bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tissue‐resident CD69+CXCR6+ Natural Killer cells with exhausted phenotype accumulate in human non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Chen Xiaoke , Chen Yongyuan , Xin Zhongwei , Lin Mingjie , Hao Zhixing , Chen Di , He Teng , Zhao Lufeng , Wu Dang , Wu Pin , Chai Ying
Published: October 2022

Natural killer (NK) cells with tissue‐residency features (trNK cells) are a new subpopulation of NK cells, which plays an important role in tissue homeostasis. However, the characteristics of trNK cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of human cancers remain unclear. Using multicolor flow cytometry, we investigated the quantity, phenotype, and function of trNK cells in biospecimens freshly resected from 60 non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. We successfully identified a new CD69+CXCR6+ trNK subset with an immunomodulatory‐like and exhausted phenotype, specifically accumulated in the TME of NSCLC. In vitro experiments showed that CD69+CXCR6+ trNK cells more readily secreted IFN‐γ and TNF‐α spontaneously. Furthermore, the production of IFN‐γ and TNF‐α by tumor‐infiltrating CD69+CXCR6+ trNK cells was not induced by their reactivation in vitro, which is analogous to T‐cell exhaustion. Finally, we demonstrated that the dysfunction of CD69+CXCR6+ trNK cells could be partly ameliorated by PD‐1 and CTLA‐4 blockade. In summary, we identified a new dysfunctional CD69+CXCR6+ trNK cell subset that specifically accumulates in the TME of NSCLC. Our findings suggest that CD69+CXCR6+ trNK cells are a promising target for immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of NSCLC.
The Influence of Calendering on the Fast Charging Performance and Lithium Plating of Hard Carbon Blend Anodes
Authors: Strzelczyk Nanny , Gottschalk Laura , Müller Jannes , Kwade Arno
Published: October 2022

Lithium‐ion batteries ensuring high energy densities are the focus of ongoing research. The main challenge is the fast charging capability, which is restricted by transport limitations of the lithium‐ions. For this reason, graphite (Gr) and hard carbon (HC) blend anodes at different calendering degrees and, thus, electrode densities are investigated in terms of their structural features as well as their electrochemical performance. The motivation of blend anodes is the combination of the advantageous properties of these materials. Due to the different microstructures of Gr and HC, major differences in the lithiation process can be found. While the turbostratic structure of HC enables fast charging, its large specific surface area is associated with a low initial Coulombic efficiency and, thus, a loss of capacity. Consequently, the combination with Gr in blends is reasonable. While the lithium‐ion diffusion is enhanced using HC, the availability of the interporous structure of HC is highly dependent on the electrode density. In addition to an increase in adhesion strength and reduction in electrical resistance, a reduction in tortuosity and lithium plating can be demonstrated. Furthermore, a higher capacity retention in the charge rate test (up to 3C) at low coating densities was found for the blends.
Solar‐Light‐Assisted Lithium‐Ion Storage Using Solar‐Light Absorbing Material
Authors: Kim Taeheui , Mahdi Ilka , Choi Heechae , Lee Sang Ho , Park Yiseul
Published: October 2022

This study directly irradiates solar light on an electrode and evaluates the effect of solar‐light irradiation on lithium‐ion storage in tungsten oxide which has dual properties of solar‐light absorption and lithium‐ion storage. WO3 can be excited by solar‐light irradiation and then generates photoelectrons that can affect the electrochemical properties of WO3 during lithiation and delithiation. The specific capacitance of WO3 for lithium‐ion storage increases approximately 150% under solar‐light irradiation, which is attributed to the photoelectrons by increasing the conductivity of the WO3 electrode and decreasing the surface energy for intercalating the lithium ions. The advantage of light irradiation is maximized under continuous light irradiation during lithiation and delithiation rather than intermittent irradiation. Delithiation showed a more significant improvement under light irradiation than lithiation due to the agreement of the direction of electron and photoelectron flows caused by the band bending of WO3 semiconductors (enabling easier deintercalation of lithium ions). Both the generated photoelectrons and intrinsic properties (such as band bending of the WO3) affect the lithium‐ion storage ability of WO3 under light irradiation.
Aquatic-Terrestrial Insecticide Fluxes: Midges as Neonicotinoid Vectors
Authors: Roodt Alexis P. , Schaufelberger Sonja , Schulz Ralf
Published: October 2022

Exposure of freshwater ecosystems to insecticides can negatively impact the development of emerging aquatic insects. These insects serve as an important nutritional subsidy for terrestrial insectivores. Changes in insect emergence phenology (i.e., emergence success and temporal pattern) or fluxes of insecticides retained by the emerging adults have the potential to negatively impact terrestrial food webs. These processes are influenced by contaminant toxicity, lipohilicity, or metabolic processes. The interplay between emergence phenology, contaminant retention through metamorphosis, and associated contaminant flux is not yet understood for current-use insecticides. In a microcosm study, we evaluated the impacts of a 24-h pulse exposure of one of three current-use insecticides, namely pirimicarb, indoxacarb, and thiacloprid, at two environmentally realistic concentration levels on the larval development and emergence of the nonbiting midge Chironomus riparius. In addition, we measured insecticide concentrations in the larvae and adults using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry by electrospray ionization. Exposure to pirimicarb delayed larval development and emergence, and exposure to indoxacarb reduced emergence success. The neonicotinoid thiacloprid had the greatest impact by reducing larval survival and emergence success. At the same time, thiacloprid was the only insecticide measured in the adults with average concentrations of 10.3 and 37.3 ng/g after exposure at 0.1 and 4 µg/L, respectively. In addition, an approximate 30% higher survival to emergence after exposure to 0.1 µg/L relative to a 4-µg/L exposure resulted in a relatively higher flux of thiacloprid, from the aquatic to the terrestrial environment, at the lower exposure. Our experimental results help to explain the impacts of current-use insecticides on aquatic–terrestrial subsidy coupling and indicate the potential for widespread dietary exposure of terrestrial insectivores preying on emerging aquatic insects to the neonicotinoid thiacloprid. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:60–70. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Reticulate evolution underlies synergistic trait formation in human communities
Authors: Gontier Nathalie , Sukhoverkhov Anton
Published: October 2022

This paper investigates how reticulate evolution contributes to a better understanding of human sociocultural evolution in general, and community formation in particular. Reticulate evolution is evolution as it occurs by means of symbiosis, symbiogenesis, lateral gene transfer, infective heredity, and hybridization. From these mechanisms and processes, we mainly zoom in on symbiosis and we investigate how it underlies the rise of (1) human, plant, animal, and machine interactions typical of agriculture, animal husbandry, farming, and industrialization; (2) diet‐microbiome relationships; and (3) host‐virome and other pathogen interactions that underlie human health and disease. We demonstrate that reticulate evolution necessitates an understanding of behavioral and cultural evolution at a community level, where reticulate causal processes underlie the rise of synergistic organizational traits.
Effect of synbiotic bread containing lactic acid on blood lipids and apolipoproteins in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ghafouri Atie , Heshmati Javad , Heydari Iraj , Shokouhi Shoormasti Raheleh , Estêvão Maria Dulce , Hoseini Ava Sadat , Morvaridzadeh Mojgan , Akbari‐Fakhrabadi Maryam , Farsi Farnaz , Zarrati Mitra , Pizarro Ana Beatriz , Shidfar Farzad , Ziaei Somayeh
Published: October 2022

Recently, the use of synbiotics for managing various diseases has dramatically increased. Synbiotics have been shown to be a good approach to influence the composition of the gut microbiota with positive health effects. Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) complications is one of the reasons for the ingestion of synbiotics and so the aim of the current study was to determine the effects of synbiotic bread intake on markers of lipid profile in T2DM patients. One hundred T2DM patients (age between 20 and 60 years) were randomly assigned to four groups to consume different types of synbiotic bread, three times/day, for 8 weeks: “synbiotic + lactic acid” (n = 25; IV), “synbiotic” (n = 25; III), “lactic acid brad” (n = 25; II), or “control” (n = 25; I). The measured outcomes included anthropometric characteristics, glycemic control parameters, blood lipids, and apolipoproteins. The consumption of “synbiotic + lactic acid bread” (group IV) and “lactic acid bread” (group II) led to a significant decrease in total cholesterol (TC) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) compared to the “control bread.” The HbA1c levels were also significantly lower when compared to group II. Additionally, apolipoprotein A (Apo A1) levels were significantly decreased in group IV, compared to control and other groups (post hoc analysis). No significant differences between groups were observed for triglyceride (TG), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), and apolipoprotein B100 (Apo B100) levels. The observed results show that the synbiotic bread (with or without lactic acid) promoted a decrease in total cholesterol (TC) and Apo A1 in diabetic patients when consumed daily for 8 weeks.
Impact of hydrocolloid and foaming agent on the physicochemical, microstructural and bioactive characteristics of foam‐mat freeze‐dried tapai (fermented black glutinous rice) powder
Authors: Fauziyah Nur , Ifie Idolo , Syarief Osman , Darniadi Sandi
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study was to obtain fermented black glutinous rice (FBGR) powder using the foam‐mat freeze‐drying method and to evaluate the physicochemical, microstructural, and bioactive characteristics of FBGR powder. To obtain FBGR foams, maltodextrin (MD; 0%–40% w/w) and whey protein isolate (WPI; 7.5% w/w) were used. The results showed that MD concentration had a significant effect (p ≤ .05) on powder recovery and bulk density which increased from 68.9% to 80.5% and 0.46% to 0.63 g/ml, respectively. The lowest moisture content (2.17%) and water activity (0.48) were found in powders produced with 20% MD. The solubility of FBGR powders ranged from 74% to 75% and increasing MD concentration gave higher lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) readings in color properties of powders. Although the addition of the carrier agent caused reductions in total phenolic content and anthocyanins, the retention of these bioactive compounds rose with increasing MD content from 67% to 76% and 78% to 84%, respectively. FBGR produced with 40% MD had the most superior physical and technological properties, and foam‐mat freeze‐drying is a promising technology for retaining the bioactive compounds in FBGR.
A comparison of the functional connectome in mild traumatic brain injury and post‐traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Klimova Aleksandra , Breukelaar Isabella A. , Bryant Richard A. , Korgaonkar Mayuresh S.
Published: October 2022

Post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) often co‐occur in the context of threat to one's life. These conditions also have an overlapping symptomatology and include symptoms of anxiety, poor concentration and memory problems. A major challenge has been articulating the underlying neurobiology of these overlapping conditions. The primary aim of this study was to compare intrinsic functional connectivity between mTBI (without PTSD) and PTSD (without mTBI). The study included functional MRI data from 176 participants: 42 participants with mTBI, 67 with PTSD and a comparison group of 66 age and sex‐matched healthy controls. We used network‐based statistical analyses for connectome‐wide comparisons of intrinsic functional connectivity between mTBI relative to PTSD and controls. Our results showed no connectivity differences between mTBI and PTSD groups. However, we did find that mTBI had significantly reduced connectivity relative to healthy controls within an extensive network of regions including default mode, executive control, visual and auditory networks. The mTBI group also displayed hyperconnectivity between dorsal and ventral attention networks and perceptual regions. The PTSD group also demonstrated abnormal connectivity within these networks relative to controls. Connectivity alterations were not associated with severity of PTSD or post‐concussive symptoms in either clinical group. Taken together, the similar profiles of intrinsic connectivity alterations in these two conditions provide neural evidence that can explain, in part, the overlapping symptomatology between mTBI and PTSD.
Nursing homes and mortality in Europe: Uncertain causality
Authors: Flawinne Xavier , Lefebvre Mathieu , Perelman Sergio , Pestieau Pierre , Schoenmaeckers Jérôme
Published: October 2022

The current health crisis has particularly affected the elderly population. Nursing homes have unfortunately experienced a relatively large number of deaths. On the basis of this observation and working with European data (from SHARE), we want to check whether nursing homes were lending themselves to excess mortality even before the pandemic. Controlling for a number of important characteristics of the elderly population in and outside nursing homes, we conjecture that the difference in mortality between those two samples is to be attributed to the way nursing homes are designed and organized. Using matching methods, we observe excess mortality in Sweden, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic and Estonia but not in the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, France, Luxembourg, Italy and Spain. This raises the question of the organization and management of these nursing homes, but also of their design and financing.
Automatic liver tumor segmentation on multiphase computed tomography volume using SegNet deep neural network and K‐means clustering
Authors: Pattwakkar Vaidehi Nayantara , Kamath Surekha , Kanabagatte Nanjundappa Manjunath , Kadavigere Rajagopal
Published: October 2022

Liver and liver tumor segmentations are essential in computer‐aided systems for diagnosing liver tumors. These systems must operate on multiphase computed tomography (CT) images instead of a single phase for accurate diagnosis for clinical applications. We have proposed a framework that can perform segmentation from quadriphasic CT data. The liver was segmented using a fine‐tuned SegNet model and the liver tumor was segmented using the K‐means clustering method coupled with a power‐law transformation‐based image enhancement technique. The best values for liver segmentation achieved were: Dice Coefficient = 96.46 ± 0.48%, Jaccard Index = 93.16 ± 0.89%, volumetric overlap error = 6.84 ± 0.89% and average symmetric surface distance = 0.59 ± 0.3 mm and the results for liver tumor delineation were Dice Coefficient = 85.07 ± 4.5%, Jaccard Index = 74.29 ± 6.8%, volumetric overlap error = 25.71 ± 6.8% and average symmetric surface distance = 1.14 ± 1.3 mm. The proposed liver segmentation method based on deep learning is fully automatic, robust, and effective for all phases. The image enhancement technique has shown promising results and aided in better liver tumor segmentation. The liver tumors were segmented satisfactorily; however, improvements concerning false positive reduction can further increase the accuracy.
Approach to urethral obstruction in cats. Part 2: catheterising and postobstruction management
Authors: Breheny Craig , Blacklock Kelly Bowlt , Gunn‐Moore Danièlle
Published: October 2022

Background: Catheterisation is the key definitive emergency procedure in relieving urethral obstruction. However, ensuring that the patient is stable to tolerate the procedure and having a plan in place if placement is challenging is also essential.

Aim of the article: This is the second article in a three‐part series. The aim of this article is to summarise urethral catheterisation, and immediate postcatheterisation management. The first article discussed presentation and stabilisation (Breheny and others 2022), while the third will focus on home management to prevent recurrent obstruction and on addressing underlying feline idiopathic cystitis.
Administering analgesia to birds: NSAIDs, opioids and other agents
Authors: Kubiak Marie
Published: October 2022

Background: Clinical analgesia in avian species is a relatively data‐deficient area of investigation, and it is becoming evident that direct extrapolation of data from one bird species to another may not be appropriate.

Aim of the article: This article discusses the different classes of pain relief for avian patients with a focus on recent studies, highlighting any new information where available. The current literature is reviewed to provide background information on choices of analgesia for a range of avian species that may present to the practitioner.
Clinical update on equine grass sickness
Authors: Halliwell Lizzie , Carslake Harry
Published: October 2022

Background: Equine grass sickness (EGS), also known as equine dysautonomia, is a commonly fatal disease of grazing horses. It has been reported predominantly in Northern Europe and South America, and the UK has the highest prevalence of the disease worldwide. It is a multisystemic neuropathy resulting in neuronal degeneration and loss, particularly from the autonomic and enteric nervous systems. The severity of clinical signs varies, but is proportional to the extent of neuronal damage. Due to the widespread and highly fatal nature of the disease, EGS has received much attention in the veterinary literature in recent years. Research has concentrated particularly on identifying the cause, improving antemortem diagnostic accuracy, prognostic indicators and the development and trial of a potential vaccine.

Aim of the article: This article provides a clinical update on EGS, including recent advances in the identification of a causal agent, diagnostics, prognostic indicators and potential avenues for prophylaxis.
Evidence‐based recruitment. Part 2: best practice for interviewing and selection
Authors: Perrin Hannah
Published: October 2022

In the current recruitment climate, interviewing candidates for a vacancy in your practice is a two‐way process. Are they the right fit for you, and are you the right fit for them? This article is the second in a three‐part series on evidence‐based recruitment. The first part, published in the March 2022 issue of In Practice, discussed evidence‐based recruitment advertising. This article focuses on best practice for interviewing and selection, to help you ensure that your practice makes the best impression to potential new hires.
Leveraging ambulatory care pharmacist expertise in medication appeals to overcome access barriers: A descriptive report
Authors: Hvisdas Christopher , Goode Natalie , Lee Kevin , Kim Diane , Silvey Michael , Kasbekar Nishaminy
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Prescription prior authorization (PA) and prohibitive out‐of‐pocket costs are encountered across all specialties of care. These barriers are burdensome for prescribers and patients due to the multiple steps required to gain approval for payer reimbursement for medications.

Objectives

The primary objective was to characterize clinical pharmacist impact on medication appeals and high cost resolution.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of medication access intervention data collected from January 1, 2021, through July 31, 2021, at an academic medical center where five clinical pharmacists are embedded across 11 specialty and family medicine clinics. Intervention data was documented for both specialty and nonspecialty prescriptions. The primary end point quantified and characterized interventions based on access issues, defined as insurance denial or high out‐of‐pocket cost. Additional end points included time to appeal determination, total time spent on appeal activities, the incidence of denials, duration of the interruption, and assistance dollars secured for cost‐related barriers.

Results

Over the 7‐mo period, there were 531 prescriptions identified for clinical pharmacist access intervention. Of the total interventions collected, 42% (n = 221) were appeals for insurance denials and 58% (n = 310) addressed high out‐of‐pocket cost. The approval rate of appeals was 94% (n = 208). The majority of appeals (89%) were submitted within 3 d. The median time to appeal determination was five calendar days. The estimated time spent on appeal activities by the clinical pharmacists was 6.8 work wk. There were 51 patients of therapy interruption. The total assistance dollars secured for high out‐of‐pocket costs reached an estimated $1 953 200 over the report period.ConclusionThis report characterizes an approach to effectively manage medication appeals and cost resolution through embedded clinical pharmacists. Leveraging embedded pharmacists' clinical knowledge and familiarity with payer processes in medication appeals achieved a 94% approval rate. The current payer process places a burden disproportionately on prescribers and patients, delaying or preventing medication access.
Diseased thyroid tissue classification inOCTimages using deep learning: Towards surgical decision support
Authors: Tampu Iulian Emil , Eklund Anders , Johansson Kenth , Gimm Oliver , Haj‐Hosseini Neda
Published: October 2022

Intraoperative guidance tools for thyroid surgery based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) could aid distinguish between normal and diseased tissue. However, OCT images are difficult to interpret, thus, real‐time automatic analysis could support the clinical decision‐making. In this study, several deep learning models were investigated for thyroid disease classification on 2D and 3D OCT data obtained from ex vivo specimens of 22 patients undergoing surgery and diagnosed with several thyroid pathologies. Additionally, two open‐access datasets were used to evaluate the custom models. On the thyroid dataset, the best performance was achieved by the 3D vision transformer model with a Matthew's correlation coefficient (MCC) of 0.79 (accuracy = 0.90) for the normal‐versus‐abnormal classification. On the open‐access datasets, the custom models achieved the best performance (MCC > 0.88, accuracy > 0.96). Results obtained for the normal‐versus‐abnormal classification suggest OCT, complemented with deep learning‐based analysis, as a tool for real‐time automatic diseased tissue identification in thyroid surgery.
Effect of porosity on mechanical and biological properties of bioprinted scaffolds
Authors: Khajehmohammadi Mehran , Azizi Tafti Roohollah , Nikukar Habib
Published: October 2022

Treatment of tissue defects commonly represents a major problem in clinics due to difficulties involving a shortage of donors, inappropriate sizes, abnormal shapes, and immunological rejection. While many scaffold parameters such as pore shape, porosity percentage, and pore connectivity could be adjusted to achieve desired mechanical and biological properties. These parameters are crucial scaffold parameters that can be accurately produced by 3D bioprinting technology based on the damaged tissue. In the present research, the effect of porosity percentage (40%, 50%, and 60%) and different pore shapes (square, star, and gyroid) on the mechanical (e.g., stiffness, compressive and tensile behavior) and biological (e.g., biodegradation, and cell viability) properties of porous polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds coated with gelatin have been investigated. Moreover, human foreskin fibroblast cells were cultured on the scaffolds in the in‐vitro procedures. MTT assay (4, 7, and 14 days) was utilized to determine the cytotoxicity of the porous scaffolds. It is revealed that the porous scaffolds produced by the bioprinter did not produce a cytotoxic effect. Among all the porous scaffolds, scaffolds with a pore size of about 500 μm and porosity of 50% showed the best cell proliferation compared to the controls after 14 days. The results demonstrated that the pore shape, porosity percentage, and pore connectivity have an important role in improving the mechanical and biological properties of porous scaffolds. These 3D bioprinted biodegradable scaffolds exhibit potential for future application as polymeric scaffolds in hard tissue engineering applications.
“It's the Environment, Not Me”: Experiences shared by transgender and gender diverse adults living in Texas
Authors: Clary Kelly , Goffnett Jacob , King Marley , Hubbard Taylor , Kitchen Rylee
Published: October 2022

Transgender and gender diverse people (TGD) experience elevated rates of behavioral health problems, including depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and suicidality. Minority stressors (e.g., discrimination and victimization) contribute to these poor health outcomes. A salient form of discrimination is the use of gender nonaffirming language, such as using incorrect pronouns or names, yet less is known about other environmental stimuli that may be reined as affirming or nonaffirming. A recent study uncovered the impact symbols (e.g., flags, stickers) may have on invoking positive or negative feelings among TGD youth in the Midwest. Our study further investigates this phenomenon with TGD adults in Texas. During Summer 2021, 3 researchers conducted audio‐recorded semistructured focus groups and interviews with 11 participants who identified as transgender, gender nonconforming, or nonbinary. Interview topics included gender‐affirming and nonaffirming language, positive and negative experiences, nonsupportive and supportive symbolism, and coping mechanisms. In this manuscript, we present findings regarding symbolism. Within our two primary themes, supportive and nonsupportive symbolism, subthemes emerged. Supportive symbolism includes flags and signage, written and oral language and communication, and representation of diversity. Nonsupportive symbolism includes extreme patriotism and religious symbols and highly gendered settings. Further, Texas‐specific culture and a meter of safety were identified as being related to interacting with and observing an array of symbols. Symbolism can have a profound impact on someone's identity development, expression, emotions, coping mechanisms, and access to and engagement with social environments, exemplifying the importance of understanding geographic and cultural‐specific mechanisms within environments TGD people occupy.
Efficient energy recovery from wastewater with high rate activated sludge process: oversights and misguidances
Authors: Orhon Derin , Çokgör Emine Ubay , Sözen Seval
Published: October 2022

Background

The major aim of the study was to define a scientific framework to evaluate energy recovery from domestic wastewater, based on model assessment of process stoichiometry and kinetics using relevant experimental data. The evaluation was tailored to reveal and explain all the oversights and misconceptions on the subject. A new approach was adopted to focus specifically on a paper by Liang et al. (2022) to better visualize and indicate scientific ways to remedy the key misguidances. The alternative appraisal utilized the latest available support in terms of the database for chemical oxygen demand (COD) fractionation and process kinetics.

Results

The evaluation first demonstrated the inherent deficiencies of high rate activated sludge (HRAS) configurations such as the sequencing batch reactor and contact stabilization; then, it presented a new way to define excess sludge components in terms of fractions of the influent COD, indicating the major handicap for energy recovery and biomass loss in the effluent due to gravity settling. Effective energy conservation was computed to remain between 17% and 37% when the sludge age was reduced from 2.0 d down to 0.5 d.

Conclusions

The study offered conclusive proof that the contact stabilization process with gravity settling was, in fact, inherently unsuitable for energy conservation. Instead, the emerging scientific approach proposed a single‐volume HRAS system with membrane filtration replacing gravity settling. An equally valid suggestion was to replace anaerobic technology for energy recovery with thermochemical technologies, such as high‐rate pyrolysis, with a much higher energy recovery potential. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Mitotic effects of copper oxide nanoparticle on root development and root tip cells of Phaseolus vulgaris L. seeds
Authors: Tasar Neslihan
Published: October 2022

Copper oxide nanoparticle (CuO NP) is used widely in many fields in nanotechnology. For this reason, both production, use, and release to the environment are increasing with each passing day. With the increased use of products that contain nanoparticles (NP) (<100 nm), plants and organisms that constitute the food chain are at risk. In the present study, Phaseolus vulgaris L., a very common food plant, was exposed to metal‐based CuO NPs. The anomalies that were caused by CuO NP in germination and mitosis of P. vulgaris were investigated. In the trials, a total of 4 groups (Control, 50, 150, and 300 ppm) were formed and examined in three replications. The determination of the accumulation and elimination rate because of NPs in P. vulgaris that was used in the study was made through X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), mapping image, and EDX characteristic spectrum analysis. Also, the mitotic effects on germination, root development, and root tip cells of seeds that were grown by treatment with control, 50, 150, and 300 ppm concentrations were investigated. The study was conducted in three replications in a laboratory setting. All concentrations of CuO NPs caused significant decreases in the mitotic index in the root tip cells of P. vulgaris when compared to the control. The mitotic index reached the lowest level, especially at the highest concentration. Multiple analyzes in the study showed that CuO NPs cause abnormalities in cell division such as C‐metaphase, distorted metaphase, distorted anaphase and telophase, chromosome breakage, asynchronous division, advanced chromosomes, micronucleus, and loss of genetic material. These findings also support that the Cytogenetic Test of P. vulgaris can be used to evaluate the genotoxicity of new nanomaterials that are used in many consumer products. In this respect, NPs that are taken up by the organisms in the food chain may pose a danger to higher consumer organisms when they accumulate in the tissue. A control mechanism must be established for the use and contamination of these particles and wider studies must be conducted regarding their effects.

Highlights

The effects of CuO nanoparticle, which has a very wide usage area, on root development and mitosis of Phaseolus vulgaris L. plant were investigated in the study.

The abnormalities of mitotic division on interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase were visualized.

Evaluation was made considering scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results as well.
Spanning trees in graphs of high minimum degree with a universal vertex I: An asymptotic result
Authors: Reed Bruce , Stein Maya
Published: October 2022

In this paper and a companion paper, we prove that, if is sufficiently large, every graph on vertices that has a universal vertex and minimum degree at least contains each tree with edges as a subgraph. Our result confirms, for large , an important special case of a recent conjecture by Havet, Reed, Stein and Wood. The present paper already contains an approximate version of the result.
Hamiltonicity of graphs perturbed by a random geometric graph
Authors: Espuny Díaz Alberto
Published: October 2022

We study Hamiltonicity in graphs obtained as the union of a deterministic ‐vertex graph with linear degrees and a ‐dimensional random geometric graph , for any . We obtain an asymptotically optimal bound on the minimum for which a.a.s. is Hamiltonian. Our proof provides a linear time algorithm to find a Hamilton cycle in such graphs.
Versatile imidazole synthesis via multicomponent reaction approach
Authors: Chaudhary Benu , Singla Deepak , Arya Preeti , Dabra Abhishek , Kumar Parveen , Afzal Obaid , Altamimi Abdulmalik Saleh Alfawaz , Alzarea Sami I. , Kazmi Imran , Al‐Abbasi Fahad A. , Gupta Gaurav , Gupta Madan Mohan
Published: October 2022

Chemists found Imidazole as a multipurpose nucleus, primarily notable for its biological role in drug discovery. This compilation of the reports gives information regarding the development and the previous background of the synthesis of the nucleus. However, the synthesis through multicomponent is taken to narrow the report. The importance of the multicomponent reactions with many nucleus has been part of the heavy literature; however, the synthesis of the bioactive scaffold as imidazole has been highlighted here with the essential points. The emphasis of the review is to show the multicomponent approach where the multicomponent reaction plays a vital role in the formation of the ring. The MCR approaches align with modern‐day drug discovery, where the library of the molecules is needed for drug development within a limited time frame. The multicomponent also comes under the green chemistry, where the reaction time and fewer reactions step plays a crucial role.
Drawing conclusions: Instructing witnesses to draw what happened to them
Authors: Derksen Daniel G. , Connolly Deborah A.
Published: October 2022

We reviewed the child and the adult literature on the impact of witnesses drawing what happened on the number of details recalled and the accuracy of the reported details. Most experiments reported a beneficial effect of drawing what happened (or drawing the scene) on the number of details reported primarily in free recall and sometimes also in cued recall. The consensus across studies was that drawing protocols did not negatively impact the accuracy of reported details (when accuracy was attainable) unless suggestive details were drawn. These results were largely consistent regardless of interviewer expertise or protocol used. Draw‐and‐tell instructions should be considered by forensic investigators for the following reasons: (1) the beneficial effect on number of details recalled with no detriment to accuracy, (2) the added benefit for children who need additional interviewer support, and (3) the ease at which the instruction can be implemented with minimal expertise or training. However, more ecologically valid research is needed to establish the efficacy of drawing (1) in forensic interviews, (2) in the presence of misinformation, (3) across instances of repeated event memory, and (4) across sequential interviews.
Efficacy of an accelerated vaccination schedule against hepatitis E virus infection in pregnant rabbits
Authors: Zhang Fan , Yang Zhaogeng , Dai Cong , He Qiyu , Liang Zhaochao , Liu Tianxu , Huang Weijin , Wang Youchun , Wang Lin , Wang Ling
Published: October 2022

An important goal of the Hepatitis E virus (HEV) vaccine is to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes caused by different HEV genotypes during pregnancy, but studies directly evaluating maternal vaccination for HEV are lacking. Here we report maternal vaccination using HEV 239 vaccine in a pregnant rabbit model. Two dose of accelerated vaccination schedule (0, 7 days) induced high titers of anti‐HEV protective antibodies in a short period of time in pregnant rabbits, which could protect the pregnant rabbits from HEV infection and adverse pregnancy outcomes. In addition, the immunized rabbits transfer maternal antibodies to pups through the placenta and breast milk, which protect neonates against HEV infection. Our results suggest that, besides vaccinating nonpregnant individuals, HEV 239 vaccine may also be discreetly considered for maternal vaccination.
Modeling of indoor network channels with dispersive media based on a modifiedCFDTDmethod
Authors: Shi Wen , Wang Jian , Zhang Yan‐Jun , Zhai Meng Lin
Published: October 2022

In order to investigate the electromagnetic (EM) propagation characteristics and further get the channel models for indoor environments, a modified conformal finite‐difference time‐domain (CFDTD) method is introduced in this paper. Specifically, the dispersion characteristics of media are modeled by using the auxiliary differential equation (ADE) technique of the Debye model, and the EM field iterative equation is obtained by weighted‐length of various media in the conformal cells for the curved structure. The proposed method is used to simulate the channels of 2.4 GHz wireless fidelity (Wi‐Fi) network and 5G microcellular network, respectively, for the single‐ and complex multi‐room scenarios. The impulse response, power delay profile and path loss exponent are extracted from the simulation data to analyze the effective ultra‐wideband (UWB) channel characteristics. Compared with the traditional FDTD, the proposed method has the advantage of obtaining a stable and good accuracy solution and reducing the time step without the need to solve high‐order differential equations.
Interleukin‐6 neutralization and regulatory T cells are additive in chondroprotection from IL‐1β‐induced inflammation
Authors: Keller Laura E. , Tait Wojno Elia D. , Begum Laila , Fortier Lisa A.
Published: October 2022

Anti‐inflammatory Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are enriched in the joints of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) compared to healthy joints. Tregs maintain homeostasis through secretion of anti‐inflammatory cytokines and cell‐to‐cell interactions including immune checkpoint signaling. Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is a pleiotropic cytokine secreted by inflamed synoviocytes and chondrocytes that can inhibit or alter Treg function. This study tested the hypothesis that neutralization of IL‐6 would enable Treg anti‐inflammatory function to resolve inflammation and catabolism elicited by IL‐1β in an equine chondrocyte/synoviocyte/Treg tri‐culture OA model. Synoviocyte/chondrocyte co‐cultures were stimulated with IL‐1β, and treated with αIL‐6 neutralizing antibody. Activated Tregs secreting IL‐10 were added in direct contact with synoviocytes to create a tri‐culture. Neutralization of IL‐6 partially restored Treg anti‐inflammatory functions and, in combination, reduced IL‐1β‐stimulated synoviocyte MMP13 expression to control levels and restored Acan expression in chondrocytes. IL‐6 neutralization alone decreased Il6 expression in chondrocytes and synoviocytes, mitigating IL‐6 positive feedback loop. Although Tregs were the primary producers of anti‐inflammatory IL‐10 and IL‐4, they also produced pro‐inflammatory IL‐17A, as detected by ELIA, which may have been responsible for incomplete rescue of synoviocyte/chondrocyte homeostasis following IL‐1β stimulation. Treg secretion of IL‐10, IL‐4, and IL‐17A was not altered by tri‐culture conditions or presence of αIL‐6, therefore, it was unlikely that Treg phenotype instability occurred. The significant effect of chondrocyte/synoviocyte donor, but not Treg donor, on gene expression and IL‐6 concentration in conditioned media, indicated that personalized therapy considering the patient's OA status might be needed for successful implementation of immunotherapy in the context of OA.
Directing iPSC differentiation into iTenocytes using combined scleraxis overexpression and cyclic loading
Authors: Papalamprou Angela , Yu Victoria , Chen Angel , Stefanovic Tina , Kaneda Giselle , Salehi Khosrowdad , Castaneda Chloe M. , Gertych Arkadiusz , Glaeser Juliane D. , Sheyn Dmitriy
Published: October 2022

Regenerative therapies for tendon are falling behind other tissues due to the lack of an appropriate and potent cell therapeutic candidate. This study aimed to induce tenogenesis using stable Scleraxis (Scx) overexpression in combination with uniaxial mechanical stretch of iPSC‐derived mesenchymal stromal‐like cells (iMSCs). Scx is the single direct molecular regulator of tendon differentiation known to date. Bone marrow–derived (BM‐)MSCs were used as reference. Scx overexpression alone resulted in significantly higher upregulation of tenogenic markers in iMSCs compared to BM‐MSCs. Mechanoregulation is known to be a central element guiding tendon development and healing. Mechanical stimulation combined with Scx overexpression resulted in morphometric and cytoskeleton‐related changes, upregulation of early and late tendon markers, and increased extracellular matrix deposition and alignment, and tenomodulin perinuclear localization in iMSCs. Our findings suggest that these cells can be differentiated into tenocytes and might be a better candidate for tendon cell therapy applications than BM‐MSCs.
Effects of the duration of post‐silking drought on the starch physicochemical properties of waxy maize
Authors: Huo Zhenggang , Wang Longfei , Yang Huan
Published: October 2022

Background

Drought is a major abiotic stress that affects the physicochemical properties of cereal starch. However, quantitative information on the effects of drought duration on the starch quality of waxy maize, a special maize‐type starch composed of nearly pure amylopectin, has been lacking. The effects of post‐silking drought duration 1–10 (DS10), 1–20 (DS20), and 1–30 (DS30) days after pollination on the physicochemical properties of starch were assessed from 2019 to 2020 using two waxy maize hybrids as materials.

Results

With extending drought duration, the starch granule size and average amylopectin chain length of Jingkenuo2000 (JKN2000) gradually increased, with those of Suyunuo5 (SYN5) being the highest for DS20, followed by DS30. All drought durations decreased the degree of branching of both hybrids, with the lowest value obtained for DS30 and DS20 in JKN2000 and SYN5, respectively. Relative crystallinity increased for DS30 in both hybrids but its responses for DS10 and DS20 differed. Pasting viscosities and gelatinization enthalpy were decreased and retrogradation percentage was increased by drought stress. The lowest pasting viscosities were observed for DS30, and the highest retrogradation percentage was found for DS10 in general.

Conclusion

Post‐silking drought led to the pasting and retrogradation properties deteriorating, with decreased pasting viscosities and increased retrogradation percentage. The decrease in viscosity was caused by enlarged granules. Meanwhile, the increased proportion of amylopectin chains with a degree of polymerization of 25–36 resulted in lower viscosity and higher retrogradation. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Racial‐ethnic variations in phyllodes tumors among a multicenter United States cohort
Authors: Nash Amanda L. , Thomas Samantha M. , Nimbkar Suniti N. , Hieken Tina J. , Ludwig Kandice K. , Jacobs Lisa K. , Miller Megan E. , Gallagher Kristalyn K. , Wong Jasmine , Neuman Heather B. , Tseng Jennifer , Hassinger Taryn E. , King Tari A. , Hwang E. Shelley , Jakub James W. , Rosenberger Laura H.
Published: October 2022

Background and objectives

Previous studies have identified racial‐ethnic differences in the diagnostic patterns and recurrence outcomes of women with phyllodes tumors (PT). However, these studies are generally limited in size and generalizability. We therefore sought to explore racial‐ethnic differences in age, tumor size, subtype, and recurrence in a large US cohort of women with PT.

Methods

We performed an 11‐institution retrospective review of women with PT from 2007 to 2017. Differences in age at diagnosis, tumor size and subtype, and recurrence‐free survival according to race‐ethnicity.

Results

Women of non‐White race or Hispanic ethnicity were younger at the time of diagnosis with phyllodes tumor. Non‐Hispanic Other women had a larger proportion of malignant PT. There were no differences in recurrence‐free survival in our cohort.

Conclusions

Differences in age, tumor size, and subtype were small. Therefore, the workup of young women with breast masses and the treatment of women with PT should not differ according to race‐ethnicity. These conclusions are supported by our finding that there were no differences in recurrence‐free survival.
Role of artificial intelligence in marketing strategies and performance
Authors: Wu Chih‐Wen , Monfort Abel
Published: October 2022

This study examines the role of artificial intelligence (AI) as a marketing strategy and explains its contribution to firms and the factors influencing their development. The study tests an empirical model based on the research variables and constructs identified using structural equation modeling and the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (FsQCA) approach. Data were collected from 278 food firms. The findings indicate that the implementation of an AI marketing strategy affects performance. Additionally, this study shows that marketing capabilities, customer value co‐creation, and market orientation are positively related to performance. Finally, the results highlight that marketing capabilities, customer value co‐creation, and market orientation affect the development of AI marketing strategies. The research results of FsQCA find that causal conditions of marketing capabilities, customer value co‐creation, market orientation, and AI marketing strategy are necessary and sufficient recipes for higher firm performance.
Weak solution to a Robin problem of anomalous diffusion equations: Uniqueness and stable algorithm for the TPC system
Authors: Xu Dinghua , Peng Peng
Published: October 2022

A Riemann‐Liouville fractional Robin boundary‐value problem is proposed to describe the fast heat transfer law both within isotropic materials and through the boundary of the materials in high temperature environment. The variational formulation of the fractional model is derived, and further, the energy estimation of the weak solution is deduced. Subsequently, the uniqueness theorem of weak solution is proved. A valid and stable finite difference scheme is developed for the fractional model. The numerical experiments are implemented to indicate that the fractional model is applicable to discover the thermal superdiffusion in the thermal protective clothing (TPC) system and numerical algorithms are effective to improve the intelligence of TPC design.
Structural health monitoring of stitch repaired composite structure with Buckypaper sensors and MXene sensors
Authors: Wang Xiaoqiang , Fan Xiangrui , Lu Shaowei , Zhang Lu , Jiang Xiaowei , Lu Jian , Li Bo , Ma Chengkun , Liu Xingmin
Published: October 2022

With the increasing application of composite materials in the industry, the repair of damaged composite materials has gradually become a research focus. In this article, the traditional scarf repairing laminate was stitched with carbon fiber line to check the influence of stitch on repair efficiency. The traditional Buckypaper sensors and the novel MXene sensors were used to conduct real‐time structural health monitoring of the specimen, and the results were compared with X‐ray monitoring. The experimental results show that the breaking strength of the stitch repaired specimen is 21.2% higher than that of the traditional scarf repaired specimen. Both kinds of sensors can monitor the load of the specimen in real‐time. As the force is transferred, the resistance change rate () of the Buckypaper sensors varies by up to 0.045, while the of the MXene sensors varies by up to 0.7. The resistance change of the sensors can also reflect the initiation of damage. The sudden change in of 0.01 can be monitored on the specimen in the crack initiation stage. Through the X‐ray nondestructive testing method, it can be confirmed that both kinds of sensors are suitable for structural health monitoring, and the sensitivity of the MXene sensors is much higher.