bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virtual anatomy and point‐of‐care ultrasonography integration pilot for medical students
Authors: Olivares‐Perez Marcus E. , Graglia Sally , Harmon Derek J. , Klein Barbie A.
Published: November 2021

Despite its significant clinical use, there is no standardized point‐of‐care ultrasonography (POCUS) curriculum in undergraduate medical education. As Covid‐19 abruptly mandated the use of virtual education, instructors were challenged to incorporate and improve POCUS education within these new constraints. It was hypothesized that integrating POCUS into anatomy via brief video lessons and a subsequent interactive virtual lesson would lead to an objective understanding of POCUS concepts, improved understanding of the corresponding anatomy, and subjective improvement of student confidence with POCUS. A cross‐sectional descriptive study assessed first‐year medical students' perspectives and performance before and after the interventions (n = 161). The intervention was split into two parts: (1) three optional 10‐minute POCUS videos that reinforced anatomy concepts taught in the laboratory sessions, and (2) a subsequent two‐hour interactive virtual session reviewing POCUS and anatomy concepts. Students completed a knowledge and confidence assessment tool before and after the interactive session. Survey responses (n = 51) indicated that 94% of students felt the optional videos improved their understanding of POCUS and were educationally valuable. One half of medical students (50%) indicated that the demonstrations improved their anatomy understanding. Initial self‐reported confidence was low after the optional video lessons, despite an average score of 58% on the knowledge assessment (n = 130). However, confidence increased significantly along with an increase in score performance to 80% after the interactive session (n = 39, P < 0.01). Results suggest that the virtual integration pilot enhanced student learning of both anatomy and POCUS.
Organic Crystal Growth: Directly from Amorphous Solid Powder to Single Crystals
Authors: Chen Siyu , Zhu Lin , Zhang Bingwen , Yun Shu‐Na , Wang Jinyi , Yuan Mao‐Sen
Published: November 2021

Preparation of organic crystals mainly depends on solution‐deposition, sublimation, and melt‐deposition techniques. Solid‐state growth methods are generally not suitable for organic crystal growth due to the unprocurable mass transfer. Herein, we report two pyridine‐substituted fluorenone compounds with extraordinary crystal‐growth capacity, and these compounds can directly and quickly form single crystals from their amorphous solid powder by heating under antisolvent‐assistance conditions. The novel experimental phenomenon and crystal growth mechanism were investigated in depth. The results indicate that multiple intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding sites and planar aromatic structure (prone to π‐π interactions) of these molecules dominate the mass transfer during crystal growth by providing enough energy. This discovery enhances our knowledge of solid‐state methods for single‐crystal growth.
Bridging the explanatory gaps: What can we learn from a biological agency perspective?
Authors: Sultan Sonia E. , Moczek Armin P. , Walsh Denis
Published: November 2021

We begin this article by delineating the explanatory gaps left by prevailing gene‐focused approaches in our understanding of phenotype determination, inheritance, and the origin of novel traits. We aim not to diminish the value of these approaches but to highlight where their implementation, despite best efforts, has encountered persistent limitations. We then discuss how each of these explanatory gaps can be addressed by expanding research foci to take into accountbiological agency—the capacity of living systems at various levels to participate in their own development, maintenance, and function by regulating their structures and activities in response to conditions they encounter. Here we aim to define formally what agency and agents are and—just as importantly—what they are not, emphasizing that agency is an empirical property connoting neither intention nor consciousness. Lastly, we discuss how incorporating agency helps to bridge explanatory gaps left by conventional approaches, highlight scientific fields in which implicit agency approaches are already proving valuable, and assess the opportunities and challenges of more systematically incorporating biological agency into research programs.
MicroRNA‐200c/429 mediated regulation of Zeb1 augments N‐Cadherin in mouse cardiac mesenchymal cells
Authors: Nath Asha V. , Ajit Shilpa , Sekar Anupama J. , P. R. Anil Kumar , Muthusamy Senthilkumar
Published: November 2021

Cardiac mesenchymal cells (CMCs) are a promising cell type that showed therapeutic potential in heart failure models. The analysis of the underlying mechanisms by which the CMCs improve cardiac function is on track. This study aimed to investigate the expression of N‐Cadherin, a transmembrane protein that enhances cell adhesion, and recently gained attention for differentiation and augmentation of stem cell function. The mouse CMCs were isolated and analyzed for the mesenchymal markers using flow cytometry. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and western blot analysis were used to assess the expression of N‐Cadherin along with its counteracting molecule E‐Cadherin and their regulator Zeb1 in CMCs and dermal fibroblast. The expression level of miR‐200c and miR‐429 was analyzed using miRNA assays. Transient transfection of miR‐200c followed by qRT‐PCR, western blot analysis, and immunostaining was done in CMCs to analyze the expression of Zeb1, N‐Cadherin, and E‐Cadherin. Flow cytometry analysis showed that CMCs possess mesenchymal markers and absence for hematopoietic and immune cell markers. Increased expression of N‐Cadherin and Zeb1 in CMCs was observed in CMCs at both RNA and protein levels compared to fibroblast. We found significant downregulation of miR‐200c and miR‐429 in CMCs. The ectopic expression of miR‐200c in CMCs significantly downregulated Zeb1 and N‐Cadherin expression. Our findings suggest that the significant downregulation of miR‐200c/429 in CMCs maintains the expression of N‐Cadherin, which may be important for its functional integrity.
Mesoporous Carbon Materials for Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion
Authors: Yuan Shu , Gao Qian , Ke Changchun , Zuo Tao , Hou Junbo , Zhang Junliang
Published: November 2021

To meet the high‐speed commercialization demands of electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices, the development of high‐performance and low‐cost electrode materials is urgently necessary. Mesoporous carbon, which shows excellent intrinsic characteristics and flexible structure, has raised a surge of interest recently since it offers opportunities for improving the energy or power density and durability as well as reducing the cost of electrodes. In this paper, we first review primary methods for preparing mesoporous carbons. Next, the obstacles in lithium batteries, supercapacitors, proton exchange membrane fuel cells and water electrolyzers are analyzed and the recent progresses of mesoporous carbon based electrode designs in solving these obstacles are systematically introduced. Finally, we outline current challenges and future directions of developing mesoporous carbon based electrode materials in electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices. In creating this review, we hope to give a succinct introduction to the mesoporous carbon and provide meaningful references for its future research.
Unique Continuation at the Boundary for Harmonic Functions in C1 Domains and Lipschitz Domains with Small Constant
Authors: Tolsa Xavier
Published: November 2021

Let be a domain, or more generally, a Lipschitz domain with small local Lipschitz constant. In this paper it is shown that if u is a function harmonic in and continuous in , which vanishes in a relatively open subset ; moreover, the normal derivative vanishes in a subset of with positive surface measure; then u is identically zero. © 2021 The Authors. Communications on Pure and Applied Mathematics published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Exploring the Nature of Hydrogen Bonding between RNA and Proteins: A Comprehensive Analysis of RNA : Protein Complexes
Authors: Kagra Deepika , Jangra Raman , Sharma Purshotam
Published: November 2021

A nonredundant dataset of ∼300 high (up to 2.5 Å) resolution X‐ray structures of RNA : protein complexes were analyzed for hydrogen bonds between amino‐acid residues and canonical ribonucleotides (rNs). The identified 17100 contacts were classified based on the identity (rA, rC, rG or rU) and interacting fragment (base, sugar, or ribose) of the rN, the nature (polar or nonpolar) and interacting moiety (main chain or side chain) of the amino‐acid residue, as well as the rN and amino‐acid atoms participating in the hydrogen bonding. 80 possible hydrogen‐bonding combinations (4 (rNs)×20 (amino acids)) involve a wide variety of RNA and protein types and are present in multiple occurrences in almost all PDB files. Comparison with the analogously‐selected DNA:protein complexes reveals that the absence of 2′‐OH group in DNA mainly accounts for the differences in DNA:protein and RNA : protein hydrogen bonding. Search for intrinsically‐stable base:amino acid pairs containing single or multiple hydrogen bonds reveals 37 unique pairs, which may act as well‐defined RNA : protein interaction motifs. Overall, our work collectively analyzes the largest set of nucleic acid‐protein hydrogen bonds to date, and therefore highlights several trends that may help frame structural rules governing the physiochemical characteristics of RNA : protein recognition.
Assays to Study Enzymatic and Non‐Enzymatic Protein Lysine Acetylation In Vitro
Authors: Graf Leonie G. , Vogt Robert , Blasl Anna‐Theresa , Qin Chuan , Schulze Sabrina , Zühlke Daniela , Sievers Susanne , Lammers Michael
Published: November 2021

Proteins can be lysine‐acetylated both enzymatically, by lysine acetyltransferases (KATs), and non‐enzymatically, by acetyl‐CoA and/or acetyl‐phosphate. Such modification can be reversed by lysine deacetylases classified as NAD+‐dependent sirtuins or by classical Zn2+‐dependent deacetylases (KDACs). The regulation of protein lysine acetylation events by KATs and sirtuins/KDACs, or by non‐enzymatic processes, is often assessed only indirectly by mass spectrometry or by mutational studies in cells. Mutational approaches to study lysine acetylation are limited, as these often poorly mimic lysine acetylation. Here, we describe protocols to assess the direct regulation of protein lysine acetylation by both sirtuins/KDACs and KATs, as well as non‐enzymatically. We first describe a protocol for the production of site‐specific lysine‐acetylated proteins using a synthetic biological approach, the genetic code expansion concept (GCEC). These natively folded, lysine‐acetylated proteins can then be used as direct substrates for sirtuins and KDACs. This approach addresses various limitations encountered with other methods. First, results from sirtuin/KDAC‐catalyzed deacetylation assays obtained using acetylated peptides as substrates can vary considerably compared to experiments using natively folded substrate proteins. In addition, producing lysine‐acetylated proteins for deacetylation assays by using recombinantly expressed KATs is difficult, as these often do not yield proteins that are homogeneously and quantitatively lysine acetylated. Moreover, KATs are often huge multi‐domain proteins, which are difficult to recombinantly express and purify in soluble form. We also describe protocols to study the direct regulation of protein lysine acetylation, both enzymatically, by sirtuins/KDACs and KATs, and non‐enzymatically, by acetyl‐CoA and/or acetyl‐phosphate. The latter protocol also includes a section that explains how specific lysine acetylation sites can be detected by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). The protocols described here can be useful for providing a more detailed understanding of the enzymatic and non‐enzymatic regulation of lysine acetylation sites, an important aspect to judge their physiological significance. © 2021 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of N‐(ε)‐lysine‐acetylated proteins using the genetic code expansion concept (GCEC)

Basic Protocol 2: In vitro sirtuin (SIRT)‐catalyzed deacetylation of lysine‐acetylated proteins prepared by the GCEC

Basic Protocol 3: In vitro KDAC/HDAC‐catalyzed deacetylation of lysine‐acetylated proteins

Basic Protocol 4: In vitro lysine acetylation of recombinantly expressed proteins by lysine acetyltransferases (KATs)

Basic Protocol 5: In vitro non‐enzymatic lysine acetylation of proteins by acetyl‐CoA and/or acetyl‐phosphate
Preparation of Sulfur‐doped Carbon for Supercapacitor Applications: A Review
Authors: Shaheen Shah Syed , Abu Nayem S. M. , Sultana Nasrin , Saleh Ahammad A. J. , Abdul Aziz Md.
Published: November 2021

Electrochemical capacitors, also known as supercapacitors (SCs), have lately played an important role in energy storage and conversion systems due to their specific characteristics such as high strength, durability, and environmental friendliness. A wide range of materials is used as electrodes for SC applications because the electrochemical efficiency is primarily determined by the electrode materials used. Carbonaceous materials with unique surface, chemical, electrochemical, and electronic characteristics have become attractive for energy storage research, but they cannot meet the rising need for high specific energy and specific power. Besides, heteroatom‐doped carbon materials have shown pseudocapacitance characteristics and improved specific energy, specific power, and conductivity. This makes them more adaptable in SC application. Among different heteroatom doping of carbon, S‐doped carbon has gained considerable attention in SC applications due to its unpaired electrons and easily polarizable nature. S‐doped carbon materials‐based SCs have demonstrated enhanced surface wettability, improved conductivity, and induced pseudocapacitance effect, thereby delivering improved specific energy and specific power. Many reports on S‐doped carbon for SC applications have been published, but there is no specific Review on the preparation of S‐doped carbon for SC applications. This Review focuses on recent developments in the field of SC electrodes made from S‐doped carbon materials. Herein, the preparation methods and applications of S‐doped carbon for SCs were summarized following a brief discussion of different electrochemical characterization techniques of SCs. Finally, the challenges of S‐doped carbon materials and their potential prospects were discussed to give crucial insights into the favorable factors for future innovations of SC electrodes. This Review aims to provide insight for further research on the preparation of S‐doped carbon for electrochemical energy storage applications.
Reliable identification and quantification of neural cells in microscopic images of neurospheres
Authors: Förster Nils , Butke Joshua , Keßel Hagen Eike , Bendt Farina , Pahl Melanie , Li Lu , Fan Xiaohui , Leung Ping‐chung , Klose Jördis , Masjosthusmann Stefan , Fritsche Ellen , Mosig Axel
Published: November 2021

Neurosphere cultures consisting of primary human neural stem/progenitor cells (hNPC) are used for studying the effects of substances on early neurodevelopmental processes in vitro. Differentiating hNPCs migrate and differentiate into radial glia, neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes upon plating on a suitable extracellular matrix and thus model processes of early neural development. In order to characterize alterations in hNPC development, it is thus an essential task to reliably identify the cell type of each migrated cell in the migration area of a neurosphere. To this end, we introduce and validate a deep learning approach for identifying and quantifying cell types in microscopic images of differentiated hNPC. As we demonstrate, our approach performs with high accuracy and is robust against typical potential confounders. We demonstrate that our deep learning approach reproduces the dose responses of well‐established developmental neurotoxic compounds and controls, indicating its potential in medium or high throughput in vitro screening studies. Hence, our approach can be used for studying compound effects on neural differentiation processes in an automated and unbiased process.
Oxygen‐Doped PAH Electrochromes: Difurano, Dipyrano, and Furano‐Pyrano Containing Naphthalene‐Cored Molecules
Authors: Fletcher‐Charles Jack , Ferreira Rúben R. , Abraham Michael , Romito Deborah , Oppel Markus , González Leticia , Bonifazi Davide
Published: November 2021

In this work, we report the synthesis of O‐doped naphthalene‐based electrochromes. Exploiting the CuO‐mediated Pummerer oxidative cycloetherification reaction, a series of 1,4‐ and 1,5‐disubstituted naphthalene‐cored dipyrano, difurano, and furano‐pyrano polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been prepared. Steady‐state UV‐Vis absorption and emission investigations showed that the spectroscopic profile strongly depends on the O‐doping topology, with the dipyrano and the difurano derivatives demonstrating the most red‐shifted and blue‐shifted electronic transition, respectively. Computational investigations revealed that the cycloetherification reaction raises the HOMO energy level (while the LUMO remains largely unaffected), with the dipyrano derivatives displaying the highest values. Spectroelectrochemical measurements showed that, depending on the O‐topology and the type of O‐ring, different electrochromic responses could be obtained with colour transitions featuring high contrasts involving yellow, pink, orange or blue colours.
Increasing prevalence of chronic non‐cancer pain in Denmark from 2000 to 2017: A population‐based survey
Authors: Ekholm Ola , Diasso Pernille Døssing Kwateng , Davidsen Michael , Kurita Geana Paula , Sjøgren Per
Published: November 2021

Background

This investigation comprised information from the Danish population to analyse the development of chronic non‐cancer pain (CNCP) prevalence according to sex, age, physical job demand and educational level.

Methods

Data derives from the Danish Health and Morbidity Surveys based on random samples of adults living in Denmark. The analysed samples were composed by 10,457 in 2000 (response rate: 62.7%), 5686 in 2005 (52.1%), 15,165 in 2010 (60.1%), 14,265 in 2013 (57.1%) and 14,022 in 2017 (56.1%). CNCP was defined as pain lasting 6 months or more. Individuals with a self‐reported history of cancer were excluded. Calibration weighting was applied to reduce the impact of potential non‐response bias. The Relative and the Absolute Concentration Index were calculated to measure educational inequalities.

Results

CNCP prevalence has increased 8.3 percentage points during 2000–2017 (19.5%–27.8%) and is highest among women (22.1% to 30.8%). Higher CNCP prevalence among men aged 45–64 years exceeded the men aged >65 years in 2017 (31.9% and 29.8%, respectively). There was a continuous increase in CNCP prevalence in individuals with sedentary work or low physical demand at job from 2000 to 2017; among those with moderate or high physical demand at job the prevalence increased sharply from 2000 to 2010 after which the prevalence remained stable. Higher CNCP prevalence persisted among individuals with lower level of education regardless of gender and the inequalities remained stable over time.

Conclusion

The Danish prevalence of chronic pain has increased in the last two decades and higher numbers are observed in some sociodemographic groups.

Significance

This study provides an overview of the development of chronic non‐cancer pain in a country and analyses the trends with socioeconomic inequalities. The continuous increasing prevalence may have huge social and economic implications. This study reveals an urgent need for measures to attenuate the increasing prevalence, which should be a priority for public health policy.
Dual Electrode Detection in LC‐EC Analysis of Sanger‐tagged Amino Acids: Electrochemical Reduction of Aromatic Nitro Groups
Authors: Balasingam Miththira , Becker John D. , Guerrero‐Almaraz Paulina , Sun Haoran , Koppang Miles D.
Published: November 2021

Analysis of amino acids is crucial to protein structure elucidation. Amino acids, amenable to separation by liquid chromatography (LC), can be detected by sensitive detectors used in liquid chromatograph including absorbance, fluorescence or electrochemical detector when derivatized. Derivatization of amino acids using suitable reagents enhances the separation and detection of amino acids using liquid chromatography. Sanger's reagent (1‐fluoro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene, DNFB) makes amino acids suitable for absorbance detection. However, little has been done in terms of liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (LC‐EC) of the DNFB derivatized amino acids. Furthermore, sensor development based on electrochemistry of nitroaromatics has increased dramatically for explosive detection. Since nitroaromatics are electrochemically active, it is essential to determine the reduction pathway. Cyclic voltammetry (CV), rotating disk electrode (RDE) and rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE) experiments have been performed on nitrobenzene (NB) and N‐methyl‐2,4‐dinitroaniline (NMDNA). The results showed that the nitro group was reduced to hydroxylamine in aqueous solutions by addition of four electrons and four protons per nitro group and the hydroxylamine can be reversibly oxidized into a nitroso by removal of two electrons and two protons. Electrochemical detection of the nitro groups is appropriate for dual electrode detection of DNFB labeled amino acids in which reduction can occur on an upstream electrode and corresponding oxidation of the reduction product occurs on the downstream electrode.
Thermoplastic Electrode (TPE)‐based Enzymatic Glucose Sensor Using Polycaprolactone‐graphite Composites
Authors: Clark Kaylee M. , Henry Charles S.
Published: November 2021

Carbon composite electrodes are frequently used for enzymatic electrodes but suffer from poor electrocatalytic activity and/or are single use. Our group has recently developed thermoplastic electrodes (TPEs) that use a thermopolymer binder. The electrodes can be easily molded without extensive use of organic solvents enabling catalysts and enzymes to be added directly to the electrode material. The TPE material is bulk‐modified with cobalt phthalocyanine and glucose oxidase, resulting in a robust sensor that is stable for over 100 minutes. These sensors can be molded into intricate shapes and sanded for surface renewal, allowing the sensors to be continuously reused.
Power responses of a building subjected to pulse‐like ground motions
Authors: Lin Jui‐Liang
Published: November 2021

Compared with non‐pulse‐like ground motions, pulse‐like ground motions are usually near‐fault motions with forward directivity or fling‐step effect. These pulse‐like ground motions are characterized by prominent velocity pulses. The impact force caused by such velocity pulses is generally more destructive than the inertia force induced by ground accelerations. The impact force infuses substantial energy into structures within a rather short period. The power responses of buildings are thus crucial for understanding the risk potential posed by pulse‐like ground motions. This study innovatively defines the power responses of a building as the product of story shear and inter‐story velocity. It investigates the power responses of a vertically irregular three‐story building subjected to two ensembles of pulse‐like and non‐pulse‐like ground motion records. The results show that power demand is a competent measure that reflects the effect of pulse‐like ground motions on building structures.
Economic feasibility of electric vehicles: A case study
Authors: Cheok Quentin , Husaini Nurul Hafizan , Nauman Malik Muhammad
Published: November 2021

Personal transportation is prevalent in Brunei Darussalam because of the lack of adequate public transportation. However, Brunei is not immune to the effects of climate change and as such, has launched a national policy to mitigate the impacts. As electric vehicles presently are very rare to Brunei, this article seeks to determine the total cost of ownership of internationally popular electric vehicles (EVs) and internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) to put things in perspective for the Brunei market. The methodology investigated how the total cost of ownership (TCO) is affected by depreciation, interest repayment, maintenance and repair, fuel costs, taxation, and insurance premiums. We have determined that without any subsidies, predictably TCOs of EVs are higher than popular ICEVs; however, they are comparable to TCOs of European premium brands. The Tesla Model 3 has a TCO of USD 760 per month whereas a Mercedes Benz C200 has a TCO USD800 per month. The authors have suggested that a 30% subsidy on the showroom price of EVs be introduced and to improve charging infrastructure as this would be vital to governmental policy planning as Brunei seeks to increase the ownership of electric vehicles to 60% by 2035.
Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) using the da Vinci Xi: prospective analysis of feasibility, safety, and outcomes
Authors: Meulemans Jeroen , Vanermen Margaux , Goeleven Ann , Clement Paul , Nuyts Sandra , Laenen Annouschka , Delaere Pierre , Vander Poorten Vincent
Published: November 2021

Background

The da Vinci Xi system is not Food and Drug Administration approved for transoral robotic surgery (TORS), resulting in limited data.

Methods

This prospective study evaluates the feasibility, safety, and outcomes of Xi‐TORS in an oncological setting.

Results

Sixty‐one patients with head and neck cancer were consecutively included for Xi‐TORS. Adequate exposure and macroscopically complete resection were achieved in 59 patients (success rate = 96.7%). Intraoperative difficulties and complications were encountered in 47.5% and 20.3% of patients, respectively. Postoperative hemorrhage occurred in 11.9%; no treatment‐related deaths were encountered. Two‐year overall survival and disease‐specific survival were 90.5% and 95.6%, respectively. No long‐term (>1 month) tracheotomies were necessary, and only two patients remained tube‐feeding dependent. The functional baseline level was regained at 12 months for the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory and at 24 months for the Swallowing quality‐of‐life questionnaire. QLQ‐H&N35‐assessed QOL returned to baseline 6 months postoperatively.

Conclusions

Xi‐TORS is safe, feasible, and with high oncological and functional effectiveness.
The thymic microenvironment gradually modulates the phenotype of thymus‐homing peripheral conventional dendritic cells
Authors: Herppich Susanne , Beckstette Michael , Huehn Jochen
Published: November 2021

Background & Aims

Thymic conventional dendritic cells (t‑DCs) are crucial for the development of T cells. A substantial fraction of t‑DCs originates extrathymically and migrates to the thymus. Here, these cells contribute to key processes of central tolerance like the clonal deletion of self‑reactive thymocytes and the generation of regulatory T (Treg) cells. So far, it is only incompletely understood which impact the thymic microenvironment has on thymus‑homing conventional DCs (cDCs), which phenotypic changes occur after the entry of peripheral cDCs into the thymus and which functional properties these modulated cells acquire.

Materials & Methods

In the present study, we mimicked the thymus‑homing of peripheral cDCs by introducing ex vivo isolated splenic cDCs (sp‑DCs) into reaggregated thymic organ cultures (RTOCs).

Results

Already after two days of culture, the transcriptomic profile of sp‑DCs was modulated and had acquired certain key signatures of t‑DCs. The regulated genes included immunomodulatory cytokines and chemokines as well as costimulatory molecules. After four days of culture, sp‑DCs appeared to have at least partially acquired the peculiar Treg cell‐inducing capacity characteristic of t‑DCs.

Discussion & Conclusion

Taken together, our findings indicate that peripheral cDCs possess a high degree of plasticity enabling them to quickly adapt to the thymus‐specific microenvironment. We further provide indirect evidence that thymus‐specific properties such as the efficient induction of Treg cells under homeostatic conditions can be partially transferred to thymus‑homing peripheral cDC subsets.
Cognitive emotion regulation strategies and psychological distress during lockdown due to COVID‐19
Authors: Rodas Jose A. , Jara‐Rizzo Maria F. , Greene Ciara M. , Moreta‐Herrera Rodrigo , Oleas Daniel
Published: November 2021

Several governments have implemented strict measures to reduce the spread of COVID‐19, such as lockdown measures. However, these measures have brought negative consequences at an individual level by exacerbating the psychological distress caused by the pandemic. We evaluated the role of cognitive emotion regulation strategies (CERS) on the levels of anxiety and depression during the lockdown in a sample of 663 Spanish‐speaking adults, while controlling for variables related to social support, hobbies, seeking information related to COVID‐19, perceived risk of infection, time of assessment, number of deaths and contagions during the assessment and age. Using multiple regression analyses with a stepwise model selection procedure, 29% of the variance in anxiety and 38% of the variance of depression were found to be predicted by specific CERS. The impact of CERS on anxiety and depression was moderated by the sex of participants and the time of assessment, indicating that CERS did not have the same protective or harmful effects in all participants and situations. Based on our results, recommendations are provided for improving coping with stressful events where lockdown measures are taken.
Cyanobacteria derived compounds: Emerging drugs for cancer management
Authors: Shahid Aqsa , Khurshid Mohsin , Aslam Bilal , Muzammil Saima , Mehwish Hafiza Mahreen , Rajoka Muhammad Shahid Riaz , Hayat Hafiz Fakhar , Sarfraz Muhammad Hassan , Razzaq Muhammad Khuram , Nisar Muhammad Atif , Waseem Muhammad
Published: November 2021

The wide diversity of cyanobacterial species and their role in a variety of biological activities have been reported in the previous few years. Cyanobacteria, especially from marine sources, constitutes a major source of biologically active metabolites that have gained great attention especially due to their anticancer potential. Numerous chemically diverse metabolites from various cyanobacterial species have been recognized to inhibit the growth and progression of tumor cells through the induction of apoptosis in many different types of cancers. These metabolites activate the apoptosis in the cancer cells by different molecular mechanisms, however, the dysregulation of the mitochondrial pathway, death receptors signaling pathways, and the activation of several caspases are the crucial mechanisms that got considerable interest. The array of metabolites and the range of mechanisms involved may also help to overcome the resistance acquired by the different tumor types against the ongoing therapeutic agents. Therefore, the primary or secondary metabolites from the cyanobacteria as well as their synthetic derivates could be used to develop novel anticancer drugs alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents. In this study, we have discussed the role of cyanobacterial metabolites in the induction of cytotoxicity and the potential to inhibit the growth of cancer cells through the induction of apoptosis, cell signaling alteration, oxidative damage, and mitochondrial dysfunctions. Moreover, the various metabolites produced by cyanobacteria have been summarized with their anticancer mechanisms. Furthermore, the ongoing trials and future developments for the therapeutic implications of these compounds in cancer therapy have been discussed.
Research on corrosion assessment model for buried steel pipelines under dynamic DC stray current based on machine learning
Authors: Ma Shuaijie , Du Yanxia , Che Kun , Qin Huimin , Su Yanjing
Published: November 2021

Coupon tests on the pipeline subjected to metro dynamic DC interference were conducted. The pipe‐to‐soil from 78 sites including off‐potentials (Eoff), on‐potentials (Eon), and corrosion rate data were obtained, and then the dynamic fluctuation parameters of pipe‐to‐soil potentials were analyzed statistically. Further, the Pearson correlation between dynamic statistical parameters of pipe‐to‐soil potentials and corrosion rates was analyzed and showed that the statistical parameter of “roff ⩾ −0.85 V” and “mean[Eoff,cmax]” have a greater correlation with corrosion rate than others. Based on the statistical parameters of Eoff and the machine learning method, the optimal feature subset of the corrosion rate model was selected; meanwhile, it is proved that the negative shift of Eoff plays an important role in the prediction of corrosion rate. Finally, the corrosion rate model for buried steel pipeline under dynamic DC interference was established by random forest (rfr) method on 66 training data, then generalization performance of the model was verified on 12 test data. The results show that mean absolute error and R2 are 0.0358 mm/a and 0.56, respectively, on test data.
Gorenstein weak global dimension is symmetric
Authors: Christensen Lars Winther , Estrada Sergio , Thompson Peder
Published: November 2021

We study the Gorenstein weak global dimension of associative rings and its relation to the Gorenstein global dimension. In particular, we prove the conjecture that the Gorenstein weak global dimension is a left‐right symmetric invariant – just like the (absolute) weak global dimension.
Bio‐phenols determination in olive oils: Recent mass spectrometry approaches
Authors: Bongiorno David , Di Stefano Vita , Indelicato Serena , Avellone Giuseppe , Ceraulo Leopoldo
Published: November 2021

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is largely used in Mediterranean diet, and it is also worldwide apprised not only for its organoleptic properties but also for its healthy effects mainly attributed to the presence of several naturally occurring phenolic and polyphenolic compounds (bio‐phenols). These compounds are characterized by the presence of multiple phenolic groups in more or less complex structures. Their content is fundamental in defining the healthy qualities of EVOO and consequently the analytical methods for their characterization and quantification are of current interest. Traditionally their determination has been conducted using a colorimetric assay based on the reaction of Folin‐Ciocalteu (FC) reagent with the functional hydroxy groups of phenolic compounds. Identification and quantification of the bio‐phenols in olive oils requires certainly more performing analytical methods. Chromatographic separation is now commonly achieved by HPLC, coupled with spectrometric devices as UV, FID, and MS. This last approach constitutes an actual cutting‐edge application for bio‐phenol determination in complex matrices as olive oils, mostly on the light of the development of mass analyzers and the achievement of high resolution and accurate mass measurement in more affordable instrument configurations. After a short survey of some rugged techniques used for bio‐phenols determination, in this review have been described the most recent mass spectrometry‐based methods, adopted for the analysis of the bio‐phenols in EVOOs. In particular, the sample handling and the results of HPLC coupled with low‐ and high‐resolution MS and MS/MS analyzers, of ion mobility mass spectrometry and ambient mass spectrometry have been reported and discussed.
A guide to mass spectrometric analysis of extracellular vesicle proteins for biomarker discovery
Authors: Jalaludin Iqbal , Lubman David M. , Kim Jeongkwon
Published: November 2021

Exosomes (small extracellular vesicles) in living organisms play an important role in processes such as cell proliferation or intercellular communication. Recently, exosomes have been extensively investigated for biomarker discoveries for various diseases. An important aspect of exosome analysis involves the development of enrichment methods that have been introduced for successful isolation of exosomes. These methods include ultracentrifugation, size exclusion chromatography, polyethylene glycol‐based precipitation, immunoaffinity‐based enrichment, ultrafiltration, and asymmetric flow field‐flow fractionation among others. To confirm the presence of exosomes, various characterization methods have been utilized such as Western blot analysis, atomic force microscopy, electron microscopy, optical methods, zeta potential, visual inspection, and mass spectrometry. Recent advances in high‐resolution separations, high‐performance mass spectrometry and comprehensive proteome databases have all contributed to the successful analysis of exosomes from patient samples. Herein we review various exosome enrichment methods, characterization methods, and recent trends of exosome investigations using mass spectrometry‐based approaches for biomarker discovery.
“Quit Ditching the Love”: Kinship and Death from Opioid Overdose in Philadelphia
Authors: Uzwiak Beth A.
Published: November 2021

In 2017, 1,074 persons died from opioid overdose in Philadelphia; more than 78% of those happened in a private residence. Despite constituting the majority of opioid‐related deaths in the city, little is known about people who use opioids, overdose, and die while at home. To learn more about this “hidden” population of drug users, researchers conducted exploratory, in‐depth qualitative interviews with their next of kin. Collected in the context of death, I discuss data from the interviews to consider howand ifrepresenting pain contributes to interventions aimed at reducing structural vulnerability to drug overdose. I suggest that documenting and taking seriously next of kin’s experiences with death and the threat of death can substantiate the need for harm reduction programs and policy, corroborating the utility of qualitative approaches to applied health research.
The Continuum Voronoi Block Model for simulation of fracture process in hard rocks
Authors: Rógenes Erick , de Farias Márcio Muniz , Rasmussen Leandro Lima
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a numerical model is presented to represent the fracture process in hard rocks based on a pseudo‐discontinuum method called the Continuum Voronoi Block Model (CVBM). To validate this tool, numerical models for one Brazilian test, one unconfined compression test, and multiple triaxial compression tests with different confining stress were calibrated to match laboratory test results for Creighton granite. The model proved robust and matched the following macro‐properties: crack initiation (CI) stress, (CD) stress, peak strength, tensile strength, Young's Modulus, and Poisson's ratio. The calibrated model served as a basis for a sensitivity study to analyze how micro‐properties influence the rock's macroscopic responses. From the sensitivity study, a calibration methodology was proposed, which shall facilitate the use of the CVBM in future works.
Trends in benzodiazepine and alternative hypnotic use in relation with multimorbidity among older adults in Quebec, Canada
Authors: Gosselin Emmanuelle , Simard Marc , Lunghi Carlotta , Sirois Caroline
Published: November 2021

Background

Benzodiazepines and other hypnotic alternatives are associated with increased risks of adverse events. Heightened awareness of risks may have changed prescribing habits over the years. However, these trends are not fully described, especially in vulnerable people such as multimorbid older adults.

Objective

We aimed to describe the annual prevalence of benzodiazepine and other hypnotic use in relation to multimorbidity among older adults in the province of Quebec, Canada, from 2000 to 2016.

Method

We conducted a population‐based study using the Quebec Integrated Chronic Disease Surveillance System. We included all individuals aged ≥66 years covered by the public drug plan. For each year, we evaluated the sex‐ and age‐standardized proportion of benzodiazepine and other hypnotic users, defined as individuals with at least one drug claim in the year. We stratified our results according to multimorbidity and used log‐binomial regression to study trends.

Results

The proportion of individuals using benzodiazepines decreased from 34.8% in 2000 to 24.8% in 2016 (p for trend <0.001). Multimorbid people (≥2 chronic diseases) remained the highest users over the years, with 43.3% and 30.6% of them being users in 2000 and 2016, respectively. Conversely, the proportion of users increased for other hypnotics, particularly for trazodone and quetiapine, rising from 5.4% to 8.4% (p < 0.001), and especially among multimorbid individuals (from 7.4% to 11.6%).

Conclusion

Older adults used benzodiazepines less frequently but quetiapine and trazodone more frequently in recent years. The use of these medications, particularly in multimorbid people at risk of adverse events, must be addressed.
Chloroplast import of an intermembrane space protein is facilitated by translocon components Toc75 and Tic236
Authors: Chuang Meng‐Rong , Chen Lih‐Jen , Li Hsou‐min
Published: November 2021

Chloroplasts are divided into six subcompartments: the outer membrane, intermembrane space, and inner membrane of the envelope, the stroma, the thylakoid membrane, and the thylakoid lumen. Compared with our knowledge of protein import into other subcompartments, extremely little is known about how proteins are imported into the intermembrane space of the envelope. Tic22 was one of the first proteins identified as localizing to the intermembrane space and the only one for which import has been analyzed in some detail. However, conflicting results have been obtained concerning whether the general translocon is used to import Tic22 into the intermembrane space. Taking advantage of available translocon component mutants, we reanalyzed import of Tic22. We reveal reduced in vitro import of Tic22 preprotein (prTic22) into chloroplasts isolated from the Arabidopsis mar1 and tic236 mutants, which are functional knockdown mutants of the outer‐membrane channel Toc75 and the intermembrane space linker Tic236, respectively. Import competition experiments also showed that prTic22 import was reduced by excess amounts of a stroma‐targeted preprotein. Our results indicate that prTic22 uses at least part of the general translocon for import into the intermembrane space.
Status of radiotherapy staff during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) epidemic in China
Authors: Wang Hui , Chen Lulu , Liu Zheming , Li Ping , Xu Tangpeng , Fu Zhenmin , Song Qibin , Wu Hongxue , Li Xiangpan
Published: November 2021

Objective

In December 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) broke out in Wuhan, China. The pandemic has posed a great challenge to radiation oncology departments, as interruptions in radiation therapy (RT) increase the risks of cancer recurrence or failure of the therapy as a whole. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of COVID‐19 on radiation therapy staff in China.

Methods

As many working staff at different radiation oncology departments in China as possible were retrospectively enrolled from 23 January to 9 March 2020. They were then invited to answer a questionnaire, for essential data collection, from which their basic information, anxiety level, and workload were analyzed.

Results

Seven (0.39%) of the 1 755 radiation therapy staff who answered the questionnaire had contracted COVID‐19, all of whom were from Wuhan. The factors influencing susceptibility were not sex (P  =  1.000), age (P  =  0.480), or comorbidities (P  =  0.600), but geographic location (P < 0.001) and whether the respondent worked in a designated COVID‐19 hospital (P  =  0.003). In terms of protection procedures, four participants carried out basic, one second‐level and two third‐level protection procedures. The difference was not statistically significant (P  =  0.720). The infected respondents’ anxiety level related to the outbreak (average score 6.57) was higher than that of their counterparts in Wuhan (5.18), as well as across the country (4.79), and 71.43% of those infected expressed the need for psychological interventions. During the epidemic, departments of 428 respondents (24.39%) shut down, while 76.71% of the respondents reported workload reduction.

Conclusion

The factors related to COVID‐19 infection were the geographic location and whether the respondent worked in a designated COVID‐19 hospital. The infected respondents experienced greater psychological pressure than their uninfected counterparts and, therefore, required more psychological interventions.
Peptide hydrogels for affinity‐controlled release of therapeutic cargo: Current and potential strategies
Authors: Nambiar Monessha , Schneider Joel P.
Published: November 2021

The development of devices for the precise and controlled delivery of therapeutics has grown rapidly over the last few decades. Drug delivery materials must provide a depot with delivery profiles that satisfy pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic requirements resulting in clinical benefit. Therapeutic efficacy can be limited due to short half‐life and poor stability. Thus, to compensate for this, frequent administration and high doses are often required to achieve therapeutic effect, which in turn increases potential side effects and systemic toxicity. This can potentially be mitigated by using materials that can deliver drugs at controlled rates, and material design principles that allow this are continuously evolving. Affinity‐based release strategies incorporate a myriad of reversible interactions into a gel network, which have affinities for the therapeutic of interest. Reversible binding to the gel network impacts the release profile of the drug. Such affinity‐based interactions can be modulated to control the release profile to meet pharmacokinetic benchmarks. Much work has been done developing affinity‐based control in the context of polymer‐based materials. However, this strategy has not been widely implemented in peptide‐based hydrogels. Herein, we present recent advances in the use of affinity‐controlled peptide gel release systems and their associated mechanisms for applications in drug delivery.
Good's syndrome with diffuse panbronchiolitis as the prominent manifestation: A case and literature review
Authors: Luo Tian , Wang Lile , Fu Daiyan , Hu Ruicheng , Kong Chunchu , Chen Yunrong , Li Xi
Published: November 2021

Good's syndrome (GS) is characterized by thymoma combined with adult‐onset immunodeficiency. Diffuse panbronchiolitis (DPB) is a chronic inflammatory airway disease, which predominantly affects East Asians. Japanese scholars have reported extensively about GS combined with DPB or DPB‐like pulmonary manifestation. However, such reports are rare in China. We report here a case of GS in China with DPB as the prominent manifestation and carry out a literature review accordingly. Our review indicates that in adults with DPB‐like clinical manifestations, thymic lesions should be excluded and related immune function tests should be performed to exclude GS to avoid missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis.