochannels. The incorporation of dopants widens the emission spectrum beyond the bandgap, which facilitates enhanced optical transport in NWs. Electron‐beam lithography (EBL) is employed to fabricate photodetector on individual NW, which demonstrates high photoresponsivity and fast response. Graphoepitaxial effect‐based assembly of highly ordered horizontal NW arrays and their facile self‐integration into devices for modern applications, including LEDs, biomedical or photoelectric sensors, photovoltaic cells, and visible span integrated optoelectronic and photonic systems, have promising prospects.
An Efficient Modification at the Hole Transporting Layer/Electrode Interface for High‐Performance Ag‐Electrode‐Based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Sun Jingsong , Zhang Yongqiang , Wu Jiarui , Yang Qing , Yu Gang , Yang Xi , Ying Zhiqin , Sheng Jiang , He Haiyan , Shou Chunhui , Qin Ganghua , Ye Jichun
Published: June 2022

Owing to the high power conversion efficiency (PCE) and the solution‐processed fabrication process, perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted wide attention, while most high‐performance PSCs have an n‐i‐p (conventional) configuration that requires the expensive Au electrode. Silver is widely considered as one of the most promising candidates to replace gold as the top electrode material in conventional perovskite solar cells, due to its high conductivity and relatively low price. However, due to the mismatching energy levels between the Ag electrode and the hole transporting layer, Ag electrode‐based PSCs require long‐time aging to achieve their best performance. Herein, an AgI modification layer at the Ag electrode/hole transporting layer interface is employed, which eliminates the s‐shaped bend in current density–voltage (J–V) curves of fresh PSCs with the Ag electrode and helps to achieve high‐performance devices without any posttreatment. Optimized devices show a top PCE of up to 20.45% at the beginning, which is higher than that of the fresh (5.80%) and aged (19.31%) pristine counterparts. In addition, the facile method is also available for other iodides such as NH4I, KI, and CuI. This universal approach enables Ag to be a competitive material for electrode in high‐performance and low‐cost PSCs.
Win ratio approach for analyzing composite time‐to‐event endpoint with opposite treatment effects in its components
Authors: Liao Ran , Chakladar Sujatro , Gamalo Margaret
Published: June 2022

There is an increasing interest in the use of win ratio with composite time‐to‐event due to its flexibility in combining component endpoints. Exploring this flexibility further, one interesting question is in assessing the impact when there is a difference in treatment effect in the component endpoints. For example, the active treatment may prolong the time to occurrence of the negative event such as death or ventilation; meanwhile, the treatment effect may also shorten the time to achieving positive events, such as recovery or improvement. Notably, this portrays a situation where the treatment effect on time to recovery is in a different direction of benefit compared to the time to ventilation or death. Under such circumstances, if a single endpoint is used, the benefit gained for other individual outcomes is not counted and is diminished. As consequence, the study may need a larger sample size to detect a significant effect of treatment. Such a scenario can be handled by win ratio in a novel way by ranking component events, which is different from the usual composite endpoint approach such as time‐to‐first event. To evaluate how the different directions of treatment effect on component endpoints will impact the win ratio analysis, we use a Clayton copula‐based bivariate survival simulation to investigate the correlation of component time‐to‐event. Through simulation, we found that compared to the marginal model using single endpoints, the win ratio analysis on composite endpoint performs better, especially when the correlation between two events is weak. Then, we applied the methodology to an infectious disease progression simulated study motivated by COVID‐19. The application demonstrates that the win ratio approach offers advantages in empirical power compared to the traditional Cox proportional hazard approach when there is a difference in treatment effect in the marginal events.