bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Electrochemical Reduction of CO2to CO on Ag/SnO2by a Synergistic Effect of Morphology and Structural Defects
Authors: Li Meng , Hu Yue , Wang Dawei , Geng Dongsheng
Published: July 2021

Silver (Ag)‐based materials are considered to be promising materials for electrochemical reduction of CO2to produce CO, but the selectivity and efficiency of traditional polycrystalline Ag materials are insufficient; there still exists a great challenge to explore novel modified Ag based materials. Herein, a nanocomposite of Ag and SnO2(Ag/SnO2) for efficient reduction of CO2to CO is reported. HRTEM and XRD patterns clearly demonstrated the lattice destruction of Ag and the amorphous SnO2in the Ag/SnO2nanocomposite. Electrochemical tests indicated the nanocomposite containing 15% SnO2possesses highest catalytic selectivity featured by a CO faradaic efficiency (FE) of 99.2% at −0.9 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode (vs RHE) and FE>90% for the CO product at a wide potential range from −0.8 V to −1.4 V vs RHE. Experimental characterization and analysis showed that the high catalytic performance is attributed to not only the branched morphology of Ag/SnO2nanocomposites (NCs), which endows the maximum exposure of active sites, but also the special adsorption capacity of abundant defect sites in the crystal for *COOH (the key intermediate of CO formation), which improves the intrinsic activity of the catalyst. But equally important, the existed SnO2also plays an important role in inhibiting hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and anchoring defect sites. This work demonstrates the use of crystal defect engineering and synergy in composite to improve the efficiency of electrocatalytic CO2reduction reaction (CO2RR).
Pressures and influences on school leaders navigating policy development during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Fotheringham Peter , Harriott Thomas , Healy Grace , Arenge Gabrielle , Wilson Elaine
Published: July 2021

The pressures and influences experienced by school leaders as school policymakers, during the first responses to COVID‐19 pandemic, made their task of interpreting, translating and implementing school guidance both difficult and stressful. During COVID‐19 pandemic, school leaders faced challenges to prioritise and balance ever‐changing government policy advice with the limitations of school buildings, the welfare of students and staff, and the needs of communities, a task made complicated by the methods of communication used by government. By surveying and interviewing headteachers, senior leaders and governors, this article identifies the reactions and responses of school leaders who construct and enact policy in the context of COVID‐19 pandemic. The article addresses the nature of, and factors affecting, pressures school leaders feel in authoring and implementing policy. These pressures are non‐trivial and increase tension in already highly stressful work. The report draws on data collected from a randomised, stratified sample of primary and secondary school leaders from across England in early June 2020, during the time of national lockdown and remote learning. Findings suggest quality, quantity and frequency of top‐down communication contributed to school leader stress, while horizontal communication and collaboration between school leaders and across school communities supported leaders during rapid change. We recommend that government and the Department of Education strengthen and streamline stressful communication systems while building cooperative communities, mitigating against the challenges identified by school leaders during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
dCas9 techniques for transcriptional repression in mammalian cells: Progress, applications and challenges
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Zhou Li‐quan
Published: July 2021

Innovative loss‐of‐function techniques developed in recent years have made it much easier to target specific genomic loci at transcriptional levels. CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) has been proven to be the most effective and specific tool to knock down any gene of interest in mammalian cells. The catalytically deactivated Cas9 (dCas9) can be fused with transcription repressors to downregulate gene expression specified by sgRNA complementary to target genomic sequence. Although CRISPRi has huge potential for gene knockdown, there is still a lack of systematic guidelines for efficient and widespread use. Here we describe the working mechanism and development of CRISPRi, designing principles of sgRNA, delivery methods and applications in mammalian cells in detail. Finally, we propose possible solutions and future directions with regard to current challenges.
Variance estimators for weighted and stratified linear dose–response function estimators using generalized propensity score
Authors: Garès Valérie , Chauvet Guillaume , Hajage David
Published: July 2021

Propensity score methods are widely used in observational studies for evaluating marginal treatment effects. The generalized propensity score (GPS) is an extension of the propensity score framework, historically developed in the case of binary exposures, for use with quantitative or continuous exposures. In this paper, we proposed variance estimators for treatment effect estimators on continuous outcomes. Dose–response functions (DRFs) were estimated through weighting on the inverse of the GPS, or using stratification. Variance estimators were evaluated using Monte Carlo simulations. Despite the use of stabilized weights, the variability of the weighted estimator of the DRF was particularly high, and none of the variance estimators (a bootstrap‐based estimator, a closed‐form estimator especially developed to take into account the estimation step of the GPS, and a sandwich estimator) were able to adequately capture this variability, resulting in coverages below the nominal value, particularly when the proportion of the variation in the quantitative exposure explained by the covariates was large. The stratified estimator was more stable, and variance estimators (a bootstrap‐based estimator, a pooled linearized estimator, and a pooled model‐based estimator) more efficient at capturing the empirical variability of the parameters of the DRF. The pooled variance estimators tended to overestimate the variance, whereas the bootstrap estimator, which intrinsically takes into account the estimation step of the GPS, resulted in correct variance estimations and coverage rates. These methods were applied to a real data set with the aim of assessing the effect of maternal body mass index on newborn birth weight.
Facile Direct Coupling Reactions of MOM‐protected Benzylic Alcohols Using Aluminum Chloride
Authors: Bui Tien Tan , Kim Hee‐Kwon
Published: July 2021

MOM group is one of the most commonly used protecting groups for alcohols. This study describes novel direct functionalization of the MOM‐protected benzylic alcohols. Preparation of allylic compounds from benzyl MOM ethers was successfully achieved by utilization of allyltrimethylsilane and AlCl3. In addition, direct azidation of benzyl MOM ethers using TMSN3 was successful carried out under AlCl3‐mediated reaction conditions. These results demonstrate that this novel synthetic procedure is a promising approach to direct functionalization of MOM‐protected alcohols including allylation and azidation.
Viability and functional recovery after chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Schumacher Stefan P. , Everaars Henk , Stuijfzand Wijnand J. , van Diemen Pepijn A. , Driessen Roel S. , Bom Michiel J. , de Winter Ruben W. , Somsen Yvemarie B. O. , Huynh Jennifer W. , van Loon Ramon B. , van de Ven Peter M. , van Rossum Albert C. , Opolski Maksymilian P. , Nap Alexander , Knaapen Paul
Published: July 2021

Objectives

This study evaluated myocardial viability as well as global and regional functional recovery after successful chronic coronary total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using sequential quantitative cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging.

Background

The patient benefits of CTO PCI are being questioned.

Methods

In a single high‐volume CTO PCI center patients were prospectively scheduled for CMR at baseline and 3 months after successful CTO PCI between 2013 and 2018. Segmental wall thickening (SWT) and percentage late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) were quantitatively measured per segment. Viability was defined as dysfunctional myocardium (<2.84 mm SWT) with no or limited scar (≤50% LGE).

Results

A total of 132 patients were included. Improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction was modest after CTO PCI (from 48.1 ± 11.8 to 49.5 ± 12.1%, p < 0.01). CTO segments with viability (N = 216, [31%]) demonstrated a significantly higher increase in SWT (0.80 ± 1.39 mm) compared to CTO segments with pre‐procedural preserved function (N = 456 [65%], 0.07 ± 1.43 mm, p < 0.01) or extensive scar (LGE >50%, N = 26 [4%], −0.08 ± 1.09 mm, p < 0.01). Patients with ≥2 CTO segments viability showed more SWT increase in the CTO territory compared to patients with 0–1 segment viability (0.49 ± 0.93 vs. 0.12 ± 0.98 mm, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Detection of dysfunctional myocardial segments without extensive scar (≤50% LGE) as a marker for viability on CMR aids in identifying patients with significant regional functional recovery after CTO PCI.
Bithiophene‐Cored,mono‐,bis‐, andtris‐(Trimethylammonium)‐Substituted,bis‐Triarylborane Chromophores: Effect of the Number and Position of Charges on Cell Imaging and DNA/RNA Sensing
Authors: Berger Sarina M. , Rühe Jessica , Schwarzmann Johannes , Phillipps Alexandra , Richard Ann‐Katrin , Ferger Matthias , Krummenacher Ivo , Tumir Lidija‐Marija , Ban Željka , Crnolatac Ivo , Majhen Dragomira , Barišić Ivan , Piantanida Ivo , Schleier Domenik , Griesbeck Stefanie , Friedrich Alexandra , Braunschweig Holger , Marder Todd B.
Published: July 2021

The synthesis, photophysical, and electrochemical properties of selectivelymono‐,bis‐ andtris‐dimethylamino‐ and trimethylammonium‐substitutedbis‐triarylborane bithiophene chromophores are presented along with the water solubility and singlet oxygen sensitizing efficiency of the cationic compoundsCat1+,Cat2+,Cat(i)2+, andCat3+. Comparison with themono‐triarylboranes reveals the large influence of the bridging unit on the properties of thebis‐triarylboranes, especially those of the cationic compounds. Based on these preliminary investigations, the interactions ofCat1+,Cat2+,Cat(i)2+, andCat3+with DNA, RNA, and DNApore were investigated in buffered solutions. The same compounds were investigated for their ability to enter and localize within organelles of human lung carcinoma (A549) and normal lung (WI38) cells showing that not only the number of charges but also their distribution over the chromophore influences interactions and staining properties.
Hetero‐bimetallic Lanthanide‐Coinage Metal Compounds Featuring Possible Metal‐Metal Interactions in the Excited State
Authors: Dahlen Milena , Reinfandt Niklas , Jin Chengyu , Gamer Michael T. , Fink Karin , Roesky Peter W.
Published: July 2021

Heterometallic complexes, combining metals of the outer rims of the d‐block, for example lanthanides(III) (Ln) and coinage metals(I) (M) are scarcely reported, synthetically challenging and highly interesting in terms of their interactions. In this context, we synthesized hetero‐bimetallic Ln−M compounds ligated by the phosphine functionalized amidinate system (N,N’‐bis[(2‐diphenylphosphino)phenyl]formamidinate, “dpfam”). The resulting compounds [dpfam3LnM][OTf] (Ln = La, Nd and M = Ag, Au) feature a close proximity of the two metal centres and were investigated experimentally by photoluminescence spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations. The latter showed rare La−Au interactions for the first excited state.
Association between exposure to Efavirenz and substrates of dysrhythmia in HIV‐infected young adults
Authors: Hosseini Zahra , Mollazadeh Reza , Dehghan‐Manshadi Seyed‐Ali , Mohebi Mehrnaz , Eslami Masoud , Sadre‐Bafghi Seyed‐Ali , Akbari Ali , Ghodsi Saeed
Published: July 2021

Background

Dysrhythmia and sudden cardiac arrest occur more likely in HIV patients than healthy subjects. Thus, we need to examine dysrhythmias adverse effects of medications including Efavirenz as early as possible especially in young subjects.

Hypothesis

Efavirenz might have contributed to increased risk of developing common types of dysrhythmia in young HIV infected patients.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study among 62 patients on Efavirenz and 38 controls. All participants were under 40 years old without cardiovascular disease. Total significant dysrhythmia in 24‐hour ECG monitoring was the primary endpoint determined as the composite of high premature ventricular contraction (PVC) (>500 beats per 24 hours), high premature atrial contraction (PAC) (>500 bp24h), sinus pause, atrioventricular blocks, ventricular tachycardia, prolonged QTc, and low heart rate variability (HRV). Modified composite dysrhythmia consisted of low HRV (SD of normal‐to‐normal [SDNN]), high PVC and prolonged QT.

Results

Mean heart rate, Efavirenz regimen, male gender, and CD4 count predicted total dysrhythmia. Odds ratios were 1.108, 2.90, 4.36, and 0.96, respectively. The incidence of total dysrhythmia, high PVC, high PAC, low HRV(SDNN), and prolonged QTc were 54.8%, 41.85%, 9.71%, 45.2%, and 12.9% in patients on Efavirenz against 42.11%, 31.64%, 0%, 34.2%, and 7.91% in controls, respectively (p‐values: .031, .001, <.0001, .063, and .043 respectively). Modified composite dysrhythmia was also more frequent in Efavirenz group than that of control group (69.42% vs. 52.60%, respectively p = .032).

Conclusions

We found that patients with Efavirenz had higher prevalence of frequent PVC, frequent PAC, total significant dysrhythmia, Low HRV and prolonged QTc than controls.
Bis(N‐picolinamido)cobalt(II) Complexes Display Antifungal Activity toward Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Ghandhi Laura H. D. , Bidula Stefan , Pask Christopher M. , Lord Rianne M. , McGowan Patrick C.
Published: July 2021

This report highlights the synthesis and characterization of ten new bis(N‐picolinamido)cobalt(II) complexes of the type [(L)2CoX2]0/2+, whereby L=N‐picolinamide ligand and X=diisothiocyanato (−NCS), dichlorido (−Cl) or diaqua (−OH2) ligands. Single crystal X‐ray (SC‐XRD) analysis for nine of the structures are reported and confirm the picolinamide ligand is bound to the Co(II) center through a neutral N,O binding mode. With the addition of powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), we have confirmed the cis and trans ligand arrangements of each complex. All complexes were screened against several fungal species and show increased antifungal activity. Notably, these complexes had significant activity against strains of Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus, with several compounds exhibiting growth inhibition of >80 %, and onecompound inhibiting Aspergillus fumigatus hyphal growth by >90 %. Conversely, no antifungal activity was exhibited toward Cryptococcus neoformans and no cytotoxicity towards mammalian cell lines.
Investigation of the Effects and Mechanisms of Anticancer Action of a Ru(II)‐Arene Iminophosphorane Compound in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Nayeem Nazia , Yeasmin Arefa , Cobos Samantha N. , Younes Ali , Hubbard Karen , Contel Maria
Published: July 2021

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the breast cancers with poorer prognosis and survival rates. TNBC has a disproportionally high incidence and mortality in women of African descent. We report on the evaluation of Ru‐IM (1), a water‐soluble organometallic ruthenium compound, in TNBC cell lines derived from patients of European (MDA‐MB‐231) and African (HCC‐1806) ancestry (including IC50 values, cellular and organelle uptake, cell death pathways, cell cycle, effects on migration, invasion, and angiogenesis, a preliminary proteomic analysis, and an NCI 60 cell‐line panel screen). 1 was previously found highly efficacious in MDA‐MB‐231 cells and xenografts, with little systemic toxicity and preferential accumulation in the tumor. We observe a similar profile for this compound in the two cell lines studied, which includes high cytotoxicity, apoptotic behavior and potential antimetastatic and antiangiogenic properties. Cytokine M‐CSF, involved in the PI3/AKT pathway, shows protein expression inhibition with exposure to 1. We also demonstrate a p53 independent mechanism of action.
Noncovalent Axial I⋅⋅⋅Pt⋅⋅⋅I Interactions in Platinum(II) Complexes Strengthen in the Excited State
Authors: Bulatov Evgeny , Eskelinen Toni , Ivanov Alexander Yu. , Tolstoy Peter M. , Kalenius Elina , Hirva Pipsa , Haukka Matti
Published: July 2021

Coordination compounds of platinum(II) participate in various noncovalent axial interactions involving metal center. Weakly bound axial ligands can be electrophilic or nucleophilic; however, interactions with nucleophiles are compromised by electron density clashing. Consequently, simultaneous axial interaction of platinum(II) with two nucleophilic ligands is almost unprecedented. Herein, we report structural and computational study of a platinum(II) complex possessing such intramolecular noncovalent I⋅⋅⋅Pt⋅⋅⋅I interactions. Structural analysis indicates that the two iodine atoms approach the platinum(II) center in a “side‐on” fashion and act as nucleophilic ligands. According to computational studies, the interactions are dispersive, weak and anti‐cooperative in the ground electronic state, but strengthen substantially and become partially covalent and cooperative in the lowest excited state. Strengthening of I⋅⋅⋅Pt⋅⋅⋅I contacts in the excited state is also predicted for the sole previously reported complex with analogous axial interactions.
How stakeholders affect the pursuit of the Environmental, Social, and Governance. Evidence from innovative small and medium enterprises
Authors: Esposito De Falco Salvatore , Scandurra Giuseppe , Thomas Antonio
Published: July 2021

ESG has become particularly relevant and widespread among a growing number of firms. This dynamic is the consequence of different solicitations to which companies are subject, mainly by stakeholders. To pursue ESG usually requires the implementation of eco‐innovations (EI). Until now, literature about the effects of EI on ESG has been predominantly focused on large corporations, while little attention has been paid to SME, particularly to innovative SMEs. Within the ESG framework, this paper investigates how stakeholders influence innovative SME decisions to adopt EIs. To reach this aim, we investigate a probabilistic sample of 222 SMEs using the Partial Least Squares method. Results highlight that contractual stakeholders exert a higher influence than community stakeholders on EI. Among the single stakeholders belonging to the mentioned categories, only investors/lenders do not exert influence.
Multiple paternity in two populations of finetooth sharks (Carcharhinus isodon) with varying reproductive periodicity
Authors: Nash Cody S. , Darby Philip C. , Frazier Bryan S. , Hendon Jill M. , Higgs Jeremy M. , Hoffmayer Eric R. , Daly‐Engel Toby S.
Published: July 2021

The mechanisms underlying polyandry and female mate choice in certain taxonomic groups remain widely debated. In elasmobranchs, several species have shown varying rates of polyandry based on genetic studies of multiple paternity (MP). We investigated MP in the finetooth shark, Carcharhinus isodon, in order to directly test the encounter rate hypothesis (ERH), which predicts that MP is a result of the frequency of encounters between mature conspecifics during the breeding season, and should therefore increase when more time is available for copulation and sperm storage. Female finetooth sharks in the northern Gulf of Mexico (GoM) have been found to reproduce with both annual periodicity and biennial periodicity, while finetooth sharks from the northwestern Atlantic Ocean have only been found to reproduce biennially, allowing us to compare mating opportunity to frequency of MP. Our results show high rates of MP with no significant difference in frequency between females in the GoM (83.0%) and Atlantic (88.2%, p = .8718) and varying but nonsignificant rates of MP between females in the GoM reproducing annually (93.0%) and biennially (76.6%, p = .2760). While the ERH is not supported by this study, it remains possible that reproductive periodicity and other physiological factors play a role in determining rates of MP in elasmobranchs, with potential benefits to individuals and populations.
Increased oxidative stress during exercise predicts poor prognosis in patients with acute decompensated heart failure
Authors: Shibata Atsushi , Izumiya Yasuhiro , Yamaguchi Yumi , Kitada Ryoko , Iwata Shinichi , Ehara Shoichi , Izumi Yasukatsu , Hanatani Akihisa , Yoshiyama Minoru
Published: July 2021

Aims

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development and progression of heart failure (HF). Although exercise and oxidative stress are closely related, the effect of acute exercise on reactive oxygen species production and the fluctuation on prognosis are unclear.

Methods and results

We enrolled 94 patients who were hospitalized for worsening HF (mean age 68.0 ± 14.5 years old, 63.8% male). The changes in diacron‐reactive oxygen metabolites (d‐ROM) values, a marker of oxidative stress, before and after a cardiopulmonary exercise test were considered as Δd‐ROM. The mean follow‐up period was 24 ± 13 months, during which 15 patients had all‐cause death or left ventricular assist system implantation. Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated that all‐cause death or left ventricular assist system implantation was significantly higher in the Δd‐ROM‐positive group than in the Δd‐ROM‐negative group (log‐rank P = 0.047). Elevated Δd‐ROM levels were associated with increased mortality risk. Multivariate analysis adjusted for body mass index and peak oxygen uptake revealed that Δd‐ROM was an independent prognostic factor of adverse events (Tertile 3 vs. 1; hazard ratio: 4.57; 95% confidence interval: 1.21–29.77; P = 0.022).

Conclusions

Patients with HF who underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test and had an increased oxidative stress marker level had a poor prognosis. The appropriate exercise intensity could be determined by evaluating the changes in oxidative stress status in response to acute exercise in patients with HF.
Determination of Buprenorphine (BUP) with Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Zn/La3+ Metal Organic Framework on Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode (GCE)
Authors: Yahyapour Moghadaseh , Ranjbar Mehdi , Mohadesi Alireza , Rejaeinegad Moslem
Published: July 2021

In this study we report the Zn/La3+ metal organic frameworks (MOFs) were synthesized with the co‐precipitation assisted microwave method. Zn/La3+ MOFs were used as a new nanocomposite for the design and construction of a nanosensor based on glassy carbon electrode (GCE). MOFs due to their unique and excellent physicochemical properties can be used in sensors based on glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The synergistic effect of MOFs on glassy carbon electrode increases the power of the limits of detection (LOD). In this study, a new chemical sensor was fabricated by electro polymerization to measure buprenorphine with MOFs based on molecularly imprinted polymer. Zn/La3+ MOFs nanostructures were identified with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) spectra. Buprenorphine was used as a template, pyrrole was used as a monomer, potassium ferrocyanide as an electrochemical active tracer in electropolymerization processes and the parameters affecting the sensor response were optimized. At the Zn/La3+ MOF/MIP electrode, the calibration curve in the linear region was obtained in the concentration range between 4 to 50 ng/ml and the detection limit was 1.08 ng/ml. In a new strategy, Zn/La3+ MOFs nanostructures can be introduced as new materials with high efficiency which used at chemical sensors for detection of the opiates in all over the world.
Blockchain technology for the industrial Internet of Things: A comprehensive survey on security challenges, architectures, applications, and future research directions
Authors: Latif Shahid , Idrees Zeba , e Huma Zil , Ahmad Jawad
Published: July 2021

The blockchain has emerged as an innovative and powerful technology that shows the tremendous potential to enhance the smart industrial frameworks by providing encryption, immutable storage, and decentralization. In the past few years, several applications in the industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) have emerged and blockchain technologies gained great attention from academia and industry. To discover the great potential of blockchain technology for the IIoT, we present a comprehensive survey on security issues, blockchain architectures, and applications from the industrial perspective. This article starts with a comparison of exiting state‐of‐the‐art surveys of blockchain technologies for IoT/IIoT applications. A four‐layer reference architecture of IIoT is presented along with the functionalities and security issues of each layer. To address these challenges, we assess the potential of blockchain technology by considering the key characteristics, architectures, consensus algorithms, and implementation platforms. Furthermore, we also discussed some use cases of blockchain for the IIoT frameworks. Finally, this survey is concluded by highlighting some open issues and future research directions.
Artificial bionic taste sensors coupled with chemometrics for rapid detection of beef adulteration
Authors: Lu Biao , Han Fangkai , Aheto Joshua H. , Rashed Marwan M. A. , Pan Zhenggao
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of taste sensors coupled with chemometrics for rapid determination of beef adulteration. A total of 228 minced meat samples were prepared and analyzed via raw ground beef mixed separately with chicken, duck, and pork in the range of 0 ~ 50% by weight at 10% intervals. Total sugars, protein, fat, and ash contents were also measured to validate the differences between raw meats. For sensing the water‐soluble chemicals in the meats, an electronic tongue based on multifrequency large‐amplitude pulses and six metal electrodes (platinum, gold, palladium, tungsten, titanium, and silver) was employed. Fisher linear discriminant analysis (Fisher LDA) and extreme learning machine (ELM) were used to model the identification of raw and the adulterated meats. While an adulterant was detected, the level of adulteration was predicted using partial least squares (PLS) and ELM and the results compared. The results showed that superior recognition models derived from ELM were obtained, as the recognition rates for the independent samples in different meat groups were all over 90%; ELM models were more precisely than PLS models for prediction of the adulteration levels of beef mixed with chicken, duck, and pork, with root mean squares error for the independent samples of 0.33, 0.18, and 0.38% and coefficients of variance of 0.914, 0.956, and 0.928, respectively. The results suggested that taste sensors combined with ELM could be useful in the rapid detection of beef adulterated with other meats.
A new method for anti‐negative interference of calcium dobesilate in serum creatinine enzymatic analysis
Authors: Shen Hailan , Chen Kena , Cao Ju
Published: July 2021

Background

Serum creatinine is a widely used biomarker for evaluating renal function. Sarcosine oxidase enzymatic (SOE) analysis is currently the most widely used method for the detection of creatinine. This method was negatively interfered with by calcium dobesilate, causing pseudo‐reduced results. The aim of this study was to explore a new method to alleviate the negative interference of this drug on creatinine detection.

Method

We formulated eight drug concentrations and 12 creatinine concentrations from serum. The SOE method, the new method, and the Jaffe method were used for detection in five systems. Creatinine biases were analyzed under the conditions with or without the interference of calcium dobesilate, at consistent or inconsistent creatinine concentrations. Creatinine concentrations were also analyzed at three medical decision levels (MDLs).

Results

Calcium dobesilate had negative interference in creatinine SOE analysis. With the increase in calcium dobesilate concentrations, the negative bias increases. The new BG method showed an anti‐negative interference effect. In the Roche system, the BG method reduced the negative bias from −71.11% to −16.7%. In the Abbott system, bias was reduced from −45.15% to −2.74%. In the Beckman system, the bias was reduced from −65.36% to −7.58%. In the Siemens system, the bias was reduced from −58.62% to −7.58%. In the Mindray system, the bias was reduced from −36.29% to −6.84%.

Conclusion

The new method alleviated the negative interference of calcium dobesilate in creatinine SOE detection. The negative bias could be reduced from −60% or −70% to less than −20%.
Nonenhanced Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients With Amyloid Light‐Chain Amyloidosis
Authors: Li Xiao , Huang Sisi , Han Pei , Zhou Zhengwei , Azab Linda , Lu Meng , Li Jian , An Jing , Cao Yihan , Jin Zhengyu , Li Debiao , Wang Yining
Published: July 2021

Background

Chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) is an emerging metabolic MRI technique to map creatine distribution in the myocardium.

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of using a contrast‐free CEST technique to evaluate cardiac involvement in amyloid light‐chain (AL) amyloidosis.

Study type

Prospective.

Population

Forty patients with biopsy‐proven AL amyloidosis (age 57.6 ± 9.1 years, 31 males) and 20 healthy controls (age 42.8 ± 13.8 years, 13 males).

Field strength/Sequence

A 3.0 T, CEST imaging using a single‐shot FLASH sequence, T1 mapping with a modified Look‐Locker inversion recovery sequence and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging with a phase‐sensitive inversion recovery gradient echo sequence.

Assessment

The average CEST was calculated in the basal short‐axis slice of the entire left ventricle and septum. LGE was assessed subjectively (none/patchy/global) and extracellular volume (ECV), CEST and T1 maps generated.

Statistical Tests

Comparison between patient groups and healthy controls was performed by one‐way analysis of variance with post hoc Bonferroni correction. Correlation was assessed using the Pearson's r correlation or Spearman ρ correlation. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05.

Results

Global (0.09 ± 0.03 vs. 0.11 ± 0.02) and septal (0.09 ± 0.03 vs. 0.11 ± 0.03) basal short‐axis CEST was significantly decreased in patients with AL amyloidosis compared to the controls. Global CEST correlated significantly with Mayo stage (ρ = −0.508), NYHA Class (ρ = −0.430), LVEF (r = 0.511), mass index (r = −0.373), LGE (ρ = −0.537), ECV (r = −0.544), and T2 (r = −0.396). Septal CEST correlated significantly with LVEF (r = 0.395), LGE (ρ = −0.330), and ECV (r = −0.391).

Data Conclusions

This study highlights the potential of CEST MRI to identify cardiac involvement and evaluate disease burden and to give insight into cellular changes intermediary between function and structure in AL amyloidosis patients.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2
Identifying meaningful covariates that can improve the interpolation of monsoon rainfall in a low‐lying tropical region
Authors: Das Samiran , Wahiduzzaman Md
Published: July 2021

The assessment of spatio‐temporal distribution of rainfall over the entire monsoon season is critical for the water resources management in a tropical low‐lying region like Bangladesh. The primary objective is to find suitable interpolation methods for each monsoon month as well as the accumulated rainfall for the entire season in Bangladesh. As the unique position of Bangladesh and monsoon system both contribute the variation in rainfall, the identification of associated suitable covariates can offer reliable estimates when applied with the appropriate interpolation model. Several potential covariates are identified diligently including the remotely sensed annul average monsoon rainfall (RAAMR), distance to Bay‐of‐Bengal and distance to Hindu‐Kush Himalayan Region, among others. This study mainly considers the multivariate approach: kriging with external drift (KED) which is able to take external information to positive impact. The method is then compared with the more traditional univariate, ordinary kriging (OK) and the inverse distance weighting (IDW) method using the cross‐validation technique. Daily rainfall data from 1970 to 2016 at 34 stations were used for the assessment. Result shows that the KED model is identified suitable for the considered variants of June, August, September and annual average monsoon rainfall whereas the OK is appropriate for July. Overall, the KED is found superior model with the incorporation of RAAMR data. The successful inclusion of remotely sensed data in the kriging system paves a new dimension in the climatological research for countries where climate‐measuring resources are limited.
Fermented goat's milk modulates immune response during iron deficiency anemia recovery
Authors: García‐Burgos María , Moreno‐Fernandez Jorge , Díaz‐Castro Javier , M Alférez María José , López‐Aliaga Inmaculada
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Iron deficiency and iron overload can affect the normal functioning of the innate and adaptive immune responses. Fermented milk products may enhance immune functions, but little is known about the effect of fermented milks on modulation of the immune response during iron deficiency anemia and recovery with normal or high dietary iron intake. Eighty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to a control group fed a standard diet or to an anemic group fed a diet deficit in iron. Control and anemic groups were fed for 30 days with diets based on a fermented goat's or cow's milk product, with normal iron content or iron overload.

RESULTS

In general, during anemia recovery lectin and alternative complement pathway activity and lactoferrin decreased, because it improves iron homeostasis, which is critically important in immune system functions. Fermented goat's milk diet enhanced immune function during iron deficiency recovery, suppressed oxidant‐induced eotaxin and fractalkine expression due to the concurrent reduction of free radical production and pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and decreased monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 and monocyte migration and adhesion. The increase in interferon‐γ can confer immunological colonization of gut microbiota and downregulate inflammation.

CONCLUSION

Fermented goat's milk consumption enhances immune function, modifying complement pathway activity and decreasing pro‐inflammatory cytokines as well as lactoferrin concentration, due to the improvement of iron homeostasis, which is critically important in the normal function of the immune system. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Impact of the early COVID‐19 pandemic on Breast Surgical Oncology fellow education
Authors: Kilgore Lyndsey J. , Murphy Brittany L. , Postlewait Lauren M. , Liang Diana H. , Bedrosian Isabelle , Lucci Anthony , Kuerer Henry M. , Hunt Kelly K. , Teshome Mediget
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The early COVID‐19 pandemic rapidly transformed healthcare and medical education. We sought to evaluate the professional and personal impact of the pandemic on 2019–2020 Breast Surgical Oncology (BSO) fellows in Society of Surgical Oncology approved programs to capture the experience and direct future changes.

Methods

From July 15, 2020 to August 4, 2020 a survey was administered to the American Society of Breast Surgeons' fellow members. The survey assessed the impact of the pandemic on clinical experience, education/research opportunities, personal health/well‐being, and future career. Responses were collected and aggregated to quantify the collective experience of respondents.

Results

Twenty‐eight of fifty‐seven (54%) eligible fellows responded. Twenty‐one (75%) indicated the clinical experience changed. Twenty‐seven (96%) reported less time spent caring for ambulatory breast patients and sixteen (57%) reported the same/more time spent in the operating room. Fourteen (50%) stated their future job was impacted and eight (29%) delayed general surgery board examinations. Stress was increased in 26 (93%). Personal health was unaffected in 20 (71%), and 3 (10%) quarantined for COVID‐19 exposure/infection.

Conclusion

The COVID‐19 pandemic altered the clinical experience of BSO fellows; however, the operative experience was generally unaffected. The creation of frameworks and support mechanisms to mitigate potential challenges for fellows and fellowship programs in the ongoing pandemic and other times of national crisis should be considered.
Effects of Knockdown of XPO5 by siRNA on the Biological Behavior of Head and Neck Cancer Cells
Authors: Özdaş Sibel , Canatar İpek , Özdaş Talih
Published: July 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Dysregulated expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) and dysregulation of the mechanisms that regulate them are associated with carcinogenesis. Exportin‐5 (XPO5), a member of the Karyopherin family, is responsible for the transfer of pre‐miRNAs from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Despite the high oncogenic potential of XPO5 as a critical regulator of the biogenesis of miRNAs, its role in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) biology has not been explained yet.

Study Design

In‐vitro translational.

Methods

The expression of XPO5 at the mRNA, protein, and intracellular level in SCC‐9, FaDu SCC‐90, and Detroit‐562 cell lines were evaluated with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western‐blot analysis, and immunofluorescence staining, respectively. The functional role of XPO5 in HNSCC was analyzed by silencing the gene expression with XPO5‐small interfering RNA (siRNA) in the in vitro model. Cell proliferation, migration capacity, and apoptosis in XPO5 knockdown HNSCC cell lines were evaluated by MTT, wound‐healing, and caspase‐3 assay, respectively.

Results

Expression of XPO5 was determined to be upregulated at mRNA, protein, and intracellular level in metastatic cells compared to primary cells in HNSCC. XPO5 gene expression was knockdown by XPO5‐siRNA transfection, verifying that it was suppressed at the mRNA, protein, and intracellular level. Silencing XPO5 caused a decrease in cell proliferation, delay in wound healing, and increase in Caspase‐3 enzyme activity in HNSCC cell lines compared to control.

Conclusions

This report is the first to describe the oncogenic role of XPO5 in HNSCC biology by in vitro experiments. Consequently, XPO5 can be used as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target molecule against the disease in the diagnosis‐treatment‐follow‐up of HNSCC.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 132:569–577, 2022
Understanding the impact of recipient identification and discount structure on social coupon sharing: The role of altruism and market mavenism
Authors: Hanson Sara , Kukar‐Kinney Monika , Yuan Hong
Published: July 2021

This study investigates consumers’ sharing of social coupons, a novel and understudied marketing strategy in which a consumer receives a coupon set where one coupon is meant to be kept and redeemed, while the other is meant to be shared with a secondary recipient. Linking the literature on marketing promotions, social influence, sharing motivations, and consumer characteristics, we examine how identification of a specific secondary recipient (e.g., family member vs. co‐worker) and coupon discount structure (e.g., equal discount for both the sharer and the secondary recipient vs. a structure favoring one of the parties) affect social coupon sharing. Four experimental studies demonstrate that consumers are more likely to share social coupons when socially close to the identified recipient and when discount structure benefits the secondary recipient due to enhanced feelings of altruism. These effects are particularly impactful for individuals low in market mavenism, whereas individuals high in market mavenism share regardless. These findings enhance theories on behavioral pricing, social influence, and sharing motivations. Results indicate that current practices in the marketplace may not all be strategically sound and that practitioners should carefully consider how identification and discount structure are employed to maximize social coupon sharing.
Dream Content Predicts Motor and Cognitive Decline in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Otaiku Abidemi I.
Published: July 2021

Background

Dream content alterations in Parkinson's disease (PD) are associated with motor and cognitive dysfunction cross‐sectionally. Although recent studies suggest abnormal dream content in PD might also predict cognitive decline, the relationship between dream content and motor decline in PD remains unknown.

Objective

To investigate whether abnormal dream content in PD predicts both motor and cognitive decline.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative cohort study. Patients were evaluated at baseline and at the 60‐month follow‐up, with validated clinical scales, including the REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Screening Questionnaire (RBDSQ), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and the Movement Disorder Society–Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III (MDS‐UPDRS III). Patients were dichotomized using RBDSQ item 2, which inquires whether they frequently experience aggression in their dreams. Regression analyses were used to assess whether frequent aggressive dreams at baseline predicted longitudinal changes in MDS‐UPDRS III and MoCA scores as well as progression to Hoehn and Yahr stage 3 (H&Y ≥ 3) and cognitive impairment.

Results

Of the patients, 58/224 (25.9%) reported frequent aggressive dreams at baseline. Aggressive dreams predicted a faster increase in MDS‐UPDRS III scores (β = 4.64;P = 0.007) and a faster decrease in MoCA scores (β = −1.49;P = 0.001). Furthermore, they conferred a 6‐fold and 2‐fold risk for progressing to H&Y ≥ 3 (odds ratio [OR] = 5.82;P = 0.005) and cognitive impairment (OR, 2.35;P = 0.023) within 60 months. These associations remained robust when adjusting for potential confounders.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates for the first time that frequent aggressive dreams in newly diagnosed PD may independently predict early motor and cognitive decline.
Autosomic dominant polycystic kidney disease and metformin: Old knowledge and new insights on retarding progression of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Casarella Alessandro , Nicotera Ramona , Zicarelli Maria T. , Urso Alessandra , Presta Pierangela , Deodato Francesca , Bolignano Davide , De Sarro Giovambattista , Andreucci Michele , Russo Emilio , Coppolino Giuseppe
Published: July 2021

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common congenital kidney disorder, generally caused by mutations in the PKD1 and PKD2 genes, coding for polycystins 1 and 2. Its pathogenesis is accompanied by alterations of the cAMP, mTOR, MAPK/ERK, and JAK/STAT pathways. ADPKD is clinically characterized by the formation of many growing cysts with kidney enlargement and a progressive damage to the parenchyma, up to its complete loss of function, and the onset of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD). The current aim of ADPKD therapy is the inhibition of cyst development and retardation of chronic kidney disease progression. Several drugs have been recently included as potential therapies for ADPKD including metformin, the drug of choice for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, according to its potential inhibitory effects on cystogenesis. In this review, we summarize preclinical and clinical evidence endorsing or rejecting metformin administration in ADPKD evolution and pathological mechanisms. We explored the biology of APDKD and the role of metformin in slowing down cystogenesis searching PubMed and Clinical Trials to identify relevant data from the database inception to December 2020. From our research analysis, evidence for metformin as emerging cure for ADPKD mainly arise from preclinical studies. In fact, clinical studies are still scanty and stronger evidence is awaited. Its effects are likely mediated by inhibition of the ERK pathway and increase of AMPK levels, which are both linked to ADPKD pathogenesis.
Symmetric periodic leaky‐wave antenna for open stopband suppression
Authors: Ahmad Ayaz , Kumar Busineni Mahesh , Mukherjee Jayanta
Published: July 2021

In this work, a novel symmetric periodic leaky‐wave antenna is proposed for open stopband suppression. The unit cell of the proposed antenna consists of an H‐shaped ring as the leakage element. Using L–C circuit analysis, it is shown that the open stopband is effectively eliminated by optimizing the H‐shaped ring. A prototype is fabricated to verify the simulated results. The antenna radiates in the broadside direction at 7.9 GHz. The impedance bandwidth corresponding to the n = −1 space harmonic ranges between 5.7 and 11 GHz.
Mixed‐methods study protocol for explanation of pregnant women’s concerns about antenatal anomaly screening process: Designing, implementing and evaluation of intervention
Authors: Khakbazan Zohreh , Poursharifi Hamid , Farnam Farnaz , Hantoushzadeh Sedigheh , Abdollahi Parsa , Haghani Shima , Arjmandifar Mitra
Published: July 2021

Aim

This study aims to investigate the concerns of Iranian pregnant women in the antenatal anomaly screening process (AASP) and propose an intervention to reduce these concerns.

Design

This exploratory sequential mixed‐methods study is conducted in three stages (qualitative, intervention design and quantitative), in Tehran.

Methods

A qualitative study is carried out to collect pregnant women's concerns during the AASP. Then, a two‐step procedure is implemented. In the first step (expert session), the concerns extracted in the qualitative part are prioritized. Next, the interventions used to reduce the concerns of pregnant women in the AASP are reviewed by considering the priority determined in the previous stage. The information obtained from this step is used to design intervention. Ultimately, a randomized controlled trial is used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.

Discussion

The results can be used for framing policies in health systems to address pregnant women's concerns in the AASP and to promote their mental health.
Virtual foaling: A case study
Authors: Jones Stephanie L. , Carraway Candis L. , Barnes Jared
Published: July 2021

The outbreak of COVID‐19 during the spring 2020 semester prevented the normal face‐to‐face format of the Equine Reproduction and Foaling course and laboratory due to campus closure and prevention of students returning to campus. This case study provides a unique teaching strategy utilizing a cloud‐based live feed video surveillance system for the remote observation of four mares during foaling to provide students with real time streaming video and the effective delivery of online content. Students coordinated overnight observation shifts with the GroupMe app and sent notifications to classmates of foaling events. The student feedback for the course was positive and provided an extraordinary experience of students witnessing the real time birth of a foal from home. After completing the Equine Reproduction and Foaling course, several enrolled students have indicated interest in pursuing careers as foaling attendants or in the equine reproduction industry in general due to the impact of the experiential learning delivered in this course. Utilization of a remote, cloud‐based surveillance system for live viewing from various mobile devices is an instructional strategy that may be advantageous in a variety of animal science or agriculture courses to provide effective online delivery of face‐to‐face content.