bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An opportunity for global antimicrobial stewardship research: Refugee populations
Authors: Patel Payal K. , Mehrotra Preeti , Ladines-Lim Joseph B.
Published: February 2022

Antimicrobial resistance is a well-known global health threat that has higher prevalence in the refugee population. Although guidance has been provided by the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on implementing antimicrobial stewardship in lower- and middle-income countries, as well as by the United Nations Refugee Agency on other infection prevention and control efforts, no specific guidance exists for implementation of stewardship in this population. We highlight challenges specific to this population, review recent studies of interest within this space, and propose a research agenda to help move stewardship forward in the refugee population. We advocate for the importance of this issue, particularly given recent current events of geopolitical volatility that render this population more vulnerable, in the setting of its already well-known numerous health challenges.
Modeling Outcomes Using Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) Score-Based Ventilator Triage Guidelines During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Cuartas Pablo Alberto , Tavares Santos Heitor , Levy Benjamin M , Gong Michelle Ng , Powell Tia , Chuang Elizabeth
Published: February 2022

Objective:

To model performance of the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score-based ventilator allocation guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort study design was used. Study sites included 3 New York City hospitals in a single academic medical center. We included a random sample (205) of adult patients who were intubated (1002) from March 25, 2020, till April 29, 2020. Protocol criteria adapted from the New York State’s 2015 guidelines were applied to determine which patients would have had mechanical ventilation withheld or withdrawn.

Results:

117 (57%) patients would have been identified for ventilator withdrawal or withholding based on the triage guidelines. Of those 117 patients, 28 (24%) survived hospitalization. Overall, 65 (32%) patients survived to discharge.

Conclusion:

Triage protocols aim to maximize survival by redirecting ventilators to those most likely to survive. Over 50% of this sample would have been identified as candidates for ventilator exclusion. Clinical judgment would therefore still be needed in ventilator reallocation, thus re-introducing bias and moral distress. This data suggests limited utility for SOFA score-based ventilator rationing. It raises the question of whether there is sufficient ethical justification to impose a life-ending decision based on a SOFA scoring method on some patients in order to offer potential benefit to a modest number of others.
A longitudinal evaluation of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a cohort of patients treated with clozapine
Authors: Rainford Aoibheann , Moran S. , McMahon Eimear , Fahy Yvonne Patricia , McDonald Colm , Hallahan Brian
Published: February 2022

Objectives:

We previously demonstrated that three months into the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact on individuals with treatment-resistant psychotic disorders was modest. Here, we examined and compared the psychological and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the same patient cohort 12 months after their initial study engagement.

Methods:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 54 individuals (85.7% response rate) between June 12 and July 29, 2021, 12 months after their initial interviews. Participants’ subjective experience of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on anxiety symptoms, social and vocational functioning was measured utilising the same Likert scales at both time points. Anxiety symptoms were additionally measured using subjective (Beck Anxiety Inventory) and objective (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS)) psychometric instruments. Pairedt-tests or Wilcoxon ranked tests compared parametric or non-parametric data over time. Free-text responses pertaining to participants’ perspectives on the impact of COVID-19 were grouped into themes.

Results:

A minor increase in anxiety symptoms was demonstrated utilising the HARS (1.9 points,z= 3.017,p= 0.003), with a minimal increase in depressive symptoms noted using Likert ratings (0.8 points,z= 2.119,p= 0.034). Five themes were identified with the most prevalent being (i) positivity regarding vaccination, (ii) social isolation from family members and (iii) looking forward to post-COVID-19 ‘normality’. However, negative views pertaining to the psychosocial impact of COVID-19 and vaccination were additionally reported.

Conclusions:

No significant overall clinical change in symptomatology or functioning over time was noted.The study demonstrated that positive views regarding vaccination and optimism for the future were evident for some participants.
Exact simulation of extrinsic stress-release processes
Authors: Lee Young , Laub Patrick J. , Taimre Thomas , Zhao Hongbiao , Zhuang Jiancang
Published: February 2022

We present a new and straightforward algorithm that simulates exact sample paths for a generalized stress-release process. The computation of the exact law of the joint inter-arrival times is detailed and used to derive this algorithm. Furthermore, the martingale generator of the process is derived, and induces theoretical moments which generalize some results of [3] and are used to demonstrate the validity of our simulation algorithm.
Relationships between the Fear of COVID-19 Scale and regional brain atrophy in mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Takahashi Takumi , Ota Miho , Numata Yuriko , Kitabatake Ayako , Nemoto Kiyotaka , Tamura Masashi , Ide Masayuki , Matsuzaki Asaki , Kaneda Yuko , Arai Tetsuaki
Published: February 2022

Background:

Several studies have reported that the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) influenced cognitive function in the elderly. However, the effect of COVID-19-related fear on brain atrophy has not been evaluated. In this study, we evaluated the relation between brain atrophy and the effect of COVID-19-related fear by analysing changes in brain volume over time using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods:

Participants were 25 Japanese patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or subjective cognitive decline (SCD), who underwent 1.5-tesla MRI scan twice, once before and once after the pandemic outbreak of COVID-19, and the Fear of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Scale (FCV-19S) assessment during that period. We computed regional brain atrophy per day between the 1st and 2nd scan, and evaluated the relation between the FCV-19S scores and regional shrinkage.

Results:

There was significant positive correlation between the total FCV-19S score and volume reduction per day in the right posterior cingulate cortex. Regarding the subscales of FCV-19S, we found significant positive correlation between factor 2 of the FCV-19S and shrinkage of the right posterior cingulate cortex.

Conclusions:

There was positive correlation between the FCV-19S score and regional brain atrophy per day. Although it is already known that the psychological effects surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic cause cognitive function decline, our results further suggest that anxiety and fear related to COVID-19 cause regional brain atrophy.
Role of cholecystokinin in satiation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Warrilow Andrew , Turner Murray , Naumovski Nenad , Somerset Shawn
Published: February 2022

The aim of this review was to examine: (1) the ability of cholecystokinin (CCK) or analogues of CCK to influence satiation and changes in body weight generally and (2) the efficacy of CCK in influencing satiation and eating behaviour specifically at physiological levels of dosing. A systematic review of the literature was performed following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines in five electronic databases investigating the effect of exogenous CCK or analogues on satiation and body weight. A meta-analysis of studies that infused CCK and measured satiation via changes in food/energy intake was also conducted. A total of 1054 studies were found using the search terms which were reduced to fifteen studies suitable for inclusion. Of the twelve studies measuring the effect on the weight of food ingested or energy intake, eleven showed a decrease. An analogue of CCK which can be administered orally failed to produce any weight loss at 24 weeks. The meta-analysis found the effect of CCK on satiation dosed at physiological levels was significant with a standardised mean difference of 0·57 (95 % CI 0·30, 0·85, P < 0·0001). By comparison, CCK dosed at higher, pharmacological levels also had a significant effect with a standardised mean difference of 0·91 (95 % CI 0·46, 1·36, P < 0·0001). Eight of the ten studies in the meta-analysis combined CCK infusion with some means to facilitate stomach distension. The present review found evidence that at both physiological and pharmacological levels of dosing CCK has a significant effect on satiation but no evidence for weight loss over the long term.
Milkability of Holstein cows is significantly affected by the incidence of clinical mastitis for weeks after diagnosis
Authors: Gašparík Matúš , Stádník Luděk , Ducháček Jaromír , Vrhel Marek
Published: February 2022

The main objective of this research communication was to explore the extent of milkability changes caused by the incidence of clinical mastitis. Our second objective was to investigate if the milkability of cows shortly before mastitis incidence significantly differed in comparison with healthy cows. Milk yield, milking time, average milk flow, partial milk flows and the occurrence of bimodal milk flows were monitored during the first 120 d in milk for all cows that calved on the farm during the experimental period (n = 127). A veterinarian diagnosed 27 cows with clinical mastitis, while the remaining healthy cows served as a control group. The period surrounding the mastitis was monitored in a timeline from 2 weeks before to 4 weeks after the diagnosis. We did not observe any significant differences in milkability between the healthy cows and the cows in the pre-mastitis period, which suggests that monitoring these might not be useful for early mastitis detection. Milk yield and milk flow were significantly decreased in the week of mastitis diagnosis compared to the pre-mastitis period. Milking time was not affected in the week of diagnosis, but was significantly increased in the following week, because milk yield returned to pre-mastitis values, but average milk flow was still significantly decreased. Milk yield was normalized to pre-mastitis values as the first of monitored parameters. Milk flow returned to pre-mastitis values in the fourth week after mastitis diagnosis. Milking time was the only parameter that was significantly affected up to a month after diagnosis. Our results showed that milkability changes caused by mastitis are significant and should not be ignored. The ability to adjust milking settings for cows diagnosed with mastitis could become a useful tool for improving mastitis treatment.
HEREDITARIANISM, EUGENICS, AND AMERICAN SOCIAL SCIENCE IN THE INTERWAR YEARS: MEET THE CARVERIANS
Authors: Fiorito Luca , Erasmo Valentina
Published: February 2022

Like other Progressive Era reformers, Thomas Nixon Carver promoted a form of biology-infused social science that included both eugenics and a strong version of hereditarianism. Carver was also a charismatic teacher who trained several generations of economists and sociologists at Harvard. In this paper we will focus on the contribution of three of them: James A. Field, Norman E. Himes, and Carl S. Joslyn. These authors differ in terms of style, method, and emphasis—with Field and Himes more interested in population and birth control issues, and Joslyn in the dynamics of social stratification. As it will be shown below, however, all of them reveal an explicit commitment to hereditarianism and eugenics, which can be directly traced back to Carver’s influence during their student days at Harvard.
Post-sonic Perspectives on Socially Engaged Compositional Practices: Composing ‘after sound’ and beyond music
Authors: Moorehouse Aaron , Matthews Harry , Maia Oogoo
Published: February 2022

This article addresses the precedence given to sound in musical analysis and argues that socially engaged composers might reconsider the importance they place on sonic output and instead pay greater attention to how we critically engage with the subjects that stimulate our musical practice. G. Douglas Barrett’s theorisation of music ‘after sound’ is established as a crucial methodology, one that provides an important discourse around critical engagements that have largely been neglected in favour of investigations into abstracted sonic materials. The vocabulary provided by Barrett is, in this article, used to meaningfully appraise the impact of a situated musical performance and its dialogue with society. Specifically, the three authors collectively explore the implications of Barrett’s writing for the conception, formation and evaluation of their own socially engaged compositional practices. Subsequently, this discussion also illustrates the methods by which Barrett’s approach is instrumentalised as a compositional device for socially engaged composition, rather than as an analytical tool for already completed works. Finally, the authors conclude with an alternative exploration of what ultimately lies beyond a ‘music after sound’, one that problematises the notion of a specialist composer today.
CARLSON–GRIFFITHS THEORY FOR COMPLETE KÄHLER MANIFOLDS
Authors: Dong Xianjing
Published: February 2022

We investigate Carlson–Griffiths’ equidistribution theory of meormorphic mappings from a complete Kähler manifold into a complex projective algebraic manifold. By using a technique of Brownian motions developed by Atsuji, we obtain a second main theorem in Nevanlinna theory provided that the source manifold is of nonpositive sectional curvature. In particular, a defect relation follows if some growth condition is imposed.
Dashon Burton's Song Sermon: Corporeal Liveness and the Solemnizing Breath
Authors: Beaudoin Richard
Published: February 2022

American bass-baritone Dashon Burton's 2015 recording of the song sermon “He Never Said a Mumberlin’ Word” provides a case study of the interaction between sung melodies and audible breaths in the expression of a lyric. Acknowledging the relationship between Burton's performance and earlier notated arrangements by Roland Hayes, J. Rosamond Johnson, William Arms Fischer, and John W. Work, this study draws an arc from the macro-level of the song sermon's oral and notated history to the micro-level of Burton's sung syllables and, finally, to a spectrographic examination of his individual breaths. One of these, the solemnizing breath that inaugurates the fifth stanza of the work, is pinpointed as the expressive denouement of Burton's track. A contrast is drawn between the liturgical framework of Hayes's arrangement and the images of anti-racist protest marches that accompany Burton's recording. An emphasis on the granular aspects of Burton's voice invokes Sanden's concept of corporeal liveness, Barthes's writings on cinematic sound, and Bain's recognition of breath sounds as music. Studying the narrative totality of Burton's utterance engenders a connection between singer and orator, and builds a historical continuity between Burton and his antecedents.
Empire and insurgency: the politics of truth in Alexander Wendt's Quantum Mind and Social Science: Unifying Physical and Social Ontology
Authors: Hutchings Kimberly
Published: February 2022

I argue that the dangers inherent in Wendt's project are not that it radically undermines the project of social science as it currently exists, in positivist or interpretivist forms, but rather that it reinforces the will to knowledge that has powered the development of the social and human sciences since the late 19th century. The ultimate significance of Wendt's argument is not ontological or epistemic but political.
On the Source of the Anomalous ULF Waves Detected at Both Ground and Space‐Borne Data on 23 June 2020
Authors: Piersanti M. , Di Matteo S. , Zhima Z. , Yang Y. , Zhang Z. , Marcucci M. F. , Parmentier A. , D’Angelo G. , Recchiuti D. , Diego P. , Ubertini P.
Published: February 2022

We have analyzed a highly monochromatic (f = 1.67 mHz) and large‐amplitude Ultra Low Frequency (ULF) wave event observed at satellites and ground observatories on 23 June 2020 during super solar quiet geomagnetic conditions. The train wave was detected between 6:22 and 7:55 UT across a wide longitudinal range of ground stations from low to high latitudes. Using Deep Space Climate Observatory and THEMIS‐B spacecraft, which were in the interplanetary medium, we have identified the possible driver of such global ULF wave activity in the impact of a small pressure pulse accompanied by a discontinuity in the magnetic field. The prolonged duration (90 min) of the ULF waves as well as their latitude‐independent frequency and the small azimuthal wave number (m ∼ 0−2) can be explained in terms of a global magnetospheric waveguide mode. The amplitude and cross‐phase analysis of the wave activity at ground, together with the polarization pattern, suggest the waveguide mode coupling with field line resonance. Nevertheless, during the same time interval, indirect evidence exists of a rapid reconfiguration of the magnetotail in the form of Pi2 waves in the night‐side region. The analysis of energetic particle flux at ionospheric height (500 km) shows a direct connection between the ULF wave activity and particle precipitation.
The osteogenesis of Ginsenoside Rb1 incorporated silk/micro-nano hydroxyapatite/sodium alginate composite scaffolds for calvarial defect
Authors: Wu Yuqiong , Du Jiahui , Wu Qianju , Zheng Ao , Cao Lingyan , Jiang Xinquan
Published: February 2022

Ginsenoside Rb1, the effective constituent of ginseng, has been demonstrated to play favorable roles in improving the immunity system. However, there is little study on the osteogenesis and angiogenesis effect of Ginsenoside Rb1. Moreover, how to establish a delivery system of Ginsenoside Rb1 and its repairment ability in bone defect remains elusive. In this study, the role of Ginsenoside Rb1 in cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis, osteogenic genes expression, ALP activity of rat BMSCs were evaluated firstly. Then, micro-nano HAp granules combined with silk were prepared to establish a delivery system of Ginsenoside Rb1, and the osteogenic and angiogenic effect of Ginsenoside Rb1 loaded on micro-nano HAp/silk in rat calvarial defect models were assessed by sequential fluorescence labeling, and histology analysis, respectively. It revealed that Ginsenoside Rb1 could maintain cell viability, significantly increased ALP activity, osteogenic and angiogenic genes expression. Meanwhile, micro-nano HAp granules combined with silk were fabricated smoothly and were a delivery carrier for Ginsenoside Rb1. Significantly, Ginsenoside Rb1 loaded on micro-nano HAp/silk could facilitate osteogenesis and angiogenesis. All the outcomes hint that Ginsenoside Rb1 could reinforce the osteogenesis differentiation and angiogenesis factor’s expression of BMSCs. Moreover, micro-nano HAp combined with silk could act as a carrier for Ginsenoside Rb1 to repair bone defect.
Effect of PAIP1 on the metastatic potential and prognostic significance in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Swarup Neeti , Hong Kyoung-Ok , Chawla Kunal , Choi Su-Jung , Shin Ji-Ae , Oh Kyu-Young , Yoon Hye-Jung , Lee Jae-Il , Cho Sung-Dae , Hong Seong-Doo
Published: February 2022

Poly Adenylate Binding Protein Interacting protein 1 (PAIP1) plays a critical role in translation initiation and is associated with the several cancer types. However, its function and clinical significance have not yet been described in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its associated features like lymph node metastasis (LNM). Here, we used the data available from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) to analyze PAIP1 expression in oral cancer. The publicly available data suggests that PAIP1 mRNA and protein levels were increased in OSCC. The high PAIP1 expression was more evident in samples with advanced stage, LNM, and worse pattern of invasion. Moreover, the in vitro experiments revealed that PAIP1 knockdown attenuated colony forming, the aggressiveness of OSCC cell lines, decreasing MMP9 activity and SRC phosphorylation. Importantly, we found a correlation between PAIP1 and pSRC through the analysis of the IHC scores and CPTAC data in patient samples. Our findings suggest that PAIP1 could be an independent prognostic factor in OSCC with LNM and a suitable therapeutic target to improve OSCC patient outcomes.
NICU discharge preparation and transition planning: guidelines and recommendations
Authors: Smith Vincent C. , Love Kristin , Goyer Erika
Published: February 2022

In this section, we present Interdisciplinary Guidelines and Recommendations for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Discharge Preparation and Transition Planning. The foundation for these guidelines and recommendations is based on existing literature, practice, available policy statements, and expert opinions. These guidelines and recommendations are divided into the following sections: Basic Information, Anticipatory Guidance, Family and Home Needs Assessment, Transfer and Coordination of Care, and Other Important Considerations. Each section includes brief introductory comments, followed by the text of the guidelines and recommendations in table format. After each table, there may be further details or descriptions that support a guideline or recommendation. Our goal was to create recommendations that are both general and adaptable while also being specific and actionable. Each NICU’s implementation of this guidance will be dependent on the unique makeup and skills of their team, as well as the availability of local programs and resources. The recommendations based only on expert opinion could be topics for future research.
The proton-activated G protein-coupled receptor GPR4 regulates the development of osteoarthritis via modulating CXCL12/CXCR7 signaling
Authors: Li Rong , Guan Zijing , Bi Shuyan , Wang Fanhua , He Liang , Niu Xin , You Yu , Liu Yuwei , Ding Yi , Siwko Stefan , Wang Ning , Zhang Ziming , Jin Yunyun , Luo Jian
Published: February 2022

Inflammatory diseases decrease the extracellular environmental pH. However, whether proton-activated G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) can regulate the development of osteoarthritis (OA) is largely unknown. In this study, we report that proton-activated GPR4 is essential for OA development. We found a marked increase in expression of the proton-activated GPR4 in human and mouse OA cartilage. Lentivirus-mediated overexpression of GPR4 in mouse joints accelerated the development of OA, including promotion of articular cartilage damage, synovial hyperplasia, and osteophyte formation, while Gpr4 knockout effectively attenuated the development of posttraumatic and aging-associated OA in mice. We also found that inhibition of GPR4 with the antagonist NE52-QQ57 ameliorated OA progression in mice, promoted extracellular matrix (ECM) production, and protected cartilage from degradation in human articular cartilage explants. Moreover, GPR4 overexpression upregulated matrix-degrading enzymes’ expression and inflammation factors under pro-inflammatory and slightly acidic conditions. Mechanistically, GPR4 suppressed chondrocyte differentiation and upregulated cartilage homeostasis through NF-κB/MAPK signaling activation by regulating CXCR7/CXCL12 expression. Together, our results take the lead to illustrate that proton-activated GPCR acts as a key regulator for OA pathogenesis in vivo, and support that GPR4 could be a promising therapeutic target for OA treatment.
Regulation of P53 signaling in breast cancer by the E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF187
Authors: Li Xin , Niu Zhiguo , Sun Chen , Zhuo Shu , Yang Huijie , Yang Xiao , Liu Yun , Yan Cheng , Li Zhongbo , Cao Qi , Ji Guimei , Ding Yinlu , Zhuang Ting , Zhu Jian
Published: February 2022

The tumor suppressor P53 plays critical role in preventing cancer. P53 is rarely mutated and remains functional in luminal-type breast cancer(1). According to current knowledge, wild-type P53 function is tightly controlled by posttranslational modifications, such as ubiquitination. Several ubiquitin ligases have been shown to regulate P53 ubiquitination and protein stability. Here, we report that RNF187, a RING family ubiquitin ligase, facilitates breast cancer growth and inhibits apoptosis by modulating P53 signaling. RNF187 expression was elevated in breast cancer and correlated with breast cancer survival only in the P53 wild-type groups. Bioinformatic analysis showed that the expression of RNF187 was negatively correlated with the expression of P53 target genes, such as IGFBP3 and FAS, in breast cancer. RNF187 depletion inhibited breast cancer growth and facilitated cell death. RNA sequencing analysis indicated that RNF187 could be an important modulator of P53 signaling. Further experiments showed that RNF187 interacts with P53 and promotes its degradation by facilitating its polyubiquitination in breast cancer cells. Interestingly, the in vitro ubiquitin assay showed that RNF187 can directly ubiquitinate P53 in a manner independent of MDM2. These findings reveal a novel direct P53 regulator and a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer.
Clinical and biomarker analyses of sintilimab versus chemotherapy as second-line therapy for advanced or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a randomized, open-label phase 2 study (ORIENT-2)
Authors: Xu Jianming , Li Yi , Fan Qingxia , Shu Yongqian , Yang Lei , Cui Tongjian , Gu Kangsheng , Tao Min , Wang Xiuwen , Cui Chengxu , Xu Nong , Xiao Juxiang , Gao Quanli , Liu Yunpeng , Zhang Tao , Bai Yuxian , Li Wei , Zhang Yiping , Dai Guanghai , Ma Dong , Zhang Jingdong , Bai Chunmei , Huang Yunchao , Liao Wangjun , Wu Lin , Chen Xi , Yang Yan , Wang Junye , Ji Shoujian , Zhou Hui , Wang Yan , Ma Zhuo , Wang Yanqi , Peng Bo , Sun Jiya , Mancao Christoph
Published: February 2022

This randomized, open-label, multi-center phase 2 study (NCT03116152) assessed sintilimab, a PD-1 inhibitor, versus chemotherapy in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after first-line chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), while exploratory endpoint was the association of biomarkers with efficacy. The median OS in the sintilimab group was significantly improved compared with the chemotherapy group (median OS 7.2 vs.6.2 months;P = 0.032; HR = 0.70; 95% CI, 0.50–0.97). Incidence of treatment-related adverse events of grade 3–5 was lower with sintilimab than with chemotherapy (20.2 vs. 39.1%). Patients with high T-cell receptor (TCR) clonality and low molecular tumor burden index (mTBI) showed the longest median OS (15.0 months). Patients with NLR < 3 at 6 weeks post-treatment had a significantly prolonged median OS (16.6 months) compared with NLR ≥ 3. The results demonstrate a significant improvement in OS of sintilimab compared to chemotherapy as second-line treatment for advanced or metastatic ESCC.
Rhodium hydride enabled enantioselective intermolecular C–H silylation to access acyclic stereogenic Si–H
Authors: An Kun , Ma Wenpeng , Liu Li-Chuan , He Tao , Guan Guiyu , Zhang Qing-Wei , He Wei
Published: February 2022

The tremendous success of stereogenic carbon compounds has never ceased to inspire researchers to explore the potentials of stereogenic silicon compounds. Intermolecular C–H silylation thus represents the most versatile and straightforward strategy to construct C–Si bonds, however, its enantioselective variant has been scarcely reported to date. Herein we report a protocol that allows for the enantioselective intermolecular C–H bond silylation, leading to the construction of a wide array of acyclic stereogenic Si–H compounds under simple and mild reaction conditions. Key to the success is (1) a substrate design that prevents the self-reaction of prochiral silane and (2) the employment of a more reactive rhodium hydride ([Rh]-H) catalyst as opposed to the commonly used rhodium chloride ([Rh]-Cl) catalyst. This work unveils opportunities in converting simple arenes into value-added stereogenic silicon compounds.
Partially sintered copper‒ceria as excellent catalyst for the high-temperature reverse water gas shift reaction
Authors: Liu Hao-Xin , Li Shan-Qing , Wang Wei-Wei , Yu Wen-Zhu , Zhang Wu-Jun , Ma Chao , Jia Chun-Jiang
Published: February 2022

For high-temperature catalytic reaction, it is of significant importance and challenge to construct stable active sites in catalysts. Herein, we report the construction of sufficient and stable copper clusters in the copper‒ceria catalyst with high Cu loading (15 wt.%) for the high-temperature reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reaction. Under very harsh working conditions, the ceria nanorods suffered a partial sintering, on which the 2D and 3D copper clusters were formed. This partially sintered catalyst exhibits unmatched activity and excellent durability at high temperature. The interaction between the copper and ceria ensures the copper clusters stably anchored on the surface of ceria. Abundant in situ generated and consumed surface oxygen vacancies form synergistic effect with adjacent copper clusters to promote the reaction process. This work investigates the structure-function relation of the catalyst with sintered and inhomogeneous structure and explores the potential application of the sintered catalyst in C1 chemistry.
Charge-density reduction promotes ribozyme activity in RNA–peptide coacervates via RNA fluidization and magnesium partitioning
Authors: Iglesias-Artola Juan M. , Drobot Björn , Kar Mrityunjoy , Fritsch Anatol W. , Mutschler Hannes , Dora Tang T.-Y. , Kreysing Moritz
Published: February 2022

It has long been proposed that phase-separated compartments can provide a basis for the formation of cellular precursors in prebiotic environments. However, we know very little about the properties of coacervates formed from simple peptides, their compatibility with ribozymes or their functional significance. Here we assess the conditions under which functional ribozymes form coacervates with simple peptides. We find coacervation to be most robust when transitioning from long homopeptides to shorter, more pre-biologically plausible heteropeptides. We mechanistically show that these RNA–peptide coacervates display peptide-dependent material properties and cofactor concentrations. We find that the interspacing of cationic and neutral amino acids increases RNA mobility, and we use isothermal calorimetry to reveal sequence-dependent Mg2+ partitioning, two critical factors that together enable ribozyme activity. Our results establish how peptides of limited length, homogeneity and charge density facilitate the compartmentalization of active ribozymes into non-gelating, magnesium-rich coacervates, a scenario that could be applicable to cellular precursors with peptide-dependent functional phenotypes.
Characterization and functional analysis of the adipose tissue-derived stromal vascular fraction of pediatric patients with osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Tauer Josephine T. , Al-Jallad Hadil , Umebayashi Mayumi , Bakhsh Dena , Rauch Damian , Tran Simon D. , Rauch Frank , Hamdy Reggie
Published: February 2022

Pediatric patients with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), a heritable connective tissue disorder, frequently suffer from long bone deformations. Surgical correction often results in bone non-unions, necessitating revision surgery with autogenous bone grafting using bone-marrow-derived stem cells (BM-SC) to regenerate bone. BM-SC harvest is generally invasive and limited in supply; thus, adipose tissue's stromal vascular fraction (SVF) has been introduced as an alternative stem cell reservoir. To elucidate if OI patients' surgical site dissected adipose tissue could be used as autologous bone graft in future, we investigated whether the underlying genetic condition alters SVF's cell populations and in vitro differentiation capacity. After optimizing SVF isolation, we demonstrate successful isolation of SVF of pediatric OI patients and non-OI controls. The number of viable cells was comparable between OI and controls, with about 450,000 per gram tissue. Age, sex, type of OI, disease-causing collagen mutation, or anatomical site of harvest did not affect cell outcome. Further, SVF-containing cell populations were similar between OI and controls, and all isolated SVF's demonstrated chondrogenic, adipogenic, and osteogenic differentiation capacity in vitro. These results indicate that SVF from pediatric OI patients could be used as a source of stem cells for autologous stem cell therapy in OI.
Behavioural thermal regulation explains pedestrian path choices in hot urban environments
Authors: Melnikov Valentin R. , Christopoulos Georgios I. , Krzhizhanovskaya Valeria V. , Lees Michael H. , Sloot Peter M. A.
Published: February 2022

Due to phenomena such as urban heat islands, outdoor thermal comfort of the cities’ residents emerges as a growing concern. A major challenge for mega-cities in changing climate is the design of urban spaces that ensure and promote pedestrian thermal comfort. Understanding pedestrian behavioural adaptation to urban thermal environments is critically important to attain this goal. Current research in pedestrian behaviour lacks controlled experimentation, which limits the quantitative modelling of such complex behaviour. Combining well-controlled experiments with human participants and computational methods inspired by behavioural ecology and decision theory, we examine the effect of sun exposure on route choice in a tropical city. We find that the distance walked in the shade is discounted by a factor of 0.86 compared to the distance walked in the sun, and that shadows cast by buildings have a stronger effect than trees. The discounting effect is mathematically formalised and thus allows quantification of the behaviour that can be used in understanding pedestrian behaviour in changing urban climates. The results highlight the importance of assessment of climate through human responses to it and point the way forward to explore scenarios to mitigate pedestrian heat stress.
Experimental study on the bearing capacity of PZ shape composite dowel shear connectors with elliptical holes
Authors: Huang Pingming , He Junlong , Kong Fanlei , Mei Kuihua , Li Xiaolong
Published: February 2022

The push-out test was carried out in order to study the shear performance of perfobond ribs (PBL) and puzzle (PZ) shape composite dowel shear connectors which are used in corrugated steel–concrete composite bridge decks. By considering the influencing factors of transversal reinforcement, elliptical holes and bonding friction forces, eight specimens were designed and prepared. The load–slip curves were obtained, and the static mechanical properties, including bearing capacity, slip, shear stiffness, and ductility factor, were analyzed. The formula of bearing capacity and load–slip curve were proposed. The results showed a clear deformation of the transversal reinforcement of both the two types of shear connectors. The dominating failure mode of both the shear connectors was the double plane shearing of the concrete dowel. The load–slip curves of the two types of shear connectors followed the same trend. The PZ shape composite dowel performed better in ultimate bearing capacity, ductility, and shear stiffness than the PBL shear connector. Elliptical holes in a PZ shape composite dowel significantly increased the ultimate bearing capacity. The shear stiffness increased with transversal reinforcement and reduced with elliptical holes. For PBL shear connectors, the strain change in the C1 area near the loading point was most apparent. While, the A1 and B1 areas were stress concentration locations for PZ shape composite dowel shear connectors. The two formulas were in good agreement with the test results.
High prevalence of occult left ventricular diastolic dysfunction detected by exercise stress test in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Mohri Takato , Goda Ayumi , Takeuchi Kaori , Kikuchi Hanako , Inami Takumi , Kohno Takashi , Sakata Konomi , Soejima Kyoko , Satoh Toru
Published: February 2022

Despite the poor prognosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) due to the co-occurrence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), presence of occult LVDD has not been sufficiently investigated. This retrospective study aimed to reveal the prevalence and determinants of occult LVDD in patients with SSc by exercise stress test. Forty-five SSc patients (age, 63 ± 13 years; men/women, 6/39) with normal pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) at rest underwent a symptom-limited exercise test with right heart catheterization using a supine cycle ergometer; haemodynamic parameters at rest, leg raise and during exercise were evaluated. Occult LVDD defined PAWP ≥ 25 mmHg during exercise was seen in 13 patients (29%). Higher PAWP, lower pulmonary vascular resistance and diastolic pulmonary pressure gradient, larger left atrium at rest, and higher PAWP during leg raise (15 ± 4 vs 10 ± 4 mmHg in non-LVDD group, p < 0.001) were observed in the occult LVDD group. The area under the ROC curve for PAWP after leg raise was largest at 0.83 (95% CI: 0.70–0.95, p = 0.001). About one-third (29%) of SSc patients with normal haemodynamics at rest showed occult LVDD. A higher PAWP after leg raise could be useful for detecting occult LVDD.
Detecting disease associated biomarkers by luminescence modulating phages
Authors: Kulpakko Janne , Juusti Vilhelmiina , Rannikko Antti , Hänninen Pekka E.
Published: February 2022

Assessment of risk for a given disease and the diagnosis of diseases is often based on assays detecting biomarkers. Antibody-based biomarker-assays for diseases such as prostate cancer are often ambiguous and biomarker proteins are frequently also elevated for reasons that are unspecific. We have opted to use luminescence modulating phages for the analysis of known acute inflammatory response biomarker CRP (C-reactive protein) and biomarkers of prostate cancer in urine samples. Firstly, CRP was used to simulate the detection process in a controlled chemical environment. Secondly, we tried to classify more challenging lethal prostate cancer samples from control samples. Our unique method utilizes a special biopanning process in order to create special phages capable of capturing a dye necessary for detection and potential biomarkers. As the biomarker-molecules interfere with the phages, dye is repelled from the phage network resulting in an altered reporter luminescence. These changes can be observed with an absorbance reader and even with the naked eye. The simple method could present an alternative for screening of disease biomarkers. For prostate cancer urine samples, we achieved a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 75% to detect Grade Group (GG) 4 and 5 prostate cancer.
Source identification and risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in air and dust samples of Lahore City
Authors: Aslam Rabia , Sharif Faiza , Baqar Mujtaba , Shahzad Laila
Published: February 2022

During two consecutive summer and winter seasons in Lahore, the health risk of air and dust-borne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was evaluated. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GS/MS) was used to determine air and dust samples from various functional areas across the city. The mean ∑16PAHs were higher in air 1035.8 ± 310.7 (pg m−3) and dust 963.4 ± 289.0 (ng g−1 d.w.) during winter seasons as compared to summer seasons in air 1010.9 ± 303.3 (pg m−3) and dust matrices 945.2 ± 283.6 (ng g−1 d.w.), respectively. PAHs ring profile recognized 3 and 4 rings PAHs as most dominant in air and dust samples. Estimated results of incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) highlighted high carcinogenic risk among the residents of Lahore via ingestion and dermal contact on exposure to atmospheric PAHs. The total ILCR values in air among children (summer: 9.61E − 02, winter: 2.09E − 02) and adults (summer: 1.45E − 01, winter: 3.14E − 02) and in dust, children (summer: 9.16E − 03, winter: 8.80E − 03) and adults (summer: 1.38E − 02, winter: 1.33E − 02) during the study period. The isomeric ratios in the study area revealed mixed PAH sources, including vehicular emission, petroleum, diesel and biomass combustion. As a result, it is advised that atmospheric PAHs should be monitored throughout the year and the ecologically friendly fuels be used to prevent PAHs pollution and health concerns in the city. The findings of this study are beneficial to the local regulating bodies in terms of controlling the exposure and promoting steps to reduce PAHs pollution and manage health in Lahore.
Functional brain connectomes reflect acute and chronic cannabis use
Authors: Ramaekers J. G. , Mason N. L. , Toennes S. W. , Theunissen E. L. , Amico E.
Published: February 2022

Resting state fMRI has been employed to identify alterations in functional connectivity within or between brain regions following acute and chronic exposure to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component in cannabis. Most studies focused a priori on a limited number of local brain areas or circuits, without considering the impact of cannabis on whole-brain network organization. The present study attempted to identify changes in the whole-brain human functional connectome as assessed with ultra-high field (7T) resting state scans of cannabis users (N = 26) during placebo and following vaporization of cannabis. Two distinct data-driven methodologies, i.e. network-based statistics (NBS) and connICA, were used to identify changes in functional connectomes associated with acute cannabis intoxication and history of cannabis use. Both methodologies revealed a broad state of hyperconnectivity within the entire range of major brain networks in chronic cannabis users compared to occasional cannabis users, which might be reflective of an adaptive network reorganization following prolonged cannabis exposure. The connICA methodology also extracted a distinct spatial connectivity pattern of hypoconnectivity involving the dorsal attention, limbic, subcortical and cerebellum networks and of hyperconnectivity between the default mode and ventral attention network, that was associated with the feeling of subjective high during THC intoxication. Whole-brain network approaches identified spatial patterns in functional brain connectomes that distinguished acute from chronic cannabis use, and offer an important utility for probing the interplay between short and long-term alterations in functional brain dynamics when progressing from occasional to chronic use of cannabis.
Reconciling human health with the environment while struggling against the COVID-19 pandemic through improved face mask eco-design
Authors: Morone Piergiuseppe , Yilan Gülşah , Imbert Enrica , Becchetti Leonardo
Published: February 2022

Surgical masks have become critical for protecting human health against the COVID-19 pandemic, even though their environmental burden is a matter of ongoing debate. This study aimed at shedding light on the environmental impacts of single-use (i.e., MD-Type I) versus reusable (i.e., MD-Type IIR) face masks via a comparative life cycle assessment with a cradle-to-grave system boundary. We adopted a two-level analysis using the ReCiPe (H) method, considering both midpoint and endpoint categories. The results showed that reusable face masks created fewer impacts for most midpoint categories. At the endpoint level, reusable face masks were superior to single-use masks, producing scores of 16.16 and 84.20 MPt, respectively. The main environmental impacts of single-use masks were linked to raw material consumption, energy requirements and waste disposal, while the use phase and raw material consumption made the most significant contribution for reusable type. However, our results showed that lower environmental impacts of reusable face masks strongly depend on the use phase since reusable face masks lost their superior performance when the hand wash scenario was tested. Improvement of mask eco-design emerged as another key factor such as using more sustainable raw materials and designing better waste disposal scenarios could significantly lower the environmental impacts.
Cryo-EM reconstructions of BMV-derived virus-like particles reveal assembly defects in the icosahedral lattice structure
Authors: Ruszkowski Milosz , Strugala Aleksander , Indyka Paulina , Tresset Guillaume , Figlerowicz Marek , Urbanowicz Anna
Published: February 2022

Cryo-EM reconstructions of VLPs assembled from recombinant capsid protein of brome mosaic virus reveal a few classes of VLP with either icosahedral or non-icosahedral arrangements of capsomers.
Transmogrifying waste blister packs into defect-engineered graphene-like turbostratic carbon: novel lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery anode with noteworthy electrochemical characteristics
Authors: Thileep Kumar K. , Raghu S. , Shanmugharaj A. M.
Published: February 2022

The study discusses the preparation steps of turbostratic carbon with graphene-like features from the waste blister packaging materials. The prepared materials renders outstanding cycling stability, when used as an anode material in Li-ion batteries.
Moiré bands in twisted trilayer black phosphorene: effects of pressure and electric field
Authors: Wang Erqing , Zou Xiaolong
Published: February 2022

Moiré effects in twisted trilayer black phosphorene and their control by pressure and electric field.
Solar-driven aromatic aldehydes: green production from mandelic acid derivatives by a Co(ii)/C3N4 combined catalyst in aqueous media
Authors: Wu Mi , Wang Hongzhao , Mao Haifang , Wang Chaoyang , Dong Zhenbiao , Tang Ting , Zheng Wei , Jin Lehong , Liu Jibo
Published: February 2022

According to the requirements for sustainable development, reclaiming fine chemicals from wastewater under mild conditions is an extremely significant line of research.
Influence of sequence variation on the RNA cleavage activity of Zn2+-dimethyl-dppz-PNA-based artificial enzymes
Authors: Luige Olivia , Karalė Kristina , Bose Partha Pratim , Bollmark Martin , Tedebark Ulf , Murtola Merita , Strömberg Roger
Published: February 2022

The ability of Zn2+ dimethyl-dppz PNAzymes to cleave RNA target sequences with under 20 minute half-lives is critically dependent on the bulge-closing base pairs as well as their stacking interactions with the neighbouring nucleobases.
Coordination complexes constructed from pyrazole–acetamide and pyrazole–quinoxaline: effect of hydrogen bonding on the self-assembly process and antibacterial activity
Authors: Chkirate Karim , Karrouchi Khalid , Chakchak Hind , Mague Joel T. , Radi Smaail , Adarsh N. N. , Li Weiyang , Talbaoui Ahmed , Essassi El Mokhtar , Garcia Yann
Published: February 2022

Two mononuclear coordination complexes of N-(2-aminophenyl)-2-(5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)acetamide (L1) and one mononuclear complex, obtained after in situ oxidation of L1, have been synthesized and characterized spectroscopically.
Gold(i) complexes of tetra-tert-butylcyclotetraphosphane
Authors: Eilrich Volker Jens , Grell Toni , Lönnecke Peter , Song Chen , Matysik Jörg , Hey-Hawkins Evamarie
Published: February 2022

1,2,3,4-Tetra-tert-butylcyclotetraphosphane can coordinate up to four {AuCl} fragments. The complexes with 1 to 3 {AuCl} fragments exhibit dynamic behaviour with redistribution of the metal complex fragments.
Ferroelectric bismuth-titanate nanoplatelets and nanowires with a new crystal structure
Authors: Makovec Darko , Križaj Nina , Meden Anton , Dražić Goran , Uršič Hana , Kostanjšek Rok , Šala Martin , Gyergyek Sašo
Published: February 2022

Ferroelectric Bi4Ti3O12 nanoparticles can be hydrothermally synthesized in two distinct morphologies, i.e., nanoplatelets and nanowires. The nanowires exhibit a new layered crystal structure that has not been described before.
Light-harvesting antennae based on copper indium sulfide (CIS) quantum dots
Authors: Morselli Giacomo , Gradone Alessandro , Morandi Vittorio , Ceroni Paola
Published: February 2022

Excitation of pyrene chromophores attached at the periphery of copper indium sulfide (CIS) QDs results in efficiently sensitized red-emission of the nanocrystals.